Palo Vol. XXXV, Number 26 N April 4, 2014 Alto Park Boulevard accidents concern workers, residents Page 5
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READ THIS YEAR’S WINNING STORIES PAGE 34
Transitions 17 Spectrum 18 Seniors 28 Eating Out 23 Movies 25 Puzzles 67
N Arts ‘Techies’ + ‘Fuzzies’: Stanford’s new joint majors Page 21 N Home A thoroughly modern Silicon Valley home tour Page 41 N Sports Stanford women take shot at UConn in Final 4 Page 69 " % !!
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Page 4ÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°V UpfrontLocal news, information and analysis Park Boulevard accidents concern workers, residents Driving, biking, walking to become increasingly But some residents and employ- Some residents said they ac- accidents occurred near Sherman hazardous as city plans dense development, they fear ees said the busy street is already cept that denser development will Avenue, according to the Palo dangerous, and they are hoping come. But blind spots, speeding Alto Police Department. by Sue Dremann the city will address the issue and a lack of crosswalks present But Statewide Integrated Traf- he broadsiding of a sedan only increase the problem, they soon rather than piecemeal as the accidents waiting to happen, and fic Records System data does not that pushed the vehicle said. area is redeveloped. injury accidents are already hap- show a higher rate of collisions T through a plate-glass win- The street is a busy conduit to The city’s California Avenue pening, they said. than in other parts of town, the city dow on March 15 is just the latest the California Avenue retail dis- Area Concept Plan has earmarked Police traffic records show there maintained in the concept plan. accident that residents and work- trict and Oregon Expressway. The Park Boulevard for offices and were seven accidents along a five- Residents said that data doesn’t re- ers say happens with frequency planned new tech corridor along multiple-story housing. The city block stretch between Sherman cord the number of near-misses. On on Park Boulevard in Palo Alto. the boulevard parallels the Cal- would encourage this growth by and Olive avenues between Janu- March 17, two days after the colli- And the city’s plans to turn the train tracks and is already home pushing allowances for intense ary 2013 and March 21, 2014. Five sion that injured the driver whose California Avenue area into a to Groupon, AOL and other tech development to the maximum, resulted in injuries, two of which densely inhabited tech hub will companies. according to the concept plan. involved bicyclists. Three of the VÌÕi`ÊÊ«>}iÊ£Ó®
EDUCATION Setting aside time for ‘dissolving’ stereotypes Palo Alto high schools, middle schools, observe ‘Not in Our Schools Week’ by Chris Kenrick
n the social and ethnic stew percent, respectively — Gunn has of Palo Alto schools, students many teens who say they’ve felt I work and play on a daily basis the sting of stereotypes. with kids from an array of nation- In a posting of anonymous, alities, races, religions, ability personal recollections of feeling levels and income levels. stereotyped during 2011 Not in A program used in both high Our Schools Week, one student 6iÀV>Ê7iLiÀ schools and all three middle said she’d felt devastated after schools promotes open discus- being called a “half-breed” be- sion of those differences in an cause of her mixed Chinese and effort to train students to recog- European heritage. Group protests Supreme Court ruling nize and refute stereotypes and A Muslim student said, “The discrimination. thing I want is for everyone to stop John Van Horne, second from left, Millie Chetnik and Carol Cross listen to speakers during a Next week, for the 12th year, judging us all based on what only rally at City Hall on April 2 against the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in McCutcheon v. Federal Gunn High School will observe a fraction of our population did.” Election Commission. The decision allows donors to give money to as many candidates, parties “Not in Our Schools Week,” In a class discussion, a Christian and committees as they wish. filled with in-class and out-of- student said he felt like he was a class activities to “build aware- “loner” until discovering that “half ness and empathy” and to “cele- my friends are actually Christian.” COMMUNITY brate and appreciate differences.” In response to that discussion, The theme of the week is, “We’re math teacher Gopi Tantod urged all in this together.” students to resist pressure to be Freshmen will participate in anyone but themselves at school. With funding in place, a simulation of what it’s like to “We are in the United States, and have a learning disability. we should be comfortable express- Magical Bridge moves forward Students from Gunn’s ROCK ing whoever we are, whatever we group (Reach Out, Care and Know) are in whatever way we’re com- Designs evolve for Palo Alto’s first ‘inclusive playground’ — formed in response to a series of fortable with,” she said. by Gennady Sheyner student deaths by suicide in 2009 Tantod urged students to make and 2010 — will post “gratitude a point of speaking to students hen a group of Palo Alto playground near the Mitchell as early as this summer. displays” around campus. who are eating lunch by them- parents first approached Park tennis courts were scaled The biggest change between Students will identify and jot selves. “Just say ‘hi,’ because not W city leaders in 2008 with back slightly to accommodate prior and current plans is the de- down stereotypes on rice paper, everybody has been through Palo a proposal to build the city’s first the project’s refined budget of cision not to replace an existing then “dissolve” them in a wading Alto Unified all their life, and truly inclusive playground, the $3.2 million (before, the budget bridge that crosses Adobe Creek, pool or “bury” them in a coffin not everybody knows everybody project was based on little more ranged from $1.3 to $4 million, as was originally intended, but borrowed from the school theater. around them.” than hopes, dreams and a plot as plans evolved). The group merely renovate it to make sure Among the stereotypes recog- Thursday of Not in Our Schools of city-owned land at Mitchell Friends of the Magical Bridge the ramps can comfortably ac- nized and dissolved by Palo Alto week at Gunn focuses on raising Park. has already raised the bulk of the commodate wheelchairs. Aside middle school students in a simi- awareness about the “silencing Now, what is known as the funds, with donors such as the from that, the playground will lar exercise a few years ago were that several lesbian, gay, bisexual Magical Bridge Playground has Peery Foundation and Enlight include just about all the features the observations that, “Not every- and transgender students feel due two more crucial factors going in Foundation making sizable con- that parents of children with dis- one is smart” and “Not all Jewish to fear from name-calling, bully- its favor: a refined design and the tributions. With the fundraising abilities had hoped to see when people are rich.” ing and harassment” that often oc- necessary funding to make the campaign edging toward its goal, the project was first proposed: an With enrollment from all over curs in schools. On that day, some dream a reality. the city’s landscape architect, Pe- the world — and an Asian/Cauca- The latest plans for the new ter Jensen, said work could begin VÌÕi`ÊÊ«>}iÊ£{® sian mix of 45.7 percent and 43.1 VÌÕi`ÊÊ«>}iÊ£Ó® ÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°VÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊU Page 5 Care Upfront
450 Cambridge Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306 QUOTE OF THE WEEK (650) 326-8210 Connect PUBLISHER William S. Johnson (223-6505) EDITORIAL Community Editor Jocelyn Dong (223-6514) Associate Editor Carol Blitzer (223-6511) Sports Editor Keith Peters (223-6516 Arts & Entertainment Editor I would not let him ride through Nick Veronin (223-6517)) Express & Online Editor Elena Kadvany (223-6519) the parking lot. Assistant Sports Editor Rick Eymer (223-6521) Spectrum Editor Tom Gibboney (223-6507) — Randy Popp, vice chair of the Architectural Staff Writers Sue Dremann (223-6518), Chris Review Board, on why locating bicycle or pedestrian Kenrick (223-6512), Gennady Sheyner (223-6513) paths at the back of a housing development parking Editorial Assistant/Intern Coordinator Sam Sciolla (223-6515) lot is a bad idea. See story on page 8. Staff Photographer Veronica Weber (223-6520) Contributors Andrew Preimesberger, Dale F. Bentson, Peter Canavese, Kit Davey, Tyler Hanley, Iris Harrell, Sheila Himmel, Chad Jones, Karla Kane, P a 4 Kevin Kirby, Terri Lobdell, Jack McKinnon, l o 1 Jeanie K. Smith, Susan Tavernetti 0 A 2 Around Town THE SAGA CONTINUES ... More be installed: the two garages on l ADVERTISING to ’ e Vice President Sales & Advertising than six months of deliberation Cambridge Avenue; the Cowper/ s d 9 ra Tom Zahiralis (223-6570) have done little to resolve Palo Webster garage and the parking 2n a d P Multimedia Advertising Sales Alto’s epic debate over what to structures at 528 High St. and A n’s Christine Afsahi (223-8582), Adam Carter (223- nn re ual hild 6573), Elaine Clark (223-6572), Connie Jo Cotton call the Main Library once the 445 Bryant St. May Fête C (223-6571), Janice Hoogner (223-6576), Wendy Suzuki 223-6569), Brent Triantos (223-6577), renovated Newell Road facility Real Estate Advertising Sales reopens for business. With H20 MONTH ... April may or may Neal Fine (223-6583), Carolyn Oliver (223-6581), library commissioners and staff not actually bring more show- Rosemary Lewkowitz (223-6585) lobbying for “Rinconada Library” ers, but it does coincide with the Inside Advertising Sales Irene Schwartz (223-6580) to connote the building’s location, launch of two water-conservation Real Estate Advertising Assistant some City Council members events, one national and one Diane Martin (223-6584) (most notably Larry Klein, Gail local. Palo Alto Mayor Nancy Legal Advertising Alicia Santillan (223-6578) Price and Pat Burt) favoring Shepherd has jumped on the train ADVERTISING SERVICES naming the building after a famous for the 3rd Annual Nationwide Advertising Services Manager Mayor’s Challenge for Water Jennifer Lindberg (223-6595) Palo Altan (Bill Hewlett? David Sales & Production Coordinators Packard? Russell Lee? Birge Conservation, a month-long Dorothy Hassett (223-6597), Blanca Yoc (223-6596) Clark?), and others (Liz Kniss contest during which residents DESIGN and Karen Holman) fine with just across the nation can pledge their Design Director Shannon Corey (223-6560) leaving the name the way it is, the commitment online to conserve Assistant Design Director Lili Cao (223-6562) debate remains at a stalemate. At water, with a chance to win prizes Senior Designers Linda Atilano, Paul Llewellyn its last discussion in December, (like an energy-conserving Toyota Designers Rosanna Leung, Kameron Sawyer the council’s Policy and Services Prius hybrid, of course). The city “It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, a beautiful day for a EXPRESS, ONLINE AND VIDEO SERVICES Committee split 2-2, with Price with the highest numbers of neighbor. Would you be that neighbor?” Mr. Rogers was right, Online Operations Coordinator Ashley Finden (223-6508) and Klein taking one side and pledges wins (last year, Palo Alto Kniss and Holman another. made the top 20). The challenge having caring neighbors is vital to nurturing children and youth BUSINESS The subject will return to the full is sponsored by the nonprofit and that’s why a “Caring Neighborhood” is so important in the Payroll & Benefits Susie Ochoa (223-6544) Business Associates Elena Dineva (223-6542), Mary council on Monday for a possible Wyland Foundation. For more development of a healthy community. McDonald (223-6543), Cathy Stringari (223-6541) decision. To get the conversation details and to make a pledge, ADMINISTRATION rolling, Price and Klein issued go to wylandfoundation.org/my- A “neighborhood” is where you live, your school, faith group, Assistant to the Publisher the shortest colleagues memo waterpledge. Locally, there’s the Miranda Chatfield (223-6559) in recent history. “The Policy and Great Race for Saving Water, a sports team or club, or any other group of individuals. What’s Receptionist Doris Taylor Courier Ruben Espinoza Services Committee deadlocked 5K run or walk that aims to raise important is that it’s a place where people care and connect EMBARCADERO MEDIA in attempting to fulfill the Council’s awareness about water conser- President William S. Johnson (223-6505) with each other to create a supportive community. direction to find an appropriate vation. The event will take place Vice President & CFO Michael I. Naar (223-6540) Vice President Sales & Advertising person in Palo Alto’s history to Saturday, April 19, at 9 a.m. at the The 92nd Annual May Fête Parade theme encourages partici- Tom Zahiralis (223-6570) honor by using that person’s Baylands Athletic Center (1900 Director, Information Technology & Webmaster name as the new name for Main Geng Road) and will feature food, pants to showcase good neighborly behavior. What can we do, Frank A. Bravo (223-6551) Library,” states the memo (which live music, informational booths, how does it look and who can we help? Show us that fun Major Accounts Sales Manager Connie Jo Cotton (223-6571) is quoted here in its entirety). “In arts and crafts, giveaways — and neighborly activity, let us see how to help and let us all know Director, Circulation & Mailing Services order to move this matter forward even free compost bins. The Zach Allen (223-6557) at Monday’s council meeting we run is being sponsored by Palo how we can be a good neighbor in our community. Let’s make Circulation Assistant Alicia Santillan will move that Main Library be re- Alto Utilities Department and all our communities fun, happy and supportive groups of Computer System Associates Chris Planessi, Chip Poedjosoedarmo named in honor of Palo Alto’s most the Tuolumne River Trust for the individuals caring for each other. beloved architect Birge Clark.” second year in a row. For more The Palo Alto Weekly (ISSN 0199-1159) is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 450 Cambridge information and to register, go to Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306, (650) 326-8210. Periodicals LET THERE BE SUNLIGHT! ... cityofpaloalto.org/GreatRace. For an entry Ali Williams postage paid at Palo Alto, CA and additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general circulation As Palo Alto continues to explore form, details for Santa Clara County. The Palo Alto Weekly is deliv- building new garages to address A STIMULATING OFFER ... Get P: 650-648-3829 ered free to homes in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, and general Portola Valley, East Palo Alto, to faculty and staff a parking shortage in downtown your tax break this month — at E: [email protected] households on the Stanford campus and to portions and around California Avenue, dinner. Downtown restaurant parade of Los Altos Hills. If you are not currently receiving the paper, you may request free delivery by calling 326- officials are also looking at Palo Alto Grill has decided information The fair is organized by 8210. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Palo Alto existing garages for a completely to celebrate the sometimes Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94302. ©2014 by contact: the Palo Alto Recreation Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction different purpose: electricity. The wallet-emptying tax season by without permission is strictly prohibited. The Palo Alto city hopes to attract companies offering deals on dinner through Weekly is available on the Internet via Palo Alto Online Foundation and the at: www.PaloAltoOnline.com that would build solar panels Thursday, April 17. “We know Kiwanis Club of Palo Alto. Our email addresses are: [email protected], on local garages and then sell that tax season feels like the time [email protected], [email protected], to tighten the budget, so we’ve [email protected] the energy to the city’s Utilities Features include: Missed delivery or start/stop your paper? Department. In late March, decided to help alleviate your Call 650 223-6557, or email [email protected]. staff began testing the waters burden,” the restaurant’s website 1An array of fun children’s activities You may also subscribe online at www.PaloAltoOnline.com. Subscriptions are $60/yr. by sending out a request for reads. This means every Monday 1 A performance stage featuring local groups proposals to 133 companies that and Tuesday, take 50 percent off 1 Lots of great food SUBSCRIBE! might participate in the recently the check, and on Wednesday 1 Picnic space and more Support your local newspaper created program, known as Palo and Thursdays, 25 percent. The by becoming a paid subscriber. Alto CLEAN (Clean Local Energy only catch? In order to save, $60 per year. $100 for two years. diners have to be eating on the In addition, The Museum of American Heritage, Accessible Now). The program Name: ______allows solar-panel companies early side — seated and ordering just across the street from the park, will be Address: ______to sell energy to the city at a before 5:45 p.m. The discount fixed price over a 20-year rate. applies to all food and drinks and hosting their Annual Vintage Vehicle & Family City/Zip: ______The city has also identified five is only offered for dinner at the Festival with lots of activities from Mail to: Palo Alto Weekly, 450 Cambridge Ave., Palo Alto CA 94306 places where solar panels can 140 University Ave. restaurant. N 9:30am-2:00pm.
Page 6ÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°V Upfront REAL ESTATE TRENDS by Samia Cullen TRAFFIC What if My Home Doesn’t Appraise? County looks to revamp In sellers’ markets, high demand can have the right to contact the lender generate multiple offer situations that to demand a second appraisal. often drive up the purchase price higher c) Appraisal review. The buyer or Palo Alto’s expressways than any comparable sales in the area. seller can ask their agent to put If the buyers are relying on financing together a list of recent comparable New plan to consider grade separation on Foothill, add lanes on Page Mill from a bank to purchase a home, a low sales that justify the agreed-to appraisal can scuttle a deal. Banks require sales price including the pending by Gennady Sheyner appraisals to verify that a home’s sale sales and submit that list to the price is supported by its market value. underwriter and ask for a review of ome of Palo Alto’s most con- cies along the traffic corridors. What can a buyer and seller do if a the appraisal. gested thoroughfares could A Policy Advisory Group, which home does not appraise? d) The seller can offer to carry S see dramatic modifications, consists of elected officials from a) Buyer can make up the difference a second mortgage for the including added lanes, advanced each city (including Palo Alto in cash. The lender cares about the difference. If the seller wants the traffic signals and grade separa- Councilman Greg Scharff), the appraisal only to the extent it affects deal to go through but the buyer the loan-to-value ratio. A low cannot come up with the difference tions, under an ambitious, long- county’s Board of Supervisors appraisal does not mean the lender in cash, the seller may agree to term plan spearheaded by Santa and the Valley Transportation won’t lend. It means the lender will carry a second mortgage.
Clara County. ÕÀÌiÃÞÊ->Ì>Ê >À>Ê ÕÌÞÊ,>`ÃÊ>`ÊÀ«ÀÌÃÊ i«Ì° Authority (VTA), has met twice make a loan limited to a specified e) Cancel the transaction. If checked, The County of Santa Clara Ex- since the update of the Express- percentage of the appraised value. the purchase contract gives the buyer pressway Plan 2040 focuses on way Plan kicked off in August b) Dispute the appraisal. Either the option of having an appraisal improving traffic flow on some of 2013. So has the Technical Work- the seller or the buyer can pay for contingency that allows the buyer to the busiest stretches in the county, ing Group, which includes public a second appraisal. If the parties cancel the contract and requires the from Almaden Expressway in the works directors and transporta- find out that the appraiser is not seller to release the buyer’s earnest familiar with the local market, or money deposit if the appraisal southern part of the county to Or- tion officials from each city (Ro- an appraiser made mistakes they comes in low. egon Expressway in the northern. driguez is part of this group). In addition to Oregon, Palo Alto City and county officials aren’t I offer complimentary staging when I list your home. Contact me at Alain Pinel Realtors (650) 384-5392 or send me an email at [email protected]. roads that could see major chang- the only ones planning major Follow my blog at samiacullen.com es include Foothill Expressway changes along Page Mill. The and the Page Mill Road segment state Department of Transporta- between El Camino Real and In- tion has recently agreed to install terstate 280. County and local of- traffic signals at the interchange NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD AND ficials will also explore possible of Page Mill Road and Interstate LOS D: Some Delays changes to Central Expressway in 280, where long caravans of south- PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PALO ALTO’S Mountain View, which becomes LOS E: Major Delays bound cars often spill over beyond COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Alma Street when it hits Palo LOS F: Severe Delays the ramp and onto the highway BLOCKGRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM Alto, though specific proposals LOS = Levels of Service during peak-commute hours. The have not yet been formulated. Caltrans project includes new The plan’s purpose is to take Santa Clara County has traffic signals on both northbound This is to notify the general public and other interested parties that a “fresh look” at expressways identified segments of Page Mill and southbound ramps and new a 30-day public review period of the Draft Annual Action Plan for throughout the county based on Road that have experienced sidewalk and bicycle improve- the allocation of Fiscal Year 2015 Community Development Block “city land use plans, projected worsening traffic delays ments near the interchange. Grant (CDBG) funds, began on March 17, 2014 and will end on April 2040 traffic growth and Complete between 2003 and 2013. Rodriguez told the Weekly that 15, 2014. The Draft Annual Action Plan describes the activities the Streets planning.” According to Palo Alto was one of the first City may fund under the 2015 CDBG Program. Collectively these the county’s website, the plan will traffic-signal system on Page Mill agencies to request the new traf- activities are intended to meet Palo Alto’s affordable housing and also “identify new challenges and and Hanover Street, in Stanford fic signals at the busy interchange. community development objectives described in the 2010-2015 positive developments or opportu- Research Park, to address an ex- Then-Mayor Sid Espinosa had Consolidated Plan. nities, recommend any necessary pected influx of cars in 2025. asked Caltrans in 2011 to consid- policy changes, and revise fund- The county identified these er installing the new signals after Copies of the Draft Annual Action Plan will be available at the ing requirements and implemen- road segments both because of receiving numerous complaints Department of Planning and Community Environment, 250 Hamilton tation strategies.” existing congestion levels and from companies in Stanford Re- Avenue, 5th Floor, Palo Alto, CA 94301, on the City’s website In some cases, the changes projected ones. The Page Mill search Park about increasing de- http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/pln/advance_planning/cdbg. would be costly and dramatic. Road-Oregon Expressway road- lays at the southbound ramp of asp or by calling Consuelo Hernandez, Planner – CDBG, at (650) One proposal, which is summa- way is particularly busy, accom- Interstate 280. Caltrans then con- rized in a new report from Palo modating an estimated 134,000 ducted its own “warrant study” 329-2428. Interested parties are encouraged to submit written Alto’s planning staff, would grade daily vehicle trips, which makes and concluded that the busy in- comments on the proposed Draft Annual Action Plan during the separate Palo Alto’s busy inter- it the sixth busiest expressway in tersection meets its criteria for public review period, or to comment at the public hearings and section of Foothill Expressway the county. traffic signals. meetings described below. and Arastradero Road. The pro- The stretch of Page Mill Road In recent weeks, however, this posal would leave Arastradero at between Foothill Expressway and proposal has generated intense op- PUBLIC HEARINGS its current grade and place Foot- Interstate 280 is particularly irk- position in Los Altos Hills, where hill underneath. Existing traffic some for drivers. According to the interchange is located and signals at Foothill and Miranda county studies, it currently oper- where more than 500 residents The City of Palo Alto Finance Committee will hold a Public Avenue would be removed and ates at Level E (which, in traffic have signed a petition opposing Hearing on April 15, 2014 to review the proposed Fiscal Year replaced with roundabouts, ac- speak, denotes “major delays”) the Caltrans project. At a March 2015 CDBG funding allocations identified in the Draft Annual cording to a new report form Palo during the morning rush hour 20 meeting of the City Council, Action Plan. The Public Hearing will be held at 6:00 p.m., or as Alto’s Chief Transportation Of- and at Level F (“severe delays,” council members acknowledged soon as possible thereafter, in City Hall Council Conference Room, ficial Jaime Rodriguez. the lowest possible score) during that they have been discussing 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto. The Foothill Expressway pro- the evening rush hour. The inter- the project with Caltrans for the posal would also extend the ex- section of Page Mill and Foothill, past two years and that they have The Palo Alto City Council will hold a Public Hearing on May isting path along the north side which is one of the most congested convinced the state agency to add 5, 2014 to adopt the Annual Action Plan and the associated Fiscal of Arastradero to Miranda Av- in Palo Alto, currently operates at pedestrian and bicycle improve- Year 2015 CDBG allocations. The Public Hearing will be held at enue, creating better pedestrian Level F during both peak-traffic ments to the busy area around 7:00p.m., or as soon as possible thereafter, in City Hall Council and bicycle connections to Gunn periods. Meanwhile, the stretch of Page Mill and Arastradero roads. Chambers, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto. High School, according to the Page Mill between Foothill and But after hearing from more than new report. El Camino Real operates at the a dozen residents, council mem- Another project proposed in the slightly less onerous Level E. bers also emphasized that they Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services county’s long-term plan is adding Rodriguez said the county pro- haven’t formally approved any in using City facilities, services or programs, or who would like lanes on the busy stretch of Page posals for improving the situation plans to add traffic signals. information on the City’s compliance with the Americans with Mill Road between El Camino are in the very early stages and “This council is not supporting Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact: Real and Interstate 280, raising the have yet to undergo full analy- Caltrans putting in lights right number from four to six. Yet an- sis, which he said will include now,” Mayor John Radford said ADA Coordinator, City of Palo Alto, other would grade separate Page input from cities. The proposals at that meeting. “We’re waiting to 650-329-2550 (Voice) Mill at Foothill Expressway, which emerged after numerous meetings see the plans, and we all have ma- [email protected] is one of the busiest intersections in and workshops involving policy jor reservations about that.” Palo Alto. The county is also con- makers and traffic experts from sidering installing an eight-phase cities and transportation agen- VÌÕi`ÊÊ«>}iÊ9) ÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°VÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊU Page 7 Upfront
ENVIRONMENT Eshoo opens inquiry into Silicon Valley toxic cleanup Sites included are in Palo Alto and Mountain View by Sue Dremann .S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo to clean contaminated groundwa- Agency is failing to properly mon- munity members who raised the is- break down toxics. Alto, has opened an inquiry ter at Mountain View Superfund itor and regulate the emissions sue of carbon ‘regeneration’ a decade “But it’s an area where we all U with the Environmental sites were being burned, emitting associated with remediating the ago, I believe it’s important to put it need to tread carefully,” he said. Protection Agency into shortfalls dioxin into the air and affecting toxic pollutants recovered from into perspective,” Lenny Siegel, di- “Federal and private responsible in the federal government’s Su- Native-American residents there. Superfund sites,” Eshoo wrote. rector of Mountain View’s Center parties are looking for excuses to perfund toxic cleanup program, According to the Environmen- “Of particular concern are the for Public Environmental Oversight, reduce cleanup activity, and no including sites it operates in Palo tal Protection Agency (EPA), emissions of dioxin, which is told the Voice in an email. “I believe active cleanup (monitored natural Alto and Mountain View. there are 21 Superfund sites lo- on the EPA’s ‘Dirty Dozen’ list that Superfund cleanups represent a attenuation) generates less waste Eshoo made the inquiry after a cated in Silicon Valley, with 11 in of dangerous chemicals and is a small portion of the carbon filters and costs less than both conven- report by the nonprofit Center for Eshoo’s 18th Congressional Dis- known carcinogen. The carbon thermally treated in the U.S., and tional remedies (pump and treat) Investigative Reporting and The trict, including one at the former emissions associated with collect- carbon filter disposal represents a and in-situ treatment.” Guardian exposed details of as- Hewlett-Packard site at 620-640 ing, transporting and treating haz- small portion of the waste shipped A map of all Silicon Valley Su- sociated pollution that is created Page Mill Road in Palo Alto. ardous waste from Superfund sites from Superfund sites.” perfund sites can be found at epa. by treatment and transportation In a March 28 letter to EPA Ad- are deeply troubling. I also under- “The transfer of waste from one gov/superfund/sites/query/que- of toxic pollutants from Super- ministrator Gina McCarthy, Eshoo stand that in some cases the tra- medium to another is one of the ryhtm/nplmapsg.htm. fund sites. The report followed a asked for more information regard- ditional ‘pump and treat’ method reasons we have been promoting Nearby sites include Hewlett- toxic trail from a site in Mountain ing the extent to which the agency for decontaminating groundwater in-situ treatment at MEW and Packard in Palo Alto; and Spectra- View across the country and back monitors the interstate transport may not be as effective as alter- Moffett Field (Mountain View’s Physics, Inc., Teledyne Semicon- to Silicon Valley. and treatment of the hazardous native treatment methods,” she major Superfund sites), and we ductor, CTS Printex, Inc., Jasco The Mountain View Voice also waste, alternative cleanup meth- wrote. The Hewlett-Packard site believe the adoption of new rem- Chemical Corp., Moffett Naval published a series of stories on the ods and if the agency has adequate uses pump-and-treat methods. edies here may serve as a national Air Station, Fairchild Semicon- issue in 2003, when community regulatory authority to monitor and When residents of Mountain model,” Siegel said. ductor, Raytheon Corp. and Intel members first began to discuss the control toxic materials after remov- View first discussed the issue 11 Alternatives to carbon filtering Corp. in Mountain View. N environmental consequences for al from Superfund sites. years ago, they worked with the of contaminated groundwater Staff Writer Sue Dremann an Indian reservation in Arizona. “What I’m concerned about is EPA to fix the problem. include the injection of special can be emailed at sdremann@ That was where carbon filters used that the Environmental Protection “Though I was among the com- bacteria into the water table to paweekly.com.
HOUSING Stanford wins approval for El Camino project Palo Alto’s architecture panel clears the way for 70-unit development by Gennady Sheyner
tanford University’s plan ble a “swoosh” and a three-story that Stanford build bike and pe- to build 250 housing units east wing, known as “cube,” with destrian amenities in the back of S for its faculty in the Col- a rectangular shape and cement fi- the property, where the project’s lege Terrace neighborhood scored ber panels. The two wings would parking lot would be located. another victory Thursday, when be connected by a transparent Travis Giggy, who has two sons Palo Alto’s architecture panel breezeway at the upper levels. who attend Escondido Elementary unanimously approved a new Apartments in the new devel- School, argued that many students affordable-housing development opment will range from one to will use the back route to avoid the along one of the busiest stretches three bedrooms. The taller west busier streets and crosswalks on El of El Camino Real. wing would include 54 units: 24 Camino and California Avenue. The 70-unit development is the with one bedroom, 12 with two “I would humbly request for ÕÀÌiÃÞÊ >Û`Ê >iÀÊÀV ÌiVÌà Palo Alto’s architecture panel approved Stanford University’s new second major housing project pro- bedrooms and 18 with three bed- Stanford or the architects to take a 70-unit affordable-housing project, which includes a four-story posed by Stanford and approved rooms. This wing will also include second look at building some safe brick west wing with a curved design. by the city in the past month. commercial spaces on the ground walkways behind the projects so On March 20, the Architectural floor that would be used by the the tenants of this building and back will create wider sidewalks Malone Prichard said Stanford’s Review Board approved the con- current tenant, the Vista Center for the children could have a safe way (consistent with a city objective) team has “done everything we struction of 180 housing units on the Blind and Visually Impaired. to walk to school.” and near the soccer fields on the asked them to do.” She said she California Avenue, which includes The east wing will include the Brent Barker, president of the Page Mill corner. was “very much in support of a mix of single-family homes and remaining 16 units, 12 with two resident association’s board of “We are opposed to directing the project as it is presented.” multi-family units. bedrooms and four with three directors, said he and the board and facilitating bicyclists and pe- She also lauded its treatment of Both projects are part of the bedrooms. It would also include a “basically like this project” but destrians toward the unsafe vehicle El Camino sidewalks, which are city’s 2005 agreement with Stan- small cafe on the ground floor. made a similar plea for pedestrian driveway that is patently for vehi- currently about 8 feet wide but ford, under which the university Despite tiny quibbles about col- amenities in the back of the prop- cles,” Wuthman told the board. which would vary from 13 to 18 constructed soccer fields on the ors and what some saw as exces- erty. Adding a bike path at the 24- The board concurred, with feet once the existing commercial corner of El Camino and Page sive simplicity of the cube wing, foot easement behind the building Vice Chair Randy Popp agree- buildings are demolished and the Mill Road and leased them to the the board was generally enthusi- would make commuting easier and ing that directing pedestrians and new development is constructed. city for 51 years for $1 per year. astic about the development. Even safer for students, Barker said. bicyclists toward the parking lot “The width of sidewalks, with In exchange, the city agreed to residents from the adjacent Col- Stanford has resisted this ap- would be dangerous. setting the building back, is ab- grant Stanford the right to build lege Terrace neighborhood had proach, arguing that the area next “If my son was riding to school solutely matching up with what 250 units on the two sites. good things to say about Stanford’s to the parking lot is intended to be out of this project, I would not let we’ve been asking for with all The 2500 El Camino Real de- housing proposal, noting that the primarily for cars and that direct- him ride through the parking lot,” of our zoning changes,” Malone velopment drew much praise and university had agreed to reduce its ing bicyclists to the area would Popp said. Prichard said, referring to a pro- little criticism from the board, construction hours in the evening do more harm than good. Chris- Though Popp suggested that posed sidewalk ordinance that which voted 5-0 to give Stan- and offer Eco Passes for VTA bus- topher Wuthman of Stanford Real the evolved design for the project is now being reviewed by local ford the go-ahead. The develop- es to building residents. Estate said the plan specifically may now be too simple, he joined boards and commission. “I ap- ment, located just north of Page The one area of contention had placed amenities for bicyclists and his colleagues in giving the de- preciate that.” N Mill, will consist of two wings: a to do with bike paths. Several pedestrians on well-used corridors velopment a green light. Chair Staff Writer Gennady Sheyner four-story brick west wing with a members of the College Terrace and destinations. This includes El Lee Lippert called it a “terrific can be emailed at gsheyner@ curved design intended to resem- Residents Association requested Camino, where the building’s set- project” and board member Clare paweekly.com. Page 8ÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°V Upfront
Palo Alto residents and city Expressways officials will have plenty of VÌÕi`ÊvÀÊ«>}iÊÇ® opportunities to opine on the county proposals. The proposed Other council members stressed expressway improvements will NEW the need to consider improve- be included in the county’s new ments for the entire stretch of General Plan, which will have to Page Mill and Oregon Express- undergo a detailed environmen- way, rather than just the highway tal analysis. The county plans to interchange. According to Rodri- release its “notice of preparation” guez, the county’s new express- for the plan next month and the way plan will do exactly that. In Palo Alto council is scheduled BRANCH addition to exploring the specific to hold its first discussion on the segments, Expressway 2040 will projects in Expressway Plan 2040 also include a focused study on on May 12. N the interchange, which will eval- Staff Writer Gennady Sheyner uate significant, long-term im- can be emailed at gsheyner@ provements. paweekly.com. OPENING Corrections The March 28 story about psychiatrist Peter Lucy’s planned battered women’s center incorrectly stated his age. Lucy was 64. The report card found was from 1926, not 1928. The Weekly regrets the error. To request a correction, contact Editor Jocelyn Dong at 650-223-6514, jdong@ paweekly.com or P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94302.
Online This Week WE INVITE YOU TO $ GRAND These and other news stories were posted on Palo Alto Online OPENING throughout the week. For longer versions, go to www.PaloAlto TAKE ADVANTAGE OFFER Online.com/news. 125 OF A SPECIAL Valid 04/02/14 - 04/23/14, Man who fought cops charged with murder A 34-year-old man who was arrested in February after a vio- OPPORTUNITY. only at this new location lent altercation with Palo Alto officers has been charged with a (Account subject to approval.) murder that took place in San Jose just hours earlier. (Posted April 3, 1:14 p.m.) Fallen tree injures sleeping man in shed A transient man sleeping inside a community garden shed on Newell Road Tuesday evening was trapped inside after a large oak tree fell on the building, crushing his leg. (Posted April 2, 11:49 a.m.) East Palo Alto backs new tenant-protection law East Palo Alto City Council Tuesday night unanimously threw Visit us at our newest location during its grand its support behind a new tenant-protection ordinance after hearing more than a dozen residents urge city officials to protect tenants opening. To celebrate, we’ll give $125 to new against displacement, a decline in affordable housing and an im- balance between tenants and landlords. (Posted April 2, 9:16 am.) checking customers who open a new Chase Total ® Texas felon busted after riding a motorcycle Checking account* and set up direct deposit. A Texas man who was pulled over in Palo Alto for riding with- out a helmet was arrested after a brief foot chase late Sunday night after officers learned that he is a wanted felon in his home state. (Posted April 1, 4:45 p.m.) Serious crash barely misses church A car crash along Palo Alto’s “church row” on Middlefield Road NOW OPEN barely missed hitting The Father’s House on Monday afternoon. (Posted March 31, 5:16 p.m.) Chevy Suburban flips on Palo Alto on-ramp The driver of a black Chevrolet Suburban lost control of his 855 El Camino Real vehicle in Palo Alto and flipped the car onto its roof on Monday Palo Alto, CA 94301 morning. (Posted March 31, 1:06 p.m.) Stanford admits 2,138 to Class of 2018 Stanford University sent acceptance and rejection notifications *Service Fee: Chase Total Checking has no Monthly Service Fee when you do any one of the following each statement period: Friday, March 28, to more than 40,000 high school students from Option #1: Have monthly direct deposits totaling $500 or more made to this account; OR, Option #2: Keep the daily balance in around the world who applied for admission to the undergraduate your checking account at or above $1,500; OR, Option #3: Keep an average daily balance of $5,000 or more in any combination of qualifying Chase checking, savings, and other balances. Otherwise a $10 Monthly Service Fee will apply. We will notify you of changes Class of 2018. (Posted March 31, 9:41 a.m.) to your account terms or fees. For more information, please see a banker or visit chase.com/checking.
Bonus/Account Information: Offer good 04/02/14 - 04/23/14 only at the 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA branch. Offer not available to existing Chase checking customers, those with fiduciary accounts, or those whose accounts have been closed within 90 days or closed with a negative balance. To receive the bonus: 1) Open a new Chase Total Checking account, which is subject to approval; ST. ANN ANGLICAN CHAPEL 2) Deposit a total of $100 within 10 business days of account opening; AND 3) Have your direct deposit made to this account within A TRADITIONAL EPISCOPAL CHURCH 60 days of account opening. Your direct deposit needs to be an electronic deposit of your paycheck, pension or government benefits 1928 PRAYER BOOK PARISH (such as Social Security) from your employer or the government. After you have completed all the above requirements, we’ll deposit the bonus in your new account within 10 business days. The bonus cannot be used as the opening deposit. You can only receive one new 541 Melville Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301 checking account-related bonus per calendar year. Employees of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and its affiliates are not eligible for this 650-838-0508 offer. Bonus is considered interest and will be reported on IRS Form 1099-INT. The Most Reverend Robert S. Morse, Vicar Account Closing: If your checking account is closed within six months after opening, we will deduct the bonus amount at closing. Reverend Matthew Weber, Assistant April 6 Passion Sunday 11am Choral Eucharist & Sermon ©2014 JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC Child Care Provided
ÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°VÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊU Page 9 Upfront CITY OF PALO ALTO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LAND USE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Palo Alto City Council will hold a public hearing at the regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, April 21, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. or as near thereafter as possible, in the Council Plan to widen El Camino Real Chambers, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, to consider Council Adoption of an Ordinance Modifying: (1) Chapter 18.16 of the Palo Alto sidewalks meets resistance Municipal Code (PAMC) to: (a) Address Sidewalk Width and Building Setbacks (Setback and “build-to” Line Standards, and Context Based Property owners criticize proposed ordinance as misguided, overly restrictive Design Criteria) Along El Camino Real, and (b) Reduce the Allowable by Gennady Sheyner Floor Area Ratio on CN Zoned Sites Where Dwelling Units are Permitted at 20 Units Per Acre; and (2) PAMC Chapter 18.04 to Adjust regional drive to turn El the Definition of Lot Area and Add a Definition for “Effective Sidewalk”. Camino Real into a pedes- A trian-friendly boulevard Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the provisions of CEQA per clashed with thorny reality Tues- section 15305 (Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations). day night as property owners in DONNA J. GRIDER, MMC Palo Alto lashed out at the city’s City Clerk effort to encourage wider side- walks along the prominent com- muter thoroughfare. About 15 property owners at- tended a public hearing at Creek- side Inn on Tuesday to hear city staff explain the city’s proposed sidewalk ordinance and offer in- put. The ordinance, which was prompted by a memo from City 6iÀV>Ê7iLiÀ Council members, seeks to expand A pedestrian walks along the sidewalk lining El Camino Real near the distance between curbs and the Olive Garden restaurant on April 2. Street trees further narrow buildings beyond the 12 feet that the sidewalk. the zoning code currently calls for. It would maintain the 12-foot on the public right of way due to by, enjoying their coffee,” Rizza minimum width while also requir- inadequate setbacks and building said. “I don’t see bicycles using ing an average building setback of articulation and openings to reduce El Camino.” It’s my job to show 15 to 18 feet along El Camino. the building mass.” “El Camino Real is not a great The ordinance provides flex- The council members pointed place to attract foot traffic,” he you the options to ibility based on context, which to the Grand Boulevard Initiative, later added. “It’s dangerous. It’s includes such factors as “land use, a regional effort that calls for a a highway.” consider when it adjacent properties’ existing build- minimum sidewalk width of 18 His was one of many skepti- ing setbacks, proposed or adjacent feet, significantly larger than the cal voices at Tuesday’s meeting. comes to insuring building design, and lot size.” The city’s existing 12-foot standard. Property owner Sal Giovanotto city’s Architectural Review Board, “The idea of El Camino im- lashed out against the city’s effort your assets. which issues recommendations on provements is to provide vitality to imitate European boulevards new developments, would consid- along the street,” French said. and argued that the movement er these factors in issuing its deci- In addition to adjusting sidewalk will accomplish nothing aside sions on particular projects. widths, the proposed ordinance Serving the community for over 24 years! from restricting residents’ rights. In addition, the proposed ordi- would also reduce the building “This thing is not helping any- nance would modify the existing density allowed at the 32 properties body,” Giovanotto said. “There is Charlie Porter Farmers® Agency “build to line” standard, which on El Camino zoned “neighbor- not a drop of advantage to any- License # 0773991 requires the front of the building hood commercial.” This provision body. No matter what you do, you 671-A Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park to be 12 feet away from the curb. was drafted in response to a recent have to pay a price.” [email protected] Under the new rules, the ground change in state law that allows Ken Weng, who also owns floor would be allowed to be set these properties to increase den- properties on El Camino, said further back from the curb, to cre- sity from 15 housing units per acre the new adjustments would have ate more space for pedestrians, to 20 units. In response, the City a particularly negative impact on while the top floor could extend Council directed staff to consider small properties, which already closer to the street. Features such reducing the “floor area ratio,” face heavy restrictions when it as columns or arcades could also which would effectively ensure that comes to redevelopment. be brought closer to the sidewalk. the additional units are small. “We want to see a nice El Chief Planning Official Amy “One of the goals is (to have) Camino Real,” Weng said. “The French said developers currently smaller units to meet that segment problem is, all the rules when you have to request a “design enhance- of the housing need,” French said. add them up together don’t make ment exception” if they want to set Though planning staff stressed sense with small properties.” their building back farther than 12 Tuesday that the new rules would Several speakers argued that if feet. The rule change would give only apply to new projects and not the city imposes new restrictions them more flexibility in setting the existing buildings, the caveat did on properties, it should relax oth- buildings away from the sidewalk. little to assuage the concerns of the er rules, including height limits The movement to change rules property owners. Many argued that for buildings next to residential along El Camino is rooted in both a the sidewalk ordinance would fur- properties. Because they would regional effort to enliven the corri- ther limit their abilities to redevel- no longer be allowed to be built dor and a local effort to reduce the op. Others dismissed the regional close to the sidewalk, property mass of new developments. Recent vision of turning El Camino into a owners should have the ability to developments on El Camino, in- “grand boulevard” as deeply mis- build higher, they said. cluding the Arbor Real townhouses guided, noting that the car-heavy Staff’s response that the height near Charleston Road and the new thoroughfare more closely resem- issue could be considered sepa- hotel at the former Palo Alto Bowl bles a highway than a promenade. rately but is not part of the cur- site, have attracted criticism from Joe Rizza, whose property is at the rent ordinance did little to assuage residents about their large mass and corner of El Camino and Fernando their concerns. proximity to the curb. In a memo Avenue, was one of many to ques- “You’re taking something away, last April, council members Greg tion whether the city really needs but you’re not allowing some sort Scharff, Karen Holman, Gail Price to encourage more pedestrian use of modifications to compensate and Greg Schmid argued that the on the thoroughfare. A pedestrian for that,” said Ben Cintz, who new projects have “generated con- who tries to cross El Camino at the owns property on El Camino and sternation in the community and a crosswalk near this property ef- Stanford Avenue. strong negative reaction by mem- fectively takes his life in his hands, The city’s Planning and Trans- bers of the public as to how close Rizza said. portation Commission is sched- the buildings are to the street and “I don’t see people sitting on uled to discuss the rule changes how the buildings turn their backs El Camino, with buses going on April 9. N Page 10ÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°V Upfront News Digest
6iÀV>Ê7iLiÀ APRIL 2014 COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMS Grocery Outlet opens at Alma Village For a complete list of classes and class fees, lectures and health education resources, Discount food store Grocery Outlet opened its first Palo Alto visit pamf.org/education. store on April 3 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A grand-opening celebration is set for Saturday, April 5. The retailer has filled the 18,000-square-foot vacancy left by Miki’s Farm Fresh Market in SOOTHING SEASONAL ALLERGIES Alma Village. Grocery Outlet will fill a niche not previously available in Palo Alto by offering name-brand products at a 40 to 70 percent Mountain View Center APRIL 8, 7 – 8:30 P.M. price reduction, owner-operator Tony Tenaglia said. The store, at 701 E. El Camino Real STEVEN RUBINSTEIN, M.D. 3445 Alma St., offers items from manufacturers’ overstocks, canceled Mountain View orders and discontinued packaging. It also sells fresh produce. N PAMF ALLERGY, ASTHMA AND IMMUNOLOGY — Sue Dremann (650) 934-7380 This presentation will discuss Palo Alto looks to shield two nonprofits the prevention and treatment of As senior and youth populations continue to grow in Palo Alto, seasonal allergies. the city is looking to change the long-standing relationship between City Hall and the two nonprofits that are most involved in serving these two demographics. The change is meant to shield the organizations — Avenidas and Palo Alto Community Child Care — from the year-to-year fluctuations in funding that local nonprofits receive from the city as part of the Human Services Resource Allocation Process, a city-funded grant program. The organizations are by far the biggest nonprofit recipients of city dol- FOOD IS YOUR MEDICINE lars. In the current fiscal year, they received $868,014 in grant funding San Carlos Library APRIL 28, 7 – 8:30 P.M. ($431,184 for Avenidas and $436,830 for Palo Alto Community Child 610 Elm Street Care), which comprised 76 percent of the total program budget. PATRICIA SANTANA, M.D. AND LINDA SHIUE, M.D. Under a proposal that the City Council’s Policy and Services San Carlos PAMF INTERNAL MEDICINE Committee backed by a 2-1 vote March 25, the nonprofits would be Call Rhea Bradley at funded separately rather than vying with dozens of other organiza- (650) 591-0341, ext. 237 Do you want to eat healthier but don’t know where to start? tions for city dollars. Do you feel like you don’t have the time or skills to cook? The grant program has been in place since 1984. In addition to Drs. Santana and Shiue will describe and demonstrate how consistently awarding Avenidas and PACCC more than $400,000 each in annual grants, the program provides much smaller contribu- to use your most powerful tool, your fork, to make healthy tions to more than a dozen other nonprofits, including Adolescent choices. What you choose to eat has a direct impact on Counseling Services, InnVision and the Downtown Streets Team. your health. Our hope is that you feel empowered in making The change, which still has to get the approval of the full City healthy choices, and can taste for yourself that there is no Council, was made at the request of Avenidas and PACCC and with full support of Councilman Larry Klein, who noted that the two need to compromise on taste! agencies have long had a special relationship with the city because they offer critical services that would otherwise have to be provided directly by the city. N — Gennady Sheyner UPCOMING LECTURES AND EVENTS Palo Alto selects new city auditor Palo Alto has concluded its search for a new city auditor, selecting Mountain View RAISING A SPIRITED CHILD a veteran from the City of Berkeley to fill the vacancy. MAY 13 The City Council will consider on Monday appointing Harriet Richardson to serve as the new city auditor, which is one of four positions that is selected directly by the council (the other three are Palo Alto city manager, city attorney and city clerk). Richardson will take over HIV PREVENTION STARTS AT HOME a position that has been vacant since Jim Pelletier resigned in Sep- MAY 13 tember to lead the American Center of Government Auditing. Senior Performance Auditor Houman Boussina has been leading the department as an acting city auditor since Pelletier’s departure. San Carlos If the council approves at its April 7 meeting a recommendation A MOVING TARGET: BLOOD PRESSURE AND from its Council Appointed Officers Committee, Richardson will CHOLESTEROL GUIDELINES start her new job on April 15. She will receive a salary of $167,500, according to a report the city released Wednesday afternoon. MAY 19 The report notes that Richardson was selected after a “national search” and interviews with numerous finalists. It cites Richardson’s “extensive experience” in government auditing, including in Berkeley, Washington state, Atlanta and San Francisco. Her most recent posi- tion is with Berkeley, where she has been serving as audit manager. The Office of the City Auditor is charged with conducting perfor- mance audits and annual reviews of city departments and releasing the annual Service Efforts and Accomplishments report, which looks at performance results of each department over a five-year period. N pamf.org/education — Gennady Sheyner
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From Page Mill Road to Cali- Park Boulevard fornia Avenue, “there’s nothing Accidents on Park Blvd. January 2013 – March 21, 2014 VÌÕi`ÊvÀÊ«>}iÊx® slowing traffic down,” he said. Locations are approximate Alice Jacobs, a mother who Oregon car ended up in the plate-glass win- lives nearby on Sherman Avenue, dow, an almost identical incident was home when the March 15 Alma St nearly occurred at that location. accident occurred. She and her Expressway Page Mill Rd As a pedestrian watched, a driver husband heard the loud crash be- turning left from Sherman Avenue tween 9:30 and 10 p.m. BIKE BIKE VEHICLE VEHICLE almost collided with a pickup truck “Someone was going south on injury injury injury injury driving south on Park. The sedan Park and was crossing the inter- had turned in front of the truck section, and they T-boned a per- Park Blvd without hesitating. son crossing from Sherman. The VEHICLE VEHICLE UNKNOWN Todd Burke, president of the car was thrown into the law build- no injury injury no injury
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minium complex, said such close If someone was walking there Ave Ave calls are routine. Residents of the when that accident occurred, they Birch St ifornia 141-unit complex use Sherman on could have been wiped out if it oc- l Grant Ca Sheridan the east side of Park Boulevard to curred during the day,” she said. Sherman exit the complex, but for whatever Jacobs’ husband witnessed a >«ÊLÞÊ- >Ê ÀiÞ reason, northbound traffic on Park collision between a car and a bi- Park Boulevard has been the scene of vehicle-vehicle, vehicle-bicycle and vehicle-pedestrian accidents, often speeds, he said. There is of- cyclist on Oct. 30 just north of the seven between January 2013 and March 21 this year. ten a blind spot on the corner when same intersection, she said. a vehicle parks there, he said. “The cyclist was heading south- tion,” she said. provements, Chief Transportation additional crosswalks and speed- “If there is a truck parked on bound on Park Boulevard, and a Burke said the street is danger- Official Jaime Rodriguez said. It reduction devices — perhaps in Sherman and there’s a bicyclist parked driver opened his car door ous for pedestrians. resurfaced Park Boulevard south the form of raised crosswalks and or a speeding car and I can’t see across the bike lane without look- “Have you ever seen how many of California Avenue last sum- flashing beacons to alert drivers them coming, it’s a bit of a leap of ing first. The cyclist was seriously people are walking on that street mer and added wider bicycle lanes when pedestrians are crossing, he faith,” he said. injured and needed medical atten- when people are getting off the with green bike-lane markings said. He wouldn’t mind a speed train to go to the AOL building? and intersection improvements at hump or two, although that would There is significant traffic,” he Page Mill Road, he said. be controversial, he said. said. The City Council approved A study by Fehr & Peers Trans- Several employees at tech firms additional studies as part of the portation Consultants for planning said they are fearful of crossing Park Boulevard Bicycle Boule- and preliminary environmental the street, which has only one vard project on March 17. The assessments is scheduled to take crosswalk at Page Mill Road. improvements would be decided 18 months, with public outreach “I wish there were more cross- upon after the traffic studies and in about one year, according to a walks. It’s a death trap for pedes- bicycle/pedestrian counts and Planning Department report. N trians,” a Groupon employee said community outreach, he said. Staff Writer Sue Dremann on his way to lunch. Burke said his vision for a can be emailed at sdremann@ The city has made some im- safer boulevard would include paweekly.com. Not in Our Schools VÌÕi`ÊvÀÊ«>}iÊx® Inspirations Gunn students join in a “National Day of Silence” to call attention a guide to the spiritual community to that issue, with teachers noti- fied ahead of time about which students are participating. FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, UCC Not in Our Schools is a project of the Oakland-based nonprofit media £nxÊÕÃÊ,>`]Ê*>ÊÌÊUÊÈxä®ÊnxÈÈÈÈÓÊUÊÜÜÜ°vVV«>°À}Ê company The Working Group. The Sunday Worship and Church School at 10 a.m. group, which produced the PBS This Sunday:Not So Subtle series “Not in Our Town,” says it combines media and outreach ef- Rev. David Howell preaching forts to “battle against intolerance” and encourage democracy and citi- An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ We celebrate Marriage Equality zen participation. The group’s director, Becki Cohn-Vargas, formerly an admin- istrator with the Palo Alto school district, said Gunn has become a model campus in the national Not in Our Schools effort. “The kind of acceptance and in- clusion we focus on has become part of the daily fabric of their school,” Cohn-Vargas said. “They have created a model where teach- ers in all departments take respon- sibility for opening dialogue on issues of ending bullying and of creating identity-safe classrooms where all students belong.” Also observing Not in Our Schools next week will be Jordan Middle School. Terman Middle School held Not in Our Schools Inspirations is a resource for ongoing religious services week March 3 to 7. Palo Alto High and special events. To inquire about or to reserve space in School and JLS Middle School Inspirations, please contact Blanca Yoc at 223-6596 will observe it April 21 to 25. N or email [email protected] Staff Writer Chris Kenrick can be emailed at ckenrick@ paweekly.com. Page 12ÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°V Upfront
CityViewA round-up of Palo Alto government action this week City Council The council did not meet this week. Architectural Review Board (April 3) 2500 El Camino Real: The board approved a proposal by Stanford University for a 70-unit affordable-housing development at 2500 El Camino Real. Yes: Unanimous Public Agenda A preview of Palo Alto government meetings next week
CITY COUNCIL ... The council plans to hold a study session with the Public Arts Commission. The council then plans to consider renaming the Main Library and discuss the long-term financial forecast for fiscal years 2015 to 2024. The meeting with the arts commission will begin at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 7, in the Council Conference Room at City Hall (250 Hamilton Ave.). The rest of the meeting will follow in the Council Chambers.
PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ... The commission will discuss the proposed sidewalk ordinance, which includes a require- ment for an average sidewalk width of 15 to 18 feet, a modification of the “build to line” provision and a reduction of allowed floor-area-ratio at “neighborhood commercial” zones by El Camino Real. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, in the Council Chambers at City Hall (250 Hamilton Ave.).
COUNCIL REGIONAL HOUSING MANDATE COMMITTEE ... The council plans to consider housing-inventory sites for the the 2015-23 Housing Element and review the Housing Element goals, policies and programs. The meeting will begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, in the Council Conference Room at City Hall (250 Hamilton Ave.).
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ÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°VÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊU Page 13 Upfront ÕÀÌiÃÞÊ,ÞÃÌÊ>>ÌÊiÞÊEÊLiÞÊÊ Designs have recently been finalized for the inclusive Magical Bridge Playground, which will be constructed at Mitchell Park.
Magical climb zone” will have four differ- the existing areas that offers open VÌÕi`ÊvÀÊ«>}iÊx® ent slides (including one with a space for groups to play in and curve and one with a banister) and creates a “retreat” area for chil- array of play features and land- a climbing area with “spiral tube dren looking for a break from the scape elements that will accom- climbers” that will help children rest of the playground. modate children both with and scale that slide mound. Hill said the playground will in- without disabilities. The “music zone” will feature clude other elements aimed at at- The playground will be com- musical equipment such as stacked tracting children with disabilities, posed of seven play zones, each bells, drums, chimes, a “metal- including “tactile domes” and a centered around a different type laphone” (several metal poles fiberglass map of the playground of play activity. The design was that create a tone when hit) and a that will allow visually impaired created by Royston Hamamoto, “laser harp,” that uses laser lights children to orient themselves. Alley and Abey, the same archi- that, when disrupted, make sounds Jensen said the city will continue tecture firm that designed Mitch- such as musical notes and rustling to look at replacing the bridge over PARENTS AND KIDS THINK ell Park in the 1950s. leaves, according to a staff report. Adobe Creek and will look for grant The largest of these is the The “natural play” zone, lo- opportunities to make this project THEY’RE “SICK”. “swing zone,” which will include a cated near two oak trees, will possible. The proposed design, he swing set with six harness chairs, include a two-story playhouse, a said, will not prevent the future re- a two-dish swing that can accom- stage and an elevated tree walk placement of the structure. modate two children, a sway boat offering views of Mitchell Park. The city’s Parks and Recre- that allows wheelchair access, a The tree walk, according to the ation Commission had nothing roller table with pull up bars and report, “creates the sense of being but praise for the playground dur- an exercise area for adults. up in the trees, which a majority ing a brief March 25 discussion, The “spinning zone” will in- of those with limited mobility do with Deirdre Crommie calling it clude five play elements, includ- not have a chance to experience.” “beautiful” and saying she “can’t ing a wheelchair-accessible mer- Cordry Hill, the architect who wait to see it.” Chair Jennifer Het- ry-go-round and various spinning created the design, said one of the terley agreed. apparatuses, each accommodating key feelings that the firm tried to “This is exciting,” Hetterley multiple users. A “tot-a-lot zone” capture in this play area is that of said. “(I) can’t wait for it to come will be geared toward children being the “king of the mountain” to life.” N ages 2 through 5 and will include or on the “top of the fort.” Staff Writer Gennady Sheyner a double slide, a climbing wall The final zone is the “open can be emailed at gsheyner@ and a spinning bowl. A “slide and play zone,” a turfed section near paweekly.com.
The Jean and Bill Lane Lecture Series 2013–2014
Presents Kathryn Harrison Reading MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2014, 8:00 PM Meet our two very popular pediatricians, Dr. Sky Pittson and Dr. Sarah Cueva. Parents like that they can talk to CEMEX AUDITORIUM them directly instead of going through a nurse. And ZAMBRANO HALL, 641 KNIGHT WAY kids like them enough to stop by on their bikes just to STANFORD UNIVERSITY say “hi”. We think that’s pretty “sick”, or as some say, “cool”. “Acutely conscious of the ways in which the past If that appeals to you, we shapes the present, Ms. Harrison writes with skill, invite you to do what the passion and a fierce need to make sense of her characters’ lives.” kids do, stop by and say “hi”. – MICHIKO KAKUTANI, New York Times Old-fashioned values. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Modern medicine. Concierge Medicine INFORMATION: 650.723.0011 HTTP://CREATIVEWRITING.STANFORD.EDU
650.851.4747 • WWW.VILLAGEDOCTOR.COM Sponsored by Stanford University’s Creative Writing Program
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Theft related We are now accepting children with September and October birthdays! Commercial burglaries ...... 2 Identity theft ...... 1 BRING IN THIS COUPON WITH YOUR TOUR Petty theft ...... 2 AND RECEIVE A FREE KIDS T-SHIRT! Residential burglaries ...... 5 Vehicle related Abandoned auto ...... 1 Abandoned bicycle ...... 1 Auto theft ...... 2 Bicycle theft ...... 1 Driving w/ suspended license ...... 1 Hit and run ...... 1 Misc. traffic...... 4 Theft from auto ...... 2 Vehicle accident/minor injury ...... 2 North County Open House Vehicle accident/property damage . . . 4 Auto recovery ...... 1 Alcohol or drug related Drunk in public ...... 3 Updates on Local VTA Projects Possession of drugs ...... 2 Drinking in public ...... 1 Miscellaneous VTA is hosting two Open Houses to update the public on current transportation projects Animal call ...... 1 False info to police ...... 1 in North Santa Clara County. The event offers an opportunity for members of the public Found property ...... 2 Lost property ...... 2 to directly discuss with key project staff the latest information regarding the following Psych subject ...... 1 Suspicious circumstances ...... 2 VTA projects: Terrorist threat ...... 1 Vandalism...... 4 Warrant/other agency ...... 3 /LJKW5DLO(IILFLHQF\3URMHFW0RXQWDLQ9LHZ'RXEOH7UDFNLQJ3URMHFW Menlo Park March 25-30 Violence related 65DQG86([SUHVV/DQHV Battery ...... 2 Child abuse ...... 1 %XV5DSLG7UDQVLWRQ(O&DPLQR5HDO Theft related Attempted burglary ...... 1 Fraud ...... 3 %XVDQG/LJKW5DLO6HUYLFHLQ1RUWK&RXQW\ Grand theft ...... 1 Identity theft ...... 2 Petty theft ...... 2 Residential burglary ...... 1 Vehicle related Auto recovery ...... 1 7ZR2SHQ+RXVHVHVVLRQVDUHVFKHGXOHGRQ$SULO Bicycle theft ...... 1 Driving w/ suspended license...... 4 Mountain View City Hall Council Chambers Hit and run ...... 3 Theft from auto...... 3 500 Castro Street, Mountain View Vehicle accident/minor injury ...... 2 Vehicle accident/no injury ...... 2 Vehicle tow ...... 3 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 am, and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Alcohol or drug related Defraud of an innkeeper ...... 1 Drunken driving ...... 1 Transit Options: H&S investigation ...... 1 Possession of drugs ...... 1 VTA Bus Line 35 serves this location during the hours of both meetings, with additional Under influence of drugs ...... 1 Narcotics info call ...... 1 bus service available two blocks away on El Camino Real and VTA Light Rail and Miscellaneous Caltrain service available four blocks away at the Mountain View Transit Center. Disturbing phone calls ...... 1 Embezzlement ...... 1 Additionally, during the earlier meeting, VTA Bus Lines 34, 51 and 52 also serve this location. Found property ...... 2 Info. case ...... 1 Lost property ...... 1 Medical aid ...... 1 Missing person ...... 1 Outside assist ...... 2 Page 16ÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°V Doris Loraine Shumate Salabert Doris Loraine Shumate Salabert was born August 8, 1929 in Wheeler, Ar- kansas and passed away peacefully on March 20, 2014 in Spanish Fork, Utah. TransitionsBirths, marriages and deaths Doris was a long time resident of Palo Alto, CA before moving to Utah Lawrence Johnson of Caldwell, Idaho; stepson Brad- A memorial service will be held in 2012. Doris moved to Palo Alto Lawrence “Larry” Johnson, a ley W. Hanson of Cobb, Calif.; on April 27 at 2 p.m. at the family in 1946 with her parents Alfred and Hewlett-Packard materials engi- and five grandchildren. home in Los Altos. Lena Shumate. Doris was a senior in neer, died on March 22 in his Los high school and attended Palo Alto Altos home, with his children by SUBMITTING TRANSITIONS ANNOUNCEMENTS his side. He was 89. High School (Paly), where she met her Born in 1924, he grew up in future husband John Salabert. They Washington, D.C., the son of The Palo Alto Weeklys Transitions page is devoted to births, both graduated from Paly in 1947 and were married soon after. Both Aaron G. Johnson and Ruth M. weddings, anniversaries and deaths of local residents. John and Doris worked at the Salabert family laundry, then Liddi- Obituaries for local residents are a free editorial service. Send (Westcott) Johnson. He went coats market and finally they both retired from Palo Alto School Dis- to school at Alice Deal Jr. High information to Obituaries, Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo and then Woodrow Wilson High Alto, CA 94302, or fax to 650-326-3928, or email to editor@ trict. Doris loved Paly and working around the kids as the manager School. He also joined the cadets paweekly.com. Please include the name and telephone number for the Paly snack/lunch bar. You could always see her and John at the and played cello before graduat- of a person who might provide additional information about the sporting events, especially football, and basketball games. Doris and ing in 1942. deceased. Photos are accepted and printed on a space-available John were married 57 years at the time of John’s passing in 2005. In 1942, he received a scholar- basis. The Weekly reserves the right to edit obituaries for space Doris is survived by her children, Thomas Salabert of Span- ship enabling him to attend Car- and format considerations. negie Institute of Technology. Announcements of a local resident’s recent wedding, anniversary ish Fork, Utah, Denise Hochscheid of Severn, MD, Steven (wife WWII interrupted; after basic or birth are also a free editorial service. Photographs are accepted Rae) Salabert of Livermore, CA, Kenneth (wife Desiree) of Menlo training in Florida, he spent two for weddings and anniversaries. These notices are published as Park, CA, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In quarters at Stanford University as space is available. Send announcements to the mailing, fax or email addition Doris is survived by her sister, Lee Canderle, of Sunny- part of the Army Special Training addresses listed above. vale, CA, and her brother Alfred Shumate, of Paradise, CA, sister- Program. He served at Oceanside, in-law, Jacqueline Salabert, of Asheville, NC. She also has many San Luis Obispo, Monterey and the Presidio in San Francisco. He nieces and nephews in California and Arkansas. was discharged in 1946 and re- Doris was a loving wife, friend, sister, mother, grandmother turned to college. He graduated Harold “Hal” Curry and great-grandmother who touched the lives of so many. The with a bachelor’s degree in phys- door at the Salabert family house on Lincoln Ave. Was always ics in 1948 and a master’s degree March 31, 1931 – March 31, 2014 open to all, especially on Saturday nights for her famous steak, in electrical engineering in 1949. homemade fries and garlic bread dinners. While in Pennsylvania, he met Harold “Hal” Curry, a 20 year resident of Menlo Park and Celebration of life will be sometime in August in Palo Alto. Isabel Beck. They grew close and East Palo Alto, died on his 83rd birthday, March 31. He Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.walkerobits.com married in 1947. She died in 1955. always enjoyed having his birth date read 3-31-1931! A retired In 1956, he started working for PAID OBITUARY Hewlett-Packard. He first worked accomplished teacher, counselor, and vice principal over a long in oscilloscopes before focusing career with the San Jose Unified District, his final illness came on materials management and on suddenly after a 3 year decline due to Parkinson’s disease semi-conductors. After 30 years, and cognitive complications. NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING he retired. He lived his life with a Joie de Vivre that started from his While at HP, he met Esther of the City of Palo Alto Hoosier roots in Anderson, then Ft. Wayne, Indiana. After (Wilson) Hanson, a young widow Historic Resources Board [HRB] herself with a son, Brad. They earning his Master of Science in Education from Indiana married in 1957 and soon built University he began his teaching career. Hal’s love of all their first of three Los Altos things French began at the same time after an extended stay 8:00 A.M., Wednesday, April 16, 2014 Palo Alto Council houses. Their marriage lasted 54 in Paris when the mode of transport to the continent was by Chambers, 1st Floor, Civic Center, 250 Hamilton Avenue. years, until Esther died in 2011. ocean voyage. Plans may be reviewed at the Development Center at 285 He lived in Los Altos for 57 years. Among other hobbies, he During his professional life in Education he also began an over Hamilton Avenue or online at: http://www.cityofpaloalto. loved listening to and collecting 3 decade’s long love affair with the study and appreciation of org/planningprojects; contact Diana Tamale for additional jazz music in LP, CD and other wine. Hal developed his expertise when he worked on weekends information during business hours at 650.329.2144. formats. as a tasting room manager for Weibel wineries from 1976 to 261 Hamilton Avenue [13PLN-00267]: Application He is predeceased by brother 1994. After retiring he continued teaching classes on wines by Cody Anderson Wasney Architects for Architectural Lewis R. Johnson and sisters and wine appreciation at West Valley College, Foothill College Elizabeth W. Johnson and Mar- Review and Historic Resources Board review of a proposed and other places. He also enjoyed working at Printer’s Inc. in ian Chase. He is survived by son reclassification of the 261 Hamilton Building, designed Douglas S. Johnson of Mountain Palo Alto, the Menlo Park Library, and conducting weekly wine by Birge Clark in 1927 and located in the Ramona Street View; daughter Elizabeth R. J. M. tastings at BevMo in Mountain View. Hal thoroughly enjoyed Mamer (and her husband Phillip) and was also much appreciated for his volunteer work with the Historic District, from Category 3 on the City’s Historic Palo Alto Police Dept. He was a dependable, knowledgeable Inventory to Category 2. The application includes a request tour guide to many groups of scouts, school groups and other for Architectural Review and Historic Resources Board Visit organizations. Always a favorite of his tours was a chance for review of a Historic Rehabilitation of the building and review the children to see a Police dog in a patrol car! of a 5,907 square-foot addition at the rear of the building Lasting He is survived by his wife Janet Curry, daughter Elise allowed by relocating square footage from the existing Curry, son Timothy Curry, and grandchildren Grant and basement for a net zero gain in floor area; the approved Memories Helena Curry. Historic Rehabilitation would generate 15,000 square feet of A memorial service, open to the public, will be held at 12 Transferable Development Rights. Zone District: CD-C(GF) An online directory noon, Friday, April 11, in the chapel at Alta Mesa Funeral (P). Environmental Assessment: Exempt from the California of obituaries and Home, 695 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94306. Officiating Environmental Quality Act per Sections 15331 Historical Resource Rehabilitation and 15301 Existing Facilities. remembrances. will be the Rev. Bethany Hannon of Unity Palo Alto. Search obituaries, Donations may be made in Hal’s memory to KCEA Steven Turner, Advance Planning Manager Memories, 89.1 FM, 555 Middlefield Rd., Atherton, CA 94027, submit a memorial, (650) 306-8823. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals share a photo. In addition, please listen to a Frank Sinatra song that speaks with disabilities. To request an accommodation for this meeting or an alternative format for any related printed materials, please Go to: to you and especially, “My Way”, a song that Hal said contained his favorite quotation, “I did it my way”. Also, any Herb Caen contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at 650.329.2550 (voice) or PaloAltoOnline.com/ by e-mailing [email protected]. obituaries column you can find! PAID OBITUARY ÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°VÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊU Page 17 Editorial What’s in a name? Is coming up with a name for the new ‘main’ library really worth all this fuss? very so often, the Palo Alto City Council gets itself into a self-inflicted mess that creates frustration and cynicism Editorials, letters and opinions E about government and just makes everyone look silly. Spectrum The debate over whether a new name is needed for what is now known as the Main Library when it re-opens after its renovation is Jobs housing ratio in medicine. Many medical terms they are just beginning or have such an issue, and is resurfacing for even more discussion at next Editor, are directly taken from Latin. been studying the language for Monday’s City Council meeting. Mr. Thorwaldson’s article “Palo This is because the Romans were five years. We all recognize that We suggest the council recognize the folly of its earlier efforts Alto’s highest-anywhere jobs/ one of the first peoples to prac- French 1 students need very dif- tice medicine. With Latin, we can ferent instruction than do the stu- to micromanage this process, adopt the harmless and appropriate housing imbalance causing real facilitate the learning of medical dents in French 5. Students who “Rinconada Library” name recommended by both the Library problems” was excellent — Palo Alto has over three jobs for each terms. Latin would also help in do not know their alphabet or are Advisory Commission and the Palo Alto Historical Association housing unit, by far the highest the study of historical literature. functionally illiterate in English and declare victory. imbalance in the region. Where Because of these reasons, I have very different needs than Spare yourselves the ridicule that is sure to come if you repeat is Palo Alto’s Review Process? would encourage our school students reading and writing flu- the tortured discussion from last time and prevent another un- Example: CEQA, the State En- boards to consider offering Latin ently at a college level. Group- needed community debate. vironmental Quality Process, re- as a foreign language. ing them together either gives For inexplicable reasons, the naming of the library seems really quires an Initial Study (basically Jaydev Bhateja the teacher an impossible job, or important to some members of the council. a checklist) for each project for La Cresta Drive, else they teach to the middle and Councilmember Larry Klein has had a strong and persistent de- the “responsible agency” (city) Los Altos Hills ignore the students at both ends of the spectrum. We track our sire to name the library after a famous, deceased Palo Alto person. to complete. Questions include: foreign language instruction by Back in September, when this first came to the City Council, surely Will the project conflict with Tracking works Comprehensive Plan policies? Is Editor, level for a very good reason, and with the staff expecting a simple adoption of the recommended it likely to cause cumulative im- This letter is in response to a track English for the exact same name, Klein was able to get just enough votes for a crafty motion pacts? Does it negatively impact guest opinion recommending reason. directing the council’s policy committee, on which Klein serves, the Jobs/Housing imbalance? abolishing lanes for English class- Sue Kayton to either propose the name of a person or recommend retaining While I cannot speak to all of es in our local public schools. The Doris Drive, Menlo Park the name “Main” Library. The name “Rinconada” or any other the 40-plus reports prepared for author cited the case of Finland, name based on geography or history was not off the table, given recent commercial projects, those which does not have tracking. Vegetation will win the wording of the motion. that I have reviewed all say “No” Finland has a largely homoge- Editor, The vote was 4-3, with Gail Price, Karen Holman and Pat Burt to each of those questions — no neous, stationary population. The “Don’t fight lost battles” is an joining Klein, and Greg Scharff, Nancy Shepherd and Greg Schmid potential impact or cumulative Peninsula and Palo Alto do not. important phrase and concept dissenting. Liz Kniss, who then chaired the Policy and Services impacts on jobs/housing or traf- We have a highly mobile popula- when one is involved in political fic and (really hard to believe) no tion with a sizable number of im- and ethical battles like trying to Committee, and Marc Berman were absent. conflicts with the Comprehensive migrants who often arrive with prevent a beautiful, wooded wa- Then when the policy committee took up the issue last Decem- Plan. And, they say parking is a little or no formal education. terway being turned into a cement ber, with it being obvious that the committee was evenly split, “social” impact, not an environ- Putting everyone in the same walled storm drain in the name of Klein and Price moved to return the matter to the City Council mental impact — so they don’t English class would be like hav- flood control. It is gratifying when with a recommendation for a new directive back to the committee ever mention parking. ing everyone who is learning to come up with the name of a “distinguished person in Palo Alto CEQA is intended to inform French in the same class, whether VÌÕi`ÊÊ«>}iÊÓä) history” as the new name for the library. That motion failed on a the public and the decision mak- 2-2 vote, with Kniss and Holman voting “no.” ers about possible problems, not WHAT DO YOU THINK? So now back to the full council the library-naming issue comes, gloss over potential issues. But right back where it started seven months ago and no closer to reso- this Council can say: “Well no, The Palo Alto Weekly encourages comments on our coverage I never knew there would be a lution. or on issues of local interest. problem, staff never told me.” But This is hardly what citizens of Palo Alto want our City Council they know. Members of the resi- or staff spending its time on. dential public have told them time What would you call the The council-adopted process for naming city facilities was fol- and again. Commercial forces — lowed. The Library Advisory Commission, which is appointed by not so much. renovated “Main” library? the council, met twice in 2012 to review possible names and to en- Ken Alsman sure that they met the renaming criteria. It decided to recommend Addison Avenue, Palo Alto the name “Rinconada,” based on the proximity of the park, the Let’s teach Latin Submit letters to the editor of up to 300 words to [email protected]. fact it is the name of the original land grant for that portion of the Submit guest opinions of 1,000 words to [email protected]. Include your city, and due to the name “Main” no longer seeming appropriate Editor, name, address and daytime phone number so we can reach you. since it will not be the largest library, nor will it house the library I think Latin should be offered We reserve the right to edit contributions for length, objectionable content, administrative staff. as a foreign language in public libel and factual errors known to us. Anonymous letters will generally not be ac- schools. Latin is a very useful cepted. Submitting a letter to the editor or guest opinion constitutes a granting The Palo Alto Historical Association gave its blessing in June of permission to the Palo Alto Weekly and Embarcadero Media to also publish it language for several reasons. 2013, believing it to be a historically appropriate name. online, including in our online archives and as a post on Town Square. First, words in English have For more information contact Editor Jocelyn Dong or Editorial Assistant While there is nothing inherently wrong with considering the many roots in Latin. Though Sam Sciolla at [email protected] or 650-326-8210. names of individuals, no one has been able to come up with any English is a Germanic language, person who had a major role in developing the city’s library system it has been influenced by Latin in that might make an appropriate option. So instead, some have sug- many ways. An example of this gested naming the library simply after famous people who made is the English word “egotistical,” important contributions to our region, such as David Packard, Wil- meaning “self-centered.” It comes liam Hewlett, Steve Jobs and the like. from the Latin word for “I,” “ego.” Now Klein and Price, “in order to move this matter forward,” Many other words in Latin have influenced those in English just have sent a memorandum to their colleagues stating they will make like this one. Therefore, learning a motion Monday night that the library be named after “Palo Alto’s Latin will give us a deeper under- most beloved architect” Birge Clark. standing of English. This suggestion, seemingly out of nowhere, sets the stage for Second, the Romance languag- another long and awkward discussion over what deceased former es are Italian, French, Portuguese, Palo Alto community leader is more deserving than another for the Spanish and Romanian. 13.7 per- honor of having a library named after them. cent of the people in California This is the wrong path for naming the new “Main” library and speak only Spanish. Because unworthy of any more time. Absent a clear consensus around a Spanish came from Latin, learn- person, which clearly does not exist, the Council would be smart ing Latin makes comprehending Spanish easier and also helps us to adopt “Rinconada” and be done with it. understand four other languages. Third, Latin is extremely useful Page 18ÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°V Check out Town Square! Hundreds of local topics are being discussed by local residents on Town Square, a reader forum sponsored by the Weekly on our community website at www.PaloAltoOnline.com. Post your own comments, ask questions, read the Editor’s blog or just stay up on what people are talking about around town! Off Deadline Local jobs/housing gap creates insoluble social, environmental dilemma by Jay Thorwaldson per household. Two-worker households Open-space advocates succeeded in a sub-regional housing push would fall short ometimes emerged with the liberation of women and creating the Midpeninsula Regional Open of getting the imbalance down, and resistance the best in- the need simply to pay bills in a tighter Space District, which to date has acquired to increased density would quickly wake up S tentions can world, led by rents and mortgages. and permanently dedicated more than the so-called bedroom communities. create the worst With that many more jobs than houses, a 60,000 acres of land from south of Los Ga- The Association of Bay Area Govern- results. huge number of Palo Alto employees were tos to San Carlos and from San Francisco ments (ABAG) has attempted to assign That in a nut- forced to look for housing outside of Palo Alto, Bay to the Pacific Ocean. (Disclosure: I housing goals to individual communities, shell describes the initially in nearby communities but increas- drafted the 1970 Palo Alto Times’ editorial but the hundreds of units assigned to Palo so far insurmount- ingly further afield. Most of us have known or suggesting that such a district be created.) Alto and other communities have generated able imbalance worked with someone commuting from Mor- But open space is not an end-all. There are serious resistance. So far the goals have had between jobs and gan Hill or Gilroy, or the East Bay, or even vast areas of America that have lots of wide no “teeth” — as in penalties or firm require- housing in Palo Stockton and Manteca in the Central Valley. open spaces but which have no economy. ments. Some baby teeth are in the latest Alto — now about Has anyone qualified as the longest dai- Then, in parallel with the slow-growth/ round, such as losing state or federal grants 3.13 jobs for every ly commuter? In 1973, the average was 18 open space movements, a bitterly cruel thing if communities fail to meet standards. household — far worse than it was 40 years miles one way. It’s now estimated at 20- happened to family budgets: Gasoline pric- Alternatives to cars seem ineffectual. There ago. something miles. That’s average, not the es skyrocketed. Those who couldn’t afford is no active region-wide move to streamline That figure, by far the highest in the re- range, and is offset by those who hardly housing in or near Palo Alto suddenly dis- transit services and improve schedule “ar- gion if not all of Northern California, was commute at all. Hours on the road don’t covered they were hard-pressed to fill their ticulation” between counties and BART or reported recently by the San Jose Business seem to even be measured. tanks — a double economic whammy. Caltrain. There is vigorous opposition to the Journal. The environmental impact became sig- Use of available transit systems increased, proposed high-speed rail service that would It’s not news that Palo Alto leads the pack nificant: Some commutes began exceeding but still lags — in part because the Bay Area run up the Peninsula. Electrification of Cal- in the so-called jobs/housing imbalance. In one or even two hours, with the consequent is notoriously poor in linking its independent train is on the table, but with many hurdles 1973, I wrote a detailed article for the Cry burning of gasoline and air pollution, made transit systems. A Palo Altan returning from ahead and few if any plans to add grade sepa- California magazine, the journal of the Cal- worse with inevitable traffic backups. a trip to Europe observed it was easier get- rations at cross streets. ifornia Tomorrow organization — a strong There was a social cost: Long-distance ting around Paris on public transportation The bottom line is that there is simply no advocate for regional and statewide plan- commuters lost their after-work hours, not speaking French than getting around the overall solution to the economic, social and ning from 1961 to its dissolution in 1983. from community softball teams to volun- Bay Area as a native English speaker. environmental catastrophe that has been In a column in the March 14 Weekly I teer time to simple relaxation and family And there is no relief in sight. created by our citizens and leadership over noted that the imbalance in the late 1960s time. Their “home” communities never got Palo Alto neighborhoods are in revolt the past half century, beyond some small and early 1970s was 2.5 jobs per house- those activities either, because some barely against overflow parking and overdevel- mitigating actions. hold, even then one of the worst any- get home in time for family dinners, or to opment of commercial/office buildings. It’s hard to assign blame to well-meaning where. (See www.paloaltoonline.com/ hug their kids goodnight. Even a low-income senior-housing project people struggling to preserve a “liveable” square/2014/03/14/off-deadline-palo-altos- Meanwhile, a continuing citizen rebellion was rejected by voters last year because community and neighborhood, or to preserve highest-anywhere-jobshousing-imbalance- against overdevelopment of Palo Alto and too many market-priced houses (12) were the priceless open-space backdrop of the causing-real-problems.) the Peninsula was well underway. In the also included in a small court in Palo Alto’s Skyline Ridge and Santa Cruz Mountains. The imbalance already was pushing up late 1960s Palo Alto rejected higher-density Barron Park area. But we still need to acknowledge the insol- housing prices in Palo Alto, along with the housing plans proposed for its vast foothills But even a full-steam-ahead housing push uble dilemma we have created out of all those “lighthouse” school district and being a region, as large an area as the city’s devel- could not tame the jobs/housing imbalance — years of good intentions. N great place to live and work. oped flatlands. One early study suggested if sites were available and local residents de- Former Weekly Editor Jay Thorwald- And that was at a time when the pre- 50,000 people could be housed in the hills cided to allow major housing developments. son can be emailed at jthorwaldson@ dominant family pattern was one worker up to Skyline Ridge. Even including surrounding communities in paweekly.com and/or [email protected]. Streetwise What local art have you taken in lately? What were your thoughts? Ãi`ÊÊ/ÜÊEÊ ÕÌÀÞÊ6>}i°Ê+ÕiÃÌÊ>`ÊÌiÀÛiÜÃÊLÞÊi>Ê*ÀiÃÃiÃÞ° Anson Averell Avi Shabtai Hilary Donahue Phil Maskiewicz Lucie Fleming ÀiiÊ-ÌÀiiÌ]Ê >ÃÌÊ*>ÊÌ iÀ}>Ê-ÌÀiiÌ]Ê*>ÊÌ ÀiÌÊ>ÀÌiÊ-ÌÀiiÌ]Ê*>ÊÌ iV Ê7>Þ]Ê iÀ>`Êà ÃV``Ê,>`]Ê-Ì>vÀ` -iÀiÌÀi`Ê>V ÃÌ "]Ê ÕÌ* Þ Ì iÀ >iÀ 1`iÀ}À>`Õ>ÌiÊÃÌÕ`iÌ ºÊÌ>iÊÊÌ iÊ«ÕLVÊÃVÕ«ÌÕÀiÊ°°°ÊLÕÌÊÌÊ º7i½ÀiÊiÜÊÌÊÌ iÊ>Ài>]ÊLÕÌÊÜiÊ``Ê ºÊ >Ûi½ÌÊÌ>iÊÊ>ÞÊ>ÌiÞÊ°°°ÊLÕÌÊ ºÊ7`Ã`iÊ°°°ÊÌ iÞÊ >ÛiÊÌÜÊÛiÀÞÊ º7iÊ >ÛiÊÌ iÊ >ÌÀÊÀÌÃÊ iÌiÀ]Ê >ÊÃiiÃÊ>ÊÌÌiÊ>LÃÌÀ>VÌÊÌÊi°Ê°°°Ê ÞÊ ÀiViÌÞÊ}ÊÌÊÌ iÊ Ì>ÛÊÀÌÃÊ Ê`ÊÜ>ÌiÀVÀÊ>ÌÊÌ iÊ*>ÊÌÊÀÌÊ ViÊLÀâiÊ ÀÃiÊÃÌ>ÌÕiÃÊÀ} ÌÊ>VÀÃÃÊ Ü V ÊÃÊ>Ê>>â}ÊÀiÃÕÀViÊvÀÊÃÌÕ `i>ÊvÊ}`Ê>ÀÌÊ°°°ÊÃÊÞÕÊV>Ê«iÀViÛiÊ iÌiÀÊÊ->À>Ì}>Ê°°°Ê>`Êi`ÊÀÌÃÊ iÌiÀ°Ê°°°ÊÊÌ Ê«i«iÊvÌiÊÛiÀ vÀÊ,LiÀ̽ÃÊ >ÀiÌ°Ê ÌÊÞÊ>ÀiÊ `iÌðʰ°°ÊÊÃÌ>Þi`ÊÌ iÀiÊvÀÊÌÜÊ ÕÀÃÊ ÃiÊÃÀÌÊvÊÃ>VÀvViÊÊÌ iÊ«>ÀÌÊvÊ Ê iÊ*>À°» ÊÌ°Ê̽ÃÊ}ÌÊ>ÊLi>ÕÌvÕÊ}>iÀÞÊ Ì iÞÊ>iÃÌ iÌV>ÞÊ«i>Ã}]ÊÌ iÞÊëi>Ê ÃÌÕ`Þ}Ê >ÕiÊ iÀ½Ãʼ >ÀÀ>Ê}ÕÀiÊ Ì iÊ>ÀÌÃÌ°ÊÌÊ >ÃÊÌÊÌiÊ>ÊÀi>ÊÃÌÀÞ°» Ì >̽ÃÊ«iÊÌÊÌ iÊ«ÕLV°» ÌÊÌ iÊVÕÌÕÀiÊvÊÌ iÊ>Ài>Ê>ÃÊÜi°» °Ê£½ÊvÀÊÞÊVÀi>ÌÛiÊÜÀÌ}ÊV>Ãð» ÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°VÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊU Page 19 Spectrum Letters flood plains and the properties of it when looking at a cement wall kets, hardware stores, library, advanced lane, there are students saturated soils. And these days we or even a rock-lined creek bed community centers, etc. The who are ready to advance, along VÌÕi`ÊvÀÊ«>}iÊ£n® are forced to change our thinking versus beautiful trees. When it southwest quadrant has only mo- with those who need additional on climate itself when we see high comes to cement vs. vegetation, tels and fast lube places. We do support. Similarly, within the reg- one “wins” ... as described in my cement structures being drowned vegetation will ultimately win. our major shopping in Los Altos ular lane, there are students who self-published 1975 book “A P/U as water levels rise around the Marth B. Hopkins or Mountain View. are ready to advance, along with History of Menlo Park,” which is world. The so-called “Hundred Tuscon, Ariz. Why won’t they zone El Cami- those who need additional sup- still in the Menlo Park Library year Flood” is now not an ad- no from Page Mill Road south to port. The academic heterogeneity and others. But if one lives long equate basis for planning our sur- What about the west? bring services to our quadrant? that the author wants already ex- enough, the same battles may be roundings. Would the City Council have ists, though she seems to be advo- fought again by conscientious Editor, One of the first things done in You missed another aspect of the courage to survey the citizen- cating for a more extreme version people in the next generation. building or upgrading communi- ry west of Alma for satisfaction? of this, in which the lowest per- Upstream land use and previ- the city “feel good” survey. The ties is tending to the landscaping. Palo Alto City Council does sur- John Elman forming students are assisted by ous political decisions may cause In many communities, wiser poli- Hubbart Drive, Palo Alto the highest performing students. downstream flooding. East Palo veys so they get the supportive ap- ticians and planners are even re- proval they want. In addition, the author seems to Alto and bayside parts of many placing parking space with trees. be advocating for the lower-per- communities were built before Suppose the survey separated Don’t limit top students There is a difference in what hap- south Palo Alto from southwest. Editor, forming students, while ignoring we had a more thorough under- pens to person’s mind/brain/soul/ the needs of the students who are standing of drainage patterns, South Palo Alto has supermar- I just read the editorial about heart or whatever you want to call English lanes in Palo Alto high ready for more enrichment. Sure, schools. The author says that the it’s good for lower-performing stu- lower-performing students ben- dents to be taught by the high-per- efit greatly from being in a mixed forming students. But, while this ability class with higher-perform- is happening, who is teaching the ing students. higher-performing students? Who I’m sure that the writer is cor- is engaging their critical thinking rect. However, this model exists skills, guiding them into deep already in the current lane system. analysis, activating their brains? As any teacher can are validate, While it may provide value for even within a lane there are het- the high performing students erogeneous learners. Within the to occasionally help the lower- performing students, these high performers are in school to be en- gaged and enriched and to learn, not to help their teachers support the lower-performing students. Perhaps the solution is system- Prenatal Yoga ic, in which students are assessed 8 *),#')&)$ %&)'&)+**+)+ %+&% %'&*+,)%&0$ % *$&*+ regularly during the school year to ''# # %')%%0% %+ )+ %')&**%& %$&%+ #0#***%*+)+ see if their lane placement should +%0'& %+ %0&,)')%%0 be adjusted, and which lane “transfer” is more common than Matched it is now. But the solution isn’t Visit us at startstrongbaby.com to limit the growth and learning of the highest performers. They, CareGivers too, are in school so that they can grow to the best of their abilities. They, too, deserve an environ- ment focused on their attention, learning, and enrichment. Lori Meyers Infant Massage Workshop Loma Verde Avenue, Palo Alto )%+ + % (,*& %%+$**#&%. + + '*+&)# -* *+ &%% *&&+ + *&)%**&- %+ &%* +*&%0&,)0&$$%&) %%+*)&$&% An offensive trend $&%+ &+&).# % Editor, Thanks for your article (“El Preparing for Multiples Camino property owners irked )0&,/'+ %+. %*&)+) '#+*&)$&) + + '&+%+ #&))#0# -)0/'+%+ by plans for wider sidewalks,” ')%+*&$,#+ '#*)%&,)+&#)%-)0+ %+ ) *+&"%&.&,+))0 %% March 28). My take adds another aspect. # -) %$,#+ '# %%+* I hated what they did to the old Concussions in Children: A Silent Epidemic “There’s no place Rickey’s property (not the only example). Regardless of sidewalk & %,*&)%-% % *,** &%!,*+&)')%+*+ )*& *%&+ ),#+)*&,)* like home.” width, the lack of even 5 more &')+%*%+%* ) )# )%++ %**& +)&**&) %+ ')+$%+& When you, or someone feet of setback makes these street- ,)&*,))0++%&)% -)* +0 && %. ## *,**+ #+*+7% %*% you care about, side “walls” of condos appear to +)+$%+*&)&%,** &%* %$ #% * & #)%8 **$ %) *)& needs assistance... almost “hang” over poor, previ- ously not-unattractive El Camino ) &.-)*+ % *# $ +#*+&)*)-0&,)*' you can count on us Real. Of all the changes along the to be there. “Kings Way” in the past 50 years, ##5416243323&)#*** % %# * %'% * * +...' +) . +&%+) We provide Peninsula this is the most offensive trend. I families with top, wish the city councils of our lo- #' &)+&). +'*+$ # **0&,++ ')&)$'*)# $ + professional caregivers. calities had the (guts) to stand up Call now to developers on this issue. John Stahler (650) 839-2273 Runningwood Circle, Call (650) 724-4601 or visit calendar.lpch.org to register or obtain more www.matchedcaregivers.com Mountain View information on the times, locations and fees for these and other courses. Good for Business. Good for You. Good for the Community. Page 20ÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°V The art of science by Nick Veronin n newspapers and magazines all over the country, “I’m really excited about it,” says Jenkins, who was science and humanities departments have competed think pieces on the subject abound: Students are tapped by Stanford’s Office of the Vice Provost of for limited resources. Humanist professors have I abandoning the humanities — choosing to pursue Undergraduate Education to head up the initiative, sought to trump their scientist colleagues, and scien- degrees in the hard sciences and the decidedly more dubbed “CS+X” (computer science plus an unknown tists have fired back. lucrative careers in high tech they promise. variable). By way of example, Powers points to the so-called Professors of English, history, music and the arts The way Jenkins sees it, while it may seem that “science wars” of the 1990s: a series of highly pub- are bemoaning this shift, we are told. In an article the humanities and computer science are two distinct licized arguments between a group of well-known last October in the New York Times, it was reported disciplines, they both have much to gain from each scientists and postmodern philosophers — with the that humanities professors and lecturers account for other — especially in the 21st century, where humans philosophers arguing that science, just like all other 45 percent of Stanford’s faculty, but only 15 percent of are interacting with computers on a daily basis. And human pursuits, must be viewed through the lens of he is not alone in this view. culture and is therefore subjective, and scientists ve- Two novelists and Stanford faculty members, Rich- hemently rejecting the position. ard Powers and Scott Hutchins, both lead courses on Yet, even as academics on either side of the fence Stanford announces new the intersection of the humanities and technology and have squabbled, both Powers and Hutchins agree that, have each recently published works that examine the in a way, the sciences and the humanities have al- ‘joint majors’ combining computer interesting ways in which the squishy world of art and ways been exchanging ideas (even as they exchanged human emotion are constantly colliding with the hard- barbs). wired world of science and circuit boards. “The humanities,” Powers notes, “asks the question science, English, music Powers, who joined the English department this of who we are and where we find ourselves and what year, recently published “Orfeo” a book that explores we want to do in this world.” Technology — whether music, biotechnology and government surveillance. it be the microscope, the electric guitar or the com- the university’s students are taking their courses. He says he’s long maintained an interest in technology puter, allows us to explore who we are and express However, according to Nicholas Jenkins, profes- and art, and believes that many students will jump at who we are. “These questions of self exploration and sor of English at Stanford, there is nothing to worry the chance to study the humanities and computer sci- social exploration are necessarily functions of and about. The humanities aren’t going anywhere, Jenkins ence simultaneously. products of developments in the sciences.” says, they’re just changing. “There is a tremendous interest at the undergradu- Hutchins agrees, pointing out that as technology Last month, in what Jenkins called a “re-imagin- ate level in finding ways to cross what has sometimes advances and the capacity of computers and machines ing of the humanities,” the university announced the seemed like an insurmountable boundary or border,” grows, they produce more complex humanistic ques- creation of two brand new “joint majors,” which will Powers says, alluding to the separation of the disci- tions that artists then take on and attempt to answer. allow students to earn a bachelor of arts and science plines, which have a history that has been marked by As such, Hutchins says he is in favor of the joint ma- in one of two combinations — computer science and fits of antagonism. English, or computer science and music. In the past, Powers notes, tensions have arisen as VÌÕi`ÊÊiÝÌÊ«>}i® ÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°VÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊU Page 21 Arts & Entertainment PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL CIVIC CENTER, 250 HAMILTON AVENUE BROADCAST LIVE ON KZSU, FM 90.1 VÌÕi`ÊvÀÊ«ÀiÛÕÃÊ«>}i® aware that our technologies and ethical inquiry, aesthetic inquiry,” CABLECAST LIVE ON GOVERNMENT tools are changing what it means as well as “coding and an intro- ACCESS CHANNEL 26 jor. “I think its a good concept,” to be human,” Powers says. “Indi- duction to technology and the sci- ***************************************** he says, noting he sees no reason viduals and all of these marvelous ences.” THIS IS A SUMMARY OF COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS. why the humanities should be cor- prosthetic extensions that we’ve Hutchins thinks that the joint THE AGENDA WITH COMPLETE TITLES INCLUDING LEGAL doned off from the sciences, and invented in recent years, are all major might be able to bridge the DOCUMENTATION CAN BE VIEWED AT THE BELOW WEBPAGE: vice versa. interconnected. It’s not humans “cultural gaps” he sees between http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/knowzone/agendas/council.asp In his book, “A Working The- against the machines. Humans the “techies” and the “fuzzies” ory of Love,” Hutchins imagines and machines are one thing com- — the names that Stanford stu- (TENTATIVE) AGENDA – SPECIAL MEETING – a protagonist who attempts to bined.” dents use to self-identify as either COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM AT 6:00 PM recreate his father in a computer And just as artists and human- a science major or a humanities STUDY SESSION by inputting data pulled from his ists are finding inspiration and major. 1. Joint Study Session with the Public Art Commission dad’s former journals. The novel big questions in the work of com- In his experience teaching CHAMBERS 7:00 PM raises questions around the con- puter scientists, programmers are at Stanford, Hutchins says he’s SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY cept of the “technological singu- increasingly aware of their human noticed many “techies” don’t 2. Proclamation National Crime Victims Week larity” (the hypothetical moment end-users and the importance of like uncertainty. “They don’t 3. Selection of applicants to interview on April 16, 2014 for the Public Art at which artificial intelligence injecting their creations with feel comfortable talking about Commission, Library Advisory Commission and the Human Relations exceeds human intelligence) and art and aesthetic appeal. Powers something that might have four Commission whether sentient beings can exist notes that one of Palo Alto’s most correct answers,” he says. And, CONSENT CALENDAR on a hard drive. famous residents — the late Steve as for “fuzzies,” he says, “I also 4. Policy and Services Committee Recommendation to Accept the Auditor’s Office Quarterly Report as of December 31, 2013 At Stanford, cross pollination Jobs — may have understood this think there are humanities people 5. Approval of a Five-Year Contract with Oracle America, Inc., in the Amount not between science and art has been better than anyone. who don’t feel confident talking to Exceed $563,600 going on for a long time. For ex- “He knew how to appeal to the about the sciences,” though he is 6. Approval of Wastewater Treatment Enterprise Fund Contract with Anderson ample, the university’s Center for desires of people and the dreams increasingly seeing students from Pacific in the Total Amount of $2,077,000 for the DMF Optimization & Secondary Clarifiers Improvements Project at the Regional Water Quality Computer Research in Music and of people,” Powers says, noting both groups reaching across the Control Plant - Capital Improvement Program Project WQ-80021 Acoustics, founded by the inven- that phrases like, “It just works,” aisle. 7. Finance Committee Recommendation to Accept the Inventory Management tor of the technology that makes and Apple’s longtime slogan, That’s a good thing, according Audit musical synthesizers possible, has “Think Different,” had little to do to Powers. “It’s going to be tre- 8. Approval of Extension of Contract Through 2017 with Bibliotheca, Inc. in been at the cutting edge of com- with the computers themselves. mendously exciting to work with an Amount Not to Exceed $300,000 for the Ongoing Purchase of a Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) for the Palo Alto City Library - Capital puter-based music for decades. That language “was not about students and to collaborate with Improvement Program Project TE-06001 So why is Stanford initiating machines, it was about human students who understand that these 9. Approval of Wastewater Treatment Enterprise Fund Contract with Monterey these joint majors now? Powers beings.” aren’t two separate disciplines,” he Mechanical Co. in the Total Amount of $374,100 for the Secondary Clarifier thinks it is likely just a sign of Jenkins says he is hopeful the says. “There are things that can Number 1 Replacement Project at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant - Capital Improvement Program Project WQ-80021 the times. We’re living in a world new joint majors will help define only be addressed and answered 10. Adoption of a Resolution Approving Amendment No. 1 to the 2009 California where people are walking around what it means to experience a as a combined exploration.” N Oregon Transmission Project Long-term Layoff Agreement to Authorize the City with computers in their pockets, “broad liberal education” in the Arts & Entertainment Editor of Roseville’s Withdrawal and Provide the City of Palo Alto with Voting Rights and, in some cases strapped to 21st century, which he described Nick Veronin can be emailed at on Project Improvements and Financing [email protected]. 11. Adoption of a Budget Amendment Ordinance in the Amount of $880,320 their faces. “We’re increasingly as covering “creative expression, to CIP SD-10101 and Approval of a Contract with Ranger Pipelines, Inc. in the Amount of $1,516,610 for the Southgate Neighborhood Storm Drain Improvement and Green Street Project, Capital Improvement Program Project SD-10101 12. Consider an Appeal of Director's Individual Review Approval of a Two-Story, Single Family Home at 4055 Second Street 13. Approval of a Contract Amendment to S13148916 with AECOM for Consulting Services in the Amount of $21,500 to Complete a Risk Assessment for Worth a Look Hazardous Materials at Communications and Power Industries (CPI) located at 607-611 Hansen Way 14. Sherry Lund Contract 15. Approval of Purchase Order for Annual Computer Replacement Equipment Sculpture with Golden Gate Systems, LLC in the Amount of $422,230.31 The science of Rodin’s hands 16. Approval of Amendment No. 1 To Compucom Contract No. C12144913 In ÕÀÌiÃÞÊ >ÀÌÞÊ,Và An Amount of $50,000 plus a 10% contingency for unforeseen expenses for Pondering great works of art can teach us plenty Microsoft Azure Services Until June 2014 for additional disaster recovery for file services about the human condition. In some cases, it can 17. SECOND READING: Park Improvement Ordinance for the Design of the Scott even give clues to a person’s medical condition. Park Capital Improvement Project. When Dr. James Chang first encountered Stanford 18. Approval of a Water Enterprise fund contract with URS Corporation in the Total University’s Rodin Sculpture Garden he was merely Amount of $1,009,854 for Professional Engineering Services for the Design an undergraduate enjoying the work of the famous and Construction Management Services for Coating and Seismic Upgrades Point near Marshall, Calif., by Marty Ricks. of Four Existing City Reservoirs and Rehabilitation of Three Receiving Stations French sculptor, Auguste Rodin. Project WS-07000, WS-08001 and WS-09000 Later, as he studied reconstructive and plastic sur- 19. City Auditor Contract Agreement gery at the university, he began noticing that some ACTION ITEMS of the hands in the garden displayed symptoms of 20. PUBLIC HEARING: TEFRA Hearing Regarding Conduit Financing for the specific medical conditions. Today, as chief of plastic Stevenson House Project Located at 455 East Charleston Road Palo Alto, and Approving the Issuance of Revenue Bonds by the California Municipal Finance and reconstructive surgery at Stanford, Chang uses Art Authority for the Purpose of Financing the Acquisition and Rehabilitation of a the hands in the undergraduate seminar he leads, Your own private Idaho Multifamily Rental Housing Facility called “Surgical Anatomy of the Hand: From Rodin (and California) 21. PUBLIC HEARING: TEFRA Hearing Regarding Conduit Financing for the to Reconstruction.” Stanford Affordable Apartments Project Located at 2450, 2470 AND 2500 El Camino Real Palo Alto, and Approving the Issuance of Revenue Bonds by The Cantor Arts Center, in an unprecedented col- Working with a palate of toasty golden brown, the California Municipal Finance Authority for the Purpose of Financing the laboration with Chang, has turned the seminar into deep greens and light, sky blues, landscape painter Acquisition, Construction and Development of a Multifamily Rental Housing an exhibit: “Inside Rodin’s Hands: Art, Technology Marty Ricks has captured the essence of the rolling (Staff requests this item be continued to a date uncertain) and Surgery.” hills and gnarled oaks of California’s wine country 22. From Policy & Services Committee Staff Requests Direction from Council on “I wanted to participate in this exhibition for the in his latest collection of works, currently on dis- the Naming of the Main Library 23. Finance Committee Recommendation of Fiscal Years 2015 to 2024 General same reason I introduced Rodin into my seminar: to play at the Atherton Fine Art Gallery. Fund Long Range Financial Forecast get students in the humanities excited about the sci- The Idaho native will be displaying his recent CLOSED SESSION ences, and to get doctors to step out of the hospital to works at the Menlo Park gallery and framing 24. City of Palo Alto appeal of Regional Water Quality Control Board Notice of appreciate art,” Chang said. “I have found that artists shop through May 1. Collectors interested in Incomplete Application for Clean Water Act section 401 Certification for Golf and surgeons appreciate human anatomy with equal impressionistic landscapes will find Ricks has a Course Reconfiguration Project and San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers passion. Hopefully this will engage more students of way of bottling the feeling of a moment, with his Authority appeal of Regional Water Quality Control Board Denial of Clean Water Act section 401 Certification for Creek Flood Control Project art and students of surgery to cross fertilize.” eye for color and his ability to convey movement 25. United States Post Office Chang said that he looks forward to continuing to — in the bend of a river, in the flitting about of STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS work with the Rodin collection even after this exhib- wind-blown grass, or the lack of movement on The Policy and Services Committee will meet on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:00 P.M. to it. He plans to continue teaching his seminar and said a snowy, gray day in the Midwest (half of the discuss:, 1) Recommendation to Council an Expenditure Plan for Teen Programs he has more Rodin hands to catalog and analyze. collection at the gallery depict scenes from his From the Net Revenue Collected From 455 Bryant Street Rent. The exhibit begins April 9 and runs through Aug. home state). The Regional Housing Mandate Committee will meet on Thursday, April 10, 2014 3 at the Cantor Center for Visual Arts, located at 328 The Atherton Fine Art Gallery is located at 700 at 4:00 PM to discuss: 1) Housing Element Update Workplan, 2) Site Selection Lomita Drive on the Stanford campus. Admission is E. El Camino Real #165, in Menlo Park. The exhibit Recommendation, and 3) Draft Housing Element Revisions. free. The center is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11 is free and open to the public during the gallery’s The Regional Housing Mandate Committee will meet on Thursday, April 10,2014 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 650-723- hours — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Friday, and 9 at 4:00 PM to discuss: 1) Housing Element Update Workplan, 2) Site Selection Recommendation, and 3) Draft Housing Element Revisions. 4177, or visit the Cantor Center’s website at museum. a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. N stanford.edu. — Nick Veronin Page 22ÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°V Eating Out Around the world, one plate at a time Castro Street’s Cijjo has something for everyone by Sheila Himmel f you Google the word “Ci- For co-owner and general man- Michelle Le jjo” you get the restaurant in ager Trisha Pham, the idea is: I Mountain View, and only the “Everyone can get what they want restaurant in Mountain View. and be happy.” Cijjo’s dinner menue includes an international charcuterie plate, jamon iberico bellota, duck prosciutto That is by design. The three- Another common tapas miscon- and Italian bresaola. month-old Cijjo Cosmopolitan ception is that they are somehow Tapas Lounge is one of a kind. related to fusion. At Cijjo, each The owners are Silicon Val- dish reflects its country of origin, plate ($15) glistens with ribbons rich but not too fatty. Cantaloupe with salty, chewy diced lardons, ley finance and technology bud- with accommodation for Califor- of French-style duck prosciutto, puree adds color but will be better but the curly leaves of frisee, on dies who have traveled and eaten nia ingredients. Italian bresaola (air-dried beef) when cantaloupe is in season. which they made their bed, lacked all over the world, and wanted a Food, wine and even beers on and fabulous jamon Iberico de Three medium-size scallops oomph. Maybe the dressing was a place to eat that way at home. One draft (such as wood-aged Gentle- bellotta, the cured leg of Spanish ($14), possibly bigger scallops cut little dull. of them came upon a little store in menís Club ale) change often. acorn-fed pig on display at the bar. in half, were dull, despite their ac- Our server, snappy in a tie and Spain called Cijjo and liked the Small producers populate the in- All are delicious in their own way, companiments of red onion, green vest, was uncommonly helpful, sound of it, which is: “SHAI-jo.” ternational wine list. Advice and and this platter is enough for four chili and lime. knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Many restaurants take liberties tastes are freely given, and you get people to share. On the down side, Piedmont truffle fries ($6) When asked, he made good sugges- with the tapas concept, calling to choose from a refreshingly large all this lovely meat came with a were thin, crispy and not tions about both wine and food. anything on a small plate a tapa. selection of wines by the glass. couple of cornichons and wimpy drowning in white truffle but- He recommended the Bahamian Cijjo pays respect to the Span- Customer-friendly, gluten-free, bread. Better bread and a little ter. Served in a wax-paper lined bread pudding ($8), a swirl of co- ish origin of tapas, which range vegetarian and vegan items are mustard might be nice. cone, they were flecked with conut milk, currants and caramel from bar snacks to omelets that also starred. Ninety-percent of Westphalia pork belly ($15) Parmesan and chives. rum sauce, easily shared by two. go particularly well with cock- the menu gets a star. was also very tasty. Rubbed in The Lyonnaise salad ($9) mar- tails and wine. The international charcuterie spice and braised, the meat was ried a creamy warm poached egg VÌÕi`ÊÊiÝÌÊ«>}i® Dinner by the movies Come enjoy a 2 oz taste LIVE MUSIC of three elegant wines from The Duet of Kenya Baker our wine fl ights special & Codany Holiday Wednesday - Thursday 5:30 - 8:30 Cucina Venti is proud to feature the award winning Kenya Baker Live every Wednesday - Thursday from 5:30-8:30 1390 Pear Ave., Mountain View Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday Kenya has toured as lead guitarist for (650) 254-1120 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday Grammy winner Joss Stone for four www.cucinaventi.com 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday years, performing for celebrities and dignitaries all over the world. For information on future events, follow us on ÜÜÜ°*>Ì"i°VÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊ7iiÞÊUÊ«ÀÊ{]ÊÓä£{ÊU Page 23 Eating Out VÌÕi`ÊvÀÊ«ÀiÛÕÃÊ«>}i® Like the servers, the restaurant is dressed up. There are purple curtains, dramatic lights and each white table gets a vase of bright Healthy choices prepared flowers. Things are evolving for the with the freshest ingredients. 80-seat restaurant, which opened Dec. 26. Some dishes feel like too much ado. The owners found Lunch and Dinner that the all-small-plates menu did- nít appeal to everyone, so added 100 State Street, Los Altos some larger dishes such as squid 650.949.2400 ink pasta, chorizo and mussels, www.pompeiiristorante.com fish and chips and tarte flambè. They started with dinner only, Family owned and operated then added lunch and Sunday brunch, and soon will have a Sat- urday brunch.N Cijjo Cosmopolitan Palo Alto Unified School District Tapas Lounge, 246 Castro St., Mountain View; (650) 282-5401 Notice is hereby given that proposals will be received by the Palo www.cijjomv.com Alto Unified School District for multiple summer work bid packages. Hours: Tue. - Fri.: 7 a.m. - 2 Description of the projects/work is as follows: p.m.; Sat. - Sun.: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Closed Monday. s %L #ARMELO %LEMENTARY 3CHOOL h2ED 4OPv #ONCRETE 7ALKWAY 2EPLACEMENT ,iÃiÀÛ>Ìà *>ÀÌÞÊ>`Ê s 4ERMAN -IDDLE 3CHOOL "UILDING " &LOORING L>µÕiÌÊ Ài`ÌÊV>À`à v>VÌià s *UANA "RIONES %LEMENTARY 3CHOOL &LOOR