Vol. XXXIV, Number 49 N September 6, 2013 Architectural tastes tested downtown Page 3
Paly students find cozy home in glassblowing program page 38
Transitions 17 Spectrum 26 Movies 30 Eating 31 Seniors 33 Puzzles 62
N Arts Artists record history on canvas Page 28 N Home Chinese homebuyers hone in on Palo Alto Page 41 N Sports Stanford QB more comfortable this season Page 64
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CITY OF PALO ALTO TIME & PLACE PRESENTS THE 29TH ANNUAL 5K walk 7:00pm, 10K run 8:15pm, 5K run 8:45pm. Race-night registration 6 to 8pm at City of Palo Alto Baylands Athletic Center, Embarcadero & Geng Roads (just east of the Embarcadero Exit off Highway 101). Parking — go to PaloAltoOnline.com to check for specific parking locations. 5K WALK, 5K & 10K RUN COURSE Great for kids and families 5k and 10k courses around the Palo Alto Baylands under the light of the Full Harvest Moon. Course is USAT&F certified (10k only) and flat along paved roads. Water at all stops. Course maps coming soon. REGISTRATIONS & ENTRY FEE Adult Registration (13 +) registration fee is $30 per entrant by 9/13/13. Includes a long-sleeved t-shirt. Youth Registration (6 - 12) registration is $20 per entrant by 9/13/13. Includes a long-sleeved t-shirt. Youth (5 and under) run free with an adult, but must be registered through Evenbrite with signed parental guardian waiver, or may bring/fill out a signed waiver to race-night registration. Late Registration fee is $35 for adults, $25 for youth from 9/14 - 9/18. Race night registration fee is $40 for adult; $30 for youth from 6 to 8pm. T-shirts available only while supplies last. Refunds will not be issued for no-show registrations and t-shirts will not be held. MINORS: If not pre-registered, minors under 18 must bring signed parental/waiver form on race night. SPORTS TEAM/CLUBS: Online pre-registration opportunity for organizations of 10 or more runners; e-mail [email protected]. DIVISIONS Age divisions: 9 & under; 10 - 12; 13 - 15; 16 - 19; 20 - 24; 25 - 29; 30 - 34; 35 - 39; 40 - 44; 45 - 49; 50 - 54; 55 - 59; 60 - 64; 65 - 69; 70 & over with separate divisions for male and female runners in each age group. Race timing provided for 5K and 10K runs only. COMPUTERIZED RESULTS BY A CHANGE OF PACE Chip timing results will be posted on PaloAltoOnline.com by 11pm race night. Race organizers are not responsible for incorrect results caused by incomplete/incorrect registration forms. AWARDS/PRIZES/ENTERTAINMENT FRIDAY SEPT 20 7PM Top three finishers in each division. Prize giveaways and refreshments. Pre-race warmups by Noxcuses Fitness, Palo Alto BENEFICIARY A benefit event for local non-profits Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund. A holiday-giving fund to benefit Palo Alto area non- profits and charitable organizations. In April 2013, 55 organizations received a total of $380,000 (from the 2012-2013 Holiday Fund.) supporting kids and families MORE INFORMATION Call (650) 463-4920, (650) 326-8210, email [email protected] or go to www.PaloAltoOnline.com. For safety reasons, no dogs allowed on course for the 5K and 10K runs. They are welcome on the 5K walk only. No retractable leashes. Bring your own clean-up bag. Jogging strollers welcome in the 5K walk or at the back of either run.
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Community Sponsors UpfrontLocal news, information and analysis Downtown development sparks architecture debate Opponent of ‘modernist’ building design asks public next to Reposado Restaurant. Lippert calling it a “handsome stucco walls, arched doorways The new development would re- building” and Alex Lew praising and decorative pilasters. to weigh in via a survey place an existing two-story corner it for being mixed-use. “The proposed design is nei- by Gennady Sheyner building, best known for having Smith isn’t so adoring. In his ther high quality nor considerate once housed Radio Shack. appeal, which is co-signed by of its surroundings,” the appeal ith its glassy walls, boxy las Smith, that’s exactly the It would include 9,190 square 23 other residents, Smith argues states. “It is a modernist glass shape, 50-foot height and problem. feet of office space, mostly on that in approving the modernist box which would be entirely out W preponderance of office On Monday, the City Council the second and third floors, 2,337 design, city staff and the architec- of place at Ramona and Hamil- space, a four-story building pro- will consider Smith’s appeal of square feet of retail on the ground ture board ignored its incompat- ton, surrounded on three sides by posed for 240 Hamilton Ave. is the project, a 15,000-square-foot floor and two residential units on ibility with the dozens of nearby heritage structures.” perfectly emblematic of down- building designed by architect the fourth floor. heritage buildings, many of which The immediate area around town Palo Alto’s latest develop- Ken Hayes and developed by Sal The city’s Architectural Review bear the classical decorative 240 Hamilton, Smith wrote, “is ment trends. Giovanotto, which would stand Board approved the project last Spanish features popularized by For downtown resident Doug- across the street from City Hall, month, with board member Lee Palo Alto architect Birge Clark: VÌÕi`ÊÊ«>}iÊ£ä®
TRANSPORTATION East Palo Alto mayor wants answers on Newell parking Misinformation led to Palo Alto’s sudden ban on overnight parking, he says by Sue Dremann ast Palo Alto Mayor Ru- percent, staff noted. ben Abrica wants to know Abrica Tuesday directed staff E why people living in apart- to find out why the parking prob- ments along his city’s Woodland lem has suddenly arisen between Avenue are parking their cars in the two cities. He instructed staff Palo Alto’s Crescent Park neigh- to craft a letter from him that borhood, and he wants to put an would ask Equity for documents end to theories and speculation, related to its policies and prac- he told East Palo Alto city staff tices on parking. on Tuesday night. He wants Equity to disclose how A frustrated Abrica voiced many apartments are occupied,
6iÀV>Ê7iLiÀ concerns about what he said was the number of parking spaces that lingering misinformation from are provided, how they are allo- City of Palo Alto staff that has in- cated and whether residents are flamed the situation between the being charged for additional park- two cities. ing spaces. Abrica instructed staff “They created an environment to also obtain parking-space data Winged wonder ... that East Palo Alto was not and parking policies from other A blue dragonfly perches on a plant beside Matadero Creek in Palo Alto on Sept. 4. concerned about the problem. apartment complexes in the area. Our city manager has done her “I am not satisfied with that due diligence,” he said. piece that is missing. This is the He instructed staff to get data area that is most speculated on. EDUCATION about the parking policies of Eq- Everyone has a theory about why uity Residential, which owns the there is a parking problem,” he apartments whose residents are said. “A lot of damage was done parking in Palo Alto. already by misstatements and the Arduous educational journey On Aug. 12, the Palo Alto City perceptions that were created.” Council approved a parking ban In an Aug. 16 letter to Palo for chronically ill student from 2 to 5 a.m. along several Palo Alto Mayor Greg Scharff, Abrica Alto streets near San Francisquito pointed out some of the alleged Palo Alto teen shares story of patchwork schooling, poor coordination Creek to deal with the problem. misstatements, which were made Palo Alto residents had com- by Palo Alto city staff during the by Chris Kenrick plained East Palo Alto residents Aug. 12 council meeting. lijah King of Palo Alto is five-hour-per-week tutor provided While not claiming they would were parking on Newell Road be- “It was very unfortunate that doing well a month into his by the Palo Alto Unified School have received any better service cause there are not enough park- the staff report made no refer- E freshman year at Ohio Uni- District (PAUSD). from another school district, re- ing spaces at the Woodland Apart- ence and did not elaborate on the versity, but getting there was a Frustrated by what he believes source-rich Palo Alto should be ments in East Palo Alto. fact that East Palo Alto staff has nearly impossible journey. is a lack of adequate coordination able to do a lot better, they said. Palo Alto residents also said been working closely with your The once athletic, active “regu- for students like himself, he ulti- “Why did they provide little they were plagued by trash and by staff on this issue. By the time lar student” was stricken with mately left Gunn, took the GED guidance, fragmented solutions, vehicles that blocked driveways. this was brought out at the end Crohn’s disease in his sophomore test and got himself to college, no coordination and minimal Several factors might be con- of the proceedings several com- year at Gunn High School. Down with the help of his Gunn coun- staff support?” Leslie King asked. tributing to an increased need for ments, with what could be inter- to 90 pounds, in and out of the selor and a few teachers. “Sadly, we know from talking to parking, East Palo Alto city staff preted as innuendos, had already hospital and often too sick to go to But Elijah and his mother, Les- teachers and parents of sick chil- said. When Equity assumed own- been made by some residents and class, his schooling deteriorated lie King, want to share their story dren that our son is not alone in ership of 1,800 housing units two council members. It would seem into a patchwork of self-teaching, for the sake of other families with this experience in the PAUSD.” years ago, the vacancy rate was as if the City of East Palo Alto online learning, sporadic tutoring sick children who face the same nearly 30 percent. But today the by teachers willing to help and a struggle. VÌÕi`ÊÊ«>}iÊ£Ó® vacancy rate is between 3 and 5 VÌÕi`ÊÊ«>}iÊ£{® ÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°VÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÕ}ÕÃÌÊ]ÊÓä£ÎÊU *>}iÊ5 PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL Upfront CIVIC CENTER, 250 HAMILTON AVENUE BROADCAST LIVE ON KZSU, FM 90.1 CABLECAST LIVE ON GOVERNMENT 450 Cambridge Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306 QUOTE OF THE WEEK (650) 326-8210 ACCESS CHANNEL 26 PUBLISHER ***************************************** William S. Johnson (223-6505) EDITORIAL THIS IS A SUMMARY OF COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS. Editor Jocelyn Dong (223-6514) THE AGENDA WITH COMPLETE TITLES INCLUDING LEGAL Associate Editor Carol Blitzer (223-6511) DOCUMENTATION CAN BE VIEWED AT THE BELOW WEBPAGE: Sports Editor Keith Peters (223-6516) http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/knowzone/agendas/council.asp Express & Online Editor Eric Van Susteren (223-6515) I don’t think any of the districts Arts & Entertainment Editor Rebecca Wallace (223-6517) are prepared for what’s out there. (TENTATIVE) AGENDA – SPECIAL MEETING Assistant Sports Editor Rick Eymer (223-6521) COUNCIL CHAMBERS Spectrum Editor Tom Gibboney (223-6507) —Thayer Gershon, former principal of the Hospi- Staff Writers Sue Dremann (223-6518), Chris tal School at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2013 - 5:30 PM Kenrick (223-6512), Gennady Sheyner (223-6513) Editorial Assistant/Intern Coordinator school districts’ readiness to educate increasing num- Elena Kadvany (223-6519) bers of chronically ill students. See story on page 5. CLOSED SESSION Staff Photographer Veronica Weber (223-6520) 1. Potential Litigation Contributors Andrew Preimesberger, Dale F. 2. Potential Litigation Bentson, Peter Canavese, Kit Davey, Tyler Hanley, Iris Harrell, Sheila Himmel, Chad Jones, Karla Kane, SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY Kevin Kirby, Terri Lobdell, Jack McKinnon, 3. Presentation: Yangpu Student Exchange Program (CMGR) Jeanie K. Smith, Susan Tavernetti CONSENT CALENDAR Editorial Intern Christophe Haubursin Around Town MAPMAKER, MAPMAKER company is finally acknowledging 4. Approval of Three Contracts with: 1) Navigant Consulting Inc. ADVERTISING MAKE ME A MAP ... what has long been apparent to for Electric Regulatory and Technical Consulting Services for a Vice President Sales & Advertising As Palo Alto Tom Zahiralis (223-6570) Total Amount Not to Exceed $117,500 over three years; 2) Flynn rushes to become America’s top all — it’s building a new store at Multimedia Advertising Sales Stanford Shopping Center. At Resources Consulting Inc. for Electric Regulatory and Technical Christine Afsahi (223-8582), Adam Carter (223- bicycling destination, its students 6573), Elaine Clark (223-6572), Connie Jo Cotton and school volunteers continue to 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept.7., the Consulting Services for a Total Amount Not to Exceed $225,000 (223-6571), Janice Hoogner (223-6576), Wendy over Three Years; and 3) Navigant Consulting Inc. for Gas Suzuki 223-6569), Brent Triantos (223-6577), lead the way. On Aug. 23, school 12,000-square-foot retail space Regulatory and Technical Consulting Services for a Total Amount Real Estate Advertising Sales officials were delighted to count will open adjacent to Neiman Neal Fine (223-6583), Carolyn Oliver (223-6581), Marcus. Three glass walls and a Not to Exceed $225,00 over Three Years Rosemary Lewkowitz (223-6585) 878 Gunn High School students 5. Approval to Increase the Existing Sole Source Purchase Authority Inside Advertising Sales David Cirner (223-6579), riding their bikes to school — up cantilevered roof will enclose the with National Meter and Automation, Inc. in the Amount of Irene Schwartz (223-6580) from 768 on the same date last front part of the store, in what Real Estate Advertising Assistant $150,000 a Year for Two Years for a Total Not to Exceed Amount Diane Martin (223-6584) year, according to Penny Ellson, Apple is calling its new “pavilion” of $900,000 to Purchase Additional Meters for the Large Water Legal Advertising Alicia Santillan (223-6578) a leader of the Safe Routes to design. The back half, separated Meter Replacement/Repair Project ADVERTISING SERVICES School team. “This news makes by an interior wall, will house the 6. Approval to Utilize the Renewal of the Western State Contracting Advertising Services Manager my heart sing,” Ellson wrote in an Genius Bar and other services. Alliance (WSCA) Contract for Wireless and Cellular Services with Jennifer Lindberg (223-6595) email to city and school leaders. A source familiar with the project Sales & Production Coordinators Verizon Wireless Other hearts quickly joined the told the Weekly this summer that 7. Council’s Consideration of an Appeal of a Director’s Architectural Dorothy Hassett (223-6597), Blanca Yoc (223-6596) happy chorus. Councilwoman the opening had been scheduled Review approval of a 15,000 square foot, four-story, 50-foot DESIGN Design Director Shannon Corey (223-6560) Karen Holman for last November, but delays may Mixed Use Building in the CD-C-GF-P Zone District and a called the latest Assistant Design Director Lili Cao (223-6562) Mitigated Negative Declaration located at 240 Hamilton Avenue count “unbelievably awesome”; have been due to the building’s Senior Designers Linda Atilano, Paul Llewellyn, school board member Camille sensitive glass design: “The glass 8. SECOND READING: Ordinance of the Council of the City of Scott Peterson Palo Alto Amending Chapter 9.14 (Smoking And Tobacco Designers Rosanna Leung, Kameron Sawyer Townsend wrote back, technique used in this building Regulations) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to Establish New EXPRESS, ONLINE AND VIDEO SERVICES “Fantastic!”; and school district is very advanced. Unlike other Smoking Restrictions for All Parks; Increase No-Smoking Buffer Online Operations Coordinator Superintendent Kevin Skelly materials, there is no forgiveness Zones from 20 to 25 feet for Consistency with LEED Standards; Ashley Finden (223-6508) issued a hearty congratulations to with glass. It has to be precise and Make Findings Regarding the Purpose of No- Smoking BUSINESS the volunteers who made the high and must fit perfectly.” The Regulations (1st Reading August 12, 2013 PASSED: 8-1 Burt no) Payroll & Benefits Susie Ochoa (223-6544) numbers possible. The number 23-foot-tall store will not be the Business Associates Elena Dineva (223-6542), Mary 9. SECOND READING: Adoption of Ordinance Revising the McDonald (223-6543), Cathy Stringari (223-6541) is “super-impressive,” Skelly largest Apple retail outlet in the Municipal Code Pertaining to Boards and Commissions ADMINISTRATION said, particularly because Gunn’s immediate area. Apple’s University Recruitment Process (1st Reading August 12, 2013 PASSED: Assistant to the Publisher enrollment this year is within 15 Avenue store in downtown Palo 9-0) Miranda Chatfield (223-6559) students of last year. He also Alto, at 16,600 square feet, holds Receptionist Doris Taylor Courier Ruben Espinoza 10. SECOND READING: Adoption of Ordinance amending the PAMC pointed to another welcome side that title. It opened last October. EMBARCADERO MEDIA to add section 9.61.020 to establish Community Facilities Hours, effect of this trend: more open Apple has operated a small store including Cubberley, Stern and Mitchell Community Centers (1st President William S. Johnson (223-6505) parking. “I know that it makes the at Stanford for nine years and Reading August 19, 2013 PASSED: 7-1 Berman absent, Holman Vice President & CFO Michael I. Naar (223-6540) hearts of Gunn administrators sing currently employs 110 workers. no) Vice President Sales & Advertising Tom Zahiralis (223-6570) to have plenty of parking,” Skelly The new location is seven times 11. Vote to Endorse the Slate of Candidates for the Division’s Director, Information Technology & Webmaster Executive Committee for 2013-14 and Direct the City Clerk to Frank A. Bravo (223-6551) wrote. “As we all know, nothing larger than the old one, an Apple forward to Jessica Stanfill Mullin, the Regional Public Affairs Major Accounts Sales Manager makes people (including teachers spokesperson said. Connie Jo Cotton (223-6571) and students) more upset than not Manager for the Peninsula Division, League of California Cities the Director, Circulation & Mailing Services Completed Ballot for the City of Palo Alto Bob Lampkin (223-6557) having enough parking. Smile.” TEAM LAWRENCE ... The family 12. Adoption of a Budget Amendment Ordinance in the Amount of Circulation Assistant Alicia Santillan Even with the recent success, and friends of Lawrence Viariseo, $584,900 to Cover the November 2013 Election Costs Computer System Associates school volunteers and city officials the late Palo Alto resident and Chris Planessi, Chip Poedjosoedarmo 13. Update on Safe Routes to School Program to Create Walk and continuing to push the the biking paraplegic bicyclist, are taking Roll Maps for Palo Alto Public Schools program into higher gear. On up his mantle in the Canary The Palo Alto Weekly (ISSN 0199-1159) is published ACTION ITEMS every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 450 Cambridge Monday, the City Council is set to Challenge bicycle ride on Sept. 14. Recommendation from Policy & Services Committee regarding Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306, (650) 326-8210. Periodicals approve a set of detailed “Walk 28. Viariseo became disabled postage paid at Palo Alto, CA and additional mailing use of Stanford Development Agreement Mitigation Funds offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general circulation and Roll” maps developed by the after falling off a 100-foot cliff 15. Adoption of a Resolution of the Council Renaming the Main for Santa Clara County. The Palo Alto Weekly is deliv- Safe Routes to School program while skiing at South Lake Tahoe. Library as the Rinconada Library ered free to homes in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, East Palo Alto, to faculty and staff for 10 public schools: Addison, He was just 21 years old. He 16. Finance Committee Recommendation that the City Council households on the Stanford campus and to portions Walter Hays, Palo Verde, Ohlone, taught himself to ride a bicycle Adopt a Resolution Approving Modifications to the PaloAltoGreen of Los Altos Hills. If you are not currently receiving the paper, you may request free delivery by calling 326- Barron Park, Briones, Escondido, using a small set of thigh muscles Program and Associated Electric Rate Schedules and Directing 8210. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Palo Alto Duveneck, Terman Middle School and his lower back, despite Staff to Develop a PaloAltoGreen Gas Program and a Plan for Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94302. ©2013 by Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction and Gunn. Each map showcases being told he would never walk Accumulated Revenues Related to PaloAltoGreen without permission is strictly prohibited. The Palo Alto 17. Approval of City Positions for the 2012 League of California Cities Weekly is available on the Internet via Palo Alto Online recommended paths, current stop again. He became an avid cyclist, Resolutions at: www.PaloAltoOnline.com signs and traffic signals, parking riding up to 40 miles at a time. Our email addresses are: [email protected], spaces, crossing guards and Viariseo was gearing up for the [email protected], [email protected], STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS [email protected] estimated times for walking and 100-mile Challenge when he died The Policy and Service Committee will meet on Tuesday, September Missed delivery or start/stop your paper? biking (they are available www. from bladder cancer on Jan. 30 Call 650 223-6557, or email [email protected]. cityofpaloalto.org/saferoutes). at age 54. The Challenge is an 10, 2013 at 6:00 P.M. to discuss: 1) the Auditor’s Office Quarterly You may also subscribe online at Report as of June 30, 2013, 2) Report of the Status of Audit www.PaloAltoOnline.com. Subscriptions are $60/yr. Maps for other schools are annual benefit for the Stanford Recommendations (June 2013), and 3) City Auditor’s Office FY 14 scheduled to be completed before Cancer Institute and the Canary Proposed Workplan and Risk Assessment SUBSCRIBE! the end of the school year. The Foundation, which conducts Support your local newspaper by becoming a paid subscriber. project was aided by a $528,000 early cancer-detection research. The Regional Housing Mandate Committee will meet on Thursday, $60 per year. $100 for two years. grant from the Santa Clara Valley Viariseo’s family and friends are September 12, 2013 at 4:00 P.M. to discuss: 1) Adoption of Name: ______Transportation Authority. racing in his memory, his niece Ordinance for a new Chapter 18.15 (Residential Density Bonus) to Megan Cox said. Information Address: ______Include in Title 18 of the PAMC to Implement Government Code APPLE COMES CLEAN ... about the Canary Challenge and Section 65915 City/Zip: ______After two years of blithe “no Team Lawrence is available at Mail to: Palo Alto Weekly, comment” from Apple, the tech www.canarychallenge.com. N 450 Cambridge Ave., Palo Alto CA 94306
Page 6ÊUÊ-i«ÌiLiÀÊÈ]ÊÓä£ÎÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°V Upfront
COMMUNITY Palo Alto hosts Sept. 11 ‘Multifaith Peace Picnic’ Organizers hope to spur cross-cultural friendship with food, music, speeches by Sue Dremann rganizers of a “peace pic- and is open to all, said organizer desire to mend religious and cul- the Santa Clara County Human equality for African Americans. nic” in Palo Alto say they Samina Sundas, a member of the tural differences, she said. Relations Commission and Cor- But his struggle is everybody’s O are continuing the Rev. Santa Clara County Human Rela- “If we really, really get to know tese. But this year, the Palo Alto struggle. We still have racism and Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Dream” tions Commission. Claude Ezran, each other and build relationships, commission wanted to collaborate sexism and ageism and prejudice. by hosting a community-building who serves on the Palo Alto Hu- we can do something,” she said. more with the county to promote All these things we need to re- event on Sept. 11. man Relations Commission, and Palo Alto and Silicon Valley awareness, understanding and member. We do need to find these The gathering in downtown others will speak. have grown exponentially since the resolution of conflicts, dis- occasions to come together in cel- Palo Alto’s King Plaza will take The picnic is sponsored by the Sundas first moved here in 1982, crimination or injustice, said Jill ebration,” she said. place just two weeks after a cel- American Muslim Voice Foun- but civility has not kept pace, she O’Nan, Palo Alto’s Human Rela- The peace picnic will take place ebration of the 50th anniversary dation, the City of Palo Alto Hu- said. tions Commission chair. Wednesday, Sept. 11, from 5 to 7 of the civil-rights leader’s “I Have man Relations Commission and “I have seen the world change “We don’t want to be in a soci- p.m. at King Plaza, 250 Hamilton a Dream” speech, which exhorted Santa Clara County Supervisor not for the better but for the worse. ety where we are all afraid of each Ave. Twelve community groups, the nation to join hands and erase Dave Cortese. We are less courteous,” she said. other,” she said. including the Asian Law Alliance, racial discrimination. The event is part of a project “Social media will never replace The timing of the picnic with First United Methodist Church Organizers said they hope the spearheaded by Sundas called human contact. People go online the King anniversary is also rel- Palo Alto, the county’s Office for picnic will be a launching point “From Fear to Friendship,” which and ‘friend’ each other. Those are evant, she said. Human Relations, and Multifaith for greater understanding and has brought together disparate not your friends. When you are in “This is a society founded on Voices for Peace and Justice, are friendship among the city’s di- groups at Sundas’ Palo Alto home trouble — when you are in need — racism and slavery. We need to cosponsors. N verse residents. The free event will to share dinner and conversation. they cannot reach out to help you.” not forget our roots and devolve Staff Writer Sue Dremann include a light dinner, speeches, The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist at- In prior years, the event was held into racism and fear of each other. can be emailed at sdremann@ children’s activities and music tacks sparked in Sundas a deep in San Jose and was sponsored by Dr. King, of course, focused on paweekly.com. INFRASTRUCTURE Weekly debuts Downtown landowners may be new print format asked to pay for new garages ‘Stitch and trim’ allows for printing full pages to their edges Palo Alto officials consider creating Mello-Roos districts, eginning with today’s the way to the edge of the pa- raising hotel taxes for infrastructure repairs issue, the Palo Alto per, known as a “full bleed.” by Gennady Sheyner B Weekly is upgrading its “While these changes in- printing and will be publishing crease our costs somewhat, we s Palo Alto marches toward Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Com- the problem. He requested that in a format more similar to a believe the higher quality and a 2014 vote to raise funds mission. These include a new po- staff come back with more infor- magazine. the magazine style will en- A for infrastructure repairs, lice headquarters, replacement of mation about Mello-Roos districts Known in the trade as “stitch hance the presentation of both officials are backing away from two obsolete fire stations, various and a plan for creating them via and trim,” the finished newspa- our editorial content and ads the kind of all-or-nothing bond biking improvements, new park- the 2014 ballot. per is produced as a single sec- and make the newspaper even that voters passed in 2008 to pay ing facilities and a host of “catch In the coming weeks, staff will tion, its pages stapled and then more valued by our readers and for library renovations. Instead up” repairs relating to city streets, analyze options for district bound- trimmed to give it a cleaner, advertisers,” Weekly Publisher officials are pursuing a series sidewalks and parks. aries and consider possible meth- higher-quality look. It also al- Bill Johnson said. N of more-modest proposals with Councilman Larry Klein, who odologies for the new tax, which lows full-page ads to extend all — Palo Alto Weekly staff more wiggle room and a greater chairs the committee, said Tues- could be based on types of land chance of winning support. day he expects to send to the full use or on square footage. Staff Chief among the options are an council three different funding will also consider the potential in- seriously weigh it until they get needs. Unlike a bond, this tax in- increase in hotel taxes and a cre- alternatives, all of which could be terplay between the new districts more information about the one crease would require the support ation of Mello-Roos districts in discussed separately and would tar- and downtown’s existing parking- major wild card in the infrastruc- of only 50 percent of the voters, downtown and around California get different items. One proposal assessment district, which paid for ture debate — a development pro- plus one. By staff’s estimate, rais- Avenue. Both options received on would create Mello-Roos districts, existing garages. posed by Jay Paul Company. ing the hotel tax from 12 percent Tuesday the tentative blessing of which would effectively require “Traditionally, we’ve had the The proposal, which is cur- to 14 percent would bring in an the City Council’s Infrastructure certain portions of the city to pay people that create the impacts pay rently winding its way through additional $4.6 million annually, Committee, which is tasked with a tax that would be used to fund for it,” Scharff said. the city’s environmental-review which includes $2.8 million from making a recommendation to the facilities in their area. In this case, Vice Mayor Nancy Shepherd process, would include the police hotels that are now under con- full council about a 2014 ballot the boundaries would encompass agreed, though her enthusiasm building as a “public benefit” in struction. Raising it to 15 percent measure. the business districts in downtown was more measured. She recom- exchange for the city’s permis- would yield $5.7 million in addi- Though the committee did not and around California Avenue, mended more analysis and out- sion to construct two buildings tional revenues. vote on an actual recommenda- with the proceeds going to pay for reach to those property owners with 311,000 square feet of com- Councilman Marc Berman, tion, members made clear during garages in the two areas. who would be affected by the mercial space at 395 Page Mill who had sat on the citizens’ in- the discussion that they now favor According to a report from the creation of a new district. Road. The council is scheduled to frastructure commission before a series of different tax increases, city’s Administrative Services “I think we need to have enough get its first look later this month at joining the council, argued the each targeting a particular tax- Department, Mello-Roos dis- information to see if it’s a go,” a preliminary traffic analysis for new hotel taxes could help the city payer segment and a particular in- tricts are typically used to build Shepherd said. “We need to make the Jay Paul project, a report that fund the police building. frastructure need. This would be schools, streets and other types sure the public knows that we’re could shed some light on whether Most notably, he said, the tax radically different from November of infrastructure. Recently, San taking this into consideration so the development is feasible. increase, which would require 2008, when more than two-thirds Francisco used them to fund street that we can start hearing from the If the city determines that the support from only a simple major- of the city’s voters approved a $76 improvements and underground people who might be impacted.” impact of Jay Paul’s development ity of the voters, would be easier million bond to renovate two li- infrastructure near Rincon Point Formation of the new districts would be negligible, approval to pass than a general-obligation braries and to construct the new and to pay for garages and vari- would still require approval of would effectively resolve the bond, which would require two- Mitchell Park Library and Com- ous waterfront improvements at two-thirds of the voters, a thresh- police-building dilemma. Oth- thirds majority. A recent survey munity Center. the Port of San Francisco. old that officials feel can be more erwise, the council may look to by the city indicated that support Unlike with the library bond, Mayor Greg Scharff was among easily reached with this proposal hotels for help. for the police building would fall the council’s current effort centers those who favored setting up such than with an earlier plan to float On Tuesday, committee mem- just shy of this threshold. on a wide range of infrastructure districts downtown, arguing that a bond that would pay for a new bers reiterated their support for “It seems it would make more items that were identified as in it would force the businesses who police building. Though that bond raising the city’s hotel tax, also sense to tie that resource to the need of repair or replacement by contributed to downtown’s notori- idea remains in the air, council known as a “transient occupancy a specially appointed citizens’ ous parking shortage to help solve members agreed that they cannot tax,” to pay for infrastructure VÌÕi`ÊÊ«>}iÊ£x) ÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°VÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊ-i«ÌiLiÀÊÈ]ÊÓä£ÎÊU Page 7 Upfront
HEALTH Difficult to sustain but needed by the community The East Palo Alto Community Farmers’ Market demonstrates the challenges of increasing access to healthy, affordable produce by Elena Kadvany ear-round, those who fre- can get into any other market, quent the California Av- they’d rather go to that market. Y enue Farmers’ Market in ... The first couple years of op- Palo Alto on Sundays can pur- eration of our market, on a good chase farm-fresh, local vegetables day, a farmer would make $300. and fruits, flowers, fish caught in And on a good day at Cal. Ave., a Santa Cruz, rotisserie chickens farmer could make $3,000. And roasted on-site, locally baked on a good day at Ferry Plaza in bread and pastries, pesto, lemon- San Francisco, they could make ade, pickles, and snacks made out $10,000. I mean, it’s huge orders of kale and quinoa. of magnitude.” Any other day of the week, Palo A woman staffing one of the Altans can head to any number of East Palo Alto tents, who was nearby grocery stores for high- from Garcia Farms in Hollister, quality fresh produce. Calif., said that East Palo Alto’s In East Palo Alto, a city that is the smallest market her family’s has been labeled a “food desert” farm sells at. — a populated area where there When the East Palo Alto farm- is minimal access to healthy, af- ers market first opened in 2008 fordable food — the picture is — filling a void that had been quite different. lacking in the city since the On Wednesday afternoons in 1980s, Wires said — it was oper- front of the Ravenswood Fam- ated by Collective Roots and for ily Health Center on Bay Road, two years housed in the parking three vendors sell a selection of lot of St. Francis of Assisi Church organic fruits and vegetables. Be- on Bay Road. The following two fore entering the market, custom- years, Collective Roots teamed up ers have the option to check in at with the YMCA, which hosted the 6iÀV>Ê7iLiÀ a plastic desk manned by staff and market on Saturday afternoons. Shoppers wait in line at the Garcia Farms booth at the East Palo Alto Community Farmers’ Market to volunteers of the nonprofit Col- Many people associate farm- purchase fresh produce July 31. lective Roots, who verify people ers markets with weekend morn- participating in the Fresh Checks ings, when most people are off turnips, green beans, tomatoes program. Fresh Checks allows from work and can go to enjoy or and more. anyone with a qualifying income shop for groceries for the upcom- ‘So if a lot of people still don’t have “(Fresh food) is very important (equivalent to the federal income ing week. It’s a lucrative time for employment, that’s by far, in a way, a more to me,” Taylor said. “Homegrown standards for food stamps) to vendors as well. All of the larger significant contributor to their access to food, yes.” purchase $40 worth of fresh pro- farmers markets in the surround- She called the farmers market duce at the farmers market while ing area — California Avenue, healthy food than whether or not there’s a blessing, one of many positive only spending $20 in cash, food downtown Palo Alto, Menlo Park, a grocery store or a farmers market in the changes she’s seen in the almost stamps, WIC (Women, Infants, Mountain View, Half Moon Bay, half century she’s lived in East and Children) or Senior Brown the Ferry Building in San Francis- community.’ Palo Alto. Bag food bank checks. co — are on Saturday or Sunday —Nicole Wires, “I appreciate it. That’s another The East Palo Alto Commu- mornings. manager of community initiatives, Collective Roots change. We never had a farmers nity Farmers’ Market, operated Wires said they chose Saturday market here before.” by Collective Roots, is in its sixth afternoons in the hopes that farm- low attendance,” she said. For many, the choice between On the last Wednesday in July, season but still struggles to attract ers selling at California Avenue or When it comes to getting purchasing cheap fast food or junk Taylor was at the East Palo Alto both vendors and customers, said another local market would then healthy food in East Palo Alto, food and expensive fresh, organic market for the first time this sea- Nicole Wires, Collective Roots’ come to East Palo Alto with what- there’s more at play than physical produce is not about health, but son (it opened on April 3 and manager of community initia- ever they didn’t sell. access, Wires believes. Systemic rather, saving money. will run until Dec. 18) with her tives. But that didn’t work well for problems such as high unemploy- Many residents hailed the 2009 friend, Norma Gyles. Gyles, who “It has and continues to be very East Palo Altans, who were al- ment and poverty play a much opening of Mi Pueblo, located on has lived in East Palo Alto since challenging to have a farmers ready cooking at home with their larger role. East Bayshore Road in the Raven- 2005, said she also usually goes market, a viable farmers market, families or otherwise occupied by “For a long time there was a swood Shopping Center, calling it outside of East Palo Alto to buy here,” she said on a recent Wednes- the afternoon, Wires said. narrative that physical access was a much-needed and long-awaited her groceries out of habit and in day at the market. “There’s a lot of The Saturday afternoon mar- a barrier (to healthy food), espe- void-filler when it came to access search of affordable prices. competing conflicts. ket at the YMCA was character- cially in low-income communities to healthy, affordable food in East Both women agreed that even “Farmers themselves, if they ized by “really bad timing, really of color,” Wires said. “And people Palo Alto. In theory, the arrival though the farmers market pro- know it’s more nuanced than that, of the Latino-centric supermar- duce is “nice,” they thought the but there’s been a lot of research ket meant that East Palo Alto prices can be high. showing that even as physical ac- residents no longer needed to go At the market that Wednesday, cess barriers are overcome, the outside of the city to shop for gro- Garcia Farms was selling any economic access — the price, the ceries. But many still do. fruit for $2 per pound and most time — those are just as signifi- Sadie Taylor, who has lived in vegetables (Brussels sprouts, car- cant, if not more significant. East Palo Alto for 46 years, said rots, tomatoes, yellow onions, “So as the economy has tanked she’s accustomed to going to Safe- cucumbers) for $1 to $1.50 per and continues to be terrible for way in Menlo Park or Foods Co. pound. There was a deal on small people without language skills in Redwood City for groceries seedless watermelons: $3 each or or other technical skills that simply because she always has. two for $5. are valued in the economy right She also goes to the California Mi Pueblo’s prices just barely now ... I mean, despite the eco- Avenue farmers market, which undercut the farmers market’s. A nomic recovery, it’s not being she said has things that the East much larger seedless watermelon felt evenly, right? So if a lot of Palo Alto market doesn’t. cost 47 cents per pound and a
6iÀV>Ê7iLiÀ people still don’t have employ- She knows that Mi Pueblo has small one, $2.98 each. Peaches ment, that’s by far, in a way, a a lot of fresh produce but doesn’t and mangoes cost 98 cents per more significant contributor to shop there often, she said. She pound; Roma tomatoes, $1.18 per their access to healthy food than said she doesn’t know why. pound; a bag of carrots for $1.28 whether or not there’s a grocery Taylor also has tended to a or 58 cents each. Bell peppers are sold by one of the three vendors at the East Palo store or a farmers market in the garden of her own for the last 10 Alto Community Farmers’ Market. community.” years, growing collard greens, VÌÕi`ÊÊiÝÌÊ«>}i® Page 8ÊUÊ-i«ÌiLiÀÊÈ]ÊÓä£ÎÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°V Upfront REAL ESTATE TRENDS by Samia Cullen TRANSPORTATION Disputes Over Fixtures City to host Sept. 10 meeting Can Derail a Closing Real estate transactions are emotionally the seller the difference between fixtures charged. Sellers cherish their homes and personal property and what will be and worry about selling them too included and excluded in the sale of the on new bike boulevard cheaply. Buyers can be traumatized by home. If a seller does not want a fixture high purchase prices and the financial to be included in the sale simply remove Public input sought for Matadero-Margarita avenues project implications of buying a home. This sets it. Alternatively the agent can specifically the stage for a transaction to suddenly exclude certain fixtures from the contract by Sue Dremann unravel when the parties squabble in an addendum that will be part of the over who gets custody of something as disclosure package. new, bicycle-friendly route residents asked the city to provide curbs along the road. inconsequential as a chandelier light or The purchase contract states clearly from Park Boulevard to La- data on car speeds and volume for s %L #AMINO 2EAL-ATADERO some custom built-in cabinetry. that buyer’s purchase of the property A guna Avenue in Palo Alto the corridor and for other streets and Margarita avenues intersec- From a distance these disputes may includes all existing fixtures and fittings will be the topic of discussion at a for comparison. They asked staff tion: Upgrade and reconfigure seem silly but in the heat of the moment attached to the property and devotes community meeting Sept. 10, city to add sidewalks along Matadero crosswalks; add bike-detector the parties often view it differently. two sections to fixtures and personal officials announced. After representing buyers and sellers properties that are included and excluded and to adjust traffic-signal timing stencils to position cyclists to trip in our local market for nearly 20 years, I in the contract. Make sure that the Called the Matadero-Margarita at the intersection of El Camino the traffic signal sensor; possibly know that the issues are not that significant contract states clearly what is included Bicycle Boulevard, the 0.8-mile Real and Margarita/Matadero. add microwave detectors for bike and often can be easily resolved through and excluded from the property to avoid corridor will extend along Mar- Other concerns included light- detection, if approved by Cal- good will. But squabbles over fixtures any misunderstanding. garita Avenue in the city’s Ven- ing, parked cars and overgrown trans. after ratifying a contract are far from Despite best efforts, arguments may still tura neighborhood and Matadero landscaping. s -ARGARITA !VENUE/RINDA uncommon. break out. Remember to keep the issues in Avenue in Barron Park. The draft concept plan currently Street intersection: Remove stops Big issues arise when things are not perspective and make sure your agent is a More than simply demarcating includes features such as: on Margarita, replace them with clear up front. You can avoid these issues skilled negotiator. before they arise with due diligence. It is For more details, please consult a local bike lanes, the boulevard would s ,AGUNA AND -ATADERO AV- a traffic circle to reduce vehicle the real estate agent’s job to explain to real estate attorney. use striping, safety features, sig- enues: Adding a crosswalk and speed; keep stop signs on Orinda. nage and “sharrows” — markings bike markings to help pedestrians s 0ARK "OULEVARD-ARGARITA If you have a real estate question or would like a free market analysis for your home, please call me at 650-384-5392, Alain Pinel Realtors, or email me at [email protected]. that indicate the area of roadway and cyclists cross the intersection Avenue intersection: Widen bike For the latest real estate news, follow my blog at www.samiacullen.com to be shared by bikes and vehicles and alert drivers to cyclists’ pres- slots through the traffic island. — every 350 feet or closer. The ence. The meeting will be held at 7 sharrows would position cyclists s #HIMALUS $RIVE AND 4IP- p.m. at Barron Park Elementary in the travel lane and away from pawingo Street: Add speed humps School Multipurpose Room, 800 Hillel at Stanford pedestrians and the “door zone” to slow traffic. Barron Ave., Palo Alto. It is the of parked cars. s *OSINA !VENUE-ATADERO !V- second public event since a kick- invites you to join us for the City of Palo Alto staff Tuesday enue/Tippawingo Street intersec- off in May to solicit public input will present the draft concept plan, tion: Add a possible pedestrian into the proposed project. N High Holy Days which includes ideas from 38 resi- bridge; add three new crosswalks; Staff Writer Sue Dremann dents who attended an initial May narrow the travel lane to increase can be emailed at sdremann@ RSVP at hillel.stanford.edu 15 gathering. During that meeting, safety for pedestrians; add asphalt paweekly.com. or call 724.2401
“And very frequently, with VÌÕi`ÊvÀÊ«ÀiÛÕÃÊ«>}i® longtime residents of East Palo Alto, it’s the first time they’ve “They’re more expensive at Mi been to Mi Pueblo,” Wires said. Pueblo and they’re not organic,” “It’s very hard to know, and I said another farmers-market pa- don’t think there’s any statis- tron, Graciela Valencia. “Some tics on this, but I think that a of the stuff is kind of pricey (at fair amount of (Mi Pueblo’s) the farmers market), but I mean, traffic, because of where it’s you’re paying for something good located, is actually commuters that’s organic.” or people passing through and “Doesn’t have no chemicals or not necessarily folks from the anything,” she added, something community.” she’s aware of when she purchases Wires also mentioned that she groceries. senses some racial resentment Valencia said she usually does about shopping at Mi Pueblo as shop at Mi Pueblo but came to 6iÀV>Ê7iLiÀ a Latino specialty foods store in the farmers market to get fresh a community with many other ra- fruit to make baby food at home cial populations. for her 5-month-old son, who re- “It’s almost like it’s two totally cently started eating solid food. Delilah Juarez, 4, carries out a different communities living in The young mother of three was heavy flat of strawberries that the same place. And there’s a lot of using Fresh Checks tokens to pay her family purchased at the East resentment between communities at the market. With a few left over, Palo Alto Community Farmers’ towards each other. And there’s a she planned to return the follow- Market on July 31. lot of bonding and relationships, ing week. especially amongst young people, Mi Pueblo and the farmers mar- fresh,” Delia Mercado said in but language is a huge barrier, (as ket are not the only places to buy Spanish at the farmers market. are) perceptions.” fresh produce in East Palo Alto. Mercado said she often fre- However, health persists as the There are numerous corner stores quents Mi Pueblo but hasn’t want- common denominator in East in the area, many of them Latino, ed to lately. She was put off by Palo Alto. and small markets such as Coun- the news that the San Jose-based “Health is always a huge moti- try Time Market on University grocery chain filed for Chapter vator for people, especially fami- Avenue and Bell Street. 11 bankruptcy-court protection lies with kids,” Wires said. Country Time Market’s pro- in late July. When asked if health is impor- duce section is scant, but prices Wires said that one week of a tant to her, Mercado, holding a are cheap. Onions go for 69 cents; six-week Collective Roots pro- flat of fresh strawberries with one mangoes, two for $1; limes, 10 gram called Cooking Matters is arm and her young daughter with for $1. On a recent afternoon, dedicated to a grocery store tour the other, answered “of course” in there were also apples, overripe in which participants are taught Spanish. bananas and a few moldy sweet basic consumer literacy and how “It’s something for your entire potatoes. to read labels, budget and plan life,” she added. N “There are (markets with pro- ahead for grocery shopping. Editorial Assistant Elena Kad- duce), but because they’re small- Collective Roots leads the tour vany can be emailed at ekadva- er, the fruit or vegetable isn’t as at Mi Pueblo. [email protected]. ÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°VÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊ-i«ÌiLiÀÊÈ]ÊÓä£ÎÊU Page 9 Upfront
had found the project both com- Modern patible with the downtown area VÌÕi`ÊvÀÊ«>}iÊx® and consistent with the Compre- hensive Plan, the city’s guiding saturated with more than a dozen document for land-use decisions. historic structures that exemplify City Planner Jason Nortz wrote in harmonious style and are official- the findings that the project “in- ly recognized as deserving preser- corporates quality design that rec- vation and compatibility.” ognizes the regional and historical “At the ratio of 13 (historic) to importance of the area” and “rein- 7 (newer) buildings in a one-block forces its pedestrian character.” radius along Ramona and Ham- Specifically, Nortz wrote, the ilton, this is the most densely project “creates enhanced vehicu- historic spot in any commercial lar and pedestrian entries,” “pro- area in Palo Alto,” wrote Smith, vides varied building mass and a music historian with an interest height,” and “maintains Hamilton in art and architecture. Avenue as a pleasing, tree-lined ÕÀÌiÃÞÊvÊ>ÞiÃÊÀÕ«ÊÀV ÌiVÌÃ City planners, in their analysis, pedestrian environment with com- A group of residents is opposing the modernist design of the proposed development at 240 Hamilton Ave. plementary outdoor amenities.” and asks visitors to rate each on One of Smith’s goals is to fig- But Smith is going further than a scale of 1 to 10 according to its ure out what segment of the public CALLING ALL DOGS just appealing the specific proj- “aesthetic quality.” fits this mold. But beyond that, he ect. In challenging the approval As someone who favors tra- said he also hopes to call atten- (Volunteers Needed for Pet Visitation Program) of 240 Hamilton Ave., he said he ditional architecture (“not a fan tion to what he labels a broken Do you have a dog that would also hopes to stoke a community of glass walls”), Smith told the development-review process. make a good thearpy dog? If you discussion about aesthetics and Weekly he wants to know if he “The review process is not feel your dog can demonstrate architecture. To that end, he put is an outlier or a representative of working,” Smith told the Weekly. together an extensive survey ask- the majority local view. If most “You have too many buildings how to follow basic obedience ing residents to weigh in on the respondents state a preference like, for example, 801 Alma St., commands, has the desire and enduring architectural debate — for tradition over modernity, he that the public only finds out aptitute to be around strangers traditionalism versus modernism. reasons, their feedback can send about when they’re finished. Then and other animals, is comfortable In the survey, he pits traditional a powerful message to the City there are shrieks of horror when structures like the downtown post Council — a message that could people see what happened and in new environments and would office, the College Terrace Li- influence future developments people asking, ‘How did that get pass a veterinarian health brary and Stanford’s Cantor Cen- such as the office complex pro- approved?’” screening, then your dog may be the animal we’re looking ter for Visual Arts against glassy posed by developer John Arril- As far as 240 Hamilton Ave. for! You would also have to meet volunteer guidelines. modern ones like the Apple Store laga for 27 University Ave. goes, the modern design is just on University Avenue, the soon- Smith is hardly alone in his one of Smith’s concerns. Parking to-be-completed Mitchell Park discontent. In recent months, is another issue. Like many oth- Stanford Hospital and Clinics, in conjuction with Pet Library and San Francisco’s de residents have lashed out against er nearby developments, includ- Partners (formerly Delta Society) is holding a free Young Museum. new developments like Alma Vil- ing Charles “Chop” Keenan’s orientation (about one hour) on Saturday, September 12st, The survey, which can be ac- lage, Arbor Real (at Charleston planned mix-use building at 135 2013 at 2 p.m. in Palo Alto. No pets please – humans only. cessed at https://www.survey- Road and El Camino Real) and Hamilton Ave, this project would monkey.com/s/paloaltoarchitec- 801 Alma, prompting the coun- not provide enough parking to For more information, please contact Lyn Belingheri at ture, gives participants a chance cil to take a fresh look at design accommodate its occupants. Lo- [email protected] and see the Stanford PAWS website: to select their preferences for guidelines for new buildings on El cal law allows this through the http://stanfordhospital.org/forPatients/patientServices/ traditional or modern buildings, Camino and Alma Street. During use of “transfer development pawsGuestServices.html RSVP required for the orientation both in Palo Alto and elsewhere an Aug. 22 discussion between rights” (TDR), a mechanism un- in the world. It also lists a se- the council and the architecture der which developers are given ries of buildings, including the board, Councilwoman Karen parking exemptions in exchange new housing development at 801 Holman noted that the city has for seismic and historic retrofits Alma St. and the commercial “a public that’s not happy” about elsewhere in the city. The Ham- building at 525 University Ave., new developments. ilton project would provide four spaces for the residential units, though in doing so it would take away two existing spots. It would NOTICE OF A SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING not provide on-site parking for its of the City of Palo Alto office workers, much to the cha- Historic Resources Board [HRB] Michael Repka grin of downtown residents who have long clamored about down- RETREAT Before you select a real estate agent, meet with Michael Repka town’s steep parking deficit. to discuss how his real estate law and tax back-ground benefi ts Smith, whose Forest Avenue 9:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at the Ken DeLeon’s clients. home is a block from City Hall, Development Center, 285 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, is joined in his appeal by other CA 94301. Members of the public may attend and be heard downtown critics of the city’s under the “Oral Communications” portion of the agenda. parking policies, including Profes- Contact Diana Tamale for information about the retreat, sorville’s Ken Alsman and Down- town North’s Neilson Buchanan. at 650.329.2144. The appeal argues that the devel- opment application for 240 Ham- The HRB may discuss the following topics at the retreat: ilton Ave. skirts the parking issue s 0ROCEDURE FOR MAKING MOTIONS in relying on the exemption. s -ETHODS TO TRANSMIT (2" OPINIONS ON TOPICS OF INTEREST Managing Broker “The time is overdue to abolish to City Council or restructure TDRs because they DeLeon Realty are being used time and again by s 0ROJECT 0OLICY FOR $IFFERENTIATION AND #OMPATIBILITY JD - Rutgers School of Law developers to save money at the s 0ROJECT 0OLICY FOR (ISTORIC 7INDOW !LTERATION AND L.L.M (Taxation) expense of residential neighbor- 2EPLACEMENT NYU School of Law hoods by providing grossly insuf- s (2" 0OLICY FOR 2EVIEWING 0ROPOSED !LTERATIONS OF ficient parking — or none at all — Properties Under Existing Preservation Covenants for the large office spaces they are s 3TATUS OF &LOOR