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Living with coyotes in Almanac country page 3

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

APRIL 13, 2011 | VOL. 46 NO. 33 WWW.THEALMANACONLINE.COM

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WOODSIDE This unique single-story home is located on one of Woodside’s most desirable streets. Offering the bucolic setting of Woodside, the sprawling, flat acre of Atherton, and the excellent Las Lomitas School District, this home really has it all. The open floor plan lends itself to both everyday living and entertaining. $2,895,000

MENLO PARK Fabulous 5bd/3ba home on third fairway of Sharon Heights Country Club. Separate suite on lower level with its own entrance. Remodeled kitchen and baths. Great views of golf course and western hills Las Lomitas School district, close proximity to 280 and Stanford. $2,599,000

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2 N The Almanac NApril 13, 2011 UPFRONT

LANDSCAPE - DESIGN - BUILD Living with coyotes on Midpeninsula Ken Coverdell By Kate Daly (650) 726-5990 when she was just a pup. Ms. Finch- Award Winning Since 1985 Special to the Almanac Morales said the coyote was tied www.blueskydesignsinc.com up in someone’s backyard being issing cat posters are a kept as an illegal pet. Sierra is “very Masonry-Plantings-Woodwork-Irrigation-Water Features-Drainage-Pools/Spas-Lighting common sight in some unsocialized,” afraid of dogs, and Mparts of Woodside where unfit to be released into the wild. cats disappear on a regular basis. Coyotes “are wild animals, and “We’ve lost cats to coyotes and the more wild spaces we take up, the /B/AB3=4B63>3<7S\W\acZOÀQOZZBVS/Z[O\OQ$#&#" $ $ around during the day. exhibit, a female named Sierra who tected areas. Biking through Portola Valley, was confiscated by the California Visit keepmewild.org for tips Dave Boyce has seen individual Department of Fish and Game from the California Department of Fish and Game on how to make yards less welcoming: put Coyotes race through Atherton away bird feeders at night, cover compost piles, pick up ripe fruit By Sandy Brundage them howling Tuesday night. off the ground, and install motion- Almanac Staff Writer Lt. Joe Wade of the Atherton sensitive lighting. hat was something,” police department said there “If followed by a coyote, make said Joni Woodside as have been no other reports of loud noises,” the website advises. she described watching coyotes running amok to date. “If this fails, throw rocks in the ‘T animal’s direction.” a pack of at least three coyotes Keep pets safe by bringing chase a deer through her Atherton them inside at sunset, and don’t Coyotes are territorial but can neighborhood last week. “I’ve let cats and dogs roam freely, cover a couple of miles while been on this street for 40-some- said Mary Paglieri, a wildlife hunting, and run at up to 40 mph. thing years and I have never seen consultant and president of Adult coyotes have brownish gray coyotes. It was quite frightening.” the Little Blue Society. She fur, large ears, and bushy tails. After the incident, she said also suggested keeping chickens They can weigh between 20 to 45 she walked along Walsh Road and other outdoor animals in pounds and have a keen sense of to warn neighbors that their sturdy cages or coops. hearing, smell and sight. They also Breakfast Served ‘til 2:00pm Every Day pets might start disappearing “Coyotes prefer their natural dig and jump well. in an area that’s home to chick- prey and do not actively seek The Wildlife Center of Silicon Try Our Most Popular: ens, rabbits, cats, and other out domestic animals. It is our Valley recommends fencing should be 6 feet tall and 6 inches “Ricks” small animals. responsibility to keep our pets 3 eggs scrambled with ham, mushrooms, cheddar cheese and onions. The coyotes haven’t reappeared, out of harm’s way,” Ms. Paglieri below the ground to keep coyotes Served with hash browns and toast. but Ms. Woodside said she heard said. A out. To safeguard poultry and rabbits, the best option is a fully Breakfast Burrito enclosed structure. A Flour tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, jack and cheddar cheese, and your choice of chorizo, apple wood smoked bacon, sausage or ham. Served with a side of hash browns. CALLING ON THE ALMANAC Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs Choice of eggs, served with hash browns and toast. THE ALMANAC (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) is published every Wednesday by Embarcadero Media, Newsroom: 223-6525 N E-mail news, information, obituaries 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025- Newsroom fax: 223-7525 and photos (with captions) to: 6558. Periodicals Postage Paid at Menlo Park, CA and [email protected] Advertising: 854-2626 at additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general circulation for San Mateo County, The Almanac is N E-mail letters to the editor to: Advertising fax: 854-3650 delivered free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola [email protected] Classified ads: 854-0858 Valley and Woodside. Subscriptions for $60 per year or $100 per 2 years are welcome. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Almanac, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. Copyright ©2010 3KYLINE"LVDs   To request free delivery, or stop delivery, of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, by Embarcadero Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction Located at the crossroads of Highway 84 and 35 (Skyline) 94028 and the Woodside portion of 94062, call 854-2626. without permission is strictly prohibited. Only a 10 minute drive up the hill of WoodsidesLocal Family Owned

April 13, 2011 N The Almanac N3  Learn How to Qualify for UpLearn to $4,000toReduce in EnergyEnergy RebatesUse! AttendMenloPark’s Attend Menlo Park’s FREEFREE EnergyEnergyEfficiency EfficiencyClass Class

Tuesday,Tuesday, AprilApril 19:19 7-8:30:7Ͳ8:30 pmpm  Menlo ParkMenlo Library’sParkCommunity CommunityRoom, Room,800 800Alma AlmaStreet Street Learnabouthomeefficiencyimprovementsandthestaterebateprogram,EnergyUpgradeCaliforniafrom Learn about home efficiency improvements and the state rebate program, Energy Upgrade California, from energyprofessionals.Upto$4,000inrebatesareavailableperproperty!Classattendeeswillalsolearnabout energy professionals. Up to $4,000 in rebates are available per property! Class attendees will also learn about freeFREEGreen@Home Green@HomeHouseCalls HouseCallsbyActerra. by Acterra.Energy Energysaving savinggiveaways giveawaysand lightand refreshmentslight refreshmentswillbe willprovided. be provided. Preregistration Preregistrationis NOTis NOTrequired. required.For  moreFor moreworkshop workshopdetails, details,contact contactLizHenton Liz Hentonwiththe withEnergy the EnergyUpgrade Upgrade CaliforniaProgramCaliforniaat (650)Program363 Ͳat1949 (650)or email363-1949[email protected] or email [email protected]. . ForFor moremore informationinformation aboutabout EnergyEnergy UpgradeUpgrade California,California, visitvisit www.energyupgradeca.orgwww.energyupgradeca.org. .

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4 N The Almanac NApril 13, 2011 M ENLO PARK | ATHERTON | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA V ALLEY Budget crisis top issue in supervisor’s race By Dave Boyce ( Almanac Staff Writer ELECT ON 2011( here were light moments ( at a March 30 forum in Some minutes later, candidate TRedwood City for the six Dave Pine floated the possibil- candidates running for a seat on ity of Doughnuts with Dave. “I the Board of Supervisors for San grew up in New England. There’s Mateo County. doughnuts everywhere,” he said. Candidates in the District 1 county supervisor race are, from left, Richard Holober, Terry Nagel, Demetrios Nikas, Gina Papan, Dave Pine and Michael Stogner. “Have a bagel and vote for Much later, responding to a ques- Nagel,” said candidate Terry tion on preserving trees, he noted: Nagel, who brought raisin bagels, “My name is Pine. I’m for trees.” dates Richard Holober, Demetrios election are the county’s budget The open seat represents District in response, she said, to a request The mail-in-ballot election, Nikas, Gina Papan and Michael crisis with an anticipated deficit 1, which includes South San Fran- to all the candidates to bring food. now ongoing, extends through Stogner. All six took questions on exceeding $80 million in the next cisco, San Bruno and Hillsbor- Ms. Nagel borrowed her slogan April and ends May 3. local issues, first from a modera- fiscal year; under-funded public ough. While Atherton, Woodside, from her son’s third-grade cam- Sharing the dais at the Veterans tor and then from some of the 40 employee pensions; the plight of Menlo Park and Portola Valley paign for student government, she Memorial Senior Center with Mr. to 50 voters who attended. the county’s less fortunate; and told the Almanac. Pine and Ms. Nagel were candi- Among the big issues in the the need to create jobs. See ELECTION, page 8 Stanford hospital expansion: Menlo Park not happy with traffic mitigation measures By Sandy Brundage Almanac Staff Writer traffic passing through Menlo Park. According to the EIR, that any people think that traffic won’t have a significant an expanded Stanford impact, an assertion that troubled Mhospital will be a boon the City Council. to the community. Nevertheless, “How do we reconcile what we the project’s final environmen- see in our town, as patterns when tal impact report continues to we drive, with the report we get come under fire by Menlo Park that says there is no impact at 280 officials. and Sand Hill? Or there is a low One Stanford physician in chief impact at Alpine, and Santa Cruz told the council at its April and Sand Hill?” asked Mayor 5 meeting that the expansion Rich Cline at the April 5 meet- was critical. “Ninety-five percent ing. He added that he lives near of children seen in emergency the latter intersection. “There’s rooms are from San Mateo and no way there’s not going to be a Santa Clara counties. So it’s really significant impact.” critical for us to move ahead with Prior to the council meeting, this. We’ve run out of room,” Dr. Stanford representatives provided Hugh O’Brodovich said. additional information to address The $3.5 billion project would some of the EIR’s perceived short- Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac bring about 1.3 million square comings — namely, the meth- feet of new development and odology used for traffic analysis. Made by hand, from the heart more than 2,200 new employees Menlo Park staff estimates traffic Menlo School junior Shuhei Nakata, left, teaches Galen Dahl, 8, how to make a paper crane at the Atherton to Palo Alto by 2025. could actually be 45 percent high- Library on April 5. Seven Menlo School students were on hand that afternoon to help children create the cranes, But it could also add an esti- er than calculated by the project’s using a craft form known as origami. The Atherton Library has joined other San Mateo County branches in the mated 10,000 new daily car trips origami project, which is raising disaster-relief funds for Japan’s earthquake and tsunami victims. to the area, with 51 percent of the See TRAFFIC, page 8 Dan Ghiorso named new chief of the Woodside fire district By Dave Boyce Mr. Berger said. practice that’s been going on for at least 50 Almanac Staff Writer “I assume (the other battalion chiefs) years, said Mr. Berger, who’s been on the Dan Ghiorso, a battalion wanted him to be chief,” Mr. Berger said. board for 25 years. attalion Chief Dan Ghiorso will take chief in the Woodside Fire “That’s a fairly good assumption,” Bat- “We have within the organization great over as fire chief of the Woodside Fire Protection District, will be talion Chief Don Romero said in a phone resources who know the organization and Protection District on May 1, accord- the new fire chief as of interview. Mr. Romero has tentative plans know the people,” he said. “There’s no B May 1. A ceremony is set ing to current chief Armando Muela, who to retire within a year and would have had need to bring a stranger in.” for April 25. retires this month. An induction ceremony to move from Sacramento to take the job. The board also does not want the Wood- for Mr. Ghiorso is set for April 25. member of the district’s three-person “I think Dan will make a fine chief,” he side district to serve as a stepping stone for Mr. Ghiorso, 51, is one of five battalion board of directors. Only Mr. Ghiorso added. “He’s very interested in the job.” chiefs interested in big-city positions in chiefs in the district, four of whom were applied for the chief’s job and he was The board limited the candidate pool eligible for the job, said Peter Berger, a hired on a unanimous vote on March 28, to battalion chiefs inside the district, a See GHIORSO, page 8

April 13, 2011 N The Almanac N5 6 NEWS Planning Your Kitchen Earth Day in Portola Valley: and Bath Remodel Worm composting workshop For homeowners wanting to learn the By Dave Boyce steps to achieve a successful remodel, these interactive workshops, taught by Almanac Staff Writer do some respectable composting. our award-winning designers, Among their preferences: fruits promise to be informative and fun! hat there are earthworms in and vegetables, including hard- Upfront planning ensures your remodeling Portola Valley is not news. to-compost corncobs. They also project is not only a positive experience, but TBut earthworms crawling welcome pancakes without syrup, a collaborative one, helping to transform your around in the lobby of Town Hall eggshells, used coffee filters, dead ideas into the home you’ve always wanted. and eating the staff’s lunch left- flowers and newspapers, includ- n Get the answers you need about budgets, overs? That is news and the worms ing the Almanac. design and space planning/guidelines, cabinet and countertop choices, color will be available for inspection They will nibble at bread, palettes, lighting, new trends and ideas for and interviews during a one-day onions, garlic, coffee grounds and flooring. composting workshop that begins banana peels (after the farm is n Learn about accessible/timeless design, at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 16, at the well along), but absolutely no oils, what choices are available for a healthier We never forget it’s your home.® Earth Day fair. meats, fish or dairy, and no citrus and greener home and how to integrate Town Hall’s worm farm is an or candy, including chocolate. them into your remodel now. Beautiful, initiative by Brandi deGarmeaux, “Worm composting is a great luxurious and functional – you can have it all. n Get excited about your home remodel as Portola Valley’s environmental pro- way to transform food scraps and our designers take you through a journey of grams coordinator. Its purpose: organic waste into a nutrient rich ideas, photos, materials, and product options to demonstrate an alternative to fertilizer and concentrated soil available to transform your home today! throwing away food scraps and conditioner,” Ms. deGarmeaux other things that earthworms like, says. “Your plants, lawns, gardens, such as cardboard and paper bags. environment and of course, the Worms have eclectic tastes and worms, will all benefit from ver- Saturday, April 23rd eat half their weight in food every micompost!” Registration and light breakfast 9:15 am day, according to a reference To pre-register for the workshop, provided by Ms. deGarmeaux. call Ms. deGarmeaux at 851-1700, Workshop 9:30 am – 12:00 pm While a single worm doesn’t ext. 222, or write to her at bde- Harrell Remodeling Design Center weigh much, a few thousand can [email protected]. Catherine Mullings wins computer award Call us or go online to register today. Catherine Mullings, 17, a tory, and plans License: B479799 We will see you there! Our Design Center is 85% solar powered. junior at Sacred Heart Prepa- for post-second- ratory in Atherton, has been ary education, presented the 2011 Award for said Millie Lee, Aspirations in Computing by a spokesperson the National Center for Women for Sacred Heart and Information Technology, Schools. Bay Area Affiliate. Catherine She was one of 25 female high Catherine advanced to school recipients chosen from Mullins the national among competitors in 11 counties competition and was honored in Northern California. as a National Award finalist, Winners were chosen for their competing against 2,800 high aptitude and interest in informa- school students representing tion technology and computing, the 50 states, Puerto Rico, and leadership ability, academic his- overseas military bases.

Online. Anyplace. Anytime. 6$<+(//272 www.AlmanacNews.com Eye damage related to ultraviolet (UV) rays may not be evident until a person is much older. As a preventative measure, therefore, it is suggested that everyone wear sunglasses that block UV $'9(1785( light. Look for those labeled “100 percent UV 6XPPHU&DPS protection.” With the summer season approaching, you’ll <0&$2)6,/,&219$//(< probably be spending more time outdoors. Your eyes, like your skin, need protection from harmful &DPSVDWWKH<DUHDERXWIXQDQGHQULFKLQJDGYHQWXUHV UV rays that can cause vision problems that are OHGE\FDULQJDGXOWV.LGVGHYHORSFKDUDFWHUH[SORUH not immediately obvious. Please visit MENLO OPTICAL at 1166 University Drive, on the corner QDWXUHWU\QHZDFWLYLWLHVDQGPDNHODVWLQJIULHQGVKLSV of Oak Grove and University Drive, to browse SAVE YOUR SKIN… through our display of sunglasses with UV-ray ‡'D\&DPSZLWKZHHNO\¾HOGWULSV AND YOUR EYES protection. We offer both prescription and non- ‡7HHQ/HDGHUVKLS&DPS Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can harm prescription sunglasses. Call us at 322-3900 if you have questions about eyewear. ‡2YHUQLJKW&DPSLQWKH6DQWD&UX]0RXQWDLQV your eyes in the same way that they injure your skin. This insidious damage can result in P.S Glasses with photochromic lenses automat- sunburned corneas, cancer of the eyelid, and ically darken as exposure to UV light increases. /HDUQPRUH\PFDVYRUJVXPPHUFDPS increased risk of eye diseases such as cataracts  and macular degeneration. However, people may Mark Schmidt is an American Board of Opticianry be lulled into a false sense of security because and National Contact Lens Examiners Certified these diseases do not develop until long after Optician licensed by the Medical Board of California. He &RQQHFWZLWK<0&$RI6LOLFRQ9DOOH\RQ )LQDQFLDODVVLVWDQFHDYDLODEOH sun-related damage occurs. In fact, they may not can be easily reached at Menlo Optical, 1166 University even be aware they have suffered any damage. Drive, Menlo Park. 650-322-3900.

6 N The Almanac NApril 13, 2011 NEWS REAL ESTATE Q&A by Monica Corman Negotiating Repairs While In Contract Dear Monica: I have accepted their favor, although low inventory an offer to buy my house and the is giving sellers some bit of lever- buyers have done their inspec- age. Buyers also don’t want to use tions. Now they have presented me their own money, if they have any with quite a list of repairs, some extra, to make repairs they feel the of which seem questionable, and sellers should have made. are asking for a price reduction You can completely reject to offset them. I thought I was their requests or compromise finished with negotiating when and accept some of them. If I accepted their last counterof- the requests are reasonable you fer. Do I have to say acquiesce to should accept them if you can their demands? because it means you will be Frank K able to move on. This is the most Dear Frank: Many more buyers painful part of the process and it are asking for repairs and offsets is best not to drag it out. You will than have for a long time. This likely reach an acceptable agree- is because they can ask for these ment and if not, you can put your Compassion Weekend Photo by Carolyn Bennett things since the market is still in house back on the market. Patrick Duffek, right, hands out balloon animals to children attending the Showers of Support birthday For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may party in Menlo Park for the families and women of First Resort’s Godparent Program, a counseling center e-mail me at [email protected] or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. for women. The birthday party and baby shower was hosted by Menlo Park Presbyterian Church as part I also offer a free market analysis of your property. www.MonicaCorman.com of it annual Compassion Weekend, held April 2-3. Flood Park closure hasn’t led to crime spike SPARKLES & RAVIOLI THE CLOWNS By Sandy Brundage the average 12 reported during the Almanac Staff Writer same time period in 2007, 2008, Crime in and and 2009. around Flood Park Marsh Manor! hen the county first said Out of the 26 reported crimes 30 that Flood Park might from September 2009 through 26 Whave to close perma- March 2010, there were nine 25 Wednesday, April 20 nently, residents worried about their vandalisms and seven unlicensed from 11:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. safety as well as the loss of a popular drivers. 20 community resource. Twenty-one School holidays might be a bet- acres of empty space in the middle ter predictor of crime than park 15 Restaurant Discounts! of a neighborhood seems like a closures. “For the vandalisms, they 12 13 10 prime target for crime. were victims reporting slashed 10 However, data provided by the tires,” said police spokesperson Menlo Park Police Department Nicole Acker. “There was no sus- 5 suggests that the park, which sits pect information provided, so it between Bay Road and the Bay- would be a guess as to what hap- 0 Sept. Sept. Sept. Sept. shore Freeway, has not turned into a pened. Most of them happened 2007- 2008- 2009- 2010- magnet for crime since it was closed the week of Christmas, so it could March March March March 2008 2009 2010 2011 in September to let the San Fran- have been juveniles on break.” (Closed) cisco Public Utilities Commission San Mateo County may shut install a water pipeline. down Flood Park if Menlo Park Total crime incidents The Almanac looked at the num- reported to the Menlo Park doesn’t agree to take over manage- Police Department for periods ber and type of crimes reported ment. Running the park costs the shown. Data: Menlo Park from September through March for county $205,000 per year, money Police Department. The the past four years. Crime peaked that the county can no longer park has been closed since during the months immediately afford in light of the need to cut 10 September due to work on a before the closure, with double the percent from its general fund oper- water pipeline. number of incidents compared to ating budget. A

Bakhtian and Ms. Larrosa are Two win Amelia Earhart Fellowships doctoral students in the field of Noel Bakhtian and Cecilia Lar- were awarded by local Zonta Clubs aeronautics and astronautics at rosa were honored with Zonta belonging to District 9, Area One, Stanford University. International Amelia Earhart Fel- of Zonta International. Zonta International is a global Free Animal Balloons lowships at a luncheon held Jan. 15 By awarding the fellowships, organization of executives and and at Left Bank restaurant in Menlo Zonta encourages women to enter professionals working to advance Park. The two $10,000 fellowships aerospace-related fields. Both Ms. the status of women. Free Face Painting

N CORRECTION council’s skittishness regarding Merk did not back away from below-market-rate housing to his opinion about the council’s 3700 Florence Street In a story on the Portola Val- learning, 18 months ago, that skittishness, but said that to his ley Town Council’s decision to Windmill School was interested recollection, the council did Redwood City adjourn to an urgent closed ses- in purchasing the property at not specifically discuss BMR Corner of Marsh Road and Florence Street sion, the Almanac incorrectly 900 Portola Road, formerly Al’s housing in connection with reported that former council- Nursery. Windmill School’s interest in www.marshmanor.com man Richard Merk ascribed the In a subsequent interview, Mr. the nursery.

April 13, 2011 N The Almanac N7 NEWS Budget crisis top issue in county supervisor’s election ELECTION Ms. Nagel, mayor of Burl- rehabilitation programs. continued from page 5 ingame, noted that the coun- Give ex-cons “opportunity after ty avoided a deficit this year opportunity to get back on track,” Election information are in District 3, the election still by drawing $70 million from Mr. Holober said. On Dec. 14, the San Mateo 555 County Government Center matters to local voters because reserves and that the board Mr. Stogner said he was in favor County Board of Supervisors in Redwood City. Mail-in ballots supervisors run county-wide. narrowly defeated a sales tax of a new jail, but the county’s fiscal called a special all-mail election may be dropped off at any city increase, an idea she said she crisis has changed his mind. to fill the District 1 board seat hall in the county during regular Leadership by example opposed. She would “dig deep- vacated when Supervisor Mark business hours. The candidates introduced ly,” she said, into budget issues Wetlands or community? Church was elected to the county Ballots must be received by themselves and moderator Chris to create a balanced budget. The Minneapolis-based Car- position of chief elections officer, the county by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Balme of the Redwood City With one manager for every 5.5 gill Salt Corp. is proposing to assessor and clerk-recorder. He May 3. Woodside Democratic Club employees, county government convert 1,400 acres of Redwood took that position Jan. 3. The candidate who receives opened the Q-and-A by request- is “really top-heavy” compared City salt flats into 800 acres of Candidates must live in Dis- the most votes will be elected ing evidence of leadership quali- to Santa Clara County the ratio wetlands and outdoor recreation, trict 1, which includes South to fill the remainder of Mr. ties the candidates would bring is 1:9, she said. up to 12,000 homes and 1 million San Francisco, San Bruno and Church’s term, which ends in with them. square feet of commercial space. Hillsborough, but the election is January 2013. Mr. Pine, an attorney, former A new jail The project has sparked spir- held county-wide. For more information, go to: corporate executive and cur- With the county facing a major ited opposition from nearby While it’s a mail-only elec- ■ SmartVoter.org (the rent president of the San Mateo deficit and possibly a 15 percent communities, including Wood- tion, voters can vote in person League of Women Voters site). Union School District board of cut in services, why build a new side, Portola Valley, Atherton at a county elections office: 40 ■ shapethefuture.org (the directors, pointed to his finan- jail, a woman asked. and Menlo Park. Tower Road in San Mateo, or county elections office site). cial credentials. He and one A “realignment” proposed by Where do the candidates stand? other new member arrived on Gov. Jerry Brown would gradually Not infrequently, on the fence. the school board in 2007 when transfer oversight from the state to “I would be really upset if “No, no, no, no, no,” said Mr. “We can’t keep turning to the reserves were barely at the 3 per- the counties of offenders convicted another city council person or Stogner, adding that he could eas- taxpayer for every little thing,” cent mandate, he said. They are of “non-violent, non-serious and county supervisor told me what ily go on like that for the entire 45 Ms. Papen said. The questioner’s now over 10 percent, he told The non-sex-related” crimes. to do with our town before I had seconds allotted to him. complaint was a matter for state Almanac. To trim county health The effect in San Mateo County: a chance,” Ms. Nagel said. “I think and federal lawmakers, she said. care costs, Mr. Pine suggested about 400 more inmates per year, you should trust in the local offi- Saving the middle class “If you don’t have any voice, consulting with the federal gov- but without enough supplemental cials to do their jobs.” “We’re a middle class audi- you’re not going to be heard,” Mr. ernment and perhaps focusing funding to pay the higher costs, “A project will emerge and ence,” one man said during Nikas said. “Fifteen percent of on the sickest patients. and alternatives for normally jailed Redwood City voters will vote the last half hour of the forum. the U.S. (population) is starving. Ms. Papan, a deputy attorney low-level offenders. on it,” Mr. Pine said. “We’re not plutocrats. We live They have no voice.” general, said voters would see “The women’s jail is deplorable Everyone interested should in a world now that favors plu- “I’d start with perks for manag- more partnerships. As Millbrae’s and the men’s jail can become a allow the city’s environmen- tocrats. How do you intend to ers in county government,” Ms. mayor in 2008, she witnessed the safety hazard,” Mr. Pine said. The tal review to proceed and the fight this?” Nagel said. “We really have to get opening of a power plant that runs county needs a new jail, he said, project receive a “proper evalu- “I am in favor of taxing the involved with long-term living on restaurant-provided kitchen but not a “gigantic” one. ation,” Ms. Papan said. people who make the most within our means. I also believe grease. She would consider con- “We are in dire need of a new “I do have a lot of concerns money,” Mr. Stogner said. in the power of people working solidating fire departments and jail, (but) we need to ensure that about it,” Mr. Holober said. He Mr. Pine noted that General together to create change.” moving county departments now funding comes with the new said he would like to see the salt Electric Corp. paid nothing in “The middle class is on the leasing office space into unoc- inmates from the governor’s flats restored to wetlands and corporate taxes this time around. endangered species list,” Mr. cupied county-owned buildings. proposal,” Ms. Papan said. that he expected the project’s “As a supervisor, I can’t fix that Holober said, then recommend- She also began an initiative to “We definitely need a new final dimensions to be “much directly,” he said, but said he ed an oil extraction fee on big oil ban plastic bags from stores and jail (and) new ideas, too, like smaller.” would weigh in “very, very, very companies and a temporary 1 is working on getting having the electronic monitoring,” Ms. “I don’t think we can go strongly” if the state proceeds percent hike in state income tax county recycle them, her website Nagel said. She supports slowing another inch” into the Bay, Mr. with a proposed $4.5 billon cut on people earning more than says. recidivism rates by bolstering Nikas said. from public school funding. $500,000. A

GHIORSO said, adding that the man was TRAFFIC ing to meet its traffic-reduction adjustments for other mitiga- continued from page 5 in his late 60s and was probably continued from page 5 targets. tions, including a shuttle. having a heart attack. “We basi- Stanford director of commu- Vice Mayor Kirsten Keith said San Francisco or San Jose, Mr. cally watched while we waited for consultants, Fehr & Peers. nity relations Jean McCown told there’s much goodwill between Berger said. an ambulance. I never wanted to In a memo to the council, the Almanac that Menlo Park Menlo Park and Stanford, and The Woodside district is a watch that again.” Fehr & Peers defended their would benefit either directly or that the community stands to career-oriented organization He took a first-aid class and analysis, saying that by industry indirectly from Palo Alto’s fund- benefit from the expansion. “I with a deep bench, Mr. Berger someone recommended firefight- standards, using one-day traffic ing. “The additional amounts support the incredible work they said, adding that he knows of at ing, so he enrolled at the College data was appropriate, given the which may be provided to Palo do at the hospital every day and least one regular firefighter in of San Mateo. Though in his early nature of traffic to the current Alto in the future if the hospitals want them to be able to proceed. the district who is chief material. 30s, he was told his age was not a hospital. don’t achieve the mode share However, Menlo Park simply “Frankly,” he said, “if something drawback to starting a new and The current negotiations targets are to be used for alter- must have the traffic mitiga- were to happen to Dan, I have demanding career, he said. between Stanford and Menlo native transportation, including tion measures necessary for our no doubt (the district) would He came to the Woodside Park remain focused on the regional transportation systems community. I am hopeful that have several very, very qualified district as a cadet in 1991, began amount of money available for and solutions,” she said. we will be able to work out the candidates.” working fulltime as a firefighter traffic mitigations. The univer- Ms. McCown also pointed mitigation issues in an accept- in 1993, and advanced to para- sity initially offered $312,000 as out that one goal of the expan- able way to all parties. We are Former mechanic medic, then captain for seven a one-time payment to Menlo sion is to “right size” the hos- close,” she wrote in an email to Mr. Ghiorso is a native of San years, and battalion chief for four Park as a “fair share contribu- pital; in other words, provide the Almanac. Francisco and began his work- years, he said. tion” toward traffic mitigation enough space for existing ser- The council voted 4-0, with ing career as an auto mechanic Mr. Ghiorso is married and has while holding out $8.3 million vices, which therefore wouldn’t Kelly Fergusson recused due in Colma, he said in a phone five children and lives in Foster to Palo Alto. Menlo Park generate additional traffic. to personal ties to Stanford, to interview. The idea of firefight- City. He’s been coaching youth would like to see its payment Hospital representatives told send at least one letter to the ing came to him after watching baseball since 1974, he said. fall closer to $2.1 million, with the council they are prepared to Palo Alto council outlining their a calamity unfold at work in the His compensation will be iden- an additional $70,970 per year to pay the full cost of adding two concerns. shop one day. tical to that of outgoing Chief expand Menlo Park’s shuttle bus traffic adaptive signals at 10 Visit tinyurl.com/3w18kqk to “We had a man die on us and Armando Muela: $189,500 plus program and one-third of any intersections, and also willing to read the staff report related to we didn’t have any training,” he health care, Mr. Ghiorso said. A penalties Stanford pays for fail- discuss the timing and inflation the letter. A

8 N The Almanac NApril 13, 2011 NEWS

Camera captures bank-robbery suspect Authorities are looking for drawer, handed it over, and the a suspect in the robbery of suspect put the money into a blue Chase Bank in Ladera on bag he was carrying, and fled, Monday morning, April 4. deputies said. About $5,000 was taken in The suspect is described as a the robbery, which occurred at white man, 40 to 45 years old, and about 9:15 a.m. in the County of middle height and weight. At Allied Arts Guild Shopper mall at 3130 Alpine Sheriff’s deputies are coor- Road, authorities said. dinating with the FBI in the ◆ Antique Restoration ◆ Furniture Refi nishing The bank’s surveillance search. ◆ Chair Caning, Rush Seats ◆ Complete Furniture Repairs camera shows a man with Anyone with relevant infor- 650-322-2295 brown hair and a mustache mation is asked to call 415- and wearing a yellow bicycle 553-7400 to make confidential !RBOR2D -ENLO0ARK #!sTHEBARNWOODSHOP SBCGLOBALNET jacket and a white baseball contact with the FBI, or the cap. Sheriff’s Office at 363-4051. The man told the bank The anonymous tip line is 800- teller “give me all your 547-2700. cash,” gave her 60 seconds MENLO PARK to do that, and added that The bank’s surveillance TH he was armed, Lt. Ray Lun- camera shows a man with brown 29 ANNUAL SIDEWALK ny of the San Mateo County hair and a mustache and wearing Sheriff’s Office said. a yellow bicycle jacket and a FINE ARTS FESTIVAL The teller emptied the cash baseball cap. SANTA CRUZ AVENUE Distracted driving crackdown nets 55 DOWNTOWN MENLO PARK Fifty-five drivers passing through the CHP said. Citations will cost drivers a APRIL Menlo Park on April 4 and 5 have Statistics for Atherton were not minimum of $159 for the first time been officially encouraged to think available. The San Mateo County and $279 for subsequent viola- twice about using a handheld cell Sheriff’s Office issued 22 citations tions, police said. 15 % 16 % 17 phone while driving, according to for cell phone use but the number is Driving while using a hand- Friday & Saturday a report from the California High- not broken down by community. held device quadruples the risk way Patrol. Traffic patrols throughout Cali- of an accident serious enough 10 am - 6 pm Officers from the Menlo Park fornia are calling April a “zero to injure someone, police said, Sunday Police Department issued 48 tolerance” month for distracted adding that studies have shown citations for talking on a hand- driving. The two remaining offi- that this behavior has as severe 10 am- 5 pm held phone while driving and cial crackdown days are April 14 an effect on reaction time as seven for texting while driving, and 28, the CHP said. drunken driving. 90 PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS

Presented by Menlo Park Judie Mountain & Wayne Robbins Tutor pleads not guilty to child molestation charges Chamber of Commerce By Sandy Brundage Chu, who was working as a computer techni- $3$&,),&),1($576)(67,9$/ Almanac Staff Writer pacificfinearts.com her tutor. He’s cian for three-and-a-half years.  former Menlo Park City also charged The 10-year-old victim was not School District employee with sending a student within the school dis- Apleaded not guilty to 12 the child pho- trict, according to the advisory. counts of child molestation and tos of naked Mr. Chu was released on Volunteer Drivers Needed! other charges in San Mateo Coun- men and ask- $250,000 bail and has retained ty Superior Court on April 7. ing for nude attorney Frank Bell, who was Yung Chi Chu, 46, was arrest- photos of her, Yung Chi Chu not immediately available for ed by the sheriff’s deputies on which the victim didn’t provide, comment. The court scheduled a March 30 at his San Carlos according to the district attor- preliminary hearing for May 27. home for allegedly molesting ney’s report. The Sheriff’s Office asks that the 10-year-old daughter of a The school district sent an anyone with information regard- friend. advisory to parents on April ing this investigation to contact The district attorney’s office 1 stating Mr. Chu resigned Det. Sgt. Bryan Raffaelli at 363- said the girl’s father found his position last month dur- 4058 or the Sheriff’s Office hundreds of late-night text mes- ing a disciplinary investigation anonymous tip line at (800) 547- sages allegedly sent to her by Mr. into unrelated misconduct after 2700. A Bressler reappointed to Menlo Park Planning Commission Praising her former colleague’s opers build more housing units The store will collect “gently dedication, Vice Mayor Kirsten than would otherwise be allowed used” pet supplies such as toys, It takes a lot for seniors to ask for help. Keith voted unanimously with on a given parcel depending on leashes, and beds to donate to the rest of the council to reappoint how much below-market-rate local animal shelters, while visi- When they do ask for a ride, Vince Bressler to Menlo Park’s housing they include. tors get a chance to see the latest Planning Commission on April 5. pet fashions modeled on four help us get them where they need to go! The commission is next sched- Dogs in clothes to legs. Adoptable pets will also be uled to meet on Monday, April 18, help pets in need on hand. Become a volunteer driver for Avenidas. at 7 p.m. in the Civic Center at 701 The Menlo Park Unleashed Laurel St, when it will consider Dogs will walk the runway on by PETCO store is at 515 El how the state density bonus law Saturday, April 30, as part of PET- Camino Real, in the same plaza Call (650) 289-5412 or CO’s first annual Spring Fashion should apply to housing projects as Safeway. The show runs from visit www.avenidas.org. Where age is just a number in Menlo Park. The law lets devel- Social and Pet Clothing Drive. 2 to 4 p.m.

April 13, 2011 N The Almanac N9 GUIDE TO 2011 SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS NEWS mp Connectio Kids get more expensive Ca n as city raises service fees For more info see our online camp directory at PaloAltoOnline.com/biz/summercamps By Sandy Brundage will also feel the financial Almanac Staff Writer squeeze, as their rates for field Athletics aising kids in Menlo Park rentals and membership rise just got more expensive. about 25 percent for all fields Athletic Fitness – “Train with the Best” Menlo Park With little discussion, the and youth teams. Adult fees Riekes Summer Camps — A world of opportunity and fun-fi lled learning. Ages 9-18. Strength & conditioning, speed & agility, R increased about 2 percent, while sport specifi c training, skills development, professional coaches, pre & post evals, leading edge methods, latest equipment. Menlo Park City Council unani- Sessions run from June through August. mously approved service fee gymnastics practice went up www.riekes.org 650-364-2509 increases on April 5 that will an average 5 percent per hour. Bay Area Equestrian Center Woodside deliver an estimated $214,330 to Court time at the new Arrillaga At Wunderlich County Park Stables. Kids 8-15 have outdoor fun joining BAEC for horse camps. Camps focus on caring for and the city’s general fund. Family Gymnasium now costs riding horses so come ready to ride and have fun learning good horse care. Are you a zoning violator? $70 per hour, an increase of 11.1 www.bayareaequestrian.net 650-446-1414 Not cooperating with staff to fix percent. Camp Jones Gulch La Honda the problem could now cost you The city expects the recreation Join the fun this summer! Camp Jones Gulch off ers friendship and growth to kids ages 6-16. Enjoy our Traditional Camp or Mini, fee changes to add approximate- Horse, Surfi ng, Leadership and Travel Camps. One- and two-week sessions. Limited fi nancial assistance available. $1,000. www.campjonesgulch.org 415-848-1200 Childcare at the Menlo Chil- ly $97,275 to its coffers. dren’s Center and Belle Haven And to make a sore point even Champion Tennis Camps Atherton worse, Menlo Park will ring in CTC provides an enjoyable way for your Junior to begin learning the game of tennis or to continue developing existing skills. School Age program increased The 4-6 year olds have fun learning eye-hand coordination and building self-esteem! 4 percent. A family that paid the New Year by charging $592 www.alanmargot-tennis.net 650-400-0464 $1,651 for their child to attend for a downtown parking permit, Don Shaw’s Volleyball Training Academy Sunnyvale five days a week, for example, up $23, starting Jan. 1, 2012. If Join former Stanford University Men’s and Women’s head coach, Hall of Famer and 4-time NCAA Champion Don Shaw this will now pay $1,717 per month. you drive off in anger and man- summer at our camp for HS GIRL’s July 13th, 14th & 15th and for HS BOY’s July 18th, 19th & 20th. This camp gives players, who The city gains $170,925 annu- age to strike a traffic signal pole, have the desire, the chance to improve their skills and learn proven techniques that will help them become more consistent that also gets 10 percent more and enhance their chances to play at a higher level. ally, thanks to the increase. www.mvvclub.com 408-329-0488 Renting recreational facili- expensive, at $1,165 per hit. The changes come as Menlo Earl Hansen Football Camp Palo Alto ties also got more expensive, Learn the fundamentals of football with Earl Hansen, Palo Alto High School and State Champion coach. This is a non-contact with fee hikes ranging from 8.9 Park also figures out how to cut camp where kids develop fundamental skills with proven drills and techniques. Full practices in the mornings with 7 on 7 percent to 100 percent with the $1.3 million from its general games in the afternoon. July 11 to 15 @ Palo Alto High School. Ages 10 to14. Lunch provided daily. addition of new fees for areas fund budget, which will largely www.earlhansenfootballcamp.com 650-269-7793 such as the Maple, Oak, Juniper, come from reducing personnel Jefunira Camp Palo Alto and Willow rooms. Estimated costs, according to a staff report Celebrating our 20th year of Jefunira Camp summer fun in 2011! Come join us for some good old fashion summer fun! Our presented at the March 15 coun- combination of an exceptional college aged staff and innovative, inclusive programming will create a memorable summer gain for Menlo Park: $21,600. experience for your child. Programming for children ages 4-13. Pre and post camp care off ered. Community sports leagues cil meeting. www.jefuniracamp.com 650-291-2888 Kim Grant Tennis Academy Summer Camps Palo Alto/Menlo Park/ Redwood City Fun and Specialized junior camps for Mini (3-5), Beginner, Intermediate 1 & 2, Advanced and Elite Players. Weekly programs designed by Kim Grant to improve players technique, fi tness, agility, mental toughness and all around tennis game. Camps in Roni Strauss opens Menlo Park office Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Redwood City. Come make new friends and have tons of FUN!! Massage therapist Roni Strauss “how pain and tension in soft www.KimGrantTennis.com 650-752-8061 recently opened her office, Hip tissue has developed, eliminate Matt Lottich Life Skills Basketball Camp Woodside/ Redwood City Knee Bodywork Center, in the the source of the problem, teach MLLS off ers high-level, high-energy basketball instruction for ages 6-16. This summer we celebrate the 8th year!! With two to Purity Spa at 1166 El Camino new and efficient ways to use three “leagues” in each session, young beginners to advanced elite players get to learn fundamental skills, advanced footwork and valuable life lessons from an unparalleled staff of Pro and Collegiate level players. Camps at Woodside Elementary and Real in Menlo Park. the body, and work at eliminat- Sequoia High School. Early bird, multi-session, and group discounts available. She said she is part of a ing pain and chronic tension www.mllscamp.com 1-888-537-3223 national network of body work- permanently.” Nike Tennis Camps at Stanford University Stanford ers doing PUSH Therapy. Her Visit hipknee.massagetherapy. Come join the fun this summer and get better! Dick Gould’s 42nd Annual Stanford Tennis School off ers day camps for both junior goal, she said, is to teach clients com to see her website. and adults, June 11-16. Weekly junior overnight and extended day camps off ered June 19-Aug 12 for boys & girls ages 9-18 and run by Head Men’s Coach John Whitlinger and Head Women’s Coach Lele Forood. There is a camp option for everyone! www.USSportsCamps.com/tennis 1-800-NIKE CAMP (645-3226) Spring Down Camp Equestrian Center Portola Valley Spring Down camp teaches basic to advanced horsemanship skills. All ages welcome! Daily informative lecture, riding lesson, supervised hands-on skill practice, safety around horses, tacking/untacking of own camp horse, and arts/crafts. 2011 www.springdown.com 650-851-1114 Stanford Water Polo Camps Stanford Ages 7 and up. New to the sport or have experience, we have a camp for you. Half day or full day option for boys and girls. All 1ST QUARTER the camps off er fundamental skill work, position work, scrimmages and games. https://stanfordwaterpolocamps.com 650-725-9016 Summer at Saint Francis Mountain View HOUSING MARKET REPORTS Sports & Activity Camp (ages 6-12): This all sports camp provides group instruction in a variety of fi eld, water and court games. Saint Francis faculty and students staff the camp, and the focus is always on fun. The program is dedicated to teaching team- HAVE BEEN RELEASED work, sportsmanship and positive self-esteem. www.sfhs.com/summer 650-968-1213 ext. 446 Available at Summer at Saint Francis Mountain View www.PeninsulaSpecialist.com Advanced Sports Camps (5th-9th grades): We off er a wide selection of advanced sports camps designed to provide players with the opportunity to improve both their skill and knowledge of a specifi c sport. Each camp is run by a Head Varsity Coach at Saint Francis, and is staff ed by members of the coaching staff . 1st Quarter Housing Reports www.sfhs.com/summer 650-968-1213 ext. 446 Team Esface Elite Basketball Skills Clinics Woodside/ Redwood City for Atherton, Portola Valley Spring Training (April-May). High-energy, high-level basketball training for ages 6-16. Use your off season as a time to develop your basketball skills and IQ with the unparalleled coaching staff of Team Esface. Learn the fundamentals of the game, off ensive and Woodside attack moves and advanced footwork through dynamic drills and competitions led by young, positive coaches including Or call former Division 1 athletes. April and May. Two days per week. Sibling and group discounts available. More information and sign up at: www.teamesface.com 1-888-537-3223 650.743.7702 and YMCA of Silicon Valley Peninsula have the report Say hello to summer fun at the YMCA! Choose from enriching day or overnight camps in 35 locations: arts, sports, science, mailed to you. travel, and more. For youth K-10th grade. Includes weekly fi eldtrips, swimming and outdoor adventures. Accredited by the American Camp Association. Financial assistance available. www.ymcasv.org/summercamp 408-351-6400 Steven Gray (continued on next page) 650-743-7702 REALTOR, SFR [email protected] Please call us at 650.326.8210 for other camp advertising opportunities DRE# 01498634 Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

10 N The Almanac NApril 13, 2011 NEWS GUIDE TO 2011 SUMMERonn CAMPS FOR KIDS Portola Valley weighs cut Camp C ection in benefit for town staff For more info see our online camp directory at PaloAltoOnline.com/biz/summercamps Employees of the town of Por- towns that offer better benefits tola Valley would start paying to their employees. Academics out of pocket for part of their “If the town were to further dependents’ health insurance if reduce its overall compensation Delphi Academy Santa Clara the Town Council acts on a rec- Have your best summer ever at Delphi Academy’s summer camp! Ages 5-13. Full Day Camp. Morning academics with experi- and benefit package, this would enced teachers, afternoon activities, day trips, camping trips, swimming, sports, crafts, activities, and a lot of fun! ommendation from the town’s continue to erode the town’s www.bestsummerever.org 408-260-2300 Finance Committee. competitiveness in attracting The council meets to discuss Harker Summer Programs San Jose and retaining employees,” she K-12 off erings taught by exceptional, experienced faculty and staff . K-6 morning academics - focusing on math, language arts this and other matters at 7:30 said in a staff report. and science - and full spectrum of afternoon recreation. Grades 6-12 for-credit courses and non-credit enrichment opportuni- p.m. Wednesday, April 13, in ties. Swim, Tennis and Soccer also off ered. Also on the agenda: a recom- the Historic Schoolhouse at 765 www.summer.harker.org 408-553-0537 mendation from the Ad-Hoc Portola Road. iD Tech Camps - Summer Tech Fun! Stanford The Finance Committee is Spring Down Master Plan Com- Ages 7-17 create video games, iPhone apps, C++/Java programs, websites and more. Weeklong, day and overnight programs staffed by volunteers from the mittee to retain the six-acre held at Stanford, UC Berkeley, Santa Clara, UCLA and others. Also special Teen programs held at Stanford in gaming, program- meadow as open space, and bids ming and visual arts. Free year-round learning! Save with code CAU22L. community. Town Manager www.internalDrive.com 1-888-709-TECH (8324) Angie Howard, in a staff report, for renewing the mile-long sec- tion of trail that begins at the iD Teen Academies Stanford said she opposes the committee’s Teens spend two weeks immersed in the dynamic world of video game creation at iD Gaming Academy, computer science/ recommendation for now, citing town’s border with Ladera on application development at iD Programming Academy or photography/fi lmmaking at iD Visual Arts Academy. Overnight pro- competitive pressure from other Alpine Road. grams held at Stanford, Harvard, MIT and others. Week-long programs for ages 7-17 also available. Free year-round learning! Save w/code CAU22T. www.iDTeenAcademies.com 1-888-709-TECH (8324) Grand theft report: Loss estimated at N POLICE CALLS $3,980 in theft of $600 in cash and jewelry ISTP Language Immersion Palo Alto box containing bracelets, clock on chain, International School of the Peninsula camps off ered in French, Chinese, Spanish or ESL for students in Nursery through Middle School. This information is from the Atherton and rings and necklace, 300 block of Sharon Park Three 2-week sessions, each with diff erent theme. Students are grouped according to both grade level and language profi ciency. Menlo Park police departments and the San Drive, April 6. www.istp.org 650-251-8519 Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. Under the law, Auto burglary report: Window smashed and Mid-Peninsula High School Summer Program Menlo Park people charged with offenses are considered loss estimated at $200 in theft of cell phone, Mid-Peninsula High School off ers a series of classes and electives designed to keep students engaged in learning. Classes Monday- innocent until convicted. first block of Iris Lane, April 2. Thursday and limited to 15 students. Every Thursday there’s a BBQ lunch. The Science and Art classes will have weekly fi eld trips. Spousal abuse report: Main police station at www.mid-pen.com 650-321-1991 ext. 110 WOODSIDE 701 Laurel St., April 1. Residential burglary report: Loss estimated Summer at Saint Francis Mountain View at minimum of $67,000 in break-in and theft of ATHERTON Summer at Saint Francis provides a broad range of academic and athletic programs for elementary through high school stu- several pieces of antique furniture and horse Auto burglary reports: dents. It is the goal of every program to make summer vacation enriching and enjoyable! saddle from garage, 1000 block of Portola ■ Window smashed and briefcase and www.sfhs.com/summer 650-968-1213 ext. 446 Road, April 2. phone stolen, first block of Fairfax Ave., April SuperCamp Stanford/San Jose/Berkeley Theft report: Air compressor stolen from gas 5. SuperCamp is the summer enrichment program that parents and kids love! Now in our 30th year and with over 56,000 gradu- station, 17000 block of Skyline Blvd., April 6. ■ Window smashed and property taken, first ates worldwide, we’ll give your son or daughter the skills, added confi dence, motivation and character direction to fl ourish. block of Belleau Ave., April 5. MENLO PARK Junior Forum, incoming 6th-8th graders; Senior Forum, incoming 9th-12th graders. Located at Stanford, San Jose State, UC Fraud reports: Berkeley and 6 other prestigious schools nationwide. Residential burglary reports: ■ Unauthorized use of Social Security num- www.supercamp.com 800-285-3276 ■ Loss estimated at $50,625 in break-in and bers, first blocks of Lane Place and Melanie theft of jewelry box, engagement ring, pearl Lane, April 1 and 5. Synapse School & Wizbots Menlo Park necklace, video recorder and camera, 1300 ■ Granny scam in which caller seeks elec- Cutting-edge, imaginative, accelerated, integrated, and hands-on academic summer enrichment courses with independent block of Elder Ave., April 1. tronic transfer of funds by purporting to be in-depth and project-based morning and afternoon weeklong programs for children ages 4-12: Young Explorers, Thinking ■ Loss estimated at $1,840 in break-in and grandchild or representative of grandchild, Math, Leonardo da Vinci’s Inventions, Nature Connections, Girls’ & Soccer Robotics, and more! theft of laptop computer, video game player, 100 block of James Ave. and Fairview Ave., www.summerinnovation.com 650-866-5824 games and backpack, 1100 block of Berkeley April 5 and 7. Ave., April 5. TechKnowHow Computer & LEGO Camps Palo Alto/Menlo Park/Sunnyvale ■ Fraudulent request for funds transfer to Fun and enriching technology classes for students, ages 5-14! Courses include LEGO and K’NEX Projects with Motors, NXT Fraud report: Loss of $9,143 in unauthorized Canada, Walsh Road, April 6. Robotics, 3D Modeling, and Game Design. Many locations, including Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Sunnyvale. Half and all day use of debit card, 1000 block of Marcussen ■ Identity theft, Bassett Lane, April 5. Drive, April 1. options. Early-bird and multi-session discounts available. www.techknowhowkids.com 650-474-0400 N BIRTHS Woodland School Summer Adventures Portola Valley For kindergarten through 8th grade. Off ers academics, sports, fi eld trips and onsite activities. June 27 - July 29 Menlo Park www.woodland-school.org 650-854-9065 Write Now! Summer Writing Camps Palo Alto/Pleasanton ■ Maria Daltayanni and Panagiotis Online. Emerson School of Palo Alto and Hacienda School of Pleasanton open their doors and off er their innovative programs: Exposi- Padadimitriou, a son, March 12, tory Writing, Creative Writing, Presentation Techniques, and (new!) Media Production. Call or visit our website for details. Sequoia Hospital. Anyplace. www.headsup.org 650-424-1267, 925-485-5750 Emerald Hills Anytime. Arts, Culture, Nature and Other Camps ■ Sarah and Christopher Orton, a daughter, March 11, Sequoia Hospital. www.Almanacnews.com Camp Jano India Mountain View/Santa Clara Celebrate Indian culture, languages, arts, festivals, literature, cuisine, and leaders. Weekly themes are brought to life through related arts, dance, games, projects, stories and theatre in a very unique, exciting, creative, interactive, and structured style. June 13-August 5. Age 5 to 14. www.janoindia.com 650-493-1566 Camp F.U.N. (Friends with Unique Needs) Palo Alto A nurturing environment for kids with challenges to experience the fun of summer camp. Led by therapists at Children’s Health Council. Ages 5-12, full days, Mon-Fri, three sessions. Small groups. Financial aid available. www.chconline.org 650-688-3625 Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) Mountain View 50+ creative camps for Gr. K-8! Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Musical Theater, American Idol Workshop, more! Two- week sessions; full and half-day enrollment. Extended care available. Financial aid off ered. www.arts4all.org 650-917-6800 ext. 0 Creative Arts – “Express Yourself” Menlo Park Seafood Dinners from $595 to $995 Riekes Summer Camps — A world of opportunity and fun-fi lled learning. Ages 9-18. Rock camps, Hip Hop, recording, fi lmmak- Try our new Grilled Seafood Specials ing, animation, B&W and digital Photography, graphic arts, comic book creation, Photoshop, magazine publishing. Sessions Clam Chowder - Seafood Salads run from June through August. Our Award Winning Fish & Chips www.riekes.org 650-364-2509 Prepared from the finest Alaskan halibut. Nature Awareness – “Explore Our Natural World” Menlo Park Riekes Summer Camps — A world of opportunity and fun-fi lled learning. Ages 6-18 and families. Learn awareness & survival skills, explore Monterey Bay, deep redwoods & coastal marsh. Surf camp. Family Festival. AFCANA Combo Camps combining Restaurant: Mon-Sat 11-8:30 pm, Fri ‘til 9 pm; Market: Mon - Sat 9-7 pm fi tness, arts & nature. Sessions run from June through August. NOW OPEN SUNDAYS Market: 10-5 pm; Restaurant:11-7 pm www.riekes.org 650-364-2509 Please call us at 650.326.8210 for other camp advertising opportunities

April 13, 2011 N The Almanac N11 FOR THE RECORD SANTA CLARA April 15-17, 2011 COIN, STAMP & COLLECTIBLES EXPO N OBITUARIES her daughter said. Held at The Santa Clara Convention Center Ms. Crittenden spent a lot of COME SEE Bruce D. Campbell time outside, whether hiking, Resident of Portola Valley long-distance swimming or work- 1792 US Half Disme Valued at $450,000 Bruce D. Campbell, a resident ing in gardens. She swam at the Hours: & Other Rarities!! FREE Kids of Portola Valley for more than Alpine Hills Swim & Tennis Club 35 years, died peacefully in his for about 15 years, her daughter Fri & Sat 10-7pmOVER 1000 OF THE NATIONS TOP Treasure Hunt and DEALERS IN COINS, STAMPS, Sat 11-2pm sleep Feb. 21 after a said. She also did open-water Sun 10-3pm PAPER MONEY, POSTCARDS, ÕÃiՓÊ+Õ>ˆÌÞÊ,i«>ˆÀà struggle for several swimming in JEWELRY, EXONUMIA, MEDALS, TOKENS, UÊ*œÀVi>ˆ˜ÊUÊ*œÌÌiÀÞÊUÊ >ÀLiÊ years with COPD and occasionally competed in the CASINO CHIPS, GOLD NUGGETS, UÊ>`iÊUÊۜÀÞÊUʏ>ÃÃÊ (chronic obstruc- swimming leg of triathlons. BULLION, COIN & STAMP SUPPLIES, UÊ7œœ`ÊUÊ-̜˜i tive pulmonary dis- She was “an especially devoted COLLECTIBLES & MORE... ease). He was 72. mother” who knitted sweat- $6 Admission For all 3 Days Èx䇙{n‡{Ó{x Born in Hacken- Bruce Campbell ers for her young relatives and For More Info Call (805)962-9939 or sack, New Jersey, he made stuffed animals for sale, Visit us on the Web at www.SantaClaraExpo.com attended Lehigh University, earning her daughter said. She loved the a degree in engineering. companionship of dogs, particu- $2 Off general Admission w/ this Ad www.restorationstudio.com He was considered a techno- larly Labrador retrievers. logical innovator, founding Raynet Ms. Crittenden is survived by Corp., a subsidiary of Raychem her daughter Roxanne of Berke- inMenlo Park, CA., along with oth- ley; and sisters Beth Schwarzman er companies, having a far-reaching of Cape Cod, Joan Crittenden of impact in the telecommunications Jackson Hole, and Susan Zoller id-Peninsula industry and fiber optic infrastruc- of Portland, Oregon. M ture, the family said. The family is asking that dona- He is survived by his wife, Cyn- tions in Ms. Crittenden’s memory igh chool thia Campbell of Portola Valley; be made to the Sempervirens Fund son Scott Kerr of Fullerton; brother at 419 South San Antonio Road, H S Geoff Campbell of Inyokern, Cali- Los Altos CA 94022, or to the fornia; and sister Lynn Coates of Puget Sound Labrador Retriever Agoura Hills, California. Association at www.pslra.org. A “Celebration of Life” gather- Artemis Curusis ing is planned this spring. Contact Resident of Atherton Cynthia Campbell for details. Atherton resident Artemis (Artie) Laurel Crittenden Curusis died April 4 with her fam- spring open house Portola Valley gardener ily at her side. Laurel E. Crittenden grew up Born in 1924 in in Portola Valley, taught in Por- New Jersey, she tola Valley schools as a substitute moved to Califor- teacher, and helped design gar- nia after her mar- Saturday, April 23, 2011 dens there from her outpost at the riage in 1945, and Ladera Garden Center, where she has lived in Ather- Artemis Curusis worked for about 10 years. ton since 1972. 10:30-12pm Ms. Crittenden died March She spent many years as an 18 at her home in Washington employee of the Jefferson Ele- No RSVP is necessary state, relatives said. She was 58. mentary School District in Daly A memorial service is set for 3:30 City, and was active in the Pen- p.m. Sunday, April 17, at the Val- insula Volunteers, the Penin- ley Presbyterian Church at 945 sula Children’s Center, her bridge Portola Road in Portola Valley. groups, and her china painting Washington, D.C., was Ms. Crit- class, family members said. tenden’s birthplace and the Univer- She is survived by Harry, her sity of California at Santa Barbara husband of 65 years; her brother, her alma mater. She graduated from George Eurotas; her daughters, college in 1973 and lived in Portola Patricia Herriott and Donna Valley from 1985 to 2005, her daugh- Bailey; two grandchildren; and Choose a small, caring, innovative high school ter Roxanne told the Almanac. two great-grandchildren. Ms. Crittenden was a popular A memorial service was held at 1340 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 321-1991 substitute teacher. “She filled up Sneider Mortuary in San Mateo www.mid-pen.com her calendar completely because and a funeral service at the Church she was so much in demand,” of the Holy Cross in Belmont.

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12 N The Almanac NApril 13, 2011 HELLER IMMIGRATION LAW GROUP Employment-based, Family/Marriage & Investor Visas Herbert E. Rauch A Full-Service Immigration Law Firm Serving the SF Bay Area & Silicon Valley for 25+ years PERM Labor Certifi cation N EB1/NIW Self-Petitions Control Systems Pioneer Green Cards, H1B and Work Permits Engineers, IT/Computer fi elds, Scientists/Researchers HR/Corporate, Business & Individual Clients Herb Rauch, 75, died on March 29 of Free Attorney Consult! metastatic melanoma, shortly before his 50th 877.252.8829 N greencard1.com N[email protected] wedding anniversary. He passed away peacefully at his home in Los Altos, surrounded by loving

FDR 502 family. John O’Connor’s He left his wife Margie; his children Marta, Erik, and Loren, and their families, including MenloParkFunerals.com five grandchildren; his sister Joanne Nelson; and his cousin John Forster and family. He was 1182A Chestnut Street predeceased by his son Evan, in whose honor he Menlo Park, CA had endowed the U. C. Berkeley “Evan Rauch FD 2060 Chair of Neuroscience.” Born and raised in Saint Louis, Missouri, Herb moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico at age 13 with his parents, Herbert and Vera, and Jack Ruetz sister, Joanne. His electrical engineering interest (1926-2011) was piqued by an early morning noncredit radio course taken his senior year in high school. Jack Ruetz died at his home in Woodside April 1, 2011 from He received his BS from the California Institute prostate cancer. He was born on a farm in Remus, Michigan of Technology, and his MS and Ph.D. from in 1926 where he learned how to fix the unfixable which later Stanford University, all in Electrical Engineering. never ceased to amaze his own children At CalTech, he was active in journalism, student After graduating from Remus High School in1943 he entered the Navy where he worked as a radar specialist in government, drama, and the Tau Beta Pi honor Post-War Japan. He attended the University of Michigan society. He also lettered in Varsity basketball, after his discharge where he earned both bachelor and master and was elected president of the student electrical and Chairman of the International Federation degrees in electrical engineering. engineering organization. of Automatic Control (IFAC) Working For several years he worked at R.C.A. in Princeton, New While at Stanford, he met Margie, the love of Group on Control Applications of Nonlinear Jersey before he attended Stanford University where he met his life. As he always said, “the best thing ever” Programming. In the course of his career, he his future wife, Dolores, and received a Doctorate in E.E. in happened when they were married in 1961. published numerous technical papers and gave 1957. He worked at Varian Associates in Palo Alto for the They made their home in Los Altos, where they remainder of his career where he developed microwave many lectures on his work. amplifiers for radar systems, electronic countermeasure and raised their children, Marta, Erik, Evan, and In recognition of his pioneering contributions communication applications. He authored many papers and Loren. and leadership in the field of optimal estimation held multiple technical patents. A devoted father, Herb loved to spend time and control, he was elected an IEEE Life Fellow, After his retirement in 1995 he spent leisure time at his with his family. He encouraged his kids in as well as Fellow of the American Institute of house on the lake at Tahoe with family and friends skiing school and in sports, and was assistant coach Aeronautics and Astronautics; Fellow of the and kayaking and enjoying his love of music. He will be for his daughter’s A.Y.S.O soccer team, The American Astronautical Society; and Fellow of missed by all of us who knew and loved him. Valkyries, and his sons’ CYSA soccer teams. To the IEEE Control Systems Society. He received He is survived by his wife, Dolores, three sons Eric, Peter help enable good education, he served two terms and Matthew Ruetz and a daughter, Renee Stockwell and the IEEE Control Systems Distinguished four grandchildren. on the Los Altos School District School Board. Member award for his significant technical He always remembered his family on holidays contributions and outstanding long-term PAID OBITUARY and birthdays, and they looked forward to his service to the Control Systems Society. An IEEE thoughtful cards and letters. Distinguished Lecturer, he enjoyed traveling Artemis (Artie) Curusis For many years, Herb was employed at the with his wife for his many presentations and Lockheed Palo Alto Research Laboratory (now keynote addresses at technical conferences 1924-April 4, 2011 called Lockheed-Martin Advanced Technology around the world. Center), where his area of expertise was control After retiring, Herb advised PhD candidates at On April 4th Artemis (Artie) systems. With John V. Breakwell, he wrote Stanford University, consulted in the aerospace Curusis died peacefully with her several papers on interplanetary trajectories, industry, and enjoyed traveling to visit his many family at her bedside. Artie was including creating a Venus swing-by trajectory dear friends, participating in college reunions, born in 1924 in Newark, New Jersey, that was part of an optimal low thrust Earth- and attending plays locally and at the Oregon but moved to CA after her marriage Mars-Earth round trip. This work led to the Shakespeare Festival. In the last several years, in 1945. She was the daughter development of the Rauch-Tung-Striebel (R-T-S) of Mary and Nick Eurotas. She he developed an interest in creative writing, spent many years as an employee algorithm, which is now used for tracking and took writing seminars that spurred him to of the Jefferson Elementary School interplanetary spacecraft and earth satellites. write a series of short stories that delighted his District in Daly City. She was He was recognized at Lockheed with numerous family and friends. He also enjoyed time with active in the Peninsula Volunteers, service awards, including the Robert E. Gross his beloved wife and his children, their families, The Peninsula Childrens Center, award for Technical Excellence. and his five grandchildren. her bridge groups and her china painting class. She has Among his many notable contributions to the Herb’s delightful wit, intellectual passion, lived in Atherton since 1972. She is survived by Harry, engineering field were his terms as President creativity, kindness, and caring will be greatly her husband of 65 years, and by her children Patricia and of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics missed by his family, colleagues, and friends. Don Herriott, Donna and Mike Bailey, her grandchildren, Engineers (IEEE) Control Systems Society, A private family service will be held in Herb’s Lisa Humphreys, Dana and Mike Moffitt, and her great and Editor-in-Chief of three publications: memory, and an online Memorial Website is grandchildren, Evan and Jenna Moffitt, and her brother, the Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, available at http://memorialwebsites.legacy. George Eurotas. She will be sincerely missed by all who the IEEE Control Systems Magazine, and the com/HerbertRauch/Homepage.aspx. In remember her as one who loved life to the fullest, stayed IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks, of lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate active to the end, and had a courageous spirit. The which he was Founding Editor. He was also contributions to your local food bank or to the family has asked that donations be made to the Peninsula Associate Editor for the American Institute of American Cancer Society. Volunteers in Menlo Park, CA Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Journal, PAID OBITUARY PAID OBITUARY

April 13, 2011 N The Almanac N13 Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, and Woodside for 44 years. Ideas, thoughts and opinions about local issues from people in our community. Edited by Tom Gibboney.

Editor & Publisher Tom Gibboney Palo Alto could help Menlo on impact Editorial here is no question that Stanford’s $3.5 billion project to tion measure was criticized by the commission, because such a sys- Managing Editor Richard Hine upgrade and enlarge its two hospitals on Sand Hill Road will tem is already in place on Sand Hill Road, so it could not contribute News Editor Renee Batti Lifestyles Editor Jane Knoerle Tcause a tremendous amount of traffic impact in the surround- to reducing traffic on that important artery. Senior Correspondents ing neighborhoods in Menlo Park and Palo Alto. Another disappointing strategy found in the EIR concerns alter- Marion Softky, Marjorie Mader The recently released final environmental impact report on the ing roadways and intersections. Five intersections are cited as need- Staff Writers project says that Menlo Park will bear 51 percent of the new traffic ing physical repairs to meet the required traffic counts, but Menlo Dave Boyce, Sandy Brundage generated by the project and lays out various plans to reduce the num- Park found the cost for one such project to be $450,000, while Stan- Contributors Barbara Wood, Kate Daly, Katie Blankenberg ber of Stanford-related trips. ford would only contribute $14,100. Instead, the city calls on Stan- Special Sections Editors The primary mitigation plan proposed by the university is to provide ford to pay the full cost of intersection upgrades. Carol Blitzer, Sue Dremann Caltrain passes for all hospital The commissioners said that the biggest shortcoming of all was Photographer Michelle Le EDITORIAL employees in hopes that up to 35 the comparatively small amount of compensation promised to News Intern Miranda Simon percent of the workforce will arrive Menlo Park for mitigating the problems, compared to the much The opinion of The Almanac Design & Production and depart by train, rather than a more generous payments proposed for Palo Alto. Design Director Raul Perez single-occupancy vehicle. Other For example, in exchange for approval of the project, Palo Alto Designers Linda Atilano, proposals suggested by the EIR include upgrading the traffic signals in would receive: Gary Vennarucci Menlo Park and helping pay for a shuttle bus system in the city. ■ $6 million for parks, community centers and libraries. Advertising ■ Vice President Sales & The problem, as Menlo Park sees it, is that the Caltrain idea is $2 million in transportation impact fees. Marketing a goal, but hardly a sure thing. Whether workers use the trains ■ $616,000 in public school fees. Walter Kupiec depends on many variables, like how far they live from the station ■ $12 million for unspecified climate change programs. Display Advertising Sales and whether they have errands to run on the way home. Individuals ■ $1.1 million to reimburse consultant fees. Heather Hanye ■ Real Estate Manager Neal Fine will make that decision, not Stanford. $23.2 million for unspecified affordable housing projects in Palo Alto. Real Estate and Advertising Comments from the Menlo Park Transportation Commission Coordinator Diane Martin suggest that Stanford conduct periodic tests to see how many Clearly, as the authorizing agency, Palo Alto will receive the lion’s employees actually use the train passes, and set consequences share of impact money from Stanford. Published every Wednesday at if they fall short. And Commissioner Charlie Bourne said any But there is precedent for Palo Alto helping Menlo Park to recover 3525 Alameda De Las Pulgas, employee who wants one should be issued a new Clipper pass that its costs for the impact of a Stanford project. Menlo Park, Ca 94025 can be used on any Bay Area transit system. When Stanford sought to widen the Menlo Park portion of Sand Newsroom: (650) 223-6525 The commission’s assessment, endorsed by the Menlo Park Hill Road in 2004-05, Palo Alto required the university to pay for Newsroom Fax: (650) 223-7525 City Council and sent to the Palo Alto City Council, found other the entire project, which did not cost Menlo Park a dime. Advertising: (650) 854-2626 Advertising Fax: (650) 854-3650 mitigations woefully lacking. For example, the report’s estimated In this similar situation, we hope that Palo Alto will require e-mail news and photos with increase of only 68 cars per day heading toward Interstate 280 dur- Stanford to be much more generous in paying for the mitigations captions to: ing the peak evening commute “appears optimistic” given that necessary to accommodate at least a portion of the huge traffic the [email protected] more than 2,000 parking spaces and four parking garages will be expanded hospital will bring to Menlo Park. A fair amount would e-mail letters to: added by the project. be miniscule compared to the millions of dollars the university [email protected] And making adaptive signal technology its top primary mitiga- already intends to pay Palo Alto to approve the project. The Almanac, established in September, 1965, is delivered each week to residents of Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside and adjacent unincorporated areas LETTERS of southern San Mateo County. The Almanac Our Regional is qualified by decree of the Superior Court of Our readers write San Mateo County to publish public notices of a governmental and legal nature, as stated in Heritage Decree No. 147530, issued November 9, 1969. Students get first hand In 1917, these recruits Subscriptions are $60 for one year and look at DUI tragedy training to serve in World $100 for two years. Editor: War I appear to have it pretty cushy during basic Last week Menlo School produced training at Menlo Park’s “Every 15 Minutes,” a two-day pro- Camp Fremont. The main gram that challenges high school portion of the base spread N WHAT’S YOUR VIEW? students to think about drinking from El Camino Real to the and driving, and the impact their Alameda de las Pulgas and All views must include a home address decisions can have on themselves from Valparaiso Avenue to and contact phone number. Published and others. The entire student body . letters will also appear on the web site, experienced the emotional conse- At one point the garrison www.TheAlmanacOnline.com, and quences of a simulated fatality and included 43,000 soldiers, occasionally on the Town Square forum. the injury of classmates as the result whose tents alone of a drunken driving crash. covered 1,000 acres of TOWN SQUARE FORUM the 25,000-acre camp. POST your views on the On the first day, volunteers from Menlo Park Historical Association Town Square forum at the CHP, Atherton Police Depart- www.TheAlmanacOnline.com ment, Menlo Park Fire Protec- “dead” child and the DUI driver, sponsored Every 15 Minutes at realistic and caring hospital trauma tion District, American Medical EMAIL your views to: along with District Attorney Ste- Menlo. Lt. Joe Wade (APD) and experience. Response, the County Coroner phen Wagstaffe and others, led Jon Johnston (MPFPD) provided We are grateful to live and send [email protected] and Stanford Hospital worked with and note this it is a letter to the speakers in a memorial for the invaluable guidance and a dedicat- our children to school in a commu- Menlo students and parents to por- the editor in the subject line. victim of the car crash. ed response team. Tully Vogt of the nity where dedicated, hardwork- tray a crash scene and the resulting ing emergency responders give so MAIL or deliver to: response of emergency personnel. This influential program hap- coroner’s office sensitively assisted pened with the support and par- in portraying the most painful generously of their time to make Editor at the Almanac, A Palo Alto Police Department cell preventative education a priority. aspect of a crash — the unnecessary 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, and a San Mateo County court- ticipation of extraordinary people We thank them all. Menlo Park, CA 94025. room helped illustrate the legal and from our community. While there loss of a young life. Finally, the staff Laura Foster and Jan Harris is not space to mention them all, a at Stanford Hospital’s emergency CALL the Viewpoint desk at judicial ramifications of a DUI. Co-chairs, Menlo School 223-6507. The community came together few justify special recognition: the room, let by Dr. Peter D’Souza and on the second day as parents of the CHP, with Art Montiel as liaison, Ellen Corman, helped provide a See LETTERS, next page 14 N The Almanac NApril 13, 2011 VIEWPOINT

LETTERS Opinions differ on legitimacy of executive session Continued from previous page Valley attorney disputes in the Almanac. “immediate action,” and the need arose after Terry Nagel for Brown Act violation charge The manager requested a vote of the Council the posting of the regular agenda. Another county supervisor Editor: members regarding the need for immedi- requirement is that the council report any Editor: ate action to add this closed session item to action taken in the closed session. Despite claims in the recent article “Por- the agenda, and the Council members voted But in defending the closed session afterward, In the last two years working tola Valley: Town Council ran afoul of unanimously. The process the Town Council Mayor Ted Driscoll said: “I believe I can’t com- with pension reform I have learned open-meeting law, CNPA attorney says,” the undertook was legal and in accordance with ment except to say we took no formal action. It more about budget deficits than Town Council did not violate the the letter of the law. was intended to get the whole council up to date anyone should want to. But it’s our Brown Act by adding an urgent GUEST Because the Town Council chose on an issue.” money, and San Mateo County closed session item to the council OPINION not to take any action and there was Upon hearing the mayor’s response, Mr. has not been careful with it. Who agenda. nothing to report out of closed ses- Ewert said: Getting the whole council up to would have thought that we are California Government Code Section sion does not mean that the Town Council’s date on an issue “presumes or implies that no now deciding which county parks 54954.2(b)(2) allows the Town Council to action violated the Brown Act. It simply means action was required but that it was an informa- have to be closed. Closing parks? place an item on the agenda even if the item of that after learning all the available information tional session. If you’re going to inform some- Our county is in financial crisis business did not appear on the posted agenda if and considering the matter, the Town Council body, that’s not a need for a closed session.” — it has obligations that it cannot two-thirds of the Council members determine decided it best not to take any action. There was If the entire basis for the urgent executive pay. And the largest single portion that there is a need to take immediate action no violation of open meeting law. session was, as Mr. Driscoll said, to “get the is employee costs, which have risen and that need for action came to the attention Sandy Sloan council up to date on an issue,” we agree that through the roof. We are out of of the town subsequent to the agenda being Portola Valley Town Attorney the council did not have adequate grounds to cash because the supervisors have posted. That is exactly what happened at the call the session. approved county employee pay meeting of March 23. The Almanac responds: Town The town attorney’s explanation for the and benefits that could not in fact After the posting of the agenda, information explanation inadequate meeting, given the circumstances, was inade- be paid. came to the attention of the town related to a quate. She writes that, after the agenda was There is an election being held real property transaction (an item appropriate In reporting that the Portola Valley Town posted, “information came to the attention of right now for one of the five county for closed session pursuant to Government Council’s urgent executive session March 23 the town related to a real property transaction supervisor seats — mail in only, it Code Section 54956.8). may have violated the Brown Act, the Alma- (an item appropriate for closed session pursu- closes May 3, and none too soon. At the beginning of the meeting, the town nac cited the conclusion drawn by Jim Ewert, ant to Government Code Section 54956.8). But We need a change in the decades- manager indicated that since the posting of the legal counsel of the California Newspaper according to the nursery owner, the town had old power structure of county poli- agenda the town had learned information that Publishers Association. not been in contact with him for more than a tics and the big money that funds could require immediate action related to a real He told the Almanac that the Brown year, so it seems highly unlikely that the council campaigns. property negotiation. The manager stated the Act allows such a closed session if a major- was prepared to move on “a real property trans- Of the four major candidates, address of the property involved, as reported ity approves the idea, there is a need to take action.” So what was the urgency? A only Terry Nagel is free of union ties and union funding. That is a critical difference in a time when cury poisoning, beef recall, defores- ple interchanges, already at capacity. square feet of commercial/retail last week’s editorial that he is our leaders must disengage from tation, and the Gulf of Mexico dead And no one can predict how many space. Even more people would not happy with the Atherton the old power structure, to be free zone from toxic chemicals. Saltworks residents would com- commute to these new jobs. Police Officers Association’s tap- to make real change. Are these are the guys we trust to mute to SF, San Jose or elsewhere. Don’t be fooled by DMB spin ing of Atherton town meetings. Only one candidate has com- build levees? DMB claims Saltworks is a tran- doctors. Saltworks would create a Mr. Dobbie said he felt it was mitted to real change on pensions What leaves me with a particular- sit-oriented community. The clos- traffic nightmare. inappropriate that the first tap- — and to not increase taxes or ly sick feeling in the pit of my stom- est Caltrain stations are more than Pat Marriott, Los Altos ing occurred when the Finance burn county reserve funds, either ach is how ’s public relations a mile away — across the freeway. Committee was deciding how of which is only a stop gap to the machine savages local nonprofit DMB is bringing direly needed the parcel tax was to be distrib- mounting debt. Forget the glossy Save the Bay, issuing false press housing to a jobs-rich region. Correction uted between police and public mailers from the big money candi- releases, and taunting them publicly Saltworks would include 1 million Mayor Jim Dobbie disagrees works budgets. The Almanac dates. Only Terry Nagel will “speak for being “outsiders.” Huh? This square feet of offices and 140,000 with the characterization in regrets the error. truth to power.” I support Terry for from Minnesota-based Cargill with supervisor. a history of hit and runs around Henry Riggs the world? Save the Bay members DESIGN FOR LIVING Callie Lane, Menlo Park live here and will not leave after the Green Building Professionals checks exchange hands. Healthy Energy Efficient Homes See what you’ll find Julie Abraham, Redwood City in a search of Cargill Featuring Our Latest GREEN Innovation Editor: Suspicious of Saltworks’ When someone knocks on your traffic estimates door, you have to have an idea of Editor: who they are before you let them in. Redwood City has swept the The Saltworks public relations door open to Cargill and their machine is in overdrive, particu- partners DMB. They’ve escorted larly on traffic. them enthusiastically past the com- DMB, the developer, says 40,000 munity threshold amid dazzling out-of-town commuters drive to promises of affordable housing, work in Redwood City daily. Salt- flood control, levees, and reducing works will provide local housing to carbon emissions for the benefit of get them out of their cars. the world. Of 40,000 commuters, 84 percent Wow! It’s Robin Hood! With travel 30 miles or less from nearby glistening teeth. But wait ... is that communities. These people are you Robin? Or a wolf wrapped in unlikely to move. In any case, Salt- your cape? works will only house 30,000. Cargill is routinely listed as one of DMB doesn’t anticipate Salt- the “worst-of-the-worst” unethical works will create a lot of extra traf- corporations by respected environ- fic. A preliminary report says 7,000 mental and human rights groups. cars could be added to rush-hour Judge for yourself: Search Google traffic. Even if Saltworks residents 408.399.2222 for “criticisms of Cargill” and read commute to Redwood City proper, about trafficking children in Africa, west of U.S. 101, their cars would www.louieleuarch.com forced labor in Uzbekistan, mer- jam Marsh, Woodside and Whip- April 13, 2011 N The Almanac N15 represented by Scott Dancer

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16 N The Almanac NApril 13, 2011