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

MARCH 26, 2021 | VOL. 56 NO. 29 WWW.ALMANACNEWS.COM Local soccer club hangs on despite COVID-19 setbacks Worries over paying coaches subside as competitions resume, PPP loan comes through

By Angela Swartz said. “They’re obviously not Almanac Staff Writer getting the same product. ... We’re in good shape for now.” ith sports competi- She said the group adhered to tions on hold because all the guidelines, with socially Wof the pandemic, club distanced practices, and players teams like the local Alpine and coaches in masks. Strikers worried they might not “We followed every guide- be able to survive. line, unlike some clubs we saw, If matches were fully can- which was a little dishearten- celed for the season, the league ing,” she said. “We were afraid wouldn’t be able to compen- we would lose kids to those sate its coaches. The team, a clubs because they were break- competitive youth soccer club ing the rules (and competing).” for ages 8 to 18 in Atherton, Dunlevie said there is no Menlo Park, Portola Valley organization she knows of for and Woodside, needed com- reporting soccer clubs that are petitions to resume so they flouting the state’s COVID-19 could continue to pay coaches, rules. She also declined to name said Lisa Dunlevie of Menlo local clubs that are not adher- Park, an Alpine Strikers board ing to the guidelines. member. “You just have to roll your Competitive play resumed eyes and hope for the best,” she last weekend (the teams are said. in the NorCal Premier and Dunlevie said the Alpine Central Coast leagues). The Strikers have been able to Alpine Strikers’ 17 coaches, maintain the coaches’ base Magali Gauthier seven staff members and 550 salaries because of a Paycheck Coach Ben Simon watches Mathew Ruiz, a member of the Alpine Strikers 2006 red team, prepare to players among 38 teams began Protection Program loan. Dur- kick the ball during practice at Rossotti Field in Portola Valley on March 22. in-person practices in the fall. ing competition season, they They held workouts over Zoom sometimes receive overtime; no soccer since November or shut the fields back down, limited practices, especially prior to that, said Dunlevie. coaches received overtime over December (2019),” she said, members of her organization when other clubs don’t follow “We said, ‘What can we pay the past year because of the lack prior to the start of competi- would be worried. all the rules,” she said. A coaches to maintain salaries of play, she said. tions last weekend. “We financially would be OK without putting an additional “These poor kids have essen- She said that if competitions for now, but we can’t ask our Email Angela Swartz at burden on the families?’” she tially not played high-level hadn’t resumed, or if counties parents to keep paying for [email protected] Bay Area COVID-19 vaccine hunters are here to help Grassroots effort offers aid in the frustrating search for vaccination appointments By Kevin Forestieri who trade tips, his story is all too common. a way where you have to enter when appointments are avail- workarounds His father is older and has all your personal information able. It’s done through an app aced with endless frus- and other conditions that put him at high over two or three pages, and called Telegram, and searches tration and fruitless tools to get an risk of getting severely ill and after that they tell you wheth- everything from private phar- Fsearches for COVID-19 appointment dying from COVID-19, but er there is an appointment macies like Rite Aid and Wal- vaccine appointments, Bay when they getting him an appointment or not,” Aggarwal said. “All greens to public vaccination Area residents have launched become avail- was an exhausting chore. Each of that work is completely sites like the Moscone Center a grassroots effort to help one able. Leaders Mukesh provider has its own website wasted if there isn’t.” in San Francisco. another sign up for the vaccine of the Face- Aggarwal that must be checked peri- Aggarwal joined the Bay As of Monday, there were and get immunized — all with- book group odically throughout the day Area Vaccine Hunters, and 3,000 people using the pro- out having to camp out in front say vaccine providers have for available appointments, has since developed his own gram and 200 more joining of a computer all day. made it difficult to get the shot, and some are designed to workaround: a program that each day. The Facebook group Bay and that it falls to the commu- make people sign up only to automatically checks more It’s unreasonable to expect Area Vaccine Hunters has been nity to help one another. later reveal no vaccines were than 100 vaccine sites across people to sit hunched in front a hub for residents in search One member of the group is available. the Bay Area, scraping data of the COVID-19 vaccine, Mukesh Aggarwal, who said “Most of them are set up in once per hour to ping people See VACCINE HUNTERS, page 11

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2QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQMarch 26, 2021 Menlo REAL ESTATE Park SUMMARY

2021 YTD THRU FEB 2020 2019

TOTAL HOMES SOLD 52 289 342

MEDIAN SALES PRICE $2,500,000 $2,562,000 $2,380,000

MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET 12 10 13

SALE PRICE VS. LIST PRICE 101.6% 100.8% 102.1%

Data includes single-family homes reported on MLS only as of February 28, 2021 Recent Menlo Park Sales

SOLDSOLD WITH WITH 2 2 OFFERS OFFERS SOLDSOLD WITHWITH 23 OFFERSOFFERS

380 Claire Place | Menlo Park 348 Concord Drive | Menlo Park 6 beds, 5 baths Ś $6,395,000 Ś 380Claire.com 3 beds, 2 baths Ś $2,450,000 Ś 348Concord.com

SOLD IN 2 WEEKS One year into a pandemic and the real estate market continues to be resilient. There are 42 single-family homes actively for sale on the MLS; just 23 came on the market in the last 30 days. Inventory is low compared to buyer demand. We keep on top of every sale in Menlo Park, WbK_tMWbUdTTøaBo^Ospà#to Ob_d+Bo^-”+od_OzW__JO out soon. In the meantime, please call us any time for an up-to-date market analysis.

#to Ob_d+Bo^•“•“+od_OWpByBW_BJ_O 631 Harvard Avenue | Menlo Park ÷]tpsKB__ÛsO{sÛdoOaBW_tpà 3 beds, 3.5 baths Ś $2,850,000 Ś 631Harvard.com Superior Real Estate Representation FOR THOSE WHO EXPECT ONLY THE VERY BEST

Tom LeMieux, MBA Jennifer Bitter, MBA 650.465.7459 650.308.4401 sdaŒ_OaWOt{.àKda ]ObbWTOoŒ_OaWOt{.àKda A Wall Street Journal Top-Producing Real Estate Team, 2020 License #01066910 License #01847627 Over $2.5 billion in sales since 1998 _OaWOt{.àKdaŚŒ  _OaWOt{.

Rankings provided courtesy of Real Trends, The Thousand list of individual agents by total sales volume. Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01866771. All material presented herein is intended for WbTdoaBsWdbB_ltoldpOpdb_|BbMWpKdalW_OMTodapdtoKOpMOOaOMoO_WBJ_OJtsVBpbdsJOObyOoWOMà VBbUOpWbloWKOÛKdbMWsWdbÛpB_OdozWsVMoBzB_aB|JOaBMOzWsVdtsbdsWKOà!dpsBsOaObsWpaBMOBpsdBKKtoBK|dTBb|MOpKoWlsWdbà__aOBptoOaObspBbMpntBoOTddsBUOBoOBllod{WaBsOà

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4QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQMarch 26, 2021 Local News

M ENLO PARK | ATHERTON | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA V ALLEY M-A principal leaving for new role at district office Simone Rick-Kennel will head up small school innovation and alternative education programs By Angela Swartz Almanac Staff Writer

his school year will be Simone Rick-Kennel’s Tlast as principal of Men- lo-Atherton High School. Rick- Kennel will assume the role of executive director of small school innovation and alterna- tive education for the Sequoia Union High School District starting July 1, officials said Monday, March 22. Rick-Kennel joined M-A in 2002 as a special education teacher and became the Ather- Michelle Le Courtesy Greystar/Heller Manus Architects ton school’s principal in 2015. Principal Simone Rick- A rendering of the housing and office buildings proposed for the Menlo Portal project by Greystar. Rick-Kennel said in a March Kennel is leaving Menlo- 22 email to M-A families that Atherton High to become it is “bittersweet” to leave, but executive director of small Large apartment and office project the decision came after “much school innovation and alternative thought and consideration” education for the Sequoia Union offers subsidized child care program during a time her family needs High School District. her. “In many ways, transitions are succeeding well into the future.” as a community benefit a part of life and while this one In her new role, Rick-Kennel By Kate Bradshaw industrial area, would be built All told, the apartments are will be a significant one for me will be responsible for oversee- Almanac Staff Writer at 104 and 110 Constitution estimated to house about 861 and the school, I know M-A is a ing the district’s three small Drive and 115 Independence people, according to a staff great school and in a great place schools (TIDE Academy, Red- proposal to build a Drive, where three single-story report. The building is set to to continue doing remarkable wood High School, and East seven-story apartment office buildings are located have mostly studio, junior things for students with highly Palo Alto Academy). One of the Abuilding and a three- now. and one-bedroom apartments, dedicated teaching, classified key areas she will be responsible story office building with a The apartment building with 51 two-bedroom and 14 and administrative staff that for is serving as co-principal of child care center took a step would have 335 units, 48 of three-bedroom apartments. I could not be more proud of; TIDE Academy “to strengthen forward Monday when the which are intended to rent at As a result of a lawsuit settled and a parent community that is and further TIDE’s philosophi- Menlo Park Planning Com- below market rate. Both build- with the city of East Palo Alto, incredibly supportive,” she told cal underpinnings of prepar- mission reviewed the Menlo ings would have two floors of all development proposals in families. “M-A embodies our ing students for college and Portal Project. above-ground parking on the the city’s former light industri- collective community and will career success, provide students The project by development ground floors, and there would al area are required to complete continue to be amazing, focused with individualized attention company Greystar, slated for be 480 long-term and 48 short- on our vision and mission to in a small environment, and to Menlo Park’s former light term bike parking spots. See MENLO PORTAL, page 14 celebrate and make strength ensure deep learning through a in diversity a reality for every personal approach,” according student.” to the district. The district said in a March 22 The small schools innova- Arguments rage over spacing student desks press release that Rick-Kennel tion director role was last held “brings a wealth of leadership by Shamar Edwards, who also as school districts plan April reopening and academic experience that served as TIDE Academy’s will allow the district the oppor- principal and resigned from the CDC guidelines shifted from 6 feet apart to 3 feet if everyone is masked tunity to utilize her knowledge district in 2019. to carry out the district’s goal By Ricardo Cano/CalMatters year of most K-12 campuses stay- state distancing requirements that of supporting and promoting Time as principal ing closed. Gov. Gavin Newsom school officials say effectively pre- successful student outcomes at majority of California’s said March 16 that 9,000 of the vents most schools from operat- the district’s small schools and She previously served as the largest school districts state’s schools — an “overwhelm- ing full-time in-person schedules, alternative programs.” school’s dean of students, fol- Aplan on bringing students ing majority” — are either open particularly for middle and high “I feel fortunate to have an lowed by vice principal, then and teachers back on campuses by for some in-person instruction school grades. executive of the caliber of Sim- spent a semester as co-principal early April, even as local officials or will be by next month. As of one Rick-Kennel be willing to with Matthew Zito (the pre- grapple with state social distanc- March 16, 88% of Californians Spacing requirements accept such a crucial position vious M-A principal) before ing requirements they say are lived in counties that now allow for the district,” said Interim becoming principal. unclear and limit kids’ in-person in-person instruction for middle “Six feet (of distancing) is not Superintendent Crystal Leach Rick-Kennel said in the email options. and high school students. difficult for a hybrid model,” said in a statement. “Although I to families that during her Rapidly declining case rates and But whether the state’s schools John Malloy, superintendent of know she will be missed at M-A, six-year tenure as principal, increasing teacher vaccinations will expand to offer full-time in- the San Ramon Valley Unified I am equally certain that she the school has had its highest have drastically changed Califor- person instruction this spring or has laid a solid foundation that nia’s reopening landscape after a in the fall will largely depend on See DESKS, page 17 will allow for M-A to continue See PRINCIPAL, page 16

March 26, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ5 NEWS Established 1965 Parents petition for high schools Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, to reopen fully this fall and Woodside for over 50 years By Angela Swartz Protesters Almanac Staff Writer marched from NEWSROOM the Sequoia Editor dvocates for reopening Union High Andrea Gemmet (223-6537) Sequoia Union High School District Assistant Editors School District (SUHSD) office to Julia Brown (223-6531) A classrooms are looking beyond Sequoia High Heather Zimmerman (223-6515) this spring, when students will School in Staff Writers be on campuses part time, to Redwood City Kate Bradshaw (223-6536) the fall, when they want to see last month to Angela Swartz (223-6529) classrooms fully reopen. demand the Contributors The group Reopen SUHSD, district reopen Kate Daly, Maggie Mah a coalition of parents, students schools this Special Sections Editor and teachers that held a rally in spring. The Linda Taaffe (223-6511) February asking district officials same group Chief Visual Journalist to resume in-person learning is now calling Magali Gauthier (223-6530) once San Mateo County entered on the district the “red tier,” started a petition to reopen DESIGN & PRODUCTION two weeks ago to give students classrooms fully Design and Production Manager the option to return to campus in the fall. Magali Gauthier Kristin Brown (223-6562) five full days a week for in- Designers person, on-campus instruction the ways another semester — or school year, students will be anomaly, not set a new baseline Linda Atilano, Amy Levine, beginning the first day of fall even a year — in distance or guaranteed more instruction for how our district educates Paul Llewellyn, Doug Young semester on Aug. 11. The peti- significantly reduced in-person than the daily 240 instructional our high school population,” she ADVERTISING tion had 759 signatures as of learning would dig even deeper minutes that have been offered said in an email. March 24. holes for our students.” this school year. They reference Barr said she and other par- Vice President Sales and Marketing Tom Zahiralis (223-6570) “This April, our district is Students are set to return to that in spring 2020, the district ents have heard from adminis- taking a first step, but it must be classrooms on April 5 so long didn’t promise any live in-per- trators that for the fall, they can’t Display Advertising Sales a step in a journey that leads us as the county stays out of the son instruction. plan for classrooms being filled (223-6570) back to full reopening as soon most restrictive purple tier (San Tricia Barr, a Menlo Park beyond 50% capacity, and that Real Estate Manager as we can, not a new hybrid or Mateo County recently entered resident who has two children they’re “strongly considering” Neal Fine (223-6583) asynchronous normal,” the peti- the orange tier). A third of the at Menlo-Atherton High School, asynchronous learning because Legal Advertising tion states. “Given the signifi- district’s more than 9,300 stu- helped start the petition because it’s “been popular with students Alicia Santillan (223-6578) cant learning loss from the past dents opted to go back to cam- she believes it’s critical the dis- and teachers.” ADVERTISING SERVICES year, it is critical the instruc- puses, according to the district. trict start planning now for a full “Neither of these concepts tional hours are returned, at fall reopening. take science or the best interest Advertising Services Manager a minimum, to the pre-COV- “This year of at-home learning of our students into consider- Kevin Legarda (223-6597) Fall reopening ID level of 360 synchronous with greatly reduced instruc- ation,” she said. Sales & Production Coordinator instructional minutes per day. The petition writers are seek- tional minutes and asynchro- Diane Martin (223-6584) ... We cannot begin to imagine ing to ensure that in the new nous instruction needs to be an See PETITION, page 7 The Almanac is published every Friday at 3525 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025 Woodside resident scares off mountain lion Q Newsroom: (650) 223-6525 Newsroom Fax: (650) 223-7525 attacking her dog Q Email news and photos with captions to: [email protected] By Angela Swartz mountain lion, according to a Q Email letters to: Almanac Staff Writer [email protected] press release. Q Advertising: (650) 854-2626 The Sheriff’s Office notified Advertising Fax: (650) 223-7570 mountain lion report- the California Department of Q Classified Advertising: (650) 854-0858 edly attacked a dog in Fish and Wildlife warden of the Woodside on March 17 suspected attack. Deputies said Q Submit Obituaries: A AlmanacNews.com/obituaries at around 9:45 p.m., according they would conduct additional to the San Mateo County Sher- passing checks of the area. The Almanac (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) is published every Friday by Embarcadero iff’s Office. Contrary to initial The Department of Fish and Media, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. Periodicals Postage Paid at information released by the Wildlife last estimated in 1996 Menlo Park, CA and at additional mailing offices. county, the dog was expected to that there were between 4,000 Adjudicated a newspaper of general circulation for San Mateo County, The Almanac is delivered survive. and 6,000 mountain lions in the to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley A resident who lives near state. In 2014, the department and Woodside. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Almanac, 3525 Alameda de las Raymundo and Marva Oaks began to update that estimate Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. Copyright heard a commotion and drove and anticipates completing the ©2021 by Embarcadero Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is onto her lawn, honking at the effort within a few years. strictly prohibited. mountain lion to scare it off, Mountain lion attacks on said Rosemerry Blankswade, the people are rare. There have only The Almanac is qualified by decree of the File photo Superior Court of San Mateo County to publish Sheriff’s Office public informa- been 18 verified incidents since public notices of a governmental and legal A mountain lion attacking a dog in Woodside last week was scared tion officer, in a video. 1986, according to the state. nature, as stated in Decree No. 147530, issued off by the dog’s owner, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s November 9, 1969. Subscriptions are $60 The dog was taken to a veteri- “Statistically speaking, a per- for one year and $100 for two years. Go to Office. AlmanacNews.com/circulation. narian and is expected to make son is 1,000 times more likely a full recovery from the injuries, to be struck by lightning than To request delivery, or stop delivery, of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, she said. attacked by a mountain lion,” If you see a mountain lion in what to do in an encounter 94028 and the Woodside portion of The mountain lion had to according to the Fish and Wild- or near your neighborhood, use with a mountain lion are at 94062, call 854-2626. climb a 6 foot deer fence to get life Department. caution and call the Sheriff’s wildlife.ca.gov. A onto the property, the owner The Sheriff’s Office said it Office to report the sighting at told the Sheriff’s Office. believes this was an isolated 650-363-4911. Tips for making Email Angela Swartz at Deputies couldn’t find the incident. your property safer and for [email protected]

6QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQMarch 26, 2021 NEWS

governance point of view, I don’t and safety elements, need to be Menlo Park City Council briefs have an objection.” updated regularly and a new As a compromise, the council environmental justice element By Kate Bradshaw student, saying it was frustrat- she objected to being mandated voted unanimously to require created. The new housing ele- Almanac Staff Writer ing when nobody apologized, to complete a form 700 because commissioners to disclose just ment is due to the state’s Hous- checked up on him, or offered the transparency requirement the property within city lim- ing and Community Develop- Council denounces help afterwards. “Silence is com- didn’t seem to match her level of its they own, which is already ment Department by January anti-AAPI violence and plicity,” he said. authority as a commissioner on public record. Current commis- 2023. stigmatization People looking to take action an advisory body. All the com- sioners will be given a couple On March 23, the council can start by getting educated mission really has the power to of months to comply with the voted unanimously to authorize In response to increased acts about other cultures in the U.S., do is remove up to five parking requirement, and applicants to City Manager Starla Jerome- of violence, racism and stigma- volunteering in their communi- spaces near an intersection, she open commission seats will also Robinson to negotiate with tization of Asian American and ties, getting out of their comfort said. be alerted about it. M-Group on a contract not Pacific Islander communities, zones and getting comfortable “I think it’s kind of mean to Councilman Ray Mueller add- to exceed $982,000 for these the Menlo Park City Council with different and new perspec- have this sneaky thing on a ed that the requirement was “not services, including communi- passed a resolution denounc- tives, he said. consent calendar,” she added. “It that big of an imposition” and ty outreach, an environmental ing such acts at its March 23 feels a little bit like harassment.” would be done to “create public impact report and a fiscal impact meeting. Some commissioners to In contrast, housing commis- trust.” analysis. The resolution came just days face new disclosure rules sioner Karen Grove said she The council is set to meet ten- after eight people were killed at favored housing commissioners City hires consultant firm tatively on April 27 to iron out three different spas in Georgia, Following a discussion by the being required to report what for housing element the project’s framework and six of whom were Asian Ameri- Menlo Park City Council March property they own because, for establish an advisory committee. can, in an act of racism and 23, commissioners with the city’s instance, if a commissioner is a M-Group, a consulting firm, There will also be a countywide xenophobia on March 16, the Housing and Complete Streets landlord, he or she might have was selected to lead the process meeting on housing set for April resolution stated. commissions will soon be asked a certain perspective when it for updating several compo- 8. People may register at letstalk- In Menlo Park, about 15% to publicly disclose the property comes to policies the commis- nents of Menlo Park’s general housing.org/events. A of the population identifies as they own in the city as part of sion considers related to tenant plan. The general plan is like the Asian or Pacific Islander, and revisions to the city’s conflict of protections. city’s constitution, and certain Email Kate Bradshaw at some community members have interest code. Some council members pieces of it, such as its housing [email protected] reported being victims of stig- Initially, it was proposed that recalled their own discomfort matization or called racial slurs. commissioners for these advi- with completing the forms, espe- “The city of Menlo Park stands sory groups be mandated to cially because they ask spouses united against hate and supports fill out the same form 700 that to disclose their financial infor- its AAPI neighbors,” the resolu- elected officials complete, which mation as well, and wondered if tion stated. asks detailed questions about it might deter some people from In a public comment, Wayne a person’s personal and fam- volunteering to serve on the Lee, a Millbrae councilman ily finances, including income, affected commissions. and president of the San Mateo stock holdings, gifts and prop- “I can appreciate that it could County Asian Pacific Islanders erty. Planning commissioners be a shock, especially when Caucus, shared his experience of are already required to complete there’s no history of those com- being one of a few minority stu- these forms. missions being required to dis- dents at his middle school when Complete Streets Commis- close,” said Mayor Drew Combs, he was beaten up by a white sioner Katie Behroozi said that while adding that, “from a good

PETITION spokeswoman Ana Maria Puli- health department is aiming continued from page 6 do said in a March 18 email. to quickly align its local guid- “Although fall planning will ance with CDC and state guid- During a March 10 district be contingent on the county’s ance, according to a March 19 governing board meeting, health and safety requirements, county Office of Education press Learn from home with Interim Superintendent Crystal SUHSD is working to open release. The state adopted the 3 Leach said regulations and guid- in the fall as close to 100% in- feet distance change last week- Senior Planet at Avenidas ance on how to reopen in the person instruction as possible,” end. fall are expected to be released Pulido said. Until a change is finalized, in a week or two by the county The CDC announced March schools will continue to follow Make friends, discover new skills, Office of Education. 19 that it had reduced the dis- the 6 feet distance requirement. For a “100% return” in the fall tance needed between students After the CDC’s announce- UVC[ƂVCPFJCXGHWP — meaning all district students in classrooms to 3 feet instead ment, state Sen. Josh Becker, "Meet Me Mondays" would be in classrooms at the of 6 feet. The potential change D-Menlo Park, called on San same time, the social distancing comes after a study published in Mateo and Santa Clara County Connect with others online requirement would have to be “Clinical Infectious Diseases” officials to align with the new far less than 6 feet, dependent suggests that 3 feet may be as CDC guidelines, saying that he 6GEJKG6WGUFC[U upon the size of some of the safe as 6 feet if everyone wears a would like districts to have the Learn digital & internet basics classrooms and the number mask. flexibility needed to safely get "Wellness Wednesdays" of students in the district, she Currently, 6 feet of distance students back in classrooms. A noted. is still required in county class- Stay healthy with tech tools “This is not a district choice,” rooms. As the state completes its Email Angela Swartz at she said. “We are governed by distancing updates, the county [email protected] 6JQWIJVHWN6JWTUFC[U the social distancing require- Expand your creative pursuits ments that come from the coun- CORRECTIONS ty.” Mask wearing is expected to be mandatory in classrooms The story “Seven months later, M-A freshmen meet on cam- Since March 2020, older adults have participated through December, she noted. pus for first time,” published in the March 19 issue, incorrectly in Senior Planet from AARP virtual programming at Leach has been hosting vir- stated 9,300 students attend Menlo-Atherton High School. the Avenidas location over 5,000 times! tual office hours. Her next There are approximately 9,300 students in the Sequoia Union office hours are scheduled for High School District, which includes M-A. April 7 in Spanish and April 8 In the same issue, a photo caption for the story “Nova Jimenez, ,QKPWUCVYYYUGPKQTRNCPGVQTICXGPKFCU in English. professional singer, delivers the healing gift of music through If the district is not allowed to sidewalk serenades” incorrectly identified the location of her open at 100%, it will continue March 3 performance for health care workers. It was in Menlo to evaluate the best learning Park, not Palo Alto. model for its students, district

March 26, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ7 NEWS Remodeling plan for Portola Valley fire station worries neighbors

By Angela Swartz of fire danger” in the last few zone. From 1967 to 1980, the Almanac Staff Writer years, so fulfilling the district’s property was zoned for public needs is important. buildings. However, the “public proposed remodel of “The town has grown over building” portion of this section Portola Valley’s fire sta- time and our infrastructure was removed from the code in a Ation that includes a zon- has grown with it,” he said. “It’s 1987 ordinance. ing code change for its site has in line to say, ‘You know we’re “It is unclear from the Sept. 9, some residents concerned that building something for the 1987 town council meeting min- more public buildings could be future.’ We don’t want to try to utes for this ordinance adoption added to the site in the future. limit it now. Let’s do the right why exactly the text amendment During a March 17 Planning thing so they’re not back here in was made; staff was unable to Commission meeting, Wood- five years asking for something locate an associated staff report side Fire Protection District more.” or any other supporting docu- Chief Rob Lindner said the fire Town staff will look into the ments to clarify intent,” accord- department has outgrown its option of modifying the code ing to the report. current facilities and is in “des- Magali Gauthier narrowly to allow for building The rezoning of the property perate need” of a remodel. But Station 8 in Portola Valley needs to be remodeled, say Woodside related to a fire station, but not created a discrepancy with the town planning staff say since Fire Protection District officials, but neighbors are concerned about other uses (a public building is existing use. Staff doesn’t know the station, which is located on future expansion. defined as a facility that pro- why the fire station would have a 46,970-square-foot lot just vides a public service to resi- been deliberately made noncon- slightly north of the intersection supports the changes to the fire neighborhood,” she said. “Do we dents, such as a fire or police sta- forming. It is possible that the of Portola and Alpine roads, is station, but she said changing really need or want to authorize tion, library, health care center, current regulatory constraint is zoned for residential use, the the zoning creates “a broad and a ‘public’ authority to purchase community center or recreation an unintended consequence of town code would need to be non-specific array of indetermi- any residence in any residential facility.) the past code amendments. updated first. nate potential uses ...” neighborhood and then convert Lindner outlined the district’s Station 8, which is located at “The clear and obvious need that residence to some future Fire station zoning history need for additional sleeping 135 Portola Road, is considered to permit a pre-existing fire ‘public’ use? ... What exactly is quarters (some staff working a legal nonconforming use, station, staffed 24 hours/day, the reason to create an exemp- The fire station property is 48-hour shifts are currently which limits updates or addi- to qualify for a conditional use tion that is much, much broader located within the town zone forced to sleep in makeshift bed- tions that otherwise would be permit in a residential neigh- than the present application and that permits single-family rooms in the office and exercise considered typical, according to borhood does not demonstrate the demonstrated need?” dwellings and conditional uses, room), a reception area, and a report prepared by staff for the the need for or propriety of Commissioner Jon Goulden according to the March 17 staff more parking spaces. meeting. changing our zoning ordinance said the fire station is intended report. However, public build- He acknowledged neigh- Resident Rita Comes Whit- to allow any use that can be cat- to be in its present location for ing or other similar uses are not bors’ concerns about possible ney wrote to the commission egorized as a ‘public building’ a long time and that there’s currently listed as either a per- in a March 17 email that she to be permitted in a residential “clearly been a heightened sense mitted or conditional use in this See FIRE STATION, page 14

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March 26, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ9 NEWS LIFE AT The virus 144,000+ CASES SantaSanta ClClaraara &Sa& Sann MateMateoocoun countiesties Who’s at most risk How the pandemic has fueled “Communities of color have been Deaths by age Cases by age ’s economic divide hit by a double whammy — not only are they disproportionately   INFORMATION COMPILED BY LINDA TAAFFE on the front lines with jobs DESIGN BY KEVIN LEGNON requiring them to physically   year into the pandemic, Silicon Valley has expe- rienced historic losses and unprecedented gains interact with people, but they Aas the virus has disproportionately impacted the are more likely to have the area’s poorest residents. Unemployment among the (San Mateo & Santa Clara counties as of Jan. 31) region’s lowest earners reached nearly double the rate of comorbidities that make the highest earners. And while the in-person jobs sector COVID-19 so hazardous.” shrank, the tech industry experienced a banner year. Latino/Hispanic 26 Families facing housing insecurity reached an all-time high, while a hot real estate market outpaced pre-pan- Black 10 demic numbers. To show how the pandemic has acceler- Asian 6 Daily case count ated the region’s economic divide, The Almanac has White 6 by race woven together data based on Joint Venture Silicon —Dr. Anthony Fauci Valley’s State of the Valley report into a by-the-numbers White House coronavirus adviser (Per 100K) graphic. A

Basic needs       Who can’t afford rent? 1.9% 12% 5.9% March 2020 April 2020 February 2021 Food Food insecurity costs       1 in 4 Silicon Valley Housholds JOBS OVER $60K JOBS UNDER $60K (Household Pulse & Community Resilience Estimates, 2021) 30% 17%  Families Increase  Who’s facing eviction? basic staples 50% 40% Black households Hispanic households (February – December 2020) (Rates represent peak declines in 2020)

Funding,Funding deals & growth Job losses Total 151,000 All jobs  150,000 In-person jobs sector  Santa Clara/San Mateo counties (April-June 2020)   !  " # $ %& !'(  "   $ #%( ! )*)* Unemployment claims 20 020 20 X 2 8% 2 Q2 2020 (Mar. – Jun.) Q4 2020 (Oct. – Dec.) + + 2019 19 0 Hispanic Hispanic —Russell Hancock 2 president & CEO, $24.6B 108 megadeals 11X higher Joint Venture Silicon Valley venture capital Black funding (+ $100M) 2X higher White White Silicon Valley & San Francisco

10QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQMarch 26, 2021 See next page for data sources. NEWS Coronavirus central: Santa Clara County moves to orange tier By Embarcadero Media staff fitness centers will be allowed to be state residents while amuse- Your COVID-19 vaccine raise capacity from 10% to 25%. ment park guests must live in an Mateo County as of Orange is the most restrictive the same county as the venue. Tuesday had 39,935 cumu- questions — answered tier in which bars can operate Details on which business- lative cases of COVID-19, under any circumstance. A es can operate in the orange S We’ve compiled a list of who can currently get vaccinated in with 544 deaths. There were move to the yellow tier allows a tier and at what capacity can San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, plus answers to common 15 people hospitalized. Santa county to resume indoor opera- be found at covid19.ca.gov/ questions and links to resources. Access the page at tinyurl.com/ Clara County as of Tuesday had tions at bars at 25% capacity or safer-economy. COVIDvaccinequestions. Have a question? Send it to editor@ 113,700 cumulative COVID-19 100 people, whichever is fewer, paweekly.com and we’ll do our best to answer it. cases and 1,912 deaths. There according to the California Comprehensive COVID-19 were 120 people hospitalized, 13 Department of Public Health. coverage of which were new. In addition, business sectors tier on Tuesday. They join San and get vaccinated when it’s like family entertainment cen- View interactive charts track- Santa Clara County Mateo County as the only coun- our turn,” Santa Clara County ters, card rooms, offices and win- ing the spread of the coronavi- moves into orange tier for ties in the region to proceed into Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody eries will be allowed to resume rus in San Mateo and Santa the orange tier since the state’s said in a statement Tuesday. indoor operations after being Clara counties online at paloal- reopening stay-at-home order was lifted in “We are close to a significant limited to opening outdoors or toonline.atavist.com/tracking- Santa Clara County moved January. increase in vaccine supplies, but being closed altogether in the red the-coronavirus. Find a compre- into the state’s orange tier of “Advancement to the Orange until those doses are in arms, we and purple tiers. hensive collection of coverage COVID-19 restrictions Tues- Tier reflects the patience and must protect each other against On April 1, counties in the on the Midpeninsula’s response day, allowing the county to persistence of the whole com- another surge.” orange tier can allow 33% capac- to the new coronavirus by The expand indoor capacities for munity in Santa Clara County. The tier change from red to ity crowds at outdoor profes- Almanac and its sister publica- some businesses and reopen To continue to prevent cases orange allows each county to sional sporting events and 25% tions, Palo Alto Online, and the bars outdoors. and resultant hospitalizations increase indoor capacity from capacity or 500 people, which- Mountain View Voice, at tinyurl. In the Bay Area, San Fran- and deaths, we must continue to 25% to 50% for sectors such as ever is fewer, at amusement com/c19-Almanac. A cisco and Marin counties were wear masks, social distance, stay places of worship, movie the- parks. CalMatters and Bay City News also cleared to enter the orange outdoors as much as possible, aters and restaurants. Gyms and Guests at outdoor arenas must Service contributed to this report.

VACCINE HUNTERS Vaccination rates are higher a lot of work, but he said it’s continued from page 1 in San Mateo County, which worth it to hear people are has vaccinated 235,000 people finally able to get an appoint- of a computer all day con- — more than one-third of all ment and protect themselves stantly refreshing webpages in residents age 16 and older — and and others. search of the vaccine, Aggar- administered over 355,000 shots. It’s free to use, but he said wal said, but people are des- Despite the progress, state anyone who gets an appoint- perate to protect themselves and county health officials say ment through his program is and loved ones from the virus. there remains a severe vac- encouraged to pay it forward Yet the alternative — using cine supply shortage, and that and help others — particu- California’s “My Turn” sign-up the unpredictable allocations larly those who may not be system — is practically useless, from week to week make it tech-savvy or have access to a he said. Nobody he has signed difficult for providers to plan computer. up through My Turn has ever ahead for appointments. The “If you are able to get help received a notification. mix of high demand and short from the app, reach out to Underscoring the despera- turnaround means available underprivileged people and tion, Aggarwal said people appointments are published help them get the vaccine too,” who do score an appointment online and quickly snatched he said. are willing to travel anywhere up, creating the dynamic that Anyone interested in signing in the greater Bay Area and Aggarwal says is driving peo- up for the notifications can beyond to get the shot. ple to find workarounds. download the Telegram app for “There are so many people Aggarwal, who works for Android or iPhone. Users can who are ready to go at a Intuit in Mountain View, said then either search for BayAreaV- moment’s notice to get the vac- his program is a work in prog- accineNotification in the app or cine, and are willing to drive to ress, and must constantly be click the link t.me/ Sacramento to get it,” he said. updated as vaccine providers bayareavaccinenotification. A “A lot of people have lost their change their websites — some loved ones and they know that even putting up barriers to Email Kevin Forestieri at this is serious, especially for keep it from working. It takes [email protected] folks who are high risk.” Since vaccinations began in December, roughly 500,000 people in Santa Clara County have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vac- cine, including over half of all those age 65 and older. About Customer Service Rep Courtesy Mukesh Aggarwal 10,000 of those immunized To place an ad (Work from Home) A screenshot shows alerts for available vaccine appointments have received the Johnson or get a quote, gathered by members of Bay Area Vaccine Hunters and sent through & Johnson vaccine, which Process payroll, good verbal the Telegram app. requires only one dose. and written communication contact skills with our clients, comp and tech savvy, and reliable Kevin Legarda SOURCES: Information taken from data sourced in “2021 Silicon Valley Index,” Joint Venture Silicon Valley, unless otherwise transportation. Having at 650.223.6597 noted. THE VIRUS: Santa Clara and San Mateo county health department dashboards (cases, deaths, vaccines) | HOUSING & a clean background is a or email ESSENTIALS: U.S. Census Bureau, Household Pulse & Community Resilience Estimates (mortgage & rent); *MLS data January plus. Email your resume to [email protected] 2019 - March 2021 for Midpeninsula, courtesy Realtor Xin Jiang (median sales price, homes sold); CalFresh applications U.S. digitalads@ to be considered for the Census Bureau, Household Pulse Survey (food, health care, mental health) | LABOR MARKET: Employment Development position. paweekly.com. Department year-over-year change in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages | TECH BOOM: GDP Moody’s Economy.com, 2020 (GDP); Venture Capital Thomson ONE, 2020 (venture capital); *Market Watch “Big tech is swallowing the rest of Silicon Valley, by Jon Swartz (cumulative sales). To advertise call 650.223.6597 or email [email protected]. *Information not included in “2021 Silicon Valley Index.” March 26, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ11 12QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQMarch 26, 2021 March 26, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ13 NEWS

MENLO PORTAL CRIME BRIEF continued from page 5 Atherton police warn of increase in catalytic extensive environmental impact analyses. converter thefts The draft analysis found that There have been two recent thefts of catalytic converters from the proposal would not generate cars parked at residences in Atherton, police reported Monday, any environmental impacts that March 22. Thefts of catalytic converters are on the rise in the area were considered to be “signifi- and across the country, police said in a news bulletin. cant and unavoidable” beyond Someone reported one stolen from James Avenue last weekend, what the city already permitted according to the town’s crime blotter. in its 2016 effort, called “Con- Stricter car emissions rules worldwide have increased demand nectMenlo,” to rezone the area. for the precious metals in catalytic converters, leading to an As part of that zoning policy, increase in black market sales of the parts, police said. Some of since the developer is plan- the precious metals used in the device, such as palladium and ning to build a denser, bigger rhodium, are at record high prices. (Rhodium hit nearly $30,000 project than would otherwise per ounce in early March, a 3,000% increase from about $640 an be allowed in the area, it has to Courtesy Greystar/Heller Manus Architects ounce five years ago, according to Trading Economics, a website provide a “community amenity,” The landscaped area between the proposed housing and office that collects official records of commodity prices.) or some kind of benefit to the buildings of the Menlo Portal development is illustrated in this rendering. Catalytic converters can be sawed off from the belly of a car in community. Greystar is propos- minutes. They can be sold for several hundred dollars at a scrap- ing to provide a contribution staffing positions would go to Andrew Morcos of Greystar yard, which then sells the converters to recyclers who extract the valued at between $5.3 million Belle Haven residents. said. metals, police said. and $8.6 million for a child care The facility would offer 1,600 “I think we asked for a child Residents should keep their cars in a garage or behind a gate, if center and financial support for square feet of indoor space and care facility and they’re giving possible, or in a well-lit area, to help deter thieves, police said. Resi- subsidize enrollment for Belle 2,190 square feet of outdoor us one. They should be com- dents can also install catalytic converter metal anti-theft guards. Haven families. space as a play area. mended for that. It’s not easy,” It can cost up to $2,000 to replace a catalytic converter, and it is The center would be run by All In reviewing the proposal said Commissioner Michael illegal to drive a car without one, according to Allstate Insurance. Five, a Belle Haven-based non- Monday night, March 22, plan- Doran. Some states now require scrapyards and other recyclers to check profit early childhood educa- ning commissioners asked some The proposal still has to go the photo IDs of those selling catalytic converters, police said. tion program, and would serve questions about the child care before the Housing Commis- California requires businesses to take a photograph or video of the between 20 and 24 children ages offering. Commissioner Chris sion, back to the Planning Com- seller and retain that record for two years. But rules differ between 3 to 5. Up to 75% of the program DeCardy asked if the developer mission, and then the City states, which makes tracking and enforcement almost impossible, would be subsidized for Belle had considered other locations. Council before it can be for- according to police. Haven families on a sliding scale Yes, they had considered look- mally approved, according to —Angela Swartz based on income, while 25% of ing for other locations closer to Morcos. A the spots would be for children Belle Haven for the facility, but whose families would pay the didn’t find anything that would Email Kate Bradshaw at COMMUNITY BRIEFS full price of tuition. Priority for be more affordable, developer [email protected] Elvis the pig up for adoption FIRE STATION An stray male pig found in Woodside is available for adoption QA reception area their own bedroom. However, if continued from page 8 at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA). QA new fitness and training the station has a five-person shift, A good Samaritan reported that the adult pig, dubbed Elvis, was area makeshift bedrooms are created wandering her property in Woodside and called PHS/SPCA. The increases in noise and light from Q10 parking stalls, plus two new in the office and exercise room. shelter’s rescue staff captured him and brought him to its shelter an expanded facility and offer ADA compliant stalls, in front The station has two garage on Feb. 25. of office space to the San Mateo of the building. spaces in the apparatus room “As an open admission shelter, we accept all kinds of animals, County Sheriff’s Office. The fire The current fire station houses for an engine and water tender, including pigs,” said Buffy Martin Tarbox, the PHS/SPCA com- district removed some of the between three to five personnel according to the staff report. munications manager, in a press release. “This is the fourth pig parking and exterior lighting 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any additional equipment in the last three years that we’ve had available for adoption at our from the plan to address their Everyone at the station responds is housed in a covered sheet shelter. We are committed to finding him a loving home where he concerns. to emergency and non-emergen- metal carport, which does not will be kept as a pet, not a source of food.” cy calls. They work a continuous currently meet Department of No one came forward to claim Elvis, so PHS/SPCA made Proposed changes 48-hour shift at the station, with Homeland Security standards him available for adoption. Elvis is neutered, but his exact age is a roughly one-hour shift change for securing the fire station and unknown. It is possible Elvis will continue to grow, so potential The proposal includes a overlap occurring in the morn- its equipment. adopters should have ample space for him. remodel of current facilities and ing between 7:30 and 8:30. Up “Elvis is social and will make a wonderful pet for someone who requests the following updates: to 10 people occupy the station Project timeline has the space he’ll need to thrive and live a happy life,” Tarbox said. QAdding one bedroom to the within the shift change overlap. “Pigs can live, on average, 12 to 18 years. Their diet consists of pig station for a total of five The station has three bed- Project plans next go to the pellets, fresh vegetables and alfalfa hay, although Elvis is very fond QOne office rooms, with each person having Architectural & Site Control of apples.” Commission for a recommenda- People interested in meeting Elvis can call PHS/SPCA at 650- tion on the architectural and site 340-7022. His adoption fee is $100. development permits. The proj- Public Notices ect will then return to the Plan- Webinar on animal welfare during disasters ning Commission for a public Learn from the experts about managing creatures both large 995 Fictitious Name Registered owner(s): hearing on the environmental and small in the event of a disaster during the webinar “Animal JOAN LORRAINE MCLAREN review. The project appears to Statement 1619 Carleton Ct. Welfare During Disasters” on Saturday, March 27, from 4 to 5:30 EQUINE EVENTS Redwood City, CA 94061 qualify for a categorical exemp- p.m. FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT This business is conducted by: An tion under the California Envi- Individual. File No.: 286787 Dr. Abigail Kaufman will host a talk on animal first aid; Dr. Jen The registrant commenced to transact ronmental Quality Act, though The following person (persons) is (are) Dalmasso will discuss sheltering animals during wildfires; and business under the fictitious business staff is still evaluating that. doing business as: name(s) listed above on Feb. 24, 2021. Stacey Claitor and Fawni Hill of the San Mateo County Large Equine Events, located at 1619 Carleton This statement was filed with the County The Planning Commission Animal Evacuation Group will discuss evacuating and sheltering Ct., Redwood City, CA 94061, San Mateo Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on will make a recommendation to County; Mailing address: PO Box 620143, February 24, 2021. large animals during large-scale crises. Woodside, CA 94062. (ALM Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26, 2021) the Town Council, which will The Woodside-Portola Valley chapter of CERT (Community have final say on the project. Emergency Response Team), Woodside Portola Valley Ready, the The Almanac is adjudicated to publish in San Mateo County. The staff report from the evacuation group and the Humane Society of Silicon Valley are Public Hearing Notices Resolutions • Bid Notices • Lien Sale March 17 meeting can be viewed presenting the free event. Trustee’s Sale • Notices of Petition to Administer Estate at tinyurl.com/pv-firestation. A Organizers stand to gain $20 per attendee through a grant Deadline is Monday at noon. Call Alicia Santillan at 650-223-6578 or email [email protected] for Email Angela Swartz at assistance with your legal advertising needs. [email protected] See COMMUNITY BRIEFS, page 17

14QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQMarch 26, 2021 Picturesque Mediterranean-Style Home in Coveted Vintage Oaks

158 Seminary Drive, Menlo Park Bedrooms: 5 | Bathrooms: 3.5 Living: 3,587 sq ft | Lot: .27 acre List Price: $4,989,000

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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01866771. All material presented herein is intended for informational ltoldpOpdb_|BbMWpKdalW_OMTodapdtoKOpMOOaOMoO_WBJ_OJtsVBpbdsJOObyOoWOMà VBbUOpWbloWKOÛKdbMWsWdbÛpB_OdozWsVMoBzB_aB|JOaBMOzWsVdtsbdsWKOà!dpsBsOaObsWpaBMOBpsdBKKtoBK| of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

March 26, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ15 NEWS

PRINCIPAL Frederick Earl Judd continued from page 5 October 17, 1925 – March 1, 2021 enrollment, completed construc- Long time resident of Menlo Park son each piloted two of Fred’s wooden tion projects to build state-of- and Sun Valley, Fred Judd passed away Rogue River float boats down the Middle the-art classrooms, remodeled a chemistry room, enhanced peacefully in his sleep at his home in Fork of the Salmon River, class IV rapids, athletic fields and updated locker Borrego Springs, Ca on March 1, 2021 at known as “the River of No Return” with rooms on the campus. the age of 95. his friend Don Wells and son Donnie. Most significantly, the school A lifelong outdoorsman who was active Fred and Clay also floated Hells Canyon has focused on student well- and vigorous and always good humored, of the Snake River, class IV rapids, being and balanced changing Fred was a residential and commercial fishing and hunting with good friends conditions to support students builder just as the mid-Peninsula build- Charlie Shriver and Stoney Burke. with a new bell schedule (pre- ing boom took hold. As a professional In 1972, Fred and Esther moved to Sun COVID-19) to include flex time, hobbyist, he pursued his love of hunting, Valley, Idaho and built one of the first allowing for “built-in office fly-fishing, horseback riding and boat- homes on the golf course. He became ac- hours” during the school day, ing, and giving back to the communities tive in helping his rapidly growing com- she said. “This year, the realities of where he lived. munity. He served on the Sun Valley City racial injustice combined with Fred was born in Portland, Oregon on Council and was part of the volunteer the pandemic presented us with October 17, 1925 to parents Henry Clay Fire Department. an opportunity to take action, Judd and Vera Temple Judd both origi- He loved steelhead fishing on the listen to students and look at our nally from Pendleton, Oregon. Fred’s Salmon River and Dean River in BC. In culture and instructional pro- father Henry served in WWI in the 1975 Fred built a log cabin and barn on gram to take steps towards being European Theater. The family moved to his beloved Grove Creek near Picabo, an anti-racist school,” she said. Atherton, CA when Henry went to work ID. He liked searching for indian ar- “We’ve also innovated, pivoting for Standard Oil Co. in San Francisco. rowheads after big rains. Fred also col- to full distance learning and Fred graduated from Sequoia High lected old farm tools which he called his soon ramping up to be in person School in Redwood City. “whatsits”. again with uncertainties and changes due to the ever changing As a young boy, Fred spent summers Fred married Katharine Long Bishop COVID-19 situation; and we will working on the cattle and wheat ranches October 14, 1986 and they had many continue to do so.” run by his uncle Roy Temple and aunt wonderful years of marriage. Fred took The Association of California Thelma McClintock, near Pendleton, Katharine’s teenage sons Scott and Brett School Administrators named Oregon. He also worked in the salmon under his wing and shared with them his her “Principal of the Year” for the industry in Astoria, Oregon. While still a love of the outdoors. 2019-20 school year. teenager, Fred and his friend Joe Whelan Fred and Katharine lived many years Rick-Kennel’s last day at M-A built a cabin out of rough-hewn logs near in Sun Valley while later wintering in will be June 30, according to the Skylonda. He also volunteered on the Borrego Springs, CA. They spent sum- district. Pescadero Fire Department, working mers fly fishing and floating rivers in The opening at M-A presents up an appetite for abalone sandwiches Idaho and Montana and other western the district with an opportunity to recruit a candidate that both and slices of olallieberry pie at Duarte’s states. In later years they skippered pow- exemplifies the focus of East Palo Tavern in Pescadero. er boats in the San Juan Islands, WA. and Alto Councilman Antonio After the invasion of Pearl Harbor on the Gulf Islands, BC. López’s joint equity and diversity December 7, 1941 Fred joined the US They cruised on their boat, the committee, and the equity goals Navy, at 17 and served on the aircraft car- Chamber of Commerce. “Kathalina” with family and friends. that the district has said it is rier, USS Marcus Island. He saw action in In the mid-60’s Fred went on to de- They also spent many summers on Orcas committed to, López said in a six battles, including the Battle of Leyte velop The Palo Alto Business Park, the Island where Fred liked to go crabbing March 22 email. A Gulf, one of the largest naval battles of first tilt-up commercial buildings con- in his jet boat. Later in life Fred explored the war. As a gunner on a 20mm rapid structed in Palo Alto east of Hwy 101 at the Anza Borrego Desert with his friends Email Angela Swartz at fire anti-aircraft gun, he was credited San Antonio Road. and family on his ATVs and his vintage [email protected] with shooting down multiple Japanese Fred had an infectious laugh and was bronco. OBITUARIES Kamikaze jets attacking the aircraft an expert storyteller always looking for Fred aka “Ferd The Bird” will always be carrier. material in his adventures. Here are remembered for his love of life, his gusto Local residents who died After the war, Fred attended San Jose some favorites: in pursuit of making dreams happen, his recently include Frederick State on the GI Bill, graduating in 1950. Fred and his good friend Ray Jacobsen generosity, kindness, and his exceptional Earl Judd, 95, a former Men- There he met Esther Cameron. They were were partners in the “Hummingbird” quality of making good friends wherever lo Park resident, on March 1; married in August 1951 and welcomed Bird Class sailing boat and spent many he went. He lived by what his mother al- Gayle Lensing Rimerman, their son, Clay in 1954. weekends sailing on San Francisco Bay ways told him, “work hard, play fair, and 71, longtime Menlo Park Early on, Fred was a carpenter and with family and friends out of Sausalito make every man your friend” resident and former Junior home builder with three subdivisions Yacht Harbor as well as summer trips Fred is survived by his wife Katharine League of Palo Alto presi- dent, on March 12; William in Atherton - Clay Drive, Vera View, sailing up the San Joaquin Delta. Long Judd, son F. Clay Judd (Nita), John Gardner, 87, Portola and the Donahoe property near Menlo- He also loved hunting and fishing in grandson Ryan Clay Judd (Crystal), Valley resident and volunteer Atherton High School he developed with northern California with good friends great grandchildren Tinsley and Heath, for the town’s Emergency his friend Whelan. In the late 1950s, Fred Sam Whiting, Bob Lewis and George stepsons Scott Bishop (Lysie), and Brett Preparedness Committee started a grading and paving and heavy Long and their annual opening day Bishop (Julia), step grandchildren, as well as the Woodside equipment leasing business, building pheasant hunt. He was a member of Kenzie, Colby, Claire, Martha, Hugh, Fire Protection District, on roads in Redwood City, Atherton, and Gordon Knapp’s duck club known as the and step greatgrandson, Hayes March 18; and Kathleen Ladera. “Alviso Hilton” along with good friends Preceded in death were his parents Marshall Diekroeger, 59, Fred enjoyed helping the growing Don Broesamle, Jim Nystrom and oth- Henry and Vera Judd, brother Henry a Woodside resident who community he lived in. He donated his ers. He and his family loved their annual Judd, and first wife Esther Cameron held several positions in the time to build the first little league field in ski trip to Sugar Bowl with Stan and Kiki Judd. Parents Asso- ciation, on March 19. Portola Valley operating his own grading Hiller and sons. He often spent summers The family will have a private memo- To read full obituaries, equipment. He was an active parent with living out of his camper while fly fishing rial service. In lieu of flowers, donations leave remembrances and Boy Scouts campouts. He also served rivers of Montana. may be made to the charity of your post photos, go to Lasting as a past president of the Menlo Park In the summer of 1971, Fred and his choice. Memories at almanacnews.

PAID OBITUARY com/obituaries.

16QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQMarch 26, 2021 NEWS

DESKS students to accommodate social this fall, noting that distancing Parent Association of Carlsbad Franklin said. “We have yet to continued from page 5 distancing. “is the most critical factor when and a supporter of the suit. talk to a health official who’s able Palo Alto Unified Superinten- determining what school will Tustin Unified in Orange to explain why 4 feet is different School District. “But we don’t dent Don Austin said the CDC’s look like in the fall.” County began offering in-person than 3 feet. I’m not sure how think the hybrid model, where new spacing guidance wouldn’t “We desperately need clear and instruction via hybrid scheduling much science is involved in those kids are only on campus half the immediately change the district’s consistent communication and for all grades starting last Sep- decisions about the distancing.” time, is conducive for everyone. reopening plan, though staff guidelines from the state,” the tember and has not experienced We want our kids in school full have been planning for a poten- school board wrote to Newsom. any cases of in-school trans- What’s next time, five days a week.” tial shift. Speaking at an elementary mission, according to Gregory California’s rules for reopen- “The CDC shift is exactly what school in Alameda, Newsom said A. Franklin, Tustin’s superin- The Legislature will decide this ing, updated in late January, schools needed to reopen in the the state would revisit its own tendent. Six in 10 students are spring to what extent it will allow allow schools to physically fall,” Austin wrote in a weekly rules for reopening schools based attending school in person in school districts to operate under reopen if they follow strict safety update. “There are still reali- on whether the CDC updates its Tustin, with most campuses hybrid and distance learning measures, which includes spac- ties and logistics that will need guidance while touting the state’s operating at 30% capacity. next school year, but schools are ing desks no less than 4 feet while to be addressed to return more progress in reopening schools. Teachers are instructing stu- anxious for guidance on spacing; making a “good-faith effort” hybrid students to full in-person “We look forward to working dents who opted to remain some year-round schools begin to maintain 6 feet of spacing. instruction this year.” through that in real time once we online while also directing the their terms in July. Recent studies have suggested He was waiting for the Califor- have more clarity from the feds,” students in their physical class- “Physical distancing is a huge schools can safely operate with nia Department of Public Health Newsom told reporters. rooms. Engaging students under barrier to reopening schools for 3 feet of distancing versus 6 feet. (CDPH) to revise its guidance, hybrid instruction remains a full five-day-a-week schedules,” The Centers for Disease Control which was announced the next Parents sue challenge, Franklin said, because said Dr. Jeanne Noble, director recommended 6 feet of distance day. The state’s updated guidance “it’s much easier for a kid to of COVID-19 response for Uni- in its latest February guidance, now “strongly recommends” dis- Last month, parent advocates struggle anonymously online,” versity of California at San Fran- but doesn’t set a minimum stan- tancing of at least 3 feet between in San Diego County sued the without continuous interactions cisco’s emergency department. dard. The CDC said last Friday students. state in an attempt to undo with educators. “So it’s really time to look that elementary school students The Contra Costa County school reopening rules they When the 2021-22 school closely at the data and say is it and some middle and high school district brought middle argued have arbitrarily kept year begins, Franklin envisions necessary, because it’s going to school students can be spaced 3 and high school students back schools from offering full-time schools will continue operating keep millions of kids out of full- feet apart in classrooms, as long on campus Wednesday under in-person instruction. A judge with many of the same measures time school. The data tells us it’s as everyone wears a mask. a hybrid model — similar to issued a temporary restraining — everyone wears masks, washes not necessary, that masking is Now, health experts, parents how most other California order Monday, March 15. their hands, travels hallways really the key to this.” A and administrators want Cali- schools have so far physically “(The judge) essentially indict- in one direction. Unclear yet is fornia to clarify its distanc- reopened. In a March 11 letter ed remote learning as a failed whether the rules will allow for a Email Ricardo Cano at ing requirements for reopening to the governor pleading for learning model and slammed the full-time return. [email protected]. Elena campuses. The Sequoia Union clarification on state guidance, state for creating rules that arbi- “What’s a little frustrating Kadvany contributed to this High School District is plan- the San Ramon Valley school trarily forced some students into is when we talk to the health report. Calmatters.org is a ning to bring students back on board said it wants to be able remote learning while allowing officials, they talk about doing nonprofit, nonpartisan media campus starting April 5, with to offer students and families others to attend in-person,” said distance as much as practi- venture explaining California’s most classrooms limited to 10-12 full-time in-person instruction Scott Davison, co-director of the cable but not less than 4 (feet),” policies and politics.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS learning environment we enjoy students met many times before Priory production offers 10 The family-friendly show continued from page 14 at Corte Madera,” said Principal school and on weekends to study. explores different types of Kristen Shima in a press release. Each team took the test at their short comic plays relationships, including a first offered by the state to increase The district’s other school, own school. If laughter is the best medi- date during a zombie apoca- emergency preparedness. Money Ormondale, received the same cine, then Woodside Priory lypse; a marriage proposal with received from the grant will be designation in 2010 and 2014. Atherton recruiting for School is offering up a hefty surprising saltiness simmering used to fund emergency trailers dose of it to combat these try- The schools will be recognized committees below its prim, Jane Austen- and supplies. at a future county Board of Edu- ing times. inspired surface; as well as the Sign up at tinyurl.com/ cation meeting, according to the The town of Atherton is The school’s spring produc- comically bizarre turns that animalsemergencyresponse. Office of Education. recruiting people for several town tion, “Laugh Till Your Pants marriage and parenting can committees. Catch Fire,” is a collection of occasionally take. Corte Madera named Atherton’s Bicycle and Pedes- 10 short comic plays written “Laugh Till Your Pants Catch St. Raymond School trian, Environmental Programs by professional playwrights. distinguished school students place second in Fire” is available on demand and Transportation commit- The virtual production, which starting at 6 p.m. Friday, March Corte Madera School has been academic decathlon tees each have a vacancy for a is offered on demand through chosen as a 2021 California Dis- 26, through midnight on Sun- Students from St. Raymond term that expires in June 2023, April 4, was filmed on the Pri- tinguished School by the Cali- day, April 4. Tickets are at a School in Menlo Park placed sec- while the Parks and Recreation ory’s stage using COVID-safe fornia Department of Education. pay-what-you-can cost. More ond overall in the Archdiocese of Committee has a vacancy for practices and features the work The California Department of information is at tinyurl.com/ San Francisco California’s Catho- a term expiring this June. The of student actors, a student film Education recognized only 100 Laugh-Pants-Catch-Fire. lic Schools Academic Junior High Parks and Recreation Committee crew and student editors. middle and high schools for 2021, — Heather Zimmerman Decathlon competition, accord- member must also be a member including three from San Mateo ing to a school press release. of the Holbrook-Palmer Park County, according to the county Students in grades six through Foundation. Office of Education. eight from schools throughout The town is not filling current The Department of Education the Archdiocese competed in the vacancies on the Rail Commit- identifies and awards eligible academic decathlon on March 6. tee because it may reduce the Marketplace schools based on performance The St. Raymond School team membership size in the near and progress on state indicators included eighth graders Bella future, said Deputy City Man- on the California School Dash- Svanberg, Grace Urban, Hailey ager/City Clerk Anthony Suber board. Dashboard indicators Wells and Patrick Kane and sev- in an email Wednesday, March include test scores, suspension The Almanac offers advertising for enth graders Ryan Karr, Emma 24. The town has reduced the rates, and conditions and school Kane, James Palazzolo, Sam membership to “up to 9” and Home Services, Business Services and climate. Boyd, Sarah Thieman, Henry may reduce it even further, he “We have been through so Employment. Dommer, Luca Pinheiro, Sam said. Rail service to Atherton’s much together since the start of Malek and Robert Cevasco. station ended late last year. the pandemic, and this award is The competition took place on Learn more about the com- If you wish to learn more about a reminder of the strength and Zoom this year, making it more mittees and apply at tinyurl. resilience of our school com- these advertising options, challenging than in past years, com/Athertoncomittees. Con- munity — staff, families and stu- according to the school. The stu- tact Suber by email at asuber@ please call 650.223.6582 or email dents — who have come together dents could only practice together ci.atherton.ca.us, or by phone at to overcome numerous challeng- [email protected]. during the last two weeks leading 650-752-0529, with any questions. es and maintain the outstanding up to the decathlon. In years past, —Angela Swartz

March 26, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ17 Viewpoint IDEAS, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ABOUT LOCAL ISSUESISSUES

As we march into the orange tier, let’s ensure that Black and brown residents are not left behind

By Antonio López standards, but of their very own. In statistics show, it does not constitute GUEST OPINION attachment A of the announcement’s a fair share. The moral, economic and n March 18, San Mateo County fact sheet, they highlight a commitment equity-minded strength for this argu- sent out a press release announc- proudly I add, as the essential workforce to “double vaccine allotment for hardest ment is well-established. What we need Oing expanded access to COV- of the Silicon Valley. If tech companies hit communities.” now is the political one. ID-19 vaccinations geared toward com- like Facebook, Google and Sun Micro- My parents come from a generation And so, County Manager Mike Cal- munities highly impacted by the virus. systems provide the Silicon, we provide that has been reared to keep its head lagy, vaccine czar Justin Mates, Supervi- As council member of one of those the backbone, the sweat that never takes down, to not rock the boat out of fear. sor Warren Slocum, Assemblyman Marc cities in question, I am grateful for their a day off, the salt of the earth that keeps But that is not my generation. Berman and State Sen. Josh Becker, it acute attention over the disproportion- the Valley rich — that cleans offices, And what is the point of being the first is in the spirit of Supervisor Canepa’s ate impact of this pandemic. The words that caters its events, that risks its life, generation of citizens, to this county and words that I implore you all to be “laser of Supervisor David Canepa are exem- day in day out, without even so much of country, if I do not speak on behalf of focused” on communities like mine, to plary: “We are laser-focusing our vac- a demand. those too busy or afraid (or both) to do commit to the hard number of no less cination efforts by providing clinics in Until now. so. than 10.9% of the vaccine supply for the highly impacted ZIP codes to get more There is much fanfare around the It is in this spirit that I remind readers city of East Palo Alto, and ideally, to doses in arms right in the neighborhood county’s turn to the orange tier. In one and elected officials alike that the people commit to establishing a mass vaccina- you live and the language you speak.” respect I understand this excitement. of East Palo Alto, Belle Haven and North tion site in our area so as to benefit not The city of East Palo Alto makes up We are all fatigued from this yearlong Fair Oaks do not just deserve more vac- just us, but our sisters and brothers in 4% of San Mateo County. Nevertheless, recession. These months of sheltering in cines, but are entitled to them. Menlo Park’s Belle Haven, in unincor- we make up 10.9% of all positive cases. place have damaged our mental health, To date, there have been no mass vac- porated Redwood City, and in the other My call is simple: I urge the county to our bodies, and so many of us are yearn- cination sites for the south of the county. “hardest hit communities.” Affirm to commit to an equitable distribution of ing to return to some sense normalcy. And while we are grateful for the neigh- my constituents that even as we march no less than 10.9% of the vaccine distri- But as an elected official, I simply borhood vaccination clinics made pos- to orange, the Black and brown will not bution for my community. cannot do that at the expense of my sible by collaboration with the county get left behind. The reasons are painfully known, community. and local clinics like the Ravenswood Antonio LÓpez is a member of the but allow me to cite two: we serve, and I remind the county not of my Health Center, as the aforementioned East Palo Alto City Council.

Bay Area alone; the state of Cali- kindness, and condemn racially resulted in some of the highest scale of the crises we face. Our LETTERS fornia is home to 44.56% of all motivated hate, harassment and power cost in the country with communities, our climate, our Our readers write reported anti-Asian racism and violence against persons of any blackouts and wildfires. Califor- democracy cannot afford delay discrimination cases throughout race or ethnicity. We hope that nia is prematurely shutting down or compromise. We need our the country, as reported by Stop the next generation will do better natural gas plants and shifting elected representatives to com- Condemning hate against AAPI Hate. As 13.8% of MPC- than ours, and that our children budgets for maintenance and mit to fighting for a historic Asians SD’s families identify as Asian or may grow up to lead a just and clearance of power lines into economic recovery of at least Pacific Islander, we must stand democratic society with equi- solar subsidies. $10 trillion to create millions of In light of recent, and increas- with them against this rising tide table treatment and opportunity Battery storage costs will have good jobs stopping the climate ing, incidences of racism, vio- of hate. for all. to drop by 50 times to make it crisis and building a new, people- lence, and hate against Asian MPCSD is working hard to Erik Burmeister, MPCSD super- affordable. But there is promise centered economy before the end Americans and Pacific Islanders, create an educational environ- intendent; Sherwin Chen, school that the solar-hydrogen energy of Biden’s first 100 days. the Menlo Park City School Dis- ment in which our children may board president; and school generation cycle would solve the Gabriela Hakeman trict school board members and grow up to be adults who are board trustees David Ackerman, power storage issue, which would Palo Alto superintendent wish to firmly anti-racist. Through the super- Stacey Jones, Scott Saywell and make solar reliable and cost com- condemn these acts. We are intendent’s Antiracism Advisory Francesca Segré. petitive with fossil fuels. alarmed at the rise of racist Team, the district is improving Ed Kahl What’s on behaviors and attacks against its recruitment, hiring and reten- The miscues and future Woodside Road, Woodside members of these communities. tion to develop a more diverse promise of green power your mind? Violent anti-Asian sentiment staff; making curriculum deci- Investing in good jobs has been building for years, sions that bring a variety of The power outages in Texas From City Hall politics and surged over the past year voices and perspectives to our and California have a common Congress just passed a COVID and the schools to amid racist scapegoating that has classroom content; investing in cause — premature investments relief bill, but short-term relief is transportation and other blamed Asians for the coronavi- staff professional development in unreliable wind and solar not enough — we need longer- pressing issues, the Almanac aims to keep rus pandemic. that empowers MPCSD teachers before feasible power storage term investment in good jobs for readers informed about The MPCSD school board and and staff to understand diverse technology is developed (“Guest all. their community. But we superintendent stand against perspectives and incorporate opinion: The Texas power crisis: There are millions of people also want to hear from you. all forms of hate. The resolu- them into the district’s work with What happened, why it hap- looking for good work, and so Tell us what’s on tion “Commitment to Creating students; and bringing speaker pened, and what it means for the much good work that needs to your mind by sending Anti-Racist Classrooms, Schools, events that encourage anti-racist future of energy policy,” March be done. It will take millions to your letters to letters@ and Communities,” passed by ideas to our entire community. 12). Had Texas built more reli- build a new green energy grid, AlmanacNews.com. Or the board in June 2020, takes Over 500 community members able power, it would have had care for older folks, teach chil- snail-mail them to: The a clear position against racism participated in the district’s first electricity to heat natural gas dren, restore parks and build- Almanac, 450 Cambridge and inequity, and commits our anti-racism speaker series in wellheads to keep natural gas ings, and build the kind of future Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306. schools and district to take action January. generation plants running. It we want our kids to see. This Letters should be no to make a difference for our Beyond the district’s own would also have had the money year, we can put millions of peo- longer than 300 words. students and our community. work, MPCSD’s school board to lock in guarantees on its power ple back to work in good paying Questions? Email editor@ Since March 2020, there have and superintendent support all purchases. jobs building a sustainable, just, AlmanacNews.com, or been over 700 cases of anti-Asian individuals and groups who In California’s case the money and people-centered economy. call 650-223-6537. racism and discrimination in the seek understanding, equity and invested in unreliable power has Congress must deliver at the

18QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQMarch 26, 2021 Artscene

PEOPLE AND PERFORMANCES IN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT The Pear Theatre offers a rich feast of words from Dylan Thomas

Video production of ‘Under Milk Wood’ is well worth watching — and reading By John Orr artistic director and director of Thomas Farley, Kalan Birnie the production, Sinjin Jones, has and Coco Jimenez), the lighting,

he Pear Theatre has out- achieved the mastery of filmwork the sound, and the very useful Courtesy John Deven/Squirrel Visuals done itself with a produc- that we have desired to see from closed captioning. Asha Kelly performs in the Pear Theatre’s production of Dylan Ttion of Dylan Thomas’s him over the course of the theater Thomas worked on “Under Thomas’s “Under Milk Wood,” available online through April 11. “Under Milk Wood,” a play that company’s pandemic releases. Milk Wood” — a “play for resounds with the beauty of Everything works: good per- voices” — for more than 20 years, of the play’s 40 characters are while another mimes them from well-chosen words and goes deep formances from the six-per- starting it when he was only 17 represented. across the stage. with meaning for humanity. son cast (Oluchi Nwokocha, and developing and polishing All the actors wear masks, The show was filmed in the And, praise be, the Pear’s Ali-Moosa Mirza, Asha Kelly, it for the rest of his life, which which keeps everybody safer, but round in the Pear’s Mountain ended at age 39. it is sometimes confusing to not View theater space. There are The result is fascinating and know who is speaking from line multiple camera angles, includ- beautiful poetry, rich with to line. And, the masks some- ing one from above, so we get to meaning and imagery, as he times muffle the microphones see everybody go through their tells the story of a night, a day, that I think they are wearing on choreography. and another night in the fic- their faces, making it slightly But, really, it all comes down tional Welsh seaside village of difficult to understand their to the beauty of Thomas’s words, Llareggub (set, in the Pear’s ver- words occasionally. Thankfully, this cast delivers sion, among six clans that come That’s part of why the closed them very nicely. together after the apocalypse). captioning is welcome. And, tru- “Under Milk Wood” is avail- “It is spring, moonless night ly, it is a treat to be able to follow able via streaming access through in the small town, starless and Thomas’s lovely language. With April 11 at thepear.org. Access is bible-black.” the dawn, we get more under- $30-$34. A companion piece to We the audience arrive in standing of the hopes and dreams this production, titled “The Sig- the night to peep in on the of the wakening town, and more nal Tower,” presented by Dragon dreams of several citizens of excellent writing from Thomas. Productions Theatre Company Llareggub. Captain Cat, old The cast adds to Thomas’s and other partners, is being and blind, is visited by the imagery with body movements, planned for a May release. A ghosts of drowned shipmates. dancing and stepping from Mrs. Ogmore-Pritchard dreams place to place on a circular Courtesy John Deven/Squirrel Visuals of dead husbands. Shopkeeper raised stage with arms that Contributing writer John Orr Ali-Moosa Mirza, left, and Asha Kelly play citizens of a fictional Mog Edwards and Myfanwy radiate from a raised plinth. can be emailed at johnorr@ seaside village in Wales in “Under Milk Wood.” Price dream of each other. Most One actor may speak the words, regardingarts.com

‘Color therapy’: Pace Gallery presents Arlene Shechet’s pandemic-inspired sculptures Ceramic works push technical boundaries and celebrate the rainbow By Sheryl Nonnenberg likely be quickly dispelled upon use a pottery studio in the base- entering the gallery. These are not ment of a dorm. he one-year anniversary your standard pots or bowls. And After earning degrees from of the pandemic has been those who’ve worked in clay may New York University and the Tcause for a lot of collective be astounded at what Shechet has Rhode Island School of Design, looking back and assessing. How been able to do with a medium she began to forge her own have we used the past 365 days? that is soft, pliable and often signature techniques. In the Some people took to cleaning highly fragile. Like many women catalog interview she explained closets, baking bread or learning who have taken on the mantle of that she “feels closest to the a new language. For New York- “sculptor,” Shechet has striven to tradition of Minimalism and based artist Arlene Shechet, it was overcome the notion that only Donald Judd,” but also that, “I a fruitful period when she retreat- male sculptors can work with want these finished sculptures ed to her Woodstock studio and heavy materials and equipment, to work as dimensionalized created a series of sculptures that and produce art of monumental paintings.” She succeeds in this reflect her passion for form, color scale. In the catalog produced endeavor, mainly through the and shape, executed in the medi- by Pace Gallery New York, the exploitation of color. um of glazed ceramic. “Together: artist described how when she Upon entering the main gal- Pacific Time” is a debut show of was young, being a sculptor was lery, the viewer is gobsmacked 12 works created specifically for identified as a “male vocation.” by a rainbow of hues. The walls Pace Gallery in Palo Alto, and is Her interest in clay was sparked, are a rich goldenrod yellow, Courtesy Pace Gallery on view until May 1. interestingly enough, when she the sculptures are deep and Pace Gallery in Palo Alto is presenting a collection of ceramic Any preconceived notions spent a short time as a student sculptures by Arlene Shechet, created during the pandemic. Pictured is about “glazed ceramics” will at and got to See PACE GALLERY, page 20 “Together: Pacific Time: 5 a.m.”

March 26, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ19 ARTSCENE

PACE GALLERY center of the space so that the quite precariously on the edge the lockdown by “shifting her to them. As Shechet explained, continued from page 19 viewer can both take them all in of the metal base. It’s a great mood” via the use of color. “It’s quite muscular what I do. I at once and walk around each bit of trompe l’oeil by the artist “Everything is color. I think don’t mean that they don’t have glorious reds, purples, yellows one. The pieces are affixed to and will encourage you to look everything has color, and I think a lightness or female presence, and greens. The gallery staff either wood or metal stands even closer. (Fear not, however that’s another language that but making sculpture is a very explained that Shechet directed that serve as extensions of the — each piece is firmly affixed some people are more sensitive muscular, tough activity.” (via FaceTime) the installation sculptures, rather than just underneath.) to than others.” In Together: How fitting that, during of the 10 plinths in this space supports. To that end, they are Describing the sculptures is Pacific Time: 1 a.m. (the titles Women’s History Month, Pace and had very definite ideas painted in contrasting colors. a challenge. They are colorful, make reference to the marking is featuring the work of a female about how they were to be In some pieces, like Together: highly tactile, dense yet shaped of time, as in a medieval “Book artist who has challenged the positioned. They are arranged, Pacific Time: 5 a.m., it appears very purposefully by the artist. of Hours”), the deep, rich purple macho, male-dominated world like a sculpture garden, in the that the sculpture is balanced You may find points of reference. glaze conjures up such disparate of sculpture, forging a long and Together: Pacific Time: 9 p.m. associations as grape juice, royal successful career — and she did reminded this writer of giant red vestments and jelly beans. The it her way. lips. Somehow the artist has tak- artist has said that these jewel- Pace Gallery, located at 229 en this highly malleable material toned pieces “reflected what I Hamilton Ave., is open by and folded it, looped it, prodded needed: color therapy.” appointment only, with COV- and formed it into these mysteri- The remaining two sculp- ID-19 protocols in place. Infor- ous shapes. The hand of the art- tures in the exhibition reflect mation is available at pacegal- ist is clearly visible, as in Pacific Shechet’s ability to work in large lery.com. Time: 5 a.m., a neon-orange scale. Under cherry trees/There sculpture that bears the indenta- are/no strangers is an amalgam Contributing writer Sheryl tions of the artist’s fingers. There of glazed ceramic and painted Nonnenberg can be reached at is a hollow in the center of this hardwood. This piece is typi- [email protected] piece where an orange-yellow cal of the artist’s “half-made, ooze of glaze emerges and drips half-found” approach in which LLEHUAEHUA GGREENMANREENMAN over, sort of like a lava flow. The she combines tree sections with artist described how these pieces ceramic forms. It’s a strong, seemed especially appropriate bold, Cubist assemblage that “When the in light of the past year’s events. changes from every vantage power of love “They have gestures; they aren’t point. In the last gallery, Iron overcomes the straight up and down. They’re Twins is a monumental piece love of power, bending like trees, bending like made of cast iron that has a humans.” Stonehenge-like quality. Or, it the world will The focal point of the works in could be perceived as two stand- be at peace. this space is color. Shechet, who ing figures, confronting each Be well!” has developed her own unique other with just a whisper of dis- glazing methods, has said that tance between their bases. These Arlene Shechet’s sculpture “Together: Pacific Time: 1 a.m.” she dealt with the isolation of works have a strong physicality 650.245.1845 ShortTHE 35TH ANNUAL Story PALO Contest ALTO WEEKLY

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20QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQMarch 26, 2021 Food&Drink

Pastry pop-ups in Palo Alto and chefs José Andrés and Jesse Cool converse about sustainability

By Elena Kadvany at Tartine Seoul, she helped to open the bakery’s first location in Korea. For the last hether you’ve got a taste for social few years, she’s baked Roy Shvartzapel’s W justice or finely made pastries famed panettone during the holidays for (or both), the Midpeninsula has Panettone From Roy. something for you. A local lecture series Last fall, Lu started her own endeavor: brings together a couple of staunch advo- Year of the Snake Foods, a pop-up with cates for sustainability in the restaurant items like sesame-scallion focaccia, kim- industry — Flea St. Cafe’s Jesse Cool and chi and langue de chat, delicate cookies chef-philanthropist José Andrés, founder filled with tahini, black sesame or white of World Central Kitchen — on April 6. chocolate. Her creations reflect her Chinese Veronica Weber In Palo Alto, there are new temptations on American upbringing in Cupertino, her Jesse Ziff Cool, chef-owner of Flea St. Cafe in Menlo Park, is moderating a conversation offer, as Patty Lu, a former Tartine baker, years of baking naturally leavened bread in with chef-philanthropist José Andrés for POST’s Wallace Stegner Lecture series on April 6. and Nariya Charoensupaya, Vina Enoteca’s the Bay Area and her time in Seoul. former pastry chef, are making breads and At Tono Coffee, you can find Lu’s black Also in the pastry case at Tono are new Andrés — as well as Cool, the owner of pastries with flavors that highlight their sesame bostock — soft, circular brioche sweets made by Nariya Charoensupaya, Flea St. Cafe in Menlo Park — is a staunch Asian American culinary heritages. topped with a velvety frangipane made who runs cottage bakery operation Pastry advocate for sustainability in the restau- from powdered black sesame, which is Cat in Sacramento. Charoensupaya, Vina rant industry. His new book, “Vegetables New on the Palo Alto inspired by Chinese tang yuan (sweet rice Enoteca’s former pastry chef, previously Unleashed,” explores cooking with veg- pastry scene flour dumplings filled with black sesame managed the kitchen team at the Italian etables to reduce food waste and the world’s paste) and zhi ma hu, a black sesame soup. restaurant with her husband, who was then carbon footprint. While John Shelsta’s Love for Butter She also makes a flaky biscuit studded with the chef de cuisine. She’s worked in the World Central Kitchen has for over a pop-up is on a temporary hiatus, two bak- lap cheong (Chinese sausage) and garlic Bay Area restaurant and bakery scenes for decade served meals to people in need ers have stepped in to fill the sweets void: a chives, among other items. about a decade, including at Mourad and and responded in the wake of natural and former Tartine baker and Vina Enoteca’s “For me, incorporating Chinese flavors Le Marais Bakery in San Francisco. Last man-made disasters, including when Hur- former pastry chef. — I want it to be more mainstream,” she summer, she decided to branch out on her ricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, the bushfires Patty Lu, who started her baking career said. own and started Pastry Cat. in Australia and in 2020, the pandemic. at Tartine Bakery in San Francisco, is tem- She said when she would bring Tartine “My products are a reflection of who I Since last March, World Central Kitchen porarily overseeing the bread program at bread home to her Taiwanese parents, they am and what I would like my customers to partnered with restaurants to keep them Vina Enoteca on Welch Road in Palo Alto eschewed the crusty sourdough bread for experience,” Charoensupaya said. “I was and their employees afloat while serving (where Shelsta has been baking for the last soft white breads from Chinese bakeries. trained mostly in French pastry techniques, 36 million meals in more than 400 cities few months) and making pastries for Tono “My whole background has been making but I love to incorporate Asian influenced/ across America. Coffee Project on Lytton Avenue in Palo European pastries and breads,” she said. “I inspired flavors to my products as that is Cool, who’s championed farm-to-table, Alto, which usually serves Love for Butter want to make stuff that they like to eat.” what I love, and what I grew up with.” organic cooking at Flea St. Cafe for four baked goods. Lu is also making classic focaccia, sour- Charoensupaya is Thai American. She decades, is also a culinary lecturer at the Lu was a line cook in San Francisco dough baguettes and other breads for Vina was born in the and grew up Stanford University Department of Educa- before delving into baking. She later started Enoteca’s Mercato, which is open Tuesday- in Bangkok. She makes sweets like matcha tion and uses her home garden and kitchen the bread program at The Charter Oak Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the restau- yuzu almond cookies, salted butter cara- as a model classroom. Cool spearheaded an Restaurant in St. Helena and worked at rant. She hopes to host Year of the Snake mels infused with genmai (toasted rice) and effort to revamp the food Stanford Hospital Tartine for several years. As head baker Foods pop-ups there as well. milk tea tiramisu, plus buckwheat shoku- serves employees and patients. pan bread. She developed her own recipe During the coronavirus shutdown, Flea for miso brown butter cookies (which St. Cafe launched “Meals of Gratitude,” you can find at Tono) and painstakingly a program to donate meals to front-line adjusted the ratios over and over again health care workers while keeping the res- to yield a super chewy texture and sweet- taurant staff employed. The restaurant has savory balance. made more than 29,000 meals for front-line “I’m very big on balancing everything health care providers, evacuees from the — flavor, texture, temperature (when pos- California wildfires (Flea St. also sent meals sible), no matter how simple or complex the to wildfire victims through World Central product may be,” Charoensupaya said. Kitchen) and vaccination site employees. Tono Coffee will be closed from March A year after starting the program, Cool 24-31, so check out the pastries there in ended Meals of Gratitude last week as the April. restaurant works to slowly reopen. Cool is a supporter of the Peninsula Open José Andrés and Space Trust’s work to protect local land and Jesse Cool farms, and also volunteers with World Cen- tral Kitchen. Because of these connections, Local restaurateur Jesse Ziff Cool will the Peninsula Open Space Trust asked her be moderating a virtual conversation with to host the conversation with Andrés, she José Andrés, famed chef and founder of said. World Central Kitchen, on April 6. The April 6 talk begins at 7 p.m. For The event is part of the Peninsula Open more information and to buy tickets, go Space Trust’s Wallace Stegner Lecture to openspacetrust.org. A series, which features “writers, thinkers Elena Kadvany and activists who explore important issues Email Elena Kadvany at Clockwise from top: a miso brown butter cookie from the Pastry Cat and a lap related to land, nature and conservation.” [email protected] cheong-garlic chive biscuit and black sesame bostock from Year of the Snake Foods. March 26, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ21 22QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQMarch 26, 2021 March 26, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ23 Italian Chateau in Prestigious Blue Oaks 11 BUCK MEADOW DRIVE | PORTOLA VALLEY | $7,575,000 | 11BUCKMEADOW.COM

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24QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQMarch 26, 2021