SHARON HEIGHTS: Care and Rehab Closes Friday After Providing Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation for Decades

SHARON HEIGHTS: Care and Rehab closes Friday after providing long-term care and rehabilitation for decades. Page 8

THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER FOR MENLO PARK, ATHERTON, PORTOLA VALLEY AND WOODSIDE FAMILY ALMANAC: Section 2

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2 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 custom jewelers

This week’s news, features and community events.

FIRST SHOT

The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi More murals 208 Main Street • Los Altos, CA • 650.917.8697 Hillview middle schoolers paint a school wall facing Santa Cruz Avenue as part of the Menlo Park 208 Main Street • Los Altos, CA • 650.917.8697 school’s mural elective class. The students paint Pacific Island masks with the help of their teacher, Terry www.personalizedgiftstop.com McMahon, third from left. The students are, from left: Courtney Durdle, Christopher Pontilo, Camille Zolopa, J.P. Nash, Vanessa Lane, Alden Mitchell, Keiko Wolff and Allison Felt.

Atherton County ■ Mayor Q&A: Charles Marsala wrestles with ■ New outreach program for day workers will start construction boom in town. Page 14 in July. Page 5 ■ Town’s annual meeting focuses on disaster preparation. Page 17 ■ Schools Valparaiso delays, detours due to water main ■ project. Page 12 Distinguished schools: Why is Woodside off the list? Page 11 Menlo Park ■ People New Burgess Aquatics Center opens Saturday. ■ Page 5 Lively voice for medicine: Dr. Margaret Deanesly. ■ Page 26 Sharon Heights Care and Rehab to close Friday. ■ Page 8 Sports legend Dutch Fehring dies at 93. Page 7 ■ Political pandemonium in Menlo Park. Page 10 CHAMPIONSHIPS Also Inside On the cover Calendar ...... 40 Denise Johnson-Kula of Menlo Park says there May 18-29 Editorial ...... 34 are more than 200 documented cases that show Taube Tennis Center Family Almanac ...... 37 serious reactions to chloraminated water. Photo Letters ...... 34 by Marjan Sadoughi. Page 20 Stanford, California Obituaries ...... 32 Hosted by Stanford University For tickets call 800/STANFORD CALLING ON THE ALMANAC

The Almanac offices are at 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025. THE ALMANAC (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) is published every Wednesday by Embarcadero Publishing On May 18-21, fans can capture the thrills, For Classified ads, call 854-0858 ■ E-mail news to (no photos please): Co., 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025- excitement, challenges and spirit of NCAA [email protected] 4455. Periodicals Postage Paid at Menlo Park, CA and For all other calls, phone 854-2626 at additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of championships at this free, high-powered News: Ext. 213 ■ E-mail news photos with captions to: general circulation for San Mateo County. The Almanac is interactive event located next to Taube delivered free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Display advertising: Ext. 233 [email protected] Tennis Center! ■ Valley and Woodside. Voluntary subscriptions for $25 per Fax: 854-0677 E-mail letters to the editor to: year are welcome from residents of the above circulation [email protected] area. Subscription rates for businesses and for residents of For more information go to www.gostanford.com other communities is $40 per year and $55 for two years. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Almanac, To request free delivery, or stop delivery, of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, P.O. Box 7008, Menlo Park, CA 94026-7008. Copyright 94028 and the Woodside portion of 94062, call 854-2626. ©2006 by Embarcadero Publishing Co., All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. www.NCAAsports.com

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 3 A TOWN MARKET PLACE Roberts Specials!!! 3015 WOODSIDE ROAD WOODSIDE, CA 94062 Fresh Summer Tomato Salad 650-851-1511 with Red, Yellow & Green Peppers, Sundried Tomatoes, Open 6:30AM - 8PM Green Onion, Mozzarella Cheese, Parsley & Basil … $6.99 /lb. Sale Dates: May 17, 18, 19, 20 Roberts NOW at www.robertsmarket.com S USHI Spinach Pear Salad Made Fresh Daily with Blue Cheese, Glazed Walnuts & Cranberries — Coated with Lemon Zest Dressing! … $7.99 /lb. Sweet ¢ ORGANIC CORN 79 ea. Medium size ¢ ARTICHOKES 99 ea. Tasty ¢ CANTALOUPE 49 lb. California Valencia ¢ JUICE ORANGES 39 lb.

Wine’s Antibacterial Effect It seems that science has uncovered yet another health benefit that comes from drinking TOM – GROCERY wine. In the wake of studies showing that drinking wine daily in moderate amounts reduces the risk of heart disease and lowers cholesterol, a new study shows that wine is superior in its ability to kill illness-causing bacteria in food. This conclusion is based on a study by research- ers at West Virginia University in which a Portuguese table wine and a California Chardonnay, at full strength as well as several dilutions, were mixed with salmonella, shigella, or E. coli bacteria. These bacteria are common causes of food-related stomach ailments and diarrhea. Warm Weather Whites In each case, the red and white wines killed the bacteria significantly faster than equivalent AT LAST! Warm weather has arrived. It’s time to chill down the crisp, refreshing amounts of bismuth salicylate or tequila or grain alcohol diluted to wine-proof level. Since whites. Forget the fat, lush, high-alcohol chardonnays and reach for unoaked and ancient times, it has been said that wine with dinner aids in digestion, and now scientists snappy. Below are a few delicious suggestions to kick start your “summer.” have uncovered the reason why. 2004 Collle Stefano Verdicchio di Matelica – . . . . Reg. $12.00 ...... Sale $9.99 In our wine and liquor department you’ll find a wide selection of white wines such as A laser beam of fresh citrus fruit and steely minerals. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, in a range of prices. We’ll be happy to guide you in the purchase of wines for gifts or for your own use and help you estimate quantities for that dinner 2005 Amani Sauvignon Blanc, Stellenbosch S.A. – Reg. $13.00 Sale $10.99 party. We are also well-known for the freshest and finest in produce and fruit, as well A ripe, juicy Sauvignon with a crisp finish and moderate grassiness. as great meats, poultry, seafood, etc. We are your one stop shop for everything one 2004 Vollrads KG Rheingau Riesling – ...... Reg. $13.00 . . . . . Sale $10.99 might need to prepare a great meal or special dinner. A fresh, pure Riesling from a “classic” vintage. Sweet fruit balanced by dry acidity. Beautiful. HINT: The bismuth salicylate in the study mentioned above did, 2004 Kuentz-Bas Pinot Blanc, Alsace – ...... Reg. $14.00 . . . . Sale $11.99 indeed, kill the food-borne bacteria, but took 3 to 4 times as long as the wine to do so, while the tequila and grain alcohol took even longer. 2005 Palmina Pinot Grigio, Santa Barbara County – Reg. $16.00 . Sale $13.99 A rich, fresh, dry white that is subtle and refreshing.

2005 Lager de Cervera Albariño, Rias Baixas – Reg. $19.00 . . . Sale $15.99 A dazzling, zesty white with hints of lime citrus and a strong complexity. Sunshine in a bottle!

WALLABY ORGANIC LOWFAT YOGURT ¢ 6 oz. 69 Roberts Sausage Specials HAAGEN DAZS ICE CREAM $ Pints – Also Light – Sorbet – Frozen Yogurt 2.39 $ CHICKEN HAWAIIAN SAUSAGE 4.98lb. KELLOGG’S CRACKLIN’ OAT BRAN $ 17 oz. – Also Mueslix Country Blends 3.99 $ CHICKEN PARMESAN SAUSAGE 4.98lb. COKE – DIET COKE – SPRITE 12 oz. 6-pack cans – Plus Calif. Redeem Value $ $ 2.49 CHICKEN HOT ITALIAN WITH FENNEL 4.98lb. ALEXIA OLIVE OIL PARMESAN GARLIC FRIES $ $ 16 oz. – Also Rosemary Garlic – Julienne with Sea Salt 1.69 CHICKEN MILD ITALIAN WITH FENNEL 4.98lb. GREEN FOREST BATHROOM TISSUE $ $ 4-roll pack 1.19 CHICKEN HOT SOUTHWEST TEQUILA SAUSAGE 4.98lb.

4 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 Short takes

M ENLO PARK | ATHERTON | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA V ALLEY Beggars can be winners Tyler MacNiven, scion of Buck’s restauranteur Jamis, may already have won $1 million. Tyler and his teammate BJ finished in first place in the latest leg of the Amazing Race, a TV show that pits two- person teams against each other in a race around the world. The final battle between the three remaining teams for the $1 million prize will be revealed in the next two episodes. On your marks. The So exactly what kind of 25-meter by travel skills does it take 25-yard lap pool to make the top three? at Menlo Park’s In recent episodes, BJ new Burgess and Tyler have extorted Aquatics Center money from teammates, should be full of panhandled in Australia, swimmers on been left barefoot and half- Saturday, May naked when they lost their 20, when the belongings, and gagged center officially down enormous bowls of opens to the stir-fried grasshoppers. public. The race, of course, The Almanac/ is already over, but the Marjan Sadoughi participants are sworn to secrecy until the final epi- sode airs. The show airs at 8 p.m. New aquatics center opens Saturday Wednesday on CBS. ■ Tim Sheeper ready to win over “the whole community.” and Sport company name. All of the programs will share the Pain at the pump, By Rory Brown pool, a 25-yard by 17-yard instructional pool, aquatics center, sparking public concern gain at the train Almanac Staff Writer a shallow pool for kids and a locker room. that Mr. Sheeper’s long-standing groups, It almost seems that Mr. Sheeper picked up the keys to the such as the Menlo Masters swim group, those folks at Samtrans im Sheeper knows not everyone center May 12, and he and his growing may oust or restrict others from using the and Caltrain enjoy it when in Menlo Park is happy with how staff are moving to get people in the pools pools. gas prices skyrocket. The was handed the keys to the new as soon as possible, he said. “There were rumors circulating that we A friendly reminder from Burgess Aquatics Center, but he says he’s The pools will open under the opera- were an exclusive club,” said Mr. Sheeper. the folks offering mass tran- ready to win over the community. tion of Menlo Swim and Sport LLC, a new “We never had that intention. We want to sit: the commute calculator, Mr. Sheeper, founder and owner of the company created by Mr. Sheeper. bring in the whole community.” in which you can figure out for-profit competitive sports program that The competitive Team Sheeper swim- exactly how much money signed a five-year contract with the city to ming and triathlon programs Mr. Sheeper New programs you are throwing away trav- operate the aquatics center, will open the has operated for several years, and Mr. To draw people to the pool, Mr. Sheeper eling by car, as compared to three-pool facility Saturday, May 20, at Sheeper’s new programs he’s created since said the aquatics center and its programs bus or rail tickets, is avail- noon. Admission is free. taking over operation of the aquatics cen- able at Caltrain.com and The center boasts a 25-meter by 25-yard lap ter, will all merge under the Menlo Swim See SWIM CENTER, page 8 Samtrans.com.

Everybody loves Robert Although Menlo Park New outreach program for day workers will start in July City Council members Lee By Marion Softky program that will work with day public roadways because of a Day Worker Center on Middle- Duboc, Mickie Winkler Almanac Staff Writer workers, merchants, the com- safety hazards as workers run field Road to try and lure the work- and Kelly Fergusson don’t munity, and employers to resolve into the street or employers stop ers off the street. The center, run by always see eye-to-eye on tarting July 5, San Mateo problems. The $288,000 contract to negotiate. El Concilio of San Mateo County, city issues, they do have County will take a new, will run from July 1, 2006, to ■ The other gives merchants had attracted about a third of the one thing in common carrot-and-stick approach June 30, 2008. added ability to control trespass- day workers last September, when — all of their husbands are S to the problem of workers who “It takes a community to ing on their private property. the county supervisors extended named Robert. hang out along Fifth Avenue, near make this work; it doesn’t work The problems of day workers its contract until June 30. The rest Ms. Duboc pointed out El Camino Real and Middlefield to herd people in a room,” said hanging around on street corners still hung out on the street. the coincidence during the Road in North Fair Oaks, desper- Madelyn Martin of the county’s waiting for jobs has been building That center will close to make council’s May 9 meeting. ately hoping to catch a day job Human Services Agency. “We for several years in the unincorpo- way for the new day worker pro- Steve Schmidt and from employers driving by. need to change the culture.” rated area between Redwood City gram. Richard Cline — who say For the carrot, the Board of For the stick, the board unani- and Atherton. In April 2005, the Meanwhile, a Chavez Super- they’re running for council Supervisors March 9 unanimously adopted two ordinances Key Market closed, partly because market will open in June at the in November — should mously approved a contract with to control problems posed by the day workers made customers site of the old Key Market on get worried if anyone files the Multicultural Institute of the day workers: uncomfortable and hurt business. whose husband is a Robert. Berkeley to provide an outreach ■ One forbids soliciting on In May 2005, the county opened See DAY WORKERS, page 31

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 5 She May Be Small But She Plays a Big Role in Her Health Care.

Living most of her life with a rare kidney cancer, Madison has very real opinions about her health care. And good for her. At Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, our commitment to family-centered care creates an environment where patients, families and hospital staff work in partnership to make decisions that reflect the unique needs of every child. Listening to kids is what we do.

Ranked as one of the top ten pediatric hospitals in the nation by U.S.News & World Report, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital is a world class hospital devoted entirely to the care of children and expectant mothers — right in your backyard.

Read more about Madison and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at www.lpch.org.

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

6 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 PEOPLE REAL ESTATE Q&A by Monica Corman Stanford sports legend dies at 93 How Long to Hold a Property By Jim Rutter American honors in football in 1933. Special to the Almanac He is one of only two athletes in Purdue his- Q: I need to buy a residential rise, this too may limit appre- tory to letter nine times, a feat that ensured investment property and I will ciation. If at the end of 12-24 55-year resident of Menlo Park, William his induction as part of the inaugural class of probably want to sell or trade it months you trade your property Paul “Dutch” Fehring, a beloved, iconic the Purdue University Athletic Hall of Fame in a year or two. What is the best for another in the same market Afigure in the Stanford athletics com- in 1994. Remarkably, he is a member of six kind of property to buy in this area, the new property will at munity, died at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs additional athletic halls of fame including the situation? least be affected by the same mar- hospital on April 13. He was 93. Stanford University Athletic Hall of Fame, A special service will be held at Stanford’s the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, and the ket forces. However there will be A: First of all, selling a property costs incurred during the trade Memorial Church at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 23. Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame. within one to two years of buy- Immediately following the service, a reception A three-year starter at left tackle for Noble that affect your overall gain. ing it means that you may not be will be held at Dallmar Court in The Arrillaga Kizer’s Boilermaker football team from 1931 The more conservative able to recoup all of your costs Family Sports Cen- to 1933, he was the approach to owning single fam- ter. captain of the 1933 when you sell. While we expect real estate values in this area to ily or multi-family residential He was born on football team, and property is to plan to hold it May 31, 1912, in played on Big Ten enjoy moderate appreciation for Columbus, Indiana, title teams in 1931 the foreseeable future, you can- for at least ﬁ ve to seven years, where his parents and 1932. In base- not be sure that every property or more. If history is any guide, Lynn and Ivy Rae ball, the 6-foot, 195 will go up in value in such a short this approach gives you the best Fehring owned a pound Fehring was time. chance of realizing some mean- buggy business a three-year letter- If interest rates continue to ingful gain when you sell. before acquiring man as Purdue’s Terre Haute Heavy switch-hitting For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may e-mail me Hardware (later starting catcher, at [email protected] or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. I also offer a free renamed the Hard- hitting .297 for his market analysis of your property. ware Supply Co.). career, always bat- He attended ting fifth in the Lutheran schools line-up. with brothers Ray In basket- and Ted and became ball, Mr. Fehring a star athlete for the helped lead the Columbus (Central) Boilermakers to two High Bull Dogs, Big Ten titles. He gaining all-state was a teammate and honors in football as travel roommate of a senior in 1930. Purdue’s legendary It was during his Johnny Wooden freshman year in and the two would high school, how- enjoy a life-long ever, that he earned close friendship. the nickname With sophomore “Dutch,” which Fehring at center may at first seem a Dutch Fehring was head baseball coach at and senior Wooden bit odd for a young Stanford from 1956 to 1967. at guard, the Boil- man of German ermakers won the descent. After he 1932 national cham- returned a kick-off 60 yards for a touchdown, pionship, although they didn’t know it at the a local sportswriter tabbed him “The Flying time. Tournament play was not instituted until Dutchman” and the nickname stuck. 1939 and it wasn’t until 1943 that the team was In 1939 Mr. Fehring married Edna Rose “voted” the official 1932 national champion by Suverkrup, whom he had known since the the Helms Foundation. first grade. Later, the couple would live The Great Depression was on, so in addi- .75 together in the same house in Menlo Park tion to sports, studies, and membership in 4 from 1951 until Mrs. Fehring’s death in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity, Mr. Fehring March 2005. somehow found time to sell advertising for Their 66-year marriage was blessed with the football program and work in the athletic three daughters (Susan Fehring Hanson, Ann training room in order to meet the “steep” Fehring Larkin and Carol Fehring Irvin), $65 per semester tuition bill. eight grandchildren (Mark Hanson, Michael After captaining the 1933 Purdue football Taylor, Kelly Lang, Kristen Larkin, Lauren team and being named the Big Ten’s baseball Irvin, Matthew Larkin, Ashley Irvin and MVP in 1934 after hitting .317, the three- Daniel Irvin) and two great-grandchildren sport star was awarded the Big Ten “Medal of (Elizabeth Hull-Taylor and Colby Dutch Tay- Honor” in 1934 “for combined athletic and lor). He is also survived by his brother, Ted scholastic prowess.” Fehring of Carmel. Declining several opportunities to play Mr. Fehring was a member of the Evangeli- professional football, Mr. Fehring followed cal Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod (ELS). his favorite sport, baseball, and was signed He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1934 and See DUTCH FEHRING, page 24 master’s degree in 1936, both in physical education from Purdue University. He attended ■ New York University, and in 1952 obtained a ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ph.D. in education from Stanford University. Jim Rutter, Stanford 1986, is a Menlo Park native In the 1930s, Mr. Fehring was unquestion- and co-founder of The Bootleg, an independent Web ably one of the most accomplished collegiate site and magazine on Stanford sports. He edits the athletes of the era. A three-sport star at magazine and is a docent at the Stanford Athletic Purdue, he excelled in football, baseball and Hall of Fame. basketball, gaining honorable mention All-

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 7 NEWS

Here’s the deal Ken Ranella, superintendent of the Menlo Park City School District, conducts a tour of the Hillview Middle School campus in Menlo Park last week. Voters in the district face a decision June 6 about whether to approve $91 million in school bonds to upgrade and expand school facilities on four campuses.

The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi

Sharon Heights Care and Rehab to close Friday Swim programs at Burgess Sharon Heights Care and of Health Services and Tippy a phone call from Ms. Finnell Swim school $65 per month for one lesson a week Rehab will close this Friday, Irwin, director of Ombudsman informing her of the closing Water running $55 per month for three classes a week May 19, after serving hundreds Services of San Mateo County, date, but had not received the SEAL training $100 per month for three classes a week of area residents for decades at confirmed the May 19 closing. written notification required its Menlo Park facility, located A spokesman from the state by law to inform the ombuds- Lap swim $40 per month, unlimited access ($45 for non-residents) at 1185 Monte Rosa Drive and department’s office of public man about a facility’s plan for Recreational swim $5 per visit ($3 for children, $6 for non-residents) Sand Hill Road. affairs said yesterday that the closure. Administrator and director department had received the “Transfer trauma is a big issue Leslie Finnell told the Almanac written report required by law. when a facility is transferring its last week that the facility would There have been no long-term frail elderly to another location,” Aquatics center opens close, but said she was not at lib- residents at the facility since said Ms. Irwin. That’s why noti- SWIM CENTER for everyone of all ages,” he said. erty to provide details. She said April 24. Only two short-term fying the ombudsman service continued from page 5 Lap swimmers can create she might have more informa- patients were receiving rehabili- and the California Department accounts online, and will receive tion about the facility’s future tation services as of May 15, the of Health Services about the will be “unmatched.” personal identification cards toward the end of the month. spokesman said. facility’s transfer plan for patients Swimmers can sign up for they can swipe when they enter Ms. Finnell said Sharon Ms. Irwin said she had received is so important, she said. programs online at MenloSwim. the center. Swimmers will be Heights has continued provid- com, Mr. Sheeper said. billed directly to their account, ing short-term, post-acute reha- In addition to the triathlon Mr. Sheeper said. bilitation care for patients, but Woodside resident among drug arrests and swimming programs previ- Lap swim, recreational swim had stopped admitting patients Federal and state law enforce- San Mateo counties. ously offered under the Team and lessons for children will be for long-term care last fall. ment agents on May 4 announced All the defendants are accused Sheeper name, swimmers will offered immediately; other pro- The California Department the arrest of 15 people, including of conspiring to distribute the have new choices. Among them: grams will be up and running in Woodside resident Natali Medi- two drugs and various counts of instructional classes for chil- coming weeks, he said. na Cisneros, 31, in a roundup of distributing the drugs, said U.S. dren as young as 6 months old, “We’re here to accommodate suspected members of a meth- attorney Kevin Ryan. Sentences water running and water exercise the community,” he said. “We’ll amphetamine and cocaine drug can range from 10 years to life in classes, and a training program be evaluating what’s working, Let Us Hear ring based in San Francisco and prison. modeled after U.S. Navy SEAL and what isn’t, and we’ll be boot camp. adjusting programs and sched- From You Mr. Sheeper’s company plans to ules to the community’s liking.” host events at the aquatics center Some residents, including Letters to the editor Corrections Almanac, a story on a trail pro- during the summer, such as out- council members Andy Cohen and guest columns ■ The meeting to receive posed by Stanford University door movie screenings on Friday and Kelly Fergusson, were trou- are welcome. public input on Stanford’s pro- along Alpine Road in Portola evenings and family-oriented bled by the council’s 3-2 deci- posed recreational trail along Valley incorrectly implied that activities on Sunday afternoons. sion to privatize the aquatics Mail your comments to Alpine Road in unincorporat- Councilman Ed Davis sup- “We want the pool to be a place center, built with $6.8 million The Almanac, ed San Mateo County will take ported the trail design. Mr. in taxpayer funds. 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas place Tuesday, May 23, from 4 Davis does not support the trail ■ INFORMATION “It’s disappointing not all of the Menlo Park, CA 95025 to 7 p.m. at Woodland School, as proposed, but does support council members got behind us, [email protected] 360 La Cuesta Drive, in Ladera. having the town’s Trails & Paths For more information about the especially because they’re my boss The start time reported in last Committee study Stanford’s Burgess Aquatics Center, includ- now,” Mr. Sheeper said. “But, this week’s Almanac is incorrect. proposal to see if an agreeable ing programs, fees and hours of council, the next council and the ■ In the same issue of the compromise is possible. operation, go to MenloSwim.com. whole community are going to see this is a great thing.” A

8 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 NEWS Child care privatization decision on a fast track? ■ Private operator could take over programs MENLO PARK by January with new timeline.

By Rory Brown vote against seeking bids from toddler programs are at “about 90 Almanac Staff Writer outside operators, was stunned to percent cost recovery,” Mr. Taylor compromise vote on fee see the timeline for the request for said. increases last week seemed proposals shortened. Council members Winkler and Call us today at 1.800.973.2044 Ato calm Menlo Park’s child “This is completely truncated,” Duboc said even if the city’s child care debate somewhat, but it she said. “It’s contrary to what we care programs are closer to cost- www.savvyres.com appears the City Council has gave direction on.” recovery than previously sug- another stormy meeting ahead When the council gave direc- gested, privatization should still be after the release of a staff report tion at a special meeting April considered due to high employee that unexpectedly placed the pro- 19, council members Winkler costs. cess that could lead to privatization and Duboc said the city should of child care programs on a fast be able to determine whether to Parents react track. privatize the child care programs Several parents at the May 9 The new timeline, which could in less than eight months, but Ms. council meeting challenged the lead to privatization of the pro- Fergusson said that was not the council’s approach to dealing with grams by next January, will be consensus of the council. the child care issue. presented to the council at its May “Why does staff address some “Now’s the time to use common 16 meeting. sense,” said Mike Gardener, who City staff had originally told has two children in the city’s the council that the process for ‘You’re putting blinders on programs. “I’m not rich, but I studying proposals, conduct- don’t want a subsidy. I want to ing hearings and, potentially, because you don’t want this pay my share ... but raising fees negotiating an agreement put- program around... This is exponentially is not common ting the programs in private sense.” hands would take eight to 16 all about privatization.’ Mr. Gardener noted that no months — a scenario that would PARENT JEFF STAUDINGER. council members attended the conclude after the November 7 May 1 children’s center ribbon- election that could change the cutting ceremony, and with makeup of the council. council members’ concerns, and the exception of Ms. Fergusson, Although no decision has been not others?” Ms. Fergusson said. council members have yet to talk made to privatize child care “I don’t think staff should be to parents about any changes to — toddler, preschool and school- buckling under this kind of pres- the programs. age programs now operated by the sure.” “You’re putting blinders on city in the new Menlo Children’s because you don’t want this pro- Center — the programs have been Determining costs gram around,” said parent Jeff labeled too costly by some resi- Since the April decision to seek Staudinger. “Every [city] program dents, including council members bids from private operators, staff has a subsidy ... this is all about Mickie Winkler and Lee Duboc. has lowered the programs’ pro- privatization.” Ms. Winkler and Ms. Duboc, jected net cost to the city by about whose terms expire in Decem- $90,000, prompting parents to ask Increased fees ber and who have not yet said the council to wait for the results The council voted last week to whether they will run for re-elec- of a cost-allocation study before raise program fees by 10 percent tion, have pushed to privatize the deciding to raise fees or privatize for the city’s toddler and preschool programs to cut the city’s costs, the programs. The study, set to programs and 7.5 percent for the but parents of children in the begin in July, will look at how Burgess school-age after-school programs and union officials say efficiently the city’s programs are program. The new fees will go into a private operator will cut city operated. effect July 1. staff’s wages and benefits. The new estimated net cost Councilman Andy Cohen In April, the council voted to is lower due to the ability to opposed fee increases and Ms. When you hire a house cleaning service, seek bids from private operators consolidate supervision of the Fergusson did not vote on the you want to know that you’re getting a reliable, consistent cleaning from a com- to run the programs. The city also programs in the new children’s school-age program fee increases pany you can trust. That company is Maid Special Discount will submit a bid. center, said Michael Taylor, the because she has a child in the Brigade and we’re here to $50 Valuee Under the original timeline, city’s acting community services program. help you! Save $200 off of yyour ﬁ rst the city would have called for director. Council members Winkler cleaning,g, and $1$10 bids no earlier than July. But the He also noted that the city no and Duboc initially pushed new timeline calls for the city longer has to pay the rental fees for the staff-recommended 15 off of the next 3 to issue a request for propos- for the portable classrooms that percent increase for the toddler cleanings when yoyou als by June 14, and potentially housed the toddler and preschool and preschool programs. After book regularar service.serv enter negotiations with a private programs until this month. Ms. Fergusson and Mr. Cohen (New Clients Only. Expires 5/30/06 XXNP2010D4 ) operator by September 21. City staff initially pegged the said they would not support that Under the timeline, the city programs’ annual costs at about increase, Mayor Nicholas Jellins would also create a subcommittee $444,000, but Mr. Taylor said said the council should reach to draft the request for proposals with the newly discovered savings, consensus, and suggested a 10 and review the bids. that figure should drop to about percent increase. 650-368-2102 City Manager David Boesch said $354,000. All council members said the the programs could be transferred With the fee increases city should continue to fund Every Cleaning is Inspected to a private operator by early 2007. approved by the council May 9, child care programs in the pre- & Guaranteed the annual net cost will drop to dominantly low-income Belle Uniformed Bonded & Insured ‘Completely truncated’ about $229,000, as the school- Haven neighborhood without All Equipment & Supplies Included http://peninsula.maidbrigade.com Councilwoman Kelly Fergus- age program will nearly recover fee increases. A son, the only council member to its costs, and the preschool and

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 9 NEWS

former planning commissioner, Political pandemonium in Menlo Park at a recent council meeting. After a particularly divisive discus- ■ Contentious topics, partisan fights and a have made for some raucous the- the only people firing criticism sion about privatizing the city’s atrics in the council chambers in at meetings. Residents also aim new aquatics center, Mr. Henry divided council make for rowdy meetings. recent times. scathing remarks at council mem- stepped to the podium and said, Council members regularly bers or what’s perceived to be one “Everyone needs to be a little By Rory Brown exchange harsh words as May- of the city’s two political sides. cooler with each other.” Almanac Staff Writer And council members and resi- or Nicholas Jellins and council While the city has always had dents alike fired criticism at one members Lee Duboc and Mickie its flash-point issues and partisan Fergusson appeal n the tense atmosphere of another. Winkler vote together on major squabbles, the current political The council spent almost two the City Council chambers Just another council meeting in issues. mood in town, as reflected by the hours of its May 9 meeting on an Ilast week, residents argued Menlo Park. Council members Andy Cohen behavior in the council chambers unusual appeal of a recent Plan- whether or not a council member A flood of controversial topics and Kelly Fergusson publicly refer most weeks, may have soured to a ning Commission decision. That should get to remodel her home. before the Menlo Park City Coun- to their colleagues as “the major- degree not seen in recent times. decision was to grant Council- A resident shrieked and pointed cil, and the inevitable partisan ity.” The situation was summed up woman Fergusson a variance to menacingly at council members. fights prompted by those issues, But council members aren’t by Matt Henry, a resident and remodel her home. The project, which will add a second story to Ms. Fergusson’s home, required an exception to setback and roofline ordinances. The appellant, Sue Kayton, lives more than 4 miles from Ms. Fergusson’s home in the Willows neighborhood, but said the variance was approved by the Plan- ning Commission because Ms. Fergusson is a council member. Although all of Ms. Fergusson’s neighbors who spoke at the commission meeting and the May 9 council meeting supported the project, Ms. Kayton said abiding by the city’s zoning ordinance, not accommodating neighbors, should be an applicant’s top priority. But Ms. Kayton and others who spoke against Ms. Fergusson’s project — including residents Sam Sinnott, Mary Gilles and Hank Lawrence — are political support- ers of council members Jellins, Duboc and Winkler, prompting charges that the appeal was politi- cally motivated. “I am appalled at what I see here this evening,” said resident Elias Blowie. “I detest the politics and the vendetta apparently being pursued here.” Harry Price, Ms. Fergusson’s attorney, said, “The 800-pound gorilla in the room is the politics involved here.” He noted that Ms. Kayton did not attend the Plan- ning Commission’s consideration of the project, and residents who opposed the project made no effort to talk to Ms. Fergusson. The council voted 2-0-1 to deny the appeal. Ms. Duboc and Mr. Cohen voted to allow Ms. Fergus- son to build her project, Mayor Jellins abstained, and Ms. Winkler could not vote because she lives within 700 feet of Ms. Fergusson. After the meeting, Mayor Jellins said there was “merit to both positions,” but “neither argument was sufficient to earn my vote.”

Harsh words As the council has moved for- ward with very contentious issues — including developing Bayfront Park, making budget cuts, and privatizing city services — residents often use meetings’ public comment periods to deliver scath-

Continued on next page

10 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 NEWS Distinguished schools: Why is Woodside off the list? ■ The K-8 school has It’s a matter of weighing the Assistant Principal Bob Sher- know it’s exceptional. next year or two, he said. Noth- other priorities now. use of time, said Woodside man. “I think there’s a high level of ing has been decided, but the school board president Bettina In aligning course content with confidence in the school,” said subject may come up this sum- By David Boyce Pike. state standards, teachers and Mr. Sherman. “The validation mer, he said. Almanac Staff Writer The application process is an school administrators have had ... would be nice, but it’s not The state education depart- ordeal. For example, Las Lomi- to adjust to a more regimented required.” ment staggers the awards, with s schools go in California, tas School’s application took a curriculum. The state Board of Mr. Sherman noted he was elementary schools evaluated the word “distinguished” month to write and involved Education adopted standards in on the team that evaluated Las one year and middle and high Awould seem a natural for a team of 28, including staff, 1997 and 1998 for English lan- Lomitas Elementary School for schools the next. the K-8 Woodside Elementary. parents and teachers. Schools guage, math, science and social the Distinguished School award. “My assumption is that if we The school has achieved a state- prepare a detailed report, then science classes in grades K-12. “It’s a great program,” he said. “I tried for it, we would probably wide academic performance rank host an evaluation team. Also, Woodside doesn’t really enjoyed being part of it.” get it,” said Ms. Pike. “It’s just a of at least 9 on a scale of 10 in “We’ve been really focused need the “Distinguished School” Woodside Elementary may matter of choosing to apply our- each year since 2000, when state- hard on (state) standards,” said recognition: Parents and teachers apply for the recognition in the selves in that direction.” A wide rankings began. In 1987, 1993 and 1997, the California School Recognition Program included Woodside Elementary on its Distinguished Schools list. (A school that wins can’t apply again for four years.) In the years since 1997, Wood- side name has been absent from the list, including in 2005 when Encinal and Las Lomitas elementary schools in Atherton and .FFU Ormondale Elementary in Por- tola Valley were so recognized. Why? +FBOOF Continued from previous page ing criticism of council members and their decisions. Particularly passionate comments were shouted by resident Jeff Staudinger at last week’s meeting. After a dispute with Mayor Jellins about how much time he should be allotted to speak, Mr. Staudinger stormed the dais at the end of his speech. Holding +FBOOF#BSSFUUJTB5SVTU0ċDFSBU#PSFM1SJWBUF#BOL8JUIǻȁ the cordless microphone in one ZFBSTPGFYQFSJFODFJOUIFmFME TIFLOPXTCBOLJOHBOETIFLOPXT hand, he walked up to Ms. Duboc, pointed his hand in her face, and IFSDMJFOUT"MJGFMPOHTBJMPS +FBOOFDBOPGUFOCFGPVOEPVUPOUIF accused her of not caring about children currently enrolled in the #BZ NBJOTIFFUJOIBOE XFBUIFSFZFPOUIFIPSJ[PO city’s child care programs. Ms. Duboc, an advocate of privatizing the city’s programs, :PVDBOSFBDIIFSEJSFDUMZCZDBMMJOHǿǾǹǼȀȁǼǿǼǽPSTFOEJOHBO said she was “physically afraid” of Mr. Staudinger, and hopes FNBJMUPKCBSSFUU!CPSFMDPN BTLIFSBCPVUBDIBSJUBCMFSFNBJOEFS the city assigns a police officer to USVTU PSBCPVUUIFUJNFTIFTQPUUFEBUVGUFEQVċOPĊUIF'BSBMMPOFT supervise future meetings. She also noted that “people feel very strongly about programs,” #BOLJOHoXFUBLFJUQFSTPOBMMZ and there is “a lot of emotion involved” in how people react to the decisions by individual council members. mp_council_watch Offering not only scathing commentary but comic relief is $" #!" % a new, anonymous voice showering the City Council e-mail log ! # with criticism of everything from $! ! council members’ votes to their " " # mannerisms. The e-mails are sent under the ǼǽǾ44BO"OUPOJP3PBE -PT"MUPT $"Ȃǽǹǻǻ name mp_council_watch. Whoever the council watcher is, ǿǾǹȂǺȀǽǿǹǹ]XXXCPSFMDPN he/she isn’t playing favorites. All 0ċDFTJO4BO.BUFP 1BMP"MUP 4BO'SBODJTDPé-PT"MUPT .FNCFS'%*$ of the council members have been targets of harsh criticism or unflattering literary allusions. A

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 11 NEWS Got Questions? Are you curious about Jesus and the claims of The DaVinci Code? We warmly invite you to join us for a series of probing lectures and open discussions on Jesus and the Bible Valparaiso delays, Sunday Nights April 23rd-May 28th 1566 Arroyo Avenue in San Carlos 5:00-6:30PM detours due to This Sunday, May 21 Is Christianity An Imitation Of Earlier water main project Religions, Or Is It An Original? Join us in person for these casual and free events It’s going to be a long summer for eter pipeline, Mr. Duncan said. or drivers who frequent Valparaiso The project includes relocat- Download the lectures and receive email responses Avenue. ing and replacing fire hydrants. to your questions at our website: Major repaving work — a joint When it’s complete, the new pipe- www.NewHopePeninsula.org project of Atherton and Menlo line will provide better fire pro- Sponsored by New Hope Peninsula Church Park — is set tection because www.NewHopePeninsula.org Feel free to call 650.579.7815 with any questions to start later it will increase this summer. Traffic controls and road water flow This week, capacity, and the California closures will occur Monday the hydrants Water Ser- through Friday between will be spaced vice Co. will to the Menlo start replac- 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Park Fire Pro- ing the water tection Dis- pipeline on Valparaiso Avenue trict’s exact specifications, Mr. between North Lemon Avenue Duncan said. and El Camino Real. That work During the project, two-way is expected to last through June. traffic controls and significant “If you can avoid the street, it road closures will occur Monday would be smart,” said Darren through Friday between 8 a.m. Duncan, Cal Water’s district and 5 p.m. manager. Mr. Duncan said the district About 6,000 feet of a 6-inch- is working with private schools diameter cast-iron watermain along Valparaiso to make sure that dates to the 1930s will be that work doesn’t interfere with replaced with a 12-inch-diam- commencement exercises. Sunset’s 9 th Annual Celebration Weekend Big changes for Woodside’s

Saturday and Sunday Sunset Headquarters engineering department By Andrea Gemmet May20–21,2006 hired Eunejune 80 Willow Road Almanac Staff Writer 10 am to 5 pm “EJ” Kim for the Menlo Park, California here’s going to be an influx town’s new posi- of new blood in the town tion of develop- • Sunset Celebration • Attend wine seminars and taste wines of Woodside’s engineering ment services ! Sunset T New Idea House —a showcase of design from the Magazine Wine Club. services division. Kent Dewell, the engineer. innovations for casually elegant • Watch and be inspired by celebrity chef town engineer and assistant town A consultant’s indoor-outdoor living. cooking demonstrations. manager, announced his plans to report identi- Sunset Kent Dewell •Meet the editors and learn some of • Visit over 100 booths offering arts, crafts, retire later this year. fied a number of their favorite tips for food, gardening, home foods, garden tools, home decor ideas, Mr. Dewell has held his post with issues in Wood- design, travel, and recreation. travel destination information, and much the town for the past 13 years. He side’s engineering department that more! said he plans to spend his retire- contribute to the long turn-around ment traveling and gardening. time in getting building plans Town Manager Susan George reviewed and approved. A key Free shuttle from: Tickets: said at the Town Council’s May 9 recommendation is adding a third • Sun Microsystems: 1601 Willow Road, General admission $10 east of Highway 101 meeting that Mr. Dewell will stay engineer to town’s engineering Seniors (60+) $8 Receive $1 off admission when you park at Sun Microsystems. on to train his successor in the division who will focus entirely Children (12 and under) Free • Menlo Park train station town engineer position, once one on reviewing building plans and Receive $1 off general admission with a Safeway Club Card. is hired. applications. Mr. Dewell also agreed to con- Mr. Kim, who is currently the tinue to work with the town in engineering manager in the city a consulting capacity to oversee of Brentwood’s development divi- the construction and comple- sion, has a June 19 start date, Ms. tion of Barkley Field and Park. George said. Work on the park is set to begin Mr. Kim holds a bachelor’s this summer. degree in civil engineering from “Kent has a huge institutional U.C. Davis and a master’s degree memory. I think I’m going to start from San Jose State University. tape recording him when we talk,” Prior to working for Brentwood, Ms. George said. he held engineering positions with Councilwoman Carroll Ann cities of Santa Clara and San Rafa- Hodges said all of the town’s el, and worked as a transportation sunset.com/cw (800) 786-7375 trail riders are indebted to Mr. engineer for Caltrans District 7 in Dewell for his work maintaining Los Angeles. The Children’s Health Council. and improving Woodside’s trail “He is very anxious and excited No pets please. system. to get started,” Ms. George told the At the same meeting, Ms. George council. “His enthusiasm and announced that the town has outlook are contagious.” A

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May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 13 NEWS

O L T W A E E

O K

L L 2003

A P BEST OF 2 0 0 0 BEST FRESH FISH • BEST SEAFOOD Cook’s Seafood Restaurant & Market “A GREAT PLACE TO EAT LUNCH OR DINNER” Seafood Dinners from $595 to $995 Clam Chowder - Seafood Salads Our Award Winning Fish & Chips Prepared from the finest Alaskan halibut. Also featuring a full service fresh fish market. Restaurant: Mon-Sat 11-8:30 pm, Fri ‘til 9 pm Market: Mon - Sat 9 - 7, Closed Sunday 751 El Camino Real Call in Orders Welcome Menlo Park, CA 94025 Phone 650 325-0604 or 322-2231

A TASTE OF THE PENINSULA A cornucopia of restaurants and cafes providing the finest dining from brunch to dessert. All Day Delights Woodside Delicatessen 1453 Woodside Road Woodside. Open 7 Days. (650) 369-4235 “If you looked at what you see Specializing in Italian happening in town, probably 60 Delicacies. and Party Trays. percent of the projects are new homes, 30 percent are adding a garage or doing landscaping, Coffee & Tea and 10 percent are specs,” says Atherton Mayor Charles Marsala.

Connoisseur Main St. Coffee The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi Coffee Co. Roasting Co. 2801 Middlefield Road 150 Elm St., Redwood City Redwood City (650) 368-3430. M - F Atherton mayor wrestles with (650) 369-5250 6am-2pm, Sat. 7am-2pm 9am-5:30pm Fresh roasted coffee beans Mon. - Sat. – European style. Full construction boom in town Coffee roasting & fine teas, coffee bar. Now serving espresso bar, retail breakfast: M-F 6am-11am; The council may impose time limits on construction projects & wholesale. By Andrea Gemmet Sat. 7am-1 pm The City Council looks Almanac Staff Writer ■ Q&A ATHERTON Lunch: M-F 11am-2pm Q: like it’s definitely going t’s easy to see why Ather- This is fourth and final article in to impose time limits on con- ton Mayor Charles Marsala’s a series of question-and-answer struction projects. Will this Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Ibackyard is such a popular sessions with the mayors of make a big impact on all of the spot for parties and fundraisers. the four towns covered by the construction-related annoy- The Duck Club/ There’s a wide expanse of lawn, Almanac. This interview was con- ances? Stanford Park Hotel an ample patio, a swimming pool ducted on April 26 by Almanac It seems like 95 percent and a very large outdoor bar. Staff Writer Andrea Gemmet. of the homes are in com- 100 El Camino Real, A: A guest cottage houses both pliance already, and we’re look- Menlo Park (650)322-1234. his office and large game room ing at the 5 percent that aren’t. Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner. equipped with a pool table and a nation, and its residents among There is a couple, like the one on Sunday Brunch. Innovative Parkside Grille foosball machine, among other the wealthiest, but the town Park (Lane), (and) there’s one American regional cuisine 884 Portola Road, Portola things. itself operates on a small budget on Stockbridge, that have been featuring Duck specialties. Valley (650) 529-9007. The affable bachelor, a New that relies heavily on an annual going on for years. All in a warm casual setting. Lunch: T-F, 11:30-2:30. Dinner: 7 nights. Bold and Orleans native, moved to Ather- parcel tax. In looking at that ordinance, innovative cuisine in an ton eight years ago and almost While Atherton town govern- what concerns me is we really elegant country setting, nes- immediately got involved in ment has been turmoil-free in need to target the houses (under tled among the redwoods. community activities. recent years, there are still some construction) over three years, He was narrowly defeated by big issues roiling the community. not necessarily the ones (that Vive Sol-Cocina Mexicana Kathy McKeithen in his first Atherton residents have turned last) a year. If there’s some rain Henry’s Prime Steakhouse 2020 W. El Camino Real, bid for a council seat in 2000. By to the council looking for relief in that year, we could really the time he was appointed to the from a myriad of complaints cause a burden on someone who 888 El Camino Real, Menlo Mtn. View (650) 938-2020. Specializing in the Cuisine City Council in 2002, he was a related to massive and long-last- has a smaller project. Park member of Atherton’s Art Com- ing construction projects. (I’m) thinking why don’t we (650) 323-7600. of Puebla. Open daily for lunch and dinner. mittee and Park and Recreation At its May 17 meeting, the City just look at the three-year proj- Great Steaks. Great Prices. Commission, and had served Council may impose time limits ects, and could we get it done Check out our new menu on the Waste Reduction Com- on construction projects. The with just having an ordinance featuring Prime & Niman mittee. An active Republican, regulations would put in place that says you have three years Ranch Steaks, Fresh Seafood he’s also involved in a number one-year, two-year and three- to build a house under 4,000 & Prime Rib. Open for of political and nonprofit orga- year maximums, depending on square feet? dinner every day at 5. nizations. the size of the project. Fines for And also, to look at (its) impli- Atherton real estate may be exceeding the time limits could To Advertise in “A Taste of the Peninsula” call The Almanac 650-854-2626. some of the priciest in the go as high as $250,000. Continued on next page

14 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 NEWS

We use the BEST recipes, Continued from previous page Charles Marsala: New Orleans native the BEST ingredients, cations on houses over 10,000 Charles Marsala was raised in InteractiveAR.com, which provides square feet, because there are a New Orleans and graduated from accounts receivable products. and the BEST service, considerable number of those. Tulane University with a degree in He was appointed to the Atherton People who have five acres or mechanical engineering. City Council in 2002, along with 10 acres of land, and if they are He runs a business obtaining the Alan Carlson and Bill Conwell, when to bring you the building a new house, they have rights to sell products nationally or council members opted to cancel the parking (for construction vehi- regionally through the Internet. Cur- uncontested election. He served as “BEST PIZZA” rent projects include ListaToolboxes. Atherton’s vice mayor last year, and cles) on site. So why don’t we put Thanks Almanac readers for voting us something in place for the larger com, which sells custom industrial was chosen by his council colleagues homes, instead of just saying workstations and furnishings, and to serve as this year’s mayor. you can apply to the Planning #1 AGAIN Commission for an exemption? It seems that there’s so open to putting a plan in place In terms of dealing with Q: much renewal of the that allows people to donate Q: all the things that seem to housing stock in Atherton, it artifacts to the town. It’s better be driving people crazy, are there makes me wonder if it’s going if someone does something will- Menlo Park other things coming online to help to be possible for Atherton to ingly, rather than if you force 1001 El Camino Real people feel less angst about living be able to retain historic build- them. 324-3486 in a construction zone? ings or historic artifacts when Pizzza-2-Go Well, we’re tightening down things are getting replaced so Atherton’s administra- 989 El Camino Real A: on the parking plan. quickly? Q: tive offices have been 328-1556 A month ago, I went down Well, we have several looking like a trailer park for Los Altos Park Lane and stopped at every A: historic buildings, and some time now. Where does 227 First St. site, and I was impressed to see there are two homes I can think building a bigger town hall and 941-9222 that some of the contractors had of that people have renovated, police station, bigger adminis- posted (a sign) at the door (say- where the homes are over 100 trative offices, rank in terms of ing) we have been contacted by years old. They were built before Atherton’s priorities? the city. we had height requirements. (Mr. Marsala explained As we look at things, we’re People find those homes and A: there is a restricted fund, adjusting. Part of it has been we they are gems, and they want generated from building per- didn’t have this size of construc- to keep them because the home mit fees, that can be used for Introducing tion going on in prior years, is taller than you could build office space for the building so we’re having to adapt as we today department.) I think we’re over see these large projects go on, The artifacts — we’ve had $700,000. The department has to make sure that the residents been in the trailers for 10 years, so have a quality-of-life around that money’s been accumulating. those sites. ‘As you know, we have As you know, we have a huge Mantra amount of (home building and The sheer volume of a huge number of home landscaping) projects in play. Q: projects is huge. The building and remodeling The more projects you have, the Palo Alto’s newest entry last estimate I saw said about more permits and the more dol- into ﬁ ne dining with a 110 or 112 construction projects projects in play.’ lars in fees. sophisticated ambiance. are going on at the moment. Is We’re looking at donations mantra that all forms of construction, (for town offices) as well. There even remodels? people donate things to the are people who want to make Elegant California Cuisine When I went down Park town. One area we should try to specific donations, and we’ve with a dash of India A: (Lane), it was very rep- work is how people put some of seen that with the children’s resentative of what I think is these things in their will. playground (at Holbrook-Palm- presented by Executive going on. There was one spec er Park) that raised $350,000 Chef Robert Ciborowski. home, three of them were minor I know there’s a historic within a few months, and the (Previously with The French remodels — two of them were Q: study that’s been going Little League field did approxi- Laundry and The Ritz landscaping, one of them was on. What’s the status of that? mately the same. Carlton.) a garage and a kitchen — and There were some let- There are people interested in there were six new homes that A: ters that went out to the police department. We don’t were owner-occupied. residents recently to ask them if know the numbers yet, but we If you looked at what you see they had anything, and if they know there are some donors who Mantra’s Daru Lounge: happening in town, probably 60 wanted to declare it and have would respond. As you can see Sleek and chic long bar and percent of the projects are new it evaluated. That process right what happened in Portola Valley, lounge serving small plates, homes, 30 percent are adding now is still gathering data on residents will step up and say, a garage or doing landscaping, all the possible artifacts that we “I want to do something for the wine and exquisite cocktails and 10 percent are specs. have in the town. We’ll see it in town.” to the rhythm and beats of the next few months. We need to look and see what the world. From what I was hear- the potential is. We don’t know Q: ing, it seems like the And then you’ll see how large it is yet; we know it’s spec homes are the ones that Q: what the residents worth pursuing. finish up pretty quickly. think of it? The other thing is we have The spec homes are Yes. It protects a lot of to determine if we’re going to Now Open for Lunch, Dinner A: shorter because when A: the artifacts and the cul- remodel the buildings, expand & Sunday Brunch a person builds a spec home, ture, but at the same time I have the buildings or build new. We he’s not going to customize it. I concerns about private property need to start evaluating our know some homes where people rights. We have to balance that, needs there. have wanted to put in a special I believe, when we work on Mantra ceiling that they’ve brought something. But in terms of whether from Europe, and maybe it’s That’s a very tough bal- Q: this should take prior- Mantra Restaurant & Lounge held up in customs right now. Q: ance for communities ity over, say, roads, drainage or 632 Emerson Street • Palo Alto, CA 94301 These people buy land in Ather- to find. channel repairs, what do you tel 650.322.3500 • fax 650.322.3502 ton, and land in Atherton has That’s why I was think- think? [email protected] • www.mantrapaloalto.com a value because people can do A: ing we could start pro- those things. moting the idea that the town is See MARSALA, next page Serving Lunch (Sun.-Fri.), Dinner (7days), & Brunch (Sun.)

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 15 NEWS ‘We would fare better than New Orleans’

MARSALA ■ Q&A ATHERTON continued from previous page grows, you call in regional and We’ve got, as you know, state. A: about a $1.5 million Whereas in New Orleans, there The Winners (road project) going on Selby isn’t much outside of New Orleans Lane right now. We’re going to and Louisiana, so there wasn’t a take Valparaiso (Avenue) on this lot of places to call for backup. year with Menlo Park. We’ve Eric Grimm has, for five been taking care of roads now years now, been taking training Auto Repair Intimate Dining for several years. classes on this, and that’s an M&R Auto The Village Pub We will not use any of our gen- advantage we have with our own 1281 El Camino Real eral funds for the (administra- police department. 2967 Woodside Rd., Woodside tive offices) building. This isn’t Menlo Park, CA 94025 851.9888 taking any of the dollars from Atherton has had a rep- 325.3900 roads or drainage. The building Q: utation of being a town Italian Restaurant will be done solely on fundrais- of walled houses, where resi- Best Place & ers. dents don’t exactly hang out and barbecue on the street together to Meet People New Restaurant How urgent is it? — although that’s not really true Cafe Borrone Palermo Q: for some neighborhoods. You’ve 1010 El Camino Real 1010 El Camino Real, Ste. 140, (The first Town Hall) probably single-handedly done Menlo Park, CA 94025 Menlo Park A: building lasted for 30 a lot to encourage socializing in 327.0830 322.2157 years, and then in the late 1950s Atherton, from what I can tell. they built the new town hall. (laughing) I’ve brought Book Store Jewelry Store When they built it, we didn’t A: a New Orleans flavor have women police officers, so to it. Kepler’s Hirzel they use the same locker rooms 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park 728 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park as the men. What else should the 324.4321 328.6030 The police station wasn’t built Q: town do to foster a for meeting today’s needs, it’s sense of community among its Chinese Restaurant Mexican Restaurant 50 years old. The restroom for residents. Su Hong LuLu’s on the Alameda a suspect is the same one the When I started out I was 1039 El Camino Real, Menlo Park 3539 Alameda de las Pulgas, public uses. A: on the Arts Committee, 323.6852 Menlo Park So can you get by with expand- the committee was putting on a lot 854.TACO (8226) ing it, or do you start over? of great events — concerts in the Su Hong To Go We have a lot of concerns right park. We have a wonderful park. 630 Menlo Ave., Menlo Park Pizza now on public safety if there’s an (Mr. Marsala noted that he 322.4631(to go) earthquake. If that building’s played a role in persuading the Applewood not up to snuff, the residents staff of Gov. Arnold Schwar- Desserts/Bakery 1001 El Camino Real, Menlo Park may want us to spend the money zenegger to allow San Mateo Proliﬁ c Oven 324.3486 to do that right. County to put a proposal on the 550 Waverley St., Palo Alto 989 El Camino Real, 328.1556 November ballot to adopt a 1/8 326.8485/326-8668 Los Altos, 941.9222 You’re a New Orleans cent sales tax for county parks.) Q: native, and you’ve been I, being a moderate Repub- Frame Shop Plumber out there recently and seen first- lican, have access to moderate Great FrameUp Guy Plumbing & Heating hand all the devastation that a Republicans, and they were able 1265 El Camino Real, Menlo Park natural disaster can inflict on to give me an audience with his 1047 El Camino Real, Menlo Park an unprepared community. So staff. 323.1097 323.8421 if a major quake were to strike That (tax would) allow us to tomorrow, how do you think get $220,000 a year for Hol- French Restaurant Produce Atherton would fare? brook-Palmer Park. Left Bank Sigona’s Farmer’s We would fare much bet- I think it’s important to main- 635 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park Market A: ter than New Orleans. tain the park. There used to be 473.6543 2345 Middleﬁ eld Rd., Redwood City Let me show you something. a Day at the Park. I’ve been a big 368.6993 (Mr. Marsala pulls out a plastic proponent of taking care of the bucket of emergency supplies tennis courts. People donated Hair Salon/Manicurist Stanford Shopping Ctr. (next to Schaub’s) which includes, among other the courts, they donated money Los Salonez Palo Alto things, a radio, an old telephone in the form of fees, upwards 1010-1014 Alma St., Menlo Park 329.1340 and a hand-crank flashlight and of $200 a year for a tennis key. 328.0735 battery charger). Those activities foster commu- Thai Restaurant So we’re going to be working nity. Hardware Store Siam Garden on educating the residents more If we redid the Pavilion to Palo Alto Hardware 1143 Crane St., Menlo Park on what they’re going to need. accommodate events so that 875 Alma St., Palo Alto 853.1143/853.0156 We have an emergency opera- Atherton residents might want 327.7222 tions coordinator, that’s Sgt. to go there again, that’s another Toy Store (Eric) Grimm. So I saw where way of building community. Hotel Cheeky Monkey our generator is, what supplies We have two historic buildings Stanford Park Hotel they have, and we’re putting in in the park, the carriage house, 714 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park a well at Holbrook-Palmer Park which has a second-floor that’s 100 El Camino Real, Menlo Park 328.7975 so we will have water available. being used for storage, and the 322.1234 We do have a manual that tells water tower. It’s possible, down us how backup resources go. the road, if we had this $220,000 In a small emergency, you call in county resources, and if it Continued on next page

16 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 NEWS

Continued from previous page Civic Interest League). I’m looking at having an event here for coming in a year, we may want all the principals of the schools to finally address opening up and homeowner association the second floor of that carriage presidents, and have Sgt. Eric house and the water tower (for Grimm here to talk. social events). There’s a new principal at M- The kitchen tour that the A. Years ago it was set up so that (Atherton) Dames put on as a we could tune our radios to the fundraiser for the park, it’s at M-A radio station to learn what homes that have taken a while roads are closed, what’s going on to build. People want to go here, and what we are doing. into a home that’s got a unique As years go by, we lose that theme in it. You frequently will continuity. We need to go back, see 30-40 Atherton residents at tidy up some of those things that someone’s backyard party, and were in place, and put up a sys- that’s a way of mixing. tem that allows for (continuity) One thing I thought we should as people change. do is having mailboxes in town. The final thing for me is Hol- We have a post office, but we brook-Palmer Park. I want to don’t have (post office boxes). get the tax measure passed for We have 200-something home- county parks. We critically need based businesses, and maybe a park to build that community. they don’t want to have their mail I’d like to see us bring back delivered to their house. If those the staff appreciation dinner. businesses could register at an We stopped that about four The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi Atherton address, then we would years ago. We should have an Atherton Mayor Charles Marsala shows a home emergency kit to help residents cope with a disaster. be collecting sales tax revenue, event where we recognize all and (it would) also foster com- the people who volunteer for the munity as more people see each committees and commissions, Rocks, bushes, a boat in the code-enforcement officer is, I’m example, that we’d have to cut so other at the post office. and even the fundraising that A: front yard. There are a lot very concerned about pension much vegetation out of Linden- It’s also a service for regular goes on for the Dames and the of things that are in the codes. costs, so I want to see us do that wood (right-of-ways) to get it into residents who just want to have ACIL. It wouldn’t cost much, One concern that I have ... without hiring an additional compliance that we would ruin a mailbox. So I see it as having especially if you think of the we had the code where if you staff member. the character of Lindenwood, and community, service and finan- amount of hours these people wanted to have a fundraiser at I’m hearing approximately 10 we don’t want to do that. cial benefits. contribute. your house, you needed to get a years ago, the council backed So we also need to take a step When I’m at an event, I always permit 60 days in advance. off on some of these codes. Our back, just like we did with the What are your top goals have my ear bent for 10 or 15 That was on the books for staff has the interpretation that special events ordinance, and Q: and priorities as mayor minutes, whether it’s about a about five or six years, after Al the council did (back off), so we say, “Does this make sense for for the rest of this year? construction issue or the flier Gore had come to town several got to where we are now. us as a town in 2006?” Working on this facility about the (barking) dogs. Our times, and it had caused chaos. We want to work out some- A: project (town offices) staff does go out of its way So it was on the books, and no So overall, do you think thing that is a solution that is definitely a high priority to handle these quality-of-life one had applied for those per- Q: the town needs to spend doesn’t cause more problems. because we do have a window issues, and so does the council. mits. Maybe three people in six more time on code enforce- That’s what I think happened right now where we don’t have years, and I know there were a ment? with the (special events permit) to worry about the parcel tax, If the council goes for- lot more events that went on in Yes, but before we do, ordinance, because Al Gore we have some great residents Q: ward with a plan to Atherton for political fundrais- A: we need to review the came to town one too many who have offered to help, and we hire some sort of code- enforce- ing or charity fundraising. codes again and make sure they times, and somebody said, “Let’s have a seasoned council. ment officer, that is meant The other thing about the are practical. We might find, for put this in place.” A The administration building to handle these quality-of-life is going to be 50 years old. The issues, isn’t it? trailers are a problem. The police A third of the town is out facilities, we’ve outgrown them, A: of compliance, maybe they need to be modernized. more, on the codes. Another priority is emergency Look What’s awareness. We have been work- With rocks in the road- ing with the ACIL (Atherton Q: side right-of-way? On Sale.

Program teaches disaster prep ÕÀ}ÊÌ iÊÌ ÊvÊ >ÞÊÌ>iÊ Is your family prepared for light, and a radio, said ACIL >`Û>Ì>}iÊvÊÌ iÊL}}iÃÌÊÃ>Û}ÃÊvÊÌ iÊ an emergency, or disastrously president Richard Moore. Ãi>ÃÊÊ>À>ÃÌ>°Ê7iÊvviÀÊÌ iÊwiÃÌÊ unprepared? “What we love about our town Helping Atherton residents get will most likely work against us in >ÀÀ>ÞÊvÊyÀÊVÛiÀ}ÃÊ>`ÊÜ`ÜÊ themselves and their neighbor- the case of emergency,” says Mr. ÌÀi>ÌiÌÃÊ>ÞÜ iÀiÊÊÌ iÊ*iÃÕ>°Ê hoods ready for the next big quake Moore. “Many of us don’t know *ÕÃÊVÕÃÌÊ`À>«iÀiÃÊ>`ÊÌ iÊiÝVÕÃÛiÊ or other disaster is the theme of our neighbors, may live behind the annual Atherton Civic Inter- gated walls, and rely on technol- ÕÃÌÀ>Ê iVÌÊvÀÊÕÀÊiÜÊÕÌiÀÊ est League’s meeting, set for 7 ogy for everyday activities.” Õ}>ÃÊ7`ÜÊ>Ã ÃÊ>iÀÞ°Ê p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, May The ACIL is collaborating iÊÃiiÊvÀÊÞÕÀÃiv]Ê>`ÊiÌÊÕÃÊ}Õ`iÊ 18, in the Jennings Pavilion at with the Atherton Disaster Pre- Holbrook-Palmer Park. paredness Committee and the ÞÕÊÌ ÀÕ} ÊÌ iÊ`iÌ>Ã° At the meeting, a series of town of Atherton with the goal expert speakers are slated to talk of helping every Atherton fam- about emergency training and ily become self-sufficient for the planning strategies. Atherton first two to three days following -ViÊ£xx families who attend will receive a major disaster. ÎÈäÊ>L>Ê7>Þ] a free family survival kit worth Holbrook-Palmer Park is ÕÃÌÊvvÊÜÞÊ£ä£ÊÊ*>ÊÌ $80 that includes food, water, located at 150 Watkins Ave. in /i\ÊÈxä{Î£Çää blankets, a first-aid kit, a flash- Atherton. °À°Êx\Îä]Ê->Ì°Ê£ä{

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 17 THANKTHANK YOUYOU NEIGHBORHOODNEIGHBORHOOD REALTORS!REALTORS!

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18 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 THANKTHANK YOUYOU NEIGHBORHOODNEIGHBORHOOD REALTORS!REALTORS!

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Mary Gebhardt Dave Hobson Wendy McPherson Alain Pinel Coldwell Banker Coldwell Banker 620 Santa Cruz Avenue 930 Santa Cruz Avenue 1000 El Camino Real, Suite 150 Menlo Park, CA 94025 Menlo Park, CA 94025 Menlo Park, CA 94025 650.462.1111 650.323.7751 650.324.4456

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 19 How’s the water? Two years after a new disinfectant was added to the water supply, some residents are still demanding more studies. That may happen, thanks to Assemblyman Ira Ruskin.

receiving water from the Hetch Hetchy system, admin- of chloramine. ■ By RENEE BATTI Almanac News Editor istered by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commis- But since learning about the addition of chlora- sion, or SFPUC. That includes all local residences and mine to the water, doing countless hours of research, businesses, save for those on well water systems. and hearing from hundreds of others who have suf- enise Johnson-Kula of Menlo Park wasn’t in fered a range of symptoms since being exposed to the best of health on February 2, 2004. Yet, Experts say it’s safe chloraminated water, Ms. Johnson-Kula is adamant Dshe had reason to be optimistic: Her multiple The change is a good thing, say SFPUC officials in her belief that switching to chloramine was a seri- sclerosis had been “clinically stable” for several years, and public health experts throughout the state. ous misstep by the water provider. and a skin condition was being “well controlled” by “There’s a body of evidence that goes back decades She maintains that necessary studies haven’t been ointments, her doctors said. that chloramine is safe in water,” says SFPUC done to prove that chloraminated water is safe for But on February 3 of that year, she says, she almost spokesman Tony Winnicker. humans, and that “we are the guinea pigs.” Incon- died — and it was the water streaming from her clusive cancer studies have been abandoned, and no shower head that nearly killed her. studies have focused on skin and respiratory effects Within minutes of turning on the water, Ms. The water provider should ‘sit up and of the additive, says Ms. Johnson-Kula, who has a Johnson-Kula was stricken with symptoms mim- background in biochemistry. icking a severe asthma attack, although she didn’t take notice of this and to take this Two of her doctors at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation have asthma. Unable to breathe and on the verge seriously. … This is an important have written letters linking her problems to the additive. of passing out, she struggled to exit the shower and In his letter, Dr. Robert Bocian in the department bathroom without falling to the floor. human health topic and we need of allergy urged water officials to “make every effort Afterward, breathing was an effort, and for the next to get to the bottom of it.’ to accommodate [Ms. Johnson-Kula] with an effec- three days she had to sleep sitting up, she recalls. tive means of removing the chloramine from the What was behind this sudden assault on her KELLY FERGUSSON water supplied to her dwelling. Doing so is hereby respiratory system? The cause remained a mystery MENLO PARK CITY COUNCILWOMAN stated as a medical necessity for this patient.” to her and her doctors until she discovered that on Removing chloramine from water is a formidable February 2, the day before her frightening ordeal, a The SFPUC relied on the advice and recommen- task, though — and expensive. And because Ms. John- new disinfectant was added to the water supply. dations of public health agencies to determine that son-Kula lives in an apartment, it is also impractical. Known as chloramine, the additive is a combination “chloramine disinfectant is the safest — and it keeps To challenge the SFPUC’s decision to chloraminate of chlorine and ammonia, and is being used by more water safe for a longer period of time,” he says. water, Ms. Johnson-Kula founded Citizens Concerned and more of the nation’s cities as a substitute for straight And, he and others note, there is no hard “cause About Chloramine, or CCAC. Members advocate a chlorine, which was being used locally before 2004. and effect” evidence that symptoms reported by Ms. halt to the additive’s use until more research is done. COVER STORY COVER Chloramine is now in the water of all customers Johnson-Kula and other local residents are a result Their efforts attracted the attention of Assemblyman

20 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi Denise Johnson-Kula displays a poster she carts along to community meetings held by her group, Citizens Concerned About Chloramine.

Ira Ruskin, D-Redwood City. Mr. organisms in drinking water Ruskin, chair of the Assembly’s supplies.” Environmental Safety Commit- Mr. Winnicker says the SFPUC tee, introduced a bill in February “consistently meets or exceeds that would lead to more research standards” for water quality. on chemical disinfectants added Prior to putting the additive in to the state’s water supply. the water, the agency conducted numerous public meetings and Why the switch? waged an intensive public informa- The SFPUC switched from tion campaign to notify customers. chlorine to chloramine to meet That included literature in pet the federal Environmental Pro- stores to alert people with fish that tection Agency’s mandate to they had to filter aquarium water in reduce trihalomethanes (THMs) a different way. in the water supply; THMs are a It also included sending out byproduct of chlorine, and con- notices in water bills. Ms. John- sidered a possible carcinogen. son-Kula and many others who “Since we introduced chlo- Assemblyman Ira Ruskin live in apartments didn’t receive ramines, we’ve cut [THMs] by wants the state to explore water those notices because their more than half,” says Mr. Win- disinfectant options. landlords receive the water bills nicker of the SFPUC. and, in many cases, didn’t pass He notes that the agency finds the use of chlo- along the information. ramine as a disinfectant to be not only successful, but cost effective. Citizens’ group According to the SFPUC Web site, “All drinking In June 2004, Ms. Johnson-Kula convened the water suppliers using surface water are required by (the EPA) to use disinfectants to eliminate micro- Continued on next page

Alphabet soup SFPUC: The San Francisco Public Utilities Commis- CCAC: Citizens Concerned About Chloramine, leading The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi sion, which manages water from the Hetch Hetchy the grassroots effort to remove chloramine from the Some area residents have reported severe intestinal problems after system, delivering it to San Francisco and three Bay water supply until more research is done to determine drinking water treated with chloramine. Area counties. its short- and long-term health effects. Denise John- BAWSCA: Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation son-Kula of Menlo Park is president. Agency, which represents 26 cities and water districts receiving water from the SFPUC.

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 21 COVER STORY

Councilwoman Kelly Fergusson, who represents How’s the water? Menlo Park on the BAWSCA board, says that as a result of the health agencies’ inability to produce Continued from previous page the studies, she has come to view the CCAC’s position in a different light. first CCAC meeting. In the nearly two years since, “They’re looking more and more credible,” she the group has documented more than 200 cases says. On the BAWSCA board since June 2005, she that Ms. Johnson-Kula says show “cause and effect” says board members “went from … thinking that cases of serious reactions to chloraminated water, these (CCAC) speakers were crackpots to gradu- including people suffering from intestinal, respira- ally thinking, you know, they have a point here.” tory and skin problems. Now, she says, the board wants the SFPUC “to Many of these people now drink and cook with sit up and take notice of this and to take this seri- bottled water only, and some can’t use their tap water ously. … This is an important human health topic for bathing and brushing their teeth in the way they and we need to get to the bottom of it.” could before. That includes Ms. Johnson-Kula, who now has to limit her showers to one a week, when she The Ruskin bill visits her mother in Morgan Hill. The water there is The BAWSCA board is also in full support of chloramine-free. Assemblyman’s Ruskin’s bill, AB 2402, which has Members have also given advanced to the Assembly’s community presentations, fiscal committee. The out- and attended meetings of ‘Since we introduced chloramines, come of that committee’s public boards to voice their deliberations is expect- concerns. we’ve cut (a suspected carcinogen) ed to be known by the The group’s first victory by more than half.’ end of May, says Caroll was last fall, when the North Mortensen, chief consul- Coast County Water District TONY WINNICKER, SFPUC SPOKESMAN tant for the Environmental in Pacifica responded to a Safety Committee. CCAC presentation by sending letters to the SFPUC The bill authorizes studies to “identify poten- and the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation tially dangerous drinking water disinfection Agency pushing for more studies on the health byproducts and their persistence in the environ- effects of chloramine. ment,” and to identify and develop alternatives to The board of the Bay Area Water Supply and Con- chemical disinfectants. servation Agency, or BAWSCA, is composed of repre- It also would make data and analysis resulting sentatives from all 26 cities or water districts receiving from the studies available on the Internet “to cre- water from the Hetch Hetchy system. After receiving ate a one-stop shop for people to find pros and the Pacifica water agency’s letter, BAWSCA’s general cons of all kinds of chemical disinfections,” Ms. manager Art Jensen wrote to several key public health Mortensen explains. agencies, asking about past, future and ongoing stud- The studies, she notes would be costly. But even if ies on the epidemiological, dermatological and respi- the bill doesn’t clear the fiscal committee, “The issue The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi ratory effects on humans of chloraminated water. is still of great [importance] to Mr. Ruskin,” she adds. The palms of Denise Johnson-Kula’s hands have recovered since The responses, he says, were not satisfactory and “Even if something bad happens to the bill, it doesn’t she stopped using chloraminated water. She says she suffered from were, in some cases, “spurious.” After contacting mean he isn’t going to continue studying the issue.” dry, bleeding hands after chloramine was first introduced into the several agencies by phone later, he concluded that the Mr. Winnicker of the SFPUC says his agency water supply. agencies were unable to cite studies he asked about. Continued on next page

The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi Some people have reported adverse reactions from showering in chloraminated water. The chemical is deadly to fish and must be removed from aquarium water. And Ms. Johnson-Kula says her now-healthy maiden hair fern was ailing before she started using bottled water for it. 22 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 COVER STORY

Continued from previous page

“absolutely supports the bill. We’re always interested in the most recent and thorough informa- Water additive causing rise in plumbing problems tion about water quality.” radesman Ken Russo, who says he suffers respiratory and skin problems resulting from chloramine in the water, Symptoms points to another “cause and effect” of the chemical addi- Meanwhile, public officials urge people who T tive: a dramatic increase in plumbing problems. think they are having reactions to chloramine Callers desperate for help with leaks, broken pipes and to see their doctors and, if the doctor links the busted water heaters keep his phone ringing all hours of the symptoms to the additive, send a report to the day, he says. appropriate public health officials. Although he prefers to work on remodeling projects, “Lately, That list of people would include the 200-plus who all I’ve been doing is a lot of plumbing.” have contacted CCAC to report their symptoms, Mr. Russo attends Cit- such as Betty West of Portola Valley. A resident of izens Concerned About The Sequoias senior community, Ms. West had a Chloramine community severe skin reaction after using a Jacuzzi around the ‘Lately, all I’ve been doing presentations equipped time chloramine was added to the water. is a lot of plumbing.’ with a 20-gallon water Her doctor could find no apparent cause, and heater he uses to show she’s convinced that the welts and other skin con- TRADESMAN KEN RUSSO, the corrosive effects of ditions she developed in those days are the direct ON THE EFFECTS OF CHLORAMINE chloramine. result of chloramine. ONHISWORKLOAD The SFPUC acknowl- Now, she collects water in pails on her deck edges on its Web site that “the lead corrosion concern associ- to wash her hair, and she uses bottled water for ated with chloramine is something new and unexpected both drinking and bathing. She’s also given up eating by the regulators and the industry.” And chloraminated waters rice and cereal cooked with chloraminated water “are more aggressive” than chlorine in reacting with rubbers and and served in The Sequoias’ dining hall. their derivatives. She says she heads to her family home in San Jose Mr. Russo says rubber fittings and polyurethane fixtures lose more weekends than she otherwise would just to their elasticity and are “more prone to cracking” because of enjoy the chloramine-free water. chloramine. The list also includes Ken Russo, a tradesman “Parts are corroding and failing at an accelerated rate,” from South San Francisco who says chloraminated he says. water caused both respiratory and skin problems. The SFPUC notes on its Web site that chloramine-resistant His is a grimy business, he says, and in the past toilet flapper valves and washers can be purchased at hard- he enjoyed his long hot showers to wash away the Tradesman Ken Russo hauls a water heater to CCAC ware and plumbing supply stores. A dirt and sweat. Now, “I’ve reduced my showers, —By Renee Batti presentations to show the corrosive effects of chloramine and don’t suffer as much from skin rashes and on plumbing parts. breathing problems.” A

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May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 23 SPORTS

roots, Mr. Fehring would do ■ SERVICE Stanford sports legend dies at 93 double duty as chief scout and key assistant to Stanford’s head A service will be held at Stanford’s DUTCH FEHRING tagging out famed New York and only time Gehring would football coach at the time, for- Memorial Church at 2 p.m. Tues- continued from page 7 Yankee Lou Gehrig at the plate accomplish that feat in his sto- mer Notre Dame All-American day, May 23. Immediately follow- by the Chicago White Sox as “the Iron Horse” unwisely ried career. Marchie Schwartz. ing the service, a reception will be after final exams in the spring attempted an inside-the-park Forsaking pro ball in favor Mr. Fehring would eventu- held at Dallmar Court in The Arril- of his senior year in 1934. His home run. of coaching, Mr. Fehring ally succeed Mr. Dean as head laga Family Sports Center. career in major league baseball As he applied the tag, he returned to West Lafayette, baseball coach in 1956, a posi- consisted of just two and a half made a small but important Indiana, where Purdue is tion he would hold until 1967. innings during a game played mark in the baseball record based. He served as the Pur- Aided by his longtime assistant Pacific 8, and District 8 Coach of at Yankee Stadium on June 25, book. When a batter is thrown due baseball coach for seven coach and friend William G. the Year and received the “Lefty 1934, just two weeks after he out at the plate trying for a years (1936-42) and worked as “Billy” Alhouse, he is credited Gomez Silver Star Award” for joined the club. Entering as a home run, he is still given cred- an assistant football coach at with putting the Cardinal on contributions to amateur base- substitute catcher in the sev- it for a triple. Gehrig’s three- the same time. the path to becoming a nation- ball in the United States. enth inning, he came up with bagger meant that he had hit During World War II, he al baseball power, leading Mr. Fehring holds the unique a truly memorable moment, for the cycle that day, the first entered the U.S. Navy, serving Stanford to 11 winning seasons distinction of being the only per- his country from 1943 to 1946 during his 12-year tenure as son in Stanford history to coach and coaching the U.S. Navy’s head baseball coach. a team in both the Rose Bowl )&)43./4).4()36!5,4 )43./43!&% Iowa Pre-Flight team among He guided Stanford to the and the College World Series. others. He was an admiral’s College World Series in 1967, His Stanford glory was not staff officer in the 14th Naval setting school records for most limited to the school’s famed District, eventually receiving an wins in a season (36) and for baseball field, Sunken Dia- honorable discharge with the highest season winning per- mond. As an assistant football rank of senior grade lieutenant. centage (.849, 36-6-1). By the coach for 17 years from 1949 After the war, he coached the time he retired from coaching to 1966, he was on hand for offensive line at the Univer- in 1967 (after guiding the 1967 some of the most memorable sity of Oklahoma under Bud squad to a third-place finish at moments at the old Stanford Wilkinson for two years and the College World Series), Mr. Stadium as well. After an excit- at UCLA for one year in 1948, Fehring had amassed 290 wins ing 27-20 victory by undefeated when he famously recom- and was the winningest base- Stanford over undefeated and mended that the Bruin athletic ball coach in Stanford history. favored USC in 1951, a contest director hire his old college His outstanding 1967 team, considered by Stanford fans buddy John Wooden for the led by captain Dick Swan, at the time to be “The Game ,/3!,4/36!5,43!&% head basketball coaching posi- Frank Duffy, Mike Schomaker, of the Century,” he and head tion. Wooden was offered the pitchers “Sandy” Vance, Don coach Charles A. “Chuck” Tay- $%0/3)4#/ job and the rest is college bas- Rose, and Rod Poteete, and lor were carried off the field on !PRIVATEDEPOSITORY ketball history. First Team All-American first the shoulders of their jubilant 7 Ê, Ê£t The next year, in 1949, Mr. baseman Mark Marquess Stanford players, celebrating 3AFEDEPOSITBOXESOFALLSIZES / iÀiÊÃÊ ÊÓ Fehring was brought up to (Stanford’s head coach of the Stanford’s right to the Rose 3TRICTANDTOTALCONlDENTIALITY 6 Ê/t Palo Alto by Stanford athletic past three decades) finished the Bowl, a once-in-a-lifetime 3ECUREDANDAMPLEPARKING director and head baseball regular season ranked No. 1 in moment described by one local &ORYOUROWNSAKEWESHOULDHAVEYOURBUSINESS coach Everett Dean. Mr. Dean, the country and lost a 4-3, 14- sportswriter “as the alpha and a native of Salem, Indiana, who inning heartbreaker to Arizona the omega of grid thrills!” 6ISITOURFACILITIESANDJUDGEFORYOURSELF had previously served as both State on a “freak” hit in the He retired from coaching $ATABANKFORIMPORTANTANDCONlDENTIALRECORDS baseball and basketball coach championship semi-final game baseball after the 1967 season at Indiana University, hired Mr. of the College World Series. to move up to a position as &IRST3TREET ,OS!LTOS #! Fehring as an assistant baseball The highly respected Stanford Stanford’s Director of Intramu- 4EL WWWLOSALTOSVAULTCOM coach. True to his multi-sport skipper was named NCAA, rals and Club Sports, eventually retiring from Stanford in 1977. He then became known to hundreds of Stanford fans through his work organizing sports travel tours with close friend and business partner Paul Cardoza. One of the most dedicated and active advocates for amateur baseball, Mr. Fehring was a past president of the World Amateur Baseball Federation, the United States Baseball Federation, and the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA). A 49-year member of Fine Spanish Bronze Mounted Humidor the ABCA, he is a member of the ABCA Hall of Fame and served on the organization’s Veterans Committee for many Fine Jewelry, incl. Retro Diamond Covered Watch years. The U.S. Baseball Fed- eration annually awards “The W.P. ‘Dutch’ Fehring Award of Merit for outstanding service to baseball.” Mr. Fehring was also chair- man of the U.S. Olympic Games Baseball Committee, Needlepoint Armchair Selection of Hand Tied Carpets helping select and coach the 1964 Tokyo Olympic exhibition

Continued on next page

24 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 SPORTS

Continued from previous page Pumas team seeks players Local AYSO Region 109 team, and was instrumental in helping field American teams The Alpine Menlo Pumas invites players to register at the 1967 Pan-American under-13 girls soccer team is ■ BRIEFS Games and at many other looking to add one or two Domenic Di Ricco The registration process is walk-in registration. international events. impact players for fall. Girls ties school record starting for new and returning He also served on the NCAA born after August 1, 1992, are Cornell freshman outfielder soccer players in AYSO Region Walk-in registration Baseball Rules Committee. invited to tryouts at Rossotti’s Domenic Di Ricco of Portola 109, serving the Menlo Park and After preregistering online, Locally, he served as Little Field in Portola Valley during Valley tied a school record with Atherton areas. parents must come to walk-in League commissioner in Menlo the team’s regular Tuesday or five hits in a recent 23-10 win All players born between August registration to hand in forms Park, and on the board of the Thursday practice sessions this over Penn. He reached base safely 1, 1987, and January 31, 2002, are and pay fees of $110 ($75 Little League of Palo Alto. spring. six times, going 5-for-6 with a invited to register for the 2006 for kinderleague players born He was a member of the Last fall, the Pumas were the double, three RBIs and three season, which starts in September between August 1, 2000, and Rotary International. Clovis Challenge Cup champi- runs scored. and runs through the fall. January 31, 2002). The family prefers donations ons. The coaches are Cris Gilm- In four starts during the The registration process begins The parents of new players be made to Partners in Car- ore, former assistant women’s week, Di Ricco hit .529 (9-for- online at mpsoccer.org. Update must bring proof of age, such as ing, Stanford Hospital & Clin- coach and interim head coach 17), including two doubles, five information (new players will a passport or birth certificate, to ics, 300 Pasteur Drive, Suite at San Jose State University, and RBIs and six runs scored. He need to enter their informa- registration. H0115, Stanford, CA 94305, Christina Bell Gilmore, who finished the week with three tion), sign up for a volunteer job, The registration will be from 9 The Dutch and Edna Fehring spent three seasons with the straight multi-hit games and a print out the forms, and come to a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20, Family Scholarship, Attention: CyberRays and led Sonoma State slugging percentage of .647. registration. at Hillview Middle School library Athletic Development, Arril- to the NCAA Division II final Parents who volunteered as (Santa Cruz and Elder avenues in laga Family Sports Center, four her sophomore season. coaches or referees in 2005 and Menlo Park). Bring registration Stanford University, Stanford, For information, contact Nan- INFO MENLO plan to coach or officiate in forms, fees (checks only), and CA, 94305, and to the Bethany cy Ditz at 888-4833 or olym- 2006 can mail in their forms proof of age for all new players. Lutheran Church, 1095 Cloud [email protected]. The Web coming september  and checks after preregister- For more information, go to Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025. site is pumasoccer.org. ing. No need to show up at mpsoccer.org. TOWN OF WOODSIDE INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR COMMITTEES BICYCLE COMMITTEE Meets second Wednesday of each month, 7:30 p.m.; appointment for a one-year term. The Committee advises and recommends to the Town Council on the policies for planning, developing, maintaining, and usage of Town's bikeways system and provides an open forum for bicycle issues. CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Meets fourth Monday of each month, 5:30 p.m.; appointment for a two-year term. The Committee advises and assists the Town Council, Planning Commission, and staff on conservation, open space, noise, public services and facilities as pertaining to the elements of the Town's General Plan. OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE Meets fourth Thursday of each month at 4:30 p.m.; appointment for a one-year term. The Committee advises and assists the Council and staff in implementing the policies and goals of the Open Space and Conservation Elements of the General Plan, specifically with respect to acquisition and maintenance of conservation easements and open space preservation. RECREATION COMMITTEE Meets first Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m.; appointments for three-year term and two-year terms. The Committee guides the activities of the community recreation programs. Committees are volunteer positions and serve in an advisory capacity to the Town Council. Interested residents may request information and applications Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12 noon and 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Town Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, on the web site at www.woodsidetown.org, or telephone (650) 851-6790. Deadline for applications is Friday, June 2, 2006, 5:00 p.m.

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 25 NEWS Lively voice for medicine Health lecturer Dr. Margaret Deanesly will receive Lifetime of Achievement Award from Avenidas

By Marion Softky stand and champion their own at Kaiser in Redwood City. Now Almanac Staff Writer health. “Be your own doctor he’s retired; he plays trombone s laughter ripples across first. You know your own body,” and raises orchids. the spring flowers at she says. “The doctor wants Dr. Deanesly was just 31 when AAllied Arts, who would to know about change. Acute the roles of doctor and patient ever think the subject could be change is a red flag; he wants to collided in her life. She experi- “Aging: the Good, the Bad and know right away.” enced breast cancer “from both the Ugly?” Dr. Deanesly’s inspirational sides of the desk.” But laughter is what happens lectures, plus 30 years as a phy- Ten days after the couple when Dr. Margaret Deanesly of sician at the Palo Alto Medical bought their home in Menlo Menlo Park gives one of her Clinic, have earned her one of the Park in 1968, Dr. Ziegler was “Mornings with Margaret” lec- Lifetimes of Achievement Awards, drafted, and they moved to tures to 94 people interested in to be given by Avenidas, the Palo North Carolina. coming to terms with getting old. Alto senior center, at a garden There “Mrs. Ziegler” went to her “In the last analysis, doctor to talk about getting your body is a whole pregnant. She mentioned a bunch of tubes which lump in her breast, and allow you to absorb food ‘The doctor wants to know about got the classic response: and get rid of waste,” Dr. change. Acute change is a red flag; “There, there, dear. You’re Deanesly says cheerily. he wants to know right away.’ too young,” she recalls. “Like a garden hose.” So she went across the And like a garden hose, DR. MARGARET DEANESLY street to the hospital where these tubes can stiffen, she was a physician. As Mrs. twist, tear and kink as Ziegler, she applied for a they get older, Dr. Deanesly reception on Sunday May 21. mammogram, which Dr. Deanesly continues, to more laughter. Dr. Deanesly’s award recog- authorized. “I ordered my own As she guides her enthusiastic nizes “a lifetime of providing mammogram,” she chuckles. audience through a description medical treatment and empow- That night the phone rang; the of their aging bodies, top-down ering and inspiring the public next morning, Dr. Deanesly lost “from scalp to toe,” she includes to be champions of their own her breast. (She lost the second suggestions to improve the quality health and well-being.” in 2001.) and duration of living. In catchy “It was my own knowledge as a File photo by Carol Ivie phrases, she promotes exercise: Breast cancer at 31 physician that saved my life,” Dr. Dr. Margaret Deanesly of Menlo Park will be honored by Avenidas for “I’m very boring about exercise”; Growing up, Margaret Deanesly reflects. “That’s when interpreting practical medicine to the public in informal, fact-filled, often girth control: “Portion control, Deanesly always wanted to be a I started teaching women about funny, lectures. portion control, portion control”; doctor. She studied and earned breast disease.” and positive thinking: “It just her medical degree at McGill active physician until she retired Arts talk very likely first encoun- happens to be true.” University in Montreal. Missionary zeal in 1995; as a motivational speak- tered Dr. Deanesly years earlier In lectures on the Penin- She continued to a residency in That experience also shaped er on personal health; and as a when she gave “Mornings with sula and around the world, Dr. Chicago, where she met and mar- the rest of Dr. Deanesly’s life. mother of two adopted sons. Margaret” talks in Menlo Park and Deanesly tries to give people the ried her boss, Dr. Paul Ziegler, Back in Menlo Park, she followed While she was practicing at Atherton. Prodded by Atherton medical information to under- who later became a pediatrician three interlocking paths: as an the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, neighbor Gerry Nelson, she gave Dr. Deanesly served as medical a three-lecture series for mid-life director at the Stanford Linear women. “Women in the autumn Accelerator Center from 1983 of their life deserve Indian sum- At The Forum you’ll ﬁnd until 1995. mer, not a winter of discontent,” carefree luxury living for The Wellness Program that she she told her audiences. developed at SLAC was declared As her popularity grew, so did active seniors who value “outstanding” by the federal her range of subjects. Popular their independence. “Tiger Team” that evaluated pro- titles included “Breast Lumps • Unique Equity Ownership grams at the federal laboratory. and Hormone Replacement Scare The wellness program includ- Me”; “Forty-Niner Syndrome: • Continuing Care/Health Center On-site ed exercise, stress management, The Emotional Hurdles of Mid- • New Fitness Center & Lap Pool CPR and First Aid classes, • Fine Dining/Transportation weight control, and a variety of See DR. DEANESLY, page 27 • Established Resident-owned lectures and workshops. “We’re Community like teachers. We’re commit- ■ INFORMATION ted to teaching medicine to the • Located in the Beautiful Foothills public,” Dr. Deanesly told the ■ where Los Altos meets Cupertino Avenidas will honor seven Pen- Almanac in a 1994 interview. insula residents for “Lifetimes of Her informal, down-to-earth Achievement” at a reception Sun- style has endeared Dr. Deanesly day, May 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. Call today to schedule to audiences around the world. at the home of Judy and George DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE a personal tour. She started speaking to cancer Marcus, 27900 Black Mountain 650-944-0190 patients and mid-career nurses. Road in Los Altos Hills. Tickets Pretty soon she was speaking to at $65 each may be ordered by calling Avenidas at 289-5435, or local groups and on television, 23500 Cristo Rey Drive online at Avenidas.org. where she was a guest twice on ■ Cupertino, California 95014 Anyone interested in Alanon Hugh Downs’ “Over Easy.” for Parents can come to meet- 650-944-0100 She gave medical advice on ings at 7 p.m. Wednesday eve- “A.M San Francisco” programs nings at Holy Trinity Church, 330 www.theforum-seniorliving.com between 1979 and 1981. “Televi- Ravenswood Ave. in Menlo Park. For information, call Sharon at RCFE#: 435200344 COA #174 sion is fickle,” she comments.” Many of the guests at her Allied 366-6156.

26 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 NEWS St. Joseph’s School celebrates 100 years St. Joseph’s School of the just over five acres of land for Sacred Heart will celebrate a construction of the school, century of learning on Saturday, named after her late husband, May 20, during a series of events Joseph A. Donohoe. for students, alumni, faculty, “We have come a long way staff and friends on its campus in 100 years, and many of our in Atherton. unique traditions remain alive The first tuition-free elemen- and well on campus,” said Wen- tary school for children in the di Mangiantini, alumni rela- village of Menlo Park opened its tions coordinator and Sacred doors on October 20, 1906 with Heart Prep graduate. “We are 74 boys. still an intimate community The opening had been delayed with strong family times.” because the “Great Quake” Among the school traditions caused serious structural dam- are Prize Day, all-school litur- age to the Sacred Heart Main gies, a strong athletic depart- Building. Its students and nuns ment, and arts and music pro- had to drag their mattresses to grams. St. Joseph’s to live and continue The school’s centennial cel- their school year. ebration begins with a party for Emilie Bain Donohoe, an early children at 11 a.m. Saturday on resident of Menlo Park (now the football field, the showing Atherton), was the new school’s of a 100 year historical movie in benefactress. An alumna of Foley Theater at noon, a picnic Archives/Sacred Heart Schools Sacred Heart in St. Louis with on Schimpf Field, and campus Ready to graduate from St. Joseph’s School were these boys in the eighth-grade class of 1915. a strong belief in the religious tours. order’s educational mission, There will be class reunions by Mrs. Donohoe offered to fund the decades at 1 p.m. in various A highlight of the afternoon celebratory Mass, conducted by Since 1906, St. Joseph’s School the school if the nuns at Sacred classrooms, and school memo- will be the centennial ceremony homilist the Rev. William Mull- of the Sacred Heart has grown to Heart School Menlo would run ries will be taped. Student con- at 3:30 p.m. and the opening of er, S.J., a graduate of St. Joseph’s an enrollment of 520 children in it. certs will be given in Robinson the time capsule. class of 1958. The Mass begins at classes from preschool through She gave the religious order Courtyard at 2:30 p.m. The event will close after a 4:15 p.m. in Foley Theater. eighth grade. Hillview offers tips on parenting teens “3 Steps to Parenting Teens,” a Parents of fifth-graders who skills to help teens through dif- series of three evening programs will enter Hillview in August are ficult decisions. open to all parents, comes to invited to participate. Leading the discussions will be Menlo Park’s Hillview Middle The programs will be held in educator Joe Connolly, who in School, starting on Tuesday, May the Hillview school library, 1100 2002 co-founded godparents inc., 23. Elder Ave., from 7 to 9 p.m. on which conducts workshops and A Guide to the Spiritual Community The Hillview PTO and the Tuesdays, May 23 and 30, and classes to help parents build strong middle school are sponsoring on Monday, June 5. relationships with their children. the series, presented by good- The “3 Steps” series aims to For more information, con- Ananda parents inc. of Santa Clara, to help parents better understand tact Debbie Devoto, sixth- and A Place of Awakening help parents strengthen rela- their teens, build trust, and eighth-grade counselor at Hill- Sunday Celebration tionships with their teens. learn effective communication view, at 326-4341. 9-9:45 am Meditation 10-11:30 Worship and Satsang 2171 El Camino Real, Palo Alto Paramhansa Yogananda for a free brochure, call (650) 323-3363 DR. DEANESLY women wore western dress, Dr. Ugly,” next fall for the Women’s Author of Autobiography of a Yogi or visit www.anandapaloalto.org continued from page 26 Deanesly recalls, but others were Recovery Association. veiled. “It was a kick,” she says. If that isn’t enough, Dr. Deanes- Life”; and “Managing Mother ly launched a new project in without Losing Your Mind.” Still active January at Holy Trinity Church in First Baptist Church From 1985 to 1998, Dr. Deanes- Nearing 70, Dr. Deanesly is still Menlo Park. Alanon for Parents Of Menlo Park ly traveled the world speaking a missionary. This month, she’s helps parents deal with alcoholic for YPO, the Young Presidents’ attending a Stanford Healthy children. It meets every Wednes- “A small Church with a big HEART” Organization, a high-powered Living Retreat for Women at day night at 7 p.m. at the church, Worship celebration 11:00 Sunday international network of young Fallen Leaf Lake. Her topic: 330 Ravenswood Ave. Sunday School and Bible Study 9:30 executives from some 75 coun- “What Is Really Important in “I’ve been there,” Dr. Deanesly Sound Biblical Teaching, Drama, Music, Retreats tries. She lectured to eager audi- Women’s Health?” She may says. “You have no idea how Children’s Ministry, Home of New Beginnings Preschool ences in India, Australia and repeat her program on “ Aging: many people are dealing with (650) 323 8544 Singapore. She also expanded The Good, the Bad and the alcoholic children.” A 1100 Middle Ave@Arbor (near Safeway) her repertory to include health www.firstbaptist.com subjects for men. Perhaps the greatest testament CLICK on your to her skills came in Dubai, on the coast of Arabia. There, Dr. COMMUNITY Deanesly, an American woman, To Include your church in addressed a mixed audience ANYTIME from INSPIRATIONS of about 40 men and women, Call Blanca Yoc on the subject of men’s prob- ANYWHERE lems titled “Risky Parts: Pros- 650•326•8210 ext. 239 tates and Hearts.” Some of the www.almanacnews.com

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 27 SPORTS Stanford aims for dual NCAA titles enlo Park’s Whitlinger ply dominated the rest of the coun- coaches men’s team; try. Stanford is ranked No. 1 in the MJames Pade of Wood- nation with a perfect 27-0 record side is key player. and the overwhelming favorite to The NCAA Tennis Champion- claim the NCAA Championship. ships for both men and women are The Cardinal has won its last 82 coming to Stanford’s Taube Tennis matches overall and its last 102 at Center from May 18-29, mark- the Taube Tennis Center. ing the first time Last week at the in intercollegiate NCAA Region- tennis history that John als, Stanford Whitlinger is both the men’s and head coach beat Quinnipiac women’s champi- of Stanford’s and Arizona to onships will be men’s team. advance to the held at the same David Gonzales/ Round of 16. The venue. Stanford Athletics Cardinal will Coaching Stan- open their cham- James Pade of Woodside ford’s men’s team is John Whit- pionship run against TCU on has chalked up a 27-7 singles linger of Menlo Park, and one of Thursday, May 18, at 6 p.m. record and was recently named the key players is James Pade of Second-Team All-Pac-10.

Woodside. Coach Whitlinger Photo by David Gonzales/Stanford Athletics Since 1973, no school in the On the men’s side, head coach country has dominated intercol- John Whitlinger, a Menlo Park team to a 17-3 overall record and Saturday, May 20, at 3 p.m. in to earn a spot at the top of the legiate tennis like Stanford, which resident, said he is very pleased a 6-1 mark in the conference and the NCAA Round of 16. Cardinal lineup and play a major has claimed a national-best 17 with his team’s success so far in a share of the league title. role in Stanford’s run toward the men’s titles and 14 women’s cham- 2006. A two-time All-American as James Pade national championship. He has pionships, including the last two. “We have competed well and a player at Stanford in 1974 and One of the reasons for Stan- chalked up a 27-7 singles record This season, Stanford’s men’s battled through injuries this 1975, Whitlinger was an assis- ford’s success in 2006 is the return and was recently named Second- and women’s team are once again season, “ he said. tant coach at Stanford for 18 of junior James Pade, a Woodside Team All-Pac-10. among the best in the country. Whitlinger, named the Pac-10 years under Dick Gould before resident and graduate of the “It was great to take some time The Cardinal women have sim- Coach of the Year, has led his taking over as head coach in Menlo School. Pade played for off last season,” he said. “It was 2005. the Cardinal as a freshman and always my plan to come back to The Cardinal took care of sophomore in 2003 and 2004, but the team this year. Tennis is a long Quinnipiac and Cal last week- took the year off in 2005 and did season and you have to make sure end at the NCAA Regionals and not play for Stanford. you’re peaking at the right time will play fourth-seeded Duke on Pade has come back in 2006 — and I think we are.” A

only loss was to Nativity School in Menlo Park during the regular season. Nativity won by 2 points in sudden death double overtime. During the South Championship, the Cardinals beat Nativity by 1 point. On the day of the championship game against Our Lady of Angels, the boys had great support from family friends, and the sixth-grade girls who showed up and cheered them on. The game was neck and neck in the first half; in the third quarter the Cardinals pulled Give us your ahead by 10 points and held that computer lead. Coach McNamara said each and we’ll do St. Raymond Cardinal champions, from left, standing: Coach Robert player brought unique talents McNamara, Luke Quinton, Willie DeWitt, Chase Schaaf, Ryan DeGregorio to the game, making them an something good. and Coach Les DeWitt; and, in front, Eric White, Matthew McNamara and effective team. Patrick Bruni. “Although we had consistently GOODWILL COMPUTER RECYCLING EVENT high performers, all the players Saturday, May 20 / 9 am – 1 pm Way to go, Cardinals! contributed to the team effort San Mateo Event Center throughout the season,” said 2495 S. Delaware Street / San Mateo By Katie Blankenberg Cardinals won Coach McNamara. 6th-grader, St. Raymond School the title game by The team also won the St. FREE a score of 46-34 Charles Christmas Tournament, he St. Raymond sixth- on March 15. the Los Gatos Hillbrook School www.sfgoodwill.org grade Cardinals recently Under coaches Tournament, the PPSL Division or 415.575.2116 Twon the North-South Robert McNa- Championship and the PPSL We welcome volunteers Peninsula Parochial School mara and Les North South Championship. A League basketball champion- DeWitt, the ship. Playing against Our Lady team won 17 or Katie Blankenberg, 12, lives in of Angels in Burlingame, the its 18 games. Its Portola Valley.

28 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 NEWS Voting starts at special centers — prior to election By Marion Softky While the centers were set up pri- San Mateo — and other Califor- classes around the county. Woodside, Menlo-Atherton and Almanac Staff Writer marily for disabled people, others nia counties — have been scram- Some 30 league volunteers Sequoia high schools, as well as can vote there, too. bling to select, certify, buy and have contacted more than 100 private schools, such as Sacred s the June 6 primary elec- Voters can drop off absentee install new voting equipment to teachers in 34 public and private Heart, Menlo, Eastside Prep and tion approaches, there’s a ballots at the satisfy new feder- high schools from Daly City to Mid-Peninsula high schools. Aflurry of activity around centers, or vote al and state rules East Palo Alto. Students who turn 18 in time for the county. Ballots are arriving in person using — including that “We encourage teachers to the November election, but after in mailboxes, there are drives to eSlate electronic ‘I know it’s an ambitious the equipment make registration a classroom the registration deadline, can still register voters prior to the May voting devices goal, but we’re hoping to provides a paper project,” said Carole Dorshkind register, and the county will hold 22 deadline, and people have designed for record of each of Redwood City, who chairs the the registration until their birth- actually started voting — not voters with dis- register over 5,000 high vote. student voter registration drive day, Ms. Dorshkind said. “I know just by mail — but at special abilities. school seniors,’ Since San for the league. it’s an ambitious goal, but we’re voting centers. The county Mateo County In the South County, League hoping to register over 5,000 high CAROLE DORSHKIND, Nine Universal Voting Centers has leased 10 has not been volunteers have contacted school seniors,” she said. A have been set up throughout the of the machines LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS able to meet all county to meet state and federal that qualify for the deadlines to requirements for voting machines use by disabled people, not get new systems in place by June to serve people with disabilities. enough for every voting location 6, it will use its existing vot- on election day June 6. There- ing machines in polling places ■ INFORMATION fore, the county set up the nine throughout the county on elec- voting centers in advance of the tion day. ■ People can vote at three Uni- election as a compromise. Meanwhile, new voting equip- versal Voting Centers in the South “We have adopted a proactive, ment that complies with all County: Elections Office, 40 phased plan to meet the spirit, regulations should be ready in The Bowman program builds Tower Road, San Mateo; Assessor- if not the letter, of the law, to time for the November election, County Clerk-Recorder Office, 555 provide accessible voting oppor- Mr. Slocum said. The Board of confidence, creativity and County Center (corner of Bradford tunities for voters in San Mateo Supervisors May 9 approved academic excellence. and Hamilton streets), Redwood County,” said County Elections an agreement with the state to City; and Civic Center, 2415 Uni- Officer Warren Slocum. receive a federal grant of up to versity Avenue, East Palo Alto. LowerSchool-GradesK-5 ■ For more information, call The county’s Sample Ballot $4.5 million to “purchase and and voter information pamphlet deploy voting systems.” 1-888-SMC-VOTE, or go to the Middle School - Grades 6 - 8 county’s election Web site: sha- is available by request on audio- pethefuture.org. tape for the visually impaired. Young voters ■ Two other Web sites carry elec- “We intend to make voting as The Board of Supervisors and Individualized, self-directed program tion information: the California accessible as possible,” Mr. Slo- the League of Women Voters Secretary of State, at ss.ca. cum said. “All election materials of San Mateo County are also Rich international and cultural studies gov/elections; and the League of are available in English, Spanish winding up their drive to enlist Women Voters, at smartvoter.org. and Chinese.” first-time voters in high school Proven, Montessori approach State-of-the-art facility Menlo Park woman running for Assembly Low student-teacher ratio Virginia Chang Kiraly of American, she worked for 15 Menlo Park, president of the years in the financial industry. www.bowmanschool.org Las Lomitas Elementary School She is president of the Friends of 4000 Terman Drive Palo Alto, CA Tel: 650-813-9131 PTA, is the Republican candi- the Palo Alto Junior Museum & date for the 21st district state Zoo, a board member of Cultural Assembly seat now held by Initiatives Silicon Valley, and a Democrat Ira Ruskin. past board member of the Tech Ms. Kiraly will run opposed in Museum of Innovation and the THE CREATIVE WRITING PROGRAM AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY the June 6 election and face Mr. Asia-America MultiTechnology PRESENTS Ruskin in November. Association. She said she plans to take In the area of education, she political risks, such as pressing said she favors reducing the The Mohr VisitingPoet for reform of public pension number of categorical programs benefits that “allows our hard- and creating block grants that Author of: working civil servants to receive give school districts the freedom The City In Which I Love You reasonable benefits commensu- Virginia Chang Kiraly says she to address their needs. Rose rate with model benefits in the will push for reform of the public She calls for a “using our The Winged Seed private sector.” pension system. innovative spirit to produce The Book of My Nights One way to deal with the state’s technologies that lower our fiscal problems, she said, is to with the Friends of the Palo Alto dependency on fossil fuel” and encourage partnerships between Junior Museum & Zoo “to create encourage cities and counties to Events with nonprofit agencies and govern- a stronger children’s organization plan for higher density residen- ESIGN BY STANFORD DESIGN GROUP ment. She noted that the city of for the Peninsula community.” tial and employment uses along D Palo Alto has done this in working A first generation Chinese- transportation corridors. Li-Young Atherton police to crack down on scofflaws Lee READING: INFORMAL COLLOQUIUM: Police in Atherton over the Police Chief Robert Brennan. About 2.7 million people WEDNESDAY,MAY 10, 2006 TUESDAY,MAY 23, 2006 next couple of weeks will be A first offense is $91 for any- in California travel unbelted, 8:00 pm 11:00 am keeping a particularly sharp one 16 or older; the fine is $340 according to the 2005 California lookout for and issuing tickets and one “point count” on the Seat Belt Use Survey. And the Campbell Recital Hall, Terrace Room, to drivers and passengers not driver’s record if the unbelted California Driver Handbook Braun Music Center Margaret Jacks Hall, Bldg 460 wearing seatbelts. passenger is a child under 16. notes that half of all traffic Stanford Campus The campaign runs through Second offenses are $193 and deaths occur within 25 miles of Events are free and open to the public. Info: 650/725-1208 Sunday, June 4, said Atherton $871, respectively. home. www.stanford.edu/dept/english/cw/ May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 29 NEWS OF LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY Library Man Former Belle Haven student helps boost school’s library collection By Renee Batti Almanac News Editor Park Civic Center, he discovered a spacious building rich with more Heriberto Madrigal, eriberto Madrigal didn’t books than he had ever dreamed center right, shows off know there was any such could be his — at least for three some of the nonliterary Hthing as a public library weeks at a time. wares available for sale until he was in seventh grade. A naturally curious boy, he at the recent Belle Haven The library at his school had explored shelves lined with vol- School book fair. His been demolished, and the boy umes not only on science but on assistant, seventh-grader — the child of immigrants and art, geography and other topics Jacqueline Buenrostro, a student at Belle Haven School that helped him learn about stands beside him. — wasn’t aware that the city the world. He was hooked. “I operated a library across town. decided the library would be a The Almanac/Kainaz Amaria He was told about it when he good place to work,” he recalls. had to research a seventh-grade Now 21, Mr. Madrigal — affec- lar presence at the Belle Haven several supportive businesses back to 10 to 15 hours to make science paper, and decided he’d tionately known as Pollo by branch city-school library that in the community for people to more time for his studies, and check it out. Once at the Menlo family and friends — is a regu- in 1999 opened at the school he drop money into, he raised an hopes to transfer to San Fran- attended as a child. There, he additional $200 to buy books. cisco State University in the near works part-time with a handful of Mr. Madrigal and his helpers future. other staff members determined created an easy way for parents A heavy workload is something to help broaden the horizons of to donate toward purchase of he’s been used to for quite some Find.Print.Save. kids whose opportunities are books on teachers’ wish lists. time. When he graduated from often limited by poverty, language And kids who couldn’t afford Belle Haven School, he applied challenges and other factors. to buy books were told to let the for a job as a page at the Menlo In March, he organized a Scho- library staff know which books Park Library, and worked there

Your hot spot for local offers lastics Books fair that, because of they wanted to read; those books for two years while attending extra efforts on his part, raised will be purchased for the library Menlo-Atherton High School. Great offers from local businesses. more money and put more books collection with proceeds from An avid learner who says “it’s in the classrooms and on library the fair, which was set up in the better to share learning with www.PaloAltoOnline.com shelves than any such event library for an entire week. other people once you’ve got before. it,” he began tutoring younger Offer of the Week “The book fair was completely Going the extra step students when he was still in his this year,” says Judy Fager- A young man of seemingly end- the eighth-grade, and continued holm, head librarian at the Belle less energy, Mr. Madrigal manages doing so as a freshman at M-A. Haven branch. His efforts, she to squeeze much into his schedule Ms. Fagerholm hired him as adds, led to hundreds of dollars on top of his library work. Until a permanent staff member at more in sales than past years. recently, he was working 20 to 35 Belle Haven in 2002. The nearly $985 in total sales hours a week at the Starbucks on He’s a perfect fit for the small, Complimentary came close to tripling that of last Marsh Road, and taking 12 units hard-working staff at the branch year’s $365, Mr. Madrigal says. of courses at Foothill College, library, which operates with Mezza Appetizer Plus, by placing large water- where he studies biology. See Pizazz online for coupon and details cooler jars in the library and in He’s cut his Starbucks schedule See HERIBERTO, next page Find More Offers From Restaurants/Food Palo Alto Sport Shop Arrivederci & Bella & Toy World Cafe Pro bono University Art Crepes Café Personal Care/ Healing Darbar Indian Cuisine Benton Medical Domino’s Pizza Body Kneads Hobee’s Car Services & Repairs House of Bagels Auto Glass L.T.D. Illusions Fayrouz Dining & Helming’s Auto Repair Entertainment Lozano’s Car Wash Jing Jing Marlin’s Car Wash Little India Lodging/Travel Ming’s Pacific Hotels New Tung Kee Noodle House Other Girl Scout Silver Award recipients shown are, from left, Melissa Hall, Cailin Todd, Molly Murphy, Eileen Papa Murphy’s HealthyPets.com Johnson, Laura Jung, Kaitlin Fronberg, Mikalie Lai, Monika Decker, Nicole Scherm, Rachel Verity, Evie Pless, Pizza A-Go-Go Palo Alto Weekly Kathleen Stahler, Mary Kirk. Pizza Chicago TheatreWorks Round Table Pizza Retail Sixteen receive Girl Scout Silver Award Occasions Etc. (formerly Menlo- Atherton Trophy) Sixteen members of Girl The Silver Award, the second Monika Decker, Kaitlin Fron- Scout Troop 2708 in Menlo highest in Girl Scouts, typically berg, Melissa Hall, Eileen Check Pizazz Before You Buy. Park were recently honored at takes two to three years to com- Johnson, Morgan Jones, Laura a Silver Award ceremony and plete and culminates in a 30- Jung, Mary Kirk, Mikalie Interested in promoting your business online? reception at Trinity Episcopal hour community service project Lai, Molly Murphy, Nora Ng- (650) 326-8210 or [email protected] Church in Menlo Park. designed and implemented by Quinn, Alexandra Peers, Evie The girls are all ninth graders Girl Scouts working alone or in Pless, Nicole Scherm, Kath- who live in Menlo Park, Ather- small teams. leen Stahler, Cailin Todd and www.PaloAltoOnline.com Your hot spot for local offers ton, and Woodside. The girls honored were: Rachel Verity.

30 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 COMMUNITY

New Zonta club holds West Bay stages ‘Rake’s Progress’ “The Rake’s Progress,” Igor Kirk Eichelberger as charter luncheon Stravinsky’s take on the Faus- Nick Shadow in “The Rake’s A new Silicon Valley club of programs, as well as scholarship tian legend, opens Saturday, Progress.” the service organization Zonta and award programs, to further May 27, on the West Bay Opera International will hold a char- women’s education, leadership stage for a two-weekend run. ter presentation luncheon on and youth development. Mary Chun is music director Saturday, May 20, from 11:30 Juliette Tulang, governor of and conductor of the produc- ■ INFORMATION a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at MacArthur Zonta International District 9, is tion, staged in the Lucie Stern Park restaurant, 27 University the honorary guest at the char- Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Performances are at 8 p.m. Ave. in Palo Alto. The luncheon ter luncheon. Wendy Merrill is Road in Palo Alto. opening night and Friday and will be served at 12:15 p.m. president of the Zonta Club of Tenor Gerald Seminatore Saturday, June 2 and 3; and Zonta International is a Silicon Valley. sings the role of the Rake — 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28 and worldwide service organiza- Established in 1919, Zonta Tom Rakewell — who makes June 4. tion of executives in business has 33,000 members in 1,250 a bargain with the shadowy Tickets are $46 to $50 gen- and the professions working clubs in 68 countries. The word Mick Shadow, performed by eral; half price for youth and together to advance the status “Zonta” is derived from a Sioux baritone Kirk Eichelberger. students with identification. of women. Indian word meaning “honest The role of the Rake’s For tickets, call 424-9999; Zonta members volunteer and trustworthy.” wronged sweetie, Anne Tru- soprano Carla Lopez-Speziale e-mail boxoffice@wbopera. their time, talents and money to For more information, go to love, is performed by soprano as Baba the Turk, and mezzo- org; or order online at local and international service zonta.org. Rhoslyn Jones. soprano Ariela Morgenstern as wbopera.org. The cast also includes mezzo- Mother Goose.

HERIBERTO about in the community, and continued from previous page greet him: “Hi, Library Man!” Mr. Madrigal says his goal is to funding from the city and the return to the Belle Haven School PV meets on Town Center project Ravenswood School District. classroom as a science teacher. The Town Council of Portola ing a new Town Hall, library The “multiple prime” alterna- “We love him,” Ms. Fagerholm But he also will work toward a Valley is planning a public study and community hall at the tive to be discussed at the council says. “He always goes the extra doctorate in forensic pathology. session at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May Town Center. meeting would have the town bid step for patrons, for the kids and Such high aims are not sur- 16, in the Historic Schoolhouse The traditional method for a separate contracts for each of the for us.” prising to his colleagues. “He’s at 765 Portola Road to discuss project of this size involves a sin- various trades and have a con- Still a Belle Haven resident, going to be able to do whatever methods for managing and gle general contractor that hires struction manager take an early Mr. Madrigal says kids will he makes up his mind to do,” completing the construction and manages subcontractors such and active role in coordinating approach him when he’s out and Ms. Fagerholm predicts. A project that includes the build- as plumbers and electricians. the project.

Bill Murphy, chair of the board ordinances apply to all unincor- New outreach program for day workers for the Multicultural Institute, porated areas, including the coast. told the supervisors, “Father “It applies to the entire county,” she DAY WORKERS directly with employers, according cannot be exploited. “No one is Rigo’s great strength is his ability said. continued from page 5 to the county staff report. Regular going to work for $5 or $8,” he to bring people together.” County Counsel Tom Casey Fifth Avenue by El Camino Real. employers will be encouraged to said. “It is no longer acceptable said the laws are narrowly crafted There are already several Chavez hire workers through program to not pay them.” And some teeth and he believes they will hold markets in Redwood City, includ- staff by phone or e-mail, without Father Rigo was brimming Two civil-rights attorneys chal- up. The case in Redondo Beach ing one at 3282 Middlefield Road, coming to the hiring site. with other ideas. He is arrang- lenged the new ordinances to ban prohibited workers from gather- near Garfield School and Saint The institute has a “Life Skills” ing for weekly soccer games for solicitation in public roadways, ing on sidewalks; this one applies Anthony’s Padua Dining Room. program that it will bring to the the workers at Saint Anthony’s, and help property owners in pre- only to public roadways, he said. local day workers, Father Rigo and wants to help their families venting trespassing. They cited The board stood by the ordi- New approach explained in a presentation to as well. “We treat the family as a recent court case in Redondo nances. “It’s really about rights and Staff workers from the Multi- the board. Workers will get per- a unit,” he said. Beach that overturned a similar responsibilities,” said Supervisor cultural Institute will work with sonal mentoring and help with Once he helps the men who ordinance. Rose Jacobs Gibson. “Our intent is day workers on the street, where job training, earning a GED in hang out looking for drive-by The ordinances will restrict to ensure that everyone is respect- they gather. Besides helping the Spanish, or learning English. day jobs, Father Rigo would like peaceful behavior and further ful. Our residents expect a safe and workers organize and connect Father Rigo promised to help to help the women, who also marginalize vulnerable popula- secure and clean environment.” with jobs, they will mentor them organize the workers to hold out do day work cleaning houses tion, charged Severa Keith of the For more information, call the and refer them to social services, for a decent wage, and to educate and tending children. “They’re Legal Aid Society of San Mateo Multicultural Institute at 510-847- such as training, education and employers that these people totally invisible,” he said. County. She also noted that the 8714, or go to mionline.org. A health care. They will also work

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May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 31 COMMUNITY

■ OBITUARIES ful and influential voices of well-funded conservative think Open studio Leonard Salle tanks in the country, such as the The oil and watercolor works of Ladera resident, co-founder of Heritage Foundation and the Menlo Park artists Alice Weil, Commonweal Institute American Enterprise Institute. Beverly Balanis and Marcia Mr. Salle served as the Com- Enns will be on display during A memorial service is set for monweal Institute’s president. the Silicon Valley Open Studios Saturday afternoon, May 27, for The ideals of the institute weekend, May 20-21, at 856 Leonard Myron Salle of Ladera, reflected those of Mr. Salle, Partridge Ave. in Menlo Park. who with his according to family members. Open studio hours are 11 a.m. wife founded They include a commitment to to 5 p.m. both days; there is no the progressive future generations, environ- admission charge, and the public think tank, the mental protection, a balance is welcome. Shown is Ms. Weil’s Commonweal between business and the whole oil on canvas, “Golden Hill.” All Institute, in of society, separation of church three artists are members of the Menlo Park in and state, personal choice and Menlo Art League; Ms. Balanis 2001. Mr. Salle privacy. is the league’s president. For a listing of all artists participating died unexpect- Leonard Salle Family members say he will be edly May 5 fondly remembered for his sense in the open studios weekend, — 10 days shy of justice, ethics and responsi- and examples of their work, log on at svos.org. of his 70th birthday — after bility toward his community, undergoing coronary bypass irreverent sense of humor, skill surgery. as a classical pianist, and devo- arts, interior design and in painter of landscapes, and a loyal Hospital at Stanford. Born and raised in Detroit, tion to family. creating welcoming homes for friend who built particularly Following the May 20 memo- Mr. Salle graduated from Wayne In addition to his wife, her family and extended family strong relationships with her rial service, a two-hour lunch State University with a degree in Katherine, Mr. Salle is sur- during 50 years of residence in daughters-in-law, relatives said. and reception for friends and civil engineering. He moved to vived by his sons, William F. Ladera and Portola Valley, died From 1966 to 1976, she family is set for 11:30 a.m. San Mateo in 1960, and worked Salle and Stephen K. Salle; Tuesday, May 9, in the Kaiser served as the school nurse in management for engineering stepsons Eric John Finseth Permanente hospital in Red- at Woodside High School, Barbara McCulloch Visbal design and construction firms. and Ian Frederick Finseth; wood City. She was 81. during which time she also St. Raymond Church volunteer He was working in the Envi- his brother and sister-in-law A daughter of immigrants, she actively opposed the Vietnam ronmental Resources Agency Donald and Adele Salle; and earned her nursing degree from War, relatives said. Barbara McCulloch Visbal, of Santa Clara County when he six grandchildren. the University A career as an interior designer who taught First Communion retired in 2000. While employed The May 27 memorial ser- of Pennsylva- came together in about 1976 and preparation classes at St. Ray- by the county, he was also presi- vice will be from 2 to 6 p.m. nia and mar- she went on to design and furnish mond Church in Menlo Park dent of the Santa Clara Coun- in the Taube Center at Notre ried Robert — often with no-limit budgets from 1961 to 1989, died April 29 ty Engineers and Architects Dame de Namur Univer- Constantz, a — homes and offices in Portola after suffering from Alzheimer’s Association, and was the pri- sity, 1500 Ralston Ave. in Bel- physician, in Valley, Woodside, Palo Alto, and disease for 18 years. She was 75. mary organizer of the County mont. 1948. along Sand Hill Road, relatives Ms. Visbal graduated from the Employee Labor Alliance. The family requests that The couple said. Convent of the Sacred Heart in Mr. Salle was a fellow in the donations be made to the came to Lade- Kate Constantz Ms. Constantz is survived Menlo Park in 1949 and attend- American Society of Civil Engi- Leonard M. Salle Memorial ra in 1955 as by her husband who now lives ed the San Francisco College for neers and a charter member of Education Fund at the Com- one of the ear- in Palo Alto; sister Phyllis Women. the Association of Environmen- monweal Institute, 325 Sharon ly residents of the community Blum Quilter of Portola Val- She is survived by her husband tal Professionals in California. Park Drive, Suite 332, Menlo following Robert’s service in ley; sons Robert of San Car- of 53 years, J. Malcolm Visbal of After he retired, Mr. Salle and Park, CA 94025. Germany with the U.S. Army, los, James of Portola Valley, San Carlos; children John Visbal his wife, Dr. Katherine Forrest, relatives said. A few years later, Mark of Mountain View, and of Lafayette and Erin Mara of established the Commonweal Kate Constantz Dr. Constantz was a founding Brent of Portola Valley; and 11 San Francisco; and seven grand- Institute in hopes of providing physician of Kaiser Perma- grandchildren. Ryan Christo- children. Interior designer and family woman a counterpoint to the power- nente hospital in Redwood pher Constantz, a grandson, A funeral Mass was held at A public memorial service City and practiced there for 45 died in 2000 while in the sixth St. Raymond Church. The fam- for longtime Portola Valley years, relatives said. The fam- grade at Corte Madera Middle ily prefers memorial donations and Ladera resident Kate Con- ily moved to Portola Valley in School. be made to the Religious of Living Trust. stantz is planned for 10 a.m. 1967. Contributions in Ms. Con- the Sacred Heart Residence- Saturday, May 20, at Our Lady During her time here, she was stantz’s name may be made Oakwood, 140 Valparaiso Ave., Lawyer’s fees: of the Wayside Church at 930 a full-time mother and wife, a to Lucile Packard Children’s Atherton, CA 94027. Portola Road in Portola Val- $ ley. 2,000 Ms. Constantz, a registered vs nurse with skills in the visual County offices to reopen on Fridays vide every feasible opportunity and convenience for our public We The People: Folks who have been frus- starting May 26. Returning to a clients to meet with staff. trated when they couldn’t check five-day work week is one part of a The Planning and Building seismic their building permit or reach major overhaul of its operations. Division is located on the second $ San Mateo County planners on “This is an important com- floor of the county office build- 499 retrofit Fridays can breathe a sigh of ponent of our response to ing at 455 County Center (cor- Sure, you can hire a lawyer relief. public concerns regarding the ner of Bradford and Hamilton to prepare your Living Trust. After five years of being closed division,” said Supervisor Rich avenues) in Redwood City. The You’ll just have about Fridays, the San Mateo County Gordon. “Constituent services building was closed on Fridays in $1,600 less to put in it. Strengthen your Planning and Building Division are at the core of planning and April 2001 because of the energy Many uncontested legal matters can be home against will be open on Fridays once again building; it’s crucial that we pro- shortage at the time. Employ- resolved without expensive legal fees. earthquakes ees worked four 10-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. We The People While the Planning and DOCUMENT PREPARATION SERVICES Building Division will be open Palo Alto & Hayward for business on Fridays, other (800) 579-0009 Jensen Hauser agencies in the building, includ- DIVORCE • LIVING TRUST • ing parks and recreation, envi- INCORPORATION • WILL • MUCH MORE www.andersonniswander.com General Engineering ronmental health, and human Fees quoted are median fees for such services and CUSTOM UPHOLSTERING Contractors can vary by state and locality. These services are Swiss Craftsmanship Since 1950 resources, will remain closed on not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. 650-369-9443 LDA #64 Santa Clara County. 98 5th Ave. • (650) 365-5027 • Redwood City Fridays. 32 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 COMMUNITY

has served on the commission ■ MENLO WATCH Classical Fungus since January 2005, when he filled City to discuss the seat of Kelly Fergusson, who among had been elected to the council. strumming us zoning updates Anyone who wants a say in Goats are back Black-and- at library changes to Menlo Park’s zoning To catch a glimpse of goats doing white photos ordinance will get that chance Peter Fletcher, a classical of “Nature’s what goats do best — eat weeds Wednesday, May 24. — head to Sharon Hills Park off guitarist bound for Carnegie Dynamic The city is hosting a workshop Form” by Valparaiso Avenue in Menlo Park. Hall, will perform at the devoted to aligning the city’s eco- Atherton Atherton Starting May 15, several hundred photographer nomic, community and land-use goats will be at different Menlo Library goals through changes to zoning at 5 p.m. Cindy Stokes Park locations, ridding the city of and land-use regulations. Sunday, highlight the weeds without the noise and pol- May 21, structures and The City Council previously lution of mechanical equipment. with a patterns found decided that updating the city’s The goats are scheduled to be reception in nature. zoning ordinance was a priority for at Sharon Hills Park for about at 4:30 “Fungus,” the 2005-06 fiscal year, but a staff- two weeks before moving to the p.m. Mr. shown above, ing shortage delayed the project. undeveloped section of Sharon Fletcher’s will be on The project is once again under Park at Monte Rosa and Sharon performance at the library display at her way, and the Planning Commis- Park drives. last year was so popular, it Silicon Valley sion and council are expected to drew a standing-room only Open Studio consider proposed changes to the crowd. The free event is site at 123A zoning ordinance this fall. Medicine drop-off sponsored by the Friends Donohoe St. The workshop is scheduled for The city of Menlo Park and of the Atherton Library. in Menlo Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 7 to 9:30 p.m. in the Recreation the Walgreens drugstore at 643 The library is located at 2 20-21. The exhibit is free, and includes works by sculptor Francie Center Ballroom at 800 Alma St. Santa Cruz Ave. are scheduled Dinkelspiel Lane. Call 348- Allen and John Cadigan, who makes intricate woodcut prints. For For more information, e-mail to host a safe medicine day 2422 or go to smcl.org and information, call 400-2809 or go to cindystokes.com. Assistant Planner Thomas Rogers Thursday, May 18. click on Atherton. at [email protected]. People are encouraged to take unwanted or expired medicine Commissioners reappointed to the Walgreens store from noon to 7 p.m. so it can be dis- Two members of Menlo Park’s rently enrolled at Laurel, Encinal, building to last a century, with posed of properly. Planning Commission — Henry LETTERS Oak Knoll and Hillview, we now 56 new classrooms, 140,000 Wastewater treatment plants are Riggs and Melody Pagee — were understand the vital importance square feet of space, new labs, a not designed to remove some med- reappointed unanimously by of this school bond. We had no $2 million pool, a library with a icines from waste water, resulting LETTERS the City Council on May 10. continued from page 35 idea so many children from our fireplace and so forth, and the in contamination of the San Fran- Ms. Pagee has already served a area are currently being educated cost was quoted on opening at cisco Bay. For more information, full four-year term, and Mr. Riggs procedures, the Town Council in temporary/portable classrooms, $57 million. go to baywise.org. charged the Architectural and or that most of the multi purpose Menlo School also came up Site Review Board (ASRB) with rooms are too small to accom- with a plan, built a beautiful reviewing the current fence modate the indoor sports, perfor- middle school and then fol- regulations and procedures. mances and assemblies that are lowed with the high school. In April a study team held an such an important part of the early Approximately 15 years ago open and noticed meeting at educational years. both Encinal and Hillview were town hall to hear comment from Having the physical facilities middle schools. Have we looked residents and interested parties. that Measure U will fund—nec- at reopening Encinal as a middle Subsequently a questionnaire essary permanent classrooms, school, using both Laurel and on this matter was developed larger multipurpose facilities O’Connor (now leased to the Is your which can be downloaded from and improved parking and German-American International the town’s Website and which is playgrounds where they’re need- School) schools for primary sites? dog available at the town hall. ed—is absolutely essential for This should relieve some of the I would like to urge all Wood- the children of our community. capacity problem at Hillview. getting side residents to fill out the Marty and David Arscott Let us not forget that in times questionnaire and return it to Menlo Park of declining student population town hall. The team and ASRB in the 70’s, the school district gave into Images Of will do a better job of making District again asking the Fremont School site to the city. danger? Woodside recommendations to the council for a blank check No effort was made to re-acquire Beauty Salon if we have good feedback. the Fremont School before it was 3040 Woodside Road, Woodside, Ca. I would like the questionnaires Editor: demolished a few years ago. We can help. (650) 851-7103 returned by the end of May so The Menlo Park City School Dis- Lastly, the wording of the bond that they can be compiled and trict is once again asking for a blank proposal is not concise enough. If Is your dog running off your we can then make our recom- check, this time for $90 million. we need new schools, let us build property and into trafﬁ c? We offer mendations to the council in a I am concerned we are follow- new schools. Let us be creative, Neighbor’s yards? Wilder- timely manner. ing in the steps of improvements thoughtful and strategic in the ness areas? Or chasing other Family haircuts, Anne Kasten done for the Sequoia Union High process. Let us build schools in dogs, or even people? Then Hair colors, Perms, ASRB member School District. The three bond the model of the new San Mateo let Invisible Fence® Brand Wedding & Formal measures, Measure V in 1996 for High School, and the new Menlo show you how your dog can hair styles, Manicure Understanding need $45 million, Measure A, $88 mil- Middle and High School. stay safe behind a wall that & Pedicure, Facials, & for school upgrades lion in 2001, and Measure H, $70 If $57 million builds an entire- no one can see - but that million in 2004 (a total of $203 ly new San Mateo High School, your dog is guaranteed not Body treatments. ~ ~ ~ Editor: million) have provided Menlo- let us spend the money we need to cross! Now carrying Our children are now in col- Atherton, Woodside, Sequoia, and the time it takes to come lege and beyond. When we first and Carlmont high schools with up with a plan that provides the BUMBLE & BUMBLE heard about Measure U, we some state of the art facilities, best new school facilities that were surprised to hear that the yet too many buildings are still will last another 50 years, and SCHEDULE A FREE ON-SITE Open: neighborhood schools our chil- in need of upgrades, repair or not have bond elections every EVALUATION TODAY! dren attended and loved really replacement. 10 years to continually upgrade Tuesday – Friday needed the changes proposed. During this same time, San 50-year-old facilities. CALL 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. But after talking with par- Mateo High School was con- E. Hagman Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ents of younger children cur- demned and rebuilt, an elegant Castle Way, Menlo Park 1-888-738-1376 (Located near Buck’s Restaurant)

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 33 Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, and Woodside for 40 years. Ideas, thoughts and opinions about local issues from people in our community. Edited by Tom Gibboney.

Editor & Publisher Tom Gibboney Shape up the libraries Editorial Managing Editor Richard Hine enlo Park’s libraries are in trouble, hit hard by increasing Read, its literacy program, on the weekends or evenings. News Editor Renee Batti Lifestyles Editor Jane Knoerle employee costs and budget cutbacks that have combined to But even as a survey shows that patron satisfaction has dropped, Senior Staff Writers Mreduce service to levels not seen in many years. and despite the increased competition with online resources, the Marion Softky, Marjorie Mader The city’s Library Commission called the situation a crisis in a Menlo Park library is holding its own, with more than half a mil- Staff Writers Andrea Gemmet, March memo to the City Council, and Library Director Susan Hol- lion items (577,170) circulated during 2002-03, the last year for David Boyce, Rory Brown Contributors Barbara Wood, mer acknowledged that she didn’t think the “... budget could get which data is available. Bryan Wiggin, Kate Daly, much lower without seeing detrimental effects.” This demand is a result of the library’s expanded “beyond books” Bill Rayburn, Miles McMullin, If the city is serious about halting what is clearly the backsliding of a material, which includes videotapes, DVDs, books on tape, CDs Katie Blankenberg core service, it must do better than and e-books, as well as services such as online information data- Special Sections Editors Carol Blitzer, Sue Dremann approve the $1.8 million called for bases and public Internet terminals. Photographer Marjan Sadoughi EDITORIAL in the current budget. The council Even in prior years, the city’s library has never been staffed at ultra Design & Production The opinion of The Almanac must address the need for a mod- high levels. The 17 full-time equivalents in 2002-03 is the highest on Design Director Raul Perez est increase in employees, and record, and while employee benefit costs have gone up, the city should Assistant Design Director additional funds must be found to consider bringing staff to at least that level for the next fiscal year. Katie Cvitkovich purchase materials that will draw patrons to the library, which is one of The city should also ramp up its spending for new materials, which Designers Linda Atilano Gail Thoreson, Jessica Mumper, the crown jewels that define the city. since 2001 has been reduced by $57,000, to about $430,000 — hardly Holly Peters, Michael Villabos, A report in last week’s Almanac shows that the city’s library staff enough when considering the library’s size and traffic. Elise Eisenman, Sara Rosenberg is spread way too thin as it struggles to operate the two branches, As the City Council takes up the new budget, it is considering a range Advertising downtown and at Belle Haven elementary school. Library officials of options, including fee increases, staff cuts and a new tax. During this Advertising Manager Neal Fine say the lack of staff sometimes requires them to cut hours, and that process, the council has turned over the city’s new swimming pools to a Display Advertising Sales often workers do not have enough time to restock the bookshelves. private contractor to save money, and has voted to seek proposals for a Erin Sokol, Roxanne Bates With the equivalent of only 15.75 full-time employees to keep private contractor to operate the city’s child care program. Real Estate Account Representative Donna Berryhill the main branch open seven days a week and Belle Haven five days, But the library is a different story. It has no income, and privati- Advertising Services library workers have time for little more than checking out materials zation is not an option. The council cannot continue to starve the Coordinator M.J. Hayden and answering questions. The main library is now closed on Tuesday library of personnel and resources any longer. Both branches are Receptionist Renee Meil mornings, and Belle Haven operates only Monday through Friday stretched to the limit, and need help. It is time for the city to renew Circulation, Classified, until 5 p.m., giving up on its goal to attract more parents to Project its commitment to the libraries. & Legal Advertising Bill Rayburn

Published every Wednesday at LETTERS 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Our readers write Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 854-2626 FAX (650) 854-0677 Atherton cops patrolling e-mail news (no photos please) to: [email protected] in Menlo Park? e-mail photos with captions to: Editor: [email protected] e-mail letters to: May I reassure the Menlo [email protected] Park poor, such as the Johnsons, The Almanac, established in September 1965, is whose letter appeared May 10, delivered each week to residents of Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside and adjacent that the Atherton rich put their unincorporated areas of southern San Mateo numerous cops on Menlo streets County. The Almanac is qualified by decrees of the Superior Court of San Mateo County to writing tickets. publish public notices of a governmental and legal nature. Decree No. 13500 continues the One gave me an erroneous seat Menlo-Atherton Recorder (granted Oct. 24, 1927). Decree No. 147350, belt ticket on Menlo Avenue last issued Nov. 9, 1969, covers The year. My letters to the Atherton Almanac edition. Subscriptions are available at $25 per year for City Council asking why Ather- delivery to ZIP codes 94025, 26, 27, 28 and 94062. For other ton cops patrol in Menlo Park ZIP codes, 1 year is $40, and 2 went without a reply. Portola Valley Archives years $55. Possibly the council was busy spreading fear of failure if the Our Regional Heritage special tax failed. Soon after it Four little girls named Gertrude, Vivian, Marie and Anne posed for the camera during recess at Portola passed, that same council faced School in the 1930s. Note the varied hats on the children in the background. ■ WHAT’S YOUR VIEW? the “problem” of surplus funds of about the same amount. All views must include a home address Thomas A. Croft a remodel or rebuild project has story addition 10 feet into point of why our residential ordi- and contact phone number. Published letters will also appear on the Almanac Moulton Drive, Atherton become the rule by which we live. the front setback like council nance needs changing. Thank web site: www.AlmanacNews.com Recently, our city council member, member Fergusson can now you, Ms. Fergusson, for reaching EMAIL your views to Do we want design Kelly Fergusson, requested vari- do? Does that mean all of us so far beyond the norm that it letters@AlmanacNews. by neighbors? ances on her residential remodel can build a two-story addition caught everyone’s attention. com. Indicate if it is a on a non-conforming lot. 10 feet into the front setback as Mary Gilles letter to be published. Editor: The rules governing variances long as our neighbors approve? Hermosa Way, Menlo Park FAX to Editor at I have lived at the same address were just about ignored by the Is it now up to our neighbors 854-0677. for 12 years now and have planning department and the to decide whether or not houses Park supporter wants to absolutely fabulous neighbors. planning commission (only two can be built into a setback? MAIL or deliver to: But, how fabulous would my planning commissioners out of Then, what is the point of hav- preserve public resources Editor at the Almanac, 3525 Alameda de las neighbors be if I should want to seven voted against approval of ing setback rules? Someone Editor: Pulgas, Menlo Park, remodel or rebuild on my lot? the variances). Why? Because please help me out here. Thank you for supporting the CA 94025. This is not an insignificant ques- her neighbors were fine with the The dialogue needs to begin preservation of Bayfront Park. tion and it’s a question that touches project. again on rules for home build- I am concerned about privati- CALL the Viewpoint desk at every homeowner in Menlo Park. What if my neighbors were ing. Council member Fergusson 854-2626, ext. 222. The power of neighbor input to okay with me building a two- has once again become the focal See LETTERS, next page

34 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006 VIEWPOINT

LETTERS tion on the general use permit condition on Stanford offers its point of view trails. The Almanac was wrong in saying that Continued from previous page By Larry Horton the 2000 general use permit “required Stan- plans engineered to implement the recom- ford to build two trails into the hills across zation of public resources. was dismayed to see Stanford described mended widths qualify for funding, but Stanford lands” and in saying that Stanford Gail Sredanovic in last week’s Almanac as essentially other plans proposed by Portola Valley are will “avoid building trails on its lands.” The Ashton Avenue, Menlo Park Isaying to Portola Valley: Here is a plan eligible to receive approval as well. entire S-1 trail segment is on Stanford land. for your trail; take it or leave it. Stanford is not seeking to force any plan Some of the Alpine Road trail (C-1) is on Council member asked Stanford’s offer to Portola Valley is not on Portola Valley; rather we have pledged to Stanford land; the rest is on public rights of a take-it-or-leave-it offer to fund a specific work with Portola Valley to reach agreement way designated for the trail, often next to to show e-mails trail design “or some very modest on plans and to assist Portola Valley Stanford lands — and Stanford will pay for Editor: modifications of it.” Stanford has in obtaining Santa Clara County’s improvements on all. At the May 9 City Council offered to pay up to $2.8 million to concurrence with them. Stanford’s The issue now is whether and how to use meeting, council member Mickie Portola Valley for enhancements to offer will also provide Portola Valley the funds Stanford has offered. We believe Winkler repeated her assertion the Alpine Road trail that Portola with funds to correct existing prob- the local jurisdictions can best make those that she has “received hundreds of Valley chooses to make within a lems related to the trail’s proximity judgments. e-mails” in support of privatizing broad set of general guidelines. to the creek. Larry Horton is director of government and the Burgess child care programs. One option for Portola Valley These same principles apply community relations at Stanford. Ms. Winkler once again appears would be to implement a set of con- to the portion of the Alpine Road to be playing fast and loose with struction plans that Stanford com- GUEST trail in unincorporated San Mateo Almanac replies numbers. One would expect that missioned from a highly respected OPINION County. Stanford is offering up most people who contacted Ms. engineering firm using the recom- to $8.4 million to the county to Despite local opposition to its trail Winkler about this issue would mended widths set forth in those implement safety, aesthetic, and design, Stanford, with the blessing of the also send a message to city.coun- guidelines. Stanford’s offer letter to Portola functional improvements to the Alpine Road Santa Clara County Board of Supervi- [email protected]. But a review Valley makes it clear that Portola Valley does trail, including new protections for the creek. sors, “offered” San Mateo County $8.4 of the council e-mail log since not have to implement those plans. Portola We are not dictating that the county must million and the town of Portola Valley the beginning of March does not Valley “may prefer to follow different plans” accept any specific plan in order to receive $2.8 million to build a trail on its chosen reveal strong support for outsourc- and still be eligible to receive funding. funding, but are committed to working with alignment. If either the county or the town ing child care. Santa Clara County must concur that the county to achieve its objectives. chooses another alignment or a design that In that time, council received Stanford’s provision of money or resources The Almanac article also repeats mis- does not meet the approval of Stanford or approximately 55 e-mails about is in accordance with the agreement informed claims made during a five-year Santa Clara County, Stanford has said its privatizing the children’s center. Of between Stanford and Santa Clara County controversy that was finally resolved by a money will be withdrawn and given to these, 16 supported privatization, regarding the Alpine Road trail. Santa 4-1 vote by the Santa Clara County Board Santa Clara County. 36 were opposed, and three were Clara County has already agreed that the of Supervisors upholding Stanford’s posi- The Editor neutral. Given these numbers, it is hard to imagine that Winkler has actually received hundreds of in Small Urban Areas, Mark L. on the Planning Commission. with aging facilities and grow- education. Is it the teachers who letters supporting privatization. Burkey and Kofi Obeng, Urban Hopefully for both Elizabeth and ing enrollment. The solution is have failed? No. It is the students At the meeting, council member Transit Institute, http://www.ncat. the city, this loss can be reversed. Measure U, a bond that will fund and their permissive “whatever” Andy Cohen challenged Ms. Win- edu/~traninst/Burkey%20Oben In the alternative, Thermae could modernization, traffic and safety attitude that has brought a well- kler to back up her claim. I join g%20Final%20Report%202002. be welcomed at the new Rose- improvements, the replacement of conceived system of education to him in this request. If she can pro- pdf) show that accidents increase, wood Hotel on Sand Hill Road. inadequate, temporary classrooms its knees. While there are, unques- duce the e-mails, I’ll gladly stand rather than decrease, after red light At a time when the City Council and the construction of new ones. tioningly, exceptional students, the corrected. If she can’t, she has a lot cameras are installed. has “commercial permit stream- I have worked in the district general attitude towards learning is of explaining to do. That means that the city of lining” on fast-track approval, for the past nine years and been one of apathy. Heyward Robinson, Menlo Park will be financially this highlights the unintended amazed by this community’s Academic excellence has not White Oak Lane, Menlo Park liable for those accidents — a negative consequences of that commitment to education. Mea- succumbed to mediocrity in San liability that may well exceed any effort. The biggest concern of sure U is the next logical step, Mateo County. Summit Prepa- City could be liable revenue that may be obtained small businesses is not stream- and I hope voters will continue to ratory High School, three years from them. Red light cameras lining, but rent, and the pre- do what is necessary to give our in operation, is an ethnically with red-light camera are a bad solution to a problem mium paid for Menlo Park. students the quality opportuni- balanced charter school, and Editor: that the city doesn’t even have. This is explicitly shown in the ties that they all deserve. the only school in the county I was surprised to read that the Brian Schar number of downtown vacan- Gail Bradley to score a perfect 10/10 on the city of Menlo Park is considering Laurel Avenue, Menlo Park cies, and recently was echoed by Librarian, Encinal School state’s standardized STAR test. the installation of automated red downtown Santa Cruz Avenue Santa Margarita Avenue, Located in what was once a title light cameras, for two reasons. No need for city to merchants in meetings with our Menlo Park company’s office, Summit has First, having lived in Menlo lose small businesses Chamber of Commerce. Hope- done more with less than any of Park for several years, red light fully we will not streamline the To charter or not to charter the district’s five mega schools. The running simply isn’t a problem Editor: departure of existing neighbor- devotion of Summit’s staff to their here. Indeed, drivers who refuse Elizabeth Hawkins May 8 letter hood-serving or revenue-produc- Editor: students is palpable, and, impres- to move when the light turns green to the Menlo Park City Council ing businesses. Does one choose that which sively, this same loyalty is recip- are more of a traffic problem. indicates that she is losing her Stu Soffer serves all equally or does one opt rocated by Summit’s student and There just aren’t many inter- lease due to a rent increase on Linfield Drive, Menlo Park for excellence for a few? parent community. The school’s sections in our town that have Gilbert Avenue for her Thermae Obvious? Hardly. Since 1996 charter has been presented to the the volume of traffic, or allow a Day Spa, and expects to move out taxpayers in the Sequoia Union Sequoia board for approval. For driver to build up enough speed, of Menlo Park. Vote yes on measure High School District have voted Summit to continue to build on to make red light running a prob- This is an unfortunate exam- to help MP schools to provide school funding in the its record of academic excellence, lem. Second, red light cameras ple of a small business forced amount of $203 million. This the board must accept the charter. just don’t reduce the amount of to leave after making a sig- Editor: amounts to a considerable public Will they resist mediocrity? auto accidents. nificant investment to improve I am the librarian at Encinal debt, and what is there to show for Stephen and Lois Wood Studies such as performed the building as a spa, but more School and the parent of two this obligation? Summit parents by newspapers (Washington importantly, showing faith in children who attended Laurel, Wonders of modern architecture Post, “D.C. Red-Light Camer- our community by investing Encinal and Hillview schools. and technology whose occupants Look out for fence as Fail to Reduce Accidents,” in a business in a small corner When my children were young- are characterized by an indiffer- October 4, 2005, http://www. of Menlo Park — the Menalto er, I was a very active volunteer in ence to education that ranks them rules in Woodside washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/ neighborhood retail cluster. To their schools. I am proud to live amongst the lowest academic per- Editor: content/article/2005/10/03/ compound the problem, she is and work in the Menlo Park City formers in the nation. As a part of the process of AR2005100301844.html) and aca- required to return the property School District because this is If the state standardized tests are to improve Woodside’s engi- demics (“A Detailed Investigation to an office configuration. a community that consistently a measure of achievement, the dis- neering and building-related of Crash Risk Reduction Result- I remember approving this invests in its schools. trict’s mega schools are a testimony ing From Red Light Cameras project in 2001 when I served Today, our district is contending to the cascading failure of public See LETTERS, page 33

May 17, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 35 642 Webster Street, Palo Alto 14 Shasta Lane, Menlo Park Offered at $2,295,000 Offered at $4,100,000

75 Barry Lane, Atherton 99 Orchard Hills Street, Atherton Offered at $6,250,000 Offered at $5,200,000

397 Fletcher Drive, Atherton 1115 North Lemon Avenue, Menlo Park Offered at $2,895,000 Offered at $1,695,000

300 Escobar Road, Portola Valley 1271 Bellair Way, Menlo Park Offered at $5,950,000 Offered at $2,895,000

Coldwell Banker #1 Agent 2005, Mid-Peninsula [email protected] T: 650 329 6645 Residential Brokerage Top 20, Internationally www.tomlemieux.com F: 650 329 7822

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. 36 ■ The Almanac ■ May 17, 2006