Celebrating This Fourth of July with Events Throughout the Peninsula by Grace Stetson Art at Home

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

JULY 2, 2021 | VOL. 56 NO. 43 WWW.ALMANACNEWS.COM Celebrating this Fourth of July with events throughout the Peninsula By Grace Stetson art at home. The Redwood City Parks & Arts Foundation wants he state is opening back to showcase all those new Picas- up and Californians sos and Frida Kahlos out on the Tare itching to get their town. Independence Day plans in The foundation is offering order. Many of the traditional free chalk kits to area house- local events, like the parades, holds, as professional artists chili cook-off, junior rodeo and locals work to beautify and fireworks displays, aren’t downtown throughout the holi- being held this year. So what day weekend. Follow the Chalk about some off-the-beaten-path Art Walk, from the Redwood alternatives? City Main Library to Court- This year, there are some house Square. great lower-key events across the If you want to participate but Peninsula, from a delightful dog are still timid among crowds, contest to getting down and dirty not to worry: The foundation with chalk. TheSixFifty.com (a encourages families to partici- sister publication of this news pate in Chalk Full of Fun @ organization) has compiled some Home. With the free chalk kit, ideas for Independence Day each household will receive a for those who want to celebrate 24-pack of chalk pastels and America in a new way this year. some holiday treats, and can submit photos of their finished work Spread pastels in online to compete for prizes. Go to rwcpaf.org/ downtown Redwood City chalk-full-of-fun. Courtesy Khoi Huynh Many people found solace The Chalk Full of Fun festival is coming back to downtown Redwood City this year, from the main during the pandemic in creating See JULY FOURTH, page 10 library to Courthouse Square. MP council OKs new police Tasers, license plate reader upgrades By Kate Bradshaw produce monthly reports with are an effective non-lethal force is yellow, making it easier for Mayor Drew Combs added information such as how many option and among the least both officers and those they that Tasers are “a staple of ew Tasers — and defi- times the Tasers were dis- likely to harm both officers interact with to tell it apart modern policing” as a non- brillators — are head- charged and whether each and those they interact with from a firearm. Another fea- lethal law enforcement tool. Ned to the Menlo Park use complied with the depart- compared to other options, ture of the model is that draw- “I’m supportive of our depart- Police Department following a ment’s use-of-force policy. Norris said. Other options are ing it will automatically start ment having the latest technol- June 29 City Council decision. The approval authorizes the pepper spray, a stick or baton, an officer’s worn body camera, ogy when it comes to this too, The council voted 4-1 on department to spend $47,540 or shotguns retrofitted to shoot Norris said. accepting that there, again, Tuesday, with Vice Mayor Bet- of the grant on new Tasers beanbag rounds, each of which The automated license plate needs to be a larger discussion sy Nash dissenting, to accept a and $59,950 on upgrades to has its own drawbacks, he reader upgrades were requested about the use of force,” he said. $100,000 grant on behalf of the automated license plate read- explained. because the technology is at “I’m concerned about police police department to purchase ers, which exceeds $100,000, From 2014 to 2020, he told the end of its useful cycle and officers having equipment that new Tasers and upgrade auto- but there is enough funding to the council, Tasers have been needs to be replaced, Norris isn’t 100% safe for them. I’m mated license plate readers, on cover the excess, according to actively used by the Menlo Park said. Data collected by the also uncomfortable about the the condition that the depart- police Chief Dave Norris. Police Department only a few readers is protected in a highly use of force,” Taylor said. ment also use funds from pre- The grant program, part of times each year and were dis- secure database, and Menlo Councilwoman Jen Wolosin vious grants to put automatic California’s Citizens Option for played on average less than 10 Park’s policy for that data said that after some high- external defibrillators in all Public Safety, guarantees each times per year. The department and when it can be accessed is profile cases in San Mateo police vehicles. city a minimum of $100,000 to currently has a low inventory “among the tightest, privacy- County involving Tasers, she At Councilwoman Ceci- support front-line municipal of Tasers and they are at the forward policies of any city in was hesitant but added that “it’s lia Taylor’s request, they also police services. end of their usable lives, Norris the Bay Area,” Norris told the required the department to In certain situations, Tasers said. The new model, Taser 7, council. See TASERS, page 18

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4QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQJuly 2, 2021 Local News M ENLO PARK | ATHERTON | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA V ALLEY

Menlo Park council OKs bringing back 22.5 staff positions in new city budget Lengthy debate mulls future of holiday tree lighting event By Kate Bradshaw fund out of a list of unresolved possibilities. Among them were ays before a new fiscal to hire four people to implement year starts July 1, the the city’s updated heritage tree DMenlo Park City Coun- ordinance and work on main- cil approved its budget and taining the city’s downtown capital improvement plan to area, hiring six people to restore run until June 30, 2022. library and community services On a 4-1 vote, with Council- and three people to speed up woman Cecilia Taylor dissent- the city’s turnaround time to ing, the council opted to move check building plans and issue forward with a budget expected permits. to bring in $176 million and In addition, the council spend $185 million, accord- agreed to direct the Parks Daniela Beltran B. ing to a staff report. The gen- and Recreation Commission to Hail to the chief eral fund is expected to bring in study city-hosted celebrations $61.49 million and spend about and consider how to make them Chief Harold Schapelhouman retired this week after 40 years with the Menlo Park Fire Protection $61.49 million. more inclusive to people of oth- District, including 15 years in the top job. A farewell party on June 28 at Station 1 in Menlo Park featured The approved budget brings er faiths or cultural preferences, speakers such as San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley (above), and celebrated Schapelhouman’s back the equivalent of 22.5 full- and to ask the Complete Streets long service to the communities of Atherton, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park. Over the years he served time employees to the city’s Commission to study the city’s in a dozen different positions with the fire district, including firefighter, dispatcher and rescue driver, and roster. Safe Routes to School program. was part of the search and rescue team that responded to national incidents that include the 9/11 attacks, However, according to Assis- In particular, council mem- the Oklahoma City bombing and Hurricane Katrina. After a monthslong absence due to a spinal injury in tant City Manager Nick Pegue- bers discussed a $90,000 line 2013 that put him in a wheelchair, he was back on the job as fire chief in January 2014. ros, while the laid-off employ- item to fund the city’s holiday ees will have the first right of tree lighting program at length. refusal based on union terms, They ultimately agreed only to a number of staffers removed fund the program at the same Burglaries on the rise in Atherton from the city’s roster after last level as last year for only the By Angela Swartz 80 attendees of a Tuesday night 30 burglaries is an “alarming” year’s pandemic-related budget tree in Fremont Park and one community safety meeting on number for Atherton. cuts have likely already moved in Belle Haven. Councilwoman n elderly Lindenwood Zoom. About $115,000 worth The town has seen an uptick on to other positions. That Jen Wolosin argued that as a resident awoke to two of goods have been taken so far in burglaries over the last three means that finding, hiring and Jewish Menlo Park resident, she Astrangers lurking in her in 2021, according to Atherton years. These latest crimes do not training replacements to fill the felt that the city’s holiday tree bedroom with flashlights one police. Of that, approximately appear to be connected to the positions, which will take some lighting event is not inclusive night last month. She screamed $24,000 in goods has been taken November 2018 to February 2019 time, he noted. of families from non-Christian and the two fled through the since April 1, police Chief Steve burglary spree that police believe One shift from previous bud- faith traditions and favored not same smashed French door they McCulley said in an email. is tied to Chilean gang members gets was for the city to plan to funding it at the full amount used to break into her home. “We’re not concerned about — the same thieves who are sus- receive 100% of what’s called proposed. The city-sponsored She is one of the 28 burglary the take, we’re concerned about pected of taking $800,000 worth ERAF, the Educational Revenue annual tree lighting ceremony, victims in Atherton this year, the the rise in these burglaries,” of jewelry from an Atherton Augmentation Fund. Histori- when not canceled due to a police department said to about McCulley said, noting that nearly home in December 2020. cally, the city only budgets for global pandemic, includes a Police announced at the meet- half of that because the funds chance for children to visit with ing that they are launching a vol- could be rescinded by the state Santa Claus, and features other unteer patrol training program to use for education purposes. activities traditionally associ- to help deter crime. Residents The council agreed to use ated with the Christmas holi- who participate will take a four- $1.46 million from its strategic day, along with more secular hour training that teaches how to pension reserve to tackle pen- seasonal offerings like free hot look out for suspicious activity. sion obligations ahead of the chocolate. Participants will not carry weap- minimum amount due. “I’ve never been (to the tree ons, but police will give them The budget calls for residents lighting ceremony) because it a vest to wear while on patrol, to continue to pay reduced util- doesn’t feel like it’s for me,” she McCulley said, and they must ity user tax rates of 1%. said. commit eight hours a month to The council also plans to use “The scale and excessiveness patrolling. between $2 million and $3 mil- of this amount I have a hard The last three residential bur- lion of an expected $8.5 million time with,” she added. glaries reported in Atherton took in federal funds designated for Vice Mayor Nash and Taylor place in unoccupied detached the city through the American also opposed the proposed structures overnight on June 24 Rescue Plan Act to balance the funding amount. Mayor Drew on Placitas Avenue and Middle- city’s general fund. Combs and Councilman Ray Screenshot by Angela Swartz field Road. During the council’s dis- Mueller said that the tree Residents meet over Zoom to discuss a recent rash in burglaries cussion, members hashed out during a June 29 meeting hosted by the Atherton Police Department. See BURGLARIES, page 14 which possible budget items to See BUDGET, page 20

July 2, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ5 NEWS Established 1965

CRIME BRIEFS

Serving Menlo Park, 15K pounds of illegal fireworks, $1M cash seized Atherton, Portola Valley, The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office seized about 15,000 1bd/1ba Apt., 700 sqft To place an ad and Woodside for over 50 years pounds of illegal fireworks and $1 million in cash from various 1685 Woodland Ave Bay Area locations last week. West of 101 or get a quote, The fireworks and cash were connected to illegal fireworks sales NEWSROOM • One year lease at $2050 a month contact that took place in Millbrae by two suspects operating out of resi- • Designated sheltered private parking Editor Kevin Legarda Andrea Gemmet (223-6537) dences in San Francisco and San Jose. They also operated a large • Easy access to Palo Alto and Hwy 101 warehouse in Oakland. • Refrigerator and stove included at 650.223.6597 Assistant Editors Julia Brown (223-6531) The suspects are Sam San, 61, of San Francisco, and a 54-year-old For questions and/or showings or email Heather Zimmerman (223-6515) San Jose woman. (650) 868-3530 Staff Writers According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives from its Crime Sup- digitalads@ Kate Bradshaw (223-6536) Coldwell Banker Realty Angela Swartz (223-6529) pression Unit have been investigating the case since May. Joshua Middel, DRE#02127162 paweekly.com. Embarcadero Media Staff Writers Following the investigation, detectives executed several search Sue Dremann (223-6518), Kevin Forestieri warrants last week in San Mateo, San Francisco, Alameda and (223-6535), Lloyd Lee (223-6526), Santa Clara counties. They found the bulk of the fireworks at the Gennady Sheyner (223-6513) warehouse in Oakland and some in San Jose. The cash was found Contributors Kate Daly, Maggie Mah at the San Francisco residence. Special Sections Editor The San Francisco Police Department, San Mateo County Linda Taaffe (223-6511) Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, San Mateo County Narcotics Task Chief Visual Journalist Force and the San Mateo County Air Squadron also helped the Magali Gauthier (223-6530) investigation. Visual Journalist Intern One of the suspects, San, was booked into San Mateo County Jail Daniela Beltran B. on suspicion of the sale and possession of fireworks, which could DESIGN & PRODUCTION result in jail time. Design and Production Manager The second suspect has not yet been charged and is not in Kristin Brown (223-6562) No Designers See CRIME BRIEFS, page 14 Linda Atilano, Amy Levine, Paul Llewellyn, Doug Young

ADVERTISING COMMUNITY BRIEFS Vice President Sales and Marketing Fireworks Tom Zahiralis (223-6570) Display Advertising Sales SRI redevelopers to host community meetings (223-6570) Lane Partners, which recently announced plans to redevelop Real Estate Manager the 60-acre SRI International campus in Menlo Park with Neal Fine (223-6583) hundreds of housing units, taller buildings and public space, Zone Legal Advertising Alicia Santillan (223-6578) has announced a series of three community meetings aimed at collecting input before the development application is officially ADVERTISING SERVICES submitted. Advertising Services Manager The meetings are scheduled for: Kevin Legarda (223-6597) QThursday, July 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sales & Production Coordinator Diane Martin (223-6584) QSaturday, July 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. QWednesday, July 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Almanac is published All of the meetings will be held at 333 Ravenswood Ave. in every Friday at Menlo Park. People can RSVP to the open houses or learn more 3525 Alameda De Las Pulgas, about the project at MenloParkline.com. Menlo Park, CA 94025 People may also schedule “office hour” appointments Thurs- Q Newsroom: (650) 223-6525 Newsroom Fax: (650) 223-7525 days from noon to 1 p.m. or follow the project on social media at @MenloParkline to learn more. Q Email news and photos with captions to: [email protected] Q Email letters to: —Kate Bradshaw [email protected] Q Advertising: (650) 854-2626 State food stipend extended to school children East Palo Alto, Advertising Fax: (650) 223-7570 Atherton, Q Classified Advertising: (650) 854-0858 The U.S. Department of Agriculture will give stipends to Q Submit Obituaries: 4 million California school children who would have relied Menlo Park and AlmanacNews.com/obituaries on free lunch programs this past school year if it wasn’t for The Almanac (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) pandemic-related school closures. is published every Friday by Embarcadero Beginning August and September of this year, the state will Unincorporated San Mateo County. Media, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. Periodicals Postage Paid at issue about $4.3 billion in funds via Pandemic Electronic Ben- Menlo Park, CA and at additional mailing offices. efits Transfer cards to cover the days that eligible children did Adjudicated a newspaper of general circulation for San Mateo County, The Almanac is delivered not receive a meal at school between the months of August 2020 to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley through January 2021. Menlo Park Fire District and Woodside. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Almanac, 3525 Alameda de las The program closely follows the USDA’s recent approval to Public Education Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. Copyright ©2021 by Embarcadero Media, All rights issue funds to children under the age of 6 who depend on day- reserved. Reproduction without permission is care facilities for nutritious meals. ZZZPHQORÞUHRUJ strictly prohibited. To determine eligibility, California will depend on school data The Almanac is qualified by decree of the and USDA simplifying assumptions. New students who weren’t Superior Court of San Mateo County to publish a part of the National School Lunch Program in the 2019-2020 public notices of a governmental and legal nature, as stated in Decree No. 147530, issued school year will be able to certify their needs throughout the November 9, 1969. Subscriptions are $60 for one year and $100 for two years. Go to traditional application for school meals. VERY Print or online subscription starts AlmanacNews.com/circulation. The program extends to public, charter and private schools at only $5 /month and will make payments based off of the school’s opening To request delivery, or stop delivery, of status for each month of the school year. For schools that do REAL The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, Visit: AlmanacNews.com/join 94028 and the Woodside portion of not provide adequate information on its students’ school meal 94062, call 854-2626. dependency or its opening status, the state will depend on local LOCAL statistics from adjacent schools. NEWS #PressOn —Bay City News Service

6QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQJuly 2, 2021 NEWS To redraw city’s district boundaries, Menlo Park council favors independent commission By Kate Bradshaw of the boundaries of a voting separate entity from the City some guardrails, (and) some have little recourse over how to constituency to achieve a cer- Council. The commissioners checks and balances we can address them. t a meeting with consul- tain result, like protecting an who would make the decision write into the resolution.” “What this is a question of tants to talk about how incumbent. Council members would not be elected. Those in Those who opposed the inde- is whether or not we’re going Athe district boundar- Cecilia Taylor, Jen Wolosin favor of the independent com- pendent commission approach to have a select group of ies of Menlo Park should be and Vice Mayor Betsy Nash mission argued that it means argued that the council, as unelected people make a big redrawn based on the 2020 favored an independent com- those commissioners would be an elected body representing decision regarding how elec- census, the Menlo Park City mission, while council mem- less politically motivated and the wills of the voters, would tions take place in Menlo Park Council was split 3-2 over bers Ray Mueller and Mayor more impartial in their task relinquish too much power to with no check at all from the which of two approaches to Drew Combs favored a hybrid of drawing up fair boundaries an unelected body in making body elected by voters,” Muel- take. commission. than elected people. a decision with such important ler said. “I just reject the notion The debate centered on which The majority of council “I feel really strongly about outcomes for voters. They also that somehow public servants approach is fairer and less members favored the indepen- having an independent com- argued that, should problems have a failing and someone likely to result in the outcome dent commission approach, mission,” said Councilwoman develop within the commis- who’s not elected by the public, that’s feared whenever political which would leave the power Jen Wolosin. “To me it’s funda- sion — tension, disagreements, and doesn’t have to answer to boundaries change: gerryman- to decide district boundaries mental to our democracy. I’m failures to achieve their objec- dering, or the manipulation in the hands of a completely very encouraged that there are tives — then the council would See BOUNDARIES, page 19 Coronavirus central: Vaccination rate slow but still climbing in county By Embarcadero Media staff through pediatric providers represents about 14.5% of COV- we know that’s really the best coronavirus in San Mateo and instead of having vaccinations ID-19 specimen that were sam- strategy for addressing the Santa Clara counties online at at school sites in the fall. pled and sequenced in June, variant.” paloaltoonline.atavist.com/ Vaccination rate slowly “For most children, the best according to data from the People can visit smchealth. tracking-the-coronavirus. Find environment to receive their California Department of Public org/coronavirus for San Mateo a comprehensive collection of climbing COVID-19 vaccination would Health. County’s COVID-19 informa- coverage on the Midpeninsula’s San Mateo County is focused be with a primary care pro- Rogers said that the county is tion page. response to the new coronavirus on getting as many people vider,” Chabra said, adding that not considering adding stricter by The Almanac and its sister vaccinated as possible as its children can also catch up on restrictions in response to the Comprehensive COVID-19 publications, Palo Alto Online, COVID-19 vaccination rate has other routine immunizations delta variant. coverage and the Mountain View Voice, slowed down. they may have missed due to the But she said, “We have just at tinyurl.com/c19-Almanac. A During a presentation to the pandemic. been 100 percent focused on get- View interactive charts track- CalMatters and Bay City News county’s Board of Supervisors While COVID-19 case num- ting people vaccinated because ing the spread of the Service contributed to this report. on Tuesday, Louise Rogers, chief bers have been low in San Mateo of San Mateo County Health, County, public health officials said that the county hasn’t “hit expect that the delta variant is the wall.” present in the county. The delta “We’re seeing increases in the variant, which was first identi- communities that have been the fied in India, appears to spread hardest to reach,” Rogers said. more easily than other corona- “I think some of this is time virus variants. and the people who have been Rogers did not have an exact saying they just want to wait. As number of COVID-19 cases in the weeks go by, there are more the county caused by the delta people that become inclined to variant but said they are relying change their mind and that’s on state data. very encouraging.” “The means of identifying As of Monday, 88% of county the variants relies on laboratory residents 16 and older have testing that isn’t conducted on received at least their first shot, all of the samples,” Rogers said. compared to 85% three weeks “So we have to really rely on the ago. statewide estimates and I think Last week, the county’s health we expect that that variant is department injected just over present locally, just as the other 500 people with their first dose. variants are.” Moreover, the county’s efforts In California, the delta variant to do targeted vaccinations are paying off. The county has received 15 requests from com- Your COVID-19 munity partners to host pop-up vaccine questions vaccine events since creating an online sign-up form in early — answered June. We’ve compiled a list of Vaccinations for children and who can currently get vac- teenagers are also on the rise. cinated in San Mateo and As of Monday, 61% of 12- to Santa Clara counties, plus 15-year-olds had received at answers to common ques- least their first vaccine dose, tions and links to resources. compared to 52% three weeks Access the page at tinyurl. ago. com/COVIDvaccineques- Dr. Anand Chabra, San Mateo tions. Have a question? Send County Health COVID-19 mass it to [email protected] vaccination section chief, said and we’ll do our best to that the county will focus on answer it. getting children vaccinated

July 2, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ7 NEWS Atherton, Portola Valley starting to bring back in-person government services Woodside doesn’t have a date set yet, but Town Hall is open by appointment By Angela Swartz for people who are unvacci- we move into the new buildings to the plan the Town Council up on academics after a school nated, including both staff and and can use the new Council approved on May 25. year of distance learning. The therton and Portola Val- members of the public. Chambers,” he said. “It’s likely The council has yet to set a program is receiving $892,000 ley officials are begin- Demand is returning to nor- going to coincide with the Sep- date for when it will resume in additional funds from the Aning to reopen in-per- mal levels for rentals in the tember/October timeline.” in-person meetings, said Mayor library JPA board. son services 15 months after park, Rodericks said. On June 15, Portola Valley Maryann Derwin in a June Woodside Town Hall is open shutting down due to the COV- Rodericks anticipates the began accepting reservations at 23 email. The town’s 2022 fis- by appointment only, according ID-19 pandemic. Government Atherton City Council will its indoor and outdoor facilities cal year budget does include a to the town’s website. meetings will remain virtual return to meeting in person in for July 12 and beyond, accord- $79,800 line item for purchas- “We do not have a definitive for the time being. September. The council doesn’t ing to a town newsletter. Town ing “hybrid meeting software” reopening date as of yet,” said Atherton has fully reopened meet in August, he noted. Hall is set to reopen to the to allow people to participate in Mayor Brian Dombkowski in a consistent with Gov. Gavin The town currently streams public the same day. The town council and committee meet- June 24 email. “Although logi- Newson’s reopening plan, said its meetings through Midpen will keep in place expanded ings both virtually and in per- cally it can’t be any later than City Manager George Rod- Media Center, but is also look- online services rolled out dur- son at the Historic Schoolhouse when the council comes back (in ericks in a June 23 email. ing into the possibility of a ing the pandemic, as well as in the future. person).” A Facilities in Holbrook-Palmer Zoom hybrid meeting model expanded online services in the There will be an enrichment Park may be rented, and in- once construction on the Town planning and building, parks camp at the town library, spon- Email Staff Writer Angela person town hall services have Center is completed. and recreation, and adminis- sored by San Mateo County Swartz at aswartz@ returned. Masks are required “We are waiting for that until trative departments, according Libraries, to help students catch almanacnews.com.

Bored Facebook chefs + hungry kids = innovative meal program With Menlo Park campus closed, cooks make meals for Ravenswood families

By Kate Bradshaw schools by a Facebook-sponsored food truck on Fridays. uring the pandemic, June Richardson, who heads Facebook’s campus the child nutrition program at Dchefs were being paid the Ravenswood City School but weren’t working while the District, said in an interview social media giant’s employees that the program started April worked from home. Mean- 16 and is expected to run while, kids living nearby were through the summer. struggling with food insecurity. The meals Facebook pre- In an effort to combine the pares for the district are pack- former resource with the latter aged family-style, include fresh Photos by Magali Gauthier need, a partnership between fruits and vegetables, and don’t Burak Epir the social media company and require preparation. , a chef who normally works at the Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, chops scallions a local school district was born: They also help break up the for meals going to Ravenswood School District families at a kitchen in San Mateo on June 24. Facebook’s campus chefs were monotony of what the district tasked with providing weekly can otherwise provide through “We never have any left- alerts to families at each school, temperature, Richardson said. meals to families in the Raven- its bulk school meal program, overs,” Richardson said. she said. Family meals so far have swood City School District, which offers families a week’s The meal program has been The nonprofit Loaves and included menu items like tacos which serves residents of East worth of meals each Wednes- advertised on the East Palo Alto Fishes has partnered with the and chicken pitas, and have Palo Alto and Menlo Park. day, Richardson said. Neighbors group on Facebook program to provide access to been a hit with families, she According to a statement According to Facebook, the and through other Facebook a refrigerated van that trans- said. from Facebook, company chefs program provides enough food and Instagram sites, as well ports the meals from Facebook “I think the other impact is make meals every Thursday, to serve up to 600 meals each through the district’s system to the school sites, ensuring it allows them to feel a sense of which are delivered to local week. that allows principals to text that the food is kept at a safe community with Facebook,” she added. Often, families in the district think, “We have all these great Silicon Valley moguls in our town, but what are they doing for our community?” she said. The program has shifted some attitudes about Facebook in the community toward thinking “Hey, they really do care about us,” she said. “I think (that) is huge in our community.” A

Email Staff Writer Kate Bradshaw at kbradshaw@ Boxes are packed with produce, eggs and granola for hungry local Ornella Tchoumie passes a box to Lauren Shaub at the almanacnews.com. families at a warehouse in Redwood City on June 22. Community Mobile Market warehouse in Redwood City.

8QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQJuly 2, 2021 NEWS Policing, wildfires and more staff boost local towns’ budgets Woodside expects costlier police services, Portola Valley ups staff and focuses on wildfire prevention, Atherton considers where to spend extra funds By Angela Swartz the purchase of a new squad car, note: a road resurfacing proj- as well as increased salary and ect ($302,929), enhancement ocal towns are in the benefits costs. and maintenance of the town’s throes of planning their The police department opted open spaces ($128,000), a study Lbudgets for the fiscal year not to purchase electric vehi- on undergrounding the town’s that begins July 1. Meanwhile, cles, as staff found there are utilities ($100,000) and purchas- federal COVID-19 relief funds “very limited all-electric vehicle ing software to allow for people are on the way to cities and options with restrictive opera- to participate in government towns across the country. tional vehicle size,” according to meetings both virtually and in Atherton officials will evalu- the report. Research also indi- person at the Historic School- ate how to allocate unused funds cated that the major car makers house ($79,800). once its new civic center is com- will have very viable, pursuit- pleted this fall. rated, all-electric police depart- Woodside In Portola Valley, the pandem- ment vehicle options within ic spurred an increased need about two years. Woodside includes a 10-year for staff as residents’ service The town’s reserves should forecast in its 2022 budget, requests grew. The town is also stand at $8.4 million. Michelle Le which the council approved on seeing an increase in spending Other items in the budget: the Portola Valley Town Center on Sept. 14, 2014. The pandemic June 22. on wildfire prevention measures Bayfront Canal/Atherton Chan- spurred an increased need for staff as residents’ service requests grew. Revenue will come in at about as fire threats grow in the state. nel Flood Protection and Eco- The town is also seeing an increase in spending on wildfire prevention $10 million, with about $4.2 Woodside is experiencing system Restoration Project ($1.4 measures as fire threats grow in the state. million coming from property increasing police costs, but million), upgrades to Holbrook- taxes, according to the budget otherwise isn’t expecting many Palmer Park with anticipated tools that are expected to be projects, virtual emergency document. Building and permit changes to the town’s budget. grant funding from Santa Clara used for a proposed September operations software, changes to fees will account for about $1.3 Below are more detailed County and the state Parks and budget revision. the town’s permit tracking soft- million in revenue. updates on each town’s finances Recreation Department ($1.1 Anticipated expenses will be ware, a website refresh launch Expenditures total $12.2 mil- in the year to come. million), administrative costs $6.1 million, an increase of and expanded capabilities. lion. The biggest costs are sala- ($1 million), and road mainte- $397,587, or just under 7%, Included in this budget are ries and benefits for staff (about Atherton nance funded by a special parcel from the prior year’s budget. funds for a full-time plan- $2.7 million), $2 million for the tax ($875,000). Town reserves should stand ner and full funding for a police contract, about $881,000 For fiscal year 2022, general The proposed budget notes at $5.9 million. The biggest previously part-time financial for hazardous tree removal and fund revenues are projected at that potential future construc- changes include a $291,308 analyst position. The council’s $2.6 million for other services $17.4 million and general fund tion of an amphitheater in the bump in spending on support priorities also explicitly support and supplies. expenditures are expected to park would cost about $150,000. staff salaries and benefits. The an emphasis on focusing town The police budget increased be $16.5 million, according to town’s contract with the San staff on the council’s goals and this year — by a little under an agenda packet for a June 16 Portola Valley Mateo County Sheriff’s Office not overpromising what can be $63,000 — because the town Atherton City Council meeting, has “grown considerably” to accomplished in a fiscal year. added overtime services, said where the council approved the The Portola Valley Town $997,407 this coming fiscal Portola Valley has the fewest Town Manager Kevin Bryant. budget. The council discussed Council approved the 2022 fis- year from the estimated cost of staff of any city in San Mateo The extra police services will the budget in four different cal year budget at its June 23, $823,006 last year, according to County, according to town staff. help address the volume of traf- meetings leading up to the vote. meeting. Staff project revenues the report. By every available metric, fic in a town that’s on a route to About $10.6 million of the rev- of $6.1 million, or an increase of There is an increase from requests for staff time and ser- the beach and popular destina- enue will come from property $438,991 (just under 8%) over $39,000 to $190,000 for right- vices greatly increased in the last tion for cyclists in the summer taxes, according to a June 16 last year’s budget. About half of of-way vegetation management year, according to the proposed months, he explained. report prepared by staff. that revenue would come from to keep the town’s roads clear budget, wrote Town Manager The town will spend about property taxes, which are pro- during a wildfire. Jeremy Dennis in the report. American Rescue Plan Act $6.1 million to finish construc- jected to be about $3 million for “The CZU (Lightning Com- Examples include: tion of its long-awaited civic the fiscal year, according to the plex) fire(s) (in 2020) was, for Q Building permit applications The federal American Rescue center project, the report states. budget, an increase of 5.2% over many residents, the first time increased 25% Plan (ARP) apportioned $65.1 Once the civic center project the 2021 fiscal year budget. the reality of wildfire danger QCode compliance complaints billion to help support cities and is completed (projected to be “This tightening of the delta revealed itself, and the council’s increased 72% towns hit by the pandemic. The around October), staff recom- between general fund revenue primary priority this year is QPlanning permit applications U.S. Department of Treasury mends that the council consider and expenditures is an ongo- continued mitigation and resil- increased 70% has only released final alloca- uses for the unallocated funds. ing trend, even in the light of iency efforts,” the report states. Q Public Records Act requests tions for metropolitan cities so A little over $9 million will better-than-anticipated growth Portola Valley has increased increased over 1000% far. go toward the police depart- in property taxes over the last staffing needs as officials plan Q PV Connect service requests Under the guidance, only ment, an increase from last three years,” staff wrote in the for updates to the town’s hous- increased 157% (this includes pandemic-related expenditures year’s police budget of $8.4 budget report. ing and safety elements, along trails, road, noise, dumping, can qualify for funding. Funds million, to account for some Staff is developing budget with pedestrian safety study graffiti or other similar issues) additional expenses, including forecasting and monitoring improvements, major land-use Other items in the budget of See TOWN BUDGETS , page 15 Community college district pledges to make tuition free District sets aside $6.75 million as “seed money” in 2022 fiscal budget By Angela Swartz currently available for students double the size of that program, “Still more work to do, but it to Cañada in Woodside for who enroll in the district’s which currently has about 2,000 is a huge step toward facilitating $421,200. he San Mateo Coun- Promise Scholars Program, full-time students enrolled. equity, access and upward mobil- Some 581 students in the ty Community College which offers scholarships and The added funding will also ity for our underresourced stu- Promise Scholars Program grad- District governing board support services to first-time, expand dual enrollment at Col- dents,” said trustee John Pimen- uated in 2021, according to the T A approved $6.75 million in free full-time students. In April, the lege of San Mateo and Cañada tel, who lives in Menlo Park. packet. tuition for its students as part of county’s Board of Supervisors College ($2.5 million), and go The board also approved its fiscal year 2022 budget during pledged $2 million to expand the toward textbook costs ($1.25 restarting the Cañada College Email Staff Writer Angela a June 23 meeting. program. million), according to the June shuttle that runs through East Swartz at aswartz@ Free college education is The district is aiming to 23 board meeting packet. Palo Alto to help students get almanacnews.com.

July 2, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ9 NEWS

planting trees at four area parks. breakfast often saw up to 500 The city is also offering camp- hungry guests, which treasurer ing activity sets for purchase Clayton Jolley credits to making through July 2, featuring s’mores the special recipe on the indus- kits, constellation charts, crafts trial grill. and more. “We have always gotten rave Chief Communications Offi- reviews, even if we keep it cer Lenka Wright said that these simple,” Jolley said. events were planned largely Tickets for the event are $10. because of the cancellation of the Proceeds will be used to support annual San Francisco Symphony various local youth groups. concert and fireworks at Shore- Half Moon Bay’s Ol’ Fash- line Amphitheatre. ioned 4th of July Parade & Fes- “This is the first time that tival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the city of Mountain View has Go to july4th.miramarevents. offered engaging activities like com. these in recognition of Indepen- dence Day,” she said, noting that More options the camp-out kits had nearly sold out as of June 29. Kronos Quartet at Frost Go to mountainview.gov. Amphitheater, Stanford University Fill up on flapjacks for the Saturday, July 3, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $30. parade in Half Moon Bay Go to live.stanford.edu. Is there any better way to cel- Veronica Weber California’s Great America The Terrible Adult Chamber Orchestra is holding an open rehearsal on the Fourth of July in ebrate America than through Mountain View. Enjoy the music or bring your instruments and make some music of your own. breakfast food? We’re sure many Fourth of July Celebration, would agree: digging into some Santa Clara pancakes, sausage and coffee is a Sunday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to JULY FOURTH for musicians of all skill levels. both dogs and dog-lovers. “We great start to your Fourth of July 9 p.m. continued from page 1 This will be the first gathering just drop the food in front of celebration. Go to cagreatamerica.com. of the full orchestral team since them, and away they go,” he This year, the Half Moon Bay Dig into some delicious the beginning of the pandemic, said. Lions Club will be hosting its Independence Day Caravan, grub in Palo Alto and the plan is to play tunes, Some categories (like these annual pancake breakfast from Los Altos Hills While the traditional Chili including “Fanfare for the Com- latter two) will require in-person 8 a.m. until noon at the City Sunday, July 4, 10 a.m. Cook Off is not happening mon Man,” and “Battle Hymn of attendance at Leo Ryan Park; Hall parking lot before kicking Go to losaltoshills.ca.gov. A this year, at Palo Alto’s July 4th the Republic,” throughout the city staff is following San Mateo off the city’s annual Fourth of Summer Event, from 11 a.m. to afternoon. County’s COVID-19 regula- July parade. Longtime member Email Contributing Writer 3 p.m., the city will have food Director and Conductor tions. Pancakes and a trivia con- Rich Picchi noted that, prior Grace Stetson at grace.stetson@ trucks available at Mitchell Park Cathy Humphers Smith said test are also among the city’s to the pandemic, the pancake gmail.com. for people to indulge in some that the last session TACO was holiday offerings. tasty local eats. The current line- all together was in February Go to fostercity.org. up includes Road Dogs, Daily 2020. Prior to that, the team had Grind Burgers, Cousins Maine met for open sessions, which Celebrate local flora and Lobster, Chubby’s Chickn, and had been held monthly since Island Sno. TACO was created 10 years ago. fauna with a hike or bike ride “We’ll have homemade chili For this concert, Smith said, Take advantage of access to dogs, hot dogs, bratwurst — and “I already have 65, 70 musicians the great outdoors across the probably a few special options,” who have signed up to play.” Peninsula by grabbing those marketing manager and graphic Smith said that two or three hiking boots or bicycle helmets. designer Vinh Duong said of musicians have signed up for Try a moderate stroll on Road Dogs, which has been TACO every month over the the Oljon Trail at El Corte de serving up dogs across the Bay course of the pandemic, with Madera Creek Preserve in Red- for over 10 years. More popu- some practicing more than they wood City, or push it to the limit lar offerings include the Space ever had and some who have with the eight available trails Needle Dog — topped with never played with an orchestra. at Wunderlich County Park in kraut, melted cream cheese and The group will meet at the Woodside. caramelized onions — and the Mountain View Center for the If you want to breathe in the Tailgate Dog, with seasoned Performing Arts (500 Castro fresh air on two wheels, take grilled chicken, onions, toma- St.) and space will be available to your bike out for a ride on Foot- toes, and chipotle sauce. lay out on the grass, enjoy some hill Expressway. The four-lane The band Radio City All- picnic foods, and delight in the road is popular among cyclists Stars will also offer a live music. on weekend mornings, but don’t performance. Go to mountainview.gov. let that deter you if you’re just Go to cityofpaloalto.org. beginning your two-wheel jour- Dress up your doggies in ney. Make sure to follow bicycle Listen to an egalitarian safety and traffic rules, and Foster City don’t wear headphones as you chamber orchestra in In Foster City, dogs take center cycle. Mountain View stage for the Fourth of July. Do good and have fun with Did you pick up a classical This year, the city will host its instrument during the pan- annual dog contest, both virtu- the city of Mountain View demic, and are now wishing ally and in person, with 2021’s The city of Mountain View is to hear some live tunes? Turns categories including “most encouraging locals to participate out, there’s a chance to do just patriotic,” “best trick,” and in volunteer events and outdoor that, right in time for some July “fastest eater.” fun for the week leading up to Fourth favorites. According to Building Servic- America’s birthday. On Sunday at 2 p.m., the Ter- es Coordinator Tiernan Kang, “Celebrate with Service” events rible Adult Chamber Orchestra the fastest eater category has through Saturday, July 3, include of Silicon Valley (TACO) is been the most popular and likely making kits for pediatric patients, Courtesy Federica Armstrong holding a free open rehearsal the most entertaining event for being kind to a neighbor, and Huddart Park is one of many popular spots for hiking over the long holiday weekend. 10QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQJuly 2, 2021 NEWS CinéArts, a haven for local cinephiles, permanently shutters By Gennady Sheyner either of those venues. Unlike the theatre exhibition industry to have been finalized in May, the theater rents that are “well its neighbors, CinéArts at Palo as a whole faced a particularly Hudson Pacific didn’t inform below market” in order to help inéArts at Palo Alto Alto Square focused largely on acute challenge stemming from the city about the theater’s clo- it remain open. Square, a movie the- foreign, independent and art- the COVID-19 outbreak due to sure until June 22, the council’s “We had ongoing discussions Cater that for decades has house films. the various local, state and feder- final day in session before its with CinéArts to work with been a popular destination for But while its small size and al mandates specifically requir- summer recess. By that time, them throughout the pandemic, local film lovers, will not be focus on independent movies ing the closure of public motion Cinemark had already removed however, they ultimately made reopening after the COVID-19 may have made it harder for the pictures. While such mandates its equipment from the building the decision to permanently pandemic, the theater’s parent Palo Alto theater to be as lucra- were wide and prudent given and returned the keys to Hud- close this location,” McGarry company confirmed to this tive as the larger theaters show- the situation, it unfortunately son Pacific. wrote. publication. ing blockbusters, these traits resulted in economic hardships Shawn McGarry, Hudson It remains unclear whether Like other entertainment ven- also have endeared CinéArts to and unintended consequences Pacific’s senior vice president another theater company will ues across California, the movie local cinephiles. In 2016, more for Century that ultimately led for Northern California, noted move into the space left behind theater has been closed since than 2,600 residents signed a to this decision.” in his email to the city that Hud- March 2020, when the onset petition within days of learning While the decision appeared son Pacific has been offering See CINÉARTS, page 19 of the COVID-19 pandemic of Cinemark’s plans to close, and the ensuing public health urging the city and Hudson orders forced it to shut down. Pacific to retain CinéArts as a Unlike most others, the Palo tenant at Palo Alto Square. The TOWN OF WOODSIDE Alto Square institution will not theater, the petition stated, “pro- 2955 WOODSIDE ROAD be taking part in California’s vides a critical part of cultural WOODSIDE, CA 94062 reopening. and entertainment life in Palo “In light of the impact of Alto.” PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA COVID-19, Cinemark can con- “As only one of two first-run July 7, 2021 6:00 P.M. firm that it has made the busi- theaters in town, this the- This meeting is compliant with the Governor’s Executive Order N-25-20 issued on March 4, 2020, ness decision to permanently ater provides access to valuable allowing for deviation of teleconference rules required by the Brown Act. The purpose of this is to provide close its CinéArts at Palo Alto opportunities not otherwise the safest environment for staff and the public while allowing for public participation. The meeting will Square theater,” a spokesperson possible in our community, be held by teleconferencing. The public may participate via: Zoom meeting or by coming to Independence for Cinemark told this publica- including several prestigious Hall, 2955 Woodside Road, where a microphone and speaker will be available to allow for participation. tion in a statement. film festivals, such as the United PLANNING COMMISSIONERS PARTICIPATING BY TELECONFERENCE: BATCHELDER, While the pandemic may have Nations Affiliated Film Festival BILDNER, DARE, KUTAY, LONDON, ROSEKRANS, AND VOELKE. contributed to the permanent and San Francisco Jewish Film closure of CinéArts, its future Festival, and the popular New has been in doubt for years. The York Metropolitan Opera (The Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 879 5010 9950 Texas-based theater company MET) simulcasts,” the petition One tap mobile Cinemark, which purchased the stated. +16699006833,,87950109950# US (San Jose) Weblink: https://us02web.zoom. Palo Alto theater from Land- This time, there was little +12532158782,,87950109950# US (Tacoma) us/j/87950109950 mark in 2001, had considered warning to the public about the closing it in the summer of 2016, theater’s closure. Cinemark did Dial by your location Remote Public Comments: a decision that prompted an out- not make any public statements pouring of concern from area about the closure and the Palo +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting participants are encouraged to submit residents and Palo Alto’s elected Alto City Council never publicly +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) public comments in writing in advance of leaders. mentioned the closure, in sharp +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) the meeting. The following email will be At that time, Cinemark had contrast to 2016 and 1997, when +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) monitored during the meeting and public attributed its decision to close council members fought to keep +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) comments received will be read into the record. the movie theater to the chang- the theater open. +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) ing market for movies, the the- This time, the timing of the Email: [email protected] ater’s condition and the large closure made public engagement amount of money that the nearly impossible. Cinemark’s company would need to invest decision was made in May — at CONSENT CALENDAR to update it. The closure was a time when most other ven- All of the items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and will be approved, including the narrowly averted after Cin- ues were similarly closed or Findings and Conditions stated in the Staff Report for each respective item, by one roll call motion without discussion unless a request is made by the Planning Commission, staff or public, at the beginning of the meeting, emark inked a deal with Hudson subject to capacity limits and to have an item withdrawn or transferred to the regular agenda. 1. Minutes of January 6, 2021 Pacific Properties, the owner of the city was still in social dis- Palo Alto Square, that extended tancing mode. This is in sharp PUBLIC HEARING the theater’s operations until contrast to 2016, when the the- 1. Tom and Maggie Bedecarre ASRB2021-0019; X2DR2021-0001 September 2018. As part of ater abruptly stopped showing 1040 Cañada Road Planner: Sarah Filipe, Associate Planner the deal, Hudson Pacific was listings for future screenings, Presentation and consideration of a proposal, requiring Formal Design Review, to demolish an existing main required to make some building prompting inquiries from resi- residence and detached garage; maintain and refurbish an existing barn; remove the existing driveway; construct a and landscaping upgrades. dents and the media. new main residence and detached garage; relocate the driveway; and add an additional secondary driveway, new Even at that time, however, Mayor Tom DuBois said the fencing, vehicle gates, landscaping, and associated site improvements. city leaders had acknowledged council learned about the clo- Formal Design Review (ASRB2021-0019) and Secondary Driveway Exception (X2DR2021-0001) will be that the deal represented only sure just last week, when it considered by the Planning Commission. a temporary reprieve. Today, received a letter from Hudson 2. Sten and Carole Mawson PCDR2021-0001; VARI2021-0004 the website lists CinéArts at Pacific informing city staff Palo Alto Square as “perma- about Cinemark’s decision to 163 Romero Road Planner: Sage Schaan, Principal Planner nently closed” and states: “We close the theater. The movie- Presentation and approval, conditional approval, or denial of a proposal, requiring Planning Commission Formal look forward to welcoming you theater chain formally notified Design Review (PCDR2021-0001), to construct an addition including a new two car garage, expanded basement to another Cinemark location Hudson Pacific in May about and attached ADU; remodel of the kitchen and living areas and install an elevator, gray water system, gazebo and near you. We apologize for any the theater’s closure. other site improvements. The project requires consideration of a Variance to Setbacks (VARI2021-0004) for the inconvenience.” “Century does not make this proposed addition and a detached gazebo. Cinemark owns numer- decision lightly, but given the APPEALS ous other theaters in the area, unprecedented and tragic cir- 7KHDSSOLFDQWRUDQ\RWKHULQWHUHVWHGSHUVRQPD\DSSHDODGHFLVLRQWRWKH7RZQ&RXQFLOE\ÀOLQJDQDSSOLFDWLRQ including Century Cinema 16 in cumstances, Century has made with the Town Clerk. Appeals with the accompanying fee must be received at Town Hall within 10 calendar days Mountain View and Redwood this difficult decision,” wrote of a decision. For more information on Appeals, please refer to Section 153.970 of the Woodside Municipal Code. Downtown 20 and XD in Red- Paul Ledbetter, real estate coun- THE APPLICATION MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC REVIEW BY wood City. The Palo Alto Square sel to Century Theatres, one of CONTACTING SAGE SCHAAN AT [email protected] OR SARAH FILIPE AT theater is much smaller and, the brands owned by Cinemark. [email protected] in many ways, quainter than “As you are aware, Century and

July 2, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ11 12QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQJuly 2, 2021 July 2, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ13 NEWS

started thinking about his team- Sports roundup mates, the guys who worked so hard in helping the Menlo- Little League same three-game span. Alpine Atherton 11-12 all-star baseball The Alpine 9-10 all-star base- has played a total of 14 innings, team get to this point. ball team turned a pair of double twice using the mercy rule to end “I was definitely nervous,” plays in its 10-0 victory over San games early. Auer said. “No one was saying Mateo American on Tuesday. “We’ve got some players,” anything but I knew I had to put Maybe it’s because they practice Alpine coach Ryan Sweeney said. the team on my back.” turning two in between innings, “They can hit. But all that can The 2-1 delivery was a little or maybe they just worked on it change in a heartbeat. We’ll enjoy high and outside but Auer put a so much in practice that it comes it while it happens.” good swing on it and drove the naturally. Brandan Sweeney had an ball into the right-center field gap. Alpine has an impressive outstanding day, collecting a It seemed to stay up and the San defense, ending one inning with triple and two doubles in the Mateo National center fielder had a finely-tuned 6-4-3 double play game. Winning pitcher Anders a chance to make a great catch. and getting the first two outs Cahill helped himself, collecting “I felt like I barreled it up,” Auer Photo by Rick Eymer of another inning with a 4-6-3. three hits while pitching all four Luca Auer said. “But I also thought it was That’s shortstop Oli Coupe, sec- innings. reacts to his hit in the fifth inning. going to get caught.” ond baseman Brandan Sweeney Owen Coupe and Dylan Cour- Auer’s drive just eluded the out- and first baseman Jake Scott. son each added two hits. Eight High School, which won 20 final game of the winner’s bracket fielder and it bounced up against Opponents have scored a com- of the nine starters scored at games and the Peninsula Athletic at 5 p.m. Friday, also at Ford Field. the fence as two runs scored and bined two runs in the first three least one run, with Courson and League Ocean Division title this That winner will have the advan- Auer slid into second base, giving games of the District 52 9-10 Lit- leadoff hitter Wyatt Weiss each spring. tage in the double-elimination Menlo-Atherton an improbable tle League All-Star Tournament crossing home plate twice. A few others also have older tournament. 7-6 victory Sunday in the District at Ford Field in Portola Valley. Twins Owen and Oli have an brothers playing in District 52 Menlo-Atherton 11-12 all-star 52 11-12 All-Star Tournament at That’s a winning formula even older brother, Max Coupe, who tournaments. It seems baseball team: Luca Auer was a tad ner- Middlefield Park in Palo Alto. before considering an offense that just finished an outstanding base- runs deep in the Alpine Little vous. He realized he’d be batting “I was so hyped up,” Auer said. has produced 36 runs over that ball career at Menlo-Atherton League program. with the chance to drive in the “I could feel my heart pounding Alpine will play either San Car- go-ahead runs. los or Pacifica American in the As he strode to the plate, Auer See SPORTS, page 16 Tom Dodd CRIME BRIEFS August 5, 1937 – June 4, 2021 To report illegal fireworks, related to the possession of explo- continued from page 6 Edwin Rupert Dodd, known to people can call the Sheriff’s sives and possession of meth- Office’s non-emergency line at amphetamine, which detectives all as Tom Dodd, 83, passed away custody. Detectives are working (650) 363-4911. found during the arrests. on Friday June 4th, 2021. Tom with the District Attorney’s Office Chan and Bernaldez were was born on August 5th, 1937 in to execute additional search booked into San Mateo County Cootamundra, N.S.W., Australia to Sheriff’s Office seizes 15 warrants. pounds of explosives Jail. The Sheriff’s Office Bomb Rupert and Edith Dodd. Illegal fireworks have long been Unit is investigating the pos- He attended Sydney University a problem in San Mateo Coun- Authorities seized about 15 sibility of pursuing addition- graduating in 1959 with a B.E. in ty. Given the increased risk of pounds of illegal explosives and al criminal charges related to Mechanical Engineering and a B.A. wildfires this year, the Sheriff’s materials used to make firecrack- manufacturing explosives, which in 1965. In 1976, he received a MA, Office along with the county’s ers following a search of two San would be added to the possession from Union College, Schenectady, NY. Board of Supervisors have pri- Mateo County locations last charges. While attending Sydney University, oritized cracking down on illegal week. The charges are different from he met and fell in love with Barbara fireworks. Last month, the San Mateo charges related to possessing Page. They were married June 2, It is illegal to have or sell all fire- County Sheriff’s Office identified illegal fireworks. However, the 1961, and were happily married for works in unincorporated areas two suspects involved in making Sheriff’s Office is working to 60 years. of San Mateo County and in and distributing explosive devic- prevent the use and sale of ille- Tom is survived by his wife Barbara; Children, Cathy Hynson Sheriff ’s Office contract cities and es. The suspects are 43-year-old gal fireworks ahead of the July (Ken Hynson) and Chris Dodd (Wanda Webb); Grandchildren, towns, which include Half Moon Burlingame resident Raymond Fourth holiday. Zerbie Hynson and Willow Dodd; Brother, Peter Dodd and many Bay, Woodside, Portola Valley, Chan and 47-year-old Daly City It is illegal to have or sell all fire- close friends and family members. Millbrae and San Carlos. resident Jeffrey Bernaldez. works in unincorporated areas of Tom was an Engineer who traveled the world. First to Montreal, Individual cities and jurisdic- Detectives found the explosives San Mateo County and in Sher- Canada in 1968, with his wife and young family. Then, in 1969, to tions may have their own fire- and materials at two homes, iff’s Office-contract cities and Nova Scotia and Schenectady, N.Y., building gas turbine engines, works laws. located in Millbrae and unincor- towns, which include Half Moon for General Electric. While working for GE he traveled to Nigeria Earlier in June, the Menlo Park porated Burlingame. The mate- Bay, Woodside, Portola Valley, and then Norway, where he moved with his family in 1978. Tom City Council enacted an urgency rials, seized on June 25, were Millbrae and San Carlos. returned to Cincinnati to take a job with General Tool, where he ordinance that makes anyone intended to make firecrackers, Individual cities and jurisdic- worked until retiring. caught detonating fireworks sub- according to the Sheriff’s Office. tions may have their own laws Tom enjoyed all sports, He played Cricket at the University of ject to fines of up to $1,000 and up Chan and Bernaldez were concerning fireworks. Sydney. He was a referee for Rugby in both New York & Cincinnati. to six months in jail. arrested on suspicion of offenses —Bay City News Service Upon retiring in 2008, Tom and Barbara moved to Menlo Park, where he joined the Palo Alto Lawn Bowls Club and SIRS Branch BURGLARIES during the weekend of June 19 Sgt. Anthony Kockler told resi- 16 golfing club. continued from page 5 on Lloyden Drive. dents at the Tuesday meeting. Tom always boasted he had visited every state except North Before that, there were two Burglaries are not necessar- Dakota. In recent years he enjoyed trips to Syracuse, Canada, Alaska A bicycle (valued at $10,000) residential burglaries reported ily happening in areas of town and Yosemite. Tom loved traveling, and taking in the sights on a road was taken from a detached on June 11 — one on Mela- where there is more construc- less traveled. He never had a harsh word for any and always had time unlocked garage in the first nie Lane and the other on tion taking place, police told to share a story and a laugh. block of Middlefield Road. Greenoaks Drive. Two others one resident who asked about a He will be remembered for his kind heart, sharp wit and caring Between 5:45 p.m. and 5:55 occurred between June 7 and link between the two. nature. Tom was a loving husband, generous father, doting grandfa- a.m., someone ransacked an 8 on Stockbridge Avenue and Police will move into their ther and a true prince among men. His family will mourn his pass- unoccupied pool house on on Selby Lane. new offices in the town’s new ing deeply but rejoice and celebrate a life well lived. the first block of Placitas Atherton police advise that $31.6 million civic center in the In lieu of flowers, Tom would have liked those that want to do Avenue. Someone broke into a one of the best strategies to next six to eight weeks, McCul- donate to Pathways Hospice, who were very supportive of Tom, locked garage at another house prevent a burglary is to make ley said. A in his final days. on Placitas, but nothing was your house look occupied even https://donate.givedirect.org/cid=12196&n=466424 taken. when you are away from home. Email Staff Writer Angela

PAID OBITUARY Someone reportedly took Most of the break-ins are hap- Swartz at aswartz@ items from unlocked cars pening between 5 and 8 p.m., almanacnews.com. 14QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQJuly 2, 2021 NEWS

served as a principal at Argonaut Saratoga elementary school principal selected Elementary School in Saratoga, according to the school’s website. Before that, she served for to lead Woodside High School four years as San Lorenzo Valley High School’s principal, accord- Karen van Putten comes to the district with 27 years of education experience ing to her LinkedIn profile. By Angela Swartz Van Putten even more voices, heart and Van Putten’s dedication to She taught English at Saratoga will fill the humanity to our school’s nar- equity, social justice and her High School and in Holland, aren van Putten, an ele- shoes of Diane rative, I am honored to be part creative instructional leadership Michigan, before becoming an mentary school principal Burbank, who of the creative possibilities that “brings new and exciting oppor- administrator, her profile states. Kin Saratoga, will become retired at the will take Woodside to the next tunities” to Woodside High, the Van Putten holds a master’s Woodside High School’s newest end of June level in student learning and district release notes. degree in educational admin- principal. after nine years innovation. Until then, I hope “Karen van Putten’s passion istration and supervision from Sequoia Union High School with the school. everyone takes some time to rest for community building, cultur- San Jose State University. She District’s governing board Van Putten’s Karen van and rejuvenate this summer.” al responsibility, and academic also earned a bachelor’s degree Putten appointed van Putten at its June contract began Van Putten was a recipient of achievement will be a critical in English and sociology and her 23 meeting to lead the school July 1. a National Endowment for the support to our district’s mis- secondary teaching credential starting in the coming 2021- “I look forward to connecting Arts educator scholarship for sion of preparing students for from Hope College in Michigan, 22 school year, according to a with and hearing the stories her research in African litera- excellence,” said then-Interim according to the district. district press release. Van Put- of our Woodside High School ture, according to the district. Superintendent Crystal Leach in Her salary information was ten comes to the district with students, families and staff She also researched East Asian a statement. “We look forward not yet available. A 27 years of experience in K-12 members,” van Putten said in a history and educational policy to the leadership and success education as a teacher, mentor statement. “As we come out of in China through Stanford’s Karen will bring to Woodside Email Staff Writer Angela and principal in schools across the pandemic and take thought- program on international and High School as principal.” Swartz at aswartz@ the Bay Area and in Michigan. ful steps to continue to bring cross-cultural education. Van Putten most recently almanacnews.com.

TOWN BUDGETS and hospitality the town’s budget, noting that it Rescue Plan funds. early stages of the pandemic, continued from page 9 Q To provide premium pay to is in the “fortunate position” to Portola Valley is anticipating as well as for revenue lost for eligible essential workers during not need the funds to balance its just under $860,000. Over the COVID-19 physical improve- can be used: the pandemic books. summer, the Town Council ments and access to service Q To respond to the public Q For the reductions in revenue “I suggested once we get more will begin reviewing potential Q Funds for businesses and health emergency or its nega- due to the health emergency clarity, we will include it (ARP) expenditures for the funds from individuals impacted by tive economic impacts, includ- Q For investments in water, sew- in one of our quarterly reports,” the relief fund. Staff believe the COVID-19 A ing assistance to households, er or broadband infrastructure he explained. The town will following qualifies for relief: small businesses and nonprof- receive the funds in July. Q Lost revenue from classes, Email Staff Writer Angela its, or aid to impacted indus- Bryant did not include Wood- Atherton expects to receive rentals of facilities and land-use Swartz at aswartz@ tries such as tourism, travel, side’s estimated ARP funds in $1.3 million in American projects suspended during the almanacnews.com.

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SPORTS ended the game and season for continued from page 14 Stanford, which fell to Vander- bilt 6-5 on June 23 in Omaha. and I heard all the noise.” “Our hearts are hurting for The fifth-inning double put these kids because they wanted to M-A ahead, but a dangerous SM continue to play with each other,” National lineup still had two Stanford coach Dave Esquer said. more at-bats and they already “There’s some tears out there just showed they could score runs in because they care so much.” bunches. The Cardinal (39-17) seemed That’s where Jack Leeper and headed to the bracket finale Max Brubacher came in. When against North Carolina State. Leeper took the ball with one Beck, who took over in the bot- out in the second inning, San tom of the seventh, struck out Mateo already led, 5-0. A couple five of the first batters he faced of mistakes allowed San Mateo and then got the first two outs of to add a run before Leeper the bottom of the ninth. retired 10 of the next 12 batters Beck got ahead of the next batter, he faced, five on strikeouts. but then missed with three straight Brubacher took the mound pitches to put the tying run on for the final inning and pound- base. The next batter beat out an ed the strike zone, getting infield single and both runners two strikeouts and an infield advanced on a throwing error. grounder to end the game and A sharp single tied the game allowing M-A players to cel- and sent the winning run to ebrate at the mound. third. Beck lost his grip on a 2-0 Courtesy FIVB/Volleyball World Merrick Lee, who hit a home pitch and the ball skipped past Team USA raises the championship trophy following a victory over Brazil in the championship match of run in Saturday’s win over Palo catcher Kody Huff. the Volleyball Nations League Final Round. Alto, sparked the four-run win- It was a cruel ending to an ning rally with a leadoff single. otherwise successful season. away trying to double up Park, Bartsch-Hackley also had three home to join the Beavers, he will Brubacher also singled, and Stanford was tabbed to finish who came around to score after blocks for a total of 21 points. see some familiar faces on the pinch hitter Will Clark beat out ninth in the Pac-12 and wound reaching base on an infield error Jordan Thompson, who played team and more specifically in his an infield hit to load the bases. up in third place. leading off the game. her final collegiate match at Stan- position group. Elijah Vu drove in one run on The Cardinal was awarded the Jones homered with one out in ford, and Andrea Drews each Alton Julian and Rejzohn a fielder’s choice and another ninth overall seed and hosted a the third, his 18th home run of had 12 kills, and Jordan Larson Wright, like Thomas from East run scored on an error. Two outs regional, which it won. Stanford the season. Stanford added two added 10. Drews scored 10 of her Palo Alto, are already on the later, pinch hitter Luke Brodeur beat host Texas Tech in two more runs in the fourth, both points in the fourth set. roster at Oregon State. Nahshon singled on an 0-2 pitch to give games to qualify for the College unearned, when Park walked “It was a long five weeks in the Wright, Rejzohn’s older brother, Auer his chance. World Series. with the bases loaded and Jones bubble. Everything has been long started at cornerback for the “We were all down,” said Auer, Stanford was the last Pac-12 beat out an infield single. and we also had a roster selection Beavers last season and was cho- who will be an eighth grader at team standing after it eliminated “It’s every baseball kid’s dream in this time for the Olympics,” sen by the Dallas Cowboys in the Hillview in the fall. “The first Arizona last week. to come here,” Jones said. “I’m Bartsch-Hackley said. “I’m just third round of the NFL Draft. and second innings were hor- Brock Jones collected three proud of some of the things I really proud of the whole team, With high school football rible. We still kept up a lot of hits, including a home run, and did and I’m proud of some of the not just the 12 who are here, but postponed in California in the energy and for the rest of the drove in three runs for Stanford. things the team did. But you can 23 we have back home and I’m fall of 2020, Thomas played fall game we were perfect.” Eddie Park also drove in a run, always do more. Next year, we’re just really happy for us.” football in Georgia. Menlo-Atherton plays either and Tim Tawa and Nick Brueser going to go further.” Brazil won the first set, taking a “It gave me a new perspec- San Carlos or Foster City at 6:30 each had two hits. Quinn Mathews went 5 1/3 19-15 edge before the U.S. rallied tive on how football is played in p.m. Thursday in the winner’s “Obviously it hurts,” Jones innings, allowing four runs on to tie it at 21 and send it to extras different places,” Thomas said. bracket. said. “This is not where we want- five hits. He walked one and before falling. “They moved me from corner ed it to end. We were so close but struck out five. Two of the runs The Americans also recovered to safety. It helped me a lot to Baseball I’m so proud of this team. Each scored after Mathews left the from an early two-point deficit in become a better tackler.” and every one of them, we all game, with one out and two run- the second set to tie the match. The Beavers plan on moving Stanford was one out away worked for this. We deserved to ners on in the sixth. Brazil was ahead 22-21 in the Thomas back to cornerback. from advancing in the College be here. It’s been a heck of a year Vanderbilt scored a pair on a third set when the U.S. scored “(Secondary) coach Blue World Series. No one was on for us.” two-run homer in the bottom of three straight. Adams loves long, rangy cor- base and its ace Brandan Beck Stanford caught a break, scor- the fourth. After Jones doubled In the fourth set Brazil again ners,” the 6-foot-2 Thomas said. stood on the mound. The Car- ing an unearned run in the top of home a run in the sixth, the took a four-point lead before “I fit in their scheme.” dinal could not seal it. the first inning. Jones lined out Commodores added another Team USA charged back. Because of playing out of state A walk, on a full count, a to the Vanderbilt second base- pair to make it 5-4. “We were focused on ourselves, in the fall Thomas was not eli- single, an error and a wild pitch man, who then threw the ball Stanford loaded the bases with trying to clean up our game,” gible for M-A’s spring football two outs in the eighth but could Bartsch-Hackley said. “I think season. He also declined to take not take advantage as Vanderbilt we have been a little bit sloppy, part in the truncated basketball PUBLIC NOTICE used three pitchers in the frame. but also we have been playing season, instead focusing on WOODSIDE FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT with different lineups. Every preparation to play college foot- Volleyball medal is different. Brazil is a ball. While still attending class Notice is hereby given that the preliminary budget of Woodside super-strong team and we were at M-A he enrolled at College Fire Protection District, for the FY 2021-2022 has been adopted Michelle Bartsch-Hackley just excited to come out and of San Mateo and engaged in recorded 18 kills, one of four win.” spring practice there. by the Directors of said District, and is available at the Woodside Americans in double figures, —Rick Eymer “I had to sign a lot of papers to Fire Admin Bldg. in Portola Valley, for inspection during the and the United States women’s do that,” Thomas said. “It gave week commencing Monday, June 28, 2021. That on Monday, national volleyball team earned Football me a great view of what college August 30, 2021 at 7 o’clock p.m. of said day at the, Woodside Fire a gold medal with a 26-28, 25-23, football is like.” Admin Bldg. in Portola Valley, the Board of Directors will meet 25-23, 25-21 victory over Brazil Former Menlo-Atherton —Glenn Reeves for the purpose of finalizing the final budget, and any person in the championship match of defensive back Skyler Thomas may appear and be heard regarding the increase, decrease, or the Volleyball Nations League announced Monday that he has Read more online omission of any item of the budget, or for the inclusion of any Final Round in Rimini, Italy, last committed to playing college addition items. week. football at Oregon State. Get the latest on local prep Stanford grad Foluke Akin- “It was great up there,” Thom- sports delivered to your inbox Woodside Fire Protection District radewo added seven kills and as said of his visit to Corvallis. Monday through Friday by by Fire Chief Robert A. Lindner two blocks for the Americans “I liked the whole atmosphere, a signing up for The Almanac’s (16-1, 2-0), who captured their quiet college town.” Express newsletter at almanac- third straight VNL title. While Thomas will be leaving news.com/express. 16QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQJuly 2, 2021 NEWS RESOLUTION NO. 2243 - (2021) EDUCATION BRIEFS RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN TERRITORY TO THE WEST BAY Menlo Park district SANITARY DISTRICT ON-SITE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL ZONE community survey Lands of Mitic

The Menlo Park City School The District Board of West Bay Sanitary District finds and determines as follows: District is collecting communi- A. This Resolution of Intention is adopted pursuant to the District’s “Zone Master Annexation Resolution” (“ZOMAR”), ty feedback in its annual survey which was adopted by the District Board August 12, 1996. The provisions of ZOMAR are incorporated by reference into this until July 31. Resolution of Intention. The survey helps district B. The District has received an application to annex a parcel of real property (the “Parcel”) to the District’s On-Site officials understand commu- Wastewater Disposal Zone (the “Zone”). The Parcel is described in Exhibit “A” attached to this Resolution of Intention and the nity members’ priorities and description contained in the Exhibits are incorporated by reference. The name and address of the applicants and the number, expectations. type, volume and location of on-site wastewater disposal systems which are proposed to operate on the parcels to be annexed Take the survey are described in Exhibit “B” attached to this Resolution of Intention and the information contained in the Exhibit are incorporated online at tinyurl.com/ by reference. MPCSDsurvey2021. C. The applicants have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the District Board that the Parcel constitutes “real property” Menlo Park-Atherton for the purposes of Section 2(b) of ZOMAR in that: Education Foundation [X ] All of the conditions described in Subsections i., ii., iii., iv. and v. of ZOMAR Section 2(b) are satisfied; or raises $3.5M Other conditions exist which demonstrate that the Parcel will benefit directly or indirectly from the activities of the The Menlo Park-Ather- Zone. If applicable, those conditions are also set forth in Exhibit “B” and are incorporated by reference. ton Education Foundation D. All of the conditions and requirements of ZOMAR Sections 2(a), 2(c), 2(d) and 2(e) have been fully satisfied. (MPAEF) presented its annual In consideration of the foregoing findings and determinations, grant to the Menlo Park City School District at the June 10 IT IS RESOLVED by the District Board as follows: school board meeting. This 1. It is the intention of the District Board to annex the Parcel to the Zone pursuant to the provisions of ZOMAR and year, the foundation raised $3.5 applicable provisions of law. million. “Despite the pandemic’s 2. In conjunction with a meeting of the District Board to be duly and regularly called and conducted, the Board will uncertainty, our community conduct a Public Hearing for the purpose of considering all matters pertaining to this Resolution of Intention. came together and supported The time, date and place of the Public Hearing are: the One Community Cam- Date: July 14, 2021 paign in fall 2020 to raise much needed funds for our schools’ Time: 7:00 PM parent teacher organizations Place: West Bay Sanitary District Offices and the MPAEF,” according to 500 Laurel Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025 & via Zoom the June 23 district newsletter. Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98889306440?pwd=OFVYWjBnaGFobytFTmQwRU1zZGlZQT09 “Our schools would not be the same without this campaign Meeting ID: 988 8930 6440 Passcode: 677645 that supports libraries, science, At the Public Hearing, all interested persons will be heard. music, art, mental health and wellness support, lower class 3. This Resolution of Intention shall be published and copies shall be delivered to the persons and entities as specified in sizes and so much more. And ZOMAR Section 2(e)(i.). during the 2020-21 school year, 4. A true copy of this Resolution of Intention shall promptly be filed for record in the office of the County Recorder of the the campaign also supported County of San Mateo. the Virtual Academy and other 5. The District Manager shall cause the matters set forth in Sections 3 and 4 of this Resolution of Intention to be completed pandemic-related needs.” as directed.

New M-A principal’s salary Exhibit A Exhibit B released Karl Losekoot, Menlo-Ather- ton’s newest principal, will earn an annual salary of $195,196, according to district spokesperson Ana Maria Pulido. The Sequoia Union High School District governing board approved hiring Losekoot on May 26. He started in the role on July 1 and previously served as vice principal at the Atherton high school. As vice principal, he earned $172,847 in 2019, according to Transparent California. —Angela Swartz

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July 2, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ17 NEWS RESOLUTION NO. 2242 - (2021) TASERS RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN TERRITORY TO THE WEST BAY continued from page 1 SANITARY DISTRICT ON-SITE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL ZONE concerning the equipment (the Lands of Donofrio officers) have is so old.” In 2018, three people in San The District Board of West Bay Sanitary District finds and determines as follows: Mateo County died after Tasers A. This Resolution of Intention is adopted pursuant to the District’s “Zone Master Annexation Resolution” (“ZOMAR”), were used on them: Chinedu which was adopted by the District Board August 12, 1996. The provisions of ZOMAR are incorporated by reference into this Okobi in Millbrae, Ramzi Saad Resolution of Intention. in Redwood City and Warren B. The District has received an application to annex a parcel of real property (the “Parcel”) to the District’s On-Site Ragudo in Daly City. Taser Wastewater Disposal Zone (the “Zone”). The Parcel is described in Exhibit “A” attached to this Resolution of Intention and the stuns can cause heart problems description contained in the Exhibits are incorporated by reference. The name and address of the applicants and the number, that can lead to death, accord- type, volume and location of on-site wastewater disposal systems which are proposed to operate on the parcels to be annexed ing to research on Tasers. are described in Exhibit “B” attached to this Resolution of Intention and the information contained in the Exhibit are incorporated Wolosin said she was more by reference. comfortable with getting the new Tasers if vehicles were also C. The applicants have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the District Board that the Parcel constitutes “real property” equipped with defibrillators for the purposes of Section 2(b) of ZOMAR in that: to help combat those potential [X ] All of the conditions described in Subsections i., ii., iii., iv. and v. of ZOMAR Section 2(b) are satisfied; or effects on the heart. Norris said he welcomed the Other conditions exist which demonstrate that the Parcel will benefit directly or indirectly from the activities of the opportunity to equip police Zone. If applicable, those conditions are also set forth in Exhibit “B” and are incorporated by reference. vehicles with defibrillators, D. All of the conditions and requirements of ZOMAR Sections 2(a), 2(c), 2(d) and 2(e) have been fully satisfied. calling it a “first responder In consideration of the foregoing findings and determinations, safety responsibility that officers would welcome.” He added IT IS RESOLVED by the District Board as follows: that he expected it to cost 1. It is the intention of the District Board to annex the Parcel to the Zone pursuant to the provisions of ZOMAR and around $42,500. applicable provisions of law. Nash said she was OK with approving funding for the 2. 2. In conjunction with a meeting of the District Board to be duly and regularly called and conducted, the Board will license plate readers but not conduct a Public Hearing for the purpose of considering all matters pertaining to this Resolution of Intention. approving the new Tasers. The time, date and place of the Public Hearing are: During the council’s discus- Date: July 14, 2021 sion, Norris said that sometimes the department responds Time: 7:00 PM to requests from the East Palo Place: West Bay Sanitary District Offices Alto Police Department, which 500 Laurel Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025 & via Zoom does not have Tasers, to have Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98889306440?pwd=OFVYWjBnaGFobytFTmQwRU1zZGlZQT09 officers with them available on-scene. Before Menlo Park Meeting ID: 988 8930 6440 Passcode: 677645 purchased Tasers for its depart- At the Public Hearing, all interested persons will be heard. ment in 2014, it used to do the same thing, Norris said. The 3. This Resolution of Intention shall be published and copies shall be delivered to the persons and entities as specified in devices, he said, are “able to ZOMAR Section 2(e)(i.). take some very chaotic situa- 4. A true copy of this Resolution of Intention shall promptly be filed for record in the office of the County Recorder of the tions down to a point of safety County of San Mateo. with a minimum amount of 5. District Manager shall cause the matters set forth in Sections 3 and 4 of this Resolution of Intention to be completed as injurious action on anyone directed. involved. Other agencies recog- nize that as well.” Exhibit A Exhibit B Nash, who voted against the decision, said, “It really fright- ens me when I’m hearing we’re using our Tasers in other communities.” A

Email Staff Writer Kate Bradshaw at kbradshaw@ almanacnews.com.

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18QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQJuly 2, 2021 NEWS Public Notices CINÉARTS continued from page 11 995 Fictitious Name A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper by CinéArts. The city approved Statement legal form if you want the court to hear A &A PAINTING your case. There may be a court form that the six-building development FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT you can use for your response. You can find known as Palo Alto Square File No.: 287759 these court forms and more information at in 1969 through the “planned The following person (persons) is (are) doing the California Courts Online Self-Help Center business as: (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county community” zoning, which A & A Painting, located at 1327 Henderson law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If allows exemptions from devel- Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025, San Mateo you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court opment standards such as height County. clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file Registered owner(s): your response on time, you may lose the and density limits in exchange ALEJANDRO ARGUELLO case by default, and your wages, money, for public benefits. The zon- 1327 Henderson Ave. and property may be taken without further Menlo Park, CA 94025 warning from the court. ing ordinance has since been This business is conducted by: An Individual. There are other legal requirements. You may revised twice, most recently in The registrant commenced to transact want to call an attorney right away. If you 2000. business under the fictitious business do not know an attorney, you may want to name(s) listed above on N/A. call an attorney referral service. If you cannot While the ordinance lists the- This statement was filed with the County afford an attorney, you may be eligible for aters as a permitted use at the Zachary Hoffman Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on May free legal services from a nonprofit legal campus — along with banks, The CinéArts at Palo Alto Square 21, 2021. services program. You can locate these , renowned for showing foreign (ALM June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 2021) nonprofit groups at the California Legal insurance firms, professional and art house movies, is permanently closed, its owner confirmed. Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. offices, restaurants and a 300- 24 HR. LEGAL HELP org), the California Courts Online Self-Help FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or room hotel — it does not explic- theater in San Francisco’s Mis- Hudson Pacific Properties, File No.: 287734 by contacting your local court or county bar itly mandate a theater. However, sion District that is famous for which purchased Palo Alto The following person (persons) is (are) doing association. NOTE: The court has a statutory city leaders and planning staff serving food and beer to its Square at 3000 El Camino business as: lien for waived fees and costs on any 24 Hr. Legal Help, located at 2811 Illinois St., settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or have argued in recent years that movie patrons. Real from EQ Office in 2014, East Palo Alto, CA 94303, San Mateo County; more in a civil case. The courts lien must be because the map associated with “There’s quite a number has so far not made any deci- Mailing address: PO Box 51356, Palo Alto, paid before the court will dismiss the case. CA 94303. AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde the 1969 PC ordinance showed of chains that specialize in a sions about what will happen Registered owner(s): dentro de 30 dias la corte puede decidir a theater, the council’s approval smaller footprint,” DuBois said. to the theater, according to the TYRONE DAVIS en su contra sin escuchar su version. Lea la of the map effectively makes the “They’re not necessarily looking company. 2811 Illinois St. informacion a continuacion. East Palo Alto, CA 94303 Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO despues de theater a required use. for 20 screens, but maybe food “We are just beginning inter- This business is conducted by: An Individual. que le entreguen esta citacion y papeles City staff did not immediately and drinks and movies.” nal discussions about the space The registrant commenced to transact legales para presentar una respuesta por respond to questions about DuBois said the city has and unfortunately do not have business under the fictitious business escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue name(s) listed above on N/A. una copia al demandante. Una carta o the site’s zoning and whether received some correspondence any further details to share at This statement was filed with the County una llamada telefonica no lo protegen. Su or not a theater is required. over the past week from resi- this time,” Meryl Vissel, a Hud- Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on May respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en 19, 2021. formato legal correcto si desea que procesen DuBois said that he hopes the dents who had just learned son Pacific spokesperson, said (ALM June 11, 18, 25, July 2, 2021) su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un A city and Hudson Pacific can about the theater’s closure. in a statement June 28. THE LITTLE STORE formulario que usted pueda usar para su work together to find another “It served a unique need for FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios File No.: 287743 de la corte y mas informacion en el Centro theater chain that can fill that independent film,” he said. “I Email Staff Writer The following person(s) is (are) doing de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www. space. He cited as an example think a lot of people really liked Gennady Sheyner at business as: The Little Store, located at 3340 sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes Alamo Drafthouse, a small it.” [email protected]. Woodside Road, Woodside, California 94062, de su condado o en la corte que le quede San Mateo County. mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de Registered owner(s): presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte RICHARD GEORGE que le de un formulario de exencion de BOUNDARIES 180 Fox Hollow Road pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta groups with significant shared Menlo Park went through its a tiempo, puede perder el caso por continued from page 7 Woodside, California 94062 interests within the same first districting process in This business is conducted by: An Individual. incumplimiento y la corte le podra quitar su boundaries. 2018, which was led by an The registrant commenced to transact sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. the public, and will never be The consultants also plan advisory committee over an business under the fictitious business Hay otros requisitos legales. Es name(s) listed above on November 1, 2018. recomendable que llame a un abogado called on to the carpet by the to evaluate the proposed map eight-week period. The city is This statement was filed with the County inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un public is somehow immune to to make sure it complies with expected to receive redistrict- Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on May abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de 20, 2021. remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar ... making mistakes.” the relevant laws, especially ing data from the U.S. Census (ALM June 18, 25; July 2, 9, 2021) a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con The second “hybrid” the federal Voting Rights Act, Bureau and California State- los requisitos para obtener servicios legales BARRE3 gratuitos de un programa de servicios approach includes responsi- according to a presentation to wide Database in October and FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar bilities for both the council the City Council. is required to complete the File No.: 287956 estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio and an independent commis- According to City Attorney redistricting process by April The following person (persons) is (are) doing web de California Legal Services, (www. business as: lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de sion, and would be similar to Nira Doherty, the council 17, 2022, according to a staff Barre3, located at 989 El Camino Real Suites Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www. an independent commission, may also commit to specific report. The matter is expected 1 and 2, Menlo Park, CA 94025, San Mateo sucorte.ca.gov) o poniendose en contacto but commissioners would be parameters and expectations to come back to the City County. con la corte o el colegio de abogados Registered owner(s): locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene required to submit two or for the commission, or direct Council to establish the M&M STUDIOS, LLC derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos more maps of new boundar- public outreach. “What the commission. A 1080 College Ave. exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre Menlo Park, CA 94025 cualquier recuperacion de $10,000 o mas ies to the City Council, and council may not do is approve California de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o the City Council would then the (new district) map once an Email Staff Writer Kate This business is conducted by: A Limited una concesion de arbitraje en un caso de have to select one. The coun- independent commission is Bradshaw at kbradshaw@ Liability Company. derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen The registrant commenced to transact de la corte antes de que la corte pueda cil would not be allowed to established,” she said. almanacnews.com. business under the fictitious business desechar el caso. alter the selected map, unless name(s) listed above on N/A. CASE NUMBER: 20-CIV-05258 needed to comply with federal This statement was filed with the County (Numero del Caso) Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on The name and address of the court is: or state law. June 10, 2021. (El nombre y direccion de la corte es): Consultant Alex Sainz from (ALM June 25, July 2, 9, 16, 2021) Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo the firm GEOinovo Solutions, 997 All Other Legals Civil Employment SUMMONS Inc. explained that the pro- 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 cess of developing the new (Citacion Judicial) The name, address, and telephone number Case Number: 20-CIV-05258 of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an maps will also include steps to (Numero del Caso) attorney, is: engage the community using NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (El nombre, la direccion y el numero de the website districtr.org, a The Almanac offers advertising (Aviso al Demandado): telefono del abogado del demandante, o VANESSA BELLAND, An Individual del demandante que no tiene abogado es): digital mapping interface. It for Employment, as well as YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: Mario Fausto, (Bar # 205258) lets people design their own (Lo esta Demandando el Demandante): Fausto Law, P.C. Home and Business Services. ROSIE MENDOZA, An Individual 1001 Laurel Street, Suite C, district boundaries based on NOTICE! You have been sued. The court San Carlos, CA 94070 some of the considerations may decide against you without your being Fax No.: (650) 947-0770 mandated by law: population heard unless you respond within 30 days. Phone No.: (650) 948-6114 If you wish to learn more about Read the information below. Date: 11/24/2020 balance, shape, natural and You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this (Fecha): official boundaries and other these advertising options, summons and legal papers are served on Neal I. Taniguchi, Clerk, by (Secretario) considerations, like whether please call 650.223.6582 or email you to file a written response at this court /s/ Anthony Berini, Deputy (Adjunto) the boundaries block minor- and have a copy served on the plaintiff. (ALM July 2, 9, 16, 23, 2021) ity groups from electing the [email protected]. Call Alicia Santillan at 650-223-6578 or email [email protected] candidates they prefer or keep for assistance with your legal advertising needs.

July 2, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ19 NEWS County supervisors approve over $6M to boost food assistance programs

By Astrid Casimire/Bay City bank to continue providing food from the clients who were physi- enrolled in the Great Plates comes from the American Res- News Service assistance to vulnerable com- cally unable to cook,” Canepa program will still need grocery cue Plan Act. munities and to create a grocery said. deliveries or prepared meals, County staff or Second Har- an Mateo County supervi- delivery program. Second Har- He said one client had only according to a staff report. vest staff will contact current sors on Tuesday allocated vest served about 500,000 people been eating ice cream for their The $3.9 million county con- Great Plates participants with Sover $6 million of federal per month since last February, meals when they enrolled in the tribution will fund a contract information on how they can funds to address food insecurity as demand for their services program, as that was all they had with the current Older Ameri- continue receiving food support. for county residents in the wake doubled during the pandemic. at the time. cans Act program to keep deliv- Older adults in need of food of the COVID-19 pandemic. Board President David Canepa Since its launch last April, the ering a meal a day to 500 clients, assistance who are not enrolled As federal funding for the said that the Great Plates pro- Great Plates program has pro- five days a week, for a cost of in the Great Plates program Great Plates Delivered program gram has been a rescue program vided 2.6 million free meals to about $1.95 million per year. can call the county’s Aging and comes to an end in July, coun- for older adults and for small over 4,500 older adults and high- The $2.55 million contribu- Adult Services helpline at 800- ty supervisors approved $3.9 businesses. risk individuals in the county. tion for the Second Harvest food 675-8437 for more information million to continue a similar “We’ve heard it time and time While the program was a suc- bank will fund continued food on available services. program. again, how desperately needed cess, funding from the Federal assistance for vulnerable popu- Details and staff reports from The supervisors also contrib- the program is, from the clients Emergency Management Agen- lations and a grocery delivery the Tuesday, June 28, meeting uted $2.55 million to the Second whose support networks were cy or FEMA comes to an end program for older adults. are available online at sanmateo- Harvest of Silicon Valley food cut off by the pandemic and July 9. Yet, about 1,200 adults Funding for both initiatives county.legistar.com. A SamTrans calls on VTA, city of San Francisco to repay $82M debt By Astrid Casimire/ of San Francisco oversee Cal- The JPB and its agencies then SamTrans board authorized its However, SamTrans wants to Bay City News Service train. The agencies are part of entered a contract outlining Acting General Manager/CEO retain its leadership and collect the Peninsula Corridor Joint how SamTrans would be reim- Carter Mau to seek a written its debts. he SamTrans Board of Powers Board or JPB, which is bursed and making SamTrans response from the city of San Stone said that SamTrans is Directors is seeking reim- made up of representatives from the JPB’s managing agency until Francisco, VTA and the Met- open to improvements to gov- Tbursement from the Val- San Mateo, Santa Clara and San reimbursement. ropolitan Transportation Com- ernance that will benefit riders ley Transportation Authority Francisco counties. However, to date, VTA and the mission about how they will be or improve Caltrain’s efficiency and the city of San Francisco After the JPB was initially city of San Francisco have made reimbursed. but said that has not been the for an $82 million debt incurred formed in the late 1980s to take no payments toward the debt, While SamTrans remains the case. when the agencies originally control of Caltrain, SamTrans according to the resolution. managing agency responsible “What we have witnessed so purchased the Caltrain Corridor. paid $82 million to help pur- Charles Stone, chairman of for running Caltrain’s day-to- far is two of the three member SamTrans’ board made the chase the Caltrain Corridor the SamTrans Board of Direc- day operations, in the past year, agencies seeking to take over announcement June 22 via a from its previous owner. At tors and mayor of the city of officials from the other JPB control through a new gover- news release, after adopting a the time, VTA and San Fran- Belmont, said in a statement that agencies have pushed to change nance structure while leaving resolution outlining its plan to cisco had no available funding, the time is “past due” for the bills how Caltrain is governed. large outstanding debts seek reimbursement. according to details provided in to be addressed. Caltrain’s JPB governance incurred for the current one,” SamTrans, VTA and the city the resolution. To recover the debt, the structure is under review. Stone said. A $1M in county funds to help renters who don’t qualify for state program By Astrid Casimire/ 30% or more of their income on renting a room from a primary be able to show why they were The agreement with Samari- Bay City News Service rent. tenant or be one of multiple ineligible for state funding. tan House ends Dec. 31 or three “Those same households, as households sharing a home to Households must also earn months after the state’s emer- an Mateo County is step- we all know, have been those reduce living costs.” 60% or less of the area median gency rental assistance program ping in to help renters who that have been most adversely The $1 million comes from the income or AMI to be eligible. ends, which is also when any Sdo not qualify for rental affected by the pandemic, both county’s general fund and will And they must be able to unused funds will be returned assistance from the state’s rent in the health arena and the go toward the county’s Emer- show how the pandemic has to the county. relief program. financial arena. And the rent gency Financial Assistance Pro- had a negative economic impact On Monday night, Gov. Gavin The county’s Board of Super- burden for those folks continues gram, which has existed since on them. This could be shown Newsom signed Assembly Bill visors on Tuesday approved $1 to grow,” Slocum said. 2012 to help county residents in through evidence of credit card 832, which extends the statewide million of county funds to go Slocum said the county’s fund need. debt or evidence of reduced sav- eviction moratorium to Sept. 30. toward rent relief for renters will help households that bor- Horsley said that the county’s ings as a result of trying to cover The bill also allows qualifying impacted by the COVID-19 rowed money to cover rent, core agencies have a much better rent. tenants and landlords to apply pandemic. or those that paid rent at the system for assisting people, as Samaritan House, a local non- to get 100% of past-due or future Supervisor Warren Slocum, expense of other necessities, like they have been administering profit and one of the county’s rent payments covered by the who co-sponsored the item with food or medicine. county assistance for years. core agencies, will administer state’s rent relief program. Supervisor Don Horsley, said The county’s fund is also Applicants will have to meet the fund for an administrative Information on California’s that before the pandemic, many aimed to help households with certain criteria to qualify for the fee of $150,000, which will be Rent Relief Program is available households were already rent- subleases, described in a staff county’s rental assistance. paid in addition to the $1 mil- at housing.ca.gov/covid_rr/ burdened, meaning they spent report as those who “may be For example, applicants must lion contribution. index.html. A

BUDGET lights. The Parks and Recreation community services, finance declaration lifts, Mueller said, residents,” he said. continued from page 5 Commission will be tasked with and sustainability-focused the standard environmental For now, just the preliminary evaluating the city’s celebrations employees. clearances generally required steps will be studied. The coun- lighting ceremony is appreci- and coming up with ideas to One other matter that the for projects like street closures cil planned to determine wheth- ated by people of various faith make them more inclusive. council directed the city attor- will be mandated once again, er and how much funding to traditions and it helps attract The council also agreed to not ney to start looking into was so if the city wants to make allocate to the initiative at a later visitors to downtown businesses. move forward with a number what environmental analyses the closures permanent, then date. A Also, Mueller noted, many cities of staff-recommended hires, will be needed to retain the it should start looking into pay more for Fourth of July fire- asking staff to instead come for- city’s downtown street closures how to do so sooner rather Email Staff Writer Kate works celebrations, for instance, ward later with staffing propos- after the statewide emergency than later. “I think it’s ... a Bradshaw at kbradshaw@ than Menlo Park would for tree als for additional needed library, declaration ends. After that high-priority project to a lot of almanacnews.com.

20QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQJuly 2, 2021 ArtscenePEOPLE AND PERFORMANCES IN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

Everyday life becomes history in new mural celebrating Los Altos

By Heather Zimmerman bakery’s street address). In both subject matter and portal to many different composition, the mural echoes eras in local history has the idea of a family photo wall appeared in downtown — but in this case, for an entire Los Altos — one that town and spanning a timeline of looksA almost as if anyone can more than 150 years. step right through its door and The homey feel of the mural begin exploring. And in a way is by design. Sakellariou fre- you can: The longer you look, quently explores the theme of the more glimpses you’ll get of home in her works. various residents’ lives in Los “I approach collective, histori- Altos over roughly the past cen- cal, or personal stories from that tury and a half. sort of perspective: how you Last month, Arts Los Altos create a home around you, how Daniela Beltran B. From left, Gastón Arias, Agustín Arias and Nicolas Casso install Martha Sakellariou’s mural “200 Main unveiled “200 Main Street [an you build a sense of belonging,” Street [an inventory of time and place]” in downtown Los Altos. inventory of time and place],” a Sakellariou said. mural by Palo Alto-based art- The artist, who was born in Exploring, exchanging ideas, Los Altos board, which chose Newton sitting beneath an apple ist Martha Sakellariou, which Greece and later lived in Lon- connecting. It’s about that Sakellariou’s proposal from tree. explores many decades of Los don, moved to the Bay Area in chemistry of getting closer to among eight different artists’ Much like the company that Altos history and features pho- 2013. Life in this more spread people. And I seek that engage- pitches. inspired the original brief, Sake- tos and images of objects con- out, suburban region proved ment and collaboration with “Martha was selected because llariou’s piece has grown well tributed by local residents. The a big adjustment, but one of people in most of my projects,” of her presentation, and her beyond its origins. The mural piece is the third commission the ways Sakellariou has been she said. concept to do outreach so that looks at local history, but not in by new local arts nonprofit Arts becoming more at home here For the “200 Main Street” the community gets involved the expected linear way, instead Los Altos and was funded by a has been making connections mural, Sakellariou spent several with creating the mural itself,” offering a personal take, explor- grant from the Los Altos Rotary and getting to know the com- months extensively researching said Maddy McBirney, Arts Los ing how different people over Club. munity through projects that Los Altos history, an undertak- Altos’ director of development time have experienced living in The mural brings together involve community members — ing which included poring over and outreach. Los Altos. historical photographs with and are sometimes even shown archives at the Los Altos History The mural project, McBirney “I wanted this composition to images of memorabilia and on or in their homes. Museum and consulting with said, stemmed from a concept be both symbolic and informa- other objects in a 30-foot- In fact, community outreach museum staff, and seeking con- by Arts Los Altos Media and tive, so the symbolism is about long, black-and-white composite is often a key component of tributions of personal stories, Creative Specialist Mehruss Jon how living in a city, living in a image. The new art is installed Sakellariou’s works. photos and objects from Los Ahi that called for reinter- house, living on this planet is on an exterior side wall of Satura “I’m very curious about what’s Altos residents. preting the original 1976 logo about sharing space and coexist- Cakes, near the corner of Third happening around me, about The artist’s emphasis on work- for Apple Inc., back when it ing, cohabiting spaces — living and Main streets in downtown people’s stories, how they end ing with the community cap- was called Apple Computer: a Los Altos (200 Main St. is the up in one place or another. tured the attention of the Arts detailed sketch depicting Isaac See MURAL, page 22

Courtesy Mehruss Jon Ahi/Arts Los Altos Daniela Beltran B. Local nonprofit Arts Los Altos unveiled the new mural on the exterior side wall Martha Sakellariou in front of her mural “200 Main Street [an inventory of time and of Satura Patisserie in downtown Los Altos. The photographic montage features items place]” in downtown Los Altos. contributed by local residents as well as objects from the Los Altos History Museum.

July 2, 2021QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ21 ARTSCENE Dragon Theatre to vacate downtown Redwood City space By Karla Kane

ragon Productions Theatre Company will vacate its down- Dtown Redwood City space by the end of summer, the organization announced June 25. “The pandemic and social justice movements of this last year have forced many of us to step back and reevaluate what we hold dear in this world,” according to a statement sent via mailing list and posted on social media. “For us at the Dragon, it is our people that matter above all: our artists, our audiences, our students, and our staff. The Dragon is irrelevant without its community, and it is because of the Courtesy David Madison “Team Pursuit, 1988 Olympics” commitment we’ve made to this com- is part of a photo exhibition on the Olympic munity that we are exploring new work- Karla Kane Games at Art Ventures Gallery. ing models, and we have decided to leave Alika U. Spencer-Koknar and our space at 2120 Broadway by the end of Bora "Max" Koknar stand in front of the the summer.” Dragon Theatre at 2120 Broadway in Menlo Park gallery celebrates The 21-year-old company had its Redwood City. first Peninsula home in Palo Alto, then continuing to rent space in downtown moved to the Redwood City address, will greatly impact our ability to survive the art of the Olympics launching there in 2013. and thrive into the future.” In celebration of the upcoming sport through images both symbolic Under the leadership of co-artistic The venue has been closed to perfor- Olympic Games in Tokyo, Art Ven- and inspirational,” according to a directors Bora “Max” Koknar and Alika mances and rentals since the onset of the tures Gallery in Menlo Park is featur- press release from Art Ventures. U. Spencer-Koknar, the organization pandemic. Dragon has recently focused ing the sports photography of David “My intention was to select only the has expanded beyond traditional theater on a diverse lineup of virtual offerings, Burnett (perhaps best known for images that depict the pain, struggle, offerings, branching out with an edu- and an in-person drive-in series at the his photographs of former President and aesthetics of each athlete without cational wing; performances in music, Port of Redwood City. Barack Obama and other U.S. presi- showing crowds, medals or Olympic comedy, circus arts, podcasting and The company will announce its plans dents), John Todd and David Madi- rings,” Art Ventures Gallery Director more; partnerships with like-minded for the autumn and beyond soon. son, drawing from the photographers’ Katharina Powers said in the release. organizations; and experimentations “As we head into the future, we will be experience photographing 22 Olym- The exhibition, “The Torch is Burn- with new technology and platforms. A able to find the venue best suited for each pic Games and numerous qualifying ing,” runs through July 31 at the 888 new mission statement puts an emphasis project, rather than find projects that fit events and training sessions. Santa Cruz Ave. gallery. Contact Art on inclusivity and innovation. within a venue,” the statement says. “Each photographer uses their own Ventures for most up-to-date hours. While thanking their “extremely More information will be available at distinct photographic techniques, More information is available at supportive and exceptionally generous dragonproductions.net. A vantage points and the show high- artventuresgallery.com. A landlords,” the Dragon team acknowl- Email Arts & Entertainment Editor lights the aesthetics and power of — Karla Kane edged that “the monthly burden of Karla Kane at [email protected].

MURAL items are contributed by Los year moved into a newly con- the old with the new. There’s explore the stories and think continued from page 21 Altos residents or found in the structed house that would end many of us that grew up here about their homes and their museum archives. The door and up being the family home for and just to watch the progress of city, and how they are part of the through various layers of his- window were photographed at just over 60 years. what evolved was really special. history and the layers of it. They tory, and becoming part of that the Gilbert Smith House; the She has memories of a child- Getting to know her made the belong to this,” Sakellariou said. history as it happens,” Sakel- outdoor image of the Juana hood in a more rural commu- mural even more meaningful to Meyer said she’s been encour- lariou said. Briones house is a historical nity of orchards and pastures me,” Meyer said. aging friends and family to go Though she sought out some 1903 picture from the Palo Alto that offered plenty of space for The mural itself is an amalgam visit the mural. She pointed out more “traditional” historic Historical Association archives. horseback riding. Meyer cut of old and new. While many of that one of the photos featured images, such as a photo of Los I didn’t make up anything. I apricots as a summer job and the objects pictured are histori- in the mural, seen through a Altos’ first mayor, the mural only created a space for all of recalled times when she and her cal, the photographs were assem- window, is of an apricot orchard. emphasizes a variety of items these things to coexist. And it friends would race their horses bled digitally and the mural, Given the significant role of that relate to the idea of domes- was really important for me to along the dirt roads carved out rather than being painted onto agriculture in the town’s devel- tic life and home — everything compose this space with origi- for Highway 280 before it was the wall, was printed on vinyl opment — even today Los Altos from books to sporting equip- nal items from the community paved. Along with the riding wrap, which was then affixed City Hall is located in an apricot ment and a variety of family and the local museum,” she said. boots and helmet, which she to the wall with a heat gun. The orchard — Meyer said it meant photos. Many items might still Longtime Los Altos resident said were her daughter’s, she material is durable, offering a lot to her to see such images be found in homes today, but Claudia Meyer contributed a also contributed a photo of the permanence, but can also easily included. also take on the added context handful of items that appear in place on Springer Road where be removed, McBirney said — Though she joked that the of being part of the community’s “200 Main Street,” among them she used to board her pony. perhaps fitting for a piece that mural makes her “feel old,” she story. Visitors can learn more a photo of children standing “There used to be a barn, a lit- explores the passage of time. said “it also makes me so thank- about what’s pictured by scan- in front of a house after a rare tle farm there, and that’s where I The black-and-white palette ful that I grew up here.” ning a QR code that accompa- snowfall and a pair of riding kept my pony. And (Sakellariou) is another departure, as murals “200 Main Street [an invento- nies the mural. boots and helmet. really enjoyed this picture of me often feature bold colors to ry of time and place]” can be Even when approaching the “In 1962, it snowed in Los with my pony,” she said. brighten utilitarian spaces. seen at the corner of Third and Los Altos History Museum’s Altos and I’m in that picture The artist not only photo- “There are some beautiful Main streets in downtown Los resources, Sakellariou was with my little sister and a graphed residents’ contributions murals with strong colors and Altos. For more information, drawn to the more personal ele- neighbor boy. We had just built for inclusion in the mural, but shapes that really grab your visit artslosaltos.org. A ments, such as the furnishings a snowman,” she said of the also developed a relationship attention. I didn’t design it to and fixtures in the museum’s photo’s snowy scene. with locals, Meyer said. be that — I want it to be more Email Assistant Editor Heather Gilbert Smith House. Meyer’s family came to the “I just was fascinated by the contemplative. So I hope people Zimmerman at hzimmerman@ “The photographs and most area in 1953 and the following process, and how she combined take the time to look at things, almanacnews.com.

22QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQJuly 2, 2021 Food&Drink

PALY GRAD’S STARTUP JIANT TAPS INTO KOMBUCHA CRAZE WITH ALCOHOLIC BREWS

By Heather Zimmerman second fermentation, in which champagne yeast is added, and rue to his Palo Alto as it ferments, it raises the alco- Troots, Aaron Telch says hol content. Jiant’s kombucha that Jiant, the beverage comes in at about 5% alcohol, company he co-founded, has as does the company’s hard tea. “a garage story, except it hap- Jiant’s hard tea goes through pened to be in the kitchen.” only one fermentation, without Telch, a Palo Alto High School the SCOBY. But like kombucha, grad, began developing Jiant’s since the tea is fermented, it is signature product — alcoholic, slightly effervescent. or “hard,” kombucha — four The name “Jiant” is in part a years ago in the Santa Monica tongue-in-cheek reference to the apartment he shared with his company’s small, independent girlfriend. Courtesy Jiant Hard Kombucha status. With a beverage market As with many startups, the Aaron Telch, a Palo Alto High dominated by big commercial company spent a couple of years School grad, co-founded Jiant Goliaths, Telch likened Jiant to a finding its footing amid trial Hard Kombucha with friend Larry David, but with an idea that has and error — though a bit more Haertel Jr. the potential to become pretty unusual was Telch mailing sam- big on its own. ples of the evolving brew cross- the commercial food and drink The unique spelling with a country to convince a potential world, working with a consumer “J” is a nod to Jun, the type of business partner. incubator focused on developing base the company uses in brew- Jiant, which launched in 2019, food and beverage products. ing its kombucha. Rather than now offers four regular flavors The steadily expanding popu- fermenting black tea and sugar, of hard kombucha, as well as two larity of non-alcoholic kom- a common base for kombucha, rotating seasonal flavors. This bucha about six or seven years Jiant’s hard kombuchas all use summer it’s launching a line of ago caught Telch’s attention, as Jun, a mix of green tea and hon- three hard teas. did the increasing consumer ey, as their base. While home- Though the company came emphasis on health and well- brewing and testing, Telch said, to the market the year before ness. And he noted that there he noticed the difference the Courtesy Jiant Hard Kombucha COVID-19 hit, the pandemic wasn’t much available for con- type of base can make. Jiant makes four flavors hasn’t brought many speed sumers who were focused on “It was probably one of the of hard kombucha: The Original, bumps for Jiant because so much healthier alternatives in food most pivotal things that I dis- with passion fruit and elderflower; Gingerly, a blend of ginger and of its business is focused on and drink but still wanted covered is using a Jun kombucha lemongrass flavors; Hicamaya, with grapefruit and hibiscus; and selling in stores, rather than in to enjoy the occasional adult made for a really light, refresh- Guavamente, a guava and mint flavor. restaurants, Telch said. beverage. ing, crisp and clean hard kom- past several years inspired Telch widely stocked in San Francisco These days, Jiant is no lon- Around 2017, Telch began bucha,” Telch said. and Haertel to think about offer- stores, but on the Peninsula, ger brewed in a California home-brewing hard kombucha Jiant makes four regular fla- ing hard tea as an alternative. shoppers now can find Jiant’s kitchen, but produced at a craft and mailing samples to Haertel vors: The Original, with passion Telch’s theory is that consumers hard kombucha at most Trader brewery in Colorado. And in a in New York. fruit and elderflower; Gingerly, may be drawn to hard seltzers Joe’s or Whole Foods markets. roundabout way, a bit of Jiant’s “I started to brew, and I had a blend of ginger and lemon- as a tipple that’s often lower in The company aims to start foundations can be traced to never brewed anything before in grass flavors; Hicamaya, with calories than other alcoholic bringing its hard teas to North- Telch’s time at Palo Alto High my life. But as soon as the sam- grapefruit and hibiscus; and drinks and gluten-free, but as he ern California stores in August. School. Telch played on Paly’s ples were tasting OK, I started Guavamente, a guava and mint put it, “Everybody’s drinking it, More information is at golf team and then played for to send them across the country flavor. In addition, Jiant has two but nobody seems to really like jiantkombucha.com. A Brown University, where he met to Larry, who was still living in rotating seasonal flavors: Taco it. Jiant’s future co-founder Larry Brooklyn, and tried to convince Tuesday, with pineapple and “One thing that we think we Email Assistant Editor Heather Haertel Jr., who was also on the him to move out to L.A.,” Telch jalapeño for warm weather sip- do really well and different than Zimmerman at hzimmerman@ golf team. recalled. ping, and for winter, there’s Cool some of our competition is how almanacnews.com. “We became great friends Those samples eventually Beans, which blends the flavors we use botanicals to really add through college, and then in proved persuasive, as Haertel of coffee and blueberry. complexity and flavor into our New York City after college and his wife moved to Los Ange- Jiant is departing a bit from products without adding sugar, LEHUA GREENMAN we were roommates and had les to help found Jiant. the green tea base used in its so it felt very natural for us to Happy always wanted to start a busi- Kombucha, which is made by kombuchas as it branches out continue to lean on tea and Birthday ness together. But it took a while fermenting tea and sugar, usu- into hard teas, with flavors that botanicals to create gluten-free America! to find the right idea and pas- ally contains a small amount instead use oolong, keemun (a beverages that are low in sugar,” The HOME sion to go with,” Telch said. of alcohol already, according to variety of black tea) and pu’erh he said. Telch, who grew up in Palo Telch, who said that Jiant brews (fermented tea) as their bases. The teas, which have already of the FREE Alto, moved to Los Angeles in its kombucha “in a very tradi- Jiant is selling the teas in a vari- launched on the East Coast and because of the 2014 after graduating from the tional setting, which is open air ety pack of three flavors: Mango in Southern California, were BRAVE!" Wharton business school at the with a SCOBY (symbiotic colony Lime with oolong; Raspberry highlighted recently in a New Happy 4th University of Pennsylvania. In of bacteria and yeast) on top.” Mint with keemun and Blood York Times article about sum- of July! L.A., he aimed to get experience To make hard kombucha, Orange Grapefruit with pu’erh. mer beverages. both in entrepreneurship and the beverage goes through a The hard seltzer trend of the In general, Jiant has been more 650.245.1845

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24QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQJuly 2, 2021