The Almanac January 21, 2015 by The Almanac

Big band swings into town for Herb Wong tribute | Page 12

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Fire districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing pains Rendering shows a new two-story firehouse planned for downtown Menlo Park Section 2

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Musicians and guest artists of the African American Composer Initiative, gather onstage at the Eastside College Preparatory School Performing Arts Center after the January 2014 benefit concert.

Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Two concerts featuring music inspired by and dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. and performed by a bevy of accomplished Bay Area and New York musicians are scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24 and 25, at Eastside College Preparatory School in East Palo Alto. The annual event, which is in its sixth year, is a benefit for the school, located at 1041 Myrtle St. The program is titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Walk Together â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a Musical Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.â&#x20AC;? The program includes spirituals, freedom songs and instrumental music in traditional and jazz styles. Performers in the line-up are pianist Josephine Gandolfi and soprano Yolanda Rhodes of Menlo Park; pianists/ vocalists LaDoris Cordell and Deanne Tucker; pianist Val-

erie Capers; violinist Susan C. Brown; cellist Victoria Ehrlich; John Robinson, bass and cello; clarinetist Carol Somersille; John Worley, trumpet; John Monroe, trombone; Rufus Olivier III, bassoon; and Jim Kassis, percussion. The Eastside Preparatory School Choir will also perform, with Jansen Verplank on keyboard and David Chaidez directing. The program includes several original compositions. Valerie Capersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; multi-movement work, â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Praise of Freedom,â&#x20AC;? is based on Dr. Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s March on Washington speech. Her arrangement of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hold On: Keep your Eyes on the Prizeâ&#x20AC;? is a new version of a spiritual frequently sung by freedom singers of the 1960s. Also, new chamber works by John Robinson and Joshua McGhee will be premiered.

Also on the program are works by William Grant Still, Dizzy Gillespie, Dolores White, Zenobia Powell Perry, Lena McLin, Fats Waller and Donny Hathaway. The series of annual concerts became a springboard for a related project, which came into being in 2013 when concert organizers Josephine Gandolfi, LaDoris Cordell and Deanne Tucker formed the African American Composer Initiative. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an enterprise dedicated to the performance and proliferation of music by African American composers. More information is at aacinitiative.org. Concert tickets are $20 general and $5 for students and seniors. They can be purchased online through Brown Paper Tickets at tinyurl.com/AACInitiative15. For information, call 688-0850.

Rotary Club offers $20,000 to nonprofit groups The Rotary Club of Menlo Park is offering grants up to $20,000 to local nonprofit groups that identify a compelling public need in Menlo Park or a nearby community and propose a project to help solve that problem. The grants, which will help pay for the projects, will range from $1000 to $10,000, and will be

awarded by March 31, according to Michelle Tsui, who is running the grant program for the club. The deadline to apply for a grant is Jan. 31. In recent years, the club has made grants to approximately 15 nonprofit groups, including Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children of San Mateo

County (CASA), St. Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Padua Dining Room, and the Ravenswood Education Foundation. Go to MenloParkRotary.org and check under the Menlo Park Rotary Foundation tab for grant application guidelines. Or email mprotarygifts@ gmail.com.

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THE ALMANAC (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) is published every Wednesday by Embarcadero Media, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 940256558. Periodicals Postage Paid at Menlo Park, CA and at additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general circulation for San Mateo County, The Almanac is delivered free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside. Subscriptions for $60 per year or $100 per 2 years are welcome. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Almanac, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. Copyright ÂŠ2014 by Embarcadero Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

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Local News M

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Exciting opportunity seen at new high school By Barbara Wood Almanac Staff Writer

hile it is still early in the process, the discussion at a recent board meeting of the Sequoia Union High School District offered a glimpse of what some are envisioning for a new small high school in Menlo Park: a school with a technology focus that partners with business and the community college district, and has architecture as distinctive as its mission. The district is finalizing the purchase of a 2.1-acre property at 150 Jefferson Drive in Menlo Park, “an area that’s rapidly shifting from light industry to high tech,” according to Sequoia Union superintendent Jim Lianides. The district wants to build a small high school that would have 300 to 400 students and

could open as early as fall 2017. The district has also purchased property at 535 Old County Road in San Carlos for another small high school, but district officials say the Menlo Park school will be built first. Matthew Zito, the principal at Menlo-Atherton High School who is transitioning into a new job overseeing the district’s building program as chief facilities officer, spoke enthusiastically at the Jan. 14 meeting about what the Menlo Park school could be. “We have a great opportunity” to do things that the district can’t do at bigger school sites, Mr. Zito said. “You want it to be a school that’s drawing from a whole population of young people.” The school will be preparing students for college, he said. It will not be a vocational school, but will partner with near-

The new Menlo Park school could partner with local tech giants and the community college district. by businesses, which include Intuit, Oracle and Facebook, as well as with the San Mateo County Community College District. The design of the school building will also be important, Mr. Zito said. “I think the facility, if we do that right, will ... sell the school,” he said. “I’ve told Aaron (Jobson, the architect working with the district) you’d better design us a cool ... building,” he said. “Make sure that the form follows the function of the cur-

riculum.” Mr. Zito said the district also needs to realize that a small school is not just a scaleddown version of a large school, and the district should be “making sure we’re leveraging the opportunities of that small school.” Several school board members mentioned “linked learning” as a possibility for the new school. According to the Linked Learning Alliance, formed in 2008, linked learning combines academic and vocational learning in one school, with the goal of readying students for higher education while they learn as much as possible about career choices through internships and other partnerships with business. “I think one of the challenges is, the possibilities are infinite,” board member Chris

Thomsen said. The district board adopted Mr. Lianides’ recommendations for a task force that will pin down the themes that will guide the design of the two new schools. Mr. Lianides said he hopes the task force will be back with its recommendations by spring. Technology and health sciences are the two top themes that came out of recent district surveys of parents, staff and students. But Mr. Lianides said the district also needs to survey parents of the younger students who will actually be attending the high schools. “Another key area,” he said, “is working with surrounding businesses and so on and see what is supported. Where are strong potential partnerships?” See OPPORTUNITY, page 8

Housing plan reveals snapshot of Woodside By Barbara Wood Almanac Staff Writer

oodside’s state-mandated plan for providing more housing in the town is being updated, and while the plan doesn’t offer many policy changes, it reveals some interesting information about the town. Woodside’s Town Council unanimously approved an updated draft of the housing element of its general plan, the document that guides development regulations, when it met on Jan. 13. The state requires that the general plan’s housing element be updated every eight years, and mandates what must be included in it. The background on the town included in the update shows, for example, that 94 percent of Woodside’s homes are owneroccupied, leaving only 6 percent of the town’s residents as renters. In January 2013 the town had 5,441 residents, with 1,128 — or nearly 20 percent — over the age of 65. The median age of Woodside residents is 48, well over the San Mateo County median age of 39. The median household income

19% of Woodside’s residents are considered low income, defined by the county as below $63,350 a year for a one-person household. in Woodside — $238,595 in 2011 — is also considerably higher than in the rest of San Mateo County, where it is $92,000. Even so, 19 percent of Woodside’s residents are considered low income, which is defined by the county as below $63,350 a year for a one-person household and below $72,400 for a twoperson household. The town has 2,180 homes, which is 7 percent more than it had in 2000, with a median sales price of close to $2 million in October 2014, the report says. Most of those homes have been around for a while — nearly 80 percent of Woodside’s total housing stock was built before 1980, with nearly 50 percent built HOUSING PLAN, page 8

Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac

E. Gary Smith, right, in his dry-cleaning business, Menalto Cleaners, in July 2013.

Menalto Cleaners owner arrested E. Gary Smith faces credit card fraud charges By Sandy Brundage Almanac Staff Writer

he arraignment of the owner of Menalto Cleaners on 40 felony counts of credit card fraud has been delayed until Thursday, Jan. 22, at the request of his attorney. On the tail of being evicted

from the premises of his popular Menlo Park dry-cleaning business, Menalto Cleaners, owner Edwin Gary Smith was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 14, for allegedly bilking at least 38 customers out of more than $678,000 from December 2011 to October 2014, according to police. The investigation into Mr.

Smith, a 63-year-old Menlo Park resident dubbed the “Mayor of Menalto” for his bonhomie, started in October after two clients who had left their credit card numbers on file at the business for monthly billing complained to police about unauthorized charges. See CLEANERS, page 8

January 21, 2015 Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q The Almanac Q 5

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Homicide suspect arrested, another remains at large By Sandy Brundage Almanac Staff Writer

WOMEN & CANCER QUARTERLY TALK SERIES

Clinical Trials The Stanford Women’s Cancer Center invites you to its quarterly series featuring talks on women’s cancers. This talk will focus on clinical trials and why they are important for patients. Join us to learn more about clinical trials available at Stanford for gynecologic cancers. PLEASE JOIN

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6:30PM – 8:00PM Stanford Health Library, Hoover Pavilion 211 Quarry Road, Suite 201 • Palo Alto, CA 94304

To RSVP, call 650.736.6555 or online at stanfordhealthcare.org/events. This event is free and open to the public. Please register, seating is limited.

6 Q The Almanac Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q January 21, 2015

or the second time in two weeks, a suspect wanted for homicide in Merced County has been arrested in Menlo Park, according to a Menlo Park Police Department report. Around 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, detectives from the Narcotic Enforcement Team spotted a silver BMW linked to the Merced case parked in the driveway of a home in the 100 block of Newbridge Street in Menlo Park, according to the report. They set up surveillance around the residence, which paid off when a man matching the description of one suspect left in a dark-colored Honda approximately two and a half hours later. The resulting traffic stop led to the arrest of 24-year-old Victor Hernandez of Menlo Park. He has been transported to the Merced County jail, the report said.

Homicide suspect Jose Hernandez, 26, is still at large. Menlo Park police said they think he remains in the area.

Officers from multiple jurisdictions joined a search for another homicide suspect, but came up empty-handed. Jose Hernandez, 26, of Menlo Park, is believed to still be the area, police said. Police ask that anyone with information about this case call 330-6300 or the anonymous tip line at 330-6395. A

Refinance could save taxpayers $6 million By Barbara Wood Almanac Staff Writer

axpayers could save more than $6 million if interest rates remain low until the Sequoia Union High School District can carry through with a bond refinancing approved by the district’s board when it met on Jan. 14. Consultant Tony Hsieh of Keygent Advisors said refinancing two series of bonds sold by the district in 2005 and 2008 could save the district as much as $6.2 million in interest, even after paying all the costs of the refinancing. While $6.2 million is a large amount of money, the savings to individual taxpayers are relatively modest. Mr. Hsieh said the savings will be 54 cents a year per $100,000 of assessed value,

or $5.40 for a property appraised at $1 million. School board member Chris Thomsen asked if the district could keep the $6.2 million and use it for needed projects. “The savings to individual homeowners is pretty small,” he said. While Mr. Hsieh said it could be possible for the district to retain the money saved by refinancing, the idea did not have much support from other board members. “It feels to me like it would be a bait and switch on behalf of our students,” said board member Alan Sarver. The district has refinanced bonds on seven previous occasions, Mr. Hsieh’s report said, saving taxpayers approximately $25.5 million. A

Learning Lab holds open house Creekside Learning Lab in Portola Valley will hold an open house Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the school, 884 B-1 Portola Road in Portola Valley. Creekside, a private one-class school, says in 2015-16 it will enroll up to 16 students for a blended fourth- and fifth-grade with a mix of genders, ages, abilities and skills, the school says.

At the open house, visitors can meet staff, students and parents, and learn about the school’s philosophy, curriculum and admissions process. A presentation starts at 2 p.m. The school’s students study a series of five open-ended projects, taking several weeks each, using guided self-study. Reserve a spot by emailing admissions@creeksidelearninglab.org.

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TOWN OF WOODSIDE

Menlo Park prepares to take on downtown parking garage issue By Sandy Brundage Almanac Staff Writer

ost people make their resolutions around Jan. 1. For cities, the process is a bit more involved, and Menlo Park is no exception. The council is expected to decide sometime this spring what capital improvement projects and goals to prioritize for the next five years, months before the new fiscal year starts in July. The Planning Commission signed off on its suggested capital improvement priorities on Jan. 12, and one recommendation is to move a study of the feasibility of building a parking garage downtown from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;unfundedâ&#x20AC;? to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fundedâ&#x20AC;? column. According to the draft capital improvement plan, a study of the cost, site, circulation, feasibility and construction of building one or more parking garages on parking plazas 1, 2, or 3 would cost approximately $200,000. Such a structure has resurfaced as a priority for the city many times: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Four-level parking garage downtown?â&#x20AC;? (Almanac headline from 2005); â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parking garages near top of city priority listâ&#x20AC;? (2004); â&#x20AC;&#x153;Menlo Park takes new look at parking garagesâ&#x20AC;? (2003); and innumerable discussions during the five-year specific plan process. One sticking point has

always been who would pay for it, with the Menlo Park Presbyterian Church stating its willingness over the years to chip in. But the Planning Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendation finally moves the concept one step closer to reality, should the

With mixed-use complexes on the way, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better to have the study done before more parking is needed, according to the commission. council agree that now is the time to fund the study. During the Jan. 12 meeting, commissioners worried that without visible, audible advocacy, the council may not understand the reasons for prioritizing the study. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why do we think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so pressing, to get on top of that now?â&#x20AC;? Commissioner John Kadvany said. In a nutshell: With mixed-use complexes of housing, office space and retail on the way from Stanford as well as Greenheart Land Co., itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better to have the study done and payment structure in place before more downtown parking is needed. At least one council member is ready to move ahead. Mayor

Cat Carlton told the Almanac recently that sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s excited to start talking about possibly building an underground garage topped by a park at surface level, an idea that some residents, such as those participating in grassroots groups â&#x20AC;&#x153;Re-Imagine Menlo Parkâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imagine Menlo Park,â&#x20AC;? are also eager to explore. As for other priorities, the Planning Commission recommended moving the compilation of single-family residential design guidelines into the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fundedâ&#x20AC;? column as well, and expediting implementation of the downtown/ El Camino Real specific plan, with an emphasis on making it easier for pedestrians and bicyclists to get from one side of the street to the other, and from one part of the city to another. The commission stressed that its take on the design guidelines is advisory rather than dictatorial. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People outside of this dais have this idea itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be this very rigid imposition,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Kadvany said, when instead itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meant to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;very soft adviceâ&#x20AC;? to help developers and homeowners avoid getting blindsided during the approval process. The council will hold its annual goal-setting meeting on Monday, Jan. 26, and is expected to consider the capital improvement project priorities by March. A

Jan. 22: Code enforcement forum The officer in charge of code enforcement will be on hand to answer questions and share ideas during a community forum on Thursday, Jan. 22, at the Belle Haven police substation at 871 Hamilton Ave. Topics include overnight parking, garbage and graffiti. Police Chief Bob Jonsen will also give a neighborhood update. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments and translators will be available.

Revenue jumps Menlo Park saw an increase in revenue garnered from the transfer of real estate during the first six months of this fiscal year, as compared to the same time period for 2013-14.

Q MEN LO B RIEFS

Through December 2014, 267 transactions were processed, generating more than $366,000, according to the city. Last year, the numbers were 235 transactions and $237,000. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an increase of $129,000. Economic Development Jim Cogan ascribed the increase to continued strong sales in the commercial and residential real estate sectors.

cisquito Creek,â&#x20AC;? on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Len Materman, executive director of the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority, will be on hand. The free event starts at 7 p.m. at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center at 700 Alma St. in Menlo Park.

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Flood safety Options for flood protection and reducing insurance costs will be discussed during a program on, â&#x20AC;&#x153;SAFER Bay: Sea Level Rise and Flood Control on San Fran-

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2955 WOODSIDE ROAD WOODSIDE, CA 94062 INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR ARCHITECTURAL AND SITE REVIEW BOARD The Architectural and Site Review Board reviews and makes recommendations to the Planning Director regarding community character, site planning, building design and landscape elements on residential and commercial applications. 4LL[PUNZ HYL OLSK VU [OL Ă&#x201E;YZ[ HUK [OPYK 4VUKH` VM LHJO TVU[O ! W T (WWVPU[TLU[Z HYL MVY H MV\Y `LHY [LYT Interested residents may request information and applications Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-12 noon and ! W T MYVT [OL ;V^U *SLYRÂťZ 6É&#x2030;JL H[ ;V^U /HSS 2955 Woodside Road, or telephone (650) 851-6790, or through the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s web site at www.woodsidetown.org, Residents, Volunteer Opportunities. Deadline for applications is Tuesday, February 3, 2015, 5:00 p.m.

Good for Business. Good for You. Good for the Community. Woodside Preschool

Open House and Tour

Please join us Woodside Preschool Open House and Tour, Friday, January 30th from 8:30-10:00 a.m. (ADULTS ONLY). Woodside Elementary School District will be accepting applications for the Fall 2015 Preschool Classes beginning February 1st, 2015. Woodside Preschool is a half-day, fee-based program running from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (with optional extended care). Children must be at least 2 years, 7 months old in order to attend Woodside Preschool. Enrollment choices include two days, three days, or ďŹ ve days per week. Interested families are encouraged to attend our Open House and ďŹ ll out an application. Applications will be available online beginning February 1st. For more information, visit our website at www.woodside.k12.ca.us or contact Lisa at ldayeh@woodside.k12.ca.us, (650) 851-1571 ext. 250. January 21, 2015 Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q The Almanac Q 7

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Woodside OKs town’s first multi-family zoning By Barbara Wood Almanac Staff Writer

any residents of Woodside don’t even realize that Canada College is within the town limits, perhaps because most have to get on the freeway to get to the college’s front entrance. So it may not be surprising that on Jan. 13, when the Town Council deliberated allowing the town’s first multifamily zoning, located entirely on the college campus, only one person turned up to speak. The council voted to allow multi-family housing to be built on most of the campus, excluding an open meadow on the west side of the campus that is close to some Woodside homes. Two council members, Peter Mason and Anne Kasten, voted against the measure, but both said they would have preferred allowing the entire campus to be open to multi-family housing, not just part of it. “We shouldn’t be excluding one of the few buildable parcels,” on the campus, Mr. Mason said, with Ms. Kasten adding her agreement. The one speaker, Russel Baze, was representing one of the only Woodside neighborhoods with direct access to the campus. Canada College is located east of Interstate 280 off Farm Hill Boulevard, and the only way to get directly to the campus from other parts of Woodside is through a back entrance off Canada Road, which passes near a small group of Woodside homes. OPPORTUNITY continued from page 5

A meeting with the county community college board is scheduled for late February, he said. “They’re very interested to partner with the Menlo Park school.” Other of Mr. Lianides’ recommendations for the task force include visits to “successful themed small schools,” and evaluation of the college and career options that will go along with the themes. The task force will also seek more

Mr. Baze and his neighbors had earlier asked the town the exclude the large undeveloped meadow behind their homes from the new zoning for the campus, and the approved measure did not include that area. Woodside approved the multifamily zoning as part of its staterequired housing plan, in which local communities are required to plan how they would be able to provide a share of the region’s housing needs. Woodside had promised in its last revision of its housing plan to rezone the Canada campus. The zoning is based on development regulations that Redwood City used when Canada built multi-family housing on the campus starting in 2008. In that case, because Woodside had not yet changed its zoning to allow the housing, the land the housing was built on had to be de-annexed from Woodside and annexed into Redwood City, which then allowed the development. The regulations for the new zoning include the requirement that that Canada College must own any housing built on the campus; and that buildings can not be taller than 35 feet. Up to 18 units per acre can be built, the same density as the current Canada Vista housing. The state requires that communities have plans that would allow the additional housing, but not that it actually be built. Barbara Christensen, a Canada College spokeswoman, said at the meeting that the college has no current plans to build any more housing. A input from staff, he said. Money for the new schools, and for construction on the district’s existing campuses, comes from a $265 million bond measure approved by voters last June. Based on burgeoning enrollments in local elementary schools, the Sequoia district is expecting enrollment growth of at least 22 percent by the 2020-21 school year. Much of the growth is coming from school districts in Menlo Park, Atherton, Belmont and San Carlos. A

Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac

Sheriff’s deputies talk to the landlord at 1921 Menalto Ave. in Menlo Park as they carry out the eviction of E. Gary Smith’s dry-cleaning business, Menalto Cleaners, on Jan. 13.

CLEANERS

told the Almanac that new owners would be taking over the business. The allegations include felony identity theft, credit card fraud and elder fiduciary abuse — one customer was 79 years old, according to court records. The current case involves 19 alleged victims who lost more than $350,000 combined. One client lost $70,000 without noticing for 18 months, the DA’s office said. Other frauds reportedly occurred outside the three-

continued from page 5

According to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, several customers had confronted Mr. Smith about billing errors and while he said he would pay them back, allegedly failed to do so. The San Mateo County Sheriff ’s Office confirmed that Mr. Smith had been evicted from the building, located at 1921 Menalto Ave., on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Sources

HOUSING PLAN continued from page 5

before 1960, the update says. Over the eight years covered by the new housing plan, Woodside has been assigned by the Bay Area Association of Governments (ABAG) to show how 62 units of new housing could be built in the town. Of the total units that are considered Woodside’s “fair share” of the region’s housing need, 36 units are to be for low-income residents. The updated housing plan says new housing for low-income residents could be provided by new accessory living units, also known as in-law units, guest houses or granny units. The town also is supposed to plan for 26 additional new homes for

those of moderate income or higher ($86,500 per year for a single-person household). The number of new units Woodside is asked to plan for is lower than that of some other local communities because it has no ready access to mass transit, Planning Director Jackie Young said. While the state requires communities only to plan for, not to actually construct, the new housing, Woodside has done better than some of its neighbors in providing additional housing. The update says that during the period covered by the last housing plan, 2007 to 2014, the town was assigned to provide for the building of 17 low-income units, but 24 were actually built, all of them accessory living quarters. Also, a total of 59 new

Support 7KH $OPDQDF·V SULQW DQG RQOLQH FRYHUDJH RI RXU FRPPXQLW\ -RLLQ WRG -RLQ WRGD\ 6XSSRUW/RFDO-RXUQDOLVP RUJ $OPDQDF GD\ 6XSSRUW/RF 8 Q The Almanac Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q January 21, 2015

year statute of limitations on credit card fraud. Police said Mr. Smith was taken into custody at his home without incident about 1:50 p.m., and he was booked into county jail. Bail was set at $500,000, but a judge reduced it to $350,000 at the request of the defense. Mr. Smith’s attorney, Michael Armstrong, declined to comment on the case. Cmdr. Dave Bertini said no other arrests are pending at this time. A

living units were built in the same period, with 31 of them single-family homes. It had been assigned a total of 41 new units for that period. Planning Director Young said that many accessory living units in Woodside are built to be occupied by people who work on a property. Others, she said, are planned to provide rental income or are built as a place for older residents to live while allowing their adult children and their families to move into the main house. One part of the draft updated housing element that council members asked to have modified concerns undeveloped lots in the town. The update says Woodside has 270 vacant parcels totaling 894 acres. Council member Dave Burrow said many of those parcels could never be developed. “We should be much more pessimistic,” he said. “There are several sections where we talk about constraints, but we’re not very clear that the main constraint is that we don’t have the sewer capacity and we can’t get it,” he said. A

N E W S

Computer Systems Associate Embarcadero Media is looking for an Information Technology professional to join our IT team to support and manage our Windows and Mac infrastructure. We are looking for a person who can work as part of a support team, troubleshooting hardware and software, while providing Windows server administration and network management. You would provide computer support for both of our Bay Area locations (Palo Alto and Pleasanton) based in our main Palo Alto ofﬁce. This is an entry-level position, but an ideal candidate would have helpdesk and troubleshooting experience. We want that special someone who is technically savvy with excellent people skills. Windows server administration would be a huge plus. Additionally, as time allows, you will have an opportunity to share in building the exciting web-based features we are constantly adding to our custom-built PHP/MySQL platform for our awardwinning websites. But, sorry, no designers please. Your own transportation is a necessity. Mileage is reimbursed. This is a full-time, beneﬁted position. Please email your resume and cover letter to Frank Bravo, Director of Information Technology, at fbravo@embarcaderomediagroup.com with “Computer Systems Associate” in the subject line. Embarcadero Media is an independent, award-winning news organization, with a 35-year publishing history.

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Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac

Workers pour concrete into a large bin during construction Jan. 16 of a covered grandstand designed to seat up to 200 people at the Little League baseball field at Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton.

Pickets oppose Little League facilities By Barbara Wood Almanac Staff Writer

s workers poured concrete for a covered grandstand designed to seat up to 200 people at Atherton’s Holbrook-Palmer Park, about six people carrying protest signs picketed Jan. 13 at the entrance to the park, with several returning Friday, Jan. 16. Wally Sleeth, who organized the protest, said trucks had entered the park despite the picketers. “We’re not lying down in front of them,” he said. One sign read: “Atherton is going concrete - is that what you want? Call Mayor DeGolia.” The group, which attracted some passersby who joined in, handed out fliers outlining their views. In addition to the covered grandstand, the new field, which will be called Homer Field at Willie Mays Ballpark, will have covered dugouts, a permanent scoreboard, bathrooms, storage and improvements to the field. By Friday Mayor DeGolia said he had received two phone calls and three or four emails about the concrete work, and added that even if he had received dozens of calls, there is “nothing I can do.” The efforts to stop the construction on the field have come too late, he said. “I have repeatedly informed Mr. Sleeth that if he didn’t want the Little League facility in the park,

Q ATH E RTON

then he should have timed his efforts before 75 percent of the town voted to upgrade the field, add electricity and water to that part of the park, and build a permanent seating area,” Mr. DeGolia said. But Mr. Sleeth on Friday said that even though the concrete

Their target is construction of new baseball facilities in the park, including permanent seating for 200 people. is now in place, “I’m not ready to give up. Not that I have any more cards to play.” One of the protesters, Sandy Crittenden, who serves on the board of the Holbrook-Palmer Park Foundation and also on the town’s Park and Recreation Committee, said he supports youth sports in the park, and loves “baseball in all forms.” “I don’t feel this stadium is the right structure for our only town park,” he said. “It is not in keeping with the natural and rural setting.” Mr. Crittenden said this was the first time either he or Mr. Sleeth have ever picketed anything.

Mr. Sleeth said there are other nearby sites for Little League games. The plans for the Little League field in HolbrookPalmer Park have “been upsetting because the residents, the Parks and Rec (committee) and the Planning Commission said no to this.” A project to make major improvements to the field was one of the measures on the Atherton ballot in 2012, along with the issue of putting a new library in the park. The Little League project was approved by 75 percent of the voters, but after the vote, debate arose over just they had said yes to. The Planning Commission asked to have several aspects of the project changed, especially the size of the grandstand, but a divided City Council in January 2014 approved the project with only minor modifications. Construction on the Little League field began in November, and league representatives said they hope to be able to use it by mid-February. The Little League is paying for the construction and other improvements to the park. As part of the contract with the town, the Little League has agreed to donate $27,500 to be used on repairs and improvements of the town’s tennis courts, which are close to the field. The Little League has also agreed to make improvements to the park they estimate will be worth $100,000. A

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We’re Hiring Full-time Reporter The Mountain View Voice is seeking a full-time reporter with a passion for local journalism. We are an awardwinning community newspaper and online news service covering the vibrant city of Mountain View, the home of Google and NASA Ames Research Center, in the heart of Silicon Valley. We’re looking for someone with excellent writing and reporting skills, who is self-motivated and eager to learn, and is familiar with the Mountain View area. Basic video-editing and social media skills are a plus. The reporter will cover city hall, Moffett Field and general assignment stories. The Voice is part of Embarcadero Media, which includes the Palo Alto Weekly and The Almanac. To apply, send a resume, cover letter and three news clips to Andrea Gemmet, Editor, at editor@mv-voice.com.

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January 21, 2015 Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q The Almanac Q 9

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Thank you for supporting The Almanac Holiday Fund

Four local elementary school districts — Woodside, Portola Valley, Las Lomitas and Menlo Park City — have announced kindergarten registration procedures. In all four districts, children who will be 5 years old by Sept. 1 are eligible to attend kindergarten. In the Woodside and Portola Valley districts, children who turn 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2 are eligible to register for a two-year transitional kindergarten program.

The Almanac

Holiday Fund 2014

Las Lomitas district

DONATE ONLINE: siliconvalleycf.org/almanac-holiday-fund As of January 12, $130,968 has been raised for the Holiday Fund 27 Anonymous ................ $64,925 George & Marjorie Mader ...... 200 Robert Lee Mullen .................. 500 Linda Craig & Evan Hughes ........ * Carol Kemper ......................... 100 Kritzik-McAuley Family........... 150 Marilyn Voelke ........................... * Maryann Chwalek .................. 100 C Friesman ................................. * Helen Chen ............................ 100 Gale & Bobbie Fullerton ......... 100 Gerald Grifﬁn ........................... 50 Thomas Maufer ...................... 100 Bob Barrett & Linda Atkinson. 200 Colleen & Geoffrey Tate ............. * James Sinko ........................... 300 Ramin Samadani .................... 100 Dianne Ellsworth .................... 250 Leonard Shar & Laura Hofstader ........................500 Robin Gate ............................. 250 Paul Perret.............................. 250 E. R. Dodd .............................. 100 Maggie Mah & Thomas Johnson ..* Bud Wendell ........................... 150 Janice Jedkins ........................ 400 Kenneth Ashford ...................... 75 Barbara & Bill Binder ................. * Mayling Dixon ............................ * Nanci Yuan ............................. 100 Joan Rubin ............................ 100 Walter Robinson..................... 100 Claire Goss ............................... 36 Laure Woods .............................. * Jonathan Hahn ......................... 35 Stasia Grose ........................... 250 Ginger Walmsley .................... 100 Jeffrey & Sueann Stone .......... 100 Bruce & Ann Willard ............... 500 James Lewis ............................. 25 Barbara & Carl Jacobson ........ 100 Catherine Cerny .................. 1,000 Sybille Katz ................................ *

Barbara Berry ......................... 100 Tom & Alison Cooper.................. * Roma Marie Wagner .............. 750 Kathleen Mueller.................... 100 Cynthia Dusel-Bacon .............. 200 Donald & Catherine Coluzzi ....... * Kenneth Lajoie ......................... 50 Lynne Fovinci............................ 75 Jane Land ................................... * Don Lowry.................................. * Joan Lane ............................ 2,000 Bill & Nancy Ellsworth................ * Margo Sensenbrenner ................ * Kathleen Elkins & Richard Peterson ........................ * Margaret & James MacNiven ...100 Andrea Julian ......................... 300 Barbara Ann Morgan.............. 200 Anne G. Moser ........................... * Donna MacKowski ................. 100 Art & Ruth Barker................ 2,000 James Esposto ............................ * Judy & Doug Adams ................... * Bob & Nancy Luft ..................... 50 Denise Gilbert ........................ 250 Judy & Les Denend ................. 500 Penny & Greg Gallo................ 500 Robin Toews ............................. 35 Lina Swisher ........................... 100 Bill Wohler.............................. 360 Mark Weitzel .............................. * Dorothy Kennedy........................ * Lauren & Julie Mercer ............ 200 Sandy & Andy Hall ..................... * Pegasus Family Foundation . 1,000 Margaret Markdasilva ................ * Joe & Lulie Zier ...................... 100 Erica Crowley ............................. * John & Carmen Quackenbush .... * Barbara & Bob Ells ................. 300 Nita & Clay Judd ........................ * Barbara Bessey .......................... * Barbara Kent .............................. *

10 Q The Almanac Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q January 21, 2015

Kindergarten registration time for local schools

Fred & Kayleen Miller ............. 100 George Comstock & Anne Hillman ................... 1,000 Barbara Brennan .................... 250 Gail & Susan Prickett.............. 350 E. B. Tromovitch ...................... 350 Lucy Reid-Krensky .................. 100 Mary Cooper .......................... 125 Novitsky Family ...................... 100 Martha Page .............................. * Mary & Tom Cooper ............... 125 Veda Putnam ......................... 200 Betty Meissner ....................... 100 Robin Ackerman ....................... 50 Margaret Melaney ................. 200 In Memory Of

Alan D. Anderson ................... 500 Bo Rachel Bennett.................. 100 Richard H. & Louise J. Barbour 100 Mary & Margaret Koch............... * Bill Hewlett & Dave Packard ....500 Ed Davis ................................. 100 Steward Stevens....................... 50 Patty Demetrios................... 1,500 Mr. & Mrs. Angelo F. Atilano & Mr. Joseph Flores .................... * Peter & Marguerite Hurlburt .. 100 Annie Strem ............................... * Archie Slater .......................... 100 Vern Varenhorst ..................... 100 Esther Johnson ........................... * Mary Riviello ............................ 75 Marion Softky ............................ * Emel Real ............................... 200 Frank & Celine Halet .............. 500 Nancy Hood ........................ 2,355

Kindergarten registration in the Las Lomitas School District began on Jan. 7. To register, bring to the Las Lomitas School office, at 299 Alameda De Las Pulgas in Atherton, an original birth certificate or passport, current immunization records, and two forms of proof of residence (utility bills, lease agreement or property tax bill). Office hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Las Lomitas will have two kindergarten sessions: from 9 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. and from 10:15 a.m. to 2:05 p.m. Session requests will be taken by email or regular mail starting at 10 p.m. on Feb. 2. Tours of the school for parents of incoming kindergarteners will be offered at 9:45 a.m. on three days: Friday, Jan. 23; Friday, Jan. 30; and Thursday, Feb. 12. To reserve a tour, call (650) 854-5900, ext. 0. Menlo Park district

The Menlo Park City School District will begin kindergarten registration Feb. 2. Parents should go to their home attendance area school to pick up a registration packet. Bring proof of residency (either a driver’s license or a current utility bill). To determine which school your child should attend, call the district registrar at (650) 321-7140, ext. 5600, or check the school locator map on the district website. Kindergarten orientation will be held at Encinal School on Thursday, April 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. in the Large Multipurpose Room. Laurel School will host a par-

ent meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16, in the Multipurpose Room. Oak Knoll School held its orientation Jan. 15. The districtís Spanish immersion program is accepting kindergarten applications for the 2015-16 school year. The goal of the program is to provide an opportunity for children to develop bilingual proficiency and academic achievement in Spanish and English. Interested parents must apply to the program during their kindergarten registration and will be required to attend a parent information meeting on either Feb. 5 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. or on Feb. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the TERC Building next to the district office at 181 Encinal Ave. in Atherton. For more information on the Spanish Immersion program call Tami Girsky at (650) 3217140, ext. 5624. Go to mpcsd.org or call the district registrar at (650) 3217140, ext. 5600, for more information about kindergarten programs or the registration process. Portola Valley

The Portola Valley School District will hold an informational meeting for adults only on both its transitional and traditional kindergarten programs at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at Ormondale School, 200 Shawnee Pass in Portola Valley. Registration packets will be available at that time. For more information, call 851-1777, ext. 2651. Woodside

Registration packets for the 2015-2016 school year will be available at the Woodside School office following an orientation meeting for transitional kindergarten and traditional kindergarten at 8:30 a.m. on March 3, in the Wildcats Room, 3195 Woodside Road. Birth certificate, proof of residency, immunization records and a physicianís report will be required before a child enters school in the fall. Visit woodside.k12.ca.us or call (650) 851-1571 for more information. A

In Honor Of

Mar & Popo Russ ....................... * Robby Babcock ...................... 100 Palo Alto Downtown Streets Food Closet ............................ 300 Tom Gibboney ............................ * The Liggett Family ...................... *

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N E W S

Atherton unhappy about Caltrain electrification project approval By Barbara Wood Almanac Staff Writer

altrainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governing board has approved the environmental report needed to go ahead with electrification of the rail service it runs between San Francisco and San Jose, and Atherton isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happy about it. A draft of a letter from Atherton Mayor Rick DeGolia to Caltrain says the town considers the approval of the environmental documents as putting â&#x20AC;&#x153;high speed rail one step closer to reality in Atherton.â&#x20AC;? Regarding the electrification project itself, Atherton â&#x20AC;&#x153;continues to have concerns related to noise, project timing, tree removal and pruning, (and) locations of wires and poles,â&#x20AC;? the letter says. The town has also asked Caltrain to help pay for safer gates at Atherton crossings and to give more specifics about its promise to reopen the Atherton train station, including train schedules. Athertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Council meets Wednesday, Jan. 21, starting

at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at 94 Ashfield Road. On the agenda is discussion of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response to the Jan. 8 approval by the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board of the environmental review and the electrification project. A report to the council from Town Planner Lisa Costa Sanders and Community Services Director Michael Kashiwagi says the town staff will work with Caltrain as the electrification project is completed to make sure the issues in the mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter are worked out. However, the report says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;with respect to high-speed rail, our position remains immutable. The impacts in Atherton are significant and we will stand in front of that train until our concerns are addressed.â&#x20AC;? Atherton had argued that the environmental report on the electrification project was not adequate because it did not address the environmental effects of high-speed rail, which the town says is inextricably tied to the electrification project.

The report from Ms. Costa Sanders and Mr. Kashiwagi says â&#x20AC;&#x153;the electrification project is dependent on the high speed rail project for fundingâ&#x20AC;? and the project is also designed to be compatible with high-speed rail. Several of the concerns Atherton had with the draft environmental document were addressed in the final version approved by the Caltrain board, including an

agreement to place poles for the electric wires in a way to require removal or pruning of the fewest number of trees. Caltrain also agreed to plant three new trees for each heritage tree it removes from outside of its right-of-way and one new tree for every other tree removed. Also on the councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wednesday agenda: Q Consideration of spending $8,000 to subscribe to Open Town Hall, an online tool currently used by Menlo Park and Palo Alto to get the opinion of residents on various issues. Q Final approval of regulations on cellphone towers and

other telecommunication facilities. The proposed law requires companies to pay the town to place equipment in the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right-of-way, to hold public meetings to discuss new facilities or major modifications to existing facilities, and to design and site equipment to minimize the impact on neighbors. Q Presentation of reports on the Peninsula Humane Society, from the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community services department; and on the San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District by Athertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representative on the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s board, Mason Brutschy. A

Woodside memorial for John Muldoon, 58 A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, in Woodside for John Andrew Muldoon, a former resident of Atherton and Woodside, who died unexpectedly on Christmas Day at his home in Columbia, California. He was 58. The service celebrating his life will start at 2 p.m. at Independence Hall, 2955 Woodside Road. Born in San Francisco to Paul and Kathleen Muldoon of Atherton, he attended Woodside Priory School and graduated from Woodside High School.

OBITUARY Obituaries are based on information provided by the family. After the death of his parents, Mr. Muldoon moved to Columbia in Tuolumne County in 1993. He owned and operated Your Window Man, a window cleaning service, for more than 20 years. Mr. Muldoon was passionate about the outdoors, spending many hours boating and fishing on New Melones Lake, the family said. His other love was restoring

old cars, boats and classic motorcycles. He had a soft spot for animals, opening his home to animals needing adoption and volunteering at the Humane Society of Tuolumne County in Jamestown. Survivors include is his wife, Kristin; his sister, Mary Elizabeth â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meâ&#x20AC;? Simon; and four nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Tuolumne County, P.O. Box 830, Jamestown, CA 95327; or online at hsotc.org/donate.

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+ 1 -/1 ,,0,.-*(1 (+ 2 -&.)+/*12 %1*$1 -'+2 '.+ 2 2 January 21, 2015 Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q The Almanac Q 11

C O M M U N I T Y

Big band swings into town for Herb Wong tribute By Renee Batti Almanac Associate Editor

he Palo Alto Jazz Alliance is producing its first concert since the death last April of its beloved co-founder, Herb Wong of Menlo Park. But music lovers shouldn’t worry that the Amateur Hour Orchestra is coming to town to entertain them. That’s because for its first event, the Alliance has accepted the Woody Herman Orchestra’s offer to perform a tribute concert to the organization’s longtime leader — a man known far and wide in the jazz world as Dr. Wong. The concert, which will feature 15 Woody Herman Orchestra (WHO) members and its

current vocalist, is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Menlo-Atherton High School Performing Arts Center. The performance will be directed by Frank Tiberi, who has performed with the band since 1969, and took over as leader shortly after Woody Herman’s death in 1987. Event chair Harvey Mittler wrote that Dr. Wong’s wife, Marilyn, received a call from the band’s directors, who proposed performing the “ultimate” tribute to “the man they revered.” “Woody and Herb were best friends and musical allies for over 40 years until Woody died,” Mr. Mittler said. “Herb remained a close, staunch supporter of the

Woody Herman Orchestra and its many musicians who carried forth Woody’s legacy as one of the best big bands Herb Wong in the country.” T he t ies between Dr. Wong and band members were so strong that the orchestra flew out to play at Herb and Marilyn’s wedding, according to a Jazz Alliance press release. Woody Herman and some of his band members also wrote tunes dedicated to Mr. Wong. Dr. Wong’s work in the jazz world didn’t include professional performances, but that

Most popular baby names Olivia was the most popular name for girls, and Lucas the most popular name for boys born in San Mateo County in 2014, says Mark Church, San Mateo County’s assessorcounty Clerk-Recorder. There were 5,879 babies

born in San Mateo County in 2014. The total number of girls born was 2,827 compared to 2,720 born the year before. The total number of boys born in 2014 was 3,052, compared to 2,872 the year before. The top 10 names for girls

were Olivia, Emma, Sophia, Natalie, Chloe, Isabella, Sofia, Elizabeth, Zoe and Abigail. The top 10 names for boys were Lucas, Alexander, Daniel, Benjamin, Ethan, Jacob, Andrew, Noah, Mason and Oliver.

H J TL O DW A F R S E M I N A R V E U E DL P T A X E S R T TW TL Y S A L E T B A S I C S DW Maya Sewald & Jason Sewald

The police department’s deployment of two fulltime traffic officers in 2014 contributed to a 10 percent drop in collisions, according to Menlo Park staff. Enforcement was concentrated on school zones, with 19 deployments at Belle Haven

Elementary, 15 at Willow Oaks Elementary, 37 at Oak Knoll Elementary, 13 at La Entrada Middle School, 17 at Hillview Middle School and five at Nativity School. The two officers also conducted road safety education for students and parents.

Maya & Jason present their

5th Annual Home Sale Seminar! What: You will learn the ins and outs of how the home sale process works including tax information from Tom Vocker CPA!

When: Saturday, Jan 24 9:30 - 11:00 am

Where: Pacific Union 1706 El Camino Real, Suite 220 Menlo Park, Ca

RSVP to Maya Sewald 650.346.1228 Maya@MayaSewald.com

650.346.1228 | 650.307.8060 Maya @MayaSewald.com | Jason@JasonSewald.com Lic #00993290 | #01732384

12 Q The Almanac Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q January 21, 2015

Jazz Alliance member Patty Boyle of Menlo Park said a special feature of the concert will be the participation by three high school jazz students in the WHO’s performance of “The Woodchopper’s Ball.” Tickets to the concert are $40, general; $35 for Jazz Alliance members; and $15 for students. They can be purchased locally at Peninsula Music & Repair in Palo Alto, the Record Man in Redwood City, and Vinyl Solution in San Mateo. They can also be purchased by cash or check only at the door after 6:30 p.m. the day of the event. The M-A Performing Arts Center is at 555 Middlefield Road in Atherton. For more information, call 650-345-9543. A

Menlo reports 10% drop in collisions

didn’t diminish his legacy as a star in that universe. He hosted a radio show on the nowdefunct KJAZ-FM for nearly 36 years, and continued his annual Christmas program on the airwaves at KCSM-FM until shortly before illness made that tradition no longer possible. He also wrote liner notes for more than 600 jazz recordings — including for Woody Herman recordings. Many Peninsula residents took his popular jazz history course at Palo Alto Adult School, which he taught for 25 years. And they also enjoyed summertime jazz concerts under the sky at the Stanford Shopping Center — a series he created and produced for many years.

C O M M U N I T Y

Trinity School students inspire Ebola donation Moved by a Trinity School students project on Ebola awareness, a local family has anonymously donated 20 Ebola worker protection kits and $30,000 worth of medical supplies through MAP International. Guided by service learning coordinator Kim Thacker, fourth-grade students at Trinity School in Menlo Park researched the cause and symptoms of Ebola, and learned about treatment centers built to contain the disease and the dedication of medical personnel helping care for Ebola patients. The students mailed cards to the workers to thank them for their commitment. The students learned about impoverished areas, where people seek widely for food, and tried

to understand why some people are afraid to get treatment. The fourth-graders received a letter from the Consulate General of the Republic of Liberia acknowledging the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work in bringing awareness of the Ebola crisis that faces Liberia. The Trinity project on Ebola is part of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s service learning program to help students identify and research local and global issues. The fourthgrade students chose to study the Ebola crisis, sparked by their commitment to confronting problems that hurt children, say school officials. Trinity is a private elementary school in the Episcopal tradition located at 2650 Sand Hill Road in the Sharon Heights subdivision in Menlo Park.

Photo by Kim Thacker, Trinity School

Grade 4 Trinity School students share their research photos and diorama of an Ebola treatment camp.

January 21, 2015 Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q The Almanac Q 13

C O M M U N I T Y

Dr. Norman Coplon, nephrologist and innovator, dies at 77 The online guide to Menlo Park businesses

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By Sandy Brundage Almanac Staff Writer

r. Norman Coplon, founder of the nonprofit Satellite Healthcare and an award-winning nephrologist who taught at Stanford University, died at his Portola Valley home on Jan. 11 following a long illness. He was 77. Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1937, he attended Syracuse University and then medical school at the State University of New York Upstate. He met his future wife of 53 years, Sandra, as she observed him examine a patient as part of her nursing program, according to the family. He asked her out the next day

when her date for the evening left for the restroom. The couple married in 1961. Ta k ing a Dr. Norman break between Coplon the first and second year of residency, Dr. Coplon went to Arizona to serve two years as a resident physician with the Army. In 1966 he and his family moved to California, where he completed his medical training at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco, followed by a fellowship in nephrology at Stanford University School of Medicine. He was named director of Stanford’s Renal Care Unit. In San Jose in 1973, he opened Satellite Dialysis, the first freestanding dialysis facility in California. It became Satellite Healthcare in 1999. Dr. Coplon and his team strived to provide a home-like setting to make patients feel like part of a family. The model proved to be a success and today provides care to more than 6,000 patients across six states. His daughter, Bonnie, described him on the Almanac’s Lasting Memories website “as a gregarious man who was

OBITUARY Obituaries are based on information provided by the family. the life of the party and, quite literally at times, a cheerleader of life. He often brought his children to football games at Stanford, where they’d sell pom-poms to fans in the stands. After the games they’d collect the pom-poms to resell at the next game, and donate the day’s earnings to the National Kidney Foundation.” In 2000, Dr. Coplon and Satellite Healthcare established the Norman S. Coplon Grants to provide funds to researchers seeking ways to improve kidney health. He received numerous awards, including the “Martin Wagner Memorial Award” from the National Kidney Foundation in 1979 and the organization’s “Man of the Year” award in 1992. Stanford University named him a Distinguished Fellow, and in 2008 endowed the Norman S. Coplon/Satellite Healthcare Professorship in Medicine in the department of Nephrology in his honor. He is survived by wife Sandra; brother Arthur; children Bonnie Hirsch, Dovid Coplon and Deana Bressel; 13 grandchildren; and a greatgrandson. A

Betty Everson, Menlo Park resident Betty Christine Wolfe Everson, 83, a longtime resident of Menlo Park, died in Provo, Utah on Jan. 7. Ms. Everson was born in Palo Alto and raised in Menlo Park, attending Las Lomitas Elementary School and Sequoia High School before graduating from San Jose State University with degrees in business and English, according to her family. After marrying Idaho native Charles Everson in 1954, she made a home in Menlo Park, although the pair also lived in Saudi Arabia for three years during the 1980s and traveled the world four times. The couple

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celebrated 60 years of marriage in October. Ms. Everson’s community service included Betty Everson working with schools and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She is survived by husband Charles; daughters Audrey Leonard and Deanne (James) Welch; sisters Beverley and Kathy Wolfe; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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14 Q The Almanac Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q January 21, 2015

Everything you need. Kindness included. Sequoia Hospital’s new Pavilion is now open. Not only will you be treated with the kindness you’ve come to expect, you’ll also be treated at one of the most advanced health care facilities in the Bay Area. Learn more at sequoiapavilion.org.

January 21, 2015 Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q The Almanac Q 15

Betty Christine Wolfe Everson

John D. Payne

September 11, 1931 – January 7, 2015

Oct. 29.1946 ~ Dec. 28, 2014 A beloved husband and father, John Douglas Payne passed away peacefully at Stanford Hospital on the evening of Sunday, December 28, 2014 surrounded by his loved ones. John displayed remarkable strength and courage as he valiantly fought for over seven years through many health conditions. Even in the face of these challenges, John’s love for his family and the life he shared with them only grew stronger with each passing day. John lived 68 full and rich years, beginning his journey in San Francisco, where he was born on October 29, 1946 to Winnie Bernice and Thomas Walter Payne. John had two older brothers, Thomas Payne and Robert Payne. After spending his early years living in San Francisco, John moved to Palo Alto with his family, graduating from Palo Alto High School in 1964 and attending Foothill College in the following years. John then moved to Menlo Park, where he lived for over 45 years, the last 32 of which were spent with his wife Kathy, whom he dearly loved. John worked in the printing industry for most of his life, where he took a great deal of pride in his work. A lifelong avid outdoorsman, John had an adventurous spirit and always chose to spen his free time in the mountains or at the ocean. In particular, John spent many happy times in Yosemite, a place that was deeply important to him. He shared this treasured place with his loved ones, taking an annual trip to visit some of his favorite spots, including El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, Half Dome, and Happy Isles. John’s memory is carried on by his loving wife Kathy, youngest daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Matthew, son Benjamin and grandson Dexter, daughter Megan and granddaughter Annabel, and best feline friend Nelly. PAID

OBITUARY

Gerry C. Wagstaffe Gerry C. Wagstaffe, a lifelong resident of San Mateo County, died unexpectedly at home on January 9, 2015 at the age of 55. Gerry was the cherished only daughter of Gerard and Jean Wagstaffe, both of whom preceded her in death. A graduate of St. Francis High School, Gerry received her Associate of Arts Degree from Foothill College in 2006 and her Bachelor of Arts Degree from San Jose State in 2012. She was a loyal follower of the San Jose State Spartans. Previously an employee of Raychem Corporation, Gerry was employed by Stanford Hospitals & Clinics for more than 28 years, most recently as an Inventory Control Clerk. She traveled widely in her free time. Gerry was especially appreciative of the care provided her by the physicians and staff of Kaiser Hospital and UCSF in her recent kidney transplant. Gerry is survived by her brother, Dennis Wagstaffe, his wife Cathy Wagstaffe, and their children, Jeffrey Wagstaffe and Elizabeth Wagstaffe. Gerry is also survived by her dear friend, Coulter Cleary, and brothers Raymond Wagstaffe, James Wagstaffe and Stephen Wagstaffe. Her brother, John Wagstaffe, preceded her in her death. A memorial Mass will be held in her memory on January 23, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 131 Marine View Avenue, Davenport, California. The family asks that donations in Gerry’s memory be made to Kainos (for “Pete’s Place”) at 3631 Jefferson Avenue, Redwood City, California. PAID

OBITUARY

16 Q The Almanac Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q January 21, 2015

Betty Christine Wolfe Everson passed away in Provo, Utah, on January 7, 2015. Born in Palo Alto, California, on September 11, 1931, she was raised in Menlo Park, where she attended Las Lomitas Elementary and Sequoia High Schools. She graduated from San Jose State in business and English. In 1954 she married Charles (Chuck) Everson, from Shelley, Idaho. In October 2014 they celebrated their 60th anniversary. Betty’s greatest passion was her family, always showing them selfless compassion and love. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Betty served faithfully in the church. She and Chuck lived in Saudi Arabia for three years in the 1980s. During that period, they traveled around the world four times—a dream fulfilled for her. She is survived by her husband Charles; daughters Audrey Leonard and Deanne (James) Welch; five grandchildren: Heather Leonard, New York; Clayton Leonard (Susan), Hawaii; Charlie Leonard, Utah; Nicholas and Jameson Welch, Palo Alto; and three great-grandchildren: Hailey, Grant, and Kimberly Sue Leonard. Betty is also survived by her sisters Beverley Wolfe (Santa Cruz) and Kathy Wolfe (Barb Verhage), Almaden, CA. PAID OBITUARY

Barbara Allen Johnson Barbara Allen Johnson, 96, a resident of Portola Valley for more than 50 years died peacefully on January 8, 2015. A dedicated class assistant in first grade for years, she loved Ormondale School and helped young residents both at school and as a home tutor. She mentored disabled children. She was a friend of Portola Valley library and active in the local informal jigsaw puzzle swap. She walked daily and shopped at the local markets. She made time to chat. As a member of the Stanford community, she volunteered at the Stanford Treasure Market and the thrift shop on campus, raising funds for the Children’s Hospital. Barbara Allen grew up in Wilmington, Massachusetts and graduated from Simmons College in Boston. While at Simmons, she met her beloved Bill (William Summer Johnson) who was attending Harvard. They married and moved to Wisconsin and then to Stanford where Bill taught organic chemistry. They made Portola Valley their home in 1960, but her heart never completely left Wilmington, Mass. She loved, and was loved by, Portola Valley, her friends, her cousins, and the animals, and all of the outdoors that she explored every day. She was devoted to her adopted pets from animal rescue, miniature house collections, and oil painting. She is survived by her cousins, Carlyn Ellms of N. Falmouth, MA, Chip Ellms of Ballston Spa, NY, and George Lindholdt of Muir Beach, CA. PAID

OBITUARY

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C O M M U N I T Y

Woodside district sells $13.5 million in tax-free bonds The Woodside Elementary School District has sold the $13.5 million in bonds approved by the voters in June at interest rates low enough to save taxpayers some money. District officials say a combination of an excellent bond rating, local investment, and favorable market conditions allowed the district to sell bonds that will pay investors between 2 percent and 5 percent of tax-free interest. Taxpayers will save $20 per year for each $1 million in assessed value of their property, because the tax rate will be $ 22.01 per $100,000 instead of the $24.05 per $100,000 that had been estimated, according to the district. Bond money will go to new preschool classrooms, a new combination theater and gymnasium, and a new design lab for hands-on projects, with constructions scheduled to begin in June. Bond money will also pay for deferred maintenance. Projected completion dates are early September 2015 for the preschool, the end of September 2015 for the design lab, and spring 2016 for the new multi-purpose building. “We are very excited to begin improving our school,” said Wendy Warren Roth, the district’s governing board president.

Pet of the week By Scott Delucchi, Peninsula Humane Society.

ope, this isn’t a Geico ad and this isn’t a gecko. Meet Iggy, a young iguana with beautiful green and brown scales available for adoption from Peninsula Humane Society’s Center for Compassion in Burlingame. Iggy is a great lizard who is tolerant of handling, once he knows his handler. Iggy will need daily attention in order to become more comfortable in a new environment. Iguanas grow up to 6 feet long and have specific light and enclosure needs, so Iggy would do best with an experienced owner who understands how to take care of these amazing lizards. Go to phs-spca.org or visit the Center for Compassion at 1450 Rollins Road in Burlingame for more information.

C O M M U N I T Y

Q P O LI C E C A LL S This information is based on reports from the Atherton Police Department, Menlo Park Police Department and San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. Under the law, people charged with offenses are considered innocent unless convicted. Police received the reports on the dates shown. ATHERTON Prowler: Two different residents reported seeing a man on their properties. They described him as slender and Hispanic, about 25 to 31 years of age, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall, and weighing 140 to 155 pounds. The first incident was on Sutherland Drive, where police said the man walked around and looked in windows. Soon after, a man reportedly entered and walked around a property on Mesa Court, police said. Homeowners said

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they thought the man was hiding in the pool house, but he was not found, police said. Jan. 17. Unlocked door:Police investigated a report of an unlocked door and windows in a Maple Avenue house, believed to have happened between Dec. 27 and Jan. 3. The home did not appear disturbed. Jan. 15. Theft: A resident of Laburnum Drive said her purse was stolen from her vehicle near Alpine Road and I-280. When the woman returned home her spare key, which had been in her purse, was in the front door’s deadbolt lock. However, police said they found no signs of entry into the home and nothing was missing. Jan. 12. Charges dropped: Drug charges against a Menlo College student who was arrested in November have been dropped, while another student faces an arraignment on drug charges Feb. 6. Charges against Joel Matthew Palabrica, 22, from Everett,

Washington, were dismissed at a preliminary hearing due to lack of evidence. Jan. 14. Dominic Ezekiel Jackson, 21, from Bellevue, Washington, will be arraigned on charges of possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of marijuana for sale, and conspiracy to commit a crime, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. He remains out of custody without bail. The two men were arrested Nov. 10 by officers from the San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force with the assistance of Atherton police. Police said 20 bags of cocaine, 77 Xanax pills, jars of marijuana, and $925 in cash were found in a dorm room the pair occupied. WOODSIDE Burglary: Someone deactivated an alarm system and evaded a guard dog to steal jewelry from a home on La Questa Way. Jan. 8.

William “Bill” Noren

Burglary attempted: The rear door of a storage closet failed to provide a would-be burglar with access to a house on Brookwood Road. The homeowner returned from vacation to find the storage door removed from the closet, which does not lead to the interior of the house. The damage to the door was estimated at $300, but nothing was stolen and there were no other signs of forced entry. Jan. 8. Theft: A pair of glasses, a pair of sunglasses, the car’s registration and, inexplicably, the owner’s manual, were taken from a vehicle left unlocked on Black Ridge Court. Jan. 9. Tow: A white Ford F150 parked in a no parking, tow-away zone on Canada Road was in fact towed. Jan. 10. MENLO PARK Vandalism: Someone shot the front window of a home on Willow Road with a BB

gun. Jan. 9. Burglary: Two people stole bottles of wine worth more than $2,100. Jan. 10. Assault with deadly weapon: Two men in a gold Honda Accord allegedly tied to a burglary in Alameda County rammed a Menlo Park police car in East Palo Alto before dumping the vehicle and fleeing on foot. Police arrested the passenger, 20-year-old Jatniel Espinoza Arias, of East Palo Alto, but did not locate the driver. Jan. 14. Auto Burglary: Q Someone smashed a window and stole a purse from inside a vehicle on Marsh Road. Jan. 15. Q Someone broke a window and took items from inside a vehicle at Bayfront Park. Jan. 15. Q Someone rummaged through a vehicle left unlocked overnight on Iris Lane. Jan. 15.

Jacquelin Mitchell

June 5, 1960 – January 5, 2015

December 31, 1931-December 29, 2014

William “Bill” Noren died peacefully at Stanford Hospital on January 5, 2015 due to complications of a ruptured aorta and subsequent stroke. Bill lived in the Niles Community of Fremont with his wife Lola and son Skyler. The phrases “Gentle kindness,” “Kind and gentle soul,” “Sweet, unassuming, gentle, caring, wonderful father and husband” were some of the quotes received from friends and acquaintances upon hearing of his passing. Bill was born to Don and Merillyn Noren in Concord, CA on June 5, 1960. He attended Lincoln Elementary, McKinley Junior High School and Sequoia High School in Redwood City. He attended Cañada College and San Jose State University to pursue his love of geology. He was an avid gold miner, taking his gold pan with him on camping trips and gold-mining excursions in the Sierra Foothills. In the late 1990s he moved to Garberville, near Humboldt, where he received a certification in permaculture at the Heartwood Institute. To satisfy his love of adventure, in 1997 he journeyed to Australia where he lived in a tent, in the Australian bush, for a year. He came back with hundreds of stories and pictures of his travels. He re-met his wife Lola at their twenty-year Sequoia High School reunion. They had gone to junior high school and high school together. Not having attended any previous reunions, he came to that reunion because something inside him urged him to go. It was the same feeling for Lola, who did not want to attend, but something urged her to go. Having just returned from Australia that day and reading the invitation, he did not have time to clean up and put on a fancy outfit as he rushed out the door for the 5-hour drive from Garberville to the Bay Area. He arrived at the reunion with a long beard, a Hawaiian shirt, shorts and hiking boots. But he and Lola felt a connection they had never felt before, and soon fell in love. They married in April 2002 and in September 2003 their beautiful son, Skyler was born. Bill was a baseball dad, helping coach his son’s little league team. He was excited to help the kids and always encouraged them. For his son’s 4th grade class, he shared his love and knowledge of gold mining. He taught his son the importance of cherishing and appreciating nature, protecting the environment, and being kind to others. Bill was always there for him and was an exceptional role model. His dream of retirement was to have acreage in a wooded area in Oregon and live off the land. Bill is survived by his wife Lola, son Skyler, his mother Merillyn, sisters Kimberley Dawn Findley and Cheryl Webster, nephews Christopher Warren Haskins and Andrew James Haskins, and brother-in-law Roger Findley. A memorial service will be held on January 30 at 2 p.m. at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, 950 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greenpeace. An educational trust has been set up for Bill’s son Skyler and checks can be written to Skyler Z. Noren and sent to Lola Noren.

Jacquelin Baumgarten Mitchell of Atherton died on December 29, 2014, after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband, Lincoln A. Mitchell, daughter Rebekah Ann Mitchell of Kentfield, sister Rebekah Ann Bashford of Idyllwild, and nephew Morris D. Mitchell and niece Elizabeth D. Mitchell, both of Soquel. Jackie, then “Miss Baumgarten,” taught kindergarten at Hillview School and then Encinal School in the Menlo Park School District from 1955 to 1961. She subsequently substituted in the Menlo Park and Palo Alto Unified School Districts as “Mrs. Mitchell” from 1962 until their daughter was born in 1969. Jackie was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, on December 31, 1931 and graduated from the Packer School in Brooklyn Heights, New York, where she made her debut in 1949. She also graduated from Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, Virginia, and the Denver School of Education in 1955. She met her husband on Friday, October 13, 1961, when he was a third year student at Stanford Law School. They were married two and a half months later on December 29. She died on their 53rd wedding anniversary. He described their marriage as a 53-year love affair and said that both of them would have signed up for another 53 year tour if they could. Jackie was active in the Junior Leagues of Brooklyn Heights and Palo Alto Mid-Peninsula, doing her volunteer work at the San Francisco Airport Travelers Aid in the evenings to accommodate her teaching schedule. She joined the Woodside-Atherton Auxiliary to the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford in 1977 and was the complex director from 1994 to 1996 and in 2002 for the Allied Arts Guild, which the Auxiliary operates on Arbor Road in Menlo Park. She leased and managed the various shops on the property for the benefit of the hospital. She also chaired the Friends of Allied Arts in 1998, 1999 and in 2001. She and her husband, and often their daughter Rebekah, together with the family Airedale, cruised their 26-foot boat in the Pacific Northwest during most Augusts for 40 years, from the San Juan Islands north through the coastal waters of British Columbia and southeast Alaska to Skagway, Sitka and Glacier Bay. They never tired of the snow-capped peaks, pristine forests and ever present salmon, eagles and orcas and the occasional brown (grizzly) bear. Jackie never forgot her students and was able to recall each of them by name and description more than 50 years later. She loved every last one of them. Her husband practiced law in Palo Alto for 50 years, always with her support. They were members of the Delta Yacht Club and the Ladera Oaks Swim Tennis and Fitness Club. A memorial service, followed by a celebration of life, will be held on Friday, January 23 at 2:00pm at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 330 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park. Burial will be private.

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January 21, 2015 Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q The Almanac Q 17

C O M M U N I T Y

RITING PROGRAM AT A STANFORD T UNIVERSITY

HE REAT A IVE

presents

Go to AlmanacNews.com/calendar to see more local calendar listings

Visiting Vis Vi issiting isit iting itin ititing ngg Writer Writ Wr W Wri riter itter

Classes/Workshops

Joyce Joy Jo oyce Carol Oates Oateess Reading

W E D N E S DAY , F E B R U A RY 11, 2015 8:00 PM C E ME X A U D I TO R I U M , Z A M B R A N O H A L L , K N I G H T M A N AG E ME N T C E N TE R 641 K N I G H T W AY , S TA N F O R D U N I VE R S I T Y FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Information: 650.723.0011 http://creativewriting.stanford.edu Sponsored by Stanford University Creative Writing Program Skylonda Mutual Water System 127 Blakewood Way, California 94062 Telephone 650 851-0154. Email: ta56@coastside.net January 6, 2015 IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre su agua potable. Tradúzcalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien. Dear Water User, The Skylonda Mutual Water System has been cited by the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water for distributing water containing quantities of trihalomethanes above the Maximum Contaminant Level of 80 ug/L (80part per billion.) NOTE: the contaminant level is calculated based on a running annual average of quarterly samples. See the table below: Date of Sample

Result (ug/L)

Running Average (ug/L)

9/23/13

81.44

81.44 = [>80ug/L]

12/12/13

58.67

70.06

3/13/13

82.4

74.17

6/26/14

122.3

86.20 = [>80ug/L]

9/11/14

84.21

85.80 = [>80ug/L]

10/31/14

124.11

92.19 = [>80ug/L]

11/13/14

116.94

95.72 = [>80ug/L]

TTHMs are a byproduct of the reaction of chlorine disinfectant with natural organic and inorganic matter in the water. The chlorine disinfectant is injected into the water in our system to protect from biological contamination. We routinely monitor for total trihalomethanes (TTHM) in our distribution system. These measurements tell us whether or not further treatment is needed to remove disinfection byproduct precursors from the water supply. We are currently developing a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to mitigate the condition. What should I do? You do not need to switch to bottled water. This is not an emergency. 0M P[ OHK ILLU `V\ ^V\SK OH]L ILLU UV[PÄLK PTTLKPH[LS` /V^L]LY some people who drink water containing trihalomethanes in excess of the MCL over many years could experience liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems and increased risk of cancer. If you have other health issues concerning the consumption of this water you may wish to consult your doctor. 4VYL PUMVYTH[PVU VU [OL LɈLJ[Z VM [YPOHSVTL[OHULZ PU KYPURPUN ^H[LY JHU IL MV\UK H[ [OL <: ,7( web site: http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/trihalomethane.cfm. If you have tenants, please inform them of this. With further questions please contact: Jim Smith, SMWS Board President, 851-1358. Nicole Adan, SMWS Board Vice President, 851-2192. Terry Adams, Chief Water Operator, (650) 704-4009. Karen Nishimoto, CDPH, (510) 620-3461. 18 Q The Almanac Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q January 21, 2015

Q C A L E N DA R

Beginning Clothing Construction Tuesdays, Jan. 27-May 26, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $138 (plus supplies and student fees). Canada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Woodside. Call 306-3370. canadacollege.edu/fashion Math Olympiad classes designed to foster a love of math and build analytical skills for ages 7 to 8 and 9 to 11. Fridays, Jan. 23-March 13, 4-5 p.m. (ages 7-8), 5:15-6:15 p.m. (ages 9-11). $224 resident; $301 non-resident; plus $15 materials fee. Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St., Menlo Park. www.menlopark.org/registration Persuasive writing and reading courses Saturdays, Jan. 24-March 16, 9:30-10:30 a.m. (ages 7-8); 10:45-11:45 a.m. (ages 9-11). $224 resident; $301 non-resident; plus $25 materials fee. Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St., Menlo Park. www.menlopark.org/ registration

Clubs/Meetings /LIHWUHH &DIH ¶%UHDNLQJ WKH &\FOH RI 6H[XDO $EXVH· Hour-long conversations discussing cycles of sexual abuse in families. Jan. 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Jan. 22, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Free. Bethany Lutheran Church, 1095 Cloud Ave., Menlo Park. Call 854-5897. www.facebook. com/LifetreeCafeMP

Kids & Families

%LOLQJXDO %DE\ 6WRU\WLPH introduces babies to Spanish through stories, songs and rhymes. Jan. 26, 11 a.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 8510560. &UHHNVLGH /HDUQLQJ /DE, innovative school for grades 4 and 5 in Portola Valley, holds open house to discuss philosophy, curriculum. Presentation at 2 p.m. Registration requested. Jan. 24, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Creekside Learning Lab, 884 B-1 Portola Road, Portola Valley. www.creeksidelearninglab.org Family Movie Night Atherton Library screens Disney classic, “Sleeping Beauty.” Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Jan. 30, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton. Call 328-2422. Red Panda Acrobat performance Wayne Huey gives performance of Chinese acrobatics, accompanied by traditional music. Jan. 21, 4-5 p.m. Free. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. Call 851-0560.

On Stage

¶(XU\GLFH· Palo Alto Players present “Eurydice,” a contemporary re-imagining of the Greek myth of Eurydice and Orpheus that explores themes of memory, love and loss. Recommended for viewers ages 12 and older. Jan. 16-Feb. 1, Thursday, 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $31-$45. Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Call 329-0891. www. paplayers.org ¶7KH /LEDWLRQ %HDUHUV· Greek tragedy by Aeschylus. Jan. 15-Feb. 1, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $22. Dragon Theatre, 2120 Broadway St., Redwood City. www. dragonproductions.net

Talks & Authors

Author Armistead Maupin visits Kepler’s to discuss ninth and final novel of his Tales of the City series, “The Days of Anna Madrigal,” in which the 92-year-old transgender San Franciscan delves into her past. Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. $15 general. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 324-4321. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/959556 $XWKRU (OL]DEHWK 6YRERGD RQ ¶:KDW 0DNHV D +HUR"· Book deals with breakthroughs in biology and neuroscience that point to selfless tendencies in the brain, as well as how selfless behavior can be encouraged. Jan. 26, 7:30 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 324-4321. www.keplers.com/event/elizabeth-svoboda $XWKRU -DQ (OOLVRQ chats with Ann Packer about her debut novel, “A Small Indiscretion,” which explores themes of desire, obsession and mistakes that return to haunt their perpetrators. Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 324-4321. www.keplers.com/event/janellison-conversation-ann-packer Author John McQuaid discusses his new book, “Tasty: The Art and Science of What We Eat,” which investigates the mysteries of flavor and looks at kitchens, supermarkets, farms,

restaurants, food corporations and science labs. Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 3244321. www.keplers.com/event/john-mcquaid $XWKRU 0DULD *LWLQ RQ ¶7KLV %ULJKW /LJKW RI 2XUV· Veteran civil rights activist Maria Gitin will give a talk and sign her book, “This Bright Light of Ours: Stories from the Voting Rights Fight.” Her activism has ranged from participation in the voting rights marches in Selma to involvement in (and awards from) organizations including the NAACP. Jan. 28, noon-1:30 p.m. Free. Black Community Services Center, Brandon Community Room, 418 Santa Teresa St., Stanford. events.stanford. edu/events/481/48199/ $XWKRU 0LFKDHO 6KHUPHU RQ ¶7KH 0RUDO $UF· Michael Shermer will come to Kepler’s Books to discuss and sign his book “The Moral Arc: How Science and Reason Lead Humanity Toward Truth, Justice, and Freedom,” a work of skepticism, science and reason that has been praised by figures including Jared Diamond, Steven Pinker and Lawrence M. Krauss. Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. $10 student; $20 general. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 324-4321. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1027111 $XWKRU 1LU (\DO RQ ¶+RRNHG· Nir Eyal will speak about his new book “Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products,” which provides a how-to guide for building better products. Jan. 22, 7:30 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 324-4321. www.keplers.com/event/nir-eyal $XWKRU 6DQGLS 5R\ RQ ¶'RQ·W /HW +LP .QRZ· Sandip Roy will speak in conversation with Richard Rodriguez about his debut work of fiction, “Don’t Let Him Know,” which captures multiple generations of immigrant family life. Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 324-4321. www.keplers.com/event/sandiproy-conversation-richard-rodriguez )UDQFLV )XNX\DPD RQ ¶$ 6WDWH RI &RXUWV DQG 3DUWLHV· Political scientist Francis Fukuyama will give a lecture at Stanford called “A State of Courts and Parties,” in which he will argue that the power and quality of the American state declined in the second half of the 20th century, due to the executive’s subordination to courts and Congress. Jan. 22, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Cubberley Auditorium, 485 Lasuen Mall, Stanford. Call 736-6247. ethicsinsociety. stanford.edu 6$)(5 %D\ 3URMHFW WDON Len Materman, executive director of the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority, will discuss the alternatives being considered by the SAFER Bay Project to provide further tidal flood protection and reduce flood insurance costs in south San Mateo County and Palo Alto. Jan. 28, 7-9 p.m. Free. Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, Oak Room, 700 Alma St., Menlo Park. www.lwvssmc.org 6WDQIRUG ([HFXWLYH %ULHILQJ ZLWK 3DXO Lienwand This Stanford Executive Briefing will feature Paul Liewand, a professor from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, who will discuss how companies can gain on their competitors by using a capabilities-driven strategy. Jan. 21, 7:30-9 a.m. $60. Stanford Faculty Club, 439 Lagunita Drive, Stanford. Call 725-3330. breakfastbriefings.stanford.edu

Teen Activities

$XWKRU 0DULVVD 0H\HU RQ ¶)DLUHVW· Young adult author Marissa Meyer will attend a special Lunar Ball at Kepler’s Books, where she will share and sign her newest book “Fairest,” the prequel to her series The Lunar Chronicles. There will also be a costume contest, activities, giveaways and light refreshments. Feb. 3, 7 p.m. $15 general. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 324-4321. www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/1047642 7HHQ :LQWHU %RRN &OXE The Menlo Park Library’s book club program for ages 12 to 18 will meet this winter to vote for which book the club will read. Attendees are encouraged to bring book suggestions to the first meeting. Snacks will be provided. Registration is required. Jan. 24, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Menlo Park Public Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Call 330-2530. menlopark.org/calendar. aspx?EID=816

Et Alia

¶6KH :KR 7HOOV D 6WRU\· Cantor Arts Center exhibit, “Photographers from Iran and the Arab World,” introducing 12 photographers’ works that span from photojournalism to fine art. Wednesday-Monday, Jan. 28-May 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday til 8 p.m. Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way, Stanford. museum.stanford.edu/news_room/ she-who-tells.html

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NEWSROOM Editor Richard Hine (223-6525) Associate Editor Renee Batti (223-6528) Lifestyles Editor Jane Knoerle Staff Writers Dave Boyce (223-6527), Sandy Brundage (223-6529), Barbara Wood (223-6533) Contributors Marjorie Mader, Kate Daly Special Sections Editor Carol Blitzer (223-6511) Photographer Michelle Le (223-6530) DESIGN & PRODUCTION Marketing and Creative Director Shannon Corey (223-6560) Design and Production Manager Lili Cao (223-6562) Designers Linda Atilano, Kristin Brown, Colleen Hench, Rosanna Leung, Paul Llewellyn ADVERTISING Vice President Sales and Marketing Tom Zahiralis (223-6570) Display Advertising Sales Carina Rodriguez (223-6577) Real Estate Manager Neal Fine (223-6583) Real Estate & Advertising Coordinator Diane Martin (223-6584) Legal Advertising Alicia Santillan (223-6578) ADVERTISING SERVICES Advertising Services Manager Jennifer Lindberg (223-6595) Sales & Production Coordinators Dorothy Hassett (223-6597), Blanca Yoc (223-6596) Published every Wednesday at 3525 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025 Newsroom: (650) 223-6525 Newsroom Fax: (650) 223-7525 Advertising: (650) 854-2626 Advertising Fax: (650) 223-7570 Email news and photos with captions to: Editor@AlmanacNews.com Email letters to: letters@AlmanacNews.com The Almanac, established in October 1965, is delivered each week to residents of Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside and adjacent unincorporated areas of southern San Mateo County. The Almanac is qualified by decree of the Superior Court of San Mateo County to publish public notices of a governmental and legal nature, as stated in Decree No. 147530, issued December 21, 1969. ©2014 by Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Subscriptions are $60 for one year and $100 for two years. Go to AlmanacNews.com/circulation.

Holiday Fund support strong this season

lmanac readers reached deeper into their pockets this care at clinics in Belle Haven and East Palo Alto. It also operholiday season to help their less-fortunate neighbors ates a mobile clinic at school sites. Most of the 17,000 registered with food, housing assistance, job-skills training and patients are low-income and uninsured, and live in the Belle other needs through the Almanac’s Holiday Fund. Reader dona- Haven, East Palo Alto, and North Fair Oaks areas. tions, along with contributions from several local foundations, totaled about $156,000 in this season’s fundraising effort. That’s St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room about $4,000 more than was donated last year. The funds will be split evenly among the 10 beneficiaries — St. Anthony’s serves hundreds of hot meals six days a week to peononprofits that serve people in need on the Midpeninsula. Since ple in need. It also offers emergency food and clothing assistance. its launch in 1993, the Holiday Fund has raised more than $3 St. Anthony’s is the largest dining room for the needy between San million for such groups, which often struggle to Francisco and San Jose. meet the needs of families and individuals who ED ITORIA L might be down on their luck and unable to get Second Harvest Food Bank by without a helping hand. The opinion of The Almanac In addition to individuals who have donated Second Harvest is the largest collector and disto the Holiday Fund over the past two months, tributor of food on the Peninsula, distributing the Rotary Club of Menlo Park Foundation, the William and about 52 million pounds of food last year. Thanks to donations Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the David and Lucile Packard from individuals and businesses, it distributes food to more than Foundation also supported the effort. The donations are handled 250,000 people each month through more than 770 agencies and by the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, which doesn’t sites in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. charge for administration of the program, ensuring that your gifts go straight to the nonprofits. InnVision Shelter Network Here are the 10 groups that will each receive a check for approximately $15,600 this year: This nonprofit serves thousands of homeless families and individuals every year as they work toward self-sufficiency and seek permanent housing. It provides temporary housing and a range Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula of support services, with 18 sites in Silicon Valley and on the With locations in Menlo Park and the North Fair Oaks neighbor- Peninsula. hood in Redwood City, this organization provides academic and after-school support and activities for 1,750 at-risk K-12 kids. Par- StarVista ticipants attend programs at least twice a week during the school year and receive tutoring, mentoring, and academic support. StarVista serves more than 32,000 people in San Mateo County with counseling, prevention, early intervention, education and residential programs. It also provides crisis intervention and Ecumenical Hunger Program suicide prevention services, including a 24-hour suicide crisis This program provides emergency food, clothing and house- hotline. hold essentials support, and sometimes financial assistance, to families, regardless of religious background. At Thanksgiving St. Francis Center and Christmas time, the program provides baskets to more than 2,000 households. The center provides services for families in need, with the goal of helping them live in dignity and become self-supporting members of the community. It serves about 2,400 people monthly Project Read-Menlo Park with services including low-income housing, food and clothing, Project Read offers free literacy services to adults in the Menlo shower and laundry, education, and counseling. Park area. It trains volunteers to work one-on-one with students wishing to improve their basic reading, writing and English lan- JobTrain guage skills so they can achieve their goals and function more JobTrain provides training and job-placement services for effectively at home, at work, and in the community. those at risk, including the long-term unemployed, the homeless, marginalized youth, returning parolees, and those recovRavenswood Family Health Center ering from drug and alcohol abuse. The center provides primary medical and preventive health

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LETTE RS Our readers write

School inequality robs kids of their future Editor: Silicon Valley, Menlo Park, Facebook, Tech Moguls, Starbuck’s, what’s not to like? A great place to raise a family and best of all the schools are great, thus positioning its children for the future. Except in the Belle Haven community, which is also located in the city

of Menlo Park, its child is not a part of the Menlo Park City School District but is in the Ravenswood City School District. Given a choice I wonder how many parents whose kids attend schools on the west side of the 101 freeway in Menlo Park would choose to let their kids attend school in the Ravenswood School District. The first years of a child’s education lay the ground work for his or her future. They will have an effect on the child’s whole life. That maxim doesn’t just hold true for the children on the

west side of 101; it is also just as true for the children on the Bay side of 101 in the community of Belle Haven. How dare anyone rob these kids of their future; how dare anyone diminish any child’s future? I’ve heard all the arguments in the attempt to justify this segregated system, but it all boils down to the same thing: “You People Stay Away!” Unfortunately Menlo Park is not unique in this regard; there are segregated school systems all over our nation and they’re growing. It’s especially painful

in Menlo Park because this city and its school system have the resources to correct the problem but won’t. The few decisionmakers who have looked into this problem were and are not popular. Many look at the violence in cities across the country and pretend that they don’t know why the people are so angry. I say, first look at their families, but always, always, always look at their school system. Matt Henry Hollyburne Avenue Menlo Park

January 21, 2015 Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q The Almanac Q 19

WWW.331GREENROAD.COM RARE WOODSIDE 91+ ACRE ESTATE PROPERTY CAN BE SOLD AS 2 SEPARATE PARCELS LOCATED JUST 2 MILES FROM THE TOWN OF WOODSIDE

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Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Square footage and/or acreage information contained herein has been received from seller, existing reports, appraisals, public records and/ or other sources deemed reliable. However, neither seller nor listing agent has veriﬁed this information. If this information is important to buyer in determining whether to buy or to purchase price, buyer should conduct buyer’s own investigation.

20 Q The Almanac Q TheAlmanacOnline.com Q January 21, 2015