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City, fire union deadlocked Page 3
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Chili chefs get ready for Palo Alto’s annual July Fourth cook-off page 16
2011
Voting for Best Of Palo Alto ends Sunday
Spectrum 10 Movies 24 Eating Out 26 Title Pages 34 Puzzles 49 N Arts
Painting a bold vision at City Hall N Sports Menlo coach goes to Warriors N Home Oxymoron? No, affordable clay and glass
Page 22 Page 29 Page 37
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Upfront
Local news, information and analysis
City, fire union deadlocked over minimum staffing Grand Jury calls minimum-staffing clauses ‘a disadvantage’ to cities by Gennady Sheyner
T
he tense negotiations between Palo Alto and its largest firefighters union remain deadlocked because of a dispute over the minimal-staffing provision in the firefighters’ contract, both sides told the Weekly this week. City Manager James Keene and Tony Spitaleri, president of Palo
Alto Professional Firefighters, Local 1319, both said minimum staffing — a guarantee that at least 29 fire employees will be on duty at all times — remains the great divider in the contract negotiations, which have dragged on since May 2010. In recent weeks, the union upped its offer to the city, agreeing to a
wage decrease, revisions to the pension formula and a proposal to share health care costs with the city — measures similar to those undertaken by other employee groups over the past two years. Spitaleri also said the union proposed bringing down the minimal staffing level from 29 to 25, even though he characterized the proposed staffing level as “the bare minimum.� The city declined the offer. Instead, management is focusing on scrapping the minimum-staffing requirement altogether. Keene
called the provision, which requires the same staffing levels around the clock regardless of how many calls are received, “an archaic approach to providing services.� “I think minimum staffing is absolute key (in negotiations) and has been from day one from the city’s perspective,� Keene told the Weekly. “It’s really difficult otherwise to get a handle on controlling overtime costs and to look at how staff can be deployed most effectively.� Spitaleri countered that minimum staffing is critical to maintaining the
department’s ability to provide adequate service. It is there to ensure the safety of both the community and the firefighters, Spitaleri said. He added that the department’s staffing level of three firefighters per engine is already low, by county standards. “Every time there’s a call, we’re relying on other cities for additional resources because we don’t have the staffing on our engines that we need, whether on medical calls, fires or in a major catastrophe,� Spitaleri said. (continued on page 9)
EDUCATION
Homework, counseling among new priorities In annual two-day retreat, school board, staff ponder policies to guide district by Chris Kenrick
A
(continued on page 8)
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Veronica Weber
third taxi service, that additional cabs would not create traffic or parking problems and that Singh has enough work experience. Singh’s team, which included two attorneys and a translator, produced five letters from individuals and businesses stating that a need for more taxicabs does indeed exist in Palo Alto. Though not in attendance at the hearing, Barbara Gross, general manager of the Garden Court Hotel on Cowper Street, asserted
close look at homework policies and high school counseling will be among the top priorities of the Palo Alto school district this fall. In 12 hours of discussions over two days, Board of Education members this week hammered out a rough list of “focused goals� for 2011-12, which will be refined and voted on in September. Much of the conversation was about fostering school climates in which students feel supported and parents think their kids are getting a fair shake. Superintendent Kevin Skelly said he wants policies that “weave together� academic excellence and social-emotional support for students so that “when you’re talking about one of those things, people don’t think you’re choosing.� The tentative list of goals pleased parents who have lobbied schools to explicitly address issues of academic stress — and their possible link to a devastating cluster of teen suicides that began two years ago. “I want to thank the board and the superintendent for ... taking steps to reduce academic stress and also for addressing counseling and connecteness,� said parent Ken Dauber, a founder of the school lobbying group We Can Do Better Palo Alto. “We don’t have to balance socialemotional well-being and academic success, because our kids are most happy when they’re successful at learning, and they’re most success-
Batter up! The boys of summer are back Outfielder Gabe Campos, center, of the San Mateo Little League American Team (ages 11-12), waits in the outfield during the District 52 tournament against the Redwood City Highlanders at Palo Alto’s Little League field on Wednesday. The American Team, which won 14-1, next heads to sectionals.
TRANSPORTATION
Taxi companies say: ‘No fare’ Application by A Orange Cab to pick up fares in Palo Alto is contested by Jeff Carr
C
oncerned that a new taxi service wants to horn in on their business, drivers from two cab companies that service Palo
Alto showed up at a public hearing Wednesday (June 29) to oppose an application by A Orange Cab Company of Santa Clara.
At times chaotic and noisy, the meeting focused on whether A Orange Cab owner Jorawar Singh could prove that the city needs a
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Upfront Redwood City - San Mateo - San Jose
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BUSINESS Penelope Ng, Payroll & Benefits Manager Elena Dineva, Mary McDonald, Susie Ochoa, Cathy Stringari, Doris Taylor, Business Associates ADMINISTRATION Amy Renalds, Assistant to the Publisher & Promotions Director Janice Covolo, Receptionist Ruben Espinoza, Courier EMBARCADERO MEDIA William S. Johnson, President Michael I. Naar, Vice President & CFO Walter Kupiec, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Frank A. Bravo, Director, Information Technology & Webmaster Connie Jo Cotton, Major Accounts Sales Manager Bob Lampkin, Director, Circulation & Mailing Services Alicia Santillan, Circulation Assistants Chris Planessi, Chip Poedjosoedarmo, Computer System Associates The Palo Alto Weekly (ISSN 0199-1159) is published every Friday by Embarcadero Media, 450 Cambridge Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306, (650) 3268210. Periodicals postage paid at Palo Alto, CA and additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general circulation for Santa Clara County. The Palo Alto Weekly is delivered free to homes in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, East Palo Alto, to faculty and staff households on the Stanford campus and to portions of Los Altos Hills. If you are not currently receiving the paper, you may request free delivery by calling 326-8210. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94302. Copyright Š2011 by Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Printed by SFOP, Redwood City. The Palo Alto Weekly is available on the Internet via Palo Alto Online at: www.PaloAltoOnline.com Our e-mail addresses are: editor@paweekly.com, letters@paweekly.com, ads@paweekly.com. Missed delivery or start/stop your paper? Call 650 326-8210, or e-mail circulation@paweekly. com. You may also subscribe online at www.PaloAltoOnline.com. Subscriptions are $60/yr.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK
‘‘
“There‘s no place like home.�
‘‘
Don’t pave over paradise. —Community gardener Rita Morgin, who objects to proposed changes to the Main Library parking lot that would impact garden space. See story on page 5.
Around Town
JUST DANCE ... Palo Alto’s debate over the future of Cubberley Community Center turned contentious Monday night when artists, school-district boosters and former mayors urged the City Council not to offer an 8-acre parcel of the center for sale to Foothill College. One speaker, Jo Gilbert, compared Foothill to a “200-pound gorilla� trying to impose its will on the city — a description that several council members rejected. Perhaps the highlight of the long and contentious public hearing came from DanceVisions, a dance studio at Cubberley. Laura Zweig, who teaches at the studio, showed the council a collage of photos featuring children who have trained at the studio since the age of 3. She then deferred the remainder of her public-speaking time to her dancing colleagues, who rose from their seats and indulged in a minute of synchronized clapping, swiveling and hip-shaking to the beat of Duffy’s “Mercy.� The surprise performance delighted the audience, who responded with a hearty round of cheers and applause. “That is a first,� Mayor Sid Espinosa observed once order was restored. PREPARING TO CHARGE ... By the year 2020, Palo Alto officials expect to see between 5,000 and 10,000 electric vehicles zipping up and down city streets. But while they agree that Palo Alto will be at the forefront of the trend, they are still trying to figure out the city’s role in supporting the gasless fleets of the future. The city already has free charging stations for electric cars in garages at City Hall, Bryant Street and High Street. Five more chargers are scheduled to be installed soon, thanks to a series of grants. But the city’s long-term plans for electric cars remain hazy. Though Palo Alto boasts two major electric-vehicle companies, Tesla and Better Place, and a bustling population of green engineers — factors that will undoubtedly make electric cars locally popular — city officials aren’t ready to blanket the streets with electricity outlets just yet. Samir Tuma, chair of the city’s Planning and Transportation Commission, said at a Wednesday night discussion of the topic that installing charging stations is an endeavor best left to private enterprise, though he advocated providing incentives to developers and companies interested in doing so. Tuma
raised questions about the future of charging and envisioned a time, 10 to 15 years from now, when the city would have centralized locations (much like gas-station hubs) where people would flock to charge their cars. Commissioner Arthur Keller, who switched to electric cars a decade ago, was more supportive of rolling out parking spots with Level-2 chargers, saying he expects these chargers to remain the industry standard for a long period of time. But he was less certain about how many charging stations the city should unroll. “I’d expect that within 10 years, that 10 percent of commercial parking spaces will be used by electric vehicles,� Keller said. “Whether that means 10 percent of the parking spaces need to be electric stations or not is an open question.� In the coming months, the city plans to brush up on the topic by issuing a request for proposals to the private sector, according to a report from Jaime Rodriguez, the city’s chief transportation planner. UPROOTED ... Former Palo Alto Mayor Peter Drekmeier is wellknown for advocating green issues such as water conservation, composting, farmers markets and the carbon tax. The latest foe on Drekmeier’s environmental agenda is the Ailanthus — an Asian tree also known (ironically, from his perspective) as “tree of heaven.� Drekmeier said the trees can be found near local creeks, along the Caltrain tracks and other spots that don’t face regular maintenance. These trees tend to spread their seeds around and have an advantage over other species, he said. “It’s a very tenacious, invasive tree and it’s getting a foothold in the creek,� Drekmeier said. “We’re very concerned about it.� Drekmeier told the City Council this week that he had recently started a habitat-restoration project that involves pulling out invasive species and replacing them with native ones. While he said removing the smaller Ailanthus trees is fairly easy, the large ones pose a problem. He proposed partnering with the city to apply for state grants that would fund the removal of these trees. He made his comments just before the council approved a grant application that would fund removal of invasive Spartina trees from the Baylands. “I think we can extend our good work from the Baylands out to the creek corridors and into the hills,� Drekmeier said. N
Upfront COMMUNITY SERVICES
Plan to connect Main Library, Art Center draws ire
Remove shed, (+4 to +7 parking spaces) New connector driveway allows shared use by both Library and Art Center Visitors, (-2 parking spaces)
Revise both parking patterns & drive lanes: net 23 spaces (+2 spaces) plaza,, Create new central p integrate landscape with current Library Landscape Design
Community gardeners fear loss of space by Janelle Eastman
A
are not ‘unused’ or ‘dead’ space but very much alive and appreciated by families with children, gardeners and anyone who walks through the gardens. Don’t pave over paradise,� Morgin said. But staff from city’s Public Works and Community Services departments wrote in a report that a fire-access trail currently running through the community gardens could be moved, opening up alternate space for garden plots. Morgin nonetheless argued that even with the removal of the trail and the addition of a driveway, there would still be less usable garden space due to exhaust from cars driving by. The goal of connecting the library and art center include improving access to the buildings, increasing the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists and creating a sense of unity on the site, city staff said. The driveway would enable cars to travel between parking lots when searching for a space, rather than exiting onto Newell Road and reentering down the block, which endangers pedestrians and bicyclists, staff said. The driveway plan would also bring new bike racks to the site to encourage cycling. A parking shed, which gardeners said attracts vagrant dwellers, would also be removed. As part of the three proposed designs, a crosswalk between the art center and the library would be widened as a safety measure for pedestrians. In the first design, the current driveway that runs in front of the art center would be retained, along with the narrow parking lot parallel to it. The second design shows the cur-
ART CENTER
MAIN LIBRARY
Newell Road
Net impact: +6 to +9 parking spaces
Courtesy City of Palo Alto
proposal to improve the connection between Palo Alto’s Main Library and its Art Center, both on Newell Road, is infuriating community gardeners, who fear the proposed improvements would threaten garden plots at the site. The library and art center are both scheduled for major renovations over the next two years. The art center closed in April and will hold a renovation groundbreaking July 16. The Library Advisory Commission discussed three potential designs last week. All three include the addition of a driveway between the main parking lots of the two buildings, removal of a parking shed and the addition of a central plaza. Commissioner Leonardo Hochberg said the buildings would be better connected with the addition of a curved driveway, enabling visitors to go between the facilities easily. But the plan to connect the library branch and art center has drawn criticism from visitors to the community gardens, which are adjacent to the library’s main parking lot. Up to six garden plots could be displaced by the driveway, according to preliminary plans. A new driveway would also create noise and pollution in the gardens, according to Rita Morgin, a Palo Alto gardener. The driveway would pass by the “Garden Annex,� an area that lies between the Main Library and Main Garden and serves as a meeting and play area for families and their children. “Putting in a driveway will ruin the quietness of this gathering area,� Morgin said. She also argued that the loss of garden space would have a negative impact on visitors and wildlife. “Bird habitat and buffer zones
Widen crossing for drop-offs & create new Art Center forecourt with planting planting, seating and improved pedestrian circulation to east parking lot.
Design Concept 2 for integrating the parking lots of the Main Library and the Palo Alto Art Center calls for a curved parking lot off Newell Road with a new central plaza, as well as a connector driveway between the old parking lots. The net result would be six to nine more parking spaces and safer pedestrian drop-offs, staff said. rent driveway curved and expanded to encompass parking spaces on either side (the current narrow lot would be eliminated). The crosswalk would also feature a raised platform acting as a large speed bump for cars. The third design shares the same concepts as the second but would also expand a nearby drop-off zone. The number of parking spaces could change, with the second option bringing the most additional spaces (up to nine) and the first option potentially resulting in the loss of one space. Hochberg said that before renovations are made, it would be helpful to talk with people affiliated with other Bay Area buildings that feature connecting parking lots. The preliminary designs will be presented to the City Council on July 11. If approved by the council, renovations would begin by the end of this year. Costs and funds for renovations are not yet finalized. N Editorial Intern Janelle Eastman can be emailed at jeastman@ paweekly.com.
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This Sunday: Checking the Time Rev. David Howell preaching An Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ
COMMUNITY
Voting for Best Of Palo Alto 2011 ends Sunday Vote on your favorite area restaurants, service businesses, retailers and more
R
eaders of the Palo Alto Weekly and users of Palo Alto Online can voice their views on the top establishments in or around Palo Alto through Sunday (July 3), when voting ends for the Best Of Palo Alto 2011. With a musical theme amplifying this year’s Best Of poll, voters can sing the praises of their favorite business. From manicures to Mexican food, yogurt to yoga, we’re asking you to single out the best restaurants, the best retailers, the best services and
2011 the best places for sheer enjoyment. Convenient online voting can
be accessed at www.PaloAlto Online.com/best_of. Vote for at least five categories by July 3 and then activate your ballot by responding to a confirmation email and you will be entered into a prize drawing. Prize winners will be contacted via email after voting ends. If you can’t find your favorites in the drop-down menus, submit them as write-in votes. Write-in votes help new businesses qualify for next year’s ballot. N — Palo Alto Weekly staff
INSPIRATIONS
A resource for special events and ongoing religious services. To inquire about or make space reservations for Inspirations, please contact Blanca Yoc at 223-6596 or email byoc@paweekly.com
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Upfront
Online This Week
These and other news stories were posted on Palo Alto Online throughout the week. For longer versions, go to www.PaloAltoOnline.com/news or click on “News� in the left, green column.
Police investigate thefts at future Facebook HQ Police in Menlo Park are investigating three separate thefts of copper wiring this month from the future headquarters of Facebook. (Posted June 29 at 3:49 p.m.)
Woman arrested after trying to run car off road A woman was arrested after allegedly trying to run her own car off the road with another vehicle after her car was repossessed in Palo Alto Tuesday night (June 28), according to police. (Posted June 29 at 12:36 p.m.)
EPA police conducting parole, probation sweeps East Palo Alto police conducted parole and probation sweeps throughout the city Wednesday (June 29) as part of an ongoing crackdown on gang activity. (Posted June 29 at 11:07 a.m.)
New head named for language, Tinsley programs A Palo Alto middle school administrator has been named districtwide “coordinator of academic success,� with responsibility for the English Language Development Program and the Tinsley Voluntary Transfer Program. (Posted June 29 at 9:53 a.m.)
Man kicks, spits at officers in Mountain View A San Jose man was arrested in Mountain View early Sunday morning (June 26) with more than 10 grams of cocaine in his pocket, police said. The man reportedly resisted arrest, and kicked, spat at and yelled racial epithets at one of the arresting officers. (Posted June 28 at 1:45 p.m.)
New study, same arguments in compost debate Palo Alto’s heated debate over the future of local composting reignited Monday night (June 27), with both supporters and opponents of a new facility pointing to a newly released analysis to support their position. (Posted June 27 at 9:56 p.m.)
Stanford Hospital, parents near agreement Stanford University Medical Center has offered to relocate a day care center to another campus site to appease a large group of parents who believe Stanford’s hospital-expansion project would threaten their children’s health, a spokesperson for the parents said Monday night (June 27). (Posted June 27 at 7:41 p.m.)
Robber shoots man in leg in Mountain View A Mountain View man was shot in the leg with a handgun and robbed of his pellet gun Monday afternoon (June 27), police said. (Posted June 27 at 4:06 p.m.)
Menlo Park burglary suspects tied to other crime Neighborhood watch works. A resident of the Willows neighborhood of Menlo Park spotted two strangers strolling through his neighbor’s backyard on Friday (June 24), and called police. (Posted June 27 at 2:24 p.m.)
Stabbing suspect arrested in Menlo Park A sharp exchange of words turned physical in Menlo Park on Thursday (June 23). Police arrested city resident Alamoti Finau, 69, for allegedly stabbing another man in the arm, police said. (Posted June 24 at 1:24 p.m.)
First Person: A conversation with Meg Waite Clayton Meg Waite Clayton has published three novels, including “The Wednesday Sisters,� which is set in Eleanor Pardee Park. In this “First Person� video, Clayton talks about the challenges and triumphs of writing, and gets in some quality time with her pet Golden Retriever, Frodo. (Posted June 26 at 10:02 a.m.)
Recent property owners get tax break Not many people look forward to hearing from the Santa Clara County Assessor’s Office. But close to 2,700 Palo Alto homeowners received a notice mailed Friday (June 24) letting them know that their property taxes have been reduced. (Posted June 24 at 10:04 a.m.)
Plane crashes, flips in the Baylands Three people on board a small Cessna plane escaped largely unharmed after the plane lost power, nosedived and flipped over as it approached Palo Alto Airport Thursday evening (June 23). (Posted June 24 at 9:03 a.m.) Want to get news briefs e-mailed to you every weekday? Sign up for Express, our new daily e-edition. Go to www.PaloAltoOnline.com to sign up.
Page 6ĂŠUĂŠ Ă•Â?ÞÊ£]ÊÓ䣣ÊUĂŠ*>Â?ÂœĂŠ Â?ĂŒÂœĂŠ7iiÂŽÂ?Ăž
LAND USE
Proposed downtown ‘gateway’ building debated Planning commissioners call for more apartments, greater height for ‘Lytton Gateway’ by Gennady Sheyner alo Alto officials would like to see larger developments near the city’s transit stations, but they are still trying to hash out exactly who should occupy these buildings. The question of what types of developments the city should encourage downtown bubbled up Wednesday night, when the Planning and Transportation Commission discussed a proposed four-story building that a developer hopes to construct at the site of a former Shell station on Alma Street and Lytton Avenue. The developer, Lytton Gateway LLC, is seeking a zone change to a planned community (PC) zone, which would enable it to exceed the city’s zoning regulations in exchange for a set of public benefits. Because the dense project would be next to the downtown Caltrain station, it would comport with the wishes of the City Council, which last year directed staff to explore allowing greater building heights and higher density near major transit centers. The Lytton Gateway project at 355
P
Alma St. was proposed in March as a 64-foot tall, five-story building with a cafĂŠ on the ground floor, office space on the first four floors and five apartments on the fifth floor. At that time, the commission voted 6-1, with Susan Fineberg dissenting, to initiate the zone change. Lytton Gateway LLC — which consists of Boyd Smith, Lund Smith and Scott Foster, with consultant Jim Baer of Premier Properties — has since scaled back the proposal to four floors and 50 feet in height. The retail component was roughly doubled and the number of apartments went up to six, which includes three units of affordable housing. The developers have also offered two electric vehicle recharging stations and new street trees. The project’s biggest selling point, however, is the location. In a memo to the council, the applicants said the new building will “further entrench Palo Alto as a regional leader in progressive planning and design, unquestionably aided by the Bay Area’s premier transit center across the street which beckons the
features discussed below.� These features would include widened sidewalks, more street trees, ground-floor retail and shortened pedestrian crosswalks at Lytton and Alma. Planning commissioners agreed that the proposed building’s location presents the city with great opportunities, but they had different opinions about how to take advantage of these opportunities. Some called for more apartments, others said they would like to see even more height and others lobbied the applicants to reserve the apartments for seniors. The commission did not take any votes on the project Wednesday, but provided a series of comments — some of them conflicting — to the applicant’s team. The development will likely see further revisions before it goes to the City Council for a vote. Both the city’s planning commission and the Architectural Review Board are currently reviewing the project and are scheduled to issue their own recommendations before the council rules on the zone change. N
School priorities
teacher I’m going to get hammered with no chance of an A, but if I get this other teacher it’s an easy A,’� board member Dana Tom said. Some board members worried that unduly harsh grading — particularly in high school math and science classes — could undermine students’ confidence and possible pursuit of the subject as a career. “I don’t know if anyone steps back and says, ‘Why do we give the grades we do, and what’s the rational objective,’� board member Barbara Klausner said. She wondered why, in one Advanced Placement biology program, 72 percent of students earn a 4 or 5 on the AP test but only 38 percent of them get an A in the class. “Are we asking our students to do more than the AP test requires or is there some other purpose we’re trying to achieve, because it certainly has an impact on students’ socialemotional health,� Klausner said. Board President Melissa Baten Caswell worried about potential consequences beyond high school. “The danger we’re creating there is that only the rocket scientists are going to be enthusiastic about studying those subjects in college and beyond,� she said. “Are we doing a disservice to a student who might be engaged and great at math but will never take another math course?� Skelly noted some grading disparities may reflect the behavior of a student who, while competent at the subject, “never does the homework and is always tardy.� Tom cautioned against imposing “top-down directives� regarding homework and grades, saying, “You won’t get much compliance.� Skelly and board members advocated more “professional development� opportunities for teachers as
a way for them to collaborate and potentially foster greater consistency in approach. Member Camille Townsend cautioned that a goal mentioning “consistency� could be misinterpreted and have the effect of “tamping down� particularly creative teachers. “As long as we have a base of consistency, I want to capture the individuality and excitement of each teacher,� Townsend said, mentioning in particular the historic re-enactments created for years by former Paly social studies teacher Mike McGovern. Board members said new structural policies, including the school calendar, start time and block schedules, have great effect on school climate. “If we look at this through school culture, we want to make sure we have a culture we designed rather than a culture that happens to us,� Caswell said. N
(continued from page 3)
ful at learning when they’re happy,� he said. Dauber’s group has pressed Gunn High School to scrap its traditional college-counseling system and adopt Palo Alto High School’s “teacher advisor� system, which uses teachers to augment the counseling staff. Neither Gunn nor the district has agreed to that — but officials did promise to bring in an unbiased outsider to evaluate the two systems and “share best practices.� In the homework area, board members said they may adopt a specific “homework policy� as a nudge to drive change in practices. “We’d have to form some sort of committee, get some PTA input and appoint some people,� Skelly said. “Pleasanton has been through this process, and I have their boardpolicy markup. We’ll do it with the board values of transparency.� Skelly said the faculties at Paly and at JLS Middle School have already taken steps to examine homework policies. Both Skelly and board members referred frequently to parent focusgroup meetings held last month, in which randomly selected parents were invited to talk about their experiences with the schools. Many parents raised concerns about inconsistency, in which a child’s experience — and level of preparation for the following year — too often depended on the teacher he or she happened to have. For high school students, differences in grading policies also were raised as a concern. “It’s not a good system if there’s inconsistent grading between classes and students think, ‘If I get this
Space Shuttle blog landing on Town Square Todd Heapy, a Bay Area photographer and animation artist, will be blogging on Town Square about the launch of the NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Heapy has been a space-shuttle enthusiast since childhood, and he will give Palo Alto readers a taste of the final shuttle launch with his blogs starting next week. The launch is currently scheduled for Friday, July 8. To read Todd Heapy’s Space Shuttle blog, go to Town Square and click on “Todd Heapy’s Space Shuttle blog.� N
Upfront
News Digest
LAND USE
Trash rates to rise again in Palo Alto
Veronica Weber
From artists’ studios to child care to classrooms, Cubberley Community Center is a well-used Palo alto institution. Here, students wait outside of a classroom for their class to begin on Wednesday.
School district asserts need for Cubberley land Opposing 8-acre sale to Foothill, board asks to work with city on ‘joint interest’ in property by Chris Kenrick and Gennady Sheyner
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ith the fate of the Cubberley Community Center at stake, Palo Alto school board members laid their cards on the table, saying future Palo Altans will need the entire 35 acres of the former high school for K-12 education. The assertion by the school board — in a formal, unanimous vote — came Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the Palo Alto City Council agreed to consider the possible sale of 8 city-owned acres of the dilapidated Cubberley site to the FoothllDe Anza Community College District. The school district owns the remaining 27 acres of Cubberley. School board members indicated they do not back a sale to Foothill and want to work with the council to “define and address� the joint cityschool interest in the property. With school headcount quickly rising again, Cubberley could be needed for a fourth middle school as early as 2015 and for a third comprehensive high school by 2021, school board members said. Until now, they had been reticent about when and how they might use the 4000 Middlefield Road acreage. Cubberley operated as a comprehensive high school from 1955 to 1979, when it was closed due to declining enrollment. Following that, it was leased to the city, which has operated it as a community center. The city took ownership of 8 acres at Cubberley in 2001 in exchange for returning the Terman campus to the school district when it was needed as a third middle school. Foothill, which currently serves up to 4,000 students in five leased Cubberley buildings, is looking to purchase and upgrade part of the former high school campus to create a “state-of-the-art educational center.� Foothill is also considering building its center in Mountain View or Sunnyvale. School board members said they were acting on behalf of “future Palo Alto residents and school trust-
ees� to preserve the Cubberley option for K-12 growth. Admitting they “could have done a better job� of planning, board members said they now believe working with the city “will produce effective and mutually beneficial decisions for the residents we serve.� “A deadline of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, much as I love them, should not be framing or driving this decision,� board member Barb Mitchell said. “If the city or school district loses control over this property, it’s a forever decision. We’ll never have the choice to change our minds.� Palo Alto’s district-wide enrollment, at 12,024 last fall, has been on a steady upward trajectory since hitting a post-Baby Boom nadir of 7,452 in 1989. Elementary enrollment in particular has grown quickly in recent years, and officials are scrambling to add up to 40 K-5 classrooms across the district. At its historic high in 1968 — when Palo Alto had three high schools and more than 20 elementary schools — enrollment reached 15,575. Currently, there are two high schools, three middle schools and 12 elementary campuses. Two former mayors — Mike Cobb and Lanie Wheeler — and two former school board presidents — Diane Reklis and Carolyn Tucher — pleaded with the school board Tuesday to block sale of the 8 acres. Another former school board president, Susie Richardson, advocated striking a creative deal with Foothill as “a springboard to the high school of the future.� While board members said they support technology-based innovations in education, they said they had difficulty envisioning a feasible spacesharing arrangement with Foothill. “There’s likely to be fundamental change in how education is delivered in the future, but the issue we have is one of time,� board member Dana
Tom said. “I’m not willing to bet the farm on the nature of the change, or when that change will take place.� Noting the school district, the city and Foothill “all have some overlap in what they want,� Board President Melissa Baten Caswell said nonetheless she doubts “the site is big enough to give everybody part of the sweet spot.� Caswell indicated the district “does not have additional money floating around� to buy the 8 acres, adding that she “can guess� but does not really know the city’s financial constraints and therefore would like to work together. In a presentation to the City Council Monday, City Manager Jim Keene said capital improvements and annual maintenance at Cubberley is projected at $10.2 million from 2012 to 2016. The city currently pays the school district $4.48 million a year to lease Cubberley, with that lease expiring in 2014. In addition, the city pays the district $1.7 million a year as part of a “covenant� under which the district agreed not to sell off any more school sites for private development. It pays the district another $600,000 annually in exchange for land at all 12 elementary schools that provide space for after-school child care, which is managed by the nonprofit Palo Alto Community Child Care. It also pays for utilities on the site. The payments are roughly equivalent to the amount the city raises through the utility-users tax, though not a direct payment from that account. The city-school cooperation on Cubberley arose after passage of the 1978 tax-cutting initiative Proposition 13, when community leaders were concerned that financial losses could threaten the schools. N Staff Writer Chris Kenrick can be emailed at ckenrick@ paweekly.com. Staff Writer Gennady Sheyner can be emailed at gsheyner@paweekly.com.
Palo Alto residents should expect to see their trash rates spike by 13 percent this fall to help cover a gaping budget hole in the city’s refuse operation. The rate adjustment would supplement the 6 percent rate increase the City Council approved for residential customers in October. If approved by the council, it would push the residential monthly rate for a mini-can container from $15.90 to $17.90. The rate for the regular 32-gallon trash bin would rise from $32.86 to $37.16 under the new proposal from the Public Works Department. The rate increases, which the council’s Finance Committee is scheduled to discuss Tuesday night, are part of a Public Works plan to close a $3.7 million hole in the city’s Refuse Fund. The fund has been struggling financially in recent years as residents increased their recycling efforts and switched from large cans to mini-cans, slashing their bills and creating revenue shortages for the city, which doesn’t charge for recycling. In October, the City Council raised residential rates by 6 percent and commercial rates by 9 percent. These rates are scheduled to expire on Sept. 30, but staff has recommended extending them into next year. In addition to raising rates, Public Works staff is proposing to construct a smaller Recycling Center with more limited hours of operations than the existing center in Byxbee Park. Other cost-cutting measures include freezing a Zero Waste Coordinator position and raising rent for the Utilities Department’s use of the Los Altos Treatment Plant site. The city is also exploring changing its street-sweeping services from weekly to biweekly or monthly, though that change isn’t expected to take effect for at least another year and only after a public-outreach process. The Finance Committee will consider the proposed rate increases at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Council Conference Room at City Hall. N — Gennady Sheyner
East Palo Alto school libraries saved School libraries will be open and computers running in East Palo Alto schools this fall after the Ravenswood City School District narrowly averted layoffs of its entire library and technology staffs. But the school year will be shorter, classes larger and two of eight campuses will close as the district, serving 3,600 K-8 children in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park, shaved $3.2 million from its approximately $39 million 2011-12 budget. Ravenswood trustees unanimously approved the budget June 23. After initially recommending layoffs of district library and technology staff members, Superintendent Maria De La Vega said she was able to preserve all seven positions by cobbling together foundation and grant funding. But 26 teaching positions will be lost — through attrition — because of the increased class sizes, officials said. K-3 class sizes will rise from 20 to 25, and fourth- through eighth-grade class sizes will increase from 29 to 31. Ravenswood trustees particularly struggled with recommended layoffs in the district’s maintenance staff, ultimately avoiding a vote on the layoffs. Instead, they asked De La Vega instead to work with local representatives of the California School Employees Association to make reductions in the maintenance department. Nearly half of Ravenswood’s $39 million budget comes from restricted federal and state grants targeted specifically to address things like poverty, special education, school improvement, migrant education and English-language learners. About 80 percent of Ravenswood students are considered low-income under government guidelines, 61 percent are English language learners and 30 percent each year are new enrollees, according to the Ravenswood Education Foundation. N — Chris Kenrick
Land sale connects Skyline, Russian Ridge In an effort to connect two land preserves and provide the community with greater access to trails and viewing locations, Palo Alto-based Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) sold nearly 100 acres of La Hondaarea land to Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) on Tuesday, POST announced. The 97.5 acres, which stretch along Alpine Road two miles west of Skyline Boulevard, closes the gap between Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve and its neighbor, Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve. The land was sold for $3.09 million, the same price POST gave to purchase the property from its private owners last December. Funding was aided by the California Coastal Conservancy, which contributed a $500,000 grant. Future plans for the land include expanding connections to Mindego Hill and the Mindego Ridge Trail, developing a staging area for viewing Skyline Ridge and creating new parking spaces, according to POST Executive Vice President Walter Moore. N — Casey Moore LET’S DISCUSS: Read the latest local news headlines and talk about the issues at Town Square at PaloAltoOnline.com
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Upfront
Taxis
ENVIRONMENT
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Landfill to close July 28 Recycling Center and Hazardous Waste Program to remain open by Aaron Guggenheim he Palo Alto Landfill and Composting Facility will close permanently July 28, changing — in some ways — how residents and businesses discard their trash. The landfill closure has been planned since 1965, though it remained open for more years than expected, according to Phil Bobel, the city’s environmental compliance manager. “We are throwing away less and recycling more,� Bobel said, referring to how changing habits extended the life of the landfill. After the landfill closure, excess garbage will be accepted at the Sunnyvale SMaRT Station located at 301 Carl Road. The fee schedule varies on the objects that are thrown away. It can be found at http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/ by searching for “SMaRT Station.� But, “nothing changes in terms of household hazardous waste and nothing changes at the Recycling Center,� Bobel said. Household hazardous-waste collection days are still held at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant at 2501 Embarcadero Way in Palo Alto on the first Saturday of each month. Additional information can be found by phone at 650-496-6980 or at www.cityofpaloalto.org by searching for “hazardous waste.� The Recycling Center at 2380 Embarcadero Road in Palo Alto will remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week, and accept all manner of recycling that does not fit in residential recycling bins as well as additional recyclable material that isn’t picked up. More information on what is accepted can be found at www.cityofpaloalto.org by searching for “Recycling Center.� Residents may still call GreenWaste at 650-493-4894 and request an annual pickup of excess (or oversized) trash. N Editorial Intern Aaron Guggenheim can be emailed at aguggenheim@paweekly.com.
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that increased competition wouldn’t hurt. “We find that there are times that we call for reservations and the taxi doesn’t show up,� she said. In response, drivers from Yellow Checker and California Cab — the only companies with permits to pick up fares in Palo Alto — stood up to testify, often out of turn. They said that no demand exists for another taxi service and that increased competition would hurt their business significantly. Palo Alto Police Officer Louis Amadeo called for order several times and once threatened to clear the room of the 30 attendees. Dave Logan, operations manager at Yellow Checker, said that his company received an average of 177 calls per day from Palo Alto in May and 232 in June, as of June 28. Dividing that number among his 120 drivers means there’s not much work for each one, he said, though he failed to note how many of those drivers were in Palo Alto at any given time. Logan also produced a statement from the general manager of the Sheraton Hotel on El Camino Real, which he called the most important taxi magnet in the city, stating that no excess need exists. Logan and many of his drivers also complained of “bandit cabs� that operate in the city illegally and further decrease demand for certified companies like his own. However, the police
department has found bandit cabs to be “not a real problem,� according to Heather Johnson, code-enforcement officer for the city. According to the Palo Alto Municipal Code, certified taxi companies in the city must offer 24-hour service, respond to requests as soon as possible and submit to annual vehicle inspections. Drivers must be licensed, drug-free and eligible to work in the United States. Signage, advertisements, taximeters, receipts, insurance and solicitation practices are also subject to strict regulations. A non-refundable application fee of $1,750 accompanies the documentation. Perhaps the biggest obstacle for applicants lies in the section of the code entitled “Proof of public convenience and necessity.� The section states that applicants have the burden of proving three points: first, that a public demand exists for their services, or at least that through them, public service will be improved. Second, applicants must prove that they have sufficient experience and assets to handle the work properly, and finally, they must prove that their operations will not increase traffic or parking problems appreciably. Johnson said that new cab companies begin the application process from time to time, but Singh’s is the first to reach the final hearing stage in about two years. A Orange Cab currently operates in San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Mountain View, all of which are heavily regulated, and Menlo Park, Ather-
ton and Redwood City, which are not. Singh began driving in 1999, and started A Orange Cab in 2004 with one car. He now owns 27 taxis, seven of which he said he plans to send to Palo Alto if he receives the permit. Singh listed only $22,000 in assets on his application, however, which the city and the opposing cab companies both found potentially problematic, especially if Singh must replace any of his seven Palo Alto-bound vehicles, each of which have logged more than 150,000 miles. Bikram Singh, owner of California Cab, said: “I started a cab company 20 years ago and was rejected five or six times by the City of Palo Alto. I had more assets than that, but they said it wasn’t enough.� Yellow Checker Cab, which operates both the Yellow Cab and Checker Cab lines, and California Cab are based in San Jose. Singh’s attorneys encouraged the city to allow the free market to function, especially for a family man with a good business reputation. But the numerous current taxi drivers who say their jobs are in jeopardy have a different perspective. John Winters, who has been picking up fares in Palo Alto since 1979, said: “The point is that if we can’t survive as individual drivers, we’re going to start dropping off. We’re going to go find something else to do.� Amadeo is expected to make his decision on the issue next week. N Editorial Intern Jeff Carr can be emailed at jcarr@paweekly.com.
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The minimum-staffing clause has become a target for the City Council over the past two years, as city revenues have declined while Fire Department costs continued to escalate. In February, the council heard a report from two consultants, ICMA (International City/County Management Association) and TriData, who reviewed the department and recommended a long list of reforms, including abolishing the minimum-staffing provision. The consultants wrote in their report that the city “should never agree to a minimum staffing requirement that establishes the total force as this equates to establishing the level of service provided.� A recent report from the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury, which reviewed all 15 fire departments in the county, made a similar finding. The report criticizes fire unions for relying on outdated service models and for resisting change even as this model is no longer sustainable, particularly now that the majority of calls are medical emergencies. “Logic would dictate that SCC fire departments’ continued insistence on clinging to a 100-year-old response model designed to fight structure fires makes no sense given the modern reality that structure fires are the exception and medical emergencies are the norm,� the report stated. The Grand Jury report takes particular aim at departments with minimum-staffing provisions. The requirement, the report argues, takes away the fire departments’ ability to adjust service levels based on service demand. “Those cities with fire contracts mandating minimum-staffing levels and crew size are at a disadvantage compared to those with the discretion to staff as needed,� the report stated. “In minimum-staffing jurisdictions, fire chiefs have no flexibility to adapt crew composition, equipment assignments, or the form of response in the most efficient and effective manner.� The report also takes a swipe at firefighter unions, claiming that union leaders are doing a good job supporting union members but not enough when it comes to making the necessary changes. In Palo Alto, the union tried to permanently freeze staffing levels last year, when it put a measure on the November ballot that would have required the city to hold an election any time it wanted to reduce staff or close fire stations. City voters overwhelmingly shot down the proposal, with 75 percent voting “no.� The Grand Jury report claims the firefighters’ resistance to change has diminished their reputation in the public eye. “But unions must see that firefighter reputation is tarnished by a public perception of union greed, particularly in an economic environment where such greed — manifested by negotiations intractability — is forcing other necessary and popular city services, such as parks, libraries and recreation, to be cut,� the report states. “The result is a clear impression of firefighters as self-serving rather than community serving.�
the arbitration requirement, which is currently encoded in the City Charter. Any change to this provision would have to be approved by the voters. The council’s Policy and Services Committee discussed the issue Tuesday night and considered a long list of changes that could be implemented, including limiting the arbitrators’ input to wages and benefits and requiring them to consider the city’s overall financial picture and the impacts of their rulings on other city services. The council will consider in late July whether to place these changes, or a repeal of binding arbitration, on the November ballot. N Staff Writer Gennady Sheyner can be emailed at gsheyner@ paweekly.com.
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Minimum staffing
Spitaleri, a retired Palo Alto fire captain, called the Grand Jury report “biased� and inaccurate in its characterization of firefighters. The union, he said, has more than stepped up to meet the city’s financial challenges, offering concessions that he said would have saved the city about $3.1 million. If the two sides don’t reach an agreement on minimum staffing, the issue could end up getting settled by an arbitration panel, which is scheduled to resolve the contract dispute in the fall. The discussion over minimum staffing is one of two long-standing issues of disagreement between city management and firefighters. Even as negotiations are preparing to go to binding arbitration, the council is considering scrapping or repealing
Palo Alto government action this week
Public Art Commission (June 23)
Public art: The commission approved artwork donated by artist Nora Raggio. Yes: Unanimous Discussions: The commission heard reports on upcoming projects at the Water Treatment Plant and Recycling Center, the commission’s publicity brochure and the city’s library projects, and further discussed either restoring a sculpture or selecting a new piece by artist David Bottini. Action None
Board of Education (June 27 and June 28)
Goals for 2011-12: In a two-day retreat held at the University Club of Palo Alto, board members discussed possible “focused goals� for the 2011-12 school year. The draft goals will be refined and voted on in September. Action None
City Council (June 27)
Compost: The council discussed the draft feasibility study for an anaerobic digestion facility in the Baylands and directed staff to return with the final report in the fall. Yes: Unanimous Cubberley: The council approved a letter to the Foothill-De Anza College District expressing the city’s interest in negotiating sale of an 8-acre parcel at Cubberley Community Center. Yes: Espinosa, Klein, Price, Scharff, Shepherd, Yeh No: Burt, Holman, Schmid
Board of Education (June 28)
Cubberley: The board passed a motion stating its belief that future Palo Alto residents will need “35 contiguous acres� at Cubberley to meet the need for K-12 education, and that the school district should work with the City of Palo Alto to “define and address� their joint interest in Cubberley. Yes: Unanimous
Policy and Services Committee (June 28)
Arbitration: The committee considered a list of possible changes that could be made to the city’s binding-arbitration provision. It will resume the discussion on July 12. Action: None
Planning & Transportation Commission (June 29)
355 Alma St.: The commission discussed a proposal for a four-story, mixed-use building at the former Shell station site at 355 Alma St. Commissioners recommended more residential units, greater height and senior housing. Action: None Electric Vehicles The commission discussed the city’s policies for electric vehicles and encouraged staff to pursue grants for installation of charging stations at city facilities. Action: None
Public Agenda A preview of Palo Alto government meetings next week CITY COUNCIL ... The council has no meeting scheduled. FINANCE COMMITTEE ... The committee plans to discuss the fiscal year 2011 reappropriation requests to be carried forward to fiscal year 2012 and proposed rate increases for garbage rates. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5, in the Council Conference Room at City Hall (250 Hamilton Ave.). HISTORIC RESOURCES BOARD ... The board plans to discuss Edgewood Plaza, a proposal to renovate three retail structures, relocate one structure and construct 10 homes at 2080 Channing Ave. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, in the Council Chambers at City Hall (250 Hamilton Ave.). ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD ... The commission plans to consider a proposal by Jimmy Chang on behalf of AEK Partnership for design modifications to the exterior of 383 University Ave.; and review the design of Hohbach Realty Company’s proposed 157,387-square-foot building at 195 Page Mill Road. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 7, in the Council Chambers at City Hall (250 Hamilton Ave.).
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Editorial
The Cubberley conundrum As Foothill College seeks to upgrade or move its Cubberley campus, Palo Alto school and city officials struggle over how to plan for the community’s own future needs for the site
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s with many Palo Alto issues, the current debate over whether the City of Palo Alto should enter into negotiations to sell part of the Cubberley Community Center to Foothill College is like a Rubik’s Cube. Aligning all the well-intentioned stakeholders may be practically impossible, especially given the large number of uncertainties. The complexity of the factors at play are staggering. It begins with the fact that 8 of the 35 acres at the former Cubberley High School site at 4000 Middlefield Road are owned by the City of Palo Alto and the remaining 27 acres are owned by the Palo Alto Unified School District. This odd configuration stems from the city leasing the entire 35 acres from the district in 1989 but then acquiring ownership of 8 acres when a new middle school was needed and the city swapped the Terman Middle School site (which it owned) for the space at Cubberley. The 8 acres are at the north end of the site and include most of the classrooms, two small parking lots and six tennis courts. The 27 acres owned by the school district consist of a few classrooms, the theater, gyms, multi-purpose rooms, two large parking lots and all the playing fields. Foothill College currently leases about 40,000 square feet of space at Cubberley, roughly half of it from the city and half from the school district. The balance of the space is occupied by artists, two private schools, some city staff, nonprofit organizations and a few businesses. The city receives about $2.5 million a year in rent (at well below market rates) and its cost of operating the facility are roughly the same. The 1989 lease deal came at a time when the school district was facing big financial challenges and, together with the city, orchestrated a complex deal that included a 35-year lease of Cubberley, an agreement whereby the school district pledged not to sell off its unneeded school sites and to provide space for after-school child care at all elementary sites. It was deemed a “win-winâ€? because it gave the city a community center in south Palo Alto, retained school sites for possible future use, and provided much-needed child care. But it came with a huge price tag, with annual payments that have now grown to more than $7 million. How did the city come up with the money to support this deal? By passing a Utility User’s Tax that now generates more than $11 million a year from local residents and businesses. Meanwhile, finances aside, there is concern over the growing enrollment at Gunn and Palo Alto high schools, the steady increases in elementary school enrollment and the prospect of additional students due to new housing development. And in the midst of this, along comes Foothill College, sitting on millions of dollars in voter-approved bond money for capital projects that it would like to invest in a new “education centerâ€? in either Palo Alto, Mountain View or Sunnyvale. For the third time in the last four years it is eyeing the 8-acre site at Cubberley. In the perfect world there would be a wonderful and innovative collaboration between the Palo Alto school district and Foothill College, facilitated by the city, in which Cubberley would be transformed into a unique campus functioning both as a high school and a community college, serving both teens and adults. It is that dream that led six City Council members Monday night to vote in support of sending a letter of interest to Foothill, despite an overwhelming negative response from the public. At stake, one can assume, is Foothill’s presence in Palo Alto. If it can’t secure the space it wants here, it will probably go elsewhere. For both the Palo Alto council and the school board, however, there is more at stake than Foothill’s local campus. While the dream of an integrated education facility is one we share, it is even more important that policymakers responsibly plan for the long-term needs of our local school district, including the possible need for a third high school. The city could proceed with talks with Foothill and put the burden on the school district to exercise its right of first refusal, meaning it would have to step in front of Foothill and buy back the 8 acres. But that kind of jockeying between public agencies is not in the spirit of cooperation that this community expects. Cubberley is in disrepair, and neither the city nor the school district has a plan for dealing with it. That neglectful stewardship is shameful and is what makes the Foothill offer tempting. If further talks, ideally in public rather than in secret, can produce creative development ideas that preserve the ability for Cubberley to house a high school in the future, then it may be worth the effort. Otherwise we have no choice but to let Foothill go, find replacement tenants, and begin a discussion on how to maximize the value of Cubberley to the community over the long-term. Page 10ĂŠUĂŠ Ă•Â?ÞÊ£]ÊÓ䣣ÊUĂŠ*>Â?ÂœĂŠ Â?ĂŒÂœĂŠ7iiÂŽÂ?Ăž
Spectrum Editorials, letters and opinions
Online anonymity Editor, When I heard of your “Support Local Journalism� effort I immediately made a contribution and hope many other readers will do the same. I fear for the future of the venture, however, unless the Weekly is able to offer some exclusive, tangible benefit to members. One suggestion might be that only members would be entitled to comment online on the newspaper’s website — using a system where identities are verified, and responsibility and courtesy are fostered. Unfortunately I expect the Weekly will continue to follow the orthodoxy that has ruined so many newspaper websites, i.e., allowing anonymous postings, sometimes horrific. Yes, moderation can help, but it cannot turn an open site where people take no responsibility for their words into a venue for useful discussion, any more than the most zealous janitor could turn a public bathroom into a place where one would want to hang out and eat a meal. Like other newspapers, the Weekly needs to appreciate that there’s a disconnect between, on the one hand, requiring a name, address, and phone number for letters that
This week on Town Square Posted June 29 at 11:40 a.m. by Frank, a resident of the Ventura neighborhood: If the PAUSD wants to reclaim Cubberley (the part the city owns) they will have to pay for it and they don’t have any money to do that. They sold it and many other campuses then spent that money keeping programs running. I’m not saying that was a bad idea at the time but to buy back the land then rebuild the campus will cost a significant amount of money. Developer fees won’t come close. Personally I’d vote to raise money to pay for this, but I’m not sure how many others would. I also like Foothill and think they should have a nice new campus — it’s quite a benefit to us. Posted June 30 at 11:56 a.m. by Concerned parent, a resident of the South of Midtown neighborhood: There is no way that there is enough space for Foothill and a high school campus, let alone another school. There are 12 acres of fields that cannot be built upon. They need space for parking. I believe that the two high schools we currently have are about 40 acres each.
might be printed and, on the other hand, freely allowing anonymous graffiti online. Jonathan Angel Ashton Court Palo Alto
City needs Cubberley Editor, If the City Council responds favorably to Foothill College’s request to acquire the 8 acres of Cubberley owned by the city, the result will be an intensification of the site beyond its capacity; the loss of valuable community-serving uses, including more than 300 childcare slots; and the precluding of the school district’s ability to re-open the campus with sorely needed secondary classroom space. Foothill has been an excellent tenant at Cubberley. Their expansion plans will draw residents from the entire north county area. The new satellite campus might be a
good use were it not for the dearth of public facility zoned land to serve not only the current but future requirements of our own Palo Alto residents. Recent discussions of the need for a new public-safety building and vastly expanded elementary school space, to say nothing of ABAG’s demand that we make room for up to 14,000 additional housing units, illustrate that we can ill afford to let these 8 acres be used for anything other than to provide for our own residents’ needs. To sell, or even long-term lease, one of the city’s most important capital assets would be irresponsible — a terrible mistake that would forever penalize its current and future citizens and diminish Palo Alto’s legacy. Mike Cobb and Lanie Wheeler Former mayors of Palo Alto Dixon Place and Diablo Court Palo Alto
YOUR TURN The Palo Alto Weekly encourages comments on our coverage or on issues of local interest.
What do you think? What should the City of Palo Alto do with the 8 acres it owns at Cubberley Community Center? Submit letters to the editor of up to 250 words to letters@paweekly.com. Include your name, address and daytime phone number so we can reach you. We reserve the right to edit contributions for length, objectionable content, libel and factual errors known to us. Anonymous letters will generally not be accepted. You can also participate in our popular interactive online forum, Town Square, at our community website at www.PaloAltoOnline.com. Read blogs, discuss issues, ask questions or express opinions with you neighbors any time, day or night. Submitting a letter to the editor or guest opinion constitutes a granting of permission to the Palo Alto Weekly and Embarcadero Media to also publish it online, including in our online archives and as a post on Town Square. For more information contact Editor Jocelyn Dong or Online Editor Tyler Hanley at editor@paweekly.com or 650-326-8210.
Check out Town Square! Hundreds of local topics are being discussed by local residents on Town Square, a reader forum sponsored by the Weekly on our community website at www.PaloAltoOnline.com. Post your own comments, ask questions, read the Editor’s blog or just stay up on what people are talking about around town!
Guest Opinion
Why your help is needed to keep local journalism strong by Bill Johnson “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.� —Thomas Jefferson
T
homas Jefferson might well sound the alarm today about profound changes underway in the media business, ranging from the way news is gathered and presented to the way it is funded. These changes are threatening the viability of quality local journalism everywhere. Imagine trying to stay informed on the issues before the City Council or school board without journalists covering the meetings, asking questions and presenting analyses for debate and discussion throughout the community. Whether you now obtain your news from the Palo Alto Weekly or from Palo Alto Online, or both, you are depending on a dedicated staff of local reporters and editors working hard to bring you the most important news of the community. Local weekly newspapers have traditionally been the heart and soul of a community’s identity and culture. They reflect the values of the residents and businesses, challenge assumptions and shine a light on our community’s imperfections and aspirations.
But as more residents turn online to stay informed about local news, and businesses rocked by the recession turn to inexpensive marketing alternatives, the traditional business model that allowed local journalism to be supported primarily through advertising is quickly evaporating. That’s why we’ve launched our campaign to Support Local Journalism. Unlike national and international news, there is no substitute for locally produced news. By its very nature, local news depends on local newsgathering. Local news is as popular and as highly valued as ever. In fact, the total number of people we reach has expanded substantially due to our website and “Express,� our popular news digest sent out by email every weekday morning to more than 13,000 local residents. All of our efforts are geared to creating greater public awareness and engagement — toward building a stronger community. So if local readership interest has never been greater, what’s the problem? The problem is that the advertising business model for newspapers no longer works the way it used to. Craigslist is a prime example of this. Classified ads used to make up a significant portion of newspaper ad revenue. If you wanted to buy a used car, rent an apartment, look for a job or a mate, you opened your newspaper and scanned the ads. Add the current worldwide economic crisis
and you have the “perfect storm� of radical change in the news and information industry and how it is financed, at every level. Bottom line: The days of expecting local advertising to fund 90 percent of the cost of operating a quality local media organization are gone. We need you — the citizens who value and benefit from the professional reporting we do and who recognize the critical role of
the media in monitoring and, when needed, challenging the actions of local government and other institutions — to commit to funding a much greater share of our operations. So here is our proposition: Sign up to become a “subscribing member� and agree to an automated monthly credit card (or bank debit) charge of $5, $8 or $10. By automating this process, you eliminate the need for us to spend money to repeatedly solicit your renewal of support. You can, of course, cancel at any time. Or, if you prefer, make a single annual payment. As a member, we will provide you with
some special “perks� that you might enjoy or appreciate, including a “Support Local Journalism� bumper sticker, a small gift and special invitations to events and offers from local businesses. It’s simple. Go to www.SupportLocalJournalism.org/PaloAlto and fill out the online form, or phone us at 326-8210. Or simply return the form you should have received in the mail earlier this week. Can’t afford it right now? That’s fine. You’ll continue to receive the Weekly and be able to use Palo Alto Online free of charge. We’re not requiring subscription memberships, just urging readers to acknowledge the value and cost of quality local journalism. We hope and believe the vast majority of residents have always shared our view of the value and necessity of a strong local media and are willing to provide support equal to two or three cups of coffee a month to secure its future. This same model works well for KQED, so why not in support of the media organization that focuses exclusively on our community? Thanks for doing your part to keep strong local journalism alive and well in Palo Alto and our surrounding communities. N Bill Johnson is publisher and founder of the Palo Alto Weekly and president of Embarcadero Media.
Streetwise
Who would you like to see on the ballot for the next presidential election? Asked on Cambridge Avenue, Palo Alto. Interviews and photographs by Janelle Eastman and Jeff Carr.
Aaron Andrikopoulos
Barbara Wright
Xiomara Pinto
Vicki Wilhite
Steve Rock
“I am a big Obama supporter so I don’t care much who’s on the other side.�
“Maybe Hillary Clinton or Michelle Bachman.�
“Not Sarah Palin.�
“I’m not a Republican but if I had to choose for that side it would probably be Jon Huntsman.�
“I would like to see Dennis Kucinich on the ballot.�
Tutoring Company Employee Burgoyne Street, Mountain View
Salesperson Susan Way, Sunnyvale
Student University Avenue, Palo Alto
Administrative Assistant Homer Avenue, Palo Alto
Retiree Nathan Way, Palo Alto
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Pa lo Alto
Hot and Spicy! COOK OFF & Summer Festival
of
30th Annual
ty i C
Monday, July 4th, 2011 Noon to 5 pm Mitchell Park 600 E. Meadow Drive, Palo Alto
Noon
Festival Begins Live Music, Tasting tickets on Sale, Kids Area and Food Booths Open, Beer & Margaritas on Sale
1:30
Public Chili Tasting Begins 2:00
Back by popular demand!
Judging Begins
JOHNNY SUPER
People’s Choice Voting Ends
cover tune band! Rock, Pop, Funk, Reggae HITS from the 70’s,80’s,90’s! Sound engineering provided by Rich Sound Live Also featuring DJ Joe Sheldon, Hedy McAdams, DanceAdventures.com
3:30 3:45
Awards Ceremony 4:00
Johnny Super Final Set Sponsored by
For more information visit us online at www.cityofpaloalto.org/recreation or call the Chili Hotline at 463-4921! Offsite parking will be available at Cubberley Community Center, 4000 MiddleďŹ eld Road. Shuttle van available between 12 – 5pm. Onsite parking preference for the disabled until 2pm. Biking and carpooling encouraged.
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Transitions
Capt. Robert F. Gonia, 85 March 27, 1926-June 21, 2011
Births, marriages and deaths
Deaths Gerald M. Meier G e r a ld M. Meier, a leading econom ist and former Stanford business and economics professor, died from complications of a brain tumor at his home on the Stanford campus June 21. He was born in Tacoma, Wash., in 1923, and graduated from Reed College in 1947. He became a Rhodes Scholar in 1948, studied economics at Oxford, and received a PhD in that field from Harvard in 1953, according to a statement from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Before coming to Stanford, he taught at Oxford, Williams, Wesleyan and Yale universities. He taught Stanford business and economics students from 1962 until 2005. His 1964 text, “Leading Issues in Economic Development,� has been translated to seven languages and is taught in classrooms around the globe. He specialized in development economics: the study of the economies of developing nations. In his book “Emerging from Poverty: The Economics That Really Matters,� he wrote: “We worry in this book about what can realistically be done to lessen the pain of poverty still suffered daily by two-thirds of humanity. Two centuries after the industrial revo-
lution, only a few countries have become rich, while more than 100 nations are poor.� He authored more than 34 books and lectured frequently at universities around the world. As a consultant to the World Bank, he served on three Bank missions to China. “Gerry Meier was a major contributor to the field of development economics with a worldwide reputation,� said colleague George G.C. Parker, Dean Witter Distinguished Professor of Finance, Emeritus, in the statement. “His arrival on the faculty strengthened our international economics curriculum in a major way. Professor Meier was widely traveled and was among the most in-demand leaders of student study trips to the developing world. His enthusiasm for all things international made him a role model for international scholars at the school.� He is survived by his wife, Gretl Slote of Stanford; sons, David E. Meier of Boston, Mass., Daniel R. Meier of Berkeley, Calif., Jeremy Meier of Sacramento, Calif., and Andrew Meier of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and six grandchildren. Plans for a memorial service are pending. The Gerald M. Meier Book Award, an annual prize to honor excellence in undergraduate economics, has been established at Reed College and University College at Oxford University. Similar awards are being created by the family at Stanford University, and Wesleyan University. Donations may be made to the funds through the family at 774 Santa Ynez, Stanford, CA 94305.
Gillonne M. Wachter September 21, 1946 – June 24, 2011
Gillonne Marie Jeanne Wachter, nĂŠe de La Grandière, passed away on June 24, 2011 at home in Palo Alto, California surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband Thomas, daughters Claire Madeleine and ChloĂŠ Rose of New York, N.Y. In France, she is survived by her brother Arthur de La Grandière of Paris, sister Marie-Charles and brotherin-law Christopher Heap of Norolles. Born in Neuilly-sur-Seine (Hts de Seine) on September 21, 1946, she attended the Sacred Heart School in Hove, England and lived in London and Paris before moving to California in 1985 with her husband and daughters. She was a loving wife and mother and had a wonderful ‘joie de vivre’ that inuenced everyone around her. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, July 22, 3 pm at the Church of the Nativity in Menlo Park. The family requests that in lieu of owers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders. PA I D
O B I T UA RY
BIRTHS Evelyn and John James of Menlo Park, a son, May 13. Stacy and Brent Gullixon of Atherton, a daughter, May 16 Lailuma Nabi-Samuels and Keith Samuels of East Palo Alto, a daughter, May 16 Elizabeth and John Balena of Atherton, a son, June 23 Margarita Alvarez and Karl Neuman of Menlo Park, a daughter, June 24
Longtime Los Altos resident Robert Francis Gonia passed away June 21st, 2011. A memorial service was held , Thursday, June 30th, at St. Simon’s church in Los Altos, CA. Mr. Gonia was born March 27th, 1926 in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, to Laddie and Mercedes Gonia. He served in the United States Marine Corps in World War II and fought in the South PaciďŹ c. After the war, he met and married Kathryn “Kittyâ€? Nilles on June 25, 1949. In 1955 Mr. Gonia moved his family to Los Altos where he became a captain for United Airlines, until he retired in 1985. During his 30+ year tenure with United Airlines, he and his wife Kitty raised 7 children; Steven, James, Mark, John, Thomas, David, and Kathryn. Mr. Gonia enjoyed sailing and he and his wife “Kittyâ€? enjoyed many summers in Seattle aboard their boat “Madelineâ€? sailing the Puget Sound and the San Juan islands. He is survived by his 7 children, 16 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. PA I D
O B I T UA RY
Introducing Go to PaloAltoOnline.com
VOTE DEADLINE TOA THIS SUND Y!
Lasting Memories An online directory of obituaries and remembrances. Search obituaries, submit a memorial, share a photo.
Visit: www.PaloAltoOnline.com/obituaries
Sherie Greenberg Jan. 20, 1932-June 25, 2011
Beloved mother of Morisa Guy and Stephanie Edelman passed away peacefully in the morning of June 25, 2011, at the age of 79. She was a 37-year survivor of metastatic breast cancer. Born in Allentown, Penn., Sherie was a resident of Palo Alto for the last 51 years. She attended Penn State, but transferred to Boston University where she received her bachelor’s degree. Her passion was for the game of bridge. Just like her mother, Sherie developed into a national bridge champion and world-class player. With master points in excess of 8,250, Sherie was an Emerald Life Master. Her love for the game was not just intellectual. She thrived on providing an outlet for people to come together and was an expert at bridge matchmaking. Her phone was continuously ringing with bridge players and students searching for partners, whom Sherie always helped. As a teacher and club owner, she taught hundreds of people in the community the strategies of bidding and card play. With the popularity of the Internet, Sherie became adept at playing online and increased her reach of teaching and playing with partners around the world. In fact, Sherie continued playing online into the ďŹ nal days of her life. Sherie always loved to travel, but that was put on hold as she and her husband David raised their two daughters. After her initial cancer diagnosis, she was determined to live as fast as she could and resumed her world travels. That love of travel took her often to her favorite destination, Israel. Her unwavering support of Israel and determination to help
eradicate cancer led her to the Weizmann Institute of Science, where she became actively involved in fund raising for cancer research. As a board member in 1994, Sherie was honored with an award in appreciation of her leadership. Sherie was always available to provide emotional support to those diagnosed with cancer. She convinced them they, too, could ďŹ ght the disease and “live.â€? As Sherie’s long-time oncologist, Frank Stockdale, reminded her daughters, she was fortunate in that she “enjoyed an independent, long and full life. She took great pride in her children and their families. And while more limited in recent times, she remained ďŹ ercely in control of her life and life’s decisions. Her approach is something we should all try to emulate.â€? Sherie was preceded in death by her devoted husband, David, in 2007. She is survived by her daughters, Morisa Guy (Amir) and Stephanie Edelman (Jeff); her grandchildren, Cameron and Drew; and her sister, Edythe Bloom of Connecticut. A service for friends and family will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos. In lieu of owers, the family requests donations to the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, 300 Montgomery Street, Suite 615, San Francisco, CA 94104. PA I D
O B I T UA RY
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CITY OF PALO ALTO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PALO ALTO CITY COUNCIL CIVIC CENTER, 250 HAMILTON AVENUE BROADCAST LIVE ON KZSU, FM 90.1 CABLECAST LIVE ON GOVERNMENT ACCESS CHANNEL 26
***************************************** THIS IS A SUMMARY OF COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS. THE AGENDA WITH COMPLETE TITLES INCLUDING LEGAL DOCUMENTATION CAN BE VIEWED AT THE BELOW WEBPAGE:
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/knowzone/agendas/council.asp
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Palo Alto City Council will hold a public hearing at the regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, July 18, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. or as near thereafter as possible, in the Council Chambers, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, to Consider Approval of a Record of Land Use Action for Historic Rehabilitation and Seismic Upgrade of an Existing Category 2 Historic Resource, Generating 5,000 sq. ft. of Bonus Floor Area (4,940 sq. ft. would be used on site and 60 sq. ft. would be available as Transferable Development Rights) for 668 Ramona Street (PaciďŹ c Art League) DONNA J. GRIDER, MMC City Clerk
(TENTATIVE) AGENDA- CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS The City Council Meeting of July 4, 2011 has been cancelled due to the Independence Day Holiday
STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC MEETING Of the City of Palo Alto Transportation Division
The Finance Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 5, at 7:00 p.m. regarding 1) Refuse Fund Rate Recommendation, 2) Third Quarter FY 2011 Financial Update, and 3) Request to Preliminarily Approve Fiscal Year 2011 Reappropriation Requests to Be Carried Forward into Fiscal Year 2012
Public Meeting Notice Channing Avenue Striping and Bicycle Facility Options Public Open House
NOTICE OF A PUBLIC MEETING of the Palo Alto Planning & Transportation Commission Please be advised the Planning and Transportation Commission (P&TC) shall conduct a public meeting at 6:00 PM, Wednesday, July 13, 2011 in the Civic Center, Council Chambers, 1st Floor, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California. Any interested persons may appear and be heard on these items. Staff reports for agendized items are available via the City’s main website at www.cityofpaloalto.org and also at the Planning Division Front Desk, 5th Floor, City Hall, after 2:00 PM on the Friday preceding the meeting date. Copies will be made available at the Development Center should City Hall be closed on the 9/80 Friday.
DATE: TIME: PLACE:
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 6:30-8:30 PM Community Room, Lucie Stern Community Center 1305 Middlefield, Palo Alto 94301
This public meeting will be an opportunity for all interested parties to provide input on the resurfacing options including improving bicycle facilities on Channing Avenue east of Middlefield. Resurfacing could begin as early as this fall after the completion of the storm drainage system improvement project currently in progress. For further information contact: transportation@cityofpaloalto.org or call (650) 329-2520.
NEW BUSINESS: Public Hearing: 1.
Arastradero Road Re-Striping: Planning and Transportation Commission’s recommendation to City Council whether to extend the trial period of the Arastradero Road Re-Striping Project to the end of 2012. An update of recent changes, data collection, community feedback, and anticipated traffic conditions will be presented.
Pulse A weekly compendium of vital statistics
Palo Alto June 23-28 Violence related Child abuse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Domestic violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Theft related Commercial burglary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Identity theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Petty theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Residential burglary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Vehicle related Abandoned auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Driving w/ suspended license . . . . . . . . 11 Hit and run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Misc. traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Theft from auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Vehicle accident/minor injury . . . . . . . . .9 Vehicle accident/property damage. . . . .2 Vehicle stored . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Alcohol or drug related Drunk in public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Drunken driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Miscellaneous Animal call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Found property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Lost property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Misc. penal code violation . . . . . . . . . . .1 Outside assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Psychiatric hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Suspicious circumstances . . . . . . . . . . .3 Vandalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Warrant/other agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Menlo Park June 22-27 Violence related Assault with a deadly weapon . . . . . . . .1 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Domestic violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Robbery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Theft related Commercial burglary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Fraud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Grand theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Petty theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Residential burglary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Vehicle related Driving with suspended license . . . . . . .5 Hit and run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Vehicle accident/injury . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Vehicle accident/no injury. . . . . . . . . . . .2 Vehicle tow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Alcohol or drug related Drunk in public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Drunken driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Narcotics registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Miscellaneous Disturbance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Found property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Information case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Missing person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Other/misc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Property for destruction . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Psychiatric hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Suspicious person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Vandalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Warrant arrest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Atherton June 22-28
Questions. For any questions regarding the above applications, please contact the Planning Department at (650) 329-2440. The files relating to these items are available for inspection weekdays between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This public meeting is televised live on Government Access Channel 26. ADA. The City of Palo Alto does not discriminate against individuals with disabilities. To request accommodations to access City facilities, services or programs, to participate at public meetings, or to learn more about the City’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), please contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at 650.329.2550 (voice) or by e-mailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org.
***
Curtis Williams Director of Planning and Community Environment CITY OF PALO ALTO RECREATION PRESENTS
27th Annual – Palo Alto Weekly
MOONLIGHT RUN & WALK FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2O11
Register now at PaloAltoOnline.com Page 14ĂŠUĂŠ Ă•Â?ÞÊ£]ÊÓ䣣ÊUĂŠ*>Â?ÂœĂŠ Â?ĂŒÂœĂŠ7iiÂŽÂ?Ăž
Camp Avenidas at Channing House
July 26 - 28, 10 am - 3 pm Š Body & brain fitness Š Memorable keynotes Š Info-packed presentations Š Healthy gourmet lunches Š Free t-shirt and awards Š Fun & friendship Call (650) 289-5436 or visit www.avenidas.org for details or to register!
Where age is just a number
Theft related Petty theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Vehicle related Abandoned auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Suspicious vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Ticket sign-off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Vehicle accident/no injury. . . . . . . . . . . .4 Vehicle code violation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Vehicle/traffic hazard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Alcohol or drug related Drunk in public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Drunken driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Miscellaneous Animal call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Be on the lookout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Building/perimeter/area check . . . . . . . .7 Citizen assist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Civil matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Disturbance noise/fight. . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Disturbing/annoying phone calls. . . . . . .1 Fire call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Found property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Juvenile problem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Medical aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Other/misc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Outside assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Probation violation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Shots fired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Special detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Suspicious circumstances . . . . . . . . . . .7 Suspicious person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Town ordinance violation . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Tree down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Watermain break. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Welfare check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
VIOLENT CRIMES Palo Alto
California Avenue, 6/24, 11:22 p.m.; domestic violence. Scott Street, 6/26, 10:26 p.m.; child
abuse. Yale Street, 6/26, 10:49 p.m.; child abuse.
Menlo Park 500 block Willow Road, 6/23, 11:21 a.m.; battery. 1200 block Willow Road, 6/23, 16:18 p.m.; assault with a deadly weapon. 1100 block Sevier Avenue, 6/26, 4:14 a.m.; robbery. 200 block Newbridge Street, 6/26, 20:15 p.m.; domestic violence.
WHAT ARE YOUR KIDS DOING THIS SUMMER? Join the YES FOR CHESS summer camp The camp runs from July 11th to 15th
No chess experience? No Problem! We teach beginning to advanced students
510-921-2081 www.yesforchess.com
www.SupportLocalJournalism.org/PaloAlto
“We’re a chess program that focuses on creative problem solving and having FUN.
Sibling discounts offered
(for more info regarding the camp)
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Cover Story
Some like it hot Chili can also be smoky, smooth and sweet at Palo Alto’s annual July Fourth cook-off by Rebecca Wallace / photos by Veronica Weber
P
at Markevitch plans to wear a new Renaissance costume for the event. John Barton has been hunting down just the right chili pepper. And Justin Vavuris won’t let his newly broken leg stop him from attending, saying: “That is life or death.� For crowds of Palo Alto residents and visitors, the City of Palo Alto’s Summer Festival & Chili Cook-off is worth far more than a hill of beans. It’s a social shindig, a chance to reconnect with neighbors, an opportunity to scorch the roof of one’s mouth. This year marks the 30th annual event. As in summers past, 20-some teams of chefs and helpers are set to cook and compete in festively decorated booths — with some teams in costume — at Mitchell Park. People give up many hours on the Fourth of July to stir pots over propane burners, judge the offerings, do some country line dancing or just eat and imbibe. “How often in Palo Alto do you get to be that silly?� Barton says. Barton should know. Despite having a serious record of Palo Alto community involvement that includes stints on the City Council and school board, he has plenty of experience taking part in the frivolity that is the chili cook-off. He was a judge for several years and last year crossed the firewall to become a souschef with the Rotary Club of Palo Alto’s team. This year he’s sitting in the big chair as head cook. He and teammate Steve Emslie, the city’s deputy city manager, just may wear their white chef’s jackets, with many other team members decorating, serving and doing other tasks.
John Barton, who’s serving as head cook for his Chili Cook-off team this year, prepares a sample chili at his home in late June.
After a request from the Weekly, Barton makes a sample batch of chili in his Palo Alto kitchen on a recent afternoon. It’s not quite the 15 minimum gallons mandated for the cookoff, but a conservative 1-gallon test pot. White bowls of meat, spices and other ingredients cover his counter. Barton eyes the ground beef, ground pork and chorizo. He’s also pondering using venison and pork shoulder during the contest, to add fat and “depth of flavor.� For now, he likes this combination; the chorizo will add a robust orange hue to the chili. Sporting a baseball cap and shorts, Barton cooks up some onions and peppers with salt and olive oil. All the while, he’s thinking about chiles. He has pasilla and New Mexico chiles, but he’s still searching for the right ancho chiles, ones that will add a fruitiness without too much heat. After a few minutes, Barton moves the onions and peppers to a bowl and puts the meat in the pot to brown. Next come cans of tomatoes and sauce, then the chiles, and then the spices: garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, chipotle powder and salt. “If we have time, we will toast the spices a bit,� he says. Later, Barton will add black beans — he’s not a pinto-bean guy — and perhaps some cheese or sour cream. When he was a cook-off judge, he usually noticed the “initial spice� and the “mouthfeel� most. So, he’s planning to add “something to give it a kind of mouthfeel that’s kind of creamy, that people would like.� He spoons out a taste from the pot. “Oh, it’s kind of hot,� he says. But the chili has about three hours for its spiciness to mellow out on the stove. “Some of that will reduce as the tomatoes pop and give their juices,� he explains. A Weekly photographer tastes the chili and (continued on page 20)
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Cover Story
Meadow Wing & Focused Care
a tradition of caring PALO ALTO COMMONS offers a comprehensive program for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in our Hedy McAdams, seen here last year at Mitchell Park, will once again be teaching line dancing at the Summer Festival and Chili Cook-off on July 4.
Festivities on the Fourth Peninsula events include parades, concerts and fun runs by Leslie Shen
W
ith the approach of the Fourth of July comes an opportunity to reflect: on what liberty means, on what a nation is, the gravity of calling a series of events “revolutionary� and the challenges implicit in it all. Which is to say, take a moment to think seriously. Then kick back and enjoy the glimmers of history tucked away in a whole host of carefree Independence Day festivities. Palo Alto’s official party, as usual, is the 30th annual Summer Festival and Chili Cook-off, noon to 5 p.m. at Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive. There’ll be music provided by DJ Joe Sheldon and the band Johnny Super, line dancing with Hedy McAdams, face painting and other children’s activities, food vendors and samples from the culinary showdown, which are up for tasting at 1:30 p.m. Information is available at 650463-4921 and cityofpaloalto.org/ recreation. (See separate story for more on the chili cook-off.) If the 5K Chili Chase, also at Mitchell Park, sounds just distantly familiar, it’s because it last took place in the late ‘90s. Revived for the first time this side of Y2K, the 10 a.m. run starts and ends in the park, segueing into the chilithemed afternoon proceedings. Racers can pre-register at active. com (search for Chili Chase Palo Alto). General registration is $20; $15 for students and kids. In Menlo Park, the city holds its annual parade, starting at 11:45 a.m. at the Wells Fargo parking lot on Santa Cruz Avenue and Chestnut Street, and winding down at noon in Burgess Park at Burgess Drive and Alma Street. There, games, crafts, music and other family-friendly activities will last until 2:30 p.m. The event is free, with a $6 wristband required for some activities. Information is available at menlopark. org (search for “July 4th�) and 650-330-2200. Redwood City’s celebration, honoring 150 years of the Redwood City Fire Department, promises to be a host of things
happening at once, beginning bright and early as the firefighters serve up a fundraising pancake breakfast at 755 Marshall St. from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. The annual festival starts at 9 a.m. and fills the day with arts and crafts for sale; a jump house and other kids’ activities; a car show; a fire engine display; and live music, including the marching bands of Stanford University and the University of California at Davis. Maps of the festival area and the route to be taken by the 10 a.m. parade are posted at parade.org, where there is also information about the 35th annual Fun Run, which meets at Brewster Avenue and Arguello Street and takes off at 9 a.m. Race registration specifics have been posted at redwoodcity.org. Not far from the parade, the San Mateo County History Museum at 2200 Broadway offers something a little more retro: a chance to churn one’s own ice cream and make parachutes, whirligigs and flags from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for seniors and students. Information is at historysmc.org and 650299-0104. In Mountain View, the San Francisco Symphony will play marches and patriotic songs at Shoreline Amphitheatre. The 8 p.m. concert concludes with a fireworks display. Tickets are $19.50-$47.35. Information at sfsymphony.org. Another possibility is Foster City’s Leo J. Park, 650 Shell Blvd., where an all-day celebration will be capped with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Information at fostercity.org. Lastly, a reminder that the American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a nifty free tow of up to five miles for drinking drivers from 6 p.m. on the Fourth to 6 a.m. the next morning. To request a tow, drivers can call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) and say they need a “tipsy tow.� The service is available to both AAA members and non-members. N Editorial Intern Leslie Shen can be emailed at lshen@ paweekly.com.
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Tune in and vote! In this year’s Best Of we serenade the businesses that make Palo Alto groovy -- the rockin’ restaurants, retailers and services in or around town.
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Go to PaloAltoOnline.com and Vo RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS (RESTAURANTS) Best Ambiance Best Bar/Lounge Best California Cuisine Best Chinese Restaurant Best Coffee House Best Dining With Kids Best French Restaurant Best Fusion Restaurant Best Indian Restaurant Best Italian Restaurant Best Latin American Cuisine Best Meal Under $20 Best Mediterranean Restaurant Best Mexican Restaurant Best New Restaurant Best Outdoor Dining Best Restaurant to Splurge Best Romantic Restaurant Best Solo Dining Best Sports Bar Best Steak Best Sunday Brunch Best Sushi/Japanese Restaurant Best Thai Restaurant Best Vegetarian/Vegan Cuisine Best Wine Bar
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Cover Story
A long line of chili tasters clustered in front of the Chili Penguins team booth on July 4, 2010. Costumes and themes are all part of the fun.
Chili Cook-off (continued from page 16)
praises its smoothness. Barton is modest. “It sort of feels kind of pointy in your mouth now. Over time it’ll smooth out.� His ultimate goal? A mediumspicy chili with a “dark, rich feel to it.� Achieving the perfect chili could be a challenge to any chef. The cook-off adds extra obstacles with a few rules. For instance, ingredients can’t be pre-cooked or treated before the preparation period, which starts at 8:15 a.m. on July 4. Cooks have to get their chili to the judges by 1:45 p.m. A few exceptions to the pretreating rule include some canned and bottled ingredients. Cooks can also soak dried beans overnight,
cook fresh peppers in advance, and grind, bone and dice meats beforehand. Teams can have at most four cooks and 20 assistants. At the cook-off, chili is judged in two categories: corporate (formal groups such as restaurants and offices) and open (anyone else). The best-decorated booth, the people’schoice chili and the team with the best spirit also get awards.
‘Some are sweet, or all spice, or smoky. You’d be amazed at the range.’ – Pat Markevitch, Cook-off competitor Unlike in years past, there will not be a separate category for vegetarian chili; veggie options will be judged with the others because there haven’t been enough entries, says Minka van der Zwaag, supervisor of recreation programs. If there were awards given for Best Corsets, Pat Markevitch’s team just might be a shoo-in. Her group, called Good King Wench & Lass, features her husband, Jamie; sister Suanne Starner; and friend Cynthia. She and Cynthia, a Renaissance Faire veteran, wear period costumes just for fun.
Markevitch, a member of Palo Alto’s Parks and Recreation Commission, figures her team has competed in the cook-off for about eight years. Except for last year, when she was a judge. Markevitch started making chili from a long-forgotten recipe, making her own additions and subtractions over the years, she says in an interview at the Weekly. Her cookoff chili is a blend of beef and pork and secret spices, but no beans. “I just think real chili shouldn’t have ‘em.� Markevitch says her team has won a few awards including best spirit and first and second place in the people’s-choice category. “It’s a really friendly rivalry, which is what I like,� she says. But the event is sometimes one of endurance. Her team gets to the park as early as 7:30 a.m. to decorate and set up, and later in the day it’s all about dishing out the chili. One year, Markevitch spent so much time serving that her friend had to pry her hand off the ladle. Markevitch’s tip to newer cooks is to bring potatoes. If you oversalt your chili, she says, you can put a
Perfect Will Be Just Fine “By consistently delivering what we promise, we serve up our most important product... trust. Just like our trusted partners at Presidio Bank who have helped us sustainably grow our business. We are honored to be in business with our banker. –Paula and Jim LeDuc During a band break last Fourth of July, children took turns with hula hoops and limbo — sometimes at the same time. Page 20ĂŠUĂŠ Ă•Â?ÞÊ£]ÊÓ䣣ÊUĂŠ*>Â?ÂœĂŠ Â?ĂŒÂœĂŠ7iiÂŽÂ?Ăž
Cover Story cut-up potato in a cheesecloth bag and leave it in the pot for a few minutes to draw the salt out. She especially enjoyed judging last year because she got to taste so many different kinds of chili. “Some are sweet, or all spice, or smoky,� she says. “You’d be amazed at the range.� Last year, Justin Vavuris was undoubtedly happy with the judges. His team, Big Kid Sports, made the first-prize chili. Even though he recently broke his leg in a softball game, the 27-year-old Palo Alto native says he wouldn’t miss competing for the third year in a row. “It’s mostly local people and a lot of familiar faces, and everyone’s there to have a really good time,� he says in a phone interview. The team name came from a company that Justin and a buddy started three years ago, he says. It no longer exists, but they had a lot of leftover T-shirts. Vavuris says his team made a lot of mistakes its first year before becoming champions.
‘You’ve got to be able to throw a good party, that’s a key element.� – Justin Vavuris, Cook-off competitor “There’s a lot that can go wrong when you’re cooking outside. You can overcook or undercook the beans; it’s very difficult controlling temperatures with outdoor burners,� he says. Now the team seems to have found success with “a southern flavor,� with a lot of cilantro and paprika and other flavors found in Mexican cuisine, Vavuris says. The cooks aim for a variety of tastes throughout the chili, with a medium level of heat. In the booth, he adds with a chuckle, there will also be plenty of “adult beverages.� “You’ve got to be able to throw a good party,� he says. “That’s a key element.� N
july 9 & 10, 2011 10am to 5pm rinconada park embarcadero and newell 175 prestigious clay & glass artists
What: The City of Palo Alto’s 30th Annual Summer Festival and Chili Cook-off
demonstrations free admission valet parking
Where: Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive, Palo Alto. Attendees are asked to park at Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road; a free shuttle will take people to the park. When: July 4, noon to 5 p.m.
650-329-2366 www.clayglassfestival.com
Cost: Admission is free; chili-tasting tickets cost $5 for five tastes. Info: Go to cityofpaloalto.org/ recreation or call 650-463-4921.
About the cover: A pot of sample chili simmers on John Barton’s stove, as he prepares for this year’s competition. Photograph by Veronica Weber.
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Arts & Entertainment
2011
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A weekly guide to music, theater, art, movies and more, edited by Rebecca Wallace
hen asked for some insight into the title, “As Bold As California,� of his justopened exhibition in Palo Alto City Hall, artist Michael Killen gestures at the 24-foot-wide, 5-foottall painting that is the centerpiece of the show and gives a simple nonanswer: “Well, isn’t this bold?� A dizzying stretch of thick acrylic color — deep oranges and greens, watery blues — spanning four canvases, the piece unquestionably makes that case. But its boldness, and the boldness of the exhibition, also lies somewhere beyond initial visual arrest. “I can’t just paint,� Killen said in his at-home studio in Menlo Park. “I have to have big ideas.� Big, he explained, as in globally significant. This painting, titled “Sustainability,� is one in a whole body of works aimed at “increasing awareness and helping to educate the public� not only about conserving nature, but also about making it viable in the long run. In “Sustainability,� that need is represented by depictions of solar, wind and geothermal energy, painted alongside strokes of coal black that caution against prolonged use of fossil fuels. “I make paintings like this so that they bring attention to finding ways to use less water, less coal, less oil, and finally to get the new energy we need,�
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he said. “The paintings create news, bring people in and get people thinking about the good messages coming out of Stanford and NASA about sustainability, about the need to think about climate change.� When it comes to exhibiting his work, Killen is no novice. His paintings were displayed in City Hall last fall, and this round of showing, while it starts here, will move outside the local bubble to the county seat in San Jose, then possibly to NASA’s new Sustainability Base building by the Ames Research Center, and then across the country to Lake Wales, Fla., according to Killen. But his time as an artist began more recently, and poignantly, than one might expect — roughly two years ago, he said, after the six to seven years he spent recovering from an injury that forced him to retire from his position as leader of a think tank. “It broke my heart losing my profession,� Killen said, “but somebody got me started painting and it went like that, and then the environmental people grabbed me, and it went like that. I never studied art, so everything is new for me.� These days, he seems to be looking forward rather than back, seeking out people willing to share creative and environmental thoughts and inviting them to speak on programs he broadcasts
Michael Killen’s painting “The Beginning After The End� uses modern and prehistoric symbols to imagine a future in which a prehistoric society will return to “paint over� the current technology-heavy one.
A vision of sustainability story by Leslie Shen | photographs by Veronica Weber
PAINTER SEES POSITIVE LESSONS, RELEVANT COMMENTARY IN HIS ART
Above: Michael Killen’s painting “Liberty Fused to Coal Oil.� Right: Killen’s “Impact of the Internet on Civilization.�
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from the Media Center in Palo Alto. Local figures who have made appearances include Palo Alto Mayor Sid Espinosa, former mayor Pat Burt and Ric Ambrose, executive director of the Pacific Art League. “I give them a chance to talk and share salient comments they have that are good for us,� Killen said. “It’s one of my ways of learning.� Among his projects is a documentary in the making, “Painting to Change the World,� which follows his artistic journey and interactions with experts in the fields of science, business and education. According to Palo Alto environmentalist and graphic designer Carroll Harrington, a collaborator of Killen’s since early last year, his creativity and inspiration are one of a kind. “Michael’s ability to use his business-information expertise to create his dynamic and bold art is awe-inspiring,� Harrington said. “Watching him interview climate-change experts and then translating these complex ideas into art is quite an adventure.� Of the interdisciplinary nature of his efforts, Killen said: “I’m a TV guy at times. I’m an artist at times. I’m going to touch people and change how they think.� And thinking, ultimately, is what the art is all about. Every image in a Killen painting stands for something, symbolizes some urgent concept. It could be a mast and billowing sail — a nod to wind power — or the infinity figure eight, which Killen calls “the icon of sustainability� for the sense of future and continuation it elicits in his mind. “My practice,� he said, “is thinking clearly about issues and then thinking, ‘What’s the imag-
ery?’. In a way it’s very simple.� An image that stands out as being particularly significant to him is the image of the infant and child. Youngsters are almost everywhere in “Sustainability,� skating precariously on the curves of the figure eight — curves that form the brink of a yawning void. It’s intended to be cautionary, according to Killen: a warning against environmental irresponsibility and the consequences he believes will take their harshest toll on the very young. “I want to get the word out that we should be concerned about what we’re doing for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren,� he said. “I want to get personal, get us tuned in to the things we should be tuned in to. It’s only about you and me in terms of what you and I do, but it’s really about the children that come after us. They may not have choices. Maybe they won’t be able to breathe the air, or maybe they’ll be starving, if we’re not careful.� He’s even affixed pictures of his own grandchildren to the canvas, which he said makes it that much more personal for him. “I love my granddaughters,� he said, “and I want them to have a better life than we have.� N What: “As Bold As California,� an exhibition of paintings by Michael Killen and by Arabella Decker, plus a reception. Where: Palo Alto City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto When: Exhibition through July 28, open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reception on July 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Cost: Free Info: Go to killen.com. To RSVP for the reception, contact painting@ harringtondesign.com by July 11.
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Movies
NOW PLAYING
OPENINGS
The following is a sampling of movies recently reviewed in the Weekly:
Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Larry Crowne.â&#x20AC;? thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recently gone underwater, so after being Larry Crowne -(Century 16, Century 20) Yes, yes: Every- fired, he allows himself one long dark night of body loves Tom Hanks. I do too. I just love him the soul. Then he gets up and starts the work of changing his life: a yard sale, swapping his a little less after â&#x20AC;&#x153;Larry Crowne.â&#x20AC;? Directed, produced and co-written by Tom car for a scooter, and signing up for classes at Hanks, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Larry Crowneâ&#x20AC;? is a featherweight East Valley Community College, where the dramedy of the new economy. Hanks stars friendly neighborhood dean tells him he wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as the title character, a model employee fired regret signing up for Speech 217 (â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Art of from big-box store â&#x20AC;&#x153;UMartâ&#x20AC;? under the rationale Informal Remarksâ&#x20AC;?), taught by the beautiful that â&#x20AC;&#x201D; since he never went to college â&#x20AC;&#x201D; he Ms. Tainot (Julia Roberts). Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chipper demeanor quickly wins has no prospects for advancement within the friends and influences people. He first catches company. Crowne counters that he skipped college be- the interest of fellow scooter-riding student Tacause he went straight into the Navy, serving lia (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who takes on Larry as 20 years as a cook, but he gets canned anyway. something of a fixer-upper in his fashion and (Ironically, the boss-man is played by Dale Dye, feng shui. She also invites him to join her and Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s go-to military technical advisor.) her boyfriend (Wilmer Valderrama) in their The divorced Larry lives in a suburban house scooter â&#x20AC;&#x153;gang,â&#x20AC;? the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Street Patrol.â&#x20AC;? Meanwhile, Ms. Tainot has tired of her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lack of
â&#x20AC;&#x153;
engagement in anything other than big-busted porn (though the character is more caricature, Bryan Cranston puts in a well-tuned performance). If this is all beginning to sound sitcomedic â&#x20AC;&#x201D; more sunny than likely â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you have a good ear. The impression becomes downright deafening in Ms. Tainotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classroom, with its multicultural peanut gallery of likeable dimwits (add to that Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comical neighbor, overplayed by Cedric the Entertainer). Hanks fans will note the small role for his wife Rita Wilson, and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Star Trekâ&#x20AC;? references, including George â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Suluâ&#x20AC;? Takei, in the filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most amusing performance, as Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Economics teacher (Hanks is a longtime Trekker). Larryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s can-do spirit is reflected in the Tom Petty and ELO tunes (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hold on Tight to Your Dreamsâ&#x20AC;?) on the soundtrack. Heck, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even got the right stuff to turn the weary, bitter Ms. Tainot into butter in his hands. Hanks has the sense to write himself a snappy climactic monologue as well as a couple of clinches with Roberts, and if thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a reason to see the film (other than Takei), itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the smooth movie-star performances turned in by the leads. Hanksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; previous directorial effort, â&#x20AC;&#x153;That Thing You Do,â&#x20AC;? was all about exuberance, but it had music and nostalgia on its side. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Larry Crowneâ&#x20AC;? (co-written by Nia â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Big Fat Greek Weddingâ&#x20AC;? Vardalos) has its heart in the right place by encouraging the downtrodden of all stripes to stay in the game, to better themselves instead of accepting defeat. But the movie has the consistency of an individually wrapped slice of Velveeta. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a â&#x20AC;&#x153;feel-goodâ&#x20AC;? movie; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just not a particularly good one. Rated PG-13 for brief strong language and some sexual content. One hour, 39 minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Peter Canavese
THE CINEMATIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR.â&#x20AC;? M I C K L A S A L L E , SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
Beginners --(Aquarius) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beginnersâ&#x20AC;? is a tale of two late bloomers: neurotic illustrator Oliver (Ewan McGregor) and his father, Hal (Christopher Plummer), a retired art restorer who, at 75, announced that he was gay. The past tense applies because the filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opening scene finds Oliver in mourning for Hal, who died of cancer four years after his coming out. Scenes about Halâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s venturesome new life, his illness and Oliverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attempts to cope with both unfold in flashback. Meanwhile, in the present, a grieving Oliver fearfully, tentatively embarks on a relationship with French-born actress Anna (Melanie Laurent). Rated R for language and some sexual content. One hour, 45 minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; P.C. (Reviewed June 17, 2011) Bridesmaids ---1/2 (Century 16, Century 20) This riotous R-rated offering from producer Judd Apatow (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knocked Upâ&#x20AC;?) and director Paul Feig (creator of TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Freaks and Geeksâ&#x20AC;?) gives the female of the species the same sort of unapologetic, buddy-based chuckler that guys have gotten a dozen times over. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Saturday Night Liveâ&#x20AC;? co-stars Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph play BFFs Annie and Lillian. Engaged Lillian asks Annie to be her maid of honor, and Annieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world unravels as she tries to and plan pre-wedding events in the face of food poisoning, too much alcohol and other adventures. Kudos to Wiig for co-writing the savvy script and proving more than capable of holding her own as a leading lady. Rated R for sexuality and language. Two hours, five minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; T.H. (Reviewed May 13, 2011) Cars 2 --1/2 (Century 16, Century 20) Kids will no doubt continue to be enthralled by the exploits of race car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and his BFF tow truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy). The opening sequence finds British secret agent Finn McMissile (Michael Caine) discovering a terrorist plot to disrupt the firstever World Grand Prix, then making a spectacular escape from an offshore oil rig. Meanwhile, Mater ropes Lightning into participating in the race, hosted by alternative-fuel advocate Sir Miles Axelrod (Eddie Izzard). Mistaken for a spymaster of disguise, Mater begins working (and culture-clashing) with McMissile and firsttime field agent Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer). This new pursuit makes the less-than-smart Mater more distracted than ever, causing him to cost Lightning a race to narcissistic Italian hotshot Francesco Bernoulli (John Turturro). Can this friendship be saved? Will the evil plot of German-made Professor Z (Thomas Kretschmann) be foiled? Does a junker leak in a garage? Rated G. One hour, 53 minutes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; P.C. (Reviewed June 24, 2011) Midnight in Paris ---1/2 (Guild, Century 20) Owen Wilson plays Gil Pender, an American in Paris beguiled by the notion that â&#x20AC;&#x153;every street, every boulevard is its own special art form.â&#x20AC;? A self-described Hollywood hack, Gil is a successful screenwriter who grinds out movie scripts but longs to write real literature. And then with a magical stroke reminiscent of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Purple Rose of Cairo,â&#x20AC;? the admirer of 1920s Paris becomes immersed in his favorite period. An incredulous Gil interacts with expatriate icons of the Lost Generation and the artists who contributed to the legendary time and place. Rated PG-13 for some sexual references and smoking. 1 hour, 34 minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; S.T. (Reviewed May 27, 2011)
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Super 8 --1/2 (Century 16, Century 20) Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the summer of 1979, and a group of geeky middle schoolers sneak out at midnight to make a movie. They are excited about their improved storyline â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not to mention explosives, fake blood and zombies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the
MOVIE TIMES Bad Teacher (R) (Not Reviewed)
Century 16: 10:55 a.m.; 1:45, 4:30, 7:15, 9:35 & 10:35 p.m. Century 20: 10:45 & 11:40 a.m.; 1:05, 2:10, 3:25, 4:35, 5:50, 6:55, 8:15, 9:25 & 10:40 p.m.
Beginners (R) (((
Aquarius Theatre: 1:45, 4:15, 7:10 & 9:30 p.m.
Bridesmaids (R) (((1/2
Century 16: 10:30 a.m.; 1:20, 4:10 & 7:35 p.m. Century 20: 11 a.m.; 1:55, 4:55, 7:50 & 10:40 p.m.
Cars 2 (G) ((1/2
Century 16: 9:30 & 10:40 a.m.; 12:10, 1:40, 2:50, 4:30, 6:05, 7:30 & 9 p.m.; In 3D at 10:10 a.m.; 12:55, 3:50, 7 & 9:50 p.m. Century 20: 10:35 a.m.; noon, 1:25, 2:45, 4:15, 5:40, 7 & 8:30 p.m.; In 3D at 11:10 a.m.; 12:40, 2, 3:30, 4:50, 6:15, 7:40, 9:10 & 10:20 p.m.; In 3D Sat. & Sun. also at 10 a.m.
Curly Top (1935)
Stanford Theatre: Fri. at 6 & 9:10 p.m.
Footlight Parade (1933)
Stanford Theatre: Sat.-Mon. at 5:35 & 9:45 p.m.
Green Lantern (PG-13) ((1/2
Century 16: 9:50 a.m.; 3:35 & 9:55 p.m.; In 3D at 12:40 & 7:10 p.m. Century 20: 1:50 & 7:20 p.m.; In 3D at 12:35, 3:15, 6 & 8:45 p.m.
The Hangover Part II (R) (( Century 20: 11:05 a.m.; 4:30 & 10:10 p.m. Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG) ((1/2
Century 16: 9:30 a.m.; 2:05 & 6:50 p.m.; In 3D at 11:45 a.m.; 4:25 & 9:10 p.m. Century 20: 10:40 a.m.; 3:20 & 8 p.m.; In 3D at 12:55, 5:35 & 10:15 p.m.
Larry Crowne (PG-13) ((
Century 16: 10:50 a.m.; 1:30, 4:20, 7:30 & 10:20 p.m. Century 20: 10:55 a.m.; 1:40, 4:20, 6:50 & 9:20 p.m.
Midnight in Paris (PG-13) (((1/2
Century 20: 11:45 a.m.; 2:20, 4:45, 7:10 & 9:35 p.m. Guild Theatre: 2, 4:30, 7:15 & 9:45 p.m.
Monte Carlo (2011) (PG) (Not Reviewed)
Century 16: 10:10 a.m.; 12:50, 3:40, 7 & 9:45 p.m. Century 20: 11 a.m.; 1:45, 4:40, 7:25 & 10 p.m.
Mr. Popperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Penguins (PG) (Not Reviewed)
Century 16: 9:30 a.m.; 12:05, 2:40, 5:05, 7:50 & 10:20 p.m. Century 20: 11:55 a.m.; 2:35, 5:05, 7:35 & 10:05 p.m.
prospects of winning a film-festival award. A spectacular crash (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Production values!â&#x20AC;?) spins the narrative into a sci-fi thriller. The survivors must use their wits in a world turned dangerous by a mysterious monster and hostile â&#x20AC;&#x153;othersâ&#x20AC;? from the U.S. Air Force. A hero named Jack (Kyle Chandler of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Friday Night Lightsâ&#x20AC;?) emerges as the leader of the good guys. Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language and some nudity. 1 hour. 52 minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; S.T. (Reviewed June 10, 2011) The Tree of Life ---(Palo Alto Square) â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tree of Lifeâ&#x20AC;? is the story of the Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien family: Mr. and Mrs. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien (Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain) and sons Jack (Hunter McCracken), R.L. (Laramie Eppler) and Steve (Tye Sheridan). Mostly, we see them during the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Oedipal adolescence, but we learn almost immediately that one died when he was 19, and we see the grown Jack (Sean Penn) contemplating that death, his childhood and his relationships with his parents and with God. The filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s title not only evokes director Terrence Malickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite visual subject (the trees) but the notion of the family tree of life, that all living things are interconnected. Rated PG-13 for some thematic material. Two hours, 18 minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; P.C. (Reviewed June 10, 2011)
Guild Theatre: Sat. at midnight.
Stowaway (1936)
Stanford Theatre: Fri. at 7:30 p.m.
Super 8 (PG-13) ((1/2
Century 16: 9:35 a.m.; 12:30, 3:30, 6:55 & 10:05 p.m. Century 20: 11:15 a.m.; 2:15, 5, 7:45 & 10:25 p.m. Century 16: 10 a.m.; noon, 2, 4, 6:10, 7:40 & 9:50 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. also at 11:05 p.m.; In 3D at 9:30 & 11 a.m.; 1, 3, 5, 7, 8:50 & 10:30 p.m. Century 20: 10:25 & 11:20 a.m.; 1:55, 2:50, 5:25, 6:20, 9 & 9:55 p.m.; In 3D at 12:05, 1, 3:35, 4:30, 7:05, 8:05 & 10:30 p.m.; In 3D Sat. & Sun. also at 9:45 a.m.
The Tree of Life (PG-13) ((((
Palo Alto Square: 1:15, 2:45, 4:15 & 7:15 p.m.; Fri. & at. also at 5:45, 8:45 & 10:15 p.m.; Sun. & Mon. also S at 5:45 & 8:45 p.m.; Tue. & Thu. also at 5:45 p.m.
The Trip (Not Rated) (((
Aquarius Theatre: 2:15, 4:45, 7:30 & 9:55 p.m.
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The Tree of Life 2:45, 5:45, 8:45 Tues 7/5 The Tree of Life 1:15, 4:15, 7:15 The Tree of Life 2:45, 5:45 The Tree of Life 1:15, 4:15, 7:15 Weds ONLY 7/6 The Tree of Life 2:45 Thurs 7/7 The Tree of Life 1:15, 4:15, 7:15
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Transformers: Dark of the Moon (PG-13) (Not Reviewed)
Steve (Coogan) despairs when his girlfriend begs off. But he rings up Rob (Brydon), parsimoniously proposing a 60-40 split of the jobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pay in compensation for Robâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time, observations and company. Not rated. One hour, 47 minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; P.C. (Reviewed June 17, 2011)
The Trip --(Aquarius) The broody foodie comedy
Pirates of the Caribbean: Century 16: 10:10 p.m. Century 20: 9:45 p.m. On Stranger Tides (PG-13) ((1/2 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (R) (Not Reviewed)
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tripâ&#x20AC;? reunites the delectable pair of Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, real-life actor-comic friends who play versions of themselves to highly amusing and oddly wistful effect. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Tripâ&#x20AC;? operates on a simple premise. Contracted by The Observer to review upscale eateries in Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lake District and Yorkshire Dales,
Wimbledon Live! 3D Century 20: Sat. & Sun. at 6 a.m. (Not Rated) (Not Reviewed) X-Men: First Class (PG-13) (((1/2
Century 16: 9:40 a.m.; 12:45, 3:45, 7:05 & 10:15 p.m. Century 20: 10:30 a.m.; 1:30, 4:25, 7:30 & 10:35 p.m.
Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)
Stanford Theatre: Sat.-Mon. at 7:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. also at 3:20 p.m.
( Skip it (( Some redeeming qualities ((( A good bet (((( Outstanding Aquarius: 430 Emerson St., Palo Alto (266-9260) Century Cinema 16: 1500 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View (800-326-3264) Century 20 Downtown: 825 Middlefield Road, Redwood City (800-326-3264) CinĂŠArts at Palo Alto Square: 3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (4933456) Guild: 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park (266-9260) Stanford: 221 University Ave., Palo Alto (324-3700) Internet address: For show times, plot synopses, trailers and more information about films playing, go to Palo Alto Online atPaloAltoOnline.com.
THE YEARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FIRST OSCAR CONTENDER!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;
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FUNNY, TOUCHING AND ALTOGETHER EXTRAORDINARY!â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;
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Eating Out RESTAURANT REVIEW
Buy 1 entree and get the 2nd one
with coupon (Dinner Only)
,UNCH "UFFET - & s /RGANIC 6EGGIES s 2ESERVATION !CCEPTED
Family owned and operated for 15 years
w w w. j a n t a i n d i a n r e s t a u r a n t . c o m
Veronica Weber
369 Lytton Avenue Downtown Palo Alto 462-5903
From left, asparagus and sautĂŠed mushrooms, Chong Qing spicy fish, and sliced Peking duck.
Free Lunch
Peking Duck settles into new nest Extensive menus tough to navigate, but duck dishes are worth it by Sheila Himmel
Provides FREE Summer Lunch to youth ages 1-18. 12-1pm at Ecumenical Hunger Program. No paperwork required. June 20 - August 5, 2011 2411 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto Call 650-323-7781 This space donated as a community service by the
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eking Duck could be the restaurant to break the jinx of 151 S. California Ave., hidden in the middle of the Palo Alto Central building. In the year since moving here, the restaurant has regained its footing, particularly with larger tables and Chinese customers. Peking Duck spent more than 20 years on El Camino and won many fans for its namesake dish. But the building had gotten shabby. Peking Duck was booted out to make way for a brand-new Panda Express, a fast-food Chinese chain based in Southern California. Peking Duck turned the corner, literally, and moved in with the Jade Palace restaurant four blocks away. For a while, each had its own menu, which was confusing. Now thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still a sign saying Jade Palace and a banner saying Peking Duck, but the voluminous menus list items from both restaurants. You get handed three or four menus, which is still confusing. The pleasantly sky-lighted dining room has housed Indian, Italian and Mediterranean res-
P
Veronica Weber
Ecumenical Hunger Program
A close-up of the asparagus and sautĂŠed mushrooms, which are served in oyster sauce. taurants. Orangey wash-painted walls must have been from one of those previous eras. Two duck decoys sit on the bar, as if to confirm youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the right place. A half-order of Peking Duck ($15.50) is pre-sliced and served with hoisin sauce, cucumber sticks, scallion strings and Mandarin pancakes. The duck is de-
licious, even better if you bring more people and justify a whole duck ($30), sliced tableside. The signature dish also is available as one duck done three ways ($44). Another favorite is smoked tea duck ($15.50). In addition, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pineapple duck, duck with Peking sauce, five spices crispy duck, boneless duck feet, shredded duck salad, sauteed minced duck in lettuce cups, and vermicelli with shredded duck. Too many ducks donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spoil the restaurant, but just paging through the menus can be exhausting. Once you know what to order, you can eat very well at Peking Duck. The dim sum menu is always available. Har gow, the steamed shrimp dumplings ($3.50 for three) served in the bamboo steamer, were acceptable but sticky. A Chinese menu, in Chinese characters, features individual dishes. We tried one, described as having lots of ingredients ($13) and it did, but they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come together: diced zucchini, duck, pork, mushrooms and loads of red and yellow peppers. The regular multi-page menu includes cold appetizers like Shanghai spiced fish; Hong Kong-style ginger scallion pork ribs; and hot and sour chicken Ă la Sichuan. There are a dozen soups, three dozen seafood items, and so on. Next to the duck, the best dish we tried was eggplant
with minced pork and spicy garlic sauce ($9.50), with small Chinese eggplants cooked perfectly. Also excellent, a heaping bowl of homemade noodles with hot and spicy beef stew ($7.95) features hunks of beef, mouth-meltingly tender yet appropriately stringy. Thick, chewy homemade noodles show up in soups and six entrĂŠes. A dozen dishes under the heading â&#x20AC;&#x153;Low-Calorie Gourmetsâ&#x20AC;? represent the lighter side of vegetables, sautĂŠed or steamed or blanched, with some kind of protein or fungus. Finally, a menu of chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specialties includes a refreshing salad of iceberg lettuce, cucumber and pomelo, a grapefruit-like citrus. Vegetarian offerings are surprisingly limited. At lunch with a vegetarian, the soup of the day was Westlake beef soup with egg drop -- no substitutions. But she was able to add broccoli and snow peas to the fried tofu with spicy garlic sauce ($2 added to $7.50) and had more than enough food. Peking duck became an international sensation in the 1970s, credited with helping pave the way for President Richard Nixonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s groundbreaking visit to the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger had gone first, and his initial meetings didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go well. Once Kissinger was served Peking duck for lunch, he loved it, talks improved and the next day Nixon was being invited to visit China. But the history of Peking duck dates back to a recipe found in a 1330 manual of the imperial kitchen. A restaurant specializing in Peking duck was founded in Beijing in 1416. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sometimes thing in many Chinese restaurants, which is why fans flock to restaurants like Peking Duck. N
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Peking Duck 151 S. California Ave., Palo Alto 650-321-9388 Hours: Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.9:30 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
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Takeout Highchairs Wheelchair access
Banquet Catering Outdoor seating Noise level: Not bad Bathroom Cleanliness: Good
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PIZZA Pizza Chicago 424-9400 4115 El Camino Real, Palo Alto This IS the best pizza in town
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CHINESE
Armadillo Willyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 941-2922
Su Hong â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Menlo Park Dining Phone: 323â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6852 To Go: 322â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4631 Winner, Menlo Almanac â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Ofâ&#x20AC;? 8 years in a row!
Trader Vicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 849-9800 4269 El Camino Real, Palo Alto Dinner Mon-Thurs 5-10pm; Fri-Sat 5-11pm; Sun 4:30 - 9:30pm Available for private luncheons Lounge open nightly Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-6 pm
INDIAN
SEAFOOD
Darbar Indian Cuisine 321-6688 129 Lytton, Downtown Palo Alto Lunch Buffet M-F; Open 7 days
Cookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seafood 325-0604 751 El Camino Real, Menlo Park Seafood Dinners from $6.95 to $10.95
1031 N. San Antonio Rd., Los Altos Range: $5.00-13.00
Hobeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 856-6124 4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto Also at Town & Country Village, Palo Alto 327-4111
Burmese Green Elephant Gourmet (650) 494-7391 Burmese & Chinese Cuisine 3950 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto (Charleston Shopping Center)
Janta Indian Restaurant 462-5903 369 Lytton Ave., Downtown Palo Alto Lunch Buffet M-F; Organic Veggies
ITALIAN
Dine-In, Take-Out, Local Delivery-Catering
CHINESE
Spalti Ristorante 327-9390 417 California Ave, Palo Alto Ă?ÂľĂ&#x2022;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x153;`Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;"Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x152;`Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;} www.spalti.com
Chef Chuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (650) 948-2696 1067 N. San Antonio Road on the corner of El Camino, Los Altos 2010 Best Chinese MV Voice & PA Weekly
Jing Jing 328-6885 443 Emerson St., Palo Alto
JAPANESE & SUSHI Fuki Sushi 494-9383 4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto Open 7 days a Week
www.jingjinggourmet.com
Mingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 856-7700 1700 Embarcadero East, Palo Alto www.mings.com
New Tung Kee Noodle House 520 Showers Dr., MV in San Antonio Ctr. Voted MV Voice Best â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;01, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;02, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;03 & â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;04 Prices start at $4.75 947-8888
Page 28Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;ÂŁ]Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;䣣Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;*>Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;7iiÂ&#x17D;Â?Ă&#x17E;
THAI Thaiphoon Restaurant 323-7700 543 Emerson St., Palo Alto Full Bar, Outdoor Seating www.thaiphoonrestaurant.com Best Thai Restaurant in Palo Alto 5 Years in a Row, 2006-2010
Voted Best Thai Restaurant 2010
543 Emerson Street, Palo Alto
650-323-7700 (Between University and Hamilton in Downtown Palo Alto)
www.thaiphoonrestaurant.com
MEXICAN
Authentic Szechwan, Hunan Food To Go, Delivery
Scottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seafood 323-1555 #1 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto Open 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Happy Hour 7 days a week 4-7 pm Full Bar, Banquets, Outdoor Seating www.scottsseafoodpa.com
Palo Alto Sol 328-8840 408 California Ave, Palo Alto Ă&#x2022;}iĂ&#x160;Â&#x201C;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x17E;Â?iĂ&#x160;,iVÂ&#x2C6;ÂŤiĂ&#x192; Oaxacan Kitchen Mobile 321-8003 2010 Best Mexican We have hit the Road! Follow Us twitter.com/oaxacankitchen Become a Fan facebook.com/oaxacankitchenmobile Find Us www.OaxacanKitchenMobile.com
Siam Orchid 325-1994 496 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto Organic Thai Free Delivery to Palo Alto/Stanford/Menlo Park Order online at www.siamorchidpa.com
STEAKHOUSE Sundance the Steakhouse 321-6798 1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2:00pm Dinner: Mon-Thu 5:00-10:00pm Fri-Sat 5:00-10:30pm, Sun 5:00-9:00pm www.sundancethesteakhouse.com
Search a complete listing of local restaurant reviews by location or type of food on PaloAltoOnline.com
Sports Shorts
Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new challenge for Weems Menlo School boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; coach takes job with NBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Warriors
(continued on page 32)
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A
Stanford two-way standout Tyler Gaffney finished up his college baseball season a few weeks ago in the College World Series, but decided to keeping juggling baseball and football by joining the Palo Alto Oaks.
SEMIPRO BASEBALL
Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gaffney proves a hit for Oaks in his solid debut by Colin Becht
T
Allie Shorin
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hough the College World Series is over for him, Stanford outfielder Tyler Gaffney is still keeping busy despite settling into his offseason â&#x20AC;&#x201D; if you can call any time of the year for the two-sport athlete an offseason. When it comes to balancing time between his two sports, spring and fall are easy for Gaffney, a running back for the Cardinal football team, as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just go by season and put that as my priority,â&#x20AC;? he says. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the in-between time like this summer that pushes Gaffney to the limit, forcing him to balance his training time between his two obligations. In addition to his workouts for football, Gaffney has also been playing for the Palo Alto Oaksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; semipro baseball team, helping them to a two-game sweep over the San Jose Baysox this past Sunday in his debut appearance. But with Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baseball season finished after losing to North Carolina in the NCAA Super Regionals two weeks ago while the Cardinal football team looks to build off of its 12-1 record, the pigskin wins out for most of Gaffneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Football is coming up,â&#x20AC;? Gaffney said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what
by Keith Peters lot of positive things are happening with the NBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golden State Warriors these days. The team has new owners, a new coach, three new draft picks and a new franchise in the Development League. And now, the Warriors have Kris Weems. Weems, the former Stanford basketball three-point shooting standout and most recently the boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball coach at Menlo Kris Weems School for the past seven years, has accepted a job with the Warriors and officially will join the team on August 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still pretty unreal,â&#x20AC;? Weems said Thursday after signing with the Warriors earlier this week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going into it eyes wide open. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be like a sponge and soak it all up.â&#x20AC;? While he presently has no official job title, Weems will be working in player development as a skills coach. One thing he expects to do is work with players headed to the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new D-League franchise â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Dakota Wizards. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll accompany players and work with them while integrating them into the system. Weems also will be on the bench with new head coach Mark Jackson, although not sitting alongside him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will be sitting behind the bench, rather than on it,â&#x20AC;? Weems said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be in a suit, but I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be yelling at the refs!â&#x20AC;? Menlo School Athletic Director Craig Schoof, who found out about Weems leaving just this week, said the move is a positive one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great opportunity for Kris, obviously,â&#x20AC;? Schoof said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be surprised if they (the Warriors) were grooming him for the DLeague coaching job in the next few years.â&#x20AC;? Schoof and Weems met with the Menlo boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball team on Thursday morning. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy for Kris and it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy on the players,â&#x20AC;? Schoof said. Schoof said there was nothing personal with Weems leaving. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like he was leaving for another high school team,â&#x20AC;? Schoof said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a big step up.â&#x20AC;? Weems has a few more weeks at Menlo with his other job in the development office. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also coaching his AAU basketball team at the Kris Weems Academy. Everything should wrap up by mid- to late-July before Weems and his basketballloving wife of nearly two years,
Allie Shorin
IN THE POOL . . . The Stanford Water Polo Club boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 18U team, which finished first two weekends ago in Pacific Zone qualifying for the 2011 Junior Olympics, followed that performance with a third-place finish at the eighth annual Cal Cup Championships this past weekend in Ontario. Stanford defeated the North San Diego Stars, 15-5, in the bronze medal match on Sunday at Norco High. Stanford opened with a 13-3 win over DACA before romping to a 16-8 victory over Orange County on Saturday. On Sunday, Stanford dropped a 15-14 decision to Santa Barbara, which went on to finish second to overall champ San Diego Shores. Stanford finished 3-1 during the tournament, which served as another solid tuneup for the Junior Olympics, which will be held in Orange County later this summer. The Stanford Red 18-under team, which is coached by Brian Kreutzkamp, included Thomas Agramonte, Alex Bagdasarian, Philip Bamberg, Dante Cavazos, Robert Dunlevie, Casey Fleming, Mark Garner, Patrick Goodenough, Alex Gow, Nick Hale, Colin Mulcahy, Max Schell, Daniel Schwartz, Peter Simon and Adam Warmouth. The Stanford Red 16under team finished fourth at the Cal Cup after dropping a 6-3 decision to San Diego Shores in the bronze-medal match. In the semifinals, Stanford fell to eventual champion Lamorinda, 9-5, while finishing 4-1 in the two-day tourney. Stanford opened with a 12-7 victory over CHAWP and beat Foothill Water Polo Club, 9-8, in the second round. In Round 3, Stanford posted an 8-7 victory over SoCal on Saturday at Corona del Mar High. Coached by Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell, the Stanford Red 16-under team included Stephen Cho, Zachary Churukian, Brayden Curry, Maxwell Draga, Harrison Enright, David Freudenstein, Rishabh Hegde, Harrison Holland-McCown, Michael Holloway, Reid Lazzarini, Evan McClelland, Morgan OlsonFabbro, Will Runkel and Alexander Swart. The Stanford 16s finished third at the Pacific Zone qualifying for JOs two weeks ago in the East Bay. While the Stanford Water Polo Club teams will be off practice Friday, many of the players will be attending a clinch at Sacred Heart Prep from 4-7 p.m. Recently graduated Stanford players: Drac Wigo, Janson Wigo, Sage Wright and Jeffery Schwimer will headline a fundraising clinic that afternoon. All the clinic instructors have been selected to participate with Team USA at this summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World University Games, Aug. 11-23 in Shenzhen, China, and will be holding the clinic in efforts to fundraise for their upcoming trip. Between them, the four players are 13-time All-Americans. During the clinic they will work on advanced shooting techniques and other valuable skills that they have learned throughout their colligate and international playing careers. Along with the in-water instruction they will also talk about their experiences.
PRO BASKETBALL
Gaffney made an immediate impact for the Oaks on Sunday as he tripled in his first at-bat and scored.
*>Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;7iiÂ&#x17D;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;ÂŁ]Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;䣣Ă&#x160;U Page 29
Sports BABE RUTH
TRACK AND FIELD
Double trouble in finals
Stanford Olympian returns to The Farm PattiSue Plumer will be the newest assistant coach
B&B Builders wins twice to defend Babe Ruth crown by Colin Becht
M
Keith Peters
enlo Chevron lost just twice during the entire Palo Alto Babe Ruth League regular season. By the end of Wednesday night, B&B Builders had doubled that figure en route to its secondstraight city tournament championship. B&B avenged its loss to Menlo Chevron earlier in the league tournament â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as well as two regularseason losses â&#x20AC;&#x201D; beating Menlo Chevron twice at Baylands Athletic Center to win the postseason tourney coming out of the consolation bracket. B&B forced a winner-take-all challenge game by coming from behind to win, 8-7, and rode the momentum from that victory to a 9-6 triumph in a game that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t conclude until after 10 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have high expectations,â&#x20AC;? B&B manager Rick Farr said of what he thought of his teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prospects before the season. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought we might end up fourth or fifth and might be able to win a couple of games in the tournament.â&#x20AC;? In the challenge game, B&B got a standout outing from starting pitcher Rohit Ramkumar, who allowed just four hits in six-plus inning of work after pitching a three-hitter in his previous outing. He retired the
Kodiak Conrad (left) and Jack Cleasby helped B&B Builders sweep Menlo Chevron for the Palo Alto Babe Ruth city title. first eight batters he faced as B&B jumped out to a 2-0 lead. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was able to throw strikes and make them put it in play,â&#x20AC;? Ramkumar said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My defense was really key.â&#x20AC;? Farr said Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s storm, which forced the championship to be pushed back a day, played to B&Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advantage as it gave Ramkumar an extra day of rest from his completegame outing on Friday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we had played last (Tuesday) night, like we were scheduled to, I would have gone to him, but I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have extended him too much,â&#x20AC;? Farr said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But today, at four days rest, it probably helped to have that extra day.â&#x20AC;? With Ramkumar keeping the
Menlo Chevron bats at bay, B&B took advantage of its opportunities to build a lead as large as seven. B&B scored three runs in the fourth, two of them on a base hit to center field by Nicholas Beeson, as Menlo Chevronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defense crumbled. Three Menlo Chevron errors prolonged and spurred B&Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rally, making the outing much more difficult on starting pitcher Alex Aguiar. B&B then added four more in the fifth, again with some help from an error by Menlo Chevron. Still, B&B made sure to punish Menlo Chevron for its mistakes as Roy Shadmon drove in three runs with a triple, all but locking up the championship. (continued on page 33)
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attiSue Plumer, a two-time U.S. Olympian and one of Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest distance runners, is returning to The Farm as an assistant track and field and associate cross-country coach. Edrick Floreal, director of track and field at Stanford, announced the hiring Tuesday. Plumer, a nine-time All-American, will work with the distance and cross-country runners along with Jason Dunn, under Florealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidance. Known for her gritty running as much as her fast times, Plumer won two NCAA titles before embarking on a sterling post-collegiate career that was highlighted by an American record in the 5,000 meters in 1989 and a fifth place in the 3,000 in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Most recently, Plumer coached cross country and track at Los Altos High for the past six years and was as successful as she is popular. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I really do love coaching,â&#x20AC;? Plumer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve really enjoyed my coaching experience at Los Altos. I told myself the only thing that would get me to leave that job would be a coaching job at Stanford.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;PattiSue is a Cardinal for life, who is committed to the continued success of Stanford Track & Field/ Cross Country. She understands the Stanford way and shares my passion for teaching and coaching,â&#x20AC;? Floreal said. Plumer (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;85) arrived at Stanford as a good runner - she placed third in both the mile (5:10) and two mile (11:20) at the Colorado state championships while at Montrose High.
P
But it was at Stanford that she became great. As a sophomore, she dropped her personal record in the 3000 from 9:42 to 8:55. She went on to capture the NCAA indoor two-mile title (9:45.54) in 1983 and the outdoor 5,000 (15:39.38) in 1984. Her 1983 indoor 3,000 of 8:53.1 still stands as Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest at that distance indoors or outdoors. And, she ran on three NCAA runnerup teams in cross country during a career that was rewarded with induction into Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall of Fame. Plumer won four U.S. national championships - two each in the 3,000 (`89, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;92) and 5,000 (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;91) - and became the first to bust Mary Deckerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hold of every American distance running record in the 1980s when she ran 15:00.00 in the 5,000 in Stockholm, Sweden. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a superstar in high school,â&#x20AC;? Plumer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was taught to be great. I had to learn how to be a great athlete and how to embrace my potential. Hopefully, I can carry those lessons to the student-athletes at Stanford.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;PattiSue is a perfect fit for our program and a strong role model who exemplifies what our University strives to instill in our student athletes,â&#x20AC;? Floreal said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity I had at Stanford,â&#x20AC;? Plumer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really indebted to the coaches that spent hours of their personal time making me a better athlete and a better person. That was the experience I had and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I would like to give back.â&#x20AC;? N -- Stanford Sports Information
Kris Weems
dream job would be working in the front office of an NBA team, this new opportunity may be even better as it keeps him in coaching and teaching. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It seems like a great fit,â&#x20AC;? Weems said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more hands-on basketball. The timing of this is really great. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to have a chance to learn from a lot of sharp guys.â&#x20AC;? Weems finished his seven years at Menlo with a 136-59 record. He won Central Coast Section Division IV titles in 2008 and 2009, going 23-8 and 22-3, respectively, those seasons. He went 10-16 in 2010 and 13-13 this past season, but had a lot of young players returning and the future looked bright for Menlo once again. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously, I am sad for Menlo, but very happy for Kris to get this opportunity,â&#x20AC;? Schoof said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kris has given Menlo seven outstanding years and will be missed greatly by everyone from players, coaches, parents and the Menlo Community.â&#x20AC;? Schoof presently is looking for a new head coach for his boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball team. Those interested can contact Schoof at cschoof@menloschool.org. You just never know where the job might lead. N
(continued from previous page)
Neda, make plans to move from their home in Redwood Shores to across the bay, where he can be closer to the Golden State players and offices. Weems had a natural connection with the Warriors and new co-owner Joe Lacob. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know Joe Lacob very well,â&#x20AC;? Weems said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I coached both his boys.â&#x20AC;? Weems coached both Kirk and Kent Lacob. Kent finished his prep career this past season. Weems met with Warriorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; General Manager Larry Riley about six weeks ago and the two talked about a job that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even exist at that time. Weems also met with Bob Myers, the new assistant GM and Vice President of Basketball Operations, and spent time with Jackson following his recent hiring. Weems, 34, brings a wealth of experience to the job. He played at Stanford (1996-99), made the AllPac-10 Conference team (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;98 and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;99) and helped the Cardinal win the Pac-10 title in 1998-99. While he once thought that his
Sports
Ex-Stanford defender Buehler goes on offense for U.S. in World Cup by Rick Eymer
R
achel Buehler spent most of her time at Stanford helping to keep goals out of the net. Her job description called for much of the same with the U.S. womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national soccer team. Before scoring late in the second half to help the Americans earn a 2-0 victory over Korea DPR at the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cup in Dresden, Germany on Tuesday, she had one goal in 56 previous appearances with Team USA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to build confidence off this win,â&#x20AC;? Buehler said. Buehler, an All-American while at Stanford, was in the right place at the right time, punching home a goal along the ground just inside the net to give the U.S. its two-goal edge. Carli Lloyd collected a pass and headed it to Buehler, who let the ball settle before unleashing her monster shot. UCLA grad Lauren Cheney also scored for the top-seeded Americans, who are aiming at their first World Cup title since 1999. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These three points were very important,â&#x20AC;? USA forward Abby Wambach said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To me they felt like seven. We have a tough game against Colombia and Sweden ahead so we want to prepare for those games.â&#x20AC;? The U.S. meets Columbia at the Rhein Neckar Arena in Sinsheim, Germany on Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
(PT) in its second game. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always good going forward,â&#x20AC;? U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two great goals, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re moving on. I think we showed that we are ready. I want to stress how important it is to look at the next game. I really enjoyed this game and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll prepare for Colombia.â&#x20AC;? Columbia lost to Sweden, 1-0, on Tuesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t matter what happened in the past,â&#x20AC;? Wambach said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in this tournament, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re focused on.â&#x20AC;? In the 54th minute, Ali Krieger dribbled down the left and found Wambach, who cut inside and crossed with her right foot. Cheney went for the header, connected, and put the U.S. ahead. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have mattered who scored as long as we won,â&#x20AC;? Cheney said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obviously a great feeling scoring goals and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I play forward or outside midfield because I love to attack.â&#x20AC;? The Americans outshot Korea, 19-13, including a 12-7 advantage on goal. Buehler was one of four players who made their World Cup debut and were also members of the 2008 Olympic gold medal team. Buehler was joined by Amy Rodriguez, Ali Krieger, and Amy LePeilbet. The U.S. needed to win a playoff series with Italy to advance into the World Cup after losing to Mexico.
The Americans also lost their most recent meeting with Sweden. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think the bumps in the road were good for us, they helped us improve, build on things and tighten up weaknesses,â&#x20AC;? Buehler said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This game was really great for us. We came out very unified and played with a lot of heart. I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great building point and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited to keep building throughout the tournament.â&#x20AC;? In another World Cup opener, Monica Ocampo scored the tying goal in the 33rd minute and Mexico came away with a point after matching England, 1-1, in the first round of pool play on Monday. The match at Wolfsburg Arena Im Allerpark drew 18,702 fans. Stanford junior Alina Garciamendez played the full game in the back for Mexico while Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Teresa Noyola subbed in at the 85-minute mark. The Mexicans had two scoring opportunities in extra time, with one shot blocked and another saved. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We achieved a great result,â&#x20AC;? Ocampo said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are now focusing on the next matches. I am very proud of the goal. We have a very good team and I am very proud of their support during this match.â&#x20AC;? Mexico meets Japan on Friday. The Japanese edged New Zealand, 2-1, on Monday. Stanford grad Ali Riley plays for the Kiwis. N (Associated Press contributed)
Future Hooper Camp Future Hooper camps are a fun way for kids grades K-4th to get early exposure to basketball. The camps teach basic skills and offer fun ways to practice through drills and games. Participants: K-4th Grade boys and girls Date: July 9th Time: 9:00am-12:00pm Parent Camp Bay Area Basketball Academy Parent Camps offer an exciting learning experience for both the player and the parent. Often the parents are the day-to-day coaches, and at this camp they can receive individualized feedback and instruction on how to best help their child. Participants: 5th-8th Grade Boys and Girls Date: July 23rd Time: 9:00am-12:00pm To register for an event or for more information about these and other Bay Area Basketball Academy programs, please go to
www.babasketballacademy.com
June 24 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; August 6 Tickets On Sale Now
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MILTON NASCIMENTO
6/30 & 7/1
Stanford wins 17th straight Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup; Brown helps USA U19 hoop team win opener by Rick Eymer tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official: Stanford has won its 17th consecutive Learfield Sports Directorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cup. The final standings were released Thursday. The award is presented annually by the National Association of Collegiate Athletic Directors of America (NACDA), Learfield Sports and USA Today to the top intercollegiate athletic program in the nation. Stanford finished with 1550 1/4 points, outdistancing Ohio State (1,227) and California (1,219 1/2). Florida (1212.25), Duke (1171.50), North Carolina (1160.75), Virginia (1092.00), Texas A&M (1090.50), Florida State (1079.00) and Oklahoma (1064.75) also comprised the top 10. The Cardinal earned NCAA championships in menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gymnastics, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water polo and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lightweight crew-varsity eight. Stanford has won at least one NCAA team title for 35 consecutive years, an ongoing record. The national title won by menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gymnastics marked Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 100th NCAA team championship. Three other Stanford teams â&#x20AC;&#x201D; womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tennis and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rowing â&#x20AC;&#x201D; placed second in NCAA championship competition. Eighteen of Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 35 intercollegiate programs finished their
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respective seasons ranked in the top-10 nationally, while eight teams were ranked first in the nation at some point during the year. Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christen Press (womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer), Annika Dries (womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water polo), Ashley Hansen (softball) and Alix Klineman (womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s volleyball) earned national players of the year in their respective sports. Hilary Barte and Mallory Burdette were named ITA Doubles Team of the Year, while Owen Marecic was named the inaugural recipient of the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in college football. Andrew Luck was the Heisman Trophy runnerup. Stanford coaches Tara VanDerveer (womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball), Thom Gliemi (menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gymnastics) and Al Acosta (womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lightweight rowing) were named national coaches of the year, while seven Cardinal coaches earned conference/region coach of the year honors. The Cardinal clinched the title when John Tannerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water polo team won the national championship, mathematically eliminating Ohio State. Baseball Stanford junior Mark Appel continued his success with the U.S. Collegiate National Team, pitch-
ing a scoreless inning in CNTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8-4 win over the host Newport Gulls on Tuesday. Cardinal sophomore Brian Ragira entered the game as a defensive replacement at first base and was 0-for-1 with a run scored. In another New England Collegiate Baseball League game, Stanford players Brett Doran and Christian Griffiths each went 1-for-4 in helping the Mystic Schooners beat the visiting New Bedford Bay Sox. On Wednesday, Ragira was dropped from the U.S. Collegiate National Team before Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7-5 victory over host New Bedford. Ragira went hitless in four appearances, scoring two runs. He was replaced by Cal State Fullertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Michael Lorenzen. Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball Stanford sophomore Anthony Brown scored 10 points, one of seven Americans to reach double figures, as the U.S. U19 menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national basketball team opened preliminary play at the U19 World Championships in Liepaja, Latvia with a 11560 victory over Egypt on Thursday. The Americans continue pool play with a game against Serbia on Friday. The U.S. scored the gameâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first 22
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(continued on page 32)
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Sports
Gaffney
(continued from page 29)
Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m focused on.â&#x20AC;? Although preparing for the upcoming football season may be Gaffneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top priority, he canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t simply ignore baseball while many of his fellow teammates and opponents compete in summer leagues every day. Gaffney said his time away from baseball has affected his ability to begin the season on a high note. In Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first 11 games this year, Gaffney hit just .150, far below the .371 batting average he posted the rest of the season. In his freshman year, Gaffney wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t given many of the early opportunities given to some other freshmen before eventually developing into a Pac-10 honorable mention selection. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to keep my swing going,â&#x20AC;? Gaffney said of his decision to play summer ball. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to start slow like I have the past two years.â&#x20AC;? To do so means that Gaffney has to find time for baseball in between a full-time offseason training program for football. Currently, he is working out on his own, lifting and running, but will participate in summer workouts with the football team starting next week. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m with them as much as I can,â&#x20AC;? he says. As for baseball, Gaffney said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll just have to find opportunities to play and practice outside of the football schedule
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just on my extra time,â&#x20AC;? he said. Though Gaffneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dedication to both his sports may make his offseason anything but off-time, it has paid off for him on the field â&#x20AC;&#x201D;or fields. Gaffney carried the ball 60 times for the Cardinal this past season, amassing 255 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught a 52-yard touchdown pass that gave Andrew Luck his school-record 28th touchdown throw of the season. On the diamond, Gaffney has been named an All-Pac-10 honorable mention twice. He finished third on the Cardinal in both batting average and RBI while leading the team in slugging percentage this season. So if Gaffneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multifaceted athletic achievements dictate the delicate juggling of training and games for two sports, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just fine with that. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I took a couple days off, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what happens when you play two sports,â&#x20AC;? Gaffney says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really get many off days.â&#x20AC;? Gaffney made an immediate impact for the Palo Alto Oaks on Sunday. Gaffney, who hit safely in Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last 22 baseball games this spring, tripled in his first at-bat with the Oaks and scored on a wild pitch. He later added a double in support of Matt Campbellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two-hit shutout as Palo Alto beat the San Jose Baysox, 3-0, in the opener of a Western Baseball Association Stan Musial Division doubleheader at Baylands Athletic Center.
The Oaks won the nightcap, 13-2, in a five-inning game. Menlo College senior Jason Kleinhoffer from Palo Alto High recorded the win. Campbell struck out nine in throwing the complete-game victory for the Oaks (10-0), who host Fontanettiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a doubleheader Sunday beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Baylands. He did not allow a baserunner past first base. Paly grad Evan Warner and Sam Wilkens each drove in an insurance run for Palo Alto. Gaffney and Gunn grad Greg Matson each had two hits. In the second game, Anthony Bona doubled twice and drove in a pair of runs for the Oaks, who broke the game open with six runs in the second. Palo Alto took advantage of three Baysox errors in the inning while Will Klein and Nick Borg each doubled. In the fourth, Warner singled in Bryan Beres who had walked to begin the inning. In the fifth, Allen Stiles led off the inning with a walk. After Wilkens singled, Bona doubled to drive in a run, Borg hit a sacrifice fly then ripped a double that scored Stiles. Kleinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s three-run double sealed the victory. Brant Norlander and Graham Rodriguez each pitched an inning to finish the win. In Sacramento during the weekend, the Menlo Park Legends won three of four games and improved to 14-5 this summer. On Friday, the Legends defeated
Pro Player Baseball, 6-1. The following day, Menlo Park dropped a 9-7 decision to the Auburn Hills Mudcats. Sunday was huge for the Legends, who swept a doubleheader from the Seattle Studs, who finished second at last summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Baseball Congress World Series. Menlo Park won the opener, 7-6, before taking the nightcap, 3-1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was very satisfying for me to beat the Studs this year,â&#x20AC;? said Menlo Park manager David Klein. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This weekend marked the start of a very competitive stretch of games, and this was a great sign for us to take two games from the Studs, a really prestigious competitor. We always seem to bring our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; game versus quality competitors. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m really optimistic as we go against the nationally recognized teams from Southern California in the near future.â&#x20AC;? Menlo Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pierson Jeremiah went 4-for-7 in the two games with a double and two RBI. In the first game, outfielder Cody Larson capped a four-run fourth inning with a two-run double, putting the Legends up 7-0. The Studs made it interesting by scoring a run in the sixth and five in the seventh, but the Legends held on for a win. Rich McCaffrey started Game 2 and went a solid five innings for the Legends, allowing three hits. Luke McCreesh came in and threw a perfect inning, and Corey Zirbes came in for the save threw another flawless inning. The Legends pitching staff combined for 14 strikeouts in the doubleheader. N
Stanford roundup (continued from page 31)
points and the rout was on. Brown, 4-of-5 from the field, did a little of everything for the Americans, adding five rebounds and recording three assists in 17 minutes. Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Andrew Yun is one of 24 honorees named to the 2011 AllNicklaus Team that was announced Tuesday by the Golf Coaches Association of America. Players from Division I, II, III, NAIA and NJCAA were recognized for their outstanding play during the past collegiate season. Rowing Stanford grad Grace Luczak became a four-time national team member when she and teammate Felice Mueller won the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pair at the U23 U.S. Rowing trials Wednesday on Mercer Lake in West Windsor, New Jersey. Tennis Stanford senior Bradley Klahn dropped a 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 decision to Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Phillip Bester in the first round of the $50,000 Nielsen Pro Tennis Championships in Winnetka, Ill., on Tuesday. Stanford sophomore Nicole Gibbs, meanwhile, won her first-round match at the Sargent & Collins, LLP $10,000 Championships in Buffalo on Wednesday. Gibbsbeat qualifier Olivia Janowicz, 6-4, 6-0. N
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Sports LITTLE LEAGUE
Palo Alto all-stars taking different paths by James Huber tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one game down and a lot more to go for the Palo Alto National 11-12 all-stars in the District 52 Little League Tournament at Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Middlefield Ballpark. For Palo Alto American, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two games down and potentially even more to go as the team battles its way through the consolation bracket. Palo Alto American took advantage of a barrage of wild pitches, passed balls, walks and errors to defeat Redwood City American, 9-4, on Wednesday night at Middlefield Ballpark in the consolation bracket of the double-elimination tourney. PA Americanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starting pitcher Amit Rao came around to score in the first inning with the help of two passed balls and a wild pitch after hitting a leadoff single to start the game. In the next inning, PA American tacked on two more runs with a little more help from Redwood City Americanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sloppy play. Xavi Loinaz walked and Matt Knowles was hit by a pitch to start off the inning. Loinaz scored on a wild pitch and Knowles was driven in by an RBI single from Rao. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re generally pretty aggressive on the base paths,â&#x20AC;? said Palo Alto American manager Joe Adams, whose team had three stolen bases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wish our hitting had come around, but we took advantage of the opportunities in front of us.â&#x20AC;? Palo Alto was able to score four runs in the fifth with a two-out rally. Rao and Jake Rittman both reached base on errors by Redwood Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
infielders and were brought home by shortstop Jason Huangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RBI single. PA American added on two more runs the next inning despite not recording a hit. P.J. Wisowaty and Steven Marinkovich scored on the same play when the ball got by the catcher and the throw home was mishandled by Redwood Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pitcher. Palo Alto American also got strong pitching efforts from Rao (the winner), Sam Feldman and Rittman. PA American pitchers each struck out four hitters, with all of Rittmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outs coming on strikeouts, and only allowed two earned runs on the night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was Amitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first game pitching in the tournament,â&#x20AC;? said Adams. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He did everything the coaches asked for tonight. Amit threw strikes and located the fastball on the outside corner.â&#x20AC;? In the fourth inning, Rao also made a nice play in right field to end a Redwood City rally. Redwood City appeared to score its second run of the inning when Roberto Alarcon singled, which would have scored Adrian Lopez from second base, but Rao gunned down Alarcon at first base with a strong throw from right field. Palo Alto also rebounded nicely after allowing a deep solo home run to Adrian Villa in the first inning, fanning him three times afterward. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just went right after him with fastballs after the home run,â&#x20AC;? Adams said. Palo Alto American next plays the loser of the game between San
Babe Ruth
Larson was left stranded as Aguiar was unable to come up with the clutch hit. Stranding runners in scoring position proved to be Menlo Chevronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fatal flaw on Wednesday. Menlo Chevron left a runner in scoring position in every inning but the fourth, when Jacob Hoffman was doubled up at second on a line drive by Leo McCabe. Over the two games, Menlo Chevron stranded 11 runners in scoring position. Ramkumar delivered what proved to be the winning run in the 8-7 decision, doubling in Jack Cleasby in the top of the sixth. Until the fifth inning, B&B had been stymied by Kannappan, Menlo Chevronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s starter, who managed to scatter eight hits in the first four innings so that B&B only plated two runs. Finally in the fifth, B&B managed to cash in on its opportunities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a lot of clutch hitting,â&#x20AC;? Farr said. Shadmon finished the two game 5-for-8 with five RBI. Beeson nearly matched him, driving in four runs on 2-of-5 hitting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our bats really came alive,â&#x20AC;? Ramkumar said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were really going after the pitchers.â&#x20AC;? N
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(continued from page 30)
â&#x20AC;&#x153;They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pitch me very well,â&#x20AC;? Shadmon said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then, finally, I got a good pitch to hit, and I just drove it.â&#x20AC;? Though Menlo Chevron attempted a rally in the seventh inning, scoring three times, the deficit was simply too vast as Rylan Pade closed out the seventh inning with solid relief. It took quite a comeback for B&B to even play for the title as it had to overcome a four-run first inning by Menlo Chevron in the initial game on Wednesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t looking too good,â&#x20AC;? Farr said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We made a couple of bad plays. It turned around pretty good.â&#x20AC;? Even after a five-run fifth inning gave B&B its first lead of the game, Menlo Chevron came within 90 feet of forcing extra innings. After Brian Kannappan led off the bottom of the seventh with a single and Robert Larson followed with walk, the two advanced to third and second, respectively, with just one out. Kannappan scored on a groundout by Lawrence Han but
Jim Shorin
Palo Alto National 11-12s advance in winnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bracket while Palo Alto American battles through consolation bracket
Palo Alto Nationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ben Cleasby (third from right) is greeted by his teammates as he jumps on home plate to finish off a three-run homer during a 7-1 victory over Palo Alto American on Sunday in a District 52 all-star game. Carlos American and Belmont/ Redwood Shores at Middlefield on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Palo Alto National also will play Saturday, taking on San Carlos National at 10 a.m. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Palo Alto National began its defense of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s District 52 tournament title as 10-11 year olds with a 7-1 victory over rival Palo Alto American on Sunday evening. PA National scored six times in the fifth inning to put away a pesky American squad that had kept Nationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hitters off balance for most of the game. National used some small ball and dominant pitching to earn its first victory. Relief pitcher Justin Hull drew a bases-loaded walk to put National ahead 2-1 after American had tied
the game earlier in the inning behind Jason Huangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RBI single. Hullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s walk was then followed by a swinging bunt single by catcher Alec Olmstead, which plated two runs when the ball got by the catcher. Earlier in the game, National scored its first run despite not recording a single hit during the inning. Brian Tracy scored on a fielderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-choice groundout to the third baseman after starting the inning off with a walk and advancing on a sacrifice bunt and error. Left fielder Ben Cleasby then rounded off the scoring with a threerun homer to straight-away center field. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cleasby had two great at-bats,â&#x20AC;? Palo Alto National manager Alex Byer said. Byer also praised the work of the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pitchers, Riley Schoeben and Hull.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re the hard throwers,â&#x20AC;? Byer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Schoeben and Justin Hull are a pretty good combination. Rileyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just developed a changeup and Justin has a really good curveball.â&#x20AC;? Schoeben and Hull overpowered Palo Alto American, combining for 12 strikeouts on the day. Playing against players he knew from Palo Alto Little League didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop Hull from coldly dispatching Americanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hitters to close out the game. In other weekend openers, Half Moon Bay beat Menlo-Atherton 7-3 and Alpine/West Menlo defeated San Mateo National 13-8. Alpine will face Half Moon Bay on Friday at 5 p.m. in the winnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bracket. That winner also will advance to the quarterfinals on Tuesday, facing the San Carlos American-Belmont/Redwood Shores winner at 5 p.m. N
HELP YOUTH THRIVE PALO ALTO FAMILY YMCA
Asset of the Month: Community Values Youth Youth who feel valued are more optimistic, FRQžGHQW DQG KDYH D JUHDWHU VHQVH RI personal control. What you can do to help youth feel valued: Â&#x2021; 3UDLVH D \RXQJ SHUVRQ HDFK GD\ Â&#x2021; 7DNH WKHLU LGHDV DQG VXJJHVWLRQV VHULRXVO\ Â&#x2021; 3XEOLFO\ FHOHEUDWH WKHLU FRQWULEXWLRQV /HDUQ PRUH SURMHFWFRUQHUVWRQH RUJ
DEVELOPMENTAL ASSETS are the positive relationships, opportunities, values and VNLOOV WKDW \RXQJ SHRSOH QHHG WR JURZ DQG WKULYH
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Title Pages
Book Talk
A monthly section on local
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;THRONESâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SCRIBE COMES TO FOX ... George R.R. Martin, author of the epic fantasy series â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Song of Ice and Fire,â&#x20AC;? on which the popular HBO program â&#x20AC;&#x153;Game of Thronesâ&#x20AC;? is based, will be at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City on Wednesday, July 27, at 7 p.m. Martin will be signing copies of his new book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Dance with Dragons,â&#x20AC;? the latest in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ice and Fireâ&#x20AC;? series. Tickets for the event are $42 (single) or $48 (pair) and include a copy of â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Dance with Dragons.â&#x20AC;? To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.keplers.com/ event/george-rr-martin. The Fox Theatre is located at 2223 Broadway St., Redwood City.
LEE HESTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TOP FIVE â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;MUST READâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GRAPHIC NOVELS 1
Items for Book Talk may be sent to Associate Editor Carol Blitzer, Palo Alto Weekly, P.O Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 93202 or emailed to cblitzer@paweekly.com by the last Friday of the month.
Veronica Weber
MORE AUTHOR TALKS ... Upcoming Books Inc. author events, at 301 Castro St., Mountain View, include Sheila Kohler, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Love Childâ&#x20AC;? (July 16, 5 p.m.); Chirstopher Moore and Ian Corson, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Griffâ&#x20AC;? (July 28, 7 p.m.). N
â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE COMPLETE MAUS: A SURVIVORâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TALE,â&#x20AC;? by Art Spiegelman; Pantheon; 296 pp.; $35 Mice represent Jews and cats represent Germans in this critically acclaimed graphic novel about the Holocaust. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mausâ&#x20AC;? is the only graphic novel ever to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Hester: â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the most moving and intelligently written graphic novels â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or books of any kind â&#x20AC;&#x201D; that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve read. Brilliant.â&#x20AC;?
LOCAL AUTHORS ... Palo Alto resident and Stanford creative-writing teacher Alice LaPlante will be at Keplerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, on July 6 at 7 p.m. to discuss and sign copies of her debut novel, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Turn of Mind.â&#x20AC;? Ellen Sussman, a Los Altos Hills resident and past judge of the annual Palo Alto Weekly Short Story Contest, will be at Keplerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on July 12 at 7 p.m. to discuss and sign copies of her book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;French Lessons: A Novel.â&#x20AC;? AUTHOR TALKS ... Upcoming Keplerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s author events, at 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, include Gail Carriger, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heartlessâ&#x20AC;? (July 14, 7 p.m.); Simon Van Booy, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything Beautiful Began Afterâ&#x20AC;? (July 15, 7 p.m.); Doug Edwards, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Feeling Lucky: The Confessions of Google Employee Number 59â&#x20AC;? (July 18, 7 p.m.); Priscilla Gilman, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Anti-Romantic Child: A Story of Unexpected Joyâ&#x20AC;? (July 21, 7 p.m.); Howard Markel, M.D., Ph. D., â&#x20AC;&#x153;An Anatomy of Addiction: Sigmund Freud, William Halsted, and the Miracle Drug Cocaineâ&#x20AC;? (July 27, 7 p.m.); Catherine Athans, Ph. D., â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make Your Dreams Come True Now!: How to Manifest Your Wishes, Dreams and Desiresâ&#x20AC;? (July 28, 7 p.m.); Kathleen Baty, â&#x20AC;&#x153;College Safety 101: Miss Independentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Empowerment, Confidence, and Staying Safeâ&#x20AC;? (Aug. 10, 7 p.m.).
books and authors, edited by Tyler Hanley
Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comics owner and founder Lee Hester lies on a bed of comic books at his Mountain View store.
Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comics founder Lee Hester has been immersed in the comic-book universe for more than three decades by Tyler Hanley wander past the neatly organized rows of graphic novels and dueling superhero motifs at Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comics in Mountain View. The back office is adorned with original drawings by some of the comic-book industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most celebrated artists â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Frank Frazetta, David Mack, Alex Ross, Jim Steranko. Lee Hester, the storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s owner and founder, hands me a comic wrapped in thick black vinyl. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a rare copy of Amazing Fantasy #15 (August 1962), Spider-Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first appearance and one of the hobbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most prized collectibles. The comic can sell for upwards of $100,000 if
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itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in good condition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an entry-level copy,â&#x20AC;? Hester says humbly. Dealing in comics many fans would involuntarily drool over is standard practice for Hester. He owns two comic-book stores that virtually bookend the Peninsula, with one on El Camino Real in San Mateo and the other on Rengstorff Avenue in Mountain View. But Hester hardly looks the part of comic enthusiast. The Palo Alto-raised businessman stands a towering 6 feet, 4 inches tall and bears a slight resemblance
to 1980s action-movie star Steven Seagal, though Hester is more affable and less menacing. An avid runner, he is a periodic participant in the Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk with his wife, Connie. Passersby would more likely peg him as a police officer or basketball coach than a comic-shop entrepreneur. Comics, though, have been a passion of Hesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s since before high school. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a passion he turned into a career when he opened his first store in Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now-demolished Alma Plaza in 1982. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a 700-square-foot store in the back of Alma Plaza. Most people didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know it was there. It was the worst location in Palo Alto for sure,â&#x20AC;? he said. Hesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family moved from San
Francisco to south Palo Alto when he was 1 year old. He attended Fairmeadow Elementary School and Wilbur Junior High (now JLS Middle School), and was in the last graduating class of Cubberley High School before it was shuttered in 1979. Hester was drawn to superheroes at the age of 10 after spotting a Superman anthology (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Superman: From the 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to the 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;sâ&#x20AC;?) at a local bookstore, though his parents rebuked his pleas to purchase it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Things have changed since back then because back then kids didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always immediately get what they wanted. My parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; standard answer to any question was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;no.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Luckily for me my local library, Mitchell Park, turns out they had that book. So I checked that book out, I pored
over that book,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This was the greatest thing in the world.â&#x20AC;? And Hester didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop with the Man of Steel â&#x20AC;&#x201D; he also checked out â&#x20AC;&#x153;Batman: From the 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to the 70â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Origin of Marvel Comicsâ&#x20AC;? and a wealth of similar publications, studying each with an ambitious enthusiasm. He would even sneak eager viewings of the 1960s-era â&#x20AC;&#x153;Batmanâ&#x20AC;? TV series from his cracked bedroom door while his parents believed him asleep. Following high school, Hester took on a hodgepodge of odd jobs, including construction work and as a hotel clerk, but â&#x20AC;&#x153;nothing really clicked.â&#x20AC;? Meanwhile, he had become a regular attendee of the De Anza flea market, where he would buy and sell comics alongside other collectors. But Hester was struggling, living in rooms not much larger than his current office, commuting in a rundown Volkswagen and munching on a steady diet of Top Ramen. In the summer of 1982, while strolling around his Palo Alto neighborhood, Hester noticed an empty store in the back of Alma Plaza. The landlord told Hester he would need a co-signer to lease the space, and his parents were not optimistic about his chances so refused to co-sign. The landlord decided to lease the space to Hester anyway to help populate the mostly vacant plaza. â&#x20AC;&#x153;(My parents) were cautious,â&#x20AC;? Hester said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They had heard that businesses always fail. I mean, this is well known, that businesses always fail. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the riskiest thing you can do, is open a business.â&#x20AC;? Initially, his parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; misgivings seemed justified. Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comics was competing with the dominant Comics
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;BLANKETS,â&#x20AC;? by Craig Thompson; Top Shelf Productions; 592 pp.; $29.95
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Thompsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s autobiographical graphic novel touches on an array of provocative themes, from faith and religion to family dynamics and sexuality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Blanketsâ&#x20AC;? earned the coveted Eisner Award in 2004. Hester: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beautifully drawn, really moving and poetic. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s irresistible â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a magnificent achievement.â&#x20AC;?
& Comix store on Cowper Street, and for the first few years Hester wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turning a profit. He built the shopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comic-display fixtures himself, served as a one-man staff, used a cigar box in lieu of a traditional cash register and felt fortunate to make a hundred dollars in a day. He would even play board games and watch Bugs Bunny cartoons with the neighborhood kids during lengthy stretches of stagnant business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any money for fixtures, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any money for advertising or promotion, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any money for staff. It was just me seven days a week. Probably the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worst comic-book store,â&#x20AC;? he said. But Hester would not relent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Little
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;WATCHMEN,â&#x20AC;? by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons; DC Comics; 416 pp.; $19.99 British scribe Moore turns the superhero genre on its ear with â&#x20AC;&#x153;Watchmen,â&#x20AC;? originally a 12-issue comic book series that has been collected into one graphic novel. Set in an alternate reality that has the United States teetering toward nuclear war, the action/mystery was adapted into a feature film in 2009 by director Zack Snyder. Hester: â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;Watchmenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is almost in danger of being over-praised. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Citizen Kaneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of graphic novels. Alan Moore is a brilliant, eloquent, methodical writer.â&#x20AC;?
by little,â&#x20AC;? he said, the store showed steady improvement, allowing Hester to open a second location in San Mateo in 1987. In 1990 he closed the Alma Plaza location in favor of a more visible spot in Palo Alto, on the corner of El Camino Real and Curtner Avenue, though eventually he shut down that store as well for the more rent-friendly locale in Mountain View. Hester said the decision to stop doing business in his hometown of Palo Alto was a difficult one. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In my life, nothingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever been easy. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m kind of used to every advance being just a bitter struggle,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I have learned to have a great deal of discipline when I pursue something, because I know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nearly impossible
Kathleen Pasin
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;BLACK HOLE,â&#x20AC;? by Charles Burns; Pantheon; 368 pp.; $18.95 Also originally a 12-issue series that has since been collected into one graphic novel, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Holeâ&#x20AC;? is set in Seattle and revolves around a mysterious sexually transmitted disease that causes unusual mutations in teen carriers. Part horror, part social commentary, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black Holeâ&#x20AC;? earned the Ignatz Award for Outstanding Anthology in 2006. Hester: â&#x20AC;&#x153;It really, really casts a mood over the reader. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s subtle and extremely well done. Kind of riveting â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put it down.â&#x20AC;?
and you just have to keep it up.â&#x20AC;? Hester has seen the industry evolve faster than a Marvel mutant over the past 25-plus years. He accurately anticipated the rising popularity of graphic novels in the early 1990s, heavily stockpiling them in his two stores well before most people even realized what a graphic novel was (see sidebar). â&#x20AC;&#x153;If people want to spend the time, and if they enjoy reading, they will find graphic novels that are on par with the best of literature,â&#x20AC;? he said. He has rubbed elbows with celebrated creators like Stan Lee and Gene Colan. He has watched superhero films proliferate and once-obscure comic conventions become frenzied
â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE TALE OF ONE BAD RAT,â&#x20AC;? by Bryan Talbot; Dark Horse Comics; 136 pp.; $19.99 Centered on a victim of child abuse, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ratâ&#x20AC;? was initially published as a four-issue series and later collected as a graphic novel. The novel consistently references the works of English author Beatrix Potter and scored an Eisner Award for Talbot in 1996. Hester: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wonderful. The story is about a victim of child abuse, a homeless young boy. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a really moving story.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Tyler Hanley
attractions. And despite business highs and lows and the unpredictability of a transforming industry, the mere mention of comic books ignites a certain spark in Hesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eyes. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as though that 10-year-old child enamored with Superman still dwells somewhere within the father of three. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think that the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nerd cultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has become the culture. It used to be considered not hip to be into comics. Now everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s into them,â&#x20AC;? he said. N Tyler Hanley can be emailed at thanley@paweekly.com. Information about Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comics can be found at www.lcomics.com.
Direct: (650) 450-1912 Email: kathleen.pasin@cbnorcal.com www.KathleenPasin.com
Experience, Integrity, Results! Some of my recent 2011 transactions representing either buyer or seller: 23 Spinnaker Place â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Redwood Shores â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SOLD 863 Melville Ave. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Palo Alto â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SOLD 870 Garland Drive â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Palo Alto â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SOLD
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1043 Almanor Ave. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Menlo Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SOLD 31 Sneckner Ct. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Menlo Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PENDING 963 Amarillo Ave. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Palo Alto â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PENDING
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Palo Alto Medical Foundation Community Health Education Programs Mountain View, 650-934-7373 Palo Alto, 650-853-2960
July 2011
For a complete list of classes and class fees, lectures and health education resources, visit: pamf.org/register.
Lectures and Workshops Effective Parenting Dr. Marvin Small Memorial Parent Workshop Series Presented by Susan Stone Belton, BSE Parent and Kids Coach, ParentsPlace 701 E. El Camino Real, Mountain View Tuesday, July 12, 7 to 8:30 p.m., 650-934-7373
Head Injuries: Better to Prevent than Receive Presented by Sarah Cheyette, M.D., PAMF Neurology, Pediatric Specialty San Carlos Library, 610 Elm Street, San Carlos Monday, July 25, 7 to 8:30 p.m., 650-591-0341 x237 Join us for a discussion on the changing views of the signiďŹ cance of head injuries. Dr. Cheyette will also talk about what to do if you or someone you know gets a head injury.
Cancer Care â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Eating Tips During Cancer Care Treatment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Exercise for Energy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; men and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Expressions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Healing Imagery
Childbirth and Parent Education Classes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C;
Baby Safety Basics Breastfeeding Childbirth Preparation Feeding Your Young Child Infant and Child CPR Infant Care Infant Emergencies and CPR Introduction to Solids New Parent ABCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x201C; All About Baby Care
Panel discussion after ďŹ lm led by Ed Yu, M.D., PAMF Family Medicine 701 E. El Camino Real, Mountain View Friday, July 29, 7 to 9 p.m., 650-934-7373 This ďŹ lm hows not only whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going wrong with school food but offers strategies for overcoming roadblocks and getting healthy, good-tasting, real food into school cafeterias.
â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C;
OB Orientation PAMF Partners in Pregnancy Prenatal Yoga Preparing for Birth/Fast Track Preparing for a Second Birth with Yoga: A Refresher â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sibling Preparation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; What to Expect with Your Newborn
Living Well Classes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mind/Body Stress Management
Two Angry Moms PAMF Healthy Screenings Film Series
â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Healthy Eating After Cancer Treatment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Look Good, Feel Better â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Qigong â&#x20AC;&#x201C; When Eating is a Problem, During Cancer Treatment
â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Nutrition and Diabetes Classes Mountain View, 650-934-7177 s Palo Alto, 650-853-2961
â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Diabetes Management â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Healthy Eating with Type 2 Diabetes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Heart Smart (cholesterol management)
â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Living Well with Prediabetes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sweet Success Program (gestational diabetes)
Weight Management Programs 1-888-398-5597
Understanding Vitamins and Herbs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Harvesting the Evidence! Presented by Kathy Orrico, Pharm.D. PAMF Clinical Pharmacist 795 El Camino Real, Palo Alto Tuesday, July 12, 7 to 8:30 p.m., 650-853-4873 This talk will review recent updates about the known beneďŹ ts and harms associated with vitamins and herbal supplements commonly available in your neighborhood drug store. We will present tips for selecting reliable products and keeping your healthcare providers in the loop!
Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s connect! facebook.com/paloaltomedicalfoundation twitter.com/paloaltomedical Page 36Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Ă&#x2022;Â?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160;ÂŁ]Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;䣣Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;*>Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;7iiÂ&#x17D;Â?Ă&#x17E;
â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Bariatric Surgery Orientation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LifestepsÂŽ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Healthy eating. Active lifestyles. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New Weigh of Life (pediatric programs, ages 2-6) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Take Charge of Your Body â&#x20AC;&#x201C; HMR Weight Management Program
Support Groups â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C;
AWAKE Bariatric Surgery Breastfeeding Cancer Chronic Fatigue
â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x201C;
Diabetes Drug and Alcohol Kidney Multiple Sclerosis