Vol. XXVIII, Number 31 • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 ■ 50¢ Two teens shot dead in East Palo Alto Page 3
www.PaloAltoOnline.com
School parents debate proposed Mandarin-language immersion program Page 27 Photo illustration by Carol Hubenthal, Norbert von der Groeben Talk about the news at Town Square, www.PaloAltoOnline.com ■ Upfront City reaches settlement with polluting firm Page 3 ■ Neighborhoods Residents sue city over ‘oversized’ development Page 7 ■ Sports Stanford men host USC, UCLA in Pac-10 basketball Page 33 In Business KGO’s Len Tillem & Michael Gilfix MEDI-CAL, TRUSTS, Len Tillem Esq. & Michael Gilfix, Esq. Len Tillem & Associates ASSET PROTECTION Gilfix & La Poll Associates, LLP Host of KGO’s “Legaltalk” Stanford Law School Tuesday, February 13, 2007 33 yrs Experience 2:30-4:30 pm or 6:30-8:30 pm Crowne Plaza Cabaña Mediterranean Room, 4290 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA. 94306
• Medi-Cal to pay Nursing Home Costs Seating is limited! FREE Seminar • New Medi-Cal Law Explained You can also register on our • Protect Residence from Medi-Cal Claim Call 650-493-8070 website • Special Needs Trust for Disabled Kids or 408-971-7292 • Pros & Cons of a Living Trust www.gilfix.com • Family Protection Trusts to Protect Assets you leave your children from Divorce, Lawsuits, and Tax.
We were driving to the store on a rainy day last week, and my son looked out the window and told me, “Mom, there are lots of puddles of precipitation outside today.” Precipitation? What four-year-old knows what precipitation is? I asked him how he knew that, and he told me he learned about the water cycle at school. You know, I wasn’t so impressed that he simply knew how to say a big word—I was amazed that he could apply something he’d just learned to what he saw going on around him. I’m so glad I chose Challenger School for my little guy.
HE Open enrollment begins February 1 see our open house schedule at www.challengerschool.com AMAZES ME EVERY DAY Because You Know the Value of Education
©2007, Challenger Schools
Page 2 • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Palo Alto Weekly UpfrontLocal news, information and analysis Tighter ‘hazmat’ rules voted by City Council Decision follows $20,000 settlement with polluting firm over nitric-acid incident
by Molly Tanenbaum according to city officials. controls over facilities with certain would be “thwarting their ability to n the heels of a $20,000 settlement signed last Friday between the The Friday agreement includes levels of hazardous materials. adjust their businesses whatsoever,” City of Palo Alto and Communications & Power Industries, Inc., payment for penalties and the city’s “We’re treading into an area that City Attorney Gary Baum said. O (CPI) the City Council tightened zoning regulations for hazardous costs of the investigation. has not been tread by other cities,” The new zoning also requires materials Monday night. Monday night, a packed audience Director of Planning and Commu- firms to notify residents within a CPI accidentally released a ni- according to city and fire department of about 70 residents turned out for nity Environment Steve Emslie said 150-foot radius if they propose to tric-acid cloud over the Barron Park officials. The Palo Alto municipal the hearing on new zoning regula- of the new rules. exceed a threshold for hazardous neighborhood on Feb. 2, 2006, and code requires the fire department be tions. The council voted 7-0 to adopt The motion, by Councilman materials. did not notify the city, the fire de- informed of any release of hazard- the rules, which will cap the amount John Barton, allows companies to Councilman Jack Morton tried partment or residents of the release, ous materials into the environment, of hazardous substances firms can increase their hazardous-materials store and handle and increase city storage up to 10 percent. Any less (continued on page 5) EAST PALO ALTO CRIME Gangs fuel Shooting shootings, deaths jar police say East Palo Alto City has experienced 19 shootings in 22 days Family, friends mourn loss by Don Kazak of two teenagers killed he wave of shootings in East Sunday Palo Alto — in which 19 people Twere shot in the first 22 days of by Alexandria Rocha the year, including three homicides tudents at Cesar Chavez El- — has been caused by conflict be- ementary School in East Palo tween street gangs, according to East S Alto handed out white ribbons Palo Alto Police Chief Ron Davis. on Monday to commemorate Stop Most of the shootings, including the Violence Week — one day after seven people wounded between last their classmate Moises Jimenez, 13, Wednesday night and last Sunday was shot and killed in a carport on night, were from a conflict between Cooley Avenue. two East Palo Alto gangs, Davis The week-long schedule of events said. had been planned months in advance “Most (involve) narcotics and are but took on a sudden and pointed retaliatory. Most (victims) are being relevance with Jimenez’s death. targeted,” he added. Police said Jimenez and a second The shooting Sunday afternoon victim, Tomas Hernandez, 18, were that left 13-year-old Moises Jimenez standing in the carport of a small and 18-year-old Tomas Hernandez apartment complex on the corner of dead was also gang-related, Davis Cooley and Scofield avenues Sunday said — though likely not connected when two Hispanic males in hooded to the same East Palo Alto groups. sweatshirts walked up around 12:30 Instead, Davis said police believe p.m. the Sunday killings were retalia- Witnesses said the four exchanged tion for a shooting in Redwood City words before one of the men shot Ji- Saturday night that left three men menez, who died on the scene, with wounded. And the Saturday night a semi-automatic handgun. Hernan- and Sunday afternoon shootings are dez tried to run and was shot, col- a conflict between two local Latino lapsing at the corner of the parking gangs affiliated with the large, pris- lot. He died later at Stanford Medi- on-based Latino gangs, Nortenos cal Center. and Surenos, which could indicate The two suspects fled on foot the beginning of a conflict between and were still at large as of Tuesday gangs in Redwood City and East morning, police said. Jimenez and Palo Alto. Hernandez became the city’s first “Now, we need to target those two homicides of 2007. (East Palo Alto) gangs and make At Cesar Chavez Elementary sure there isn't any conflict between School on Monday, Principal David Redwood City and East Palo Alto Herrera made personal visits to each gangs,” Davis said. seventh- and eighth-grade classroom In response to the shootings over to deliver the news. He said counsel- the last week, the East Palo Alto po- ors were on hand and a number of Veronica Weber lice announced new efforts last Fri- students sought their services. day to step-up anti-violence efforts, The school serves fourth- through including increased patrols and of- eighth-graders. fering $500 and $1,000 rewards, “no This is Herrera’s fourth year at questions asked,” for information Cesar Chavez and his 10th in the A torn strip of police tape still remains on the site where Tomas Hernandez, 18, and Moises Jimenez, 13, (continued on page 5) leading to recovery of handguns and were fatally shot Sunday afternoon. (continued on page 5) Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 3 703 HIGH STREET, PALO ALTO, CA 94302 (650) 326-8210 PUBLISHER Our William S. Johnson EDITORIAL Jay Thorwaldson, Editor Jocelyn Dong, Acting Managing Editor Allen Clapp, Carol Blitzer, Assistant Editors Keith Peters, Sports Editor Town Rick Eymer, Assistant Sports Editor by Don Kazak Rebecca Wallace, Arts & Entertainment Editor Don Kazak, Senior Staff Writer Alexandria Rocha, Molly Tanenbaum, Becky Trout, Staff Writers A long way from home Norbert von der Groeben, Chief Photographer Veronica Weber, Photo Intern Tyler Hanley, Assistant to the Editor & s a boy, Imtiez Ali used to but denied that his village harbored Since 1992, the fi rst and fi nest Online Editor take stories from his father’s al-Qaida members. in consigned furniture. Sue Dremann, Staff Writer, Special Sections Editor Cammie Farmer, Calendar Editor Abooks, edit them and make Mohammed was killed in a mis- Jeanne Aufmuth, Dale Bentson, them into stories that were pub- sile attack a few days after Ali in- Open 10-4 Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday Lynn Comeskey, Kit Davey, Tim Goode, Jack 67 Encina, one block north of Embarcadero Rd., off El Camino Real, Palo Alto McKinnon, Susan Tavernetti, Robert Taylor, lished in a children’s magazine in terviewed him, by either the Paki- Contributors his native Pakistan. stan military or Americans, who 650 324-8791 Justin Bull, Editorial Intern Caitlin Berka, Arts & Entertainment Intern “I was always curious and in- had identified him as a “known quisitive,” he said of his becoming target.” DESIGN Informational Carol Hubenthal, Design Director a journalist. Now 30, Ali is a BBC In a freak coincidence, Moham- Diane Haas, Sue Peck, Senior Designers; radio reporter who also writes for med was killed just “two or three Meetings Nathan Hammer, Dana James, Paul Llewellyn, Charmaine Mirsky, Scott Peterson, Designers the London Telegraph. minutes” after Ali’s taped inter- Feb. 15 - Thu. We read about the “war on ter- view was broadcast on BBC radio, PRODUCTION Mar. 7 - Wed. Jennifer Lindberg, Production Manager ror.” Ali reports it, from his base in the main source of Pashto-language Dorothy Hassett, Blanca Yoc, Peshawar, Pakistan. news to which villagers listen.. 4:45PM; RSVP Sales & Production Coordinators Ali is a visiting Knight fellow at “They thought I had something ADVERTISING Stanford University, one of eight to do with him being killed because Vern Ingraham, Advertising Manager Feb. 21 - Wed. Cathy Norfleet, Display Advertising Sales Asst. foreign journalists and 12 Ameri- the interview played just before the [kindergarten only, 650-424-1221] Tony Gay, Janice Hoogner, Sandra Valdiosera, cans who spend a year at Stanford attack,” Ali said. Display Advertising Sales Kathryn Brottem, Real Estate Advertising Sales to research a particular issue and “I didn’t want to leave the coun- Joan Merritt, Real Estate Advertising Asst. attend forums. try. People would have thought I Emerson Learning--our inno- Nerissa Gaerlan, Evie Marquez, Irene He and his wife, Nakira Ali, and had done something wrong.” James Briggs Schwartz, Classified Advertising Sales vative approach to a classic Alicia Santillan, Classified Administrative Asst. their three small children, Fahran Being a news reporter in the un- Director education--brings out the ONLINE SERVICES Ali, 5, Aleena Gul, 3, and Arman ruly tribal area is highly danger- 650-424-1267 extraordinary in every student. Lisa Van Dusen, Director of Palo Alto Online Ali, 6 months, live in a modest ous, Ali admits. Three journalism Shannon White, Assistant to Webmaster Mountain View apartment. colleagues have been killed and a [email protected] BUSINESS They are a long way from home. fourth was kidnapped and released, • Superior Academic Preparation Iryna Buynytska, Business Manager 2800 W. Bayshore Road Miriam Quehl, Manager of Payroll & Benefits Ali grew up in small village in but never would talk about it later, • Emphasis on Thinking Skills & Personal Values Paula Mulugeta, Senior Accountant the mountainous Northwest Fron- Ali said. Palo Alto, CA 94303 Elena Dineva, Judy Tran, Business Associates • International Curriculum (Chinese, Spanish) Tina Karabats, Cathy Stringari, Doris Taylor, tier Province of Pakistan, just two “He was silenced.” Business Associates miles from a famous Buddhist There were 20 reporters covering • Cultivation of Gifts & Talents ADMINISTRATION monastery, Takht Bahai, which the tribal region last year, Ali said. Also: • Individualized Montessori Curriculum Amy Renalds, Assistant to the Publisher & dates from the 1st century, before “Now there are none.” Promotions Director; Islam became the prevailing reli- It’s a dangerous place for report- Hacienda School- • Year-Round, Full-Day Program Rachel Palmer, Promotions & Online Assistant Pleasanton Janice Covolo, Receptionist; Ruben Espinoza, gion of the area. ers to cover, even Pakistanis work- Jorge Vera, Couriers Ali is Pushtun, an ethnic group ing for Western news media. HeadsUp! Child EMBARCADERO PUBLISHING CO. of northwestern Pakistan and of He said the families of report- Development Centers- William S. Johnson, President much of the neighboring area of ers have been threatened but that Palo Alto • San Jose • Pleasanton EMERSON Michael I. Naar, Vice President & CFO; Walter Kupiec, Vice President, Sales & Marketing; Afghanistan. hasn’t happened with him, yet. His Frank A. Bravo, Director, Computer Operations After 9/11, when the United parents, a brother and sisters still SCHOOL & Webmaster www.headsup.org Cultivating Astonishing Potential! Connie Jo Cotton, Major Accounts Sales States invaded Afghanistan and live where he grew up. He and his Manager; Bob Lampkin, Director, Circulation & toppled the Taliban regime, many immediate family live in what he Mailing Services; Alicia Santillan, Susie Ochoa, Circulation Assistants; Chris Planessi, Joel Taliban leaders fled to the federally calls a safe compound in Peshawar. Pratt, Chip Poedjosoedarmo, Computer System administrated tribal area of Paki- His BBC office is “very heavily Associates stan between the Northwest Fron- guarded.” The Palo Alto Weekly (ISSN 0199-1159) tier Province and Afghanistan. Ali enjoys being at Stanford, but All Horizons Travel is published every Wednesday and Friday by Embarcadero Publishing Co., 703 High St., Palo That’s where Ali has been work- he wants to go back to Pakistan and Alto, CA 94302, (650) 326-8210. Periodicals post- ing as a reporter. report what it is happening in the age paid at Palo Alto, CA and additional mailing It’s a region Ali described as tribal region. Please Join us for our offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general circu- lation for Santa Clara County. The Palo Alto Weekly “lawless” in one of his London That’s near where he is from and is delivered free to homes in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Telegraph stories. that’s where the story is. 4th Annual Atherton, Portola Valley, East Palo Alto, to faculty and staff households on the Stanford campus and Almost all of the Taliban and Ali knew Daniel Pearl, the Wall to portions of Los Altos Hills. If you are not cur- tribal leaders there are Pushtun, Street Journal reporter who was Cruise Night rently receiving the paper, you may request free delivery by calling 326-8210. POSTMASTER: Send like Ali. kidnapped and killed by terrorists WED. JANUARY 31, 2007 address changes to Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box Anti-American sentiment runs in Pakistan in 2002. Ali recalled he 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94302. Copyright ©2003 by high in those mountains. talked with Pearl twice in Pakistan 5PM TO 6:30PM Embarcadero Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohib- In one of his BBC broadcasts, to try to help him. ited. Printed by SFOP, Redwood City. The Palo Alto Ali interviewed tribal leader Nek Pearl had been an editorial intern Weekly is available on the Internet via Palo Alto RSVP Required Online at: http://www.PaloAltoOnline.com Mohammed in 2004. In a revealing at the Weekly when he attended interview, Mohammed declared his Stanford. 650.941-5810 Our e-mail addresses are: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]. dedication to topple both the Af- Ali grew quiet when I mentioned Missed delivery or start/stop your paper? Call ghani and Pakistani governments that. Representatives of 22 Cruise Companies will 650 326-8210, or e-mail circulation@paweekly. because they are American-sup- In a slight rain, he walked me com. You may also subscribe online at www. ■ be here to answer your questions and offer you PaloAltoOnline.com. Subscriptions are $60/yr ($30 ported. back to my car. within our circulation area). Mohammed described how he Senior Staff Writer Don Ka- special discounts, amenities and/or savings. fought with the Taliban in Afghani- zak can be e-mailed at dkazak@ stan against the Americans in 2001 paweekly.com. Disney Cruise Line • Oceania • Princess • Cunard Viking River Cruises • Globus River Cruises & Galapagos Islands SUBSCRIBE! Star Clippers • Royal Caribbean • INTRAV • Holland America Support your local newspaper by becom- ing a paid subscriber. $30 per year for INDEX Windstar • Norwegian Cruise Line • Celebrity Cruises residents of our circulation area: $60 for businesses and residents of other areas. Pulse ...... 10 Yachts of SeaDream • Seabourn • Peter Deilmann River Cruises Name: ______Transitions ...... 21 Regent Seven Seas • Cruise West • Uniworld Movies...... 23 Brendan European Waterways • Silver Seas • Lindblad Expeditions. 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Page 4 • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Palo Alto Weekly Upfront
the Violence ly for middle-schoolers. Gangs can CANTOR ARTS CENTER Shootings Week, Her- seem like an attractive option be- (continued from page 3) rera said cause (they’re) a place to belong.” AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY Ravenswood City School District. the students Across town at the carport Mon- He has never had to deal with this are engaged day, Maria Galvan, 17 — longtime WINTER & SPRING STUDIO ART CLASSES type of tragedy. in an essay girlfriend of the second victim, “Everyone I’ve spoken to, this is contest with Tomas Hernandez — put candles, Art classes are available for kindergartners through adults, something new for them, too,” he the theme flowers and a heart-shaped bal- and range from one-day workshops to weekly classes. said. of “peace,” loon in the spot where Hernandez Every class has an in-gallery component, Jimenez’s mother, Rosario Bal- which will collapsed. She and a friend put a deras, said her son, who would have and all materials are provided. Tomas Hernandez culminate in second memorial in the spot where turned 14 next month, was always a peace-mak- Jimenez died. happy. ing celebra- “When they told me he was in the FOR FULL CLASS LISTINGS, CALL 650-725-3155 “He was always trying to hug tion Friday. hospital, I felt sick and came home,” OR VISIT HTTP://MUSEUM.STANFORD.EDU you; trying to help you,” she said. Herrera said Galvan, who was at the mall SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ALL CLASSES To collect donations for the funer- said he held when she heard the news. Sign up today – classes fi ll quickly! al, the family has made fliers with a staff re- Her friend, Jennifer Menendez, photos of Jimenez, reading, “We treat this said Hernandez was gentle and a ask for your help and cooperation year, which little shy. to give an angel his last goodbye.” 85 percent of Galvan said Hernandez moved Cesar Chavez school is also doing his staff at- from Mexico to the United States its part. Herrera purchased boxes at tended. One when he was 15. He did not attend Student Camp and Trip Advisors Home Depot so students could col- Moises Jimenez of the major school but worked in landscaping lect donations for the funeral, too. topics of dis- and construction. He was trying SUMMER Students placed the boxes, with the cussion was how to build resiliency to become financially stable so he letters “R.I.P.” in black marker writ- in the students. could send money home, she said. “MAKE A BRIGHT CHOICE OPPORTUNITIES ten on them, around the campus. “We know students in our com- Hernandez’s relatives who live in FOR YOUR SUMMER” “He was here for a few years, munity . . . face economical chal- the Bay Area are hoping to have his FAIR and he had a lot of friends,” Her- lenges and the violence in our body shipped to Mexico, where his SUNDAYSUNDAY FEBRUARYFEBRUARY 5,4, 20062007 rera said. “A lot of those friends are community,” he said. “And we still mother lives. 10:00AM-1:00PM upset and profoundly impacted by expect them to score well on their Galvan, an East Palo Alto resi- Menlo School, 50 Valparaiso, Atherton what has happened.” standardized tests. dent, said her neighborhood is un- When asked how his classmates “How can you come to school and safe. Programs for ages 8-18 • Free admission • Free parking reacted after hearing the news, focus on math when the person who “We knew it was dangerous MEET DIRECTORS FROM: one student said: “A lot of people lives down the street from you just since we moved here,” she said. cried.” got killed?” “But there was nothing we could OVERNIGHT CAMPS Traditional, Teen, Specialty Another student said that Jimenez Herrera said he didn’t know do about it. ■ TRIPS Biking, Wilderness, Cross Country, Worldwide Touring “always got into fights because of whether Sunday’s shootings were Staff Writer Alexandria the Norteno” street gang. gang-related. But, he added: “Gangs Rocha can be e-mailed at aro- PROGRAMS Sailing, Ranch, Arts, Language, Community Service As part of the scheduled Stop are always at the forefront, especial- [email protected]. EDUCATIONAL College Campuses US & Abroad For information call: City Council Judy Wiesen, Student Camp & Trip Advisors: Vice Mayor Larry Klein was absent release takes place, even if CPI 415.454.5441 800.622.2347 (continued from page 3) and Councilwoman Judy Kleinberg determines it is inconsequential,” or but failed to push required notifica- abstained due to a conflict. Larkin said. tion from 150 to 600 feet. No one The city currently has two “risk Other zoning-ordinance items supported the motion. management” facilities that work that received less attention Mon- “The definition of ‘affected resi- with enough hazardous materials to day night include updates to city dents’ is very small. It’s three or qualify for state controls under Title regulations regarding landscap- four houses,” Morton said. 19: CPI and the city’s own water- ing, wireless communications fa- Spread Your Wings The 10 residents who spoke at quality control plant. cilities, noise and creek protection. the meeting addressed the chemical The new code will give the coun- The council unanimously approved release at CPI last February. They cil discretion over whether these fa- these updates and additions to the protested that increased notification cilities can increase their volumes city’s zoning code. does not resolve the risk of another of hazmats, as well as whether new In other business, the council: potential release. facilities could come into the city, ■ Reopened (with a 6-2 vote, “The emphasis has been on notifi- through a conditional use permit. Council members Kleinberg and cation and a buffer zone rather than Prior to entering into Friday’s set- Peter Drekmeier opposed) the appli- control,” resident Fred Balin said. tlement, CPI was required to take cation period for four appointments “The current proposal is way too corrective actions, including chang- to the Parks and Recreation Com- weak,” CPI neighbor Bill Kelly add- es to its internal waste-handling and mission, instead of choosing from ed, teary-eyed with emotion. “The emergency-notification procedures, the six available candidates. only thing we can do is separate CPI and to make changes to its equip- ■ Voted 5-3, with council mem- The right retirement community can from the neighborhood.” ment. A third-party evaluation was bers Kleinberg, Dena Mossar and Barton’s motion also included required to ensure measures were Bern Beecham opposed, to follow a { free you to discover a whole new world } direction to staff to work with CPI taken to eliminate the possibility of staff recommendation to require the to reduce the amount of hazardous a similar release in the future, ac- city’s refuse fund to pay rent into the At Pilgrim Haven Retirement Community, life abounds. materials it stores at its site. cording to Senior Deputy City At- city’s general fund for unused parts Enjoy your own charming apartment without the burden “We are struggling to find a way torney Donald Larkin. of the landfill that have not yet been to effectively control what’s here,” “Under the terms of the settle- developed into a park. ■ of home ownership and upkeep. Located in a quiet Councilman Bern Beecham said ment, CPI has agreed to notify the Staff Writer Sue Dremann con- residential area close to shopping and other downtown after seconding Barton’s motion. Palo Alto Fire Department if any tributed to this report. activities, Pilgrim Haven is a convenient way along with additional San Mateo dealers. of living. And there’s considerable comfort Gangs County Sheriff’s deputies. Among the latest incidents of (continued from page 3) in knowing you have access to assisted living “We’ll continue this schedule violence, an 18-year-old East Palo and skilled care should either be needed. assault rifles, respectively. until further notice,” Davis said. Alto woman was found shot in the The added patrols resulted in The chief also said the increased head Monday evening after her car several arrests and weapons recov- gang violence is a “powder keg” crashed at Westminster Avenue Ready to spread your wings? Call today. ered on Saturday night, Davis said, that police want to stop from going and Alberni Street, police said. including three vehicle chases and off. Officers are targeting known The woman died. (650) 948-8291, Ext.103 stops. One person arrested had areas where gang members hang In yet another incident involving 373 Pine Lane, Los Altos CA 94022 been out of prison just 12 hours. out, he said. guns, East Palo Alto police arrest- Days off for East Palo Alto offi- If the current police efforts don’t ed three 14-year-old boys at Edi- www.pilgrim-haven.org cers have been cancelled and night quell the street shootings, Davis son Ronald McNair Academy on Pilgrim Haven is owned and operated by American Baptist Homes of the West, patrols have been doubled to about said he would consider asking for Pulgas Avenue Monday afternoon a non-sectarian, nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation serving seniors through assistance from law enforcement after finding a handgun in one of quality retirement housing since 1949. State of California License #430708050, 12 officers from the normal six. DHS License #220000418, Certificate of Authority #94. Some nights, Davis said, there may in Palo Alto and Menlo Park. Of- the boy’s backpacks. ■ be as many as 15 or 17 officers in ficers from those cities helped East Senior Staff Writer Don Ka- Palo Alto 15 years ago, forming a zak can be e-mailed at dkazak@ the field as FBI, parole and proba- ONTINUING ARE WITH A RADITION OF RUST tion officers are joining the effort, squad that targeted street drug paweekly.com. C C T T Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 5
The David Simpich Upfront MARIONETTES
The Pilgrim’s QUOTE OF THE WEEK Progress • Friday 1/26 7:30pm ‘‘ • Saturday 1/27 7:30pm How can you come to school and • Sunday 1/28 4:30pm focus on math when the person who First Presbyterian Church lives down the street from you just of Palo Alto got killed? 1140 Cowper St. (at Lincoln) ‘‘ —David Herrera, principal of Cesar Chavez $15 adult; $12 youth & child Elementary School in East Palo Alto, following (not recommended for children under 8 yrs) the shooting death Sunday of one of his students. See story on page 3. 650-361-1723 www.puppetshowcase.org Around Town BENEST TAKES be “very colorful and very fun,” MANHATTAN . . . Palo Alto’s Miller said, with colors selected own City Manager Frank Ben- to match the historic nursery- est figured prominently in a Jan. rhyme tiles. It will have a cozy 11 New York Times story on the reading nook and a large open dearth of city managers, a key space with playful carpet- interest of Benest’s. The pro- ing, she said. The foundation fession faces a “demographic launched the campaign to raise tsunami,” Benest told the Times, the second half of the money adding that at city manager con- in August. Miller said she par- ferences “all you see is gray hair.” ticularly wanted to thank major Benest expressed hope the next donors, families who bought generation, interested in mean- bricks, and others who helped ingful work, doesn’t associate out. that with government jobs. The article also discusses the plight HERSPACE . . . Karie Thomson, of Tecumseh, Okla., which found a Woodside resident and well- itself city manager-less after for- known philanthropist, has been mer head David Johnson left to appointed as the chair of the restore muscle cars. Peninsula Open Space Trust’s Board of Directors, spokes- SIMON SAYS . . . While Frank woman Nina Nowak announced Benest made ink through the recently. Thomson has served New York Times, Gunn High on the board of the 29-year-old School student Jacob Simon non-profit organization since was featured in a Wall Street 1996. She chaired the “Saving Journal article on homework the Endangered Coast” cam- loads Friday. The story observes paign for the trust. Thomson a trend among elite schools also serves on the board of of assigning more worthwhile directors of the Illinois-based — rather than drudge — as- Kinship Foundation and, along signments. Simon, 17, is said with husband David, is a strong to watch sports when he gets supporter of the African Wildlife home from school, rather than Foundation. “Her demonstrated immediately plunging into his devotion to POST’s mission, her schoolwork. “It’s nice to be depth of experience in environ- able to relax a little,” the article mental matters, and her infec- quotes him as saying. It also tious enthusiasm for our natural cites a study that shows stu- local landscape will greatly dents with more homework benefit POST as we deepen our often have lower math scores. land-saving work on the Penin- Simon’s no slacker, though: sula,” the trust’s President Au- According to the Journal re- drey Rust said in a release. porter, Simon’s enrolled in five Advanced Placement classes ENVIRONMENTAL this year. STEWARDS . . . Locals Trish Mulvey and Pat Showalter were NOTHING’S MISSING . . . Par- honored with the 2007 CEO En- tially due to its “What’s Miss- vironmental Stewardship Award, ing” sign campaign, the Palo an honor offered only twice a Alto Library Foundation raised decade, a spokeswoman for the the last $200,000 it needed to Santa Clara Valley Water Dis- furnish the Children’s Library, trict announced. Out of 33 nom- President Kathy Miller has an- inations, three agencies and 12 nounced. Supplying the recon- individuals received the award, structed historical library with which recognizes the protection shelves, checkout machines, of clean drinking water and the furniture and other necessities environment, as well as a com- will cost more than $400,000 mitment to fiscal responsibility. — money not included in the Mulvey is with CLEAN South cost of construction. The library Bay, an organization that works is currently expected to open in with other environmental groups mid-September, Library Director to prevent pollution from marring Diane Jennings said. Design- the South Bay and its tributaries. ers and library staff are already Showalter has worked to restore selecting furnishings, Miller said. and protect San Francisquito The Harriet Street library will Creek. ■
Page 6 • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Palo Alto Weekly Upfront
NeighborhoodsA roundup of neighborhood news edited by Molly Tanenbaum
AROUND WHAT'S HAPPENING HERE? THE BLOCK
EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT WATER . . . A presentation, “Water: Where It Comes From and Where It Goes,” will take place in two weeks with speakers Greg Zlot- nick, the director of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Phil Bobel, Environmental Com- pliance Manager of the Palo Alto Water Quality Control Plan. Attendees are asked to bring questions about the use of recycled water, safety of Palo Alto’s water supply, renova- tion of the Hetch-Hetchy sys- tem and more. The talk will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Acterra Conference Room/Peninsula Conservation Center, 3921 E. Bayshore Road. It costs $5 for non-Acterra members.
STANFORD ON THE MOVE . . . A presentation, also on Tues- day, Jan. 30, will take a look at the future development of Stanford’s campus with univer- Veronica Weber sity architect David P. Lenox. The free, informative session, “A Snapshot in Time: Stanford University Campus Planning,” will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Tresidder Union, Oak Countdown for Cowper Inn East Room. Refreshments will Less than a month is left for the Cowper Inn. Owners John and Peggy Woodworth sold half of the 20-year-old bed-and-breakfast, at 705 be provided. Cowper St., before Christmas and closed it last Friday. “It’s going to be a single-family home once again,” real-estate broker Steve Pierce said, without revealing the buyer. The second half of the inn, next door at 711 Cowper, will close on Feb. 17 and has not yet been sold. THE TRUTH ABOUT PANDEMIC FLU . . . Speak- ers from the Palo Alto Medi- cal Foundation, Red Cross ‘Oversized’ 195 Page Mill project prompts lawsuit and the City of Palo Alto will gather to educate Palo Altans Two residents sue city, council and developer The three-story, 150,000-square- redesigned it and appealed a plan- about the real facts of global over approved mixed-use development foot research-and-development ning-department denial. pandemic influenza: the likeli- building with 84 apartments on Moss argues that the city misused hood of vaccine development by Molly Tanenbaum top was conceived by Hohbach a state housing law to allow Hoh- and what everyone needs to wo Palo Alto watchdogs have day that the city failed to comply and received sharp criticism from bach to disobey zoning rules that know to prepare for pandemic initiated a citizens’ lawsuit with the California Environmental many neighbors for being oversized prohibit residential and mixed-use flu. There will be demos on the T against the City of Palo Alto, Quality Act and the city’s zoning — three times larger than existing developments for the site, which use of masks, preparing hydra- City Council and developer Harold and planning laws when it approved zoning would normally allow. is bordered by the Caltrain tracks, tion solutions, keeping hands Hohbach over a controversial proj- Hohbach’s project. The project received a narrow, 5- Park Boulevard and Page Mill. clean and more. The event ect at 195 Page Mill Road. “A lot of us are just totally fed up to-4 council nod (then-Mayor Judy Senate Bill 1818 grants design will take place at Mitchell Park Bob Moss, Tom Jordan and a with that project and the way that Kleinberg, then-Vice Mayor Yoriko incentives or concessions — in Ho- Community Center at 7 p.m. on newly formed association, Citizens it was approved, and that includes Kishimoto and Councilmembers hbach’s case, that meant allowing Thursday, Feb. 1. for Upholding Zoning Regulations, four-ninths of the City Council and John Barton and Dena Mossar op- housing and more square footage assert in the suit filed last Thurs- the staff,” Moss said. posed) on Nov. 20 after Hohbach (continued on page 9) FUN RUN . . . Registration for the 11th Annual Juana Run has begun. Runners of all levels BARRON PARK — with a little help from their hu- in trouble,” she said. can participate, as there will man caregivers. A little extra feed sometimes be certified 8K for adults; a Rugged animals, Perry and Nin- helps. 200-yard and half-mile run for Cold snap tested mettle er didn’t require much intervention, Horses in the pasture at Pagemill children; and a 100-yard race Harding-Barlow said. Pastures on Deer Creek Road re- for children with special needs. of neighborhood animals “Because they are outdoor don- ceived blankets and extra feed to Visit www.juanarun.org for keys, they acclimatize. They hide help tolerate the bitter cold. They more information or to register. Donkeys hid in shrubs, while horses got blankets in the shrubbery as much as pos- also grew their coats in accordance by Sue Dremann sible — like the rest of us,” she with the weather, the facility man- said, referring to how humans ager said. Send announcements of rigid temperatures may have cord-breaking temperatures by snuggle beneath layers of blan- The worst problem the horses en- neighborhood events, meet- caught Palo Alto residents growing thicker-than-usual coats, kets to keep warm. countered was having frozen water ings and news to Molly Tanen- F off-guard recently, but they according to one of their chief “They are also quite fat,” she in their troughs, which caretakers baum, Neighborhoods editor, at were no surprise to neighborhood caretakers, Inge Harding-Barlow. added. had to frequently check and thaw. [email protected]. donkeys. From thicker fur to personal With Perry and Niner being And ice wreaked more havoc for Or talk about your neighbor- When it was still warm last fall, heaters and ponchos, neighbor- outdoor donkeys, “we can’t really ranch caretakers than for the ani- hood news on Town Square at Bol Park’s donkey duo, Perry and hood animals bundled up or hud- pamper them too much. If we get a mals — pipes broke throughout the www.PaloAltoOnline.com. Niner, seemed to presage the re- dled together in the last two weeks worse cold snap, then we’re really (continued on page 9)
Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 7 Lydian Academy Opens in Upfront Do you need a Fresh Start WEST COAST GLASS for secondMenlo semester? Park Offering 1-1 instruction for high school Comecredit and to other Lydian educational Academy services. News Digest where individualized instruction Former Secretary of Defense criticizes Iraq policy Free collegecan application help you workshop succeed. in Oct. & Nov. President George W. Bush’s decision to send additional troops to Iraq Submit your CSU application with time to 10% off materials is “too little, too late” and is contrary to what American commanders in We spareoffer one-on-one and receive instruction expert coaching for high from school 4020 FABIAN WAY PALO ALTO Iraq say is needed, former Secretary of Defense William J. Perry said 493-1011 in a panel discussion at Stanford Monday. credit, tutoring,our certified and othercollege educational counselor services.. Perry, a Stanford professor, is also a member of the bipartisan Iraq RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL Call 650-321-0550 to schedule your Family Owned since 1929 Study Group, whose recommendations have largely been disregarded Call 650-321-0550 to reserve. by the president. free transcript review and initial consultation. JOE BAXTER Perry said the additional troops won’t matter unless fundamental Contractor License #227972 changes are made by the Iraqi government to heal the rift between 815 El Camino Real, Menlo Park Mon. - Fri., 8:00 - 5:00 Sunni and Shiite Muslim groups, which some are already calling a 650-321-0550 • www.lydianacademy.com INSULATED & BROKEN WINDOWS civil war. REPLACED, MIRRORS Perry was joined on the panel by Larry Diamond, senior fellow at Lydian Academy, LLC HEAVY GLASS TOPS & BEVELS the Hoover Institution, who agreed with Perry’s soft-spoken but glum assessment of the growing violence in Iraq. Diamond served as a consultant to Iraq’s provisional government in 2004 and later wrote a book, “Squandered Victory,” which was critical of the policy decisions made by the U.S. government. Perry and other members of the Iraq Study Group traveled to the coun- try last August and September, interviewing government and military ,5#),% 0!#+!2$ #(),$2%.3 (/30)4!, leaders there, before the group presented its final report in December. Perry said today the two top U.S. generals in Iraq the study group interviewed disagreed with the need for additional American troops. Instead, the U.S. mission in Iraq should be changed, he said, with U.S. troops providing training for the Iraq army. Perry, who served as secretary of defense for three years in the Clin- ton administration, also gave a surprisingly blunt assessment of the war’s effect on the U.S. military. “The Army is dangerously close to being broken,” Perry said. He 9OUR #HILDS (EALTH 5NIVERSITY explained that the combat readiness of most Army brigades has been downgraded since the beginning of the war, because of casualties and ,UCILE 0ACKARD #HILDRENS (OSPITAL OFFERS CLASSES AND SEMINARS DESIGNED other reasons. Related to that, National Guard units have carried part of the burden TO FOSTER GOOD HEALTH AND ENHANCE THE LIVES OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN of fighting in Iraq with Guard members called up for deployment. “The compact with these citizen-soldiers has been shattered,” he -/4(%2 !.$ "!"9 9/'! said. 4HIS POSTPARTUM 9OGA CLASS FOR NEW MOTHERS AND THEIR INFANTS PRESENTS A GENTLE Diamond said the war in Iraq “is one of the biggest foreign policy blunders in U.S. history.” RETURN TO PRE BIRTH FITNESS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON TONING AND STRENGTHENING 4HIS He added that the call for additional troops is “all too painfully remi- CLASS IS APPROPRIATE FOR MOTHERS WITH BABIES FROM WEEKS UP TO CRAWLING niscent of Vietnam.” ■ —Don Kazak 4HURSDAYS &EBRUARY n Federal funding delayed for creek study ).&!.4 #!2% The federal government’s inability to approve most appropriation bills /FTEN TOUTED AS OUR hMOST FUNv CLASS LEARN THE SPECIFICS OF NEWBORN CARE INCLUDING for fiscal year 2007 has threatened financing of a study of San Francis- BATHING TEMPERATURE TAKING CHANGING DIAPERS AND FEEDING AND SOOTHING TECHNIQUES quito Creek, according to Cynthia D’Agosta, executive director of the )NFANT DOLL MODELS ARE USED TO ALLOW FOR HANDS ON PRACTICE creek’s Joint Powers Authority (JPA). In a strange twist, however, the hold-up may in the end enable the 3ATURDAY &EBRUARY effort to acquire more than was originally expected, D’Agosta said Mon- day. “It truly is a daily (changing) thing,” she said. An initial request for $225,000 was added as an earmark to the 2007 #%3!2%!. ")24( #,!33 budget request for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by Rep. Anna 4HIS TWO HOUR CLASS IS TAUGHT BY A LABOR AND DELIVERY NURSE CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR WHO Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) but was eliminated when Congress decided to get HELPS PREPARE FAMILIES FOR CESAREAN DELIVERY )NFORMATION ABOUT VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER rid of all earmarks (requests added by a legislator). With the failure to CESAREAN 6"!# WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO GO OVER QUESTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS approve the appropriation bills, Congress OK’d enough funding to agen- cies so they could continue operations. Then, the Corps and other groups 7EDNESDAY &EBRUARY put in requests to Congress for revised budgets; the Corps requested $350,000 for the San Francisquito study, D’Agosta said. If no money from the federal government materializes, the Corps can ).&!.4 !.$ #(),$ #02 keep working on the study using leftover federal funds and local money, #ONDUCTED BY A CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR THIS INTERACTIVE CLASS IS GEARED FOR PARENTS D’Agosta said. It may delay progress of the research, however. GRANDPARENTS AND OTHER CAREGIVERS OF NEWBORNS TO SCHOOL AGED CHILDREN 4HE The JPA is an alliance between Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, and the San Mateo County Flood COURSE INCLUDES PRESENTATION VIDEO TEXT PRACTICE ON INFANT MODELS AND A Control District. ■ CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION —Becky Trout 3UNDAY &EBRUARY Reward fund established in EPA killing The family of John Farmer has established a reward fund for people to #ALL OR VISIT WWWLPCHORG TO REGISTER OR OBTAIN MORE contribute to in the hopes of being able to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of his killer. INFORMATION ON THE TIMES LOCATIONS AND FEES FOR THESE AND OTHER COURSES Farmer, 56, was shot and killed in the Doctors Sports Bar, which he owned, on University Avenue in East Palo Alto on Dec. 20. The investigation into that shooting continues. Anyone with informa- tion is asked to contact Detective Jeff Liu at 650-853-3131 or to call the ,5#),% 0!#+!2$ department’s anonymous tip line at 650-853-8477. People wishing to donate to the reward fund may send contributions #(),$2%.3 to Washington Mutual Bank FC#1309, c/o Edna E. Farmer (reward ac- count for John E. Farmer), 650 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025, (/30)4!, Account # 3082608165. ■ —Don Kazak
LET'S DISCUSS: Read the latest local news headlines and talk about the #!,, 4/$!9 4/ 3)'. 50 &/2 #,!33%3 issues in Town Square at www.PaloAltoOnline.com
Page 8 • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Palo Alto Weekly Upfront Short-term stays that leave long-term impressions
Norbert von der GroebenNorbert at Sunrise of Palo Alto
At Sunrise we understand that taking a vacation, At Sunrise we offer fully furnished private a business trip or a much needed break from suites, three delicious meals daily including your caregiving routine can be a challenge for snacks, personalized assistance and care, as well anyone caring for a senior loved one. That’s as stimulating activities, housekeeping and why you should consider a short-term stay. scheduled group outings. Horses feed at Pagemill Pastures on Deer Creek Road in Palo Alto on It’s also an option for seniors needing extra January 17, where the cold weather has merited extra feedings. Visit or call a Sunrise of Palo Alto today to assistance after a hospital stay. Our short-term learn more about our short-term stays. Animals 18 suffering from hypothermia; one stay program offers caregivers peace of mind died. Hummingbirds are usually har- when quality, senior care is needed. Call today for a personal tour. (continued from page 7) dy creatures, surviving East Coast ranch, she said. winters, but this winter’s cold snap Geese at the Palo Alto Junior Mu- may have been a case of too much seum and Zoo didn’t know what to without enough warning, she said. make of ice in the zoo’s pond, Zoo Many domestic pets have been Curator Rob Steele said. Used to staying warm — and making fashion RCFE # 435294227 balmy Bay Area winters, the geese statements at the same time. headed for their morning swim, only Pet boutiques saw a rise in sales of Sunrise of Palo Alto 650-326-1108 2701 El Camino Real Assisted Living, Alzheimer’s Care to slide on the pond’s frozen edges. animal couture — selling everything The freezing temperatures had a from sweaters and raincoats to fleece For more information and a FREE online newsletter, visit www.sunriseseniorliving.com curious effect on the zoo’s normal- coats and boots. ly solitary bobcats. In the freezing “Every single customer who comes temperatures, they huddled together, in, their pets are wearing coats,” Steele said. said Mariana Martinez, a cashier at Piles of straw and blankets were Bowlicious Pet Boutique at Stanford available for the 50 zoo animals to Shopping Center. Major Additions and snuggle in, and tropical animals had But jackets and boots are not a heating system. Most native ani- enough to keep animals warm at mals did fine without a heat source, night, Palo Alto Animal Services except for an aged great horned owl, Supervisor Sandra Stadler said. which had its own personal heater. Animal caregivers should be sure to Whole House Remodels Native lizards were perhaps best check the pet’s water bowl daily and adapted, hibernating a good six inch- replace ice with fresh water. "The presentation was very professional. Lots of great information!" es or more underground, he said. And although an outdoor pet in an In most cases, wild animals are insulated doghouse filled with blan- -Workshop Attendee able to adapt to the extreme temper- kets may not freeze to death, Stadler atures unless they are aged, injured recommends bringing pets inside on Thursday, January 25, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm or have an underlying illness, said frigid nights — at least into the ga- 1954 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View, CA 94043 Wildlife Rescue Animal Care Co- rage. Quality of life is what counts, ordinator Liz Noppinger. Cold and and blankets alone won’t keep pets injured animals have a decreased warm, she said. ispel the myths of remodeling and learn the facts and how-to’s of the process chance of rehabilitation, and small “When it’s freezing, they’re still in an interactive workshop designed specifically for homeowners. song birds seem to be the most af- freezing.”■ fected, she added. Staff Writer Sue Dremann can be DWhether you are undecided about remodeling or ready to go, the class will cover all the details, Two local hummingbirds were e-mailed at sdremann@paweekly. decisions, and questions homeowners have—including how to live through a remodel. brought to the rescue center on Jan. com. Topics will include: lawsuit. • Pre-planning • Choosing an architect, designer and /or contractor • The design process • Budgeting Lawsuit He believes Moss and Jordan are • Materials • Floor plans • Code requirements • Scheduling •Building permits • Inspections and more! (continued from page 7) misinterpreting the state law. — in return for providing a certain “They’re saying that I can’t get any Harrell Remodeling, one of the San Francisco Peninsula's premier percentage of below-market-rate concessions for using SB1818, and I remodeling contractors, will lead this workshop and take you step housing units. Hohbach agreed to disagree with that,” he said. build 20 percent, or about 16, of the The suit, backed by Palo Alto law by step through the design and construction process so you can go 84 apartments as below-market-rate. firm, Miller, Starr & Regalia, also into your major remodel confidently and intelligently. Your home is “You are not expected to violate claims that the city granted insuf- an important part of your life—make it reflect who you are by existing zoning and land-use regu- ficient time last November for the lations,” Moss said. “He asked for public to review documents related giving it your very best! concessions against what the law to the project. ® allows.” Moss said he put up the money for Harrell Remodeling. We never forget it’s your home. City Attorney Gary Baum said he initial legal fees and that many peo- For more information or to pre-register for the workshop, has only done an initial review of ple have been sending him checks to Harrell Remodeling the suit, but added, “Our feeling is support the suit. call (650) 230-2900.No credit cards accepted. Design + Build it’s without merit. There are no legal “Anybody who wants to contribute, Class fee is $20.00 for pre-registration, www.harrell-remodeling.com grounds to overturn this project.” we’ll accept it,” Moss said. “We have or $25.00 at the door. Refreshments will be provided. License: B479799 Hohbach, whose Court House Pla- to put a stake in the ground, if not in za Company has developed several the developer’s heart.” ■ other projects in the California Ave- Staff Writer Molly Tanenbaum nue area, said he was “disappointed” can be e-mailed at mtanenbaum@ but “not terribly surprised” about the paweekly.com. Take a break. Start a conversation in TownSquare. Correction Palo Alto’s Online Gathering Place An obituary for Lincoln E. Moses on Jan. 10 omitted some of his surviving relatives. He is survived by his second wife, Mary Lou (Coale) Moses; his Discuss community issues. sister, Marilyn Garren of Pasadena; five children from his first marriage; Announce an event. Report a sports score and more. four stepchildren from his second marriage; 15 grandchildren; and great- Ask for advice. grandchild. To request a clarification or correction, contact Jocelyn Dong, Rate a movie. managing editor, at [email protected], 650-326-8210 or P.O. Box Review a restaurant. PaloAltoOnline.com 1610, Palo Alto 94302. Be a citizen journalist. More than 300,000 visitors monthly
Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 9 CITY OF PALO ALTO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the City Council of the City of Pulse Palo Alto will hold a Public Hearing at the regularly scheduled A weekly compendium of vital statistics meeting on Monday, February 5, 2007 at 7:00 p.m., or as near thereafter as possible, in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 250 POLICE CALLS Weapon disposal request...... 1 County road block ...... 1 Disturbance ...... 2 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California to Consider a Request Palo Alto Menlo Park by Prometheus Real Estate Group on behalf of Park Village Jan. 15-21 Fire call ...... 6 Jan. 12-21 Violence related Found property...... 5 Peninsula, LLC for a Tentative Map for a proposed residential Violence related Spousal abuse ...... 1 Hazard ...... 1 infi ll development at 1072 Tanland Avenue [06-PLN-00101]. Arson ...... 1 Theft related Info. case ...... 1 This map is required in order to merge eight parcels (approx. 5.7 Battery ...... 4 Fraud ...... 1 Juvenile problem ...... 7 acres) into one (not for condominium purposes). Environmental Child abuse...... 2 Grand theft ...... 1 Assessment: Mitigated Negative Declaration per the California Elder abuse...... 1 Medical aid ...... 8 Petty theft ...... 5 Environmental Quality Act. Zone District: RM-30/ Medium Family violence ...... 1 Meet citizen ...... 4 Residential burglaries ...... 5 Density Multiple-Family Residence District. Robbery ...... 1 Medical aid ...... 8 Vehicle related Strong-arm robbery ...... 2 Meet citizen ...... 4 Auto recovery ...... 4 Theft related Other/misc...... 1 DONNA J. ROGERS Auto theft ...... 2 Attempted burglary...... 2 Outside agency assist ...... 8 City Clerk Driving w/suspended license ...... 3 Commercial burglary ...... 6 Suspicious circumstances ...... 8 Hit and run ...... 3 Fraud ...... 2 Suspicious person ...... 2 Theft from auto ...... 1 Grand theft ...... 3 Town ordinance violation ...... 6 Tow request ...... 3 Petty theft ...... 5 Vehicle accident/property damage. . . . .7 Vandalism ...... 3 JOIN Residential burglary ...... 2 Alcohol or drug related Warrant arrest...... 1 LOSE 15-20 Lbs. Shoplifting...... 4 NOW & SAVE Drug activity ...... 2 Wires down...... 1 Vehicle related Drunken driving...... 4 Abandoned auto...... 6 VIOLENT CRIMES in 8 Weeks! $75 Possession of drugs ...... 3 Abandoned bicycle...... 1 Miscellaneous Palo Alto (8 week minimum) Attempted auto theft...... 1 expires 2/15/07 Concealed weapon in vehicle...... 1 Unlisted location, 1/12, 5:41 p.m.; family Attempted theft from auto ...... 1 Make Your Disturbance ...... 3 violence. Auto recovery ...... 2 Chip lost Found property...... 2 Unlisted location, 1/15, 5:12 p.m.; elder Resolution a Reality 105 lbs. & Auto theft ...... 5 Juvenile problem ...... 1 abuse. Leslie lost Driving w/suspended license ...... 4 20 lbs. at Mental evaluation ...... 1 2800 block Middlefield Road, 1/15, 10:35 Lite For Life Hit and run ...... 5 FREE Consultation Missing person ...... 1 p.m.; robbery. Misc. traffic ...... 8 Other/misc...... 1 Unlisted location, 1/16, 9:38 a.m.; child * Improve Your Health Theft from auto ...... 3 Outside assistance ...... 1 abuse. Vehicle accident/minor injury ...... 10 Suspicious circumstances ...... 1 Unlisted location, 1/16, 10:31 a.m.; child * Increase Your Energy Vehicle accident/property damage. . . . 14 abuse. Vehicle impound ...... 1 Threats ...... 1 * Beat Sugar Addiction Vehicle tow ...... 5 Vandalism ...... 2 Unlisted block Emerson Street, 1/16, 6:25 Alcohol or drug related Warrant arrest...... 1 p.m.; strong-arm robbery. * Look & Feel Better Drunk in public ...... 2 Atherton Unlisted location, 1/16, 6:52 p.m.; strong- Drunken driving...... 9 Jan. 12-21 arm robbery. Misc. liquor law violation...... 3 Violence related 200 block University Avenue, 1/18, 12:20 Possession of drugs ...... 4 Arson ...... 1 p.m.; battery. Under influence of drugs ...... 1 Child abuse...... 1 Unlisted location, 1/21, 1:07 a.m.; battery. Miscellaneous Vehicle related 500 block Ramona Street, 1/21, 1:40 a.m.; Coroner’s case ...... 2 Abandoned auto...... 3 battery. Forgery ...... 1 Hit and run ...... 1 200 block University Avenue, 1/21, 7:47 Personal Weight Loss Consulting & Lite Food Market Found property...... 2 Parking problem ...... 4 a.m.; arson. Serving the Peninsula for 27 Years Lost property ...... 3 Suspicious vehicle ...... 17 4100 block Wilkie Way, 1/21, 7:47 p.m.; Misc. penal code violation ...... 1 Traffic hazard ...... 3 battery. Missing person ...... 1 Vehicle accident/property damage. . . . .6 Menlo Park Noise complaint ...... 6 Vehicle code violation ...... 1 1100 block Bieber Avenue, 1/21, 9:20 Los Altos Palo Alto Outside investigation ...... 2 Vehicle tow ...... 1 p.m.; spousal abuse. 388 Second St. 437 Kipling St. Prowler ...... 1 Alcohol or drug related (650) 941-5433 (650) 323-5483 Psychiatric hold ...... 3 Possession of drugs ...... 1 Atherton Suspicious circumstances ...... 2 Miscellaneous 300 block El Camino Real, 1/16, 5:29 www.LiteForLife.com Vandalism ...... 8 911 hang-up ...... 1 p.m.; child abuse. Warrant/other agency...... 10 Animal call ...... 9 100 block Selby Lane, 1/17, 2:11 p.m.; Warrant/Palo Alto ...... 4 Citizen assist...... 3 arson. Think
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!BCH?M? ,?Q 7?;L !?F? #HINESE %NGLISH &RENCH %NGLISH #LASSES "EGIN *ANUARY )NFORMATION .IGHT )NFORMATION .IGHT *ANUARY AT 0- *ANUARY AT 0- %NROLL 4ODAY s #ALL Page 10 • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Palo Alto Weekly apr.com There is a spirit that distinguishes us. Together we seek bold innovations in the way we manage technology, organize our company and advance the standards of our industry. Sherry PALO ALTO – The Jewel of Palo Alto. Alan LOS ALTOS HILLS – Rare opportunity to This custom re-built 7 bedroom home build new and/or subdivide on 8+/-acres Bucolo is architecturally stunning throughout. Dunckel in prime location. Currently 5bd/3.5ba 650.543.1060 Situated on over ¾+/-acres near Downtown 650.543.1074 home with amazing Bay views. Topo map [email protected] Palo Alto. A rare offering. [email protected] available. Buyer to verify subdivision Price Upon Request possibilities. $10,500,000 COMING SOON Grace LOS ALTOS HILLS - Stunning 2 year old Alan WOODSIDE – Prime Woodside location. home privately situated on 2.68+/-acres 5bd/4+ba plus pool and pool house Wu with spectacular views of the Bay, hills and Dunckel on 4.5+/-acres. Features 5 fireplaces, 650.543.1086 City lights. 5bd/5ba, 3-car garage, excellent 650.543.1074 hardwood floors, beam ceilings and an [email protected] finishes. Palo Alto schools. $5,995,000 [email protected] amazing setting. Remodeled master and guest baths. Price Upon Request Jenny Teng COMING SOON 650.543.1023 [email protected] LOS ALTOS HILLS – Best value in Los Altos Kirsten PALO ALTO – This exceptional 4bd/4ba Hills. Set on 1.96+/- flat acres. Custom- home has warmth and character. Spacious built home features superior craftsmanship McLeod rooms, high ceilings and separate cottage. and luxurious amenities. Main home with Towering Redwoods and mature plants Judy Jarvis Ellis 650.543.1056 6 suites and guest house with 2 suites. [email protected] surround the home. Price Upon Request 650.543.1027 [email protected] $5,495,000 apr.com | PALO ALTO OFFICE 578 University Avenue 650.323.1111 APR COUNTIES | Santa Clara | San Mateo | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Monterey | Santa Cruz Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 11 apr.com There is a spirit that distinguishes us. Together we seek bold innovations in the way we manage technology, organize our company and advance the standards of our industry. Connie PORTOLA VALLEY – Spacious, light, and Sherry MENLO PARK – Allied Arts. Dramatic, state 5bd/4.5ba remodeled 6200+/-sf home, on of the art home completed in 2001 offers Linton usable 2.5+/-acre lot. Bucolo 4bd/4ba with 3,000+/-sf of living space 650.543.1037 $4,995,000 650.543.1060 ideal for entertaining or casual living. [email protected] [email protected] Large private 8100+/-sf lot. $3,250,000 Sunny Dykwel 650.400.6960 [email protected] Ling LOS ALTOS HILLS – Fabulous 5bd/2.5ba ATHERTON – Remodeled ranch on bright home in great location. Close to beautiful, verdant one-plus acre lot in Lau the Village. Excellent views. Gourmet Lindenwood. Exclusive listing. Call for kitchen, granite counters, cathedral ceiling, details. Price Upon Request 650.543.1055 Dan Dykwel hardwood floors and double decks. [email protected] 650.543.1022 $2,700,000 [email protected] JUST SOLD COMING SOON Sherry PALO ALTO – Professorville. Charming Sherry PALO ALTO – Prime Old Palo Alto. Mediterranean style home with 3 Stunning 3bd/2.5ba Stedman home on a Bucolo bedrooms plus an office. Large Bucolo beautifully landscaped 8712+/-sf lot with 650.543.1060 picturesque 9100+/-sf lot offers separate 650.543.1060 separate detached cottage with full bath [email protected] cottage with full bath and kitchenette. [email protected] and kitchenette. $2,325,000 Price Upon Request apr.com | PALO ALTO OFFICE 578 University Avenue 650.323.1111 APR COUNTIES | Santa Clara | San Mateo | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Monterey | Santa Cruz Page 12 • Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 apr.com There is a spirit that distinguishes us. Together we seek bold innovations in the way we manage technology, organize our company and advance the standards of our industry. BUYER Scott Symon REPRESENTED Jenny Teng 650.543.1125 650.543.1023 [email protected] [email protected] MENLO PARK – Completely remodeled LOS ALTOS HILLS – Buildable flat 2+/-acre 4bd/2.5ba home on nearly one third of lot. Located conveniently close to downtown an acre is located in a prime area of West Los Altos and Highway 280. Buyer to Shary Symon Menlo. Price Upon Request confirm lot split possibilities and building 650.543.1079 Judy Jarvis Ellis limits. $1,950,000 [email protected] 650.543.1027 [email protected] JUST SOLD Delia LOS ALTOS HILLS – Overlooking the Sherry PALO ALTO – Charming 1930s home Western Hills and Fremont Hills Country situated on a picturesque 8276+/-acre lot Fei Club. 3bd/3.5ba plus guest room on Bucolo on a lovely cul-de-sac. The spacious two- 650.543.1025 1.69+/-acres. 3-stall stable with large 650.543.1060 level floor plan offers 4bd/3ba and elegant [email protected] fenced pasture. Wonderful home for [email protected] formal living areas. $2,195,000 entertaining. Palo Alto schools. $2,288,000 OPEN SUNDAY COMING SOON COMING SOON Sharon and George Grace PALO ALTO – Beautifully designed new LOS ALTOS – Country Club charmer. sunlit home. Luxurious amenities and Gerbing Carmel styled 5bd/3ba home on great Wu custom details. Exceptionally high ceilings 650.543.1083 20000+/-sf lot. Beam ceilings in living 650.543.1086 (10ft+) one story: 4bd/3ba, top-of-line 650.543.1021 room and dining room. Updated kitchen [email protected] appliances, etc. $2,100,000 [email protected] and more. Price Upon Request [email protected] apr.com | PALO ALTO OFFICE 578 University Avenue 650.323.1111 APR COUNTIES | Santa Clara | San Mateo | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Monterey | Santa Cruz Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 13 apr.com There is a spirit that distinguishes us. Together we seek bold innovations in the way we manage technology, organize our company and advance the standards of our industry. Grace PALO ALTO – 8 years custom built 4bd/3ba. Cathy LOS ALTOS HILLS – Secluded Estate site Kitchen island and walk-in pantry. A/C. amidst majestic Oaks on 1.1+/-acres. Wu Built-in entertainment center with surround Chao Permit ready for Mediterranean Villa. Very 650.543.1086 sound system through the house. Beautiful 650.543.1089 private, yet close to shops, transportation. [email protected] landscaping. $1,998,000 [email protected] $1,998,000 OPEN SUNDAY OPEN SATURDAY Pamela PALO ALTO – Charming 4bd/3ba craftsman Arti STANFORD – In the heart of Stanford style home. Finest quality appointments. campus close to Tressider Union –Original Culp Hardwood floors in the central areas. Miglani Spanish Colonial design by Birge Clark. 650.543.1051 Separate dining room and family room off 650.543.1015 Expanded, updated 4bd + study, 3ba. [email protected] the kitchen allow both casual living and [email protected] 2-story. For Faculty/Staff only. $1,795,000 formal entertaining. $1,795,000 SOLD COMING SOON Derk PALO ALTO – New construction in Pamela PALO ALTO – New 3bd/2.5ba Craftsman Downtown Palo Alto. 3bd/2.5ba, style home. Open floor plan with a Brill 1650+/-sf condominium. Modern in Culp separate DR, gas fireplace in the LR, 650.543.1117 design and environmentally “Green” in 650.543.1051 beautifully appointed kitchen with a cozy [email protected] construction. $1,650,000 [email protected] eating area that opens onto a light and airy family room. $1,595,000 apr.com | PALO ALTO OFFICE 578 University Avenue 650.323.1111 APR COUNTIES | Santa Clara | San Mateo | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Monterey | Santa Cruz Page 14 • Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 apr.com There is a spirit that distinguishes us. Together we seek bold innovations in the way we manage technology, organize our company and advance the standards of our industry. SOLD Colleen MENLO PARK – Exceptional, 4bd/4ba Estela MENLO PARK – Combining Craftsman custom built Craftsman home located style with modern flair and design. This Foraker downtown with exquisite quality finishes Estrada beautiful 4bd/2.5ba has a great location 650.543.1043 and architectural details throughout. Freeman close to Downtown Palo Alto and Menlo [email protected] $1,495,000 650.543.1061 Park. Only 7 years old, excellent Menlo [email protected] Park schools. $1,450,000 SOLD David PALO ALTO – Beautiful, updated 1922 Nick PALO ALTO – Remodeled and expanded Craftsman Bungalow. Remodeled eat-in Eichler, 3bd/2.5ba plus a separate office/ Olerich kitchen, master bath and multi-use utilities Granoski studio. Elegant design throughout and 650.543.1059 room addition. Close to schools, shops 650.543.1024 kitchen featured in “CA Modern” magazine. [email protected] and parks. Sold in 5 days. $1,425,000 [email protected] $1,398,000 SOLD Sandy Harris PALO ALTO – Large Eichler with Inge PALO ALTO – This 1928 Southgate original approximately 2400+/-sf of living space in has many opportunities to offer. The Nancy Mott top Midtown location. 4bd/2ba in lovely Angiletta 2bd/1ba home has hardwood floors, 650.543.1071 garden setting. Large separate den/office. 650.543.1064 spacious rooms, large family room and 650.543.1049 Lot is 8200+/-sf. $1,395,000 [email protected] breakfast nook. 1bd/1ba cottage. [email protected] Price Upon Request [email protected] apr.com | PALO ALTO OFFICE 578 University Avenue 650.323.1111 APR COUNTIES | Santa Clara | San Mateo | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Monterey | Santa Cruz Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 15 apr.com There is a spirit that distinguishes us. Together we seek bold innovations in the way we manage technology, organize our company and advance the standards of our industry. SOLD SOLDASKING OVER Pam Page 650.543.1028 [email protected] Pamela MENLO PARK – Front unit of a 2 unit MENLO PARK – Large, sunlit 3bd/2ba new development. This inviting home 1-level unit overlooking golf course and Culp has 3bd/2.5ba. There are many quality trees beyond. Remodeled eat-in kitchen, 650.543.1051 appointments; Cherry floors, granite Eric Hewitt formal dining area, very large living room [email protected] counters and crown molding, garden. 650.543.1128 with fireplace and wet bar. $1,259,000 $1,295,000 [email protected] SOLD COMING SOON Grace PALO ALTO – Beautifully remodeled Pamela MENLO PARK – Charming 3bd/2.5ba 3bd/2ba home located on a quiet street. townhouse style condominium. Rear unit Wu Large lot, premier finishes. Dual pane Culp of one of two units. Gorgeous finishes. 650.543.1086 windows, central A/C, hardwood floors. 650.543.1051 Hardwood floors in living area and a [email protected] Close to school. $1,249,000 [email protected] private rear garden. Conveniently located. $1,220,000 SOLD OPEN SAT/SUN Connie PALO ALTO – Charming remodeled Denise PALO ALTO – Updated 4bd/2.5ba home Professorville Bungalow. 2bd/2ba, office on a large lot. Features include, dual Linton and bonus room. Simons pane windows, hardwood floors, air 650.543.1037 $1,380,000 650.543.1104 conditioning and 2-car garage. Gunn High [email protected] [email protected] district. $1,198,000 apr.com | PALO ALTO OFFICE 578 University Avenue 650.323.1111 APR COUNTIES | Santa Clara | San Mateo | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Monterey | Santa Cruz Page 16 • Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 apr.com There is a spirit that distinguishes us. Together we seek bold innovations in the way we manage technology, organize our company and advance the standards of our industry. OPEN SAT/SUN Jeff Stricker OPEN SUNDAY 650.209.1552 [email protected] Grace PALO ALTO – Totally remodeled 3bd/2ba PALO ALTO – Enjoy Downtown Palo Alto home in Greenmeadow. Separate family from this “1 year new” 2bd/2ba condo. The Wu room, newer kitchen and baths. Hardwood richly adorned kitchen has Cherry cabinets, 650.543.1086 floors. New carpet and painting. Beautiful Steve Tenbroeck granite counters, and stainless appliances. [email protected] large backyard. $1,198,000 650.543.1050 $1,098,000 [email protected] COMING SOON COMING SOON Ernesto PALO ALTO – Wonderfully expanded and Arti PALO ALTO – Charming Eichler with a cozy remodeled 3bd/2ba home in prime South courtyard. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car Nassau Palo Alto. Large separate FR with wood- Miglani garage. Updated with a remodeled kitchen 650.543.1040 burning fireplace. Hardwood floors just 650.543.1015 overlooking the back yard. [email protected] refinished. $1,195,000 [email protected] Price Upon Request COMING SOON Scott Symon COMING SOON 650.543.1125 [email protected] Emely LOS ALTOS – Perfect North location. BURLINGAME – Completely remodeled Charming 3bd home and rental cottage on 3bd/2ba home with oversized 2-car garage. Weissman wide 16,100+/-sf lot. It will be a temptation Large rear yard with lawn and deck. 650.543.1057 to expand or build a stately home in this Shary Symon Conveniently located near Broadway stores [email protected] great spot. $1,650,000 650.543.1079 and shops. Price Upon Request [email protected] apr.com | PALO ALTO OFFICE 578 University Avenue 650.323.1111 APR COUNTIES | Santa Clara | San Mateo | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Monterey | Santa Cruz Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 17 apr.com There is a spirit that distinguishes us. Together we seek bold innovations in the way we manage technology, organize our company and advance the standards of our industry. OPEN SAT/SUN COMING SOON Ali MOUNTAIN VIEW –Beautifully remodeled, Carol SAN CARLOS – Panoramic SF Bay and most desirable floor plan, 4bd/2.5ba. canyon views. Exquisitely remodeled. Rad Brand-new kitchen with top of the line Li Stunning one-of-a-kind unit. Gourmet 650.543.1105 appliances and solid granite countertops. 650.281.8368 kitchen with granite and top line appliances. Hardwood floors. Courtyard [email protected] Formal entry with hardwood floors. [email protected] $1,099,000 entrance. Price Upon Request COMING SOON COMING SOON Lizbeth REDWOOD CITY – Mt. Carmel charmer. Lydia Kou CUPERTINO – Charming 4 bedroom, 2 This sunlit 3bd/2ba home boasts a family bath rancher close to DeAnza College and Rhodes room. The spacious, secluded back yard is John St. Clair conveniences. Eat-in kitchen, spacious a park-like setting. 2-car garage. Coming 650.543.1011 master suite with walk-in closet. Attached 650.543.1066 [email protected] [email protected] soon. Price Upon Request [email protected] 2-car garage. Price Upon Request SOLD COMING SOON Gayle PALO ALTO – 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom Karen MOUNTAIN VIEW – Exquisite home near bungalow on a picturesque and friendly downtown Mountain View, parks and train. Olson cul-de-sac in North Palo Alto. Wonderful Young This stunning home with new paint, carpet 650.543.1031 location close to downtown and great 650.543.1081 has a large LR, FR, DR. 2-car garage. [email protected] schools. Price Upon Request [email protected] Large yard. Price Upon Request apr.com | PALO ALTO OFFICE 578 University Avenue 650.323.1111 APR COUNTIES | Santa Clara | San Mateo | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Monterey | Santa Cruz Page 18 • Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 apr.com There is a spirit that distinguishes us. Together we seek bold innovations in the way we manage technology, organize our company and advance the standards of our industry. SOLD COMING SOON Teresa SUNNYVALE – Lovely spacious updated Terry SAN MATEO – Nazareth Plaza – Fabulous 4bd/2ba home with large kitchen/family new Penthouse – urban living near park. Budzich room. Formal entry, formal dining room, Rice 2bd/2.5ba with a fireplace, fitness center. 650.543.1044 hardwood floors, fireplace, attached 650.543.1062 All possible amenities. $879,000 [email protected] 2-car garage and large garden with private [email protected] courtyard. $899,000 OPEN SUNDAY OPEN SUNDAY Pamela SAN MATEO – Single level 2bd/2ba located Pamela SAN MATEO – 7 years new 2bd/2.5ba in the new Nazareth Plaza complex. Lovely townhome. Hardwood floors in all of the Culp unit with large kitchen, granite countertop, Culp living areas, plush carpet on the bedroom 650.543.1051 plantation shutters, other upgrades. 650.543.1051 level, crown molding, designer paint [email protected] $869,000 [email protected] and more. Located near shopping and transportation. $789,000 SOLD COMING SOON Melinda MOUNTAIN VIEW – This stunning Connie PALO ALTO – Sunny loft-style penthouse in contemporary home located on a private, downtown location. 2 bedroom, 1 Wedemeyer pleasant residential street within minutes Linton bath floor plan. Granite finishes, fireplace, 650.543.1109 of downtown shops, dining and major 650.543.1037 2 balconies, skylights, and secure parking. [email protected] commute routes sold in 7 days. $750,000 [email protected] $695,000 apr.com | PALO ALTO OFFICE 578 University Avenue 650.323.1111 APR COUNTIES | Santa Clara | San Mateo | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Monterey | Santa Cruz Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 19 apr.com There is a spirit that distinguishes us. Together we seek bold innovations in the way we manage technology, organize our company and advance the standards of our industry. SOLD SOLD Pamela MENLO PARK – 2bd/2ba condominium Pamela REDWOOD CITY – Enchanting Tree is located close to town, shopping and House. Delightful loft style condominium Culp transportation. Hardwood floors in Culp with 3bd/2ba. Located at the rear of 650.543.1051 the living area, Berber carpeting in the 650.543.1051 the complex, this delightful retreat has [email protected] bedrooms, crown molding, gas fireplace, [email protected] soothing views of trees and the water. updated kitchen and baths. $649,000 $639,000 684 S Garland Terrace Lydia Kou & MENLO PARK – Large 8352+/-sf lot. Kelly SUNNYVALE – Fabulous townhome. 3bd/2.5ba with private pool and clubhouse. John St.Clair 3 bedrooms and 1 bath home with a large Lawson 650.543.1011 bonus room. Great opportunity to fix up, Extra bonus family room downstairs. [email protected] add on or build new. Price Upon Request 650.543.1070 Some of the special upgrades include [email protected] [email protected] bamboo hardwood floors. $599,000 OPEN SUNDAY OPEN SAT/SUN Ron REDWOOD CITY – Charming Craftsman Wendy MOUNTAIN VIEW – Spacious 1bd/1ba style home on Westside. 2bd/1ba home condo near Castro Street. Enjoy Marin complete with new landscaping, nice sized Kandasamy downtown living and easy access to 101 650.543.1035 backyard and white picket fence 650.543.1072 and 85 Freeways. New paint and carpet [email protected] . Price Upon Request [email protected] await new owners to enjoy. Price Upon Request apr.com | PALO ALTO OFFICE 578 University Avenue 650.323.1111 APR COUNTIES | Santa Clara | San Mateo | San Francisco | Alameda | Contra Costa | Monterey | Santa Cruz Page 20 • Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 TransitionsBirths, marriages and deaths Deaths Longtime peace activist dies in Nairobi Harold Benson Larissa Keet, its subgroups, Valley of the Hearts touched by the life of this beauti- Community, based in Palo Alto, Harold Benson, 88, a longtime a longtime Palo Delight. ful, vibrant woman — and her 65 Traubman recalled. The organiza- resident of Menlo Park, died Dec. Alto-area peace According to friends, Aubrey years on this Earth were simply too tion has had several names or fac- 29, 2006. and environ- has traveled to Kenya to work on short,” Mytels said. ets, including Women to Women He was born mental activ- the difficult process of getting his A living-room memorial service Build the Earth for the Children’s in Crockett, Ca- ist, died after wife’s remains returned home. was held last Wednesday, attended sake, Creative Initiative, Project lif., and raised she was hit by Debbie Mytels of Palo Alto, a by about 70 friends who spilled out Survival and Beyond War. The in North Sacra- a truck while close personal friend, said Keet into the yard of a residence in Men- Traubmans were founding mem- mento, where he crossing a street died in a hospital in Kenya several lo Park. In their Los Altos Hills’ bers of the organization. attended Grant in Nairobi, Ke- hours after being hit by a truck. home “she welcomed many guests “She was in many circles, we Union High nya, on Jan. 13. She was in Kenya Mytels noted that Keet became a and served everyone organic food,” learned in the living room gather- School. While to attend a meeting of the World specialist in conflict resolution and Mytels recalled. ing — circles of relationships that enrolled at the Social Forum. participated in several international Another service will be planned brought people together. University of Keet, 65, had lived in Los Altos trips with the Compassionate Lis- after Keet is returned from Africa, “She traveled the world to be where California, Berkeley, he played the Hills with her husband, Aubrey. tening Project, bringing together possibly at the Hidden Villa in Los there were gatherings of people, es- French horn for the UC symphony. They had been married 42 years. people in world trouble spots such Altos Hills, with which she also pecially of women — to be where He graduated with a degree in busi- Keet was a speech and language as Israel/Palestine — where she was active. progress was being made, ... where ness education in 1940. teacher in the Palo Alto Unified helped with the “Living Room Di- The larger service is in part she needed to be to help things move He moved to San Francisco and School District for many years. She alogues” between Arabs and Jews prompted by the many people Keet forward,” he said, noting she had a began working in the department- later became a licensed therapist — and Armenia/Azerbijian, touched in her life and practice, strong spiritual side that comple- store business. In the city he con- and a graduate of the Institute of Keet was also active with the other close friends, Libby and Len mented her Jewish roots. tinued playing his French horn with Transpersonal Psychology, which Raging Grannies of the San Fran- Traubman of Menlo Park, said. “She was a woman of a new the San Francisco Junior Symphony. she attended to obtain a graduate cisco Peninsula and Los Altos Those able to attend the service world, a world between where an He met his wife-to-be, Barbara, at degree following her years as a Voices for Peace. last week were “only a fraction of old (way of) life is dying and a new the San Francisco Opera house and speech/language teacher. She attended many international her circle of communication” and world that’s not yet been born,” the two were married June 14, 1942. She was also active in many conferences, including the first those affected by her, Len Traub- Traubman said. “She saw herself They had two daughters, Janet and local groups, including Acterra, Beijing Conference on Women in man said. as a midwife to the world.” Joann. The family bought a home Hidden Villa, the Foundation for the 1980s. She and the Traubmans met as She is survived by a sister, neice in Menlo Park in 1953 and Benson a Global Community and one of “Hundreds of people locally were part of the Foundation for Global and nephew, residents of Denver. opened his own business as a fire and casualty insurance agent. He Linda Beene, he had three children, Her husband, Moe Levitsky, died She is survived by two sons, Wash.; and a daughter, Susanne retired in 1986. Rhonda May Franck of Mountain in 1969, and a son, Richard Lev- Robert Levitsky of Palo Alto and Levitsky of Davis. Services have He frequently put his interest in View, Herman Franck of Sacramen- itsky, died in 2001. David Levitsky of Wenatchee, been held. woodworking to use, repairing fur- to and Adron Beene of San Jose. niture and building bookcases for He and his second wife, Carolyn ROBERT G. ROGERS St. Bede’s Church in Menlo Park, as Carter Franck, had Jennifer Eliza- well as creating a cross and a food beth Franck, now of San Juan Cap- box for the Holy Trinity Church. He istrano. Who lived in Los Altos, CA, for radio, drawing and painting, gold smithing and making was a handyman around the house In his later years, he was involved the past 44 years, passed away on and flying RC airplanes. Bob raised his family in whose love for design and archi- with legal battles over manufactur- January 1, 2007. Bob was born Ithaca, NY, and Los Altos, CA, and is survived by Mary, er’s rights to terminate distributors tecture led to the creation of many on July 16th, 1920 and grew up in his wife of 51 years. Their children are Bob Jr. (wife decorative household objects. who offer price discounts. The issue A love for the arts often took him consumed several decades of his life Mexico and Texas. He learned to Jan), Beverly (husband Bob, deceased), Beth (husband to the ballet, opera and art muse- as he self-litigated more than 200 fly an airplane before he could drive Jerome), and Molly (husband Peter). Bob and Mary have ums. He also spent time traveling anti-trust lawsuits. a car, and learned to drive in a Ford four grandchildren – Anna, Liz, Annika, and Tyrone. A with his wife throughout Europe, He is survived by his domestic Model A. He earned a Master’s memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, partner, Diane Rowe; four children, Central America and Hong Kong. from Cal Tech and a PhD from the 1040 Border Road in Los Altos on Saturday, January 27th Services have been held. Memo- Rhoda, Herman, Adron and Jenni- rial contributions may be made to fer; and six grandchildren. University of Texas in Austin in Electrical Engineering, at 11am, followed by a reception at the church. Bob’s Holy Trinity Episcopal Church and Memorial donations may be made did pioneering work in microwave communications family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, both to a local, state or federal anti-trust and holds over a dozen patents. His book “Low Phase be made to the Santa Clara Girl Scout Council or the in Menlo Park. division. Noise Microwave Oscillator Design” was published in Alzheimer’s Association. 1991. Throughout his life his hobbies included ham Herman Franck Nan Levitsky Herman Franck, 69, a longtime Nan Levitsky, 86, who for many PAID OBITUARY salesman and Palo Alto resident years taught enameling techniques who spent decades fighting “anti- in the Palo Alto Adult School and trust” court battles, died Dec. 24, surrounding districts, died Dec. 24, 2006, after a prolonged struggle 2006. PRISCILLA "PAT " MAT H I S with cancer. She was a Palo Alto resident for JANUARY 18, 1922 - JANUARY 11, 2007 He was born Jan. 20, 1936, at St. 50 years. She died of complications Francis hospital in San Francisco. from breast cancer, which had first Priscilla "Pat" Mathis (nee until just before her death. She performed over the years His desire to be an entrepreneur occurred 30 years ago but went into Finley) passed away peacefully with the Palo Alto Community Theatre, the West Bay Opera developed at a young age. His first remission. at her daughter's home in Company, The Scola Cantorum, the Sympathetics, The Santa endeavor began when he started a Born Nov. 7, 1925, in Whittier, Mountain View on January 11, Clara Melodrama Theatre, The Santa Clara Senior Band and small photography business while she attended school in Southern 2007. A native of San Francisco, the Sweet Adelines. She was the loving wife of the late Julius attending an American high school California and graduated from the she was born on January 18, Benning Mathis; the loving mother of Sharon Mathis and in Tokyo. University of California at Los An- When he returned to finish high geles in 1948 with a degree in in- 1922. Priscilla graduated the late Commander Barry Mathis; the loving grandmother school at Palo Alto High School, dustrial design. She then became an from Lowell High School and of Julie McIntyre, Suzanne Gerpheide, Dan Gerpheide, Jay he purchased a truck and began enameling teacher. She also worked received her AA degree from Mathis and Shelby Snyder; the loving great-grandmother harvesting pine trees in the Tahoe- at the Palo Alto Veterans hospital Mission College. She was a of Abbey Gerpheide; the loving sister of James E. Finley, area mountains and selling them as and with Syntex/Roche pharmaceu- Past Honored Queen of Bethel Jr. and the loving mother-in-law of Sharon Mathis-Ward. A Christmas trees in Palo Alto. He ticals. #37, San Franciscol She was an memorial service will be held on January 27, 2007, Spangler eventually started in the automo- She was a longtime artist and in Administrative Assistant in the Palo Alto school district Mortuary, 799 Castro, Mt. View at 11:00 am. Contributions tive-parts-distribution business, recent years she developed a hobby for over 30 years. Her love and her passion was music. in her memory may be made to Pathways Hospice, 585 N. which he operated for the next 50 of beading necklaces. She was also She began singing as a young girl and continued Mary, Sunnyvale, CA 94085 years. an avid environmentalist and loved PAID OBITUARY With his first wife, Adrienne cats. Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 21 Weekend Preview $18 Admission $15 Seniors $ 5 Students Presents David Ramadanoff, Conductor J. C. Bach's Sinfonia in G Major Stravinsky's "Danses Concertantes" Haydn's Symphony No. 100, "Military" SATURDAY, Jan 27 – 7:30 P.M. St. Bede's Episcopal Church 2650 Sandhill Road, Menlo Park Hand-carved marionettes by pup- peteer David Simpich come to the SUNDAY, Jan 28 – 3:00 P.M. First Presbyterian Church in Palo Los Altos United Methodist Church Nash Chris Alto this weekend for a production The Richard Alston Dance Company makes its first Bay Area appear- of John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s 655 Magdalena Ave. (corner Foothill ance at Stanford University this weekend. Progress.” Expressway), Los Altos Thursday Author Martin Amis comes to line with tickets issued with the Kepler’s Books at 1010 El Camino purchase of “Go Long!” Call 650- visit our website: Live music comes to downtown For more information Palo Alto tonight, with musicians Real in Menlo Park at 7:30 p.m. 324-4321 or go to www.keplers. www.MasterSinfonia.org playing in various locations from 6 to speak about his book “House com. to 8 p.m. The program includes: of Meetings.” It’s a triangular love the Tom Lander Jazz Duo at story set in 1946 in Moscow, with Saturday one surviving narrator. Call 650- This ad sponsored by Ginny Kavanaugh of Coldwell Banker the University Art Center at 267 The TOPAZ Chamber Ensemble 324-4321 or go to www.keplers. Portola Valley. Visit Ginny at www.ginnykavanaugh.com Hamilton Ave., classical guitarist presents a benefit concert for All Josh Friedman at Vian Hunter at com. Saints’ Episcopal Church’s out- 520 Bryant St., and Jeff Whittier “A Doll’s House” by Henrik Ibsen reach programs. The ensemble’s playing North Indian classical flute is being presented by the Pear Mimi Dye, a violist and composer, at Thistle at 640 Waverley St. For Avenue Theatre at 1220 Pear will perform with French harpist more, go to www.paloaltodown- Ave., Unit K, in Mountain View. Isabelle Courret, and the Firebird town.com and click on “What’s Show times are Thursday through Youth Chinese Orchestra will also Happening.” Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays play. Bay Area artist Ellen Brook “Humble Boy,” a Charlotte Jones at 2, through Feb. 4. Tickets are will also display works on silk. The play about a man coming to $10-$25. Call 650-254-1148 or go concert is at 7:30 p.m. at 555 Wa- terms with his life and his father’s to www.thepear.org. verley St. in Palo Alto; tickets are death, runs through Feb. 3 at $25 in advance and $30 at the Dragon Productions at 535 Alma Friday door. Call 650-380-0961 or go to St. in Palo Alto. Show times are Puppeteer David Simpich brings www.topazmusic.org. Thursday through Saturday at 8 his 30 hand-carved marionettes The Palo Alto Children’s Theatre p.m. and Sundays at 2. Tickets to the First Presbyterian Church presents “Snow White and the are $13-$20. Call 650-493-2006 at 1140 Cowper St. in Palo Alto to Seven Dwarfs” to celebrate its or go to www.dragonproductions. bring to life John Bunyan’s book 75th anniversary. Show times are net. “The Pilgrim’s Progress.” Perfor- 7:30 p.m. tonight, 4:30 p.m. Feb. Sajal Sarkar, an Indian artist mances are tonight and tomorrow 1, and 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Feb. focusing on the human figure, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 4:30 2, at 1305 Middlefield Road. Tick- has a new exhibit called “Open p.m., and are not recommended ets are $8 for adults and $4 for Ended” at the ArtsIndia West for children under 8. Tickets are children. Call 650-463-4970. gallery at 535 Bryant St. in Palo $15 for adults and $12 for youth. Sunday Alto. His works are in charcoal, oil Call 650-361-1723 for advance The Palo Alto Art Center opens and soft pastel, and he says he’s reservations. its winter/spring exhibitions with influenced by poetry and classical The Richard Alston Dance a reception from 2:30 to 4 p.m. music. The show runs through Company performs tonight and at 1313 Newell Road. One shows Feb. 11. Call 650-321-4900 or go tomorrow at 8 p.m. in Memorial contemporary watercolors and to www.artsindia.com. Auditorium at Stanford University. prints by Japanese-American art- Anthony’s Clarvoe’s “Ambition The program includes the com- ist Masami Teraoka, along with Facing West” runs through Feb. pany’s newest work, “The Devil in woodblock prints by Japanese 11 at the Mountain View Center the Detail,” featuring Scott Joplin masters. The other, called “Actor! for the Performing Arts at 500 ragtime music performed live by Actor!”, features puppets, masks, Castro St., presented by The- pianist Jason Ridgway. Tickets costumes and other works of atreWorks. Tickets for this tale of are $44/$38/$26 for adults and theater design. Admission is free, immigration and emigration are $22/$19/$13 for Stanford stu- and the exhibits go through April $20-$55, and shows go Tuesday dents, with a special $10 supper 29. Call 650-329-2366 or go to through Sunday. Call 650-903- club performance on Friday for www.cityofpaloalto.org. 6000 or go to www.theatreworks. Stanford students. Call 650-725- org. ARTS or go to livelyarts.stanford. “Pack of Lies” spins a tale of edu. friendships and spying in 1960s Super Bowl champ Jerry Rice will For more coverage of the London, presented by Palo Alto speak about his book “Go Long! bustling local arts scene, go Players. The play runs through My Journey Beyond the Game to Weekly arts editor Rebecca Feb. 4 at 1305 Middlefield Road and the Fame” at Kepler’s Books, Wallace’s blog. Travel to www. in Palo Alto; tickets are $18-$28. 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. PaloAltoOnline.com and scroll Call 650-329-0891 or go to www. The event, set from 6 to 9 p.m., down to Ad Libs. paplayers.org. also includes a book-signing COMING UP IN FRIDAY’S WEEKEND EDITION Art Theater Movies Each painting is worth a thousand Reviews of the new shows at A review of “Smokin’ Aces.” stories when gregarious Palo Alto TheatreWorks and Palo Alto Play- artist Kenney Mencher is respon- ers, “Ambition Facing West” and sible. “Pack of Lies.” ON THE WEB: Comprehensive entertainment listings at www.PaloAltoOnline.com Page 22 • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Palo Alto Weekly New Year VITAMIN MoviesMovie reviews by Jeanne Aufmuth, Tyler Hanley, and Susan Tavernetti SALE MOVIE TIMES Note: Screenings are for Wednesday through Thursday only. Ivana Barquero PAN'S LABYRINTH (R) ✭ Alpha Dog (R) Century 16: 11:30 a.m.; 2:15, 5, 7:45 & 10:30 p.m. Century 12: 1:50, 5, 7:50 & 10:35 p.m. 1:30-4:20-7:20-10:10 ✭✭✭✭ Apocalypto (R) Century 20: 11:35 a.m.; 2:35, 5:30 & 8:25 p.m. Helen Mirren Arthur and the Invisibles Century 16: 11:40 a.m.; 2 & 4:20 p.m. Century 20: 11:45 a.m.; 2, 4:35, 7:20 & 9:35 p.m. THE QUEEN(PG–13) (PG) (Not Reviewed) 2-4:30-7-9:30 ✭✭✭ Babel (R) 1/2 Century 16: 12:30 & 7 p.m. Century 20: 7:05 & 10 p.m. Times Valid For Wednesday, January 24, 2007 Only © 2007 Blood Diamond (R) ✭✭✭ Century 16: 6:50 & 9:55 p.m. Century 20: 12:25, 3:30, 6:40 & 9:45 p.m. Borat (R) ✭✭✭1/2 Century 20: 12:05, 2:20, 4:20, 6:20, 8:20 & 10:20 p.m. Casino Royale Century 16: 12:25, 3:40, 6:55 & 10 p.m. Century 12: 12:20, 3:50, 7:10 & 10:20 p.m. (PG-13) ✭✭✭1/2 TownSquare. Charlotte’s Web Century 16: 11:05 a.m.; 1:30 & 4:10 p.m. Century 12: 12:25, 3 & 7:05 p.m. Palo Alto’s Online Gathering Place (G) ✭✭1/2 Children of Men Century 16: 11:15 a.m.; 2, 4:50, 7:40 & 10:35 p.m. Century 20: 11:30 a.m.; 12:35, 2, 3:05, 4:35, 5:35, Discuss community issues. (R) ✭✭✭1/2 7:10, 8:05 & 10:35 p.m. Announce an event. Code Name: The Century 20: 9:35 p.m. Cleaner (PG-13) Report a sports score and more. (Not Reviewed) Ask for advice. Curse of the Golden Century 16: 7:35 & 10:20 p.m. Century 20: 11:40 a.m.; 2:30, 5:15, 7:50 & 10:25 p.m. SAVE 15% to 30% Flower (R) Rate a movie. on Selected Products (Not Reviewed) Review a restaurant. from our Most Popular Brands Dreamgirls (PG-13) ✭✭✭ Century 16: 1:10, 4:15, 7:25 & 10:20 p.m. Century 20: 1:10, 4:15, 7:15 & 10:10 p.m. Eragon (PG) ✭✭✭ Century 12: 12:15 & 2:45 p.m. Be a citizen journalist. Freedom Writers Century 16: 12:05, 3:50, 7:20 & 10:25 p.m. Century 12: 12:40, 4:30, 7:40 & 10:30 p.m. (PG-13) (Not Reviewed) SALE ENDS 1/31/07 The Good Shepherd Century 16: 6:45 & 10:15 p.m. Century 20: 11:55 a.m.; 3:20, 6:45 & 10:05 p.m. (R) ✭✭ Happily N’ever After Century 16: 11:20 a.m.; 1:25 & 3:30 p.m. Century 12: Noon, 2:20, 4:40, 7 & 9:20 p.m. PaloAltoOnline.com Your Local (PG) (Not Reviewed) More than 300,000 visitors monthly Happy Feet (PG) Century 20: 11:25 a.m.; 1:55 & 4:30 p.m. Natural Foods Store (Not Reviewed) The Hitcher (R) Century 16: Noon, 2:20, 4:35, 7:05 & 9:40 p.m. Century 12: 12:30, 1:40, 2:50, 4, 5:10, 6:20, 7:30, 8:40 (Not Reviewed) & 10 p.m. The Holiday (PG-13) ✭✭✭ Century 12: 6:15 & 9:40 p.m. The Last King of Century 16: 12:20, 3:20, 7:05 & 10:05 p.m. Century 20: 11:50 a.m.; 2:30, 5:10, 7:55 & 10:30 p.m. Scotland (R) ✭✭✭1/2 Letters from Iwo Jima Century 16: 11:25 a.m.; 2:40, 6:40 & 10 p.m. (R) ✭✭✭1/2 Little Children (R) ✭✭✭✭ Century 16: 3:45 & 10:10 p.m. Century 20: 12:55, 3:55, 7 & 9:55 p.m. Night at the Museum Century 16: 11 a.m.; 1:45, 4:25, 7:15 & 9:50 p.m. Century 20: 11:25 a.m.; 12:30, 1:55, 3:10, 4:25, 5:40, (PG) (Not Reviewed) 6:55, 8:10, 9:30 & 10:35 p.m. Notes on a Scandal Century 20: Noon, 2:25, 4:50, 7:20 & 9:50 p.m. Aquarius: 2:30, 5, 7:30 & 9:50 p.m. (R) ✭✭✭1/2 The Painted Veil Century 20: 11:45 a.m.; 2:25, 5:05, 7:50 & 10:25 p.m. Aquarius: 1, 3:45, 6:45 & 9:30 p.m. (PG-13) ✭✭✭ Pan’s Labyrinth Century 20: 11:35 a.m.; 2:20, 4:55, 7:30 & 10:05 p.m. CinéArts at Palo Alto Square: 1:30, 4:20, 7:20 & (R) ✭✭✭1/2 10:10 p.m. Primeval (R) Century 16: 11:50 a.m.; 2:30, 5:10, 8 & 10:30 p.m. Century 12: 1, 3:20, 5:40, 8 & 10:25 p.m. (Not Reviewed) The Pursuit of Century 16: 11:10 a.m.; 1:55, 4:55, 7:50 & 10:35 p.m. Century 20: 11:30 a.m.; 12:50, 2:15, 3:40, 5, 6:25, Namely, what do you want to do in the years Happyness (PG-13) ✭✭✭ 7:45, 9:05 & 10:30 p.m. ahead? Maybe join the Peace Corps? Make The Queen Century 20: 12:10, 2:40, 5:05, 7:25 & 9:45 p.m. CinéArts at Palo Alto Square: 2, 4:30, 7 & 9:30 p.m. your own movie? Start a new business, (Not Rated) ✭✭✭✭ perhaps? Or maybe you’re not even sure. Rocky Balboa Century 12: 12:05, 2:35, 5:15, 7:45 & 10:15 p.m. As an Ameriprise fi nancial advisor, I am proud (PG) ✭✭✭1/2 to exclusively offer the Dream Book.SM It’s a Stomp the Yard Century 16: 11 a.m.; 1:40, 4:30, 7:10 & 9:45 p.m. Century 12: 11:55 a.m.; 1:30, 2:55, 4:15, 6, 7:20, 9 & guide to help you fi gure out what exactly you (PG-13) (Not Reviewed) 10:10 p.m. want to do in the years ahead, and it’s the per- ✭✭ Volver (R) 1/2 Guild: 1:15, 4, 6:45 & 9:25 p.m. fect starting point for you and me to develop a We Are Marshall Century 12: 9:50 p.m. fi nancial plan that can help you get there. (PG) ✭✭1/2 ★ Skip it ★★ Some redeeming qualities ★★★ A good bet ★★★★ Outstanding So call (408) 371-8666, Ext. 325 today or stop by our offi ce Aquarius: 430 Emerson St., Palo Alto (266-9260) CinéArts at Palo Alto Square: 3000 El Camino Real, for your complimentary copy of the Dream Book. Century Cinema 16: 1500 N. Shoreline Blvd., Moun- Palo Alto (493-3456) tain View (960-0970) Guild: 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park (266-9260) Century Park 12: 557 E. Bayshore Blvd., Redwood Internet address: For show times, plot synopses, trailers City (365-9000) and more information about films playing, go to Palo Alto Mountain View Resident Century 20 Downtown: 825 Middlefield Road, Red- Online at http://www.PaloAltoOnline.com/ wood City (369-3456) ON THE WEB: The most up-to-date movie listings at www.PaloAltoOnline.com Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 23 Editorial Reject Mandarin immersion, for now School board members rightly leave door open to summer-session immersion or future consideration as SpectrumEditorials, letters and opinions part of a broad “world language” strategy ith a formal decision not due until next Tuesday night, four is swayed by xenophobic, opinion- always has been about: opening of the five school board members at the Jan. 9 school board Looking to the future ated neighbors to remain unknown minds. Wmeeting left no doubt about where they stand on implement- Editor, for innovation. What a shame to I do not expect closed minds to ing a pilot program in Mandarin immersion language instruction I was completely shocked to re- hide one’s head in the sand when open, but do hope their children next fall. They won’t. cently learn that the progressive progress will happen around us. will have a chance to allow success Citing various specific reasons, they said it is too much too Palo Alto Unified School District I will join the laughter when into their lives with open minds. soon even for a pilot program at an existing “choice” school, (PAUSD) made the decision not to Palo Alto finally realizes it has to Once open, they won’t ever close again. Ohlone elementary, where families from throughout the district support the Mandarin-immersion implement a Mandarin program program. into the school curriculum (after Jeannie Llewellyn already apply to participate in an alternative-education program. As an entrepreneur and private Cupertino, Burlingame, the East Piers Court Few proposals have generated as much intensity as the “MI” business owner in Palo Alto, I can Bay, etc.). Rather than be a leader Palo Alto proposal, prompting hundreds of postings on the Town Square tell you that there is tremendous blazing a trail, the opponents pre- forum at www.PaloAltoOnline.com, plus many phone calls and growth opportunity for Ameri- fer the “safe” and rutted path of a Beware and be aware personal lobbying with school board members. Few recent issues cans in China. Many of our clients, follower. Editor, have been as thoroughly aired. ranging in size from Fortune 1000 With the pending Mandarin-im- The last few weeks have been No one on the board questions the benefit of MI as a superior companies to local start-up compa- mersion decision leaning toward very cold and as luck goes our fur- way to teach a difficult language. None question the importance nies, plan to expand their business unfavorable, Palo Alto’s average nace stopped working Jan. 14. The of the Mandarin language, spoken by more than a billion people relationships with China over the IQ will be lowered. In the name house was below 50 degrees Jan. worldwide. But the range of concerns left little question that it next decade, whether as investors, of making all things equal, dumb- 15 and being Martin Luther King will take a great deal of convincing before anyone shifts position, potential customers, suppliers or ing down has begun. Anyone with Jr. Day, the prospects of getting it despite a continuing full-court press by MI supporters. strategic partners. math experience would know about fixed seemed grim. The strongest case for inaugurating a pilot MI program came China is now one of the fastest the lowest common denominator to After a few calls to local plumb- in a recommendation by Superintendent Mary Frances Callan. In growing economies in the world. make things equal. ers, I was relieved to find one that an inserted section of a favorable feasibility study, she detailed For example, a recent article in the The Bay Area is all about diver- was able to come around. They concerns raised, then added a dozen reasons why MI makes sense, San Jose Mercury News reported sity, and yet Palo Alto wants equal- quoted me $501 for the repair, focusing on Palo Alto being part of the “Pacific Rim” economic that China is now the second larg- ity — how can diverse people be which involved replacing a faulty sphere and noting that more students in Palo Alto speak Mandarin est buyers of cars, providing a for- equal? By being reduced to the electric ignitor: $369 of this was as a native language (927) than speak Spanish (766). The district tunate boost to U.S. automakers basic human being. That’s marvel- for the part, the rest labor (mini- has had a Spanish immersion program since the early 1990s. whose market share is suffering at ous but sure misses the point in mum two hours) plus tax. home. education. I was shocked (because the part She coupled her recommendation with a proposal to renew a If this is the economic picture Education is the door that opens is so small) and tried to negoti- study of implementing a broader language program in elementary today, what will it look like in 15 minds. I think the board has for- schools. But in the past such instruction has been deemed too years when today’s Palo Alto first gotten what real education is and (continued on page 26) expensive in a tight-budget period — what has changed? graders enter the workforce? As In a brilliant recommendation, Callan proposed housing MI president of a talent management at an expanded Ohlone School, which eliminated concerns about consulting firm, I am assured by YOUR TURN displacing children from neighborhood schools, even though that employers that the jobs will now could change after the three-year trial program ends. go to where the talent is available. The Palo Alto Weekly encourages comments on our coverage or on The recommendations were not enough to convince the board There are few barriers to keep issues of local interest. majority, although board Chair Camille Townsend added her jobs in the United States. Imagine unqualified support for the MI plan. the competitive and economic ad- What do you think? What do you think can be done about the daily Board member Dana Tom reflected views of several others vantage our kids in Palo Alto would shootings in East Palo Alto? when he said he might support an MI program in the future but have if they had the opportunity to only as part of “a world-language strategy” that encompasses learn fluent Mandarin now in el- Submit letters to the editor of up to 250 words to [email protected] ementary school. I personally have or shorter comments to [email protected]. Include your name, district-wide language outcomes desired at graduation. He said address and daytime phone number so we can reach you. We reserve the right language instruction should not be an “all-or-nothing proposition” two children who are the lucky re- to edit contributions for length, objectionable content, libel and factual errors in which a relatively few students receive deep instruction while cipients of a fine PAUSD educa- known to us. Anonymous letters will generally not be accepted. others get left out, and questions about what happens after a three- tion. If such an immersion program You can also participate in our popular interactive online forum, Town Square, at our community website at www.PaloAltoOnline.com. Read year residency at Ohlone school also need to be resolved. He also had been offered when they were young, I would have done anything blogs, discuss issues, ask questions or express opinions with you neighbors any expressed concern about administrative “bandwidth” available in time, day or night. to enroll them. Submitting a letter to the editor or guest opinion constitutes a granting of per- the district to set up and administer the program, even if donations I truly can’t understand how a and grants cover the costs. mission to the Palo Alto Weekly and Embarcadero Publishing Co. to also publish district that has represented such it online, including in our online archives and as a post on Town Square. Barb Mitchell praised Callan’s pro-MI recommendation, but excellence for so many years can- For more information contact Editor Jay Thorwaldson or Assistant to the Editor noted the district has not yet completed the nine criteria required not have the foresight to provide as Tyler Hanley at [email protected] or 650-326-8210. for special new programs. With significant enrollment growth many students as possible with this projected in the next five years, the district should not limit its opportunity to learn such an im- options relating to space, she said. portant foreign language. It is al- Mandy Lowell said she is concerned about strategic goals but most an obligation of the district to also wants a broader language program in place at elementary prepare our students with the skills schools before opting for a new program. She criticized the they will need to compete globally negative, polarizing tone of some comments, public and private, when they graduate. but said most exchanges have been civil and constructive. She said I am not of Chinese descent. I the tone of some opponents almost made her want to support MI am a Palo Alto resident who was despite misgivings. born in Chicago. I strongly urge Gail Price supported sentiments expressed by others, but felt the PAUSD board to reconsider its there needs first to be “a real discussion of a K-12 language decision and demonstrate the type strategy.” There are areas where the district already is having of leadership for which this district trouble keeping up with many student, faculty and administrative has been known. demands, she noted, citing an earlier district report. Dr. B. Lynn Ware El Camino Real While the case for MI has been strong and well-made, we agree Palo Alto with the board majority that there are clear strategic-planning pre- requisites that need to be completed first — including defining Leaders or followers? an affordable overall language plan for all grades and identifying Editor, long-term space for an MI program. Palo Alto has a chance to make a name on the map with a Manda- rin-immersion program, and yet it Page 24 • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Palo Alto Weekly Check out Town Square! Hundreds of local topics are being discussed by local residents on Town Square, a reader forum sponsored by the Weekly on our commu- nity website at www.PaloAltoOnline.com. Post your own comments, ask questions, read Diana Diamond’s blog or just stay up on what people are talking about around town! Diana Diamond A week filled with silliness, from the Kings to spanking by Diana Diamond condominiums over the grocery store. ast week was a week Finally, it also looks as if we may be figu- filled with silliness First there was Palo Alto City Council members LaDoris ratively up a creek in terms of future flood- Lhere on the Penin- Cordell and Peter Drekmeier proposing that we rename ing. The 109th Congress failed to approve sula. a major street in town after Martin Luther King, Jr., and this past year a $225,000 federal grant that First there was Palo would be used to fund a four-to-five-year $7.5 Alto City Council mem- his wife, Coretta Scott King. ... The other silliness was million feasibility study on San Francisquito bers LaDoris Cordell and when Assemblywoman Sally Lieber said she was going to Creek flood control and the ecosystem of the Peter Drekmeier propos- 45-square-mile watershed. The study is being ing that we rename a introduce a bill into the Legislature this week that would done by the Army Corps of Engineers, and the major street in town af- ban spanking of children up to age 3. ...Lieber has no corps certainly has its work cut out for it in ter Martin Luther King, children. She and her husband do have a cat. If she were a New Orleans. Jr., and his wife, Coretta It’s taken some nine years to reach this point. Scott King. parent, she might realize that there are times when a little Little has been done since the creek topped its Cordell told the council that she didn’t want swat on the bottom is the best way to teach a small child not banks in 1998, causing some $30 million of some tiny little street named after the Kings, damage in Menlo Park, East Palo Alto and Palo but rather a major thoroughfare, like Oregon to go near something — like a hot stove. Alto. Expressway and Page Mill Road. Although decided a council subcommittee should see if Times. Since she previously announced that Cynthia D’Agosta, executive director of the Cordell had not yet determined how expensive a park or a school could be named after the she plans to run against Santa Clara County Joint Powers Authority, which oversees the her proposal would be, she said it was an ap- Kings. I have a feeling that proposal will qui- Supervisor Liz Kniss of Palo Alto for her seat creek, has all along been relying on federal propriate way to honor the Kings. etly disappear. next year. Lieber may think the publicity she is funding for fixing the flooding. Once the fea- Nonsense. I think it was just a way for Cordell The other silliness was when Assembly- getting is great. sibility study is completed, if it ever is, it will to get some personal attention. woman Sally Lieber (D-Mountain View) said Her big problem though is that most of the take another three to four years for a design and “Why now?” I have to ask. Martin Luther she was going to introduce a bill into the Leg- polls show that people, including parents, over- engineering phase. And once that part is over, King Jr. died April 4, 1968, and suddenly last islature this week that would ban spanking of whelmingly reject her spanking ban, saying it’s construction will take at least 20 more years, week Cordell wanted to honor him — 39 years children up to age 3. People who do so, includ- a terrible idea. I happen to think her proposal D’Agosta has said. later. What’s more, King, from all reports I ing parents, would be guilty of a misdemeanor smacks of unwarranted government intrusion D’Agosta and her board are relying on fed- read, had never been in Palo Alto. and subject to a year in jail or a $1,000 fine. into our homes — it should never become a eral funding each year until the project is fin- Of course he was a great man and he will Lieber has no children. She and her husband law. ished, say in 2037. long be remembered in Palo Alto and through- do have a cat. If she were a parent, she might The third silly thing was that some of the We haven’t really begun and already Con- out the nation, but we don’t need to rename a realize that there are times when a little swat on neighbors living near Edgewood Plaza are still gress has balked. It will in the future, too. major thoroughfare after him. the bottom is the best way to teach a small child insisting that the Eichler-built dilapidated shop- Let’s face it. Our little creek is not a national And although there are few residences along not to go near something — like a hot stove. Of ping center be preserved, saying that tearing it priority. Oregon and Page Mill Road, there are a lot course all of us want to prevent child abuse, but down would be an irrevocable mistake. I think a Plan B is needed — and soon. Resi- of corporations and a major law firm. These an occasional little swat can effectively teach a Have they looked at it? The shopping center dents living near the creek have long feared would have to change all their stationery, child to stay away from things that are danger- is a disgrace. It was built in the 1950s and is a another flood, and given global warming their business cards, invoices, Web sites, packag- ous. It’s hard to reason with a 2-year-old. spare post-and-beam construction. It is tired, fears seem justified. It’s time we get moving on ing, product information, and other materials, Lieber has gotten a huge amount of publicity worn and failing, and we should be glad that this in a different direction. ■ which would cost a lot of money. out of her proposal — she was the subject of developer John Tze is looking to bring a new Diana Diamond is a Palo Alto resident. Luckily, the majority of the council did not one of AOL’s news stories on Saturday, and she grocery store into the center, a few small retail She can be e-mailed at Diana@DianaDia- agree with Cordell and Drekmeier, and instead made the front section of Sunday’s New York stores, 18 single-family houses and one story of mond.com. Streetwise How are you keeping up with your New Year’s resolutions? Asked in front of City Hall on Hamilton Avenue in Palo Alto. Question and interviews by Justin Bull. Photographs by Karna Kurata. Justin Murray Krystal Quinlan Mia Pond Craig Conkling Thomas Haven Design engineer Facebook customer support Palo Alto High School student Product manager Program assistant Edgehill Road, San Carlos Partridge Avenue, Menlo Park Lincoln Avenue Greer Road Bernal Avenue, South San Jose “Our work just built a gym, so it’s a lot “I guess I’m going to the gym now “I had three: take all my vitamins, read “I haven’t set them yet. Give me until “I don’t make any; that way I don’t have easier to work out. There’s a big TV so that’s the only one I’m keeping up more and get better grades. My report the end of January, and I’ll have them to worry about not keeping them.” in there that I hooked my Xbox up to, with.” card wasn’t that great, but I’m doing set.” so I do the elliptical machine and play well with my vitamins. I feel better video games.” already.” Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 25 Spectrum Guest Opinion Unions protect quality of city services by Kristy Sermersheim workers agreed to lower Palo Alto’s others to vote for — candidates they iana Di- health care and pension costs in last In Palo Alto, the city is threatening to contract feel are best suited for the job. Devel- amond’s year’s contract negotiations. This opers do this. Insurance companies DJan. will save taxpayers millions of dol- out park and maintenance services and also do this. Taxpayer groups and con- 10 column, lars in the future. turn over the Junior Museum and Zoo to tractors do this. There is no reason “The real Palo Alto workers have established to attack city employees for caring power of the relationships with the community a private agency. ... Last year, Menlo Park enough to be involved in the politi- city employ- and take pride and ownership in irresponsibly handed over the new swimming- cal process. ees’ union,” their work. Our union stands up for pool facility, built with $6.8 million of taxpayer We supported Robinson and Cline portrays lo- Palo Alto’s children, seniors and the because our members felt they would cal workers’ community because they deserve funds, to a private operator — rent-free. listen to all sides before making a unions — in- top quality services. Anything less decision, something Winkler and cluding fire would be wrong. We fought back and won. We are money from developers four years Duboc notoriously did not do. and police associations — as not Last year, Menlo Park irresponsi- proud we were able to protect city ago. What’s wrong with council mem- having cities’ best interests at heart. bly handed over the new swimming- services. Shortly after the election, Winkler bers who will listen to city employ- Nothing could be further from the pool facility, built with $6.8 million In the process, we witnessed a and Duboc voted to approve a con- ees and work with them to solve truth. The reality is local unions are of taxpayer funds, to a private opera- series of irresponsible actions from troversial development project that problems, rather than blame them staunch advocates for protecting the tor — rent-free. Residents were out- the former council. Councilmem- was backed by developers — just for the city’s problems and attack quality of services that city residents raged at the City Council for driving bers (parroted by Diana Diamond) days before the new council was due them in the news media? expect and deserve. through privatization with almost no were wrong in claiming Menlo to be sworn in. Our union supports elected lead- Our Service Employees Inter- public oversight and a no-bid con- Park would have saved $400,000 in When candidates receive our ers who listen, bring people together, national Union (SEIU) Local 715 tract. Within months of the private privatizing child care. The reality is endorsement, they don’t make any solve problems and protect quality proudly represents workers in the contractor taking over the operation Menlo Park’s own report showed it deals in exchange for our support. services. It’s no surprise that voters cities of Palo Alto and Menlo Park, of the pool, eight children became would save only about $4,500. Anyone seeking proof of this need voted for the same thing. and in other neighboring cities and sick and one was hospitalized due to The council then ignored a city- search no further than Winkler and Finally, instead of attacking local counties. In Palo Alto, the city is chemical exposure. appointed committee that voted 8- Duboc themselves. unions, Diamond should be applaud- threatening to contract out park and We couldn’t allow the quality of to-1 to keep the child care center as Four years ago, they solicited and ing us for the services we provide to maintenance services and also turn city services to suffer again. So we is. In the end, the sole private bidder received the union’s support and the community. We are advocates over the Junior Museum and Zoo to decided to oppose Menlo Park’s at- to take over services willfully with- then turned around and criticized for city residents. We will fight back a private agency. Palo Alto has a his- tempt to privatize its child-care cen- drew its bid after its track record of other candidates for doing the same all attempts to lower the quality of tory of poor performance with con- ter. child care violations was exposed. in the very next election election. city services, because city residents tracting out, and privatizing again The city-run child-care center was As for the Menlo Park election, If Winkler and Duboc made any deserve no less. could lower the quality of services already top-notch because it had a Diamond should have read the cam- deals with us in exchange for our After all, it’s our community, and programs provided to a demand- stellar track record of zero turnover paign statements. If she had, she support, it certainly wasn’t evident too. ■ ing community. over several years, a combined 75 would have discovered that Rob- in the way they voted to privatize Kristy Sermersheim is the elect- Palo Alto has claimed outsourcing years of working experience for inson and Cline didn’t take a dime the city’s swimming pool and child ed head of Silicon Valley’s larg- is necessary because of a so-called teachers and aides and rave reviews from Local 715, while incumbents care center — decisions the union, est union, SEIU Local 715, which financial deficit. However, indepen- from satisfied parents. Mickie Winkler and Lee Duboc ac- residents and parents strongly op- represents 28,000 workers in Santa dent research shows that Palo Alto Because the welfare of Menlo cepted tens of thousands of dollars posed. Clara and San Mateo counties. is in good — and improving — fi- Park’s children was at stake, we from developers, realtors and other This issue is really about democ- Sermersheim is also vice president nancial health. In an effort to part- formed a coalition of parents, business interests. They did this af- racy. We live in a country in which of SEIU International. She can be ner in reducing costs, Palo Alto city teachers and community members. ter criticizing candidates for taking people vote for — and encourage e-mailed at [email protected]. Letters new plan to tax our “health care watercraft registration tax, well rights movement radically changed Constitutional concerns (continued from page 24) benefits at work” is outrageous. permit tax and workers compensa- the lives of many Americans who Editor, We should all be screaming or tion tax. are not African-American, and for In the case of President Clinton, at least flooding every elected Plus, if you own your own small this we, the beneficiaries, owe a Republicans attempted to impeach ate the price down, but with only representative with a fax or email. business, there’s the city tax and huge debt of gratitude. him for his lie about Monica Le- minimal success. I paid the man Enough is enough. county tax. Growing up in New England in winsky and their relationship. In his $65 service visit and sent him Here’s a list of taxes we already Does anyone think that maybe if the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s in a the present, President George W. on his way. I then went to Barron pay: Bush took five cents from each of Jewish family, it was commonly Bush and Vice President Dick Park Plumbing Supply on San An- accounts receivable tax, build- these categories he’d have enough presented by my parents as a “fact Cheney have lied repeatedly to tonio Avenue in Mountain View ing permit tax, CDL license tax, for his new “health care plan” with- of life” that we as Jews were not us on the gravest Constitutional and bought the part for $40. cigarette tax, corporate income out adding still another ridiculous allowed to live in certain “restrict- concerns that have impacted our It took me less than 10 minutes tax, dog license tax, federal in- tax? With all these taxes how can ed” neighborhoods, we were not democracy and increased our in- to install. Two lessons for the com- come tax, federal unemployment the United States budget be in the allowed in certain restaurants and security. munity: tax (FUTA), fishing license tax, red? we could not stay in any number Yet members of Congress — 1) Beware of unscrupulous busi- food license tax, fuel permit tax, I say go after Halliburton and of hotels. both Republicans and Democrats nesses that prey on you in times of gasoline tax (42 cents per gallon), K&B for the new health care plan As a teenager, I was barred from — don’t see the need to have im- need. If prices seem too high, get hunting license tax, inheritance — they should be well financed by certain dances. My parents ac- peachment hearings on the crimes second quotes or even consider do- tax, inventory tax, IRS interest the U.S. taxpayers already. knowledged that this was hurtful, of the administration for the past ing the job yourself. charges, IRS penalties (tax on top But then again, the newly elected but this was the way it was. six years. It doesn’t make sense 2) Be aware of Barron’s plumb- of tax), liquor tax, luxury taxes, Congress members did manage in King did not accept that “this when the consequences of their ing store. This is a wonderful marriage license tax, Medicare their first 100 hours to give them- was how it was.” Yes, a lot of us actions have had such catastrophic community store, run by salts of tax, property tax/real estate tax, selves a $15,000 per month raise in non-African Americans attended results. the earth, who are very knowledge- recreational vehicle tax, road usage their retirement benefits. King’s rallies and marches, and We need full public hearings able and helpful, and worth every taxes, sales tax, school tax, social Well, I say take back the raise some risked and gave lives to join about what has happened in this penny of the slight surcharge over security tax, service charge taxes, and there you have the money for him, but King led the way. administration and education as we the hardware chains. state income tax, state unemploy- this new tax. Because of Dr. King, my chil- had in the Watergate TV hearings Trevor Hastie ment tax (SUTA), telephone fed- Donnasue Jacobi dren and grandchildren have never on Nixon, which was democracy Campus Drive eral excise tax, telephone federal Haight Street experienced the kind of “ordinary” at work until Ford pardoned Nixon Stanford universal service fee tax, telephone Menlo Park discrimination that we grew up before hearings were completed. federal/state and local surcharge with, and because of that, I, too, Let your representatives know Taxation overload taxes, telephone minimum usage A reason to celebrate celebrate King’s birthday. what you think. Editor, surcharge tax, telephone state and Editor, Judy Lurie Edith Groner Maybe my fellow Americans local tax, telephone usage charge In celebration of Martin Luther Portola Valley Parkside Drive have no idea of how many taxes tax, utility taxes, vehicle license King Jr. Day, it seems appropriate Palo Alto we pay each year. President Bush’s registration tax, vehicle sales tax, to point out that King and the civil Page 26 • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Palo Alto Weekly The debate on a potential Mandarin-immersion program drew a crowd to the Palo Alto Unified School District board meeting room on Tuesday, Jan. 9. Immersed in debate Proposal to add Mandarin-language immersion program to Palo Alto school district pits ‘neighborhood schools' model against ‘choice’ programs by Alexandria Rocha Photographs by Norbert von der Groeben ne night last spring, the fluorescent lights in the Palo Alto school district board School — reported that a Mandarin-immersion program was, in fact, feasible to imple- room glowed well passed midnight. More than a dozen parents shifted tiredly in ment this fall. O their seats while the five-member board debated what would later become one of It said such a program would be in line with the district’s goal to offer cutting-edge edu- the most divisive proposals to hit the district in a while: Mandarin immersion. cational programs and would also be cost neutral. The only problem was finding a school At 1:30 a.m., the board voted 3-1 to use a private donation to study imple- to host the program. menting a controversial Mandarin-language immersion program. Board Superintendent Mary Frances Callan offered a solution: Start two grades member Gail Price voted against the study and member Mandy Low- of Mandarin immersion at Ohlone Elementary School, which has the ell abstained. space, this fall, monitor the program for three years and then decide The board’s decision turned out to be kindling for two ag- where to locate it permanently. She also recommended starting a gressive and organized campaigns in the community. A fiery summer course in Mandarin for middle schoolers this year and debate involving mud slinging and hours of passionate testi- developing a plan to bring foreign language to all elementary mony — some with racial undertones — has since ensued, students. leaving the board caught in the middle. Gunn and Palo Alto high schools began pilot courses “I feel like the community is really suffering. There’s a in beginning Mandarin this school year. Teachers Nor- lot of vitriol. There have been a lot of personal attacks,” man Masuda, at Paly, and Sarah Du, at Gunn, hope the parent Rosemary Gill said at a December board meet- schools will add more advanced classes in the coming ing. years so students can eventually take the new Advanced Some parents, however, thought they cleared a major Placement test in Mandarin, which the College Board is hurdle that spring night. A group called Palo Altans for administering for the first time this spring. Chinese Education (PACE), founded in 2002 by parent Members of PACE, who paid for the study with a Grace Mah, has long been pushing for Mandarin im- $66,000 donation, were ecstatic. Opponents were not. mersion, a specialized program that would serve about Parents on both sides flooded the board meeting at which 200 children at full capacity. The group had been turned the study was discussed earlier this month. Supporters down once before. united themselves by wearing red, the lucky Chinese color. This time, vocal opposition to the program formed, run- Opponents distinguished themselves by wearing green. ning on a platform that Mandarin immersion would squeeze Public testimony took hours. children out of their neighborhood schools. Proponents of the program carried toddlers to the podium. They Nine months after the board’s early morning vote, it appears spoke about blond, blue-eyed children speaking perfect Chinese and the opposition has won. Four of five board members said at a Jan. 9 how easy it is for children to pick up languages. meeting they will not support a Mandarin-immersion program for reasons “Mandarin immersion has inertia right now,” said parent David Yen. The ranging from curriculum disparity to financial constraints. district “has an opportunity to capture the energy.” “Not all good ideas can be adopted,” Lowell said. Opponents said the program would displace children from their neighborhood schools An official vote will come Jan. 30. and asked the board why it was considering a new specialized program when the district had so many other priorities, such as technology, support for students’ social-emotional he now-controversial feasibility study, conducted by three district staff members health and curriculum issues in math. — Marilyn Cook, assistant superintendent; Becky Cohn-Vargas, director of elemen- Some even said Mandarin immersion would attract mostly Chinese families. T tary education; and Norman Masuda, world languages supervisor at Palo Alto High “It’s not the job of the Palo Alto district to teach my child my own language,” mother (continued on page 29) Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 27 Cover Story Grace Mah, center, a proponent of Mandarin immersion, attended the packed school board meeting on Jan. 9. “The feasibility study showed that immersion is the most efficient way and the cheapest way to teach a language.” — Nico Janik, Palo Alto parent Kate Bundorf holds her daughter, Isabella Phillips, during the lengthy school-board discussion on Mandarin immersion. Mary Frances Callan, Palo Alto Unified School District superintendent, supported Mandarin immersion at the Jan. 9 meeting. Page 28 • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Palo Alto Weekly Cover Story (continued from page 27) Anja Finseth said at an earlier meeting at which the program was discussed. Board members then surprised most in the audience with state- ments that did not support Callan’s recommendation to move the program forward. They favored developing a district-wide foreign language strategy instead. “Mandarin immersion is a much lower priority: The depth is quite high, but the breadth of the (program’s) impact is quite low,” board Vice President Dana Tom said. “Our staff is stretched very thinly, and I think we have many other priorities than Mandarin immersion. “We talk about stressed-out students, (but) I think we have a stressed-out school district,” he said. Board President Camille Townsend was the sole supporter of the program. “Any opportunity we put off another day to give our students the choice of (this) lottery-based program is a mistake,” she said. Mandarin immersion would be the district’s second language- immersion program. Spanish immersion, housed at Escondido Elementary School, is in its 11th successful year. A provision of the Spanish program when it was adopted in 1995 was that it could not cost more than a regular classroom, about $10,000. The same would be true this time around. Mah said the only cost would be Mandarin-language materials, which program parents would purchase. Spanish immersion started with $2,600 worth of library books, according to the PACE Web site. Teachers would not be paid more for being bilingual, Mah said. Immersion classes carry the same curricula as the other grades but are taught primarily in the foreign language, with a portion of each school day dedicated to English-language instruction. The idea is for students to be fluent in both languages by the time they reach middle school. “The feasibility study showed that immersion is the most ef- ficient way and the cheapest way to teach a language,” said Nico Janik, who has two sons and is expecting a third soon. aising bilingual children is a hot topic overall in the Palo Alto community. Blossom Birth, which provides resources R for families, recently held a discussion about bringing up bilingual babies at its South California Avenue headquarters. It attracted about two dozen parents. Palo Alto mom Theres Gruter, who holds a doctorate in lin- guistics and specializes in bilingualism, told parents they need to be clear on their intentions for wanting their children to be bilingual. “Raising a bilingual child takes some engineering and network- ing of your connections. Try to think about how you’re going to do it in the long term,” Gruter said. “Bilingualism is not a steady state. It develops over the course of a lifetime. There’s no guaran- tee your child will stay bilingual forever.” Chinese-language programs, especially those in Mandarin, seem to be the most popular with today’s parents who want to raise a bilingual child. Schools across the country are implement- ing programs to help students compete in a global economy where job outsourcing is all too common. The Chinese and American governments are even backing the movement. In 2005, three U.S. senators introduced a bill to spend $1.3 billion over five years on Chinese-language programs and cultural exchanges to improve ties between the U.S. and China. For the first time this year, advanced-placement Chinese classes will be offered in high schools throughout the country, and Beijing paid half of the $1.35 million it took to develop the curricula. For Janik, a district Mandarin program would mean her 5-year- old son, Stosh, could remain fluent in the language. When Stosh was 6 months old and Janik returned to work part- time, she and her husband hired a babysitter who could speak Mandarin to their son. “As he got older, it was effortless to learn Mandarin,” Janik said. Top, Nico Janik (left) and Grace Mah are strong supporters of a Mandarin-immersion “I didn’t want him to lose that.” program in the Palo Alto schools. Opponents include (from left) Lisa Steinback, Faith While searching for ways to help Stosh retain the language, W. Brigel, Jamie Maltz and Pauline Navarro. Janik stumbled across PACE. Since Stosh will start kindergarten this fall, enrolling him in a Mandarin-immersion program seemed like the perfect option. Janik has since become Mah’s right hand. “I still have my fingers crossed that there will be a Mandarin immersion program,” Janik said. “I feel like the community is really suffering. About 20 core people are behind the campaign for the program and hundreds of others who support it, Mah said. There are 66 There’s a lot of vitriol. There have been a lot children who will enter kindergarten in the next three years whose parents have expressed interest in the program, Janik said. If the program is voted down, Janik and Mah will continue ad- of personal attacks.” vocating for Mandarin immersion within the context of a district- wide language strategy. — Rosemary Gill, Palo Alto parent They are bewildered by the opposition’s intense dislike of Man- darin immersion. “If you’re working toward something, I can understand being (continued on next page) Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 29 Cover Story A decision on the Mandarin-immersion program, which drew crowds to the Jan. 9 meeting of the Palo Alto Unified School District board, is expected Jan. 30. (continued from previous page) passionate in that respect,” Janik said. “To intensely oppose neighborhood school attracted dozens of parents to the op- is the way to go either. something that doesn’t directly affect you, I don’t under- posing campaign. “Would I trade foreign language for math, science, reading, stand.” “This is about fairness,” said Navarro, a mother of three physical education, music, art? Personally, I wouldn’t want the Mah said she has been called arrogant, condescending and district students. district to put (language) above those,” Maltz said. ■ noisy. But why such an outcry for Mandarin immersion when the The school board will vote on Mandarin immersion at its district already operates a successful Spanish program that is meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 30 in the school district’s board room, alo Alto parent Lisa Steinback has been following cost neutral? 25 Churchill Ave. To view the district’s materials on Mandarin PACE’s efforts and the district’s dilemma with Man- “Mandarin is a different language than Spanish. It’s three immersion, including the feasibility study, visit www.pausd. P darin immersion since 2004. She opposed the program to four times more difficult to learn,” Maltz said. “Spanish org, and click on the link “school board information.” from the beginning, saying it wasn’t logical to offer foreign immersion came to us in a different environment. The school Staff Writer Alexandria Rocha can be e-mailed at aro- language to a small number of children while the rest of the was under enrolled. Choice programs help increase enroll- [email protected]. district’s elementary students went without. ment, and for a lot of districts that’s good because enrollment Already an active member of the PTA, she started attending comes with funding. board meetings last spring and chronicling the discussions of “That’s not the case in Palo Alto Unified.” Mandarin immersion. She would then send out informational The opponents say they have been misunderstood. They e-mails to those in her personal address book. don’t oppose language-immersion programs; they just oppose “I felt the proponents were very well-stated and very profes- adding a second to the Palo Alto district. sional in proposing their ideas,” said Steinback, who has two children in the schools. “I felt the rest of the community didn’t f the school board votes Mandarin immersion down, as “When I heard and realized really know what was going on.” it has indicated it will, it plans to look into developing The e-mail chains grew longer and reached more people I a Foreign Language in the Elementary School (FLES) the Board of Education throughout the months. A petition was started against the pro- program. gram. It now includes more than 1,000 signatures, said Faith The feasibility study acknowledges that the “differences be- was really considering Brigel, who has two sons in district schools. tween FLES programs and immersion programs are consider- It didn’t take long for Steinback to band together with Brigel, able regarding both impact and cost.” this, I couldn’t understand Jamie Maltz and Pauline Navarro to form an organized op- FLES programs, which reach elementary students across a position to Mandarin immersion. district, are considered more costly than immersion and do not how they were considering “When I heard and realized the Board of Education was aim to make children bilingual in the foreign languages. really considering this, I couldn’t understand how they were A FLES program could be modeled after the district’s el- considering Mandarin immersion when there are so many ementary music and physical education programs. A team of Mandarin immersion when other issues,” said Maltz, who grew up in Palo Alto and now traveling teachers visit the elementary classrooms for a set has three children in district schools. number of hours a week to administer music or physical edu- there are so many other Just like supporters, the opponents delved into the inner cation instruction. workings of language-immersion programs, district finances Mah and Janik, however, have said the district can have both issues.” and staff resources. FLES and a Mandarin-immersion program. Then they struck a nerve: neighborhood schools. “They don’t really have to be connected,” Janik said. — Jamie Maltz, Palo Alto parent Where would a second immersion program go? It would The two pointed out that districts across the country, which have to be placed at a neighborhood school, and as a result, Palo Alto Unified compares to, operate both types of lan- force out children who live across the street and around the guage-instruction models. corner. The idea of children not being able to attend their Opponents of Mandarin immersion are not convinced FLES Page 30 • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Palo Alto Weekly Cover Story Below, Norman Masuda teaches a Mandarin language class at Palo Alto High School. Right, Theres Gruter of Palo Alto — a mother who is expecting her second child — talks about raising bilingual babies at Blossom Birth in Palo Alto. Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, January 24, 2007 • Page 31 SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO… Only 7 years CUPERTINO. This spacious 5BD/3BA LOS ALTOS... Brand new 4 BR / 2.5 BA ATHERTON. Stunning Atherton 3 bed- old. Luxury condominium with fireplace, two home has been extensively remodeled. 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