CALL A REFEREE: Heated dispute over Pop Warner practice sessions breaks out in Atherton. Page 9.
SPRING REAL ESTATE
THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER FOR MENLO PARK, ATHERTON, PORTOLA VALLEY AND WOODSIDE INSIDE APRIL 23, 2008 | VOL. 43 NO. 34 www.TheAlmanacOnline.com
tied The salmon season UPis over before it began. Restaurants and food retailers, including Menlo Park’s farmers’ market, will be the poorer for it. Page 16 apr.com
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PALO ALTO Located on one of the most prestigious, sought-after streets in Old Palo Alto, the home has been masterfully renovated and cared for over the years with special attention to maintaining its original character. Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances and antiqued cabinets highlight the 2004 kitchen. Five Bedrooms, a basement playroom/media room and an expansive rear yard with exquisite landscaping, and more. $6,595,000
MENLO PARK Incredibly charming, 1-story Craftsman style home substantially re-built 7 years ago with separate guest cottage and separate artist’s studio on almost 2/3 acre with beautiful mature landscaping and solar heated pool. Gorgeous country kitchen with screened-in dining porch, cathedral ceilings, and extensive moldings, abundant professionally designed art lighting, luxurious master suite with spa-inspired bath. $3,700,000
PORTOLA VALLEY Tucked away amidst 1+/- acre of pristine surroundings, this 4bd/3ba hidden estate evokes a relaxed “wine country” lifestyle in the heart of Portola Valley. Outstanding Portola Valley schools. $2,998,000
apr.com | MENLO PARK OFFICE 1550 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 100 650.462.1111 apr.com | WOODSIDE OFFICE 2930 WOODSIDE ROAD 650.529.1111
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2 ■ The Almanac ■ April 23, 2008 “Your Mom doesn’t want any fuss, but when she opens a little gem from This week’s news, features and community events. us, she’ll be quietly overjoyed.” George Tom FIRST SHOT Exquisite Jewelry Design TOM WING 888 SANTA CRUZ AVE. M ENLO PARK 650.326.0888 A legacy of excellence
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Photo by Candy Murphy Supporting the troops LYDIAN ACADEMY Menlo School eighth-graders and Army soldiers gather at the Menlo School campus with hundreds of care 815 El Camino Real, Menlo Park packages for the troops and Iraqi children. See story on Page 21. 650-321-0550 • www.lydianacademy.com Atherton Schools Dr. Jordan Savara,Savara, DD.C..C. ■ Gridiron gridlock: Heated dispute over Pop ■ Menlo Park district sees surge in kindergarten Warner practices goes nowhere. Page 9 enrollment. Page 5 invites you toto experienceexperience ■ Letters sent to Portola Valley district voters: your Menlo Park Cast vote for one candidate only. Page 11 Peak PerformancePerformance ■ With bond money far short of needs, city ■ SSameame DaDayy ApAppointmentsppointmentsppointments examines options for new gym. Page 5 People ■ Open Saturdayay ■ Holy Trinity church rector Michael Spillane ■ Graston Techniquenique dies. Page 13 Woodside ■ ■ Free half hour massage ■ Woodside scholar helps write the book on with initial consultation Supervisors may approve parks’ master plan women’s roles in shaping history. Page 7 this week. Page 5 Family Almanac Regional ■ ■ Oak Knoll students build dragon from trash in Key hearing Sunday on future of GGNRA project that combines art and environmental parklands. Page 8 2100 Gordon Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025 awareness. Cover, Section 2 Ph: 650.233.7333 ■ Fax: 650.233.7330 www.peakperformancei.com Also Inside On the cover Calendar ...... 34 The harbor at Half Moon Bay is unusually quiet Letters ...... 26 this April, a time when Northern California harbors Summer School Obituary ...... 24 normally buzz with activity as fishermen prepare for Police Calls ...... 24 the May 1 start of Chinook salmon season. Federal at Lydian Academy and state regulators canceled the season because the salmon population is alarmingly low. Almanac photo by Veronica Weber. Story starts on Page 16. “The quality of my writing really CALLING ON THE ALMANAC improved. I came to Lydian writing low quality papers, and 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 now I am able to write a paper For Classified ads, call 854-0858 ■ E-mail news to (no photos please): Co., 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025- [email protected] 4455. Periodicals Postage Paid at Menlo Park, CA and at I’d be proud to turn in.“ For all other calls, phone 854-2626 additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general News: Ext. 213 ■ E-mail news photos with captions to: circulation for San Mateo County, the Almanac is delivered – M-A Student free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Display advertising: Ext. 233 [email protected] ■ Woodside. Voluntary subscriptions for $30 per year or $50 per Fax: 854-0677 E-mail letters to the editor to: 2 years are welcome from residents of the above circulation [email protected] area. Subscription rates for businesses and for residents of other communities is $50 per year and $80 for two years. LYDIAN ACADEMY POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Almanac, P.O. To request free delivery, or stop delivery, of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, Box 7008, Menlo Park, CA 94026-7008. Copyright ©2006 by 815 El Camino Real, Menlo Park 94028 and the Woodside portion of 94062, call 854-2626. Embarcadero Publishing Co., All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. 650-321-0550 • www.lydianacademy.com
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TOM – GROCERY UN-CHARDONNAY auvignon Blanc is sometimes referred to as the “other white wine” owing to the fact that it often takes a back seat to Chardonnay and other, more popular white Svarietals. However, if you give it a chance, Sauvignon Black will reward you with an engaging, food-friendly white wine. This varietals possesses enough palate-cleansing acidity to make it a pleasant accom- Sauvignon Blanc paniment with hors-d’oeuvres and main dishes, particularly seafood. It Juicy, crisp, succulent and food-worthy. Sound good? These are common possesses herbal character, fruity aromas, and vibrancy with none of the descriptions for Sauvignon Blancs, wine that usually sees little, or no, oak. With heaviness that is often associated with Chardonnay. Thus it comes as warmer weather upon us, time to chill down some S.B. with fish, vegetables something of a revelation to those who come to know it for the first and salads. Here are a few fun suggestions from around the globe. time. Grown all over the world, Sauvignon Blanc can also be had at bargain prices. 2006 Graham Beck, South Africa ...... Reg $10.99 $9.99 If you have any interest in Sauvignon Blanc comes to ROBERTS Great value. MARKET. Whenever you shop with us your satisfaction is guaranteed. 2007 Joel Delaunay Touraine, Loire Valley ...... Reg $12.99 $10.99 You will find that we have the most extensive selection of California and Bright, crisp, lively citrus-lime, with mineral complexity European wines in the valley. Whether you are looking for domestic or ...... Reg $16.99 imported wines we are your best source. Our wine department is the 2007 Grath, Napa Valley $14.99 most extensive in the area, more than most liquor stores. A Napa Classic. Clean and fresh. $ Hint: Unlike Chardonnay, which retains it varietals characteristics 2007 Dog Point Vineyards, Marlborough, NZ ..... Reg 19.99 $16.99 regardless of where it is grown, Sauvignon Blanc reflects the char- Vibrant, intense and lingering. Outstanding. acteristics of its soil and site. 2007 Pretty Sally, Victoria, Australia ...... Reg $19.99 $16.99 Balanced and fragrant. Lovely. 2005 Lucien Crochet Sancerre "Le Chene", Loire Valley Reg $29.99 $25.99 A traditional, dry sancerre with a razor's edge. Sale prices are net and do not qualify for futher discounts GLACÉAU VITAMIN WATER ¢ 20 oz. – Plus California Redeem Value 99 STOUFFER'S LEAN CUISINE LASAGNA WITH MEAT SAUCE $ 10 oz. – Also Spaghetti – Chicken Florentine Lasagna 2.69 Special This Week at Roberts $ YOPLAIT LIGHT FAT FREE YOGURT ¢ CHICKEN HAWAIIAN SAUSAGE lb. 6 oz. 55 4.98 STAR EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL $ HOT AND SPICY PORK BACK RIBS $ lb. 17 oz. – Also Extra Light 4.99 7.98 NATURE VALLEY GRANOLA BARS $ $ 12 Pack 2.49 JUMBO PRAWN 20.984-6 count NEWMAN'S ORGANICS CANNED DOG FOOD $ $ 12 oz. 1.59 PEELED AND DEVEINED PRAWN 17.98lb.
4 ■ The Almanac ■ April 23, 2008 MENLO PARK | ATHERTON | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA V ALLEY MP sees surge in kindergarten enrollment ■ Numbers greatly exceed expectations. Officials wonder if fer out the overflow of children signed this is a one-time aberration or a sign of things to come. up for kindergarten. The board voted 5-0 ‘Is this a blip, or is this a trend? to allow all the children who signed up By Andrea Gemmet kindergarten at Encinal. If it’s a trend, we’re likely to during the February priority enrollment Almanac Staff Writer District officials are also projecting look at the O’Connor (site) as period to stay, although about 10 of them that at least six kindergarten classes will will be assigned to a multi-grade class pparently, you can be too popular. have more than 20 students, possibly overflow space.’ with about 10 first-graders. No one is sure why, but there is causing the district to forfeit some of its A vocal group of parents who live near Aa surprising surge in kindergarten class-size reduction grant money. SUPERINTENDENT KEN RANELLA the school have been lobbying mightily enrollment in the Menlo Park City School Last month, it was Oak Knoll elemen- to prevent their children being subject to District. The district’s demographer pre- tary school that was overfilled, but there site at the end of the private German- the lottery. dicted that fewer than 300 new kinder- was still room at Encinal and Laurel American School’s lease in 2012. Oak Knoll principal David Ackerman garteners would start school in the fall. schools. Now, all three of the elementary “Is this a blip, or is this a trend?” Mr. said he plans to group the combination Already, 337 children have been enrolled, schools have too many kids signed up. Ranella said. “If it’s a trend, we’re likely class kindergartners with first-graders said Superintendent Ken Ranella at the For the district, accommodating the to look at the O’Connor (site) as overflow who are on a slower developmental track. school board’s April 15 meeting. growing number of children means space.” The first-graders can serve as role models Is it because the highly regarded schools taking a financial hit, and it’s causing Board members took cold comfort in to the kindergarteners in the morning are luring to the district lots of new resi- officials to wonder if this is a one-time the fact that it does not appear that the and then benefit from being in a smaller dents with young children? Or is there a aberration or a sign of things to come. recent redrawing of attendance boundar- group with their teacher in the afternoon, really high birth rate among the existing Going from 15 kindergarten classes ies is to blame. after the kindergartners go home, he said. population? Whatever the cause, the school in the district to 16-1/2 next year is one “It’s not a boundary problem, it’s a It makes more sense to group children board is busy coming up with creative ways thing, but adding new classrooms to each growth problem,” said Board President according to their developmental stage, to accommodate all those kids. subsequent grade as the kindergartners Bruce Ives. rather than chronological age, he said. To deal with demand, the school board progress through the K-8 district could “In our recent history, we’ve only done voted April 15 to add a combination kin- cause a serious space crunch over the Oak Knoll (multi-grade rooms) when there is an dergarten-first grade class at Oak Knoll long-term. The good news for residents of the Oak odd number of kids, but across the coun- Elementary School, and will likely add It would make it more likely that the Knoll attendance area is the district won’t another Spanish language immersion district will reclaim the O’Connor school be conducting a lottery to forcibly trans- See KINDER, page 8 With bond money far short of needs, city examines options for new gym ellite office in Menlo Park, accord- By Rory Brown ■ MENLO WATCH Almanac Staff Writer ing to reports in the New York Times and Washington Post. t looks as if Menlo Park doesn’t $26 million to $42 million. CBS Interactive encompasses the have the money to build the The upcoming bond issue slated company’s online ventures, such Istate-of-the-art Burgess Gym to fund the construction of the as CBS.com, CBSsports.com, and the community wants, and that new gym is expected to raise about CBSnews.com, according to the dilemma will likely be on City $9 million, leaving the city well CBS Interactive Web site. Council members’ minds when short of projected costs. The digital arm of the company they discuss plans for the new gym Field Paoli representatives will has offices all over the country, at an April 29 study session. outline several floor plans for including in New York, Detroit The study session is scheduled to the new gym. The designs were and Los Angeles. start at 7 p.m. in the council cham- developed in response to com- bers at the Civic Center, between ments from the public about Laurel and Alma streets. features people want to see in Meet the mayor The meeting comes about six the new facility. Menlo Park Mayor Andy Cohen weeks after representatives from is holding open office hours on Field Paoli, the San Francisco- CBS moves to town Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to based architect hired to design the noon. He will be available to new gym, said rising construction CBS Interactive, the online exten- answer questions and talk about costs could push the price of the sion of media powerhouse CBS city issues in the Burgess Recre- Broadcasting Inc., is opening a sat- project to the neighborhood of ation Center at 701 Laurel St. A Supervisors may approve parks’ master plan this week By Dave Boyce The board plans to hear com- ing. The staff report to the Almanac Staff Writer ments, discuss the plan, and then supervisors lists three “out- may approve the plan and its standing issues of concern,” and he San Mateo County environmental impact report. each one involves Woodside. Board of Supervisors may The supervisors meet in the Residents along Greer Road have En garde! vote to approve the master Hall of Justice and Records at complained to the Woodside Town T Daniel Clark and Stephen Szczurko, members of the Elite Musketeer plan for Huddart and Wunder- 400 County Center (corner of Council about the volume of traffic lich county parks when it meets Bradford Street and Hamilton using a rear gate into Huddart Park Fencer’s Club in Menlo Park, duel in the plaza in front of Kepler’s bookstore during an April 11 fencing demonstration. The club was Tuesday morning, April 22. Avenue) in Redwood City. via the narrow wooded lane. invited to give the demonstration prior to a reading by Australian author A public hearing on the plan Representatives from Wood- John Flanagan from his latest adventure book, “Ranger’s Apprentice.” is scheduled to start at 9:45 a.m. side will likely attend the meet- See PARKS, page 8
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6 ■ The Almanac ■ April 23, 2008 SHH 235 Menlo Park Almanac 10x13.indd 1 4/18/08 2:23:34 PM PEOPLE REAL ESTATE Q&A by Gloria Darke Telling the whole story What if the house doesn't appraise out? Woodside historian helps write the book on women’s roles in shaping history Dear Gloria, We have an offer in on a 3% of the purchase price. I’m sure you don’t By Renee Batti has been largely ignored by house. We put a contingency in for a want to just walk away from your deposit so home inspection which we have had and Almanac News Editor historians and without which you have a decision to make. Do you want to an incomplete story about the the inspector didn’t find anything that pay more for your house than an appraiser was a big deal to us. We are going to put thinks its worth or do you want to poten- hen the new Oxford history of human endeavor a loan on the house but didn’t make it tially loose your deposit? With the upheaval Encyclopedia of has been told. contingent on the loan. We were pre- WWomen in World In learning about the past, approved and knew that we would get going on in the financial institutions now History was published earlier it’s important for children to the loan with no problem. Our concern appraisers have become more conservative this year, historian Karen Offen understand women’s roles in now is that several houses have come as have lenders. It is possible that the house didn’t waste any time adding the the development of ideas and on the market in this general area and won’t appraise out but if you are going for an four-volume set to her shelves. civilization, she says. while they aren’t the same as our house, 80% loan it will mean that you would need That’s not only because the In a recent paper delivered we don’t think our house will appraise to put more cash in to make it close. I can see encyclopedia’s subject matter in Vienna, Ms. Offen notes for as much as we paid for it. Can we get that there is a psychological problem with is of great interest to the long- that the history of feminism is out of the contract? buying a house for more than a professional time Woodside resident and “women’s political and intel- Margaret N. appraiser might think it’s worth but remem- independent scholar, but also lectual history, and it must be ber we are in some tough times now with because Ms. Offen is a con- researched just as seriously as Dear Margaret, Unless you put a spe- cific contingency in the contract “house to our economy. It may well turn out that this tributor to the groundbreak- that of men. ... We can learn appraise out” you do not have a valid reason is an excellent time to buy; interest rates are ing work. Her article, “History a great deal about the possi- to back out of the contract. You didn’t state low, our area is and always will be a desirable of Women,” and her biogra- bilities for women’s activism whether or not you signed liquidated dam- place to live and people will always want to phies of two 19th century- under particular circumstanc- ages which would limit your damages to own the place they call home. born European feminists — Photo by Veronica Weber/The Almanac es, and we can draw strength Swedish author Ellen Key and Karen Offen sits with a stack from the stories of its par- For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may e-mail me at gdarke@apr. French women’s rights activist of books from her library in the ticipants and their struggles. com or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. I also offer a freemarket analysis of your property. Ghenia Avril de Sainte-Croix Woodside home she shares with Every group needs a heritage her husband, George Offen. — are included in the set. to draw on.” WEST BAY SANITARY DISTRICT The encyclopedia, edited Although her writing and by Rutgers University history lecturing schedule keeps her professor Bonnie G. Smith, busy, Ms. Offen manages to GENERAL REGULATION NO. 125 includes more than 650 biog- graduate and post-doctoral devote time and energy to a ***** raphies of influential women courses at Stanford, Ms. Offen nonprofit project close to her and some 600 articles. has been in demand as a guest heart: She serves on the board A REGULATION AMENDING GENERAL Ms. Offen’s contributions to lecturer, teacher and consul- of directors of the Internation- REGULATION NO. 58 “A GENERAL the encyclopedia are among tant, primarily in Europe. al Museum of Women, head- REGULATION ADOPTING CODE the many works she has pub- This summer, she will be the quartered in San Francisco. OF GENERAL REGULATIONS” lished in the field of women’s keynote speaker for a major The museum sponsors online history over the past 25 years Latin American women’s his- exhibits and “on-the-ground” ***** — books, articles and papers tory conference. events, and Ms. Offen was BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED BY THE District Board of West that have contributed signifi- A native of Idaho, Ms. Offen instrumental in shaping the Bay Sanitary District that General Regulation No. 58, “A General cantly to the growing visibility became enthralled by the museum’s current exhibit, Regulation Adopting Code of General Regulations”, passed and of women’s roles in shaping study of history while at the “Women, Power, Politics.” approved on November 27, 1982, as heretofore amended, is further history. University of Idaho. She also With this exhibit, she has amended as follows: Her latest book is “European developed an “overall fascina- also embarked on a new facet Feminisms, 1700-1950: A Polit- tion with things European,” of her work: Last week, she SECTION 209. Board Members Compensation ical History,” and books she and spent a year in Nancy, made her debut as a blogger. has co-edited include a study France, as a Fulbright scholar The women’s history blog is Effective 60 days from the date of approval of this Regulation, of women’s lives in England, in the early 1960s. titled “Clio Talks Back,” and members of the District Board shall be compensated in the amount France and the United States It was after completing her Ms. Offen promises it will be of $149.12 $155.00 per day for each day’s attendance at meet- during the Victorian era. doctorate in modern Europe- “somewhat irreverent.” ings of the District Board, attendance at California Association of An affiliated senior scholar an history from Stanford Uni- The exhibit and the blog can Sanitation Agencies’ conferences and for each day’s service rendered with the Michelle R. Clayman versity in 1971 that she began be found at imow.org. To find as a Member of the District Board by request of the District Board. Institute for Gender Research focusing almost exclusively the blog, click on the Com- Compensation shall not exceed a total of $894.72 $930.00 (six days at Stanford University who on women’s roles in history munity link on the top of the service) in any calendar month. has taught occasional under- — a perspective, she says, that page, then click on “Blog.” A Compensation to Board Members attending conferences of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies shall be limited to two day’s compensation regardless of the number of days attended. New vice president named at Stanford Linear Accelerator Passed and approved by the District Board of the West Bay Stanford University officials Mr. Madia has previously sity President John Hennessy Sanitary District on April 9, 2008 by the following vote: have named a new vice presi- worked as director of the Oak said. “He brings tremendous dent for the Stanford Linear Ridge National Laboratory and insight about the importance of Ayes: Shepherd, Walker, Lomax, Knight, Harrison Accelerator Center, a position the Pacific Northwest National research at national laboratories Noes: None created to encourage coordina- Laboratory. as well as real-world expertise in Abstain: None tion between the laboratory, the “Bill Madia’s knowledge and managing the work.” Absent: None university, and the U.S. Depart- experience in this area is with- ment of Energy. out parallel,” Stanford Univer- — Bay City News Service Ronald Shepherd William Madia began working President of the District Board in January as the vice president of the West Bay Sanitary District of the center, which is managed THE County of San Mateo, State of California and operated by Stanford Uni- versity and owned by the U.S. ALMANAC Attest: Department of Energy. SLAC ONLINE David Walker is built around a two-mile-long Secretary of the District Board electron linear accelerator that DELIVERS of the West Bay Sanitary District, runs south of Sand Hill Road in JOIN THE CONVERSATION County of San Mateo, State of California 24/7. AT TOWNSQUARE unincorporated Menlo Park. TTheheAAlmanaclmanacOOnline.nline.ccomom Published in THE ALMANAC on April 23, 30, 2008
April 23, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 7 NEWS Key hearing Sunday on future of national parklands ■ Golden Gate National Recreation Area includes ■ PUBLIC MEETING yet owned by the park or managed Rancho Corral de Tierra is Phleger Estate near Woodside and coastal spread. by the park, she noted. included in the federal planning The Golden Gate National Recre- Some 23,000 acres of watershed process even though it is still By Marion Softky Trust (POST) bought it from the ation Area is developing a gen- owned by San Francisco are with- owned and managed by POST. Almanac Staff Writer heirs of Herman and Maria Elena eral management plan to guide in the GGNRA boundaries; the In January, Sen. Dianne Feinstein Phleger, and sold it to the federal future uses, development and GGNRA administers the conser- and the Bay Area Congressional esidents in the Bay Area are government in 1995. protection of its parks. The clos- vation and recreation easements delegation were able to secure the blessed to have the Golden ■ Rancho Corral de Tierra is est open house and “scoping” that protect the lands that protect first $1.96 million appropriation Gate National Recreation 4,262 acres located north of Half session on the plan will be held the water supply. toward the $15 million purchase R in San Mateo on Sunday, April Area (GGNRA), one of the largest Moon Bay, where massive subdi- Other lands in San Mateo Coun- price for the property. 27, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., at urban parks in the world, and one visions were once planned. Pur- the Peninsula Community Foun- ty include Sweeney Ridge, Milagra Sen. Feinstein sees Rancho Cor- of the most popular national parks chased by POST in 2001 for $29.75 dation, 1700 South El Camino Ridge and Mori Point, in and ral de Tierra as the “southern in the country. million, it has been included in Real, Suite 300. around Pacifica. gateway” to the lands protected Stretching in patches of land the boundaries of the GGNRA by by the GGNRA. “In today’s tough from Woodside north to Point Congress, but awaits $15 million in Phleger property budgetary times, private organiza- Reyes, the GGNRA includes Bay federal funding before it transfers Mateo on Sunday, April 27, from In the planning meetings, Ms. tions like POST play a critical role Area icons such as Muir Woods, to the national park. 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Penin- Powell said, “We’ll be looking at in helping the government protect Alcatraz, Marin Headlands and The GGNRA is engaged in a sula Community Foundation, 1700 the type of activities appropriate open space at a more affordable the Presidio. It also includes less multi-year program to develop a South El Camino Real, Suite 300. for the next 30 years.” price,” she said. “POST’s antici- developed, less famous lands that general management plan to guide The final “Scoping Open House” The Phleger property, for exam- pated transfer of Rancho Corral have been acquired more recently, future uses, development, and will be in Half Moon Bay, on Friday, ple, is heavily forested and cur- de Tierra for about half the original or are still to be acquired. protection of its park units over the May 16, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the rently reached by trail from Hud- purchase cost makes this an espe- Its boundaries are set by Con- next 30 years. Community Center, 535 Kelly St. dart Park or Kings Mountain. “Do cially worthwhile project.” gress; within the boundaries are As part of the planning process, Lennie Roberts of the Commit- people want to see other uses?” Rancho Corral de Tierra pro- areas authorized for acquisition in GGNRA is inviting the public to tee for Green Foothills encourages Ms. Powell asked. “We want to vides major opportunities for trail the future. learn about and comment on the people to attend and participate allow recreation but protect the connections to other state and The two southernmost proper- plan at seven open houses and in planning the future of the local redwoods.” county parks and the Bay Area ties in San Mateo County that are “scoping sessions.” They began national park lands. “They never Rancho Corral de Tierra, by Ridge Trail, as well as equestrian part of the GGNRA are: April 19, and will continue until had a general management plan contrast, is much larger and more use. “We may want a visitor cen- ■ The Phleger Estate comprises May 16 at locations ranging from for San Mateo County lands,” she diverse; it stretches across the west- ter,” said Ms. Powell. A 1,250 acres of the forested hillside San Mateo and Half Moon Bay, said. ern slopes of Montara Mountain ■ of Skyline Ridge, north of Wood- to Sausalito and Mill Valley, with The GGNRA includes about from McNee Ranch State Park to INFORMATION side and wedged between Huddart one in Pacifica and two in San 32,000 acres in San Mateo County, El Granada. “It has more oppor- For information, call 415-561-4965; Park and the San Francisco Water- Francisco. said Chris Powell, spokeswoman tunity than Phleger because of its e-mail [email protected]; or go to shed. The Peninsula Open Space The closest session will be in San for the GGNRA. Not all of that is size and variety,” Ms. Powell said. parkplanning.nps.gov/goga.
KINDER teachers in immersion, and with a new classroom complex, continued from page 5 having a larger cohort of (stu- Special meeting on Oak Knoll project restore athletic fields, and add a dents) would help support the multi-use room and parking areas. program,” said Assistant Super- The Menlo Park City School Dis- Oak Knoll Lane in Menlo Park. The board must vote to adopt the try, multi-age primary (classes) intendent Jo Sauer Mitchell. trict board has set Thursday, May The final document will include negative declaration in order for are a better way to organize a District officials have dis- 8, as the date of a special meeting the 13 comment letters from the the project to move forward. school,” Mr. Ackerman said at cussed the possibility of mov- for the adoption of the “negative community, and the responses to Information about the project the meeting. ing the language immersion declaration,” the environmental the issues raised in the letters. is at www.mpcsd.org (click on program to the O’Connor site study of the Oak Knoll campus The district plans to begin “Facility Development”). Another Spanish class and making it a district magnet plans. The meeting is set to start at construction this summer at Oak See Page 27 for pro and con The Menlo Park school board school, but no official decisions 7 p.m. at Oak Knoll School, 1895 Knoll to replace portable rooms views on the Oak Knoll project. members, in a straw poll taken are expected any time soon. at the meeting, support add- The district is currently solic- ing a second Spanish language iting applications for the second immersion class at Encinal, Spanish immersion teacher rather than a regular kindergar- position. A final decision on ten class. adding an immersion class will “There are the advantages of likely be made by May 30, Mr. collaboration between the two Ranella said. A
PARKS Woodside residents have com- continued from page 5 plained that such steps would attract more people to the park The gate used to be locked closed and that the resulting noise, traf- except for emergencies, residents fic and parking problems have say, but Parks Department offi- not been adequately considered cials disagree with that account. by the county. The gate is now locked open and One other point of conten- the master plan describes it as “an tion is the equestrian habit of entrance for park users (arriving allowing horses to step into West by foot, bicycle, or horse) and Union Creek in crossing it. The park maintenance vehicles.” master plan considers replacing The master plan includes pro- the existing bridge so that horses posals to add lights to Folger can use it. Stables in Wunderlich Park to Attorney Robert Susk, repre- Photo by Veronica Weber/The Almanac “enhance use during the winter senting Woodside property own- It’s all Greek to them months,” and to replace a season- er Elizabeth Flood, contends that Sixth-graders at Hillview cheer on their teammates during a high-spirited game of “Mythology Pursuit” during the al picnic area in Huddart Park the trail leading to the bridge is Menlo Park middle school’s Greek Festival on April 17. The game tested knowledge of — what else? — Greek with an all-season community private property and closed to mythology. building. the public. A
8 ■ The Almanac ■ April 23, 2008 NEWS Gridiron gridlock: Heated dispute over Pop Warner practices goes nowhere By Andrea Gemmet They don’t represent the people ■ ATHERTON Almanac Staff Writer of Lindenwood and they cer- tainly don’t address all of Ather- omebody call the referee. 2006, the fields can’t be used ton,” he said. The Pop Warner youth after 7 p.m. on weekdays, 6 p.m. Mr. Lively said at the meeting that Sfootball league may give on Saturdays or 5 p.m. on Sun- the Lindenwood Homes Associa- youngsters a chance to channel days without a permit. tion has been trying for three years their aggression in a healthy and In practice, for the past couple to work out an agreement with Pop constructive environment, but the of years, neighbors have com- Warner and even wrote out a check grown-ups involved seem to be plained to police that the Men- to pay for the permit to legalize the lacking a healthy outlet for their lo-Atherton Vikings practice league’s use of the field. own aggravation. later than allowed. “The special events ordinance League officials and a group of Pop Warner officials complain does work well,” Mr. Lively said. Atherton residents are at odds over that the town’s rules are unfair “Complaints are down and no Pop Warner Vikings’ use of Menlo- and will kill off youth sports by sports events have been canceled.” Atherton High School’s fields for limiting field time. However, it was all moot. The NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING practices and games, and their frus- City Council couldn’t address tration bubbled over at the April 16 the issue at the April 16 meet- CITY OF MENLO PARK Atherton City Council meeting. ing because the agenda item was Comments made during the ‘‘There’s been a lot of over- carefully worded to be no more CITY COUNCIL meeting led to a confrontation out- statements made tonight. than a procedural item clarify- side the council chambers between ing a council directive to the city APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION a small group of Pop Warner offi- Atherton supports its kids manager in May 2006. cials and a couple of Lindenwood as much as anyone else.’ Councilman Charles Marsala, a neighborhood residents. The two vocal opponent of the town’s spe- groups accused each other of lying, MAYOR JIM JANZ. cial events ordinance, lobbied his NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City and the situation escalated to the colleagues to get the full issue on a of Menlo Park, California is scheduled to review an appeal of the point where Phil Lively, a member “Youth sports are not a special future meeting agenda, but failed to Planning Commission’s approval of the following item: of the Atherton Planning Com- event. It’s part of life, part of buying muster any support. mission and Lindenwood resident, a house next to a school,” said Greg Councilwoman Kathy McK- Use Permit/The Hagman Group/1010 Doyle Street: Request for started shouting expletives. Baty at the meeting. eithen said the town’s new city use permit approval to add 84 square feet to an existing building that The town’s rules governing pri- Mr. Baty, a Pop Warner coach manager, Jerry Gruber, needed currently exceeds 100 percent FAR in the C-3 (Central Commercial) vate groups’ use of athletic fields at and former NFL player who lives a chance to work out the issues zoning district, and to apply the use based parking guidelines to retain public schools limit the hours that in Atherton, said that most Ather- between the two factions without the nine existing off-street parking spaces where one additional park- practices and games can be held — ton residents don’t agree with the council interference. ing space would otherwise be required for the additional floor area. in theory, anyway. town’s restrictions. “There’s been a lot of over-state- Under the rubric of the special “This is all about the Linden- ments made tonight. Atherton events ordinance adopted by wood homeowners association supports its kids as much as any- NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that said City Council will hold a public hearing on these items in the Council Chambers the City Council in September ... trying to exert their might. one else,” said Mayor Jim Janz. A of the City of Menlo Park, located at 701 Laurel Street, Menlo Park, on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. or as near as possible The Almanac launches online real estate site thereafter, at which time and place interested persons may appear ■ Homes for sale, open homes, and prior sales and be heard thereon. If you challenge these items in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else information is shown on maps and in chart form. raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Menlo Park at, or prior to, A comprehensive online guide tion a home buyer or local resident the public hearing. to local real estate was launched could want into one convenient, this week by TheAlmanacOn- locally oriented site,” said Tom Gib- line.com, The Almanac’s news boney, publisher of The Almanac. The project file may be viewed by the public on weekdays and information site that is affil- “The Almanac and the Palo Alto between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through iated with Palo Alto Online. Weekly have long been the Midpen- Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, with alternate Go to TheAlmanacOnline.com insula’s leading sources of informa- Fridays closed, at the Department of Community Development, and click on the “Real Estate” link tion on local real estate activity and 701 Laurel Street, Menlo Park. Please call Megan Fisher, in the navigation bar on the left, the only place publishing a com- Associate Planner, at 650-330-6737 or email her at mefisher@ or enter TheAlmanacOnline.com/ prehensive guide to home opens menlopark.org if you have any questions or comments. real_estate in your browser. each weekend,” Mr. Gibboney said. The site features maps, photos, “With the launch of our new online to map open homes and prior pricing and other information on real estate site, users will be able to home sales data. most homes and condominiums quickly see all homes that are on the For a small fee, Realtors will Si usted necesita más información sobre este proyecto, por currently for sale on the Midpen- market, print out maps or lists, and be able to enhance the basic favor llame al 650-330-6702, y pregunte por un asistente que insula, all “open” homes scheduled research prior sales.” listings shown on the site and for the upcoming weekend, and The site will include virtual tours include a link to the Web site hable español. sales price information on homes of featured homes paid for by the for a specific home listing and sold dating back to 1994. listing real estate agent or company. to the agent’s general Web site. It also includes links to real The site draws its information DATED: April 17, 2008 Sherry M. Kelly estate agent directories, recent directly from RE InfoLink, the Interim City Clerk real estate articles, and neighbor- Multiple Listing Service for the Correction PUBLISHED: April 23, 2008 hood guides for each commu- area, and then supplements it nity prepared by the staffs of The with information from other The first name of Laird Cagan, a Almanac, the Palo Alto Weekly sources, including reporting and Portola Valley resident and a major and the Mountain View Voice, databases of The Almanac and donor to the funding of the town’s Visit our Web site for public hearing, agenda, and staff “While national real estate Web Palo Alto Weekly staff. new Town Center complex, was report information: http://www.ci.menlo-park.ca.us sites have some of the same infor- The site uses Google’s mapping incorrectly reported as Larry in the mation we are providing, we have technology to present homes April 16 issue of the Almanac. The focused on pulling all the informa- and condominiums for sale and Almanac regrets the error. Published in THE ALMANAC on April 23, 2008.
April 23, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 9 Our Family Gives to Packard Children’s Hospital...
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10 ■ The Almanac ■ April 23, 2008 NEWS
Portola Valley voters: MP schools pursue off-site child care vote for one candidate By Andrea Gemmet Menlo Park recently rebuffed a ■ SCHOOLS Failure to print “Vote for One” on Greta McElroy, election specialist, Almanac Staff Writer chance to partner with the dis- mailed ballots in the Portola Valley at 312-5389 or by e-mail at gmcel- trict in pursuit of a state grant School District’s special election [email protected]. s busing an answer to the criti- to build a small facility on the school district includes neigh- prompted the San Mateo County By the close of the business day cal shortage of after-school Laurel School campus. borhoods in Atherton and unin- elections office to mail a letter April April 17, 567 ballots had already Ichild care for Menlo Park City Plus, the district’s school cam- corporated San Mateo County, 11 to the district’s 4,479 voters to been received by the elections School District students? puses are highly constrained, as well as much of Menlo Park. explain that only one seat is to be office, according to Ms. McElroy. There is a “high likelihood” “I don’t see this as a school filled on the school district’s five- Voters who think they voted for that a child care organization in district issue,” Mr. Ranella told member governing board. two candidates are asked to call the community could accom- ‘It’s just not feasible at the board April 15. “Whatever Ballots in the special, all-mail her at 312-5389 as soon as possible. modate as many as 80 district we put together is my donation election must be received by the The voted ballot can be retrieved by students this fall, Superinten- this time to create child to the community in terms of elections office by 8 p.m. Tuesday, checking the signature and a new dent Ken Ranella said at the care centers on our time and effort.” May 6. ballot mailed to the voter, she said. April 15 board meeting. The Mr. Ranella said he hopes to be Dr. David Morris, a physician, If voters mark their ballots for school district could organize campuses.’ able to make an announcement and Bill Youstra, an Internet pro- two candidates, it’s an “overvote” transportation — or perhaps about the after-school care in the SUPERINTENDENT KEN RANELLA duction and media consultant, are and those ballots cannot be count- even run its own buses — to next month. vying to fill the remainder of for- ed, said Ms. McElroy. take children to the off-site both in terms of size and because “The capacity of the facility, mer trustee Donna Carano’s term, Voters are encouraged to mail facility, he said. of major construction projects the availability of the provider, which ends in December 2009. their ballots by April 29, using the Mr. Ranella said he could not over the next few years, he said. the scope of service, how many The ballots mailed April 7 did stamped envelope enclosed with yet reveal the organization’s “It’s just not feasible at this children they can serve, all of not contain an instruction to vote the ballot. name or any details about its time to create child care centers those are really up in the air,” Mr. for only one candidate, wrote Ballots also may be dropped child care program. on our campuses,” he told The Ranella said. “What we’re trying David Tom, county elections man- off in the locked ballot box at So far, the district’s attempts Almanac. to do is take a step. If it comes to ager, in his letter to voters. Portola Valley Town Hall, at 765 to find a place to house an after- The city of Menlo Park buses fruition, I’m not going to assume Apologizing for the confusion, Portola Road, on or before 8 p.m. school program on its elemen- district students to its Menlo that it solves the problem.” he referred voters with questions to on May 6. tary school campuses haven’t Children’s Center after-school The school board has been been too successful. program, but the demand far under pressure from a vocal Correction Reputable child care provid- exceeds the space that’s available. group of parents that has been ■ The wrong date for the Portola and online. The forum was held ers require dedicated space and The waiting list is so long that vigorously lobbying for the dis- Valley school board candidates’ Tuesday, April 15, and will not won’t consider running pro- enrollment is essentially limited trict to emulate neighboring night at The Sequoias in Por- be held April 22. The Almanac grams in existing classrooms, to Menlo Park residents, who get districts by offering on-site tola Valley was reported in The apologizes for any inconvenience Mr. Ranella said. The city of priority over non-residents. The child care. A Almanac newspaper last week this has caused. Elizabeth ATHERTON COUNCIL LEWIS Visit elizabeth2008.com to become a Neighbor for Elizabeth
PARTIAL LIST Two weeks ago I mailed a Survey to Atherton residents in an effort Atherton Neighbors for Elizabeth Didi & John Fisher Betsy & Tom Glikbarg to listen to them rather than talk at them. The response has been Former Mayors Public Safety Comm. strong and I wanted to share the findings below. Sheri & John Shenk Courtney & Michael Charney Chris McDonnell Missy & Jeffrey Morris Most humbling is that since the Survey was mailed there has been Patty & Mark Davis Jillian Manus-Salzman & Alan Salzman Kristina & Mike Homer Laurie & Rich Bassin an outpouring of support for this campaign for new leadership. Carolyn & Bob Jenkins Michelle & Dave Dollinger My campaign, which is headquartered from my kitchen table, has Director, Atherton Civic Interest League William Grindley Environmental Programs Comm. Neil Rasmussen grown tremendously. Neighbors sign up everyday to lend their Rose Hau Bill Hoy Former Member, General Plan Comm. name, put up a lawn sign, and vote for me. & Planning Comm. Rhoda & David Herron Nancy & Rob Faisant Steve Dostart The results of the Survey show that our Town wants new leadership. Former City Attorney Sharon Meers Lainie & George Garrick Ian Lewis On June 3rd, with your help, I will bring strong leadership and a Carolyn & Scott Feamster Candi & Nick Athens balanced, solutions-focused perspective to the Atherton City Council. Carol & John Flaherty Suzanne & Bill Shaw Lee & Bill Schroeder Katherine & Jeff Wise For more information about my campaign please visit my website: Dolly & Tom Colby Pat & Larry Briscoe Cynthia & John Lovewell Jim Massey elizabeth2008.com or email me at [email protected]. Connie & Stuart Weisman Former Member, Parks & Rec. Comm. Janice & Bob Mondin Catherine & Eric Lamb Thank you for your support and your vote on June 3rd! Dena & John Denniston Sandy & Dave Levison Elizabeth Lewis Libby & Burgess Jamieson Ms Charlie Hays Julie Brody Kristina & Gary Gavello Atherton Resident Survey Findings Bonnie & Joe Morey Ron & Karen Johnson Clary & Dean Riskas Charlot Singleton • A majority of residents feel that Atherton is headed either in the • Many residents are concerned about fiscal responsibility and Eileen Holtvedt Kathy & Gary Swart “wrong direction” or were “not sure” of the Town’s direction. This accountability of the City Council in light of recent, ill-advised Robin & Phil Taylor Susan Akbarpour Charlie King Margaret & John Worthing shows we must do more to reach out to our citizens and provide lawsuits—one involving our local school district and the other Terri & Henry Bullock stronger leadership locally. a Historical Artifacts Ordinance. These lawsuits cost Atherton Terri Watters Valerie Gardner Patricia & Newt Yaeger nearly $250,000 in legal fees. Environmental Programs Comm. Laurie & Rod Shepard • 62% feel that they do not receive adequate notice from the Joe & Gina Andrighetto Alison Ross
Town on meetings or important building code changes that • Residents want safe streets, road repairs, traffic mitigation, Cliff Lavine Lori & Steve Bouret Natalie & Joe Comartin Melinda & Doug Kaewert affect their property. and attention to dangerous intersections. Silicon Valley Association of Realtors Friends for a Better Atherton
650/533-8830 99 Alejandra Ave., Atherton, CA 94027 FPPC #: 1305204
April 23, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 11 Our new Real Estate Web Site is H T
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Jolain & Jack Woodson Alain Pinel Realtors (650) 740-9694 The Almanac online Explore local real estate www.TheAlmanacOnline.com/real_estate
12 ■ The Almanac ■ April 23, 2008 NEWS OF LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY
The Bowman program builds confidence, creativity and Holy Trinity church rector dies academic excellence.
This story is based on an obituary Lower School - Grades K - 5 posted on TheAlmanacOnline. com by Linda Hubbard Gulker, a Middle School - Grades 6 - 8 member of the church’s vestry. Individualized, self-directed program The Rev. Michael Spillane, rector of Holy Trinity Episcopal Rich international and cultural studies Church in Menlo Park, died on April 15 from complications of a Proven, Montessori approach brain tumor. He was 58. A memorial service to celebrate State-of-the-art facility his life was held April 19 at the church, 330 Ravenswood Ave. The Rev. Low student-teacher ratio When The Rev. Spillane Michael became the 17th rector of Trin- Spillane ity last year, he was returning had earned www.bowmanschool.org to Menlo Park where he had his master’s 4000 Terman Drive Palo Alto, CA Tel: 650-813-9131 earned his master’s in divinity in divinity degree at St. Patrick’s Seminary. degree from He became an Episcopal priest St. Patrick’s in 1992 and previously served in Seminary in )&