Vol. XXVII, Number 34 • Friday, January 27, 2006 ■ 50¢
Check out the Weekly’s new online classifieds at fogster.com WeeklyWeekend Edition Breaking barriers, www.PaloAltoOnline.com cleaning 'house' Page 11 Nicholas Wright Nicholas Worth A Look 13 Eating Out 15 Movie Times 31 Goings On 35 Crossword Puzzle Section 2
■ Upfront EPA chief vows to dismantle gang Page 3 ■ Sports Stanford tennis prepares for historic NCAAs Page 40 ■ Home & Garden Ready for the Big One? Section 2 In Business
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L U C I L E PA C K A R D C H I L D R E N’S H O S P I T A L
Page 2 • Friday, January 27, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly UpfrontLocal news, information and analysis Chief: Slain officer’s legacy will be gang’s dismantling Davis pledges 'greater resolve' Chief” in East Palo Alto’s City Hall such as getting restraining orders The chief also said he had a goal Community Room, which was at- against gang members, starting an of reducing the city’s homicides by to make East Palo Alto safer tended by more than 60 residents. “America’s Most Wanted”-type tele- 60 percent for the year. There were by Bill D’Agostino May, 38, was shot on Jan. 7 while vision program for local criminals, 15 in 2005. The chief said the city responding to a fight at a taqueria forcing gang members to remove shouldn’t grow more accustomed to t his first community meeting “We’ll start with Sac Street and near Sacramento Street. The alleged tattoos as a condition of probation, an ever-increasing level of violence. since Officer Richard May we’ll move on to the next gang to the killer, Alberto Alvarez, 22, is a sus- and renaming Sacramento Street, “Richard’s death is very tragic, A was killed in the line of duty, next gang to the next gang,” Davis pected member of the gang that’s Davis said. but I think the obligation I know I East Palo Alto Police Chief Ron said. “I think this is going to be, in my named after the one-block, dead- “Piece by piece, person by per- have as the chief is that he will not Davis made a bold pronouncement: opinion, probably Richard’s legacy.” end road. son, action by action we will disrupt die in vain,” Davis said. “We have He will rid the city of the brutal The chief made the comments Officers will employ “very un- and permanently dismantle the Sac an even greater resolve to make the “Sac Street Gang.” during the monthly “Chat with the conventional means,” the chief said, Street Gang,” he added. (continued on page 8)
SCHOOLS More surveys bring more questions Some wonder if school district is collecting information for bond measure by Alexandria Rocha n a city that is no stranger to surveys, the Palo Alto school I district will launch a series of forums and online questionnaires next month to find out what the community thinks of its offerings, performance and future. The district plans to run three on- line surveys — one each for teach- ers, parents and students — and hold three community forums at the middle schools in February. The in- formation gathered will then be used Norbert von der GroebenNorbert to create a telephone poll, where 400 random Palo Alto residents will be questioned in March about district services. The district will pay Gene Breg- man and Associates $27,000 to con- duct the surveys and workshops. While district officials say they Gina Robles, a banquet server at the Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley, practices during a banquet rehearsal Thursday. The hotel opens Monday. simply want to gather information, some parents think there is more be- hind the project. With the surveys and workshops Four Seasons’ late opening a boon for East Palo Alto coming on the heels of a school Late opening spells forfeiture of veloper that the opening did not for September, and delayed once board study session about facili- occur as scheduled and that the more. In October, hotel manage- ties and a possible general obliga- multi-million-dollar tax break city is declaring the developer to ment said the Four Seasons ex- tion bond, some parents suspect the by Lauren McSherry be in default,” said City Attorney pected to open by March. This district is attempting to gauge com- Michael Lawson. time staff say the hotel is ready to munity sentiment about another bal- he Four Seasons Hotel in lion — whichever came first. The Under the agreement, the city hold its “official opening” along lot measure. After all, this type of East Palo Alto will finally developer leveraged the deal by waived the hotel transit-occupan- with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. extensive information gathering is T open Monday, but construc- claiming they needed to project cy tax of 12 percent that the Four Hotel management has remained often linked to such matters. tion delays that pushed back the certain profits to attract investors Seasons would have been required mum on why it’s taken the hotel so However, district officials say the debut numerous times may have and warning it might not be able to pay. The city’s 2004-05 budget long to open. upcoming queries have nothing to cost the hotel developer an $8.4 to proceed with the project oth- estimated the tax would bring the “As with any project you meet do with those concerns. million tax break. erwise. But the tax break hinged city $2 million annually from the certain challenges that take longer “This is not connected to the bond. The Four Seasons, along with on the hotel operations starting by hotel. to resolve than anticipated,” said It’s not a survey about facilities,” LDW Resort and Hotel Develop- Jan. 1, 2006. The Jan. 1 opening isn’t the first Robert Whitfield, general manager. said Jerry Matranga, the district’s ment, hammered out a contro- New Year’s Day came and went deadline missed by the hotel devel- Whitfield added that the man- business manager. versial grant agreement with the without the opening, and the city oper. A celebration of the hotel’s agement of the Four Seasons is Matranga said the online surveys city in September 2003, in which has since declined to extend the completion was originally slated separate from its developers, which for teachers, parents and students will East Palo Alto waived its hotel agreement. for last summer, then postponed is responsible for completing the deal with a variety of issues, includ- taxes for 42 months or $8.4 mil- “The city has advised the de- until the fall. It was rescheduled (continued on page 8) ing technology, course availability, (continued on page 8) Palo Alto Weekly • Friday, January 27, 2006 • Page 3 Nicolino’s 703 HIGH STREET, PALO ALTO, CA 94302 Valentine’s (650) 326-8210 PUBLISHER William S. Johnson ReaderReaderWire comments via e-mail, voice mail and U.S. mail EDITORIAL Celebration Jay Thorwaldson, Editor to, weighed and analyzed, because Marc Burkhardt, Managing Editor Keep district competitive Jocelyn Dong, Associate Editor The Palo Alto Unified School they represent the voice of the Allen Clapp, Carol Blitzer, Assistant Editors Keith Peters, Sports Editor District and the Palo Alto Educa- people. Fresh ideas come from dis- Rick Eymer, Assistant Sports Editor senters, not sycophants. Rebecca Wallace, Arts & Entertainment Editor tors Association are about to sign Celebrate Early on Saturday, February 11th Don Kazak, Senior Staff Writer an agreement after five and a half I urge all our council members Bill D’Agostino, Alexandria Rocha, Staff Writers Friday, February 10th “SWEETHEART SHOW” Norbert von der Groeben, Chief Photographer months of negotiating. to worry less about civility and Neapolitan Favorites Nicholas Wright, Staff Photographer more about insularity. Respect Monday, February 13th Marjan Sadoughi, Photo Intern This agreement probably Classic Opera & Broadway Tyler Hanley, Assistant to the Editor & represents the best that could be those of us who dare to question, “CUPID’S DINNER” Online Editor Highlights Sue Dremann, Staff Writer, Special Sections reached under the present circum- complain and criticize. It’s our right 5:00 - 10:00 Cammie Farmer, Calendar Editor and responsibility to speak out. 2 shows Jeanne Aufmuth, Dale Benson, Lynn stances. However, I hope that the Romantic Strolling Gypsy Violinist Comeskey, Tim Goode, Jill Slater, Susan future for Palo Alto and its teachers We’re not attacking, we’re prac- 6-8pm or 8:30-10:30pm Tavernetti, Robert Taylor, Contributors Cyrus Hedayati, Adena DeMonte, Rachel Hill, looks brighter. ticing democracy. Tuesday, February 14th - Valentine’s Day Editorial Interns The past several years have Pat Marriott FOUR COURSE SPECIAL DINNER MENU SELECTIONS DESIGN seen the compensation for Palo Alto Dennis Drive, Palo Alto (tax and gratuity not included) Carol Hubenthal, Design Director $44.95 per person Judith Alderman, Assistant Design Director teachers fall from the top three in Two Great Shows to Select From Diane Haas, Lynda Lumish, Sue Peck, Senior the surrounding area to 10th posi- Fiber fears Designers; Opera & Broadway tunes featuring Dining & Dancing with the Dana James, Sarah McAleer, Scott Peterson, tion. This means that I, as a teacher In Palo Alto bad ideas never Kaye DeVries, Leland Morine Fabulous Duo Designers with more than 20 years of experi- seem to die. The City Council is ence, can make an extra $10,000 still trying to find a way to create a Seating Time: Seating Time: PRODUCTION Jennifer Lindberg, Production Manager a year by moving to a Menlo Park municipal Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) 5:45pm, 6pm, 6:15pm, 6:30pm, 6:45, 7:00, 7:15, 7:30, 7:45 Dorothy Hassett, Brooke Fox, Sales & Production Coordinators district. system. 7:45pm, 8:15pm, 8:30pm, 8:45pm in the Nicolo Room Palo Alto loses many good Council members and citizens ADVERTISING TEL: 408.734.5323 • 1228 Reamwood Ave., Sunnyvale, CA Michael Howard, Advertising Manager teachers to nearby districts. Palo are advised to look at the Ashland, Cathy Norfleet, Display Advertising Sales Assistant Alto needs to make its pay for Oregon, Daily Tidings Web site and Off Tasman between Lawrence Expwy & Great America Pkwy Jasbir Gill, Janice Hoogner, Sandra Valdiosera, Display Advertising Sales teachers a top priority and plan for read the history and current state Kathryn Brottem, Real Estate Advertising Sales pay raises that will keep the district of the Ashland Fiber Network (AFN). Joan Merritt, Real Estate Advertising Asst. competitive. After three years of operation, Linda Franks, Classified Advertising Manager Justin Davisson, Evie Marquez, Irene Triona Gogarty this system is losing money at such Schwartz, Classified Advertising Sales Arbor Road, Menlo Park a rate that it cannot meet bond The new owners invite you to Blanca Yoc, Classified Administrative Assistant interest payments, let alone pay ONLINE SERVICES down debt. Lisa Van Dusen, Director of Palo Alto Online Democracy in action Shannon White, Assistant to Webmaster Councilwoman LaDoris Cordell’s The City Council is trying to Marie Callender’s push through a surcharge on BUSINESS Guest Opinion (Jan. 18) is deeply LOS ALTOS Iryna Buynytska, Business Manager worrying. electricity service to fund the AFN Miriam Quehl, Manager of Payroll & Benefits deficit. Paula Mulugeta, Senior Accountant Like former Mayor Jim Burch, Valentina Georgieva, Judy Tran, Business Cordell seems uncomfortable with Naturally, the two thirds of resi- Associates dents who are not AFN subscribers Tina Karabats, Cathy Stringari, Doris Taylor, dissent. It’s “wearing,” she says, to Business Associates have a “small but very vocal group are up in arms while the one third who are subscribers are delighted ADMINISTRATION of all too familiar individuals” persist Amy Renalds, Assistant to the Publisher & in “relentless and oftentimes per- with the thought of somebody else Promotions Director; subsidizing their TV and Internet Rachel Palmer, Promotions & Online Assistant sonal attacks” on the City Council Janice Covolo, Receptionist; Ruben Espinoza, and staff. service. Jorge Vera, Couriers Fortunately, Palo Alto has multi- Some council members want to EMBARCADERO PUBLISHING CO. ple groups who speak out on issues sell the system but estimates are William S. Johnson, President that it would bring no more than $5 Michael I. Naar, Vice President & CFO; Robert D. that are important to them, such Thomas, Vice President, Corporate Development; as traffic calming, libraries, police million while the bonded indebted- Walter Kupiec, Vice President, Sales & Marketing; actions, schools, etc. This isn’t ness is $15 million. Frank A. Bravo, Director, Computer Operations & Webmaster negativity, as Cordell intimates; it’s How to cover the difference? Connie Jo Cotton, Major Accounts Sales a democratic society in action. One suggestion is to sell off city Manager; Bob Lampkin, Director, Circulation property. What is Palo Alto pre- & Mailing Services; Alicia Santillan, Circulation Cordell also complains about Assistant; Chris Planessi, Joel Pratt, Chip “continuous attacks” from the city’s pared to divest? Lucie Stern? City Poedjosoedarmo, Computer System Associates free daily paper. Anyone in public Hall? Foothills Park? The Palo Alto Weekly (ISSN 0199-1159) office should realize that political Lest anyone think that Ashland is published every Wednesday and Friday by is an anomalous story of misman- Embarcadero Publishing Co., 703 High St., Palo cartoons go with the territory. An Alto, CA 94302, (650) 326-8210. Periodicals post- independent press is one of our es- agement, look into the case of Mari- age paid at Palo Alto, CA and additional mailing etta, Georgia, which recently sold offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general circu- sential freedoms. It gives voice to lation for Santa Clara County. The Palo Alto Weekly Cordell’s Guest Opinion and my let- its system — built at a cost of $45 is delivered free to homes in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, ter, as well as editorial cartoons. million — for $11 million. Atherton, Portola Valley, East Palo Alto, to faculty and staff households on the Stanford campus and Concluding her column, Cordell Please, City Council, let’s not to portions of Los Altos Hills. If you are not cur- says: “So, criticism and complaints go down this path. rently receiving the paper, you may request free David Lieberman delivery by calling 326-8210. POSTMASTER: Send be damned.” No, they should not be address changes to Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box damned. They should be listened Kingsley Avenue, Palo Alto 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94302. Copyright ©2003 by Embarcadero Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohib- ited. Printed by SFOP, Redwood City. The Palo Alto Weekly is available on the Internet via Palo Alto YOUR TURN Certified Angus Beef Online at: http://www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Filet Mignon • Top Sirloin Our e-mail addresses are: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]. • Rib Eye Steak Starting at $ 99 13 Missed delivery or start/stop your paper? Call ReaderWire Question: Do you agree with Palo 650 326-8210, or e-mail circulation@paweekly. Alto's new "Top Three" priorities? Sunday Daily Lunch com. 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City: ______650-941-6989 Page 4 • Friday, January 27, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly Upfront Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale
COMMUNITY FALL & WINTER CLEARANCE Blowing in the wind Saturday event, ‘Winds of Change,’ could be Take an Additional40% 30% off OFF the talk that launches 1,000 letters to the editor FALL & WINTER FASHIONS by Bill D’Agostino ALL SHOES $33 WHEN YOU BUY TWO PAIRS
s Palo Alto the town that was to’s not as green a community as it born on third base and thinks it thinks it is.” THE CHILDREN’S SHOPPE I hit a triple? Talk organizer Carroll Har- Don Weden might convince you rington, an AAUW member and be- Monday-Saturday 10am to 5:30pm it is. hind-the-scenes mover and shaker 325 Sharon Park Drive, Menlo Park • (650) 854-8854 Weden, the retired principal plan- in Palo Alto politics, said she’s been Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale ner for Santa Clara County who will looking for ways to reframe envi- Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale make a presentation in Palo Alto ronmental issues for two years. Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale Sale on Saturday, said the city was his- “People feel they want to do torically granted numerous gifts, something about global warming such as Leland Stanford’s decision but they don’t know what to do but to build his farm — and later the feel guilty they’re driving their car,” university bearing his son's name she said. — next to the town. When Harrington heard about h9OUR .EW 9EARSMake Us Your Cumulatively, he argued, the gifts Weden through the local environ- placed the city “under a protective mental nonprofit Acterra, she knew economic bubble.” he was the guy for the talk. She’s “It’s allowed Palo Alto to be a no- amassed an impressive collection New2ESOLUTIONv Year’s Resolution! growth community,” he said. “It’s of co-sponsors, including the Palo allowed Palo Alto to be indifferent Alto Weekly, for Saturday’s event. 3ETH AND ,ORI LOST LBS TOGETHER AT ,ITE FOR ,IFE to the business community.” She hopes it’ll begin a new commu- But that bubble — like the dot- nity conversation and has already com bubble before it — is poised to lined up Palo Alto Planning and burst, he said. And, like a languid Community Environment Director heir whose inheritance is running Steve Emslie for a follow-up. ÃiÊ£xÓäÊLð out, Palo Alto will need to adapt to “What it boils down to (is) we are -6 a new world — one with interna- going to have to make some changes tional competition, an aging popula- in the way we approach land use,” ÊnÊ7iiÃt tion, rising energy prices and global Harrington said. f warming. One part of Weden’s solution is On Saturday, Weden will present something called “livability en- his ideas to help city leaders and resi- hancement districts,” or LEDs, ar- xä /&&