R EAL E STATE Q&A
N E W S
Kepler’s named ‘Small Business of the Year’ By Sandy Brundage Almanac Staff Writer
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longtime Kepler’s customer and fan, State Senator Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, has named the iconic bookstore the “Small Business of the Year� for the second time. “Kepler’s has always been more than just a store,� said Sen. Simitian, a customer since the 1960s, in his announcement. “It has been a hub of intellectual free exchange in our highly engaged community. That’s no small thing.� It’s been a challenging year for the Menlo Park bookstore. New owners Christin Evans and Praveen Madan restructured the store into a hybrid for-profit community bookstore with a nonprofit events arm. A community fundraising campaign over the summer collected about $760,000; the money was put to use expanding the inventory of
books and renovating the store to bring back the radical feel of the original Kepler’s. “We are honored that Senator Simitian chose Kepler’s as the Small Business of the Year for District 11,� said Ms. Evans. “Even in technologically advanced communities like Silicon Valley, independent bookstores are valued cultural institutions. We’re proud to be part of this community and glad we continue to enjoy tremendous community support.� Mr. Madan echoed his wife’s comments about the community backing the store’s new chapter in life. “The response has been great. People are very thankful for the store being open again, and we are thankful for their support,� he said. Marquee authors such as Salman Rushdie and Michael Chabon have appeared at the store
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Interest Rates Will Rise
in recent months, and on Dec. 1 the store plans to launch a renewed effort to support e-readers, particularly the Kobo model. Mr. Madan said the new slate of writing classes is also off to a good start. Kepler’s is gearing up for the holidays, he added, and just published a catalog with book suggestions individually reviewed and recommended by staff members. Sen. Simitian has given the award to an independent bookstore for each of his eight years as a state senator. “Given the considerable pressures facing independent bookstores,� he said, “we ought to recognize the remarkable innovative spirit Kepler’s has demonstrated by reinventing itself in this way. Our independent bookstores are a valued community asset, and Kepler’s in particular is a real treasure.�
Dear Monica: I have a very low adjustable rate mortgage that will ultimately rise when rates go up, which I know is inevitable. Should I refinance now and lock in a long term fixed rate to protect against future raises? Lydia P. Dear Lydia: You are right that interest rates cannot remain as low as they are forever. The economy is improving and especially the housing market
is getting better. This period of extremely low rates will have to end sometime in the next few years. I think it would be smart to refinance your loan and lock in the best fixed rate you can find. This way you will know exactly what your payment will be for the life of the loan. When rates do go up, as you know they will, you will be glad to have taken advantage of the lowest rates in decades and locked in a great rate permanently.
For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may e-mail me at mcorman@apr.com or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. I also offer a free market analysis of your property. www.MonicaCorman.com
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PENINSULA
Trunk shows Friday, Dec 7th Cupertino
Drawing will take place on Dec 18, 2012
by Monica Corman
20690 Stevens Creek Blvd. RSVP: 1.408.255.1122
Saturday, Dec 8th San Carlos 730 Laurel St. RSVP: 650.412.1122
Murietta Studs: #MBDL t $125
Missy: 4BOE t $175
Discover the best places to eat this week! AMERICAN
CHINESE
Armadillo Willy’s
Chef Chu’s
941-2922 1031 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos www.armadillowillys.com
948-2696 1067 N. San Antonio Road www.chefchu.com
The Old Pro
Ming’s
326-1446 541 Ramona Street, Palo Alto www.oldpropa.com
856-7700 1700 Embarcadero East, Palo Alto www.mings.com
STEAKHOUSE
New Tung Kee Noodle House
Sundance the Steakhouse
947-8888 520 Showers Drive, Mountain View www.shopmountainview.com/luunoodlemv
321-6798 1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto www.sundancethesteakhouse.com
INDIAN
Janta Indian Restaurant
Manistee Studs: #MBDL t $175
XXX GPPUXFBSFUD DPN t OPEN 7 DAYS! t 1.800.720.0572
Read and post reviews, explore restaurant menus, get hours and directions and more at ShopPaloAlto, ShopMenloPark and ShopMountainView
462-5903 369 Lytton Ave. www.jantaindianrestaurant.com
Thaiphoon 323-7700 543 Emerson Ave, Palo Alto www.ThaiphoonRestaurant.com
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