Woodside Fire Chief Closes out 33 Years of Firefighting | Page 12

Woodside fire chief closes out 33 years of firefighting | Page 12

THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER FOR MENLO PARK, ATHERTON, PORTOLA VALLEY AND WOODSIDE

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2 N The Almanac NMarch 16, 2011 UPFRONT VOICE STUDIO OF MAUREEN H. FROMME “Training Singers for Life” Techniques that are based on good vocal health. Experienced singer and teacher has current openings for beginning and advanced students in Menlo Park area. Complimentary Introductory Lesson 35 years of performing & teaching - ‘bel canto’ approach M.M. - Vocal Performance, Manhattan School of Music Presently - Music Director, Bethany Lutheran Church, Menlo Park #ONTACTsMHFROMME YAHOOCOM

Wednesday, March 16

Thursday, March 17

Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac New look Designer Natasha Kafai, left, and Katelynn Degnan, center, take one last look at model Laura Stelma before the green fashion show at Woodside High School on Friday, March 11. Natasha’s design won for most popular outfit among students.

Japanese firefighters fly back to Japan Twelve Japanese firefighters is next in line from the Western earthquake and tsunami, Chief who spent last week training Region to go to Japan if they are Schapelhouman said. with the Menlo Park Fire Pro- needed, the chief said. Teams from around the world tection District were able to fly The Japanese firefighters fin- come to Menlo Park’s training back to Japan on Friday and ished their training program facility, the Baylands Struc- Saturday, March 11-12, accord- Friday and gathered at the Oasis tural Collapse Training Center, ing to district fire Chief Harold in Menlo Park to observe their located on the northern side of Schapelhouman. the Bayfront Express- There had been a way, along the western plan for two of them side of the Dumbarton to remain behind to The Japanese firefighters were Bridge behind a PG&E lay groundwork for temporarily stranded here after electrical substation. the another group of There they Japanese firefighters Thursday’s earthquake and tsunami in learn rescue opera- coming in for train- Japan forced flights to be canceled. tions from its staff, ing, but that training which has responded has been canceled, to disasters ranging Chief Schapelhouman said. graduation. They like American from floods to earthquakes to The Japanese firefighters were hamburgers, pizza and beer, and terrorist attacks, Chief Schapel- temporarily stranded here after throwing the peanut shells on houman said. Breakfast Served ‘til 2:00pm Every Day Thursday’s earthquake and tsu- the floor, the chief said. “We take those lessons and nami in Japan forced flights to The graduation ceremony teach them not just what’s in a Try Our Most Popular: be canceled. and photographs sessions were book, but make it real for them,” Alice’s Omelette A local urban search and res- “pretty emotional,” the chief he said. “We teach them to adapt cue team, known as Task Force said. and overcome situations, and Three egg omelette with avocado, apple wood smoked bacon, 3, which includes firefighters Some of the trainees are from what they need to know before swiss cheese & tomato, served with hash browns & toast from the Menlo Park district, areas of Japan affected by the and during them.” Ducati 2 French toast, 2 eggs and 2 slices of apple wood smoked bacon Smoked Salmon Benedict CALLING ON THE ALMANAC Smoked salmon on an English mufﬁn topped with poached egg and hollandaise sauce THE ALMANAC (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) is published every Wednesday by Embarcadero Media, Newsroom: 223-6525 N E-mail news, information, obituaries 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025- Newsroom fax: 223-7525 and photos (with captions) to: 6558. Periodicals Postage Paid at Menlo Park, CA and [email protected] Advertising: 854-2626 at additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general circulation for San Mateo County, The Almanac is N E-mail letters to the editor to: Advertising fax: 854-3650 delivered free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola [email protected] Classified ads: 854-0858 Valley and Woodside. Subscriptions for $60 per year or $100 per 2 years are welcome. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Almanac, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. Copyright ©2010 3KYLINE"LVDs To request free delivery, or stop delivery, of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, by Embarcadero Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction Located at the crossroads of Highway 84 and 35 (Skyline) 94028 and the Woodside portion of 94062, call 854-2626. without permission is strictly prohibited. Only a 10 minute drive up the hill of WoodsidesLocal Family Owned

March 16, 2011 N The Almanac N3 Sale Dates: March 16, 17, 18, 19 On Sale Grocery CLOVER ORGANIC FAT $ 19 FREE MILK 2 1/2 GALLON – ALSO WHOLE – 2% REDUCED – 1% LOWFAT WOODSIDEÊUÊÎä£xÊ7`Ã`iÊ,>`ÊUÊÈxänx££x££Ê PORTOLA VALLEYÊUÊ{{ÓäÊ«iÊ,>`ÊUÊÈxänx££Ç££ KERRY GOLD PURE "«iÊÈ\Îä ÊÊn* IRISH BUTTER $239 Fresh Produce Deli Department 8 OZ. St. Patty's Day ¢ Celebrate GUINNESS DRAUGHT $ 49 CABBAGE 49 1 lb 14 OZ. – PLUS CALIF. REDEEM VALUE

Long $ 99 T.G.I. FRIDAY'S STUFFED ASPARAGUS 1 JALAPEÑOS $ 49 lb with Robert’s own Corned Beef & Cabbage. 2 Meal includes carrots and potatoes 8 OZ. – ALSO CHICKEN WINGS Vine Ripe $ 79 VIVA WHITE CLUSTER TOMATOES 1 Only $6.99 lb lb BIG ROLL TOWELS $ 99 We also have an assortment of Shamrock Cookies! From Chile ¢ 6 PACK 9 COMICE PEARS 99 lb WINE SPECIALS Meat and Seafood 2009 SOJOURN PINOT NOIRS $ 49 This is truly the watershed vintage for Sojourn Pinots! Restraint is the key that has unlocked the full potential from this overachiever. To a wine 4 the ‘09s are purer, fresher, more nuanced and balanced; great examples of power and finesse. Do not miss out on these beauties. CORNED BEEF BRISKET lb $ 2009 Sojourn “Rodgers Creek”, Sonoma Coast (94 points, Pinot Report) 47.99 $ 98 Easily my favorite of this group with intricate, nuanced depth and complexity. $47.99 CORNED BEEF TRI-TIP 6 2009 Sojourn “Gap’s Crown”, Sonoma Coast (95 points, Pinot Report) lb The richest, ripest, most dense wine of this trio. $ SCHWARTZ $ 98 2009 Sojourn “Sangiacomo”, Sonoma Coast (97 points, Pinot Report) 47.99 FRESH BOCKWURST 5 This wine is stuffed with great Pinot character and has the acid structure to make it a great cellar candidate. lb The above wines assort for a 10% discount on 6, or more, bottles.

WOODSIDE COMMUNITY RECREATION PROGRAM 2011 Schedule of Events & Classes

Classes Run Year Round Yoga At Independence Hall & Exercise Classes Woodside Village Church Classes

Yoga – Weekday mornings and Wednesday evening. Exercise Classes – Monday & Friday mornings. Yoga Classes are currently filled…Call to be added to waiting list. Events February - Broomball May 7th– May Day Fun Run March –Adult Basketball June thru Aug. – Co-Ed Softball April –June - W-Ball – 4-6 year olds End of the Summer – Barn Dance Numerous other fun events – To register for classes & upcoming events: Call - Linda Martin – (Registrar) (650) 851-3534 For detailed information go to: www.WoodsideRec.com

4 N The Almanac NMarch 16, 2011 M ENLO PARK | ATHERTON | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA V ALLEY Menlo Park grows while neighbors shrink

■ Census data for 2010 Atherton 2010 2000 Change Menlo Park 2010 2000 Change Portola Valley 2010 2000 Change Woodside 2010 2000 Change tracks demographic Total Population 6,914 7,194 -3.9% Total Population 32,026 30,785 +4.0% Total Population 4,353 4,462 -2.4% Total Population 5,287 5,352 -1.2% shifts in local towns. Asian 911 704 +29.4% Asian 3,157 2,201 +43.4% Asian 242 178 +36.0% Asian 332 267 +24.3% Black or Black or Black or Black or By Sandy Brundage African American 75 50 +50.0% African American 1,551 2,163 -28.3% African American 12 18 -33.3% African American 23 20 +15.0% Almanac Staff Writer Latino 268 200 +34.0% Latino 5,902 4,803 +22.9% Latino 175 149 +17.4% Latino 243 232 +4.7% White 5,565 6,141 -9.4% White 22,494 22,274 +0.9% White 3,960 4,146 -4.5% White 4,717 4,828 -2.3% hile Menlo Park’s popu- Note: Racial and ethnic populations may overlap. Source: U.S. Census Bureau lation grew by 4 percent Wduring the past 10 years, the population may be growing Almanac. “Third, there has been Planning Commission and the result is nothing. I am sure there neighboring towns Atherton, Por- slower than expected. little to no real new development City Council, but it is ‘referended’ are a few folks who are pleased tola Valley, and Woodside lost resi- “First, this is an infill com- in areas of obvious opportunity in an ugly confrontation between with nothing, but I think most see dents, according to data released munity, so there’s less physical and that is a direct result of the developer interests and com- this as a major disappointment.” March 8. room to expand. Second, the city’s political culture.” munity preservation concerns,” The racial makeup of all four Saying he wasn’t sure if 4 per- past decade has witnessed two He pointed to the Derry project. Mayor Cline said. “Some of the cities shifted as well, and while cent was a large increase, Menlo different economic recessions, “We have a project, near transit, reasons to challenge the project Park Mayor Rich Cline suggested which slows growth,” he told the that has been approved by the may have been valid. But the end See CENSUS, page 8 Woodside may step up punishment for violating heritage tree ordinance By Dave Boyce ishment, the council backed off. Almanac Staff Writer Residents Dr. Eric and Jacquie Weiss were facing fines of at least he trees of Woodside $92,000 after a “misstep,” Dr. and those who love them Weiss said at the time, in not Twould be justified in feel- obtaining a $60 permit before ing cautiously optimistic about thinning a grove of about 35 trees a coming revision to tree protec- on their Sand Hill Road property tion laws. The Town Council is by removing 10 significant Coast considering a change that could Live Oaks. financially persuade even some A tree is significant in Wood- deep-pocketed residents into get- side if it measures 9.5 inches ting a permit before cutting down in diameter at 48 inches above a heritage tree. ground. If the council acts on the incli- The Weisses said they planned nation it showed on March 8, the to restore a corral area that revised law — staff is working had become overgrown. They on revisions — could require appealed to the council, which violators to pay for the purchase, reduced the fine to $10,000 after Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac planting and maintenance of a reaching a consensus on the Sherry Cagan of Portola Valley sculpted these two children in bronze for placement near the playground at full-grown heritage tree equiva- couple’s good intentions. Town Center. The work, called “Joyous Blessings,” is meant to honor the bountiful open space that is available lent in size and presence to the Another test case could be in town for kids of all ages. “There’s more open space here than any place I’ve ever been,” she says. illegally removed tree. ahead. During the council’s Replacing such a tree is com- meeting, a resident of West plicated, Henry Ardalan, presi- Maple Way spoke of an incident Kids perennially at play in Town Center dent of City Arborist, a Menlo in which her neighbor, without By Dave Boyce Park tree care and landscaping giving notice or getting a permit, Almanac Staff Writer “It’s been real- Barn is her work and based on company, said in an interview. reportedly had workers fell a strip ly sweet because a series of photos taken in 1877 To be successful, the arborist of significant trees that bordered or the foreseeable future, the little kids by Eadweard Muybridge at must account for the time of the resident’s driveway. there will be two girls play- go up to them the behest of then Gov. Leland year, the species, site conditions “They were fined,” the resident Fing in the redwood grove and they’re so Stanford to settle the question and the location, which may said. “The fine has not been paid. near the playground at Por- enamored,” Ms. of whether horses had moments need to accommodate a flatbed The owner is waiting to see if you tola Valley Town Center. Day and Cagan said. Sherry Cagan of being airborne while run- truck and a crane. The cost could change the ordinance to see if night, these kids will be there. The work ning. be anywhere from $10,000 to (the fine) goes down,” the resi- They will not grow old, though honors the plentiful open space in Ms. Cagan has a studio and $100,000 to replace one tree, Mr. dent said. they may acquire shiny places town. “I just love the fact that our sculpture garden at her Alamos Ardalan said. “How do you value a tree? How where real kids touch them. children here in Portola Valley Road home, which she shares Under the current system of do you value my property now The two life-size bronze statues, can go and play just about any- with her husband Laird and fines, set in 2007, violators are that my privacy is gone,” she known as “Joyous Blessings,” are where,” Ms. Cagan said. “There’s their children. The couple were supposed to pay $5,000 for asked the council, noting that meant to “warm the (Town) Cen- more open space here than any major donors to the campaign the first illegally cut heritage young replacement trees would ter up a little bit and add a little place I’ve ever been.” to build the new Town Center, tree, $7,500 for the second and delay the return of her privacy by culture for the kids,” said sculptor Ms. Cagan, who is retired, said having given $1.4 million in $10,000 for each one after that. 30 to 40 years. “I’m furious. I’m and Portola Valley resident Sherry she has worked mostly on com- stock in 2008, campaign But in September 2009, when it Wolfenbarger Cagan in a phone mission. The bronze “Horse in spokeswoman SallyAnn Reiss came time to mete out the pun- See TREES, page 8 interview. Motion” at the Stanford Red said at the time. A

March 16, 2011 N The Almanac N5 Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital 20th Anniversary

LECTURE SERIES

4th Annual Autism Spectrum Disorders Update for: Parents and Professionals: Bridging the Gap April 2, 2011 at 7:45am – 4:30pm

This one day conference will be led by a panel of experts from our autism spectrum disorders program and will spotlight recent ﬁ ndings and innovative clinical approaches to treating autism.

The symposium will be held in McCaw Hall in the Francis C. Arrillaga Alumni Center. 326 Galvez Street, Stanford, California 94035. Parking is free at Galvez Field (corner of Galvez Street and Campus Drive East).

Registration $100. Fee includes a continental breakfast and buffet lunch.

For further information, please call (650) 721- 6327 or e-mail [email protected].

For additional 20th Anniversary Lecture Series offerings, visit anniversary.lpch.org

The people depicted in this brochure are models and are being used for illustrative purposes only.

6 N The Almanac NMarch 16, 2011 NEWS REAL ESTATE Q&A Fergusson leads council in travel expenses by Monica Corman Lenders Are Offering Borrowers She spends $12,476 Number of Travel and Reimbursement Requests Some New Options during two terms. Boyle By Sandy Brundage Q: Dear Monica: I am in the market fixed rate loan is a very good choice if you Almanac Staff Writer Cline for a new home and have been shopping want to know what your payments will Cohen for a loan. Given the economic shakeup be for the life of the loan. You can acceler- Boyle of the past few years I would like to get ate the principle payments and shorten Cline enlo Park’s council mem- Duboc Cohen the safest and best loan I can find. Do the term of this loan, or use the entire 360 bers fall into two camps Duboc you have any suggestions? Jane R. month period to pay it off. FergussonFergusson — no, not development Jellins A: Dear Jane: If we have learned any- Some lenders are offering a new twist M Keith vs. no-growth — more like, spend- Jellins thing from the economic crisis of the to the more volatile adjustable rate loan. Ohtaki thrift vs. profligate when it comes Keith Robinson past few years it is that homeowners Borrowers can take advantage of the to spending city funds on trips Winkler who were not over-leveraged or who did lower rate five, seven or ten year adjust- related to city business. Ohtaki not experience high loan interest rate able interest-only loans, and receive an Out of 10 council members who Robinson changes in their adjustable rate loans, even lower rate if they make principle these were the ones who were able to ride payments too. For the right borrower, served at any time since 2004, Kelly Winkler Fergusson, who was elected to the out the downturn and keep their homes. this would offer a very attractive rate as council that year, holds the record The market the Mid-Peninsula is gaining well as a chance to build up more equity for most travel expenses, even Total Travel Expenses from 2004 to present strength and as new buyers enter this by paying down some of the loan at the before last week’s now infamous market, many of them are looking for same time. You should look for the lender trip to Washington, D.C., to visit the most stable yet attractive interest rate that offers you the best payment options Boyle with locally based politicians and they can find. The traditional 30-year for your needs and peace of mind. stay in a $400-per-night hotel. Cline According to city documents Cohen*Boyle For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may obtained by the Almanac through Cline e-mail me at [email protected] or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. a public records request, Ms. Fer- Fergusson*Cohen* Fergusson* I also offer a free market analysis of your property. www.MonicaCorman.com gusson has filed 60 requests, for a Jellins Jellins Keith total of $12,476.34, since 2004. The Keith Ohtaki only other current council mem- Robinson ranging from pain and inflammation to serious Ohtaki Winkler infection and vision loss. A scratch on the eye can ber serving since December 2004 is lead to blood-vessel growth on the cornea. These Andy Cohen, whose total spending Robinson consequences are nothing to take lightly. Contact lenses are not to be toyed with. was $1,815.13. Mr. Cohen’s total Winkler represents 22 requests. If you’re like most people, you probably order some products online so that you don’t have to That’s an average of $1,996 per drive around. Since contact lenses are worn only year of spending for Ms. Fergus- on the eyes, they affect the way your eyes func- son, and an average of $290 per The * indicates the only two Menlo Park council members who have tion. Protect your eyes by having professional eye examinations and wearing prescription lenses year of spending for Mr. Cohen. served on the council from 2004 to the present: Kelly Fergusson and that meet your needs. Please bring your prescrip- Ms. Fergusson’s tab includes two Andy Cohen. Also, Lee Duboc's expenses are not included due to tion to MENLO OPTICAL at 1166 University daytrip tours of water infrastruc- illegible record copies. FASHION ADVICE Drive, on the corner of Oak Grove Avenue and ture that each cost close to $600; a University Drive, or call us at 322-3900 if you Anyone considering purchasing non-pre- have questions about eyewear. We carry hard, $744.79 airplane ticket to Fresno; a since travel by other local coun- last December. “It’s well known scription “fashion” contacts over-the-counter or soft, and bi-focal contact lenses and provide Seattle conference; and at least two cils such as Palo Alto apparently that if you want to influence on the Internet should know that they pose a instruction on how to wear and clean them. dozen regional dinner meetings. doesn’t generate as much conster- federal funding and policy, you number of risks. While the U.S. Food & Drug P.S. Advertising claims made for fashion con- Administration (FDA) holds prescription contacts such as “one size fits all” may not be true Ms. Fergusson serves on the Bay nation, Mr. Robinson said in an need to travel to Washington.” tact lenses to a quality standard befitting other for many of us. Area Water Supply and Conserva- e-mail that a cheaper plane ticket Mayor Cline said that while big “medical devices” under its purview, decorative Mark Schmidt is an American Board of Opticianry tion Agency, making the tours of wasn’t available since he waited to conferences are great, they don’t contact lenses available without prescription are and National Contact Lens Examiners Certified not under any real control. Thus, these fashion Optician licensed by the Medical Board of California. He water infrastructure relevant to confirm the flights until after he do much for Menlo Park. “Our accessories (which are regarded as toys by some can be easily reached at Menlo Optical, 1166 University council business. issues are very parochial in many users) can lead to any number of problems, Drive, Menlo Park. 650-322-3900. Three other council members ways,” he said. “There is a ton of approached her record — but ‘While it’s certainly info online — lots of ways to fol- only in number of requests. Nico- low other cities to learn how they las Jellins filed 25, for a total of appropriate for render decisions and lots of folks to /B/AB3=4B63>3<7S\W\acZOÀQOZZBVS/Z[O\OQ$#&#" $ $

March 16, 2011 N The Almanac N7 NEWS

Census data tracks shifts in local demographics Coaches awarded for Challenger team

By Miranda Simon CENSUS Portola Valley continued from page 5 Special to the Almanac man launched the Menlo- The demographic shifts in Porto- Atherton Little League’s the amount of housing available la Valley reflected regional changes; enlo-Atherton Lit- Challenger team for youth increased, so did vacancy rates its while population decreased tle League coaches with physical, mental and across the board. 4 percent to 3,960; the Asian MBob Crowe and emotional challenges. The Overall, the state population population increased 36 percent Doug Kaufman have won a Challenger team featured a increased by 10 percent from to 242; and the Latino population Positive Coaching Alliance “buddy system,” which cou- increased 17 percent to 175. award for their work with ples volunteers with players 2000 to an estimated 37,253,956 Bob Crowe, left, and people; San Mateo County is Housing units increased by youth with physical, mental who need aid on the field. Doug Kaufman home to about 2 percent of that 7 percent during the decade in and emotional challenges, This is meant to give population. Portola Valley, while vacancies according to alliance spokes- young volunteers life lessons nearly doubled to 8 percent. person Valerie McCarthy. and gives parents a chance and silent auctions. PCA Atherton Portola Valley Mayor Ted Crowe and Kaufman will to cheer for their children National Advisory Board In Atherton, the white popu- Driscoll said the change in the be awarded the Double- instead of assisting them on member and San Francisco lation decreased 9.4 percent to town’s demographics is “sim- Goal Coach Award at PCA’s the field, McCarthy said. 49ers broadcaster Ted Robin- 5,565; the Asian population ply reflective of the increasing 10th annual National Youth Crowe has served as a son will serve as master of increased 29 percent to 911; and diversity of the whole Bay Area, Sports Awards Dinner and coach at Hillview Middle ceremonies. A the Latino popu- and that diversity is one of our Auction at Sharon Heights School and Kaufman at St. area’s greatest Golf and Country Club in Raymond School (K-8), both lation increased N INFORMATION 34 percent to strengths. Menlo Park on Thursday, in Menlo Park. 268. The increase in Asian “What I’m very April 7. “Whenever I get a team, PCA’s 10th annual National Youth The number of population is seen proud of is that a The event will also hon- I tell them there is one key Sports Awards Dinner and Auction resident from 25 or San Francisco Giants rule they cannot break,” will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, April available housing as tied to an influx 7, with a reception and silent auc- units increased years ago would Manager Bruce Bochy with Kaufman said. “They have to recognize the tion. The dinner starts at 7 p.m. In by only 25 to of employees in the PCA’s Ronald L. Jensen be positive about their team- lieu of attending, donations of any place today, and Award for Lifetime Achieve- 2,530, with a science and high-tech mates. If they win as a team, size can be made in the coaches’ vacancy rate someone from ment. Bochy led the Giants great. If they lose as a team, honor and will be recognized at of 7.9 percent, industries. today would rec- to their 2010 World Series great. But it’s got to be done the event. almost double ognize the town victory. as a team.” Visit tinyurl.com/PCAdinner to the rate in 2000. 25 years from now,” he added. In 2009, Crowe and Kauf- The dinner will include live purchase tickets. “The people slowly change but Menlo Park the valley remains remarkably Menlo Park’s Latino popula- the same.” tion increased 23 percent to 5,902; the Asian population Woodside Deer carcass found near Priory school increased 43 percent to 3,157; In Woodside, the white popu- and the African American or lation decreased 2 percent to The carcass of a deer that may have been left by a mountain jogging or hiking at dawn, dusk, black population dropped 28 4,717; the Asian population have been killed by a mountain lion. and at night when mountain percent to 1,551. The white increased 24 percent to 332; and lion was found near a Portola There have been a number lions tend to roam around. population saw a tiny rise of 1 the Latino population increased Valley school Wednesday morn- of mountain lion sightings in In the event of a mountain percent to 22,494. 5 percent to 243. ing, March 9, San Mateo County the Woodside and Portola Val- lion encounter, wildlife officials “You see the same thing in “I would say personally I am emergency officials said. ley areas in the past few weeks, advise residents to face the East Palo Alto,” said Tomas extremely gratified to see an The carcass was discovered at but wildlife officials say the cats animal, make noise and try to Jimenez, associate professor of increase, albeit modest, of eth- about 7:30 a.m. in the 200 block generally avoid confrontations appear as large as possible. sociology at Stanford who stud- nic diversity in our community,” of Portola Road, near Woodside with humans. Visit keepmewild.org for ies immigration, assimilation, Woodside Mayor Ron Romines Priory School. However, county officials information on mountain lions and ethnic and racial identity. said, adding that he was speak- Emergency officials said there advise residents to keep an eye from the California Department “One of the things that’s hap- ing for himself not the town. “I were tracks nearby that may on small children and avoid of Fish and Game. pening is that we had a huge think everyone benefits when run-up in housing prices. Many we can associate on a personal of the longtime residents, many basis with neighbors of differ- TREES George included a survey of replacement trees are safely ent ethnic, cultural or religious African Americans, cashed out,” continued from page 5 tree protection laws in nine Bay growing, about two years. “We he said. The residents moved to backgrounds.” Area communities, including were thinking that that would areas like Stanislaus County, The town added 127 hous- Atherton, Portola Valley, Palo be a deterrent to doing whole- where they could buy bigger ing units in 10 years, and saw furious at this person’s attack. Alto and Redwood City. Fines of sale cutting,” Ms. George said. homes at better prices. its vacancy rate, like that of its They had their people in my $500 and $1,000 are common. “It seems like the ideal solu- As local housing opened up, neighbors, double to 8 percent. driveway working on it. ... I hope Woodside’s fine is “rather tion is to replace the tree with an Latinos moved in, Professor David Reilly, principal of you raise the fines.” high,” she said. The staff rec- equivalent tree,” Mayor Rom- Jimenez said. Woodside High School, had this The neighbor has appealed ommended a standardized and ines said. “I really think that a As for the increase in the comment on the census num- the penalty to the council, Town predictable process, such as a very stiff number is needed to Asian population, he thought bers: “Woodside High School Manager Susan George said. requirement to either replace educate people that you don’t that might be described as an has always embraced changes in Any change to the fines would the tree or pay a fine of twice the remove trees.” influx of employees in the sci- demographics, as these changes not likely affect this incident, tree’s appraised value as speci- “I’m very troubled by peo- ence and high-tech industries. add to the vibrantly diverse aca- Mayor Ron Romines told the fied in an industry reference ple finding loopholes to drive “We see this all over Silicon demic and social community. Almanac. book. The replacement option through,” Councilwoman Anne Valley,” he said. “They don’t Our academic and extra-curric- As for a $100,000 tag to install could require a refundable bond Kasten said. necessarily fit the stereotypical ular activities tend to mirror one tree, Mr. Romines said from the violator to help the tree “Nobody’s going to pay the immigrant experience. They’re these changes, as evidenced by he was surprised and that the through its vulnerable first two fine,” Councilman Peter Mason highly skilled, they can afford the wide variety of clubs and council will be looking for a way years said. “It’s going to get finagled to buy homes here.” elective offerings.” A to deter egregious acts while not If a more severe penalty is and what do we do to the fina- Available housing in Menlo Renee Batti and Dave Boyce assessing unreasonable penal- needed, as in the case of a wan- glers?” Park lagged behind the popula- contributed to this story. ties. ton clear-cut, the town could Enforce the code violation, tion growth, increasing by 3 per- INFORMATION attach a code violation to the which has a side effect of com- N Assessing penalties property that would halt all plicating any attempt to sell the cent. The vacancy rate doubled Visit tinyurl.com/66guy7m to explore A March 8 staff report by Ms. development there until the property, Ms. George replied. A from 2000. the 2010 census data. 8 N The Almanac NMarch 16, 2011 NEWS

Constance Esther Rhodes dies at 104

Constance Esther Rhodes, Park Presby- be celebrated,” Ms. Duncan who lived in Menlo Park the terian Church said. past 65 years, died March 5. She for over 60 She was buried at Alta Mesa was 104. years and was Cemetery in Palo Alto next to Seafood Dinners from $595 to $995 Born June 8, 1906, in San involved at the her husband, Irving “Dusty” Try our new Grilled Seafood Specials Francisco to Ida Brown and Little House Rhodes, who died 29 years ago. Clam Chowder - Seafood Salads August Waidman, she lived in Activity Cen- “Chickie,” as she was known Our Award Winning Fish & Chips Prepared from the ﬁnest Alaskan halibut. California her entire life. ter for 40 years, to her family for the past 20 Constance She was well known in Menlo Ms. Duncan Rhodes years, is survived by her daugh- Park and on the Peninsula for said. ter, Sylvia Duncan of Atherton, Restaurant: Mon-Sat 11-8:30 pm, Fri ‘til 9 pm; Market: Mon - Sat 9-7 pm Market: 10-5 pm; Restaurant:11-7 pm many years, said her grand- “It is a great who co-owns the Menlo Park NOW OPEN SUNDAYS daughter Coleen Duncan of loss to many people who knew Academy of Dance in Menlo Atherton. her, but she had a wonderful 104 Park; four grandchildren; and She was active at the Menlo years on this earth and should seven great-grandchildren. John O’Connor’s FDR 502 Pool, budget, travel on MP council agenda By Sandy Brundage MenloParkFunerals.com N NOTES son will cap off the evening Almanac Staff Writer with a report on her trip to hen the Menlo Park which will be managed this Washington, D.C. 1182A Chestnut Street City Council returns summer by Team Sheeper, a The meeting starts at 7 p.m. Menlo Park, CA for a meeting on business that already operates in the council chambers at the FD 2060 W Civic Center at 701 Laurel St. Tuesday, March 15, it will have the Burgess Aquatics Center. to hear a word that those on Community Services Direc- the dais were perhaps hoping tor Cherise Brandell said the Getting ready for to not have to hear again for a upgrades have been on the an emergency while: “Pool.” city’s list of capital improve- With the tragedy still unfold- At least this time the topic ments for several years, as the ing in Japan, disaster prepared- isn’t awarding a contract to fiberglass pool liner at Belle ness is on many residents’ operate the city’s public pools. Haven is now 20 years old. minds. The Atherton Disaster Instead, the council will decide Talk will then turn to the whether to spend $423,158 to state of the city’s budget, and See NOTES, page 14 upgrade the Belle Haven pool, Councilwoman Kelly Fergus-

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March 16, 2011 N The Almanac N9 A community health education series from Stanford Hospital & Clinics Speaking Up To Save A Voice: New Surgery Creates A Vocal Platform

Jerry Young had had a routine having any kind of cancer was not endoscopy and assumed that the something I wanted,” he said. hoarseness that appeared in his voice was an after-effect of that exam. “If it doesn’t go away in a cou- More than sound ple of weeks, make an appointment He did trust Damrose’s knowledge. with an ENT,” his doctor told him. “I had a lot of confidence in Dr. It didn’t and Young went to see an Damrose, in him as a person and ear, nose and throat physician, who his ability to make good decisions,” von der GroebenNorbert thought the redness on Young’s left Young said. vocal cord was caused by a virus. “ I had no idea that voice sparing Young was not convinced. He had was an option. I had no idea Dr. been retired from his job as an engineer and yet his information-seeking Damrose was one of the few in the mindset continued. His research U.S. with the ability and skill to do Foremost for Jerry Young was getting rid of the cancer that had grown in his larynx. Losing his voice would have made him suspect that cancer was been hard, but he was willing to let it go. He didn’t know until after his surgery at Stanford that his doctor there this surgery.” was someone who knew a procedure that gave Young’s voice a chance at preservation. the cause. A friend of his wife, under treatment for cancer at Stanford – Jerry Young, Stanford Hospital Hospital & Clinics, recommended he & Clinics patient audio track of every possible emo- ance, adding another level of dif- see a physician there. tion. From the interplay of the vocal ficulty. What Damrose did was a surgery folds, muscles, cartilages, nerves, His redness was cancer, a squamous that saved Young’s ability to speak tongue, mouth, palate and lungs “ Once you look at what you’ve got, cell carcinoma. It was small, at a without any kind of mechanical comes the ability to form words that it becomes very intuitive as to why very early stage. Radiation offered equipment inserted in his neck, resonate and emerge as audible as much as a 90 percent chance preserving his dignity and freedom communication. it works and works so well. I’d like of removing the cancer, so Young of expression. In a surgery done to see it more routinely offered, to went through that treatment. But only at a few medical centers in the The ability to speak can be altered preserve more larynxes. the cancer remained and Edward J. U.S., Damrose removed the part of by a number of changes in that set of Damrose, MD, director of the Stan- Young’s larynx where the cancer lay. voice-enabling components, includ- – Edward Damrose, MD, Director of Stanford ford Voice and Swallowing Center, Then he closed the gap by connect- ing loss of muscle mass, decreased Hospital & Clinics Voice and Swallowing Clinic became Young’s doctor. ing the two main supports of the saliva and vocal cord atrophy or pa- larynx, the cricoid cartilage and the ralysis. And, surgery for cancer. “I had no idea that voice sparing In the midst of his fear about the hyoid bone. Instead of air vibrating was an option,” Young said. “Dr. cancer, Young prepared himself for through the muscular vocal cords, it Damrose just said, ‘We’ll go in the worst. He didn’t think about what vibrates with the help of cartilage, Challenging circumstances and take this thing out.’ He didn’t surgery might bring; he just wanted allowing a human voice instead of Cancer of the larynx is the most want to get my hopes up, I think, the cancer out. “Both my mother and a robotic one to say the words that commonly diagnosed head and neck so he didn’t get into specifics. It brother died young, of pancreatic form Young’s life. The procedure cancer. Between 10,000 and 12,000 was months later that he asked if I cancer. I knew mine was neither as is called a supracricoid laryngec- new cases emerge each year in the wanted to know the specifics. I had aggressive or lethal as theirs, but tomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. United States. But it is the least Young’s surgery common cause of hoarseness. Its was one of just symptoms also include difficulty a dozen times in swallowing, coughing up blood, sore the last year that throat and trouble breathing. Damrose, one of the nation’s few Any surgery in these tight quarters experts in the must be done precisely. “One mil- procedure, per- limeter too far one way,” Damrose formed at Stan- said, “and you’ve cut out an impor- ford Hospital & tant nerve needed to speak. Too far Clinics. the other way and you’ve left cancer Norbert von der GroebenNorbert behind, or your patient will never The voice is, of swallow again.” course, as dis- tinctly identify- That precision, he said, is even more ing as a person’s of a challenge because “you are cut- face. Perhaps ting through thick and muscular even more than tissue,” he said. If a patient has had Jerry Young, a retired engineer, is fully recovered from his larynx cancer surgery, Jerry Young jokes that his wife, Kersten, likes his new, lower v with plenty of energy to get back into his home workshop, in full voice. the face, the voice radiation, that treatment can distort are active grandparents who love to travel. is a nuanced and swell the structures’ appear- 10 N The Almanac NMarch 16, 2011 special feature The Anatomy of Voice Laryngeal Cancer · Symptoms can include persistent hoarseness, difficult or painful swallowing, · Vocal cords are two bands of smooth muscle located in the larynx, ongoing sore throat, difficulty breathing, pain in the ear, lump in the neck. sometimes call the voice box · The larynx is located at the top of the trachea, or windpipe Common Vocal Cord Conditions · Sound is created as air from the lungs vibrates the vocal cords · Laryngitis: an inflammation that can be caused by infection, overuse of the voice, inhaled irritants or gastrointestinal reflux Protecting Your Vocal Health · Nodules: small, benign and callous-like growths · Drink plenty of water, for its moisturizing effect · Polyps: soft, benign and blister-like growths · Don’t smoke. Smoking raises the risk of cancer and vocal cord polyps. · Vocal cord hemorrhage, paralysis or weakness Alcohol consumption by smokers also increases risk. As many as 90 percent of head and neck cancers are related to use of these substances. When to See Your Doctor · Keep your voice below the yelling and screaming level, which strains the · If you have hoarseness or a change in voice that lasts for more than vocal cords. two weeks

For more information about partial laryngectomies, visit: stanfordhospital.org/voiceandswallowingclinic or call 650.723.5281. Join us at stanfordhospital.org/socialmedia.

no idea that he was one of the few in the first U.S. surgery. his life letting others know about the U.S. with the ability and skill to Now, he is training the voice-sparing surgery he had. “I do this surgery.” others. “I’d like to see want to spread the word,” he said. this more routinely Every month he returns to Stanford The traditional approach has been to offered, to preserve for a meeting of the local chapter of remove the entire larynx, following more larynxes. It’s SPOHNC, Support for People with failed chemotherapy or radiation. It’s an operation that has Oral and Head and Neck Cancer. a relatively quick surgery about four a high degree of suc- hours, compared to the seven hours cess and predictable “I could sit around and feel sorry for Damrose needed for Young’s partial results. It’s worth- myself because I don’t have a normal laryngectomy. The impact is hugely while trying.” voice,” Young said, “but I realize how

different. With a total removal of von der GroebenNorbert lucky I am, lucky that the cancer the larynx, speaking is possible only Young is an example was found early and lucky to have with external help. The most com- of someone whose found Dr. Damrose.” mon involves a prosthesis that fits cancer was caught into a hole in the throat; some work early, “otherwise a when pressure is applied, others healthy, vibrant, vi- can function hands-free. For oth- tal guy who can now ers, speaking requires an electronic Edward Damrose, MD, Director of Stanford’s Voice and Swallowing Clinic, look forward to years device pressed against the throat to checks up on Jerry Young with a gentle touch. Damrose used a partial of quality voicing,” amplify vocal sounds. Sometimes, laryngectomy to remove Young’s cancer but save his natural voice. Damrose said. some of the nerves to the tongue can be affected, damaging the ability to there had ever even heard about the Several months went swallow and taste. surgery I’d had.” by before Young knew what his voice would sound like. After four months, Developed in the 1950s and popular- he could make himself understood. Advancing options ized by French surgeons, the sur- He has a new vocal reality, a new The psychological trauma, Young gery Damrose performed on Young normalcy, he calls it, with delightful said, is immense. He saw it first was not done in the US until the wit. “My wife loves that I can’t yell when he went to a meeting of a 1990s. Damrose describes the ap- at her anymore,” he said. And its laryngectomy support group and proach as elegant. “It was hard to vi- deep tone, with a roughed edge, has found himself the only person with- sualize why it should work,” he said, won some admirers. “Lots of women out a prosthesis. “None of the people “but once you look at what you’ve say it’s very sexy,” Young said, with got, it becomes very intuitive as to a bit of a blush. why it works and works so well.” “ I realize how lucky I am, lucky that Yet its frequency remains low. The the cancer was found early and most recent data shows that in patients who fail radiation, up to 50 lucky to have found Dr. Damrose.” percent may be candidates for the – Jerry Young, Stanford Hospital voice-preserving partial laryngec- & Clinics patient tomy. Norbert von der Groeben Jerry Young worked to build strength in his voice He still loves to do woodworking after his surgery. Even though he can’t speak loudly, Damrose trained with that physi- projects, to cook and to travel, but the life he has with his wife, Kersten, is as full as ever. cian and with the physician who did he has added another mission to Norbert von der GroebenNorbert

Stanford Hospital & Clinics is known worldwide for advanced treatment of complex disorders in areas such as cardiovascular care, cancer treatment, neurosciences, surgery, and organ transplants. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the U.S. News & World Report annual list of “America’s Best Hospitals,” Stanford Hospital & Clinics is internationally recognized for translating medical breakthroughs into the care of patients. It is part of the volume voice because he can’t yell at her any more. The two Stanford University Medical Center, along with the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford. For more information, visit stanfordmedicine.org.

March 16, 2011 N The Almanac N11 NEWS

Woodside fire chief closes out 33 years of firefighting By Dave Boyce Almanac Staff Writer districts respond to their own financial issues. Firefighters also esidential life in Wood- help in the details of choosing side and Portola Valley new fire engines. Rand nearby communities “Every member in this orga- is scenic if not always idyllic. nization contributes,” he said. It’s also dangerous. The forests “That gives them ownership. include highly flammable euca- They have a piece of it. When lyptus, acacia, pine, juniper, change does come, it’s not as scotch broom, French broom hard to go through.” and coyote brush. Tectonic plates “We all sacrifice,” he added. No meet along the San Andreas fault, one in the district has seen a raise which runs under both towns. or increase in benefits in three Protecting an upscale lifestyle years, he said. “The labor body in the midst of this, implanting has been unbelievable, has been in residents’ minds the constant great to the fire district,” he said. threats of wildfire and earth- “Everybody in this organization quake, is one significant task for is giving back. ... It’s a pill that Fire Chief Armando Muela and you have to take. We all swallow the members of the Woodside the pill and we move forward.” Fire Protection District’s governing board. Cooperative by nature For Chief Muela, 54, it won’t be Among his accomplishments, a daily issue for much longer. He Chief Muela noted the fire dis- has announced plans to retire trict’s improved and improving on April 29 after 33 years in relations with the towns of Por-

firefighting, including 17 years Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac tola Valley and Woodside. with the Woodside district, the “I think it’s time for me to kind of take on some new challenges and reinvent myself,” says Armando Asked to comment, Portola past four and a half as chief. Muela, who plans to retire April 29 as chief of the Woodside Fire Protection District. Valley Town Manager Angie In late March, the district Howard said in an e-mail that governing board will pick a new furnished office at the fire sta- to 20 minutes, he said. afoot by labor to understand the relationship with the district chief from among the five bat- tion in downtown Woodside. Chief Muela retired under a this,” he added when asked to “has evolved and is very good. talion chiefs in the Woodside “I think it’s time for me to kind rule for public safety employees comment on the very public Armando is†good to work with, district, Chief Muela said. of take on some new challenges that at age 50, they can retire dispute in Wisconsin over bar- is proactive, he†is responsive, Chief Muela isn’t going any- and reinvent myself.” with 3 percent of their current gaining rights for unionized and keeps Susan and I informed where. He lives in Emerald Hills He said he looks forward to salary for every year of service public employees. when something important hap- and said he plans to volunteer his 13th year as a chaperone for up to 30 years. Chief Muela will pens in town.” with the area’s disaster prepared- middle school kids on a 22-mile receive about $162,000 a year, A peaceable district Woodside Town Manager ness programs and to remain hike into and out of the Grand he said. Cashing out his unused That movement has appar- Susan George struck the same associated with the district’s Canyon, to improving his golf vacation and sick leave should ently been afoot for a while in the note. “The townís relationship foundation advisory board. The game, and perhaps to college add up to $90,000 and he will Woodside fire district. Unlike with the fire district has been Woodside-Portola Valley Fire classes on subjects such as reli- have lifetime health care cover- their counterparts in the Menlo very positive since Armando was Protection Foundation raises gion and political science. age for himself and his spouse, Park Fire Protection District, named as chief,” she said. “He is money through donations for Chief Muela began with two he said. Woodside firefighters have not very open and collaborative and community-oriented expenses years as a firefighter for the Generous benefits. Asked to seen their labor negotiations roil I have thoroughly enjoyed work- such as renewing firefighting state, then two more in the comment, Chief Muela replied: out into public and make news. ing with him. ... I’ll really miss equipment and facilities and private sector as an ambulance “My guess is that we will Why? Armando.” funding fire prevention and paramedic, he said. The next be managed down,” meaning For one thing, the district is “Working in Woodside is such training initiatives. 30 years included 14 with the that the state Legislature will relatively small, which allows a unique feeling,” Chief Muela With retirement, Chief Mue- fire department in South San act to “claw back” some ben- it to be “nimble,” he said. But said. His daily commute is not la’s day-in-day-out tether of a Francisco and the rest with efits of retired public employ- the key, he added, is being open interrupted by even one traffic cell phone and pager will be Woodside, where he instituted ees, including firefighters and and transparent with firefight- light and visiting fire chiefs regu- left behind. “There’s not a day a paramedic program that put police. ers because “it sets them up larly comment on the serene when I’m not actively engaged advanced-life-support crews on “Government will shrink to a for change.” Everyone sees the settings of the fire stations and (in district activities),” he said fire engines. Ambulances at the size that will be the new normal. financials and he said he e-mails the lower tensions of working in in an interview in his simply time had a response time of 15 I believe there’s a movement the entire staff on how other fire such an environment, he said. A

— Sacramento-based Peckham & 2012 after 18 years heading the Road, pedestrian path improvements coming McKenney Executive Search and Town Hall staff. Consulting — offered a guarantee: The search for Ms. George’s The Woodside Town Council, N WOODSIDE NOTES an optimum plan for pedestrian if the new manager leaves within replacement will cost the town in its annual review of proposed access. two years, the company will find a $16,000, plus expenses not to exceed spending on road improvements The plan also includes per year replacement at no cost other than $6,500, according to Peckham’s over the coming two budget years, “I think we really ought to think spending of $5,000 to rehabilitate expenses. proposal, which is posted on the unanimously accepted a plan on about what we’re going to do for bridges, $5,000 to seal cracks in The council’s decision was unani- town’s website under the link Cur- March 8 to spend about $706,800 pedestrians,” Mr. Mason said, refer- asphalt, and $10,000 for road strip- mous, with Councilwoman Sue rent Issues & Events. on 13 roads, but their attention ring in particular to a much-used ing. Boynton absent. Peckham & McKenney has found focused on pedestrian improve- section of Woodside Road between To be fair, such guarantees came managers or assistant managers for ments. the elementary school and Canada Recruiter hired to find from most of the 10 recruiting several Bay Area cities, including The plan showed $40,000 for Road. “I think we ought to be dedi- new town manager firms that responded to Woodside’s Belmont, Mill Valley, Palo Alto and pedestrian projects in the 2011-12 cating at least $40,000 a year,” he request for proposals. Redwood City. In its proposal, the budget year and $20,000 for 2012- said. The Town Council of Woodside The council was acting in recruiter said it specializes in find- 13. Perhaps that latter figure should Mayor Ron Romines, agreeing on March 3 voted to hire a recruiter response to Town Manager Susan ing “hidden” candidates, including be $40,000 as well, Councilman that improving walkways in town is to find a new town manager, and George’s Jan. 25 announcement those who may not be considering Peter Mason said. a priority, suggested thinking about the firm that the council hired that she’ll be retiring in January a new position.

12 N The Almanac NMarch 16, 2011 NEWS

Deal may help Caltrain avert drastic cuts Meeting: How hospital ■ But there will be starting July 2. reimbursement funds the agen- some cuts, official says. Caltrain officials have warned cies owe SamTrans for fronting expansion impacts city that they would slash the num- the purchase of the rail’s right- By Sue Dremann ber of trains, reduce the sched- of-way in 1991. By Sandy Brundage said the problem isn’t just Almanac Staff Writer Embarcadero Media ule to weekday peak-commuter “We’re close to putting togeth- the Stanford expansion, but times only, and close up to seven er a near-term, two-year plan to fter reviewing the envi- also the Bohannon Gateway rastic cuts to Caltrain rail stations along the San Jose to avert some of the deep service ronmental impact report project, which is predicted to service are likely to be San Francisco route. cuts proposed,” Randy Rent- A(EIR) on the Stanford generate a similar amount of Daverted, Steve Heminger, Service to points south of San schler, the commission’s spokes- hospital expansion, the Menlo traffic. the Metropolitan Transportation Jose’s Diridon station would be man, said. Park Transportation Commis- Facebook coming to town — Commission’s executive director, eliminated, cutting off residents But “there are going to be sion decided to postpone mak- even though the corporation told the commission’s Planning from Gilroy, Morgan Hill and some cuts — no two ways about ing a recommendation to the says 40 percent of its employees and Allocations Committee on San Martin, if all of the pro- it,” he said. The decision about City Council. use alternatives to driving to March 9. posed cuts are implemented. which cuts will be made is up Instead, Commissioner Ray get to work — along with the The commission is work- But Mr. Heminger said fare and to the Peninsula Corridor Joint Mueller is drafting a prelimi- potential Cargill development ing with Caltrain’s financing parking increases, changes to its Powers Board, which manages nary recommendation that will project in Redwood City makes partners — Santa Clara Coun- upcoming expiring contract Caltrain, he added. be discussed the local traf- ty’s VTA, San Mateo County’s with Amtrak, and potentially Mr. Rentschler said he could during a spe- fic situation SamTrans and San Francisco’s using some money reserved for not specify how the funding cial meeting even more Muni — to cobble together a Caltrain electrification might deal will work out. “We have a of the com- ‘The effect (of increased worrisome. financing deal that would help be options for a temporary fix. list of possibilities we’re looking mission set traffic) will be the “Traffic the 147-year-old rail line reduce He also outlined a plan for VTA at but we don’t have a prioritized for 1:30 p.m. Manhattanization of increases have a $30 million operations deficit and Muni to pay $8.9 million in list,” he said. A Friday, March a synergy or 18, in council Menlo Park.’ multiplier chambers at effect,” Mr. Two forums ahead for county supervisor election MARTIN ENGEL, MEMBER, MENLO PARK the Menlo TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Engel said. Five candidates running for 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March Supervisors to run for and win Park Civic “The whole election to the position of San 30, at the Veterans Memorial (in November) the multiple- Center at 701 Laurel St. becomes greater than the sum Mateo County District 1 supervi- Senior Center at 1455 Madison position office of assessor, county “The sheer volume of infor- of the parts.” sor are expected to be on hand to Ave. in Redwood City. This event clerk-recorder, and chief elections mation discussed at the meet- “The effect will be the Man- take questions at two forums in will be co-hosted by the Redwood officer. ing required a thoughtful hattanization of Menlo Park,” March. The countywide all-mail- City Woodside Democratic Club, Although District 1 represents drafting of the recommenda- he said, and added that the in-ballot election begins on April the San Mateo County Demo- communities at the northern tion,” Mr. Mueller said. traffic studies are artificially 4 and ends on May 3. crats, and the Peninsula Young end of the county, from South The $3.5 billion project low-balled. The first forum, put on by the Democrats. San Francisco extending south to would bring about 1.3 million “As a city, we are doing far, far Bay Area Youth Summit, takes Candidates expected to attend San Mateo and the San Francisco square feet of new develop- too little to mitigate the effects place between 1 and 3 p.m. Sat- are, in ballot order, Burlingame International Airport, every reg- ment and more than 2,200 of that. It is my wish that the urday, March 19, at the San Mateo Mayor Terry Nagel, Deputy Attor- istered voter in the county has a new employees to Palo Alto by city council take a very strong City Council Chambers at 1900 ney General Gina Papan, business- vote. 2025. oppositional stand to all these OíFarrell St. in San Mateo. man Michael G. Stogner, educator In addition to being mailed in, It could also add an estimat- potential traffic incursions.” The second forum is set for 7 to and consumer advocate Richard ballots can be dropped off at the ed 10,000 new daily car trips to Go to http://tinyurl.com/ Holober, and school trustee and elections office at 40 Tower Road the area, making the additional SUMC-EIR to read the envi- businessman Dave Pine. in San Mateo and in ballot boxes traffic in Menlo Park a primary ronmental impact report on The winner will fill the District in every city or town hall in the concern for the commission. the Stanford hospital expan- Mayors to deliver 1 seat formerly occupied by Mark county, but they must be received Commissioner Martin Engel sion. A meals to elderly Church, who left the Board of by May 3. The mayors of Atherton, Men- lo Park, Portola Valley and Woodside will spend part of Wednesday, March 23, delivering meals to homebound residents of their communities, according to the Menlo Park-based Penin- sula Volunteers Inc., which runs local facilities and programs for seniors, including Meals on Wheels. ÕÃiÕÊ+Õ>ÌÞÊ,i«>ÀÃ Mayors participating are Jim Dobbie of Atherton, Rich Cline UÊ*ÀVi>ÊUÊ*ÌÌiÀÞÊUÊ >ÀLiÊ of Menlo Park, Ted Driscoll of UÊ>`iÊUÊÛÀÞÊUÊ>ÃÃÊ Portola Valley, and Ron Romines UÊ7`ÊUÊ-Ìi of Woodside. Don Horsley, San Èxä{n{Ó{x Mateo County supervisor for District 3, will also participate. “This is the fifth year our mayors have been involved with www.restorationstudio.com the national Mayors For Meals Day,” said Bart Charlow, executive director of Peninsula Volun- Support Local Business teers. The national campaign, called March For Meals, aims to raise awareness of hunger among the elderly and to encourage action by local communities. Go to peninsulavolunteers.org for more information.

March 16, 2011 N The Almanac N13 NEWS

NOTES next meeting is set for Satur- the main library will host Joe continued from page 9 day, April 2. Contact Hanna Marchi from the Center for Soaring garbage rates Malak at hannajmalak@yahoo. the American Musical to dis- Preparedness Team, in collab- com for more information. cuss choreography in Ameri- oration with the Menlo Park can musicals. back on council agenda Fire Protection District, wants The presentation starts at 11 By Renee Batti Dancing at N ATHERTON to teach new members how to a.m. in the downstairs meeting Almanac News Editor get ready for an emergency. the library room of the library at 800 Alma The group meets at 9 a.m. Who says libraries and danc- St. Free van service is provided ow should the Atherton sees garbage collection services on the first Saturday of every ing don’t mix? Not Menlo for Menlo Park seniors and City Council proceed on most of the Peninsula. The month in the Atherton town Park. On Saturday, April 2, those with disabilities. Call 330- with an inevitable gar- cost of service for the smallest hall at 91 Ashfield Road. The 2512 to schedule a ride. H bage rate increase — earlier garbage cans available — 20 proposed at 63 percent to 98 per- gallon and 32 gallon — would cent? The council will revisit that increase by 63 percent, with TRAVEL ($65), and a State of the Valley during a regular meeting. prickly question when it meets incremental increases for larger continued from page 7 conference ($150). He said the council as a whole Wednesday, March 16. containers of up to 98 percent. City Manager Glen Rojas usually doesn’t spend the full The issue was put on hold last By comparison, rates in unin- explained the council travel $10,000; any leftover money month, when a public hearing corporated areas in the West Bay With total reimbursements of policy: A $10,000 fund covers returns to the general fund. on the proposed rate hike drew Sanitary District rose by 35.6 $1,227.36, however, she pushed travel costs for all five council Ms. Fergusson sounded irri- a crowd of unhappy residents, percent; Hillsborough’s rates ahead in the cost category as members as part of the annual tated when the Almanac asked and interim City Manager John are likely to rise by 25 percent; compared with the mayor’s $766 city budget. They can either ask her about the expenses, and Danielson suggested that he tackle Redwood City’s rates rose by 18 during his four-and-a-quarter- the city to pay in advance, or refused to answer questions some of the many questions raised percent; and Menlo Park’s rates year tenure. Highlights: the request reimbursement. about the D.C. trip, saying an about the uncommonly high rate- are likely to rise by 15 percent. Mount Olive Annual Crab Feed When the trip involves traveling expense report would be coming hike proposal before the council Mr. Danielson said that in addi- ($40); the San Mateo County/ out of state, the reimbursement shortly. votes on new rates. tion to past garbage rates that Silicon Valley Convention and must be approved, before or “It doesn’t seem like you cover Mr. Danielson will report on didn’t reflect the increasing costs Visitors Bureau annual meeting after the fact, by the council actual news anymore,” she said. A what he and outside analysts of the service, Atherton is being learned from their investigation asked to pay higher rates because over the last few weeks. of its small number of households Also on the and its lack of agenda is possible commercial busi- approval of a set- The town may also ness, which typi- tlement agreement cally is charged with Pacific Penin- settle a lawsuit over a far higher rate sula Group, a large road-impact fees. than residences. development firm Recology’s fuel that sued the town to recover and employee costs to provide ser- road-impact fees it paid before vice in Atherton must be covered the town stopped charging the by a smaller number of customers, fee. The council will meet in driving up the per-customer rate, closed session before the regular he noted. meeting, which begins at 7 p.m., to discuss and possibly sign off on Lawsuit settlement? the proposed settlement. The proposed lawsuit settlement with Pacific Peninsula Rate hike Group, which was hammered Mr. Danielson’s report to the out in mediation, is confidential council will address, among until approved by the council, other issues, questions pertain- Mr. Danielson said. ing to the $334,000 balance If the council signs off on it in the town owes to Allied Waste, its special, closed-session meet- which provided garbage collec- ing, which begins at 5 p.m., it tion service for many years until will take an official vote on it Recology took over the contract during the public meeting, with in January. members of the public given the The report offers a breakdown chance to comment. There is of costs reportedly contributing to also a public comment period that debt, including higher-than- at the beginning of the 5 p.m. expected worker’s compensation special meeting. and other employee costs, and Pacific Peninsula sued the higher disposal fees charged to town to recover nearly $300,000 Allied by the county. in road-impact fees it claims it Mr. Danielson told the Alma- was charged illegally. nac that complicating the matter The council last year autho- is that, over the years, the town rized refunds of a portion of the “didn’t raise rates consistently and fees paid by builders before the concurrently with (Allied Waste’s) town abandoned the fee in late rising expenses.” 2009 due to controversy about He noted that an audit of Allied its legality. Pacific Peninsula’s Waste’s books is expected to be lawsuit aimed to force the town completed by September, at which to refund the fees it paid in their time the firm will have to justify entirety. its final charge to the town. The special council meeting The proposed rate schedule begins at 5 p.m. in the Town would make Atherton rates the Hall administrative office at 94 highest in the county, and the Ashfield Road in the Atherton percentage of the increase would Town Center. The regular meet- far surpass that of any other ing begins at 7 p.m. in the Town public agency in the 13-member Council Chambers, also in the joint powers authority that over- town center. A

14 N The Almanac NMarch 16, 2011 access

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March 16, 2011 N The Almanac N15 NEWS Janice Mary Pausa, “Jan” POLICE CALLS Our beloved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, mother member of Peninsula N and grandmother died February 28th, 2011 of Volunteers which is an cardiac failure. Jan fought several health issues in organization supporting This information is from the Atherton WOODSIDE her life with great courage and strength. Her joyful local senior citizens. Jan and Menlo Park police departments Commercial burglary report: and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Arrests made in connection with items spirit was always present. Jan passed with husband served as Treasurer and Office. Under the law, people charged stolen from 20 lockers after bolt cut- and brother at her bedside. President of Peninsula with offenses are considered innocent ters used to cut locks, Woodside High until convicted. Born December 1933 in Alta, Iowa to Evelyn and Volunteers where she School at 199 Churchill St., March 4. Al Hanson, Jan was the oldest of three siblings. She was instrumental in ATHERTON Assault report: Blows exchanged with injuries to two caretakers on dif- spent her formative years in Oakland, California. the development of Auto burglary report: Window ferent shifts at same residence but In Jan’s early years she learned tennis from a Crane Place; an award smashed, first block of Marymount who do not get along and signed citi- Ave., March 5. zens arrest forms on each other, 100 neighborhood coach while becoming a ranked junior winning affordable block of Vineyard Hill Road, March 7. tennis player. Jan had a zest for life and a passion for senior housing complex MENLO PARK Incident report: Unauthorized trimming the great outdoors spending many family camping in Menlo Park. Grand theft report: Three-phase of redwood trees in traffic island at inter- trips fishing and hiking. Jan was a teacher and lover of all sports; from circuit breakers stolen, 100 block of section of state Highway 35 and High- Constitution Ave., March 9. way 84, Alice’s Restaurant, March 9. Jan graduated with honors from Castlemont football and baseball to golf, tennis and the Olympics. Auto burglary report: Loss esti- High School in 1952. Then continued on to the Her love of sports was handed down to her boys. Year mated at $50 in break-in and theft LADERA University of California at Berkeley where she after year she would arrange fantastic ski trips to Lake of wallet, 300 block of Sharon Park Auto burglary report: Vehicle bro- Drive, March 4. received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Tahoe with her family and many friends. As an avid ken into and Apple iPod Touch sto- Stolen vehicle report: Gold 1995 len, 100 block of Erica Way, March 8. Administration. During her time at UC Berkeley she sports fan, she could be found watching sports on Honda Accord, 1300 block of Willow Theft report: Unauthorized use of fell in love with Clements Edward Pausa, “Ed”. Ed TV every weekend or she would join her mother and Road, March 7. credit card stolen from unlocked and Jan were married in 1955 at the Newman Hall family at the Oakland stadium watching the A’s defeat Fraud reports: vehicle, 300 block of La Cuesta ■ Loss of $847 in unauthorized use Drive, March 8. on the campus of UC Berkeley. the Giants or the Raiders defeating the 49ers. of credit card, 1100 block of Univer- Following college, Jan worked as an accountant in She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother sity Drive, March 10. WEST MENLO PARK San Diego and Long Beach while Ed served on active and grandmother with tireless energy bringing ■ Identity theft, 1000 block of Laurel Theft report: Dry cleaning valued at duty with the Navy. Jan and Ed moved several more St., March 5. $550 stolen from side of house, 1000 excitement, love and laughter to those around her. block of Sherman Ave., March 4. times in California to support Ed’s career in the Jan is survived by her mother Evelyn Hanson, growing semiconductor industry. By 1959, Jan and brother Kern Hanson, sister Aleen Hassard, husband Ed lived in Los Altos where their first son Geoffrey Ed Pausa, two sons Geoff and Ron Pausa, and two was born. The family then moved to Portland, grandchildren Zachary and Ashton Pausa. Maine where their second son Ronald was born. Funeral services were held at 11am on Monday With Janice’s sense of adventure, the family next March 14th at the Church of the Nativity, 210 Oak Paul R. Langdon moved to Hong Kong. Jan felt fortunate to travel all Grove Ave, Menlo Park CA 94025. In lieu of flowers Paul R. Langdon of Redwood City, California, passed away around the globe. She found the cultures interesting please consider donations to: Stanford University peacefully on February 28th, 2011. Paul was born in Columbus, Ohio and exciting. In 1968, Jan’s family returned to Cardiovascular Institute, 2700 Sand Hill Road, Menlo on February 17, 1914. A celebration of Paul’s life was held on Monday, California and by 1976 the family settled into their Park, CA 94025. Please indicate “The PARTNER March 14th at 2:00pm at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 950 Santa current home in Atherton. Jan became an active Trial” in the memo section of your check. Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park. PAID OBITUARY Paul was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marjorie, and his son, Robert. Paul is survived by his son, Larry, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. For 30 years, Paul was Manager of Finance and Accounting, and Assistant Treasurer, of Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Alvin A. Rathbun Ohio. He served on the Columbus School Board of Education for 28 years. Alvin A. Rathbun, 88, a long-time found most Saturday In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Paul’s memory to Menlo resident of Portola Valley passed away mornings on a tennis Park Presbyterian Church Missions Department, 950 Santa Cruz February 23, 2011, six months after court enjoying a Ave., Menlo Park CA 94025; or to Forever Young (Paul’s caregivers), suffering a stroke. He died peacefully lively game. He was Palm Villas, 1931 Woodside Rd., Redwood City CA 94061. surrounded by his family. also a charter and PAID OBITUARY Born in West Hartford, Connecticut, continuing member Alvin graduated from Mount Hermon of the Alpine Hills Prep School in Massachusetts and earned Investment Club. bachelor degrees from Middlebury College Al played the cello for many years often Ralph R. Luckenbach and Stanford University. He served in the accompanied by his wife, an accomplished 1925-2011 Army in Italy during World War II and pianist, and his family and friends on Ralph Raymond Luckenbach passed away 2-17-11 at his Menlo was awarded a Purple Heart. other instruments. Park home of 57 years, surrounded by his family. He was much While stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, In 1995 Alvin lost Gini, his wife of loved and will be missed greatly. Born on 5-28-25 in Sacramento, Alvin met his future wife, Ella Virginia forty-six years, to cancer. Two years later CA, only son of Ralph B. and Celia Raymond Luckenbach. He “Gini” Madison of North Carolina, and he married Sally Elizabeth Lemoin, who graduated from Hoover High School in San Diego in 1943, and they were married in 1949. They moved had also lost her first husband, Donald served with the Marines , ’43-’46. Ralph attended San Diego State to California and had two daughters, Lemoin. Al and Sally did quite a bit of ’46-’48, transferred to UC Berkeley and graduated in ’50 with a degree in Electrical Engineering (EE). His postgraduate work was Victoria and Susan. Alvin earned an MBA travelling and enjoyed time with friends at Cal also. He married Glenna Brannon, of San Diego, on 1-30-49, from Stanford and co-founded a soils and family. Al continued to ride his a union that was to last over 62 years and produced 3 treasured sons. engineering firm, Testing and Controls, bicycle until age 87. He enjoyed his grandchildren, especially when visiting with them which later became Earth Systems, where Alvin is survived by his wife, Sally at family gatherings . Ralph was a 26 year engineer (’56-’82) with he served as Secretary-Treasurer. He loved Lemoin Rathbun, daughter Susan Martin, Ampex Corporation. In ’82, he retired as a Staff Engineer. He was his work and didn’t retire until well into step-daughter, Lisa Lemoin, grandsons a musician at heart, having played trombone in marching bands, his seventies. John Gregory, Matthew Gregory and dance bands and orchestras through his college years. Big Band, Alvin was instrumental in the Mark Gregory, sister Eloise Lewis and Swing and Jazz music were his very favorites. Survivors include his incorporation of the Town of Portola many nephews and nieces. wife, Glenna and 3 sons, Steve, his wife Lori, their children James and Valley and served on the town’s Planning A service to celebrate Alvin’s life will Lisa, Mark, his wife Carole and their children John and Catherine Commission for several years. He was be held March 19, 2011 at 2pm at the and David, his wife Lillian and their children, Julia and great grandson Oliver, and Alice. He is also survived by his younger sister, president of the Palo Alto Kiwanis Club Woodside Village Church in Woodside, Janet Babbit of Lakewood, WA. He was predeceased by his sister from 1980 to 1981, a group he continued CA. In lieu of flowers please send donations Carolyn Henderson and his parents. Ralph requested no services. to enjoy and support. Alvin was a charter to Middlebury College in Vermont, Boys The family will gather in his honor. Remembrances may be sent to member of the Alpine Hills Tennis and Town in Nebraska, or the Kiwanis Club the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Marine Corps Heritage Swim Club and helped guide it in its early of Palo Alto. Foundation or KCEA-FM at Menlo-Atherton High School.

years. For nearly forty years he could be PAID OBITUARY PAID OBITUARY

16 N The Almanac NMarch 16, 2011

James (Jim) Thomas Byrnes

Resident of Los Altos (formerly of Woodside) February 8, 1945 – March 2, 2011 A life lived with passion, purpose and performance.

Following 66 years of bringing love and laughter to all those around him, our beloved Jim entered into rest on March 2, 2011. The eldest of three children, Jim was born in San Francisco, CA to John and Claire Byrnes. He was raised in nearby Millbrae, and he later earned a B.A. in psychology and an M.B.A. in marketing from San Francisco State University. Jim would go on to teach marketing courses at SFSU before ﬁnding success in sales during the next two decades.

Most recently, Jim discovered his true passion as a realtor with Keller Williams in Palo Alto, and his mission was to help clients make the right lifestyle choices to achieve greater success and enjoyment. He was recognized by The Wall Street Journal for being in the Top 1% of agents nationwide. In January of 2011, the National Real Estate Forum Association recognized Jim’s extensive philanthropic efforts by awarding him the “Get by Giving” award. Yet despite his numerous professional accolades, Jim considered his roles as a family man and friend his greatest accomplishments.

Jim is survived by daughter Shea Byrnes of San Francisco; son Eric (Tarah) Byrnes of Half Moon Bay; brother Michael (Catherine) Byrnes of Fresno; sister Claudia Byrnes of Campbell; Uncle Wayne (Nancy) Alexander of San Mateo; and niece and nephew, Valerie and Sean Byrnes, of San Francisco. Jim was the proud “Great Pa” of Chloe, Cali and a third grandchild due to arrive this fall. He is also survived by former wife of 28 years, Judy Byrnes—mother of Shea and Eric.

In 2007, Jim met his dearly loved companion Kathy Bridgman, a fellow Bay Area realtor. Their connection was instantaneous; the duo danced, dined, traveled, golfed, hugged and laughed their way through the next four years. With open arms, Jim embraced Kathy’s three children and extended family, becoming an honorary “Great Pa” to her ﬁve grandchildren along the way.

Although Jim left us far too soon, we take solace in knowing he lived each day to the fullest. He never missed an opportunity to tell people how much he cared for them. A true optimist, he believed that all experiences—good or bad—were opportunities for personal growth. In his own words, “Life is not a linear journey up or down. Life is full of cycles and wondrous opportunities if we just take the time and perspective to recognize them.”

Jim’s zest for life was contagious—a lover of baseball, live music, traveling, a good Pinot Noir, the great outdoors, and above all else, family. We will miss his sky-blue eyes, his easy smile and his vigorous hugs. His dedication to spiritual growth and making others happy put him in a league of his own. As a skin cancer survivor, Jim gave his time and energy to the Melanoma Research Foundation. He met weekly with the Men’s Covenant Group, a gathering of dear friends based out of Menlo Park’s Presbyterian Church.

Jim had a 5th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate, and he was an avid skier, tennis player and golfer. He often livened up family events with an impromptu saxophone or piano performance, or by getting out the karaoke machine. He was incredibly generous in opening the doors of his vacation homes in Lake Tahoe and Maui for friends to enjoy, as these were two of his most cherished spots on the planet.

Dad, Great Pa, Brother Jim, our sweet Jimbo, although we miss you beyond description, we trust that you have traveled on to a place where every view is “magical” and your soul will dance for all eternity.

Thank you for gracing us with your heart of gold and changing our lives forever. We have no doubt that you have moved on towards even greater success and enjoyment.

A memorial service and celebration of Jim’s life is planned for Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 1:00 pm at the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church (950 North Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park). A reception will follow at Sharon Heights Country Club (2900 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park). In lieu of ﬂowers, please make donations to the Melanoma Research Foundation: www.ﬁrstgiving.com/fundraiser/jim byrnes/Melanoma-Research-Foundation. Donations by check should be mailed to the Melanoma Research Foundation, 1411 K Street NW, Suite 500, Washington D.C. 20005. Please include “In Memory of Jim Byrnes” in memo section of check.

March 16, 2011 N The Almanac N17 Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, and Woodside for 44 years. Ideas, thoughts and opinions about local issues from people in our community. Edited by Tom Gibboney.

Editor & Publisher Tom Gibboney Council’s travel policy woefully lacking Editorial Managing Editor Richard Hine he brouhaha set off when Menlo Park City Council much lower rates, the city should simply set a daily reimburse- News Editor Renee Batti member Kelly Fergusson announced that she was trav- ment limit. Expenses over that limit would not be eligible for Lifestyles Editor Jane Knoerle eling to Washington, D.C., to represent the city’s posi- reimbursement. Senior Correspondents T Marion Softky, Marjorie Mader tion on high-speed rail — and expected the city to pay $400 In most cases, council members travel to attend regular Staff Writers a night for two nights in a first-class hotel — has uncovered a meetings of the League of California Cities, which are gen- Dave Boyce, Sandy Brundage woefully inadequate council travel policy. erally thought to be worthwhile. But Ms. Fergusson’s trip Contributors Barbara Wood, Kate Daly, Katie Blankenberg After submitting a public records request with the Menlo to Washington, D.C., accompanied by the city’s lobbyist to Special Sections Editors Park city clerk, the Almanac received City Council travel address high-speed rail issues, should have been thoroughly Carol Blitzer, Sue Dremann records going back to 2004. discussed in advance by the council. In this situation, the Photographer Michelle Le News Intern Miranda Simon EDITORIAL The documents show that, public should have received a clear idea of what message the since her election that year, council wanted to convey to congressional representatives and Design & Production The opinion of The Almanac Ms. Fergusson was by far the other federal officials. Design Director Raul Perez Designers Linda Atilano, city’s most frequent traveler, Ms. Fergusson announced her trip toward the end of a very Gary Vennarucci racking up more than $12,000 in expenses. Former mayor and late council meeting, and although colleague Kirsten Keith Advertising council member Heyward Robinson ran up the largest single was not convinced a member needed to accompany lobbyist Vice President Sales & bill — $3,500 for one three-day trip to Washington, D.C., in Ravi Mehta, no one asked Ms. Fergusson to remain behind. Marketing Walter Kupiec 2009, which included a $1,200 plane ticket. Other issues surfaced about the trip, including Ms. Fergus- Display Advertising Sales The city sets aside $10,000 each year to fund council travel son’s alleged conflict of interest because she is employed by Heather Hanye Real Estate Manager Neal Fine expenses. It is loosely administered by city staff, who simply reim- Siemens, a company that wants to work on the state’s high- Real Estate and Advertising burse members when they submit receipts for in-state travel. A speed rail project. While there may be the appearance of a Coordinator Diane Martin council vote is required for the city to pay for out-of-state travel, potential conflict, Ms. Fergusson’s job at Siemens, a huge Ger- although it is rare for the council to turn down a travel expense man-based conglomerate, is far removed from the company Published every Wednesday at request from a colleague. It should also be said that council mem- division that would bid on a rail project. She has always voted 3525 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Menlo Park, Ca 94025 bers are expected to travel to routine meetings, although lobbying with the council majority on the rail issue, including the vote in Washington, D.C., has not been a common occurrence. to join two lawsuits over the matter. In addition, City Attorney Newsroom: (650) 223-6525 Newsroom Fax: (650) 223-7525 In light of Ms. Fergusson’s costly trip and a council policy Bill McClure said he saw no conflict of interest to date. Advertising: (650) 854-2626 with few controls, it is time to rewrite the policy and get con- It is too late to call Ms. Fergusson back from her latest trip, Advertising Fax: (650) 854-3650 trol of council travel at taxpayers’ expense. For starters, rather but there is an easy way for council members to show their dis- e-mail news and photos with captions to: than approve travel payments after the fact, trips should be pleasure: Simply refuse to approve her reimbursement request [email protected] approved in advance by a council majority for in-state and for the expenses she incurred, including charges for a $400-a- e-mail letters to: out-of-state travel. And, rather than allowing members carte night hotel room. Such an action would send a clear message to [email protected] blanche to run up whatever expenses they wish, including all members that such trips must be thoroughly vetted by the The Almanac, established in September, 1965, is delivered each week to residents staying at expensive hotels when many others are available at full council before they are eligible for reimbursement. of Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside and adjacent unincorporated areas of southern San Mateo County. The Almanac is qualiﬁed by decree of the Superior Court of San Mateo County to publish public notices of LETTER a governmental and legal nature, as stated in Decree No. 147530, issued November 9, 1969. Our reader write

Subscriptions are $60 for one year and $100 for two years. Council member has conflict on rail project Editor: At the end of the March 1 Menlo Park City Council meet- Our Regional WHAT’S YOUR VIEW? N ing, Kelly Fergusson announced she was headed to Washington, Heritage All views must include a home address The western mapping center and contact phone number. Published D.C., to express the city’s views on high-speed rail and appar- of the U.S. Geological Survey letters will also appear on the web site, opened in Menlo Park in 1959. www.TheAlmanacOnline.com, and ently on Caltrain electrification. Here, Wayne Kobayashi works occasionally on the Town Square forum. This trip was not previously disclosed and had not been on a topographical map at TOWN SQUARE FORUM approved by the council. USGS in 1988. POST your views on the Kelly Fergusson works for Sie- Menlo Park Heritage Association Town Square forum at mens, which has been trying to www.TheAlmanacOnline.com become a vendor for the project. EMAIL your views to: There is certainly now a question and Caltrain currently use two seems to think so, since she says If this is the city’s position, it [email protected] of whether she should recuse tracks, four tracks in some con- she will be working to get the certainly should not be. and note this it is a letter to herself from any high-speed rail figuration is going to be needed. money for electrification. This project has ballooned the editor in the subject line. discussions. The council discussion indi- The city’s lobbyist, Ravi Mehta, from $32 billion to $65 billion She talks about a two-track cates the city’s lobbyist, Ravi told National Review Online in two years. The state is in dire MAIL or deliver to: option. Two tracks is not an Mehta, didn’t even have a good that, “The cities — not just the financial shape and still we are Editor at the Almanac, option for high-speed rail. How plan for the visit. councils, but the community supposed to be supportive? 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Finally, Ms. Fergusson men- itself — supported high-speed Again form your own opinion. Menlo Park, CA 94025. many times do high-speed-rail officials have to say that the proj- tions Caltrain electrification. Is rail, and they are still supportive, Morris Brown CALL the Viewpoint desk at ect demands two tracks for itself? there a city policy on Caltrain but only if the project is done Stone Pine Lane, Menlo Park 223-6507. Since Union Pacific Railroad electrification? Ms. Fergusson right.”

18 N The Almanac NMarch 16, 2011 VIEWPOINT Redevelopment agencies siphon funds from schools By Jennifer Bestor hat do all the argu- ments about Gov. Jerry $11+ million in annual property tax that would go to… Brown’s plan to take W Other funds from redevelopment agen- Menlo R Com- Cty Districts Sequoia Union City of Menlo Park City W Ravenswood School District munity Edu San Mateo County (Flood, cies, including Las Pulgas in Menlo High District Menlo Park Fire District School C $3.1 million Colleges $350 $2.3 million Mosquito, Park, have to do with us? $1.5 million $1.2 million $1.1 million $500K * $650K K Air Quality) Quite a lot, as it turns out. In $100K fact, over half of Menlo Park’s redevelopment has been paid for by our schools. We never said, “Let’s GUEST OPINION shortchange the schools to address City of Menlo Park Fire Menlo Park Las Pulgas $40,000 (cash) + San Mateo urban blight!” But District Redevelopment Agency $1.5 million County ** $1.5 million $450,000 that’s what we’ve done for 30 years. $ 6.8 million (shift of expenses) Created in 1981, the Menlo Park- Las Pulgas Redevelopment Agency After studying city and county records, Jennifer Bestor created this graphic analysis of the redevelopment agency. covers Menlo Park east of U.S. 101 plus a thin wedge up Willow Road from 101 to Middlefield Road. that the City Council (sitting as erty tax pool) — while over 340 assess the cities, counties, and spe- districts like the Menlo Park City Circumventing post-Proposition the Redevelopment Commission) Menlo-Atherton students live along cial districts for what was called School District and the Sequoia 13 apportionment of local revenue, could return RDA funds to support Willow and in Belle Haven ($3.4 “Educational Revenue Augmenta- Union High School District are RDAs were able to take any increase city programs, police activities, pub- million of high school district’s tion” (ERAF) to fund education, rich enough, so we will just chan- in property taxes in their coverage lic works, and other initiatives that pool). They and their classmates and two years ago to raid RDAs nel funds we take from RDAs to areas — whether that appreciation either addressed blight or improved have been shorted the quality for “Supplemental ERAF.” So the the poor revenue-limited districts.” was due to improvements, infla- economic conditions in the area. education for which we taxpayers funds that had been wrested from Locally funded districts experi- tion, real-estate bubbles, or blight I had thought that the state assumed we were paying. our local school and service dis- ence disproportionate enrollment reduction. By declaring this area was hitting up everyone to pay The two other affected local tricts into the RDAs and cities, in growth because they are California’s blighted, the Menlo Park-Las Pul- for education. Never before had I school districts, Ravenswood and turn are wrested from the RDAs best hope of remaining competitive gas RDA was able to commandeer understood that the cities have been Redwood City, are technically and cities to fund the schools. with the world, not just with other all property tax appreciation (over siphoning school funding to pay for backfilled by the state, whose By the time you read this, Sac- states at the bottom of the national 10 percent now of the city’s total blight reduction. largess has been invisibly funding ramento may have decided for us school funding scale. property tax base), negotiate mini- Here in Menlo Park, children in another $2.8 million of our rede- how to extract communities from Third, redevelopment works are mal funding pass-backs to other the elementary and high schools velopment activity. But, as we have this self-defeating cycle. Whatever worthy, sufficiently worthy to be affected local services, fund itself, now directly bear the cost of over seen with the endless cuts out of it does, the Menlo Park-Las Pulgas funded explicitly by Menlo Park and float $75 million of bonds to $1.5 million of our redevelopment Sacramento, California’s pockets RDA won’t actually end before 2031, voters. The problem is the means, finance RDA activities. activity. For the past decade, the have been picked dry. Thus, the a period when half of the RDA area not the end. Menlo Park residents You might wonder why local ser- Menlo Park City School District end result of all these funding tax revenue ($94 million) will go to need to discuss what redevelopment vices were willing to take less than and Sequoia Union High School shifts is that both districts have repay the $63 million of debt that activities we want and how to pay their allotted share. Two crucial District have been funded by local watched their basic funding per the RDA is carrying, plus interest, for them, and not let the city hit up facts were that education consumed property taxes, with no state back- child drop over recent years. and also possibly $11 million of the schools when no one notices. around half of each property tax fill. The RDA takes $1.8 million and So parents vote with their feet. additional indebtedness due to an Please let your City Council dollar and, at that time, the state was hands back a paltry $0.010 million Not surprisingly, state-funded dis- ill-timed attempt to hedge the inter- members, State Assemblyman backfilling any loss of property tax to Menlo Park City School District tricts in San Mateo County have est rate on that debt. Rich Gordon, and State Sen. Joe for all school districts. ($10,000) and a mere $0.15 million seen a 5 percent drop in enrollment We need to ensure three things Simitian know your thoughts. Loophole met moral hazard. to Sequoia Union High School Dis- over the past decade (Ravenswood moving forward: This is a local issue. And let’s School districts, thinking that they trict ($150,000). is down 19 percent; Redwood City First, it is time that the unencum- continue this discussion in the would be made whole, signed away Unmentioned in these numbers is down 3 percent), while locally bered half of the RDA property tax Almanac’s Town Square. almost all of their tax share, while is the fact that the redevelopment funded districts have climbed 11 revenue reverts to our established outside agencies with some negoti- area is not an industrial wasteland. percent (the Menlo Park City School local services. Fifty cents on the dol- ■ Jennifer Bestor is a Menlo Park ating power (the county, the fire dis- Resident along Willow Road are District is up 28 percent). lar isn’t that great, but the schools resident who writes occasionally trict) gave up 30 to 50 percent. The 95 Menlo Park City School Dis- By the early 1990s the state have been getting just 14. on school tax issues. city, meanwhile, nominally gave the trict students (on whom we spend inevitably noticed that its pockets Second, Sacramento cannot be ■ Go to AlmanacNews.com/ RDA almost all its share, knowing $665,000 of our fixed district prop- were being picked and began to allowed to say, “Locally funded square to visit Town Square.

and intimidation shape impor- both in my brick and mortar Amazon is trying to thwart new tax policy tant public policy or legislation. bookstore and online at Keplers. Looking ahead, if Amazon com, I strongly urge the senator By Clark Kepler of affiliate mar- lecting sales tax that is costing terminates its affiliates, those to reconsider his position and to GUEST OPINION keters estab- California jobs and revenue. marketers that are truly build- support the sensible reform of here has been increasing lishes nexus (a By allowing Amazon and ing businesses and creating jobs California statutes to help ensure media coverage of the home location other online retailers to exploit can quickly affiliate themselves the fair competition that will, in Tsales tax equity fight in for tax purposes) in the state, it a decades-old loophole in the with scores of major retailers that the end, better serve California California in recent weeks. A is far from certain that Amazon law, more than 18,000 jobs are currently work with thousands of residents and help maintain criti- few days ago, Board of Equaliza- will abandon a marketing strat- now being lost to online sales, California affiliates — and which cal governmental services. tion member George Runner egy in California that underpins and California retail businesses are collecting state sales tax. I encourage Almanac readers stated his belief that Amazon. much of its sales and customer are losing $4.1 billion in sales, Their business will go to retailers to add their voices and let Senator com’s declared intent to termi- acquisition efforts. which will have caused a total that win it in an equitable and Runner know what you think. nate its relationship with in- While Amazon’s future moves of $7.2 billion in lost economic competitive marketplace, not by Write or e-mail: state affiliates was “an imminent are pure conjecture, what is clear activity in 2010. Clearly, Ama- legal slight of hand and attempted Hon. George Runner, California threat to California jobs.” is that Sen. Runner’s assertion the zon is willing to fight very hard intimidation. †In the end, the State Board of Equalization, 400 Whether Amazon.com makes company’s threatened preemptive to maintain the critical strategic state’s revenue and jobs will Capitol Mall, Suite 2340, Sacra- good on its threats is very strike poses “an imminent threat advantage it has over the thou- increase by leveling the playing mento, CA 95814 much an open question. Should to California jobs” has no basis in sands of in-state retailers that do field with e-fairness legislation. Clark Kepler manages California pass legislation that fact. Rather, it is Amazon’s refusal collect sales tax, but California’s As an independent business Kepler’s Books and makes clear Amazon’s network to obey existing state law by col- leaders should not let bluster owner that does collect sales tax, Magazines in Menlo Park.

March 16, 2011 N The Almanac N19 Go to open.apr.com for the Bay Area’s only complete online open home guide.

Judy Bogard- Tanigami 650.209.1603 Judyand Sheri.com

Sheri Hughes Joe & Mary COMING SOON 650.209.1608 Merkert MENLO PARK $2,750,000 Judyand LOS ALTOS $2,495,000 650.543.1156 This spectacular 5bd/3ba Sharon Heights home is distin- Sheri.com Beautiful, traditional home situated on a 14,374+/- sf lot, offers guished by incredible golf course views, a fabulous brick patio a peaceful setting. 4bd/2 full baths + 2 half baths. [email protected] and decks. 3700+/-sf of living space on a 15,500+/-sf lot.

Carol & Nicole Alan Dunckel 650.543.1195 Derk Brill PALO ALTO $1,950,000 650.543.1117 MENLO PARK $1,799,000 [email protected] 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with spacious floorplan and new Unique opportunity in Menlo Oaks neighborhood. 5 bed- décor. Desirable North Palo Alto location. [email protected] rooms, 2 bath ranch style home on a 17,200 sf lot. Expand, [email protected] remodel or build new. www.920colby.com

Carol & Nicole 650.543.1195 PALO ALTO $1,598,000 Arti Miglani PALO ALTO $1,495,000 [email protected] Updated 5bd/2.5ba home with custom detailing and comfort- 650.804.6942 Barron Park 3bd/2ba on quiet, private cul-de-sac. Remodel able floorplan. Moments to parks, schools and downtown Palo expand or build. 13,900+/- sq. ft. Stunning creek side setting. Alto. [email protected]

SOLD Maggie Heilman ATHERTON $1,150,000 Marybeth Dorst MENLO PARK $1,095,000 650-543-1185 Absolutely adorable 2bd/2ba cottage nestled amongst the 650.543.1227 Beautifully remodeled 2bd charmer featuring a stylish kitchen, [email protected] mature trees of Atherton. LR with fireplace. Private and serene a bonus FR, 2 updated bathrooms. Private lot and top MP backyard and pool. [email protected] schools. Close to downtown.

Jackie Haugh 650.209.1528 jhaugh@ apr.com Kim Clark SOLD 650.209.1619 LOS ALTOS $1,010,000 Julie Tsai Law LOS ALTOS CALL FOR PRICE kimclark@ Beautiful 9,375+/- sf lot. Build your dream home. Easy access 650-799-8888 Exceptional newer home in highly desirable North Los Altos. 4 apr.com to commute routes, plus highly ranked Cupertino schools. [email protected] bedrooms, 3.5 baths, over 3400 sq.ft.

PALO ALTO 650.323.1111 l MENLO PARK 650.462.1111 l WOODSIDE 650.529.1111 l LOS ALTOS 650.9 4 1. 1111 APR COUNTIES l Santa Clara l San Mateo l San Francisco l Marin l Sonoma l Alameda l Contra Costa l Monterey l Santa Cruz

20 N The Almanac NMarch 16, 2011