Palo Alto Weekly 10.28.2011 - section 1 by Palo Alto Weekly

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Music too loud in Lytton Plaza? Page 3

Day sleepers The challenges of working nights in Silicon Valley page 19

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Upfront

Local news, information and analysis

Ordinance limiting music at Lytton Plaza gets shelved Parks and Recreation Commission tables proposed ordinance, awaits more public input by Sue Dremann

aying they haven’t heard enough from the public, Palo Alto Parks and Recreation commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday (Oct. 25) to table a proposed ordinance to ban amplified music at downtown’s Lytton Plaza without a $300 permit. The ordinance would limit ampli-

fied music to 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Amplification could not exceed 15 decibels of the ambient noise level, measured at a 25-foot distance from the plaza boundary. Violators would pay a $250 fine. Acoustic music would still be allowed.

Businesses neighboring the plaza, located at the corner of University Avenue and Emerson Street, have complained about impromptu daytime amplified music, said Daren Anderson, parks and golf division manager. Nearby residents have complained about the nighttime music. The performances began after the plaza’s 2009 renovation, which included the addition of electrical outlets intended for special events, Anderson said. A short-lived farmers market offered live, amplified

music until 2010, but musicians performed at other times without authorization, he said. The live music has continued and expanded. Existing codes did not solve the issue, he said. A park regulation prohibits electrical devices in parks without a special-use permit, but several musicians use batteryoperated amplifiers at the plaza. Staff tried to curb the use by adding locked outlet covers but repeated vandalism made it difficult to secure them, he said. Although some musicians have complied, police lack the staffing to deal with the noise issues, he added.

The proposed ordinance is consistent with how rentals are handled at city community centers and the Palo Alto Art Center, Anderson said. Susan Webb, a singer who has jammed at the plaza since January 2010, said she has performed 132 times in the plaza and is joined by families and all sorts of people. “It’s so much a part of people’s nature to make music. It would be a shame” if the ordinance were to pass, she said. Mark Weiss, a concert promoter, said he has produced 150 concerts (continued on page 9)

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Palo Alto police involved in ‘Occupy Oakland’ incident Police use tear gas to deal with object-throwing demonstrators by Tyler Hanley

T Veronica Weber

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Dennis McClellan, store director of Piazza’s Fine Foods in Palo Alto, poses with his 212-pound pumpkin, which he raised at his home in Pacifica. Next year McClellan says he’s aiming for 400 to 500 pounds.

EDUCATION

Black students to schools: ‘Raise expectations’ Dismal results for Palo Alto’s 2011 black graduates amounts to crisis, they say by Chris Kenrick

n a sometimes tense discussion, African-American students and a parent challenged the Palo Alto Board of Education Tuesday night to set higher expectations for black students in the district’s schools. A group of seniors from Palo Alto High School told the board Oct. 25 that none of the 17 black members of the Class of 2011 from Paly and Gunn had completed all the entrance requirements for the University of California or California State University, known as the “a-g requirements.” The discussion came as administra-

tors parsed data on the 20 percent of last year’s seniors — 170 out of 828 — who graduated without completing the requirements. Palo Alto has set a district-wide goal of having at least 85 percent of graduating seniors meeting the CSU and UC requirements by 2012. Contrary to what people might assume, officials said, the majority of the kids missing the requirements —63 percent — were white or Asian. “That’s not what our assumptions would tell us,” said Diana Wilmot, the district’s research and evaluation co-

ordinator, who presented the data. “However, African-American and Hispanic students are overrepresented in students not meeting a-g,” Wilmot said. Black students made up 2 percent of the Class of 2010 but comprised 10 percent of students not completing a-g. Hispanic students were 8 percent of the class but 23 percent of the students missing a-g. While officials cited overall progress toward the goal, the Paly students and parent Kim Bomar took issue with what they said was an “unnecessarily congratulatory” presentation. “I have two black children, and I’m not going to stand here and congratulate you when 0 percent (of black students) are making the a-g requirements,” Bomar said. “In a district with the resources we have, where students are supported to the heights, to still have the vast majority of black students failing is disgraceful. I consider it a crisis. (continued on page 6)

he Palo Alto Police Department assisted Oakland police Tuesday (Oct. 25) during the “Occupy Oakland” protests in which an Iraq War veteran was critically injured, Sgt. Kara Apple confirmed Thursday. Palo Alto sent 10 officers trained in crowd control and tactics, two lieutenants and the department’s Mobile Emergency Operations Center (MEOC) in response to the Oakland-based protests that are a part of the growing “Occupy Wall Street” movement. Daly City resident and Iraq War veteran Scott Olsen, 24, was injured during an evening protest after being hit in the head with a tear-gas container, according to reports. The Oakland Police Department continues to investigate the incident and Apple said she could not comment on the incident involving Olsen. Apple did say that CS (tear) gas canisters were used by Palo Alto police during the protest in response to demonstrators who were throwing objects at police. The Palo Alto Police Department uses CS canisters that are deployed by hand, Apple said. The canisters do not explode but rather burn CS gas internally and then emit smoke. Palo Alto police do not use rubber bullets, she added. Oakland police officers in riot gear used less-than-lethal munitions on about 300 protesters Tuesday night after a day of police raids and riots when “Occupy Oakland” campers were evicted from a city plaza at Broadway and 14th Street,

an Oakland police spokeswoman said. Seventy-nine arrests had been made Tuesday morning at the encampment. During a protest Tuesday night many officers were assaulted, doused and hit with hazardous materials and struck by large rocks and bottles that had been thrown at them, Oakland police spokeswoman Cynthia Perkins said. Oakland police had put out a “mutual aid” request to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, which in turn asked the various police departments in the county what personnel and assets they could provide. Oakland police requested mutual aid from several other counties as well, Apple said. No one from the Palo Alto Police Department was injured during the protest, she said. The “Occupy Oakland” demonstrators announced that they would return to the plaza every night at 6 p.m. to continue the protest. At a media briefing Tuesday night, interim Oakland police Chief Howard Jordan said there were more than 1,000 protesters at the height of the clashes. A vigil for Olsen was planned for Thursday (Oct. 27) evening, according to organizers for Occupy Oakland and Iraq Veterans Against the War. N Bay City News contributed to this report. Online Editor Tyler Hanley can be emailed at thanley@paweekly.com.

(continued on page 3)

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Upfront

Real Estate Matters Many homeowners remodel not just to improve the condition of their biggest asset, but also to improve the salability of said asset. Experience proves that some projects are better for improving your bottom line than others. DO upgrade kitchens and bathrooms, as these rooms are most likely to get scrutinized by potential buyers. New fixtures, appliances, & countertop will be a memorable aspect of your showings. DO improve exterior features, first impressions count! Some of the most valuable work you can do is to paint, clean or replace old siding. Another outdoor biggie is decks.

Most everyone loves relaxing outside, so adding or improving this amenity adds style to your lifestyle right now, and also increases your home’s real and perceived value. DO realize that some costly repairs may bring the biggest return on your remodeling investment, such as replacing windows or installing new air and heating units. If your home is in need of such improvements, it makes sense to do it now, before it costs more later. Finally, DON’T turn your home into the neighborhood’s priciest palace; you’ll end up turning off potential buyers. It’s a delicate balance, but your home should offer the greatest value when compared with similar offerings.

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450 CAMBRIDGE AVE, PALO ALTO, CA 94306 (650) 326-8210 PUBLISHER William S. Johnson EDITORIAL Jocelyn Dong, Editor Carol Blitzer, Associate Editor Keith Peters, Sports Editor Tyler Hanley, Express™ and Online Editor Rebecca Wallace, Arts & Entertainment Editor Rick Eymer, Assistant Sports Editor Tom Gibboney, Spectrum Editor Chris Kenrick, Gennady Sheyner, Staff Writers Sue Dremann, Staff Writer, Special Sections Editor Karla Kane, Editorial Assistant Veronica Weber, Staff Photographer Dale Bentson, Colin Becht, Peter Canavese, Kit Davey, Iris Harrell, Sheila Himmel, Chad Jones, Kevin Kirby, Jack McKinnon, Jeanie K. Smith, Susan Tavernetti, Robert Taylor, Contributors Yichuan Cao, David Ruiz, Editorial Interns DESIGN Shannon Corey, Design Director Raul Perez, Assistant Design Director Linda Atilano, Diane Haas, Scott Peterson, Paul Llewellyn, Senior Designers Gary Vennarucci, Designer PRODUCTION Jennifer Lindberg, Production Manager Dorothy Hassett, Samantha Mejia, Blanca Yoc, Sales & Production Coordinators ADVERTISING Tom Zahiralis, Vice President Sales & Advertising Judie Block, Janice Hoogner, Gary Whitman, Display Advertising Sales Neil Fine, Rosemary Lewkowitz, Real Estate Advertising Sales David Cirner, Irene Schwartz, Inside Advertising Sales Cathy Norfleet, Display Advertising Sales Asst. Diane Martin, Real Estate Advertising Assistants Alicia Santillan, Classified Administrative Asst. Wendy Suzuki, Advertising Sales Intern EXPRESS, ONLINE AND VIDEO SERVICES Rachel Palmer, Online Operations Coordinator Rachel Hatch, Multimedia Product Manager BUSINESS Susie Ochoa, Payroll & Benefits Elena Dineva, Mary McDonald, Claire McGibeny, Cathy Stringari, Business Associates ADMINISTRATION Janice Covolo, Doris Taylor, Receptionist Ruben Espinoza, Courier EMBARCADERO MEDIA William S. Johnson, President Michael I. Naar, Vice President & CFO Tom Zahiralis, Vice President Sales & Advertising 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) 326-8210. 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 ©2011 by Embarcadero Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. 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, digitalads@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

‘‘

REMODELING DOLLARS & SENSE

We’ve talked about this year after year after year and haven’t made any real traction. — Dana Tom, Palo Alto Unified School District board member, on efforts to raise test results for black and Hispanic students. See story on page 3.

Around Town ALL SHOOK UP ... The Palo Alto Public Art Commission meeting was cut short a week ago Thursday evening when a magnitude 4.0 earthquake shook the San Francisco Bay Area. Trish Collins, a member of the commission, stopped mid-sentence and announced: “We’ve got a big earthquake, let’s go.” She jumped up immediately as the other members present sat and looked up to the walls and ceiling of the council chambers. “Should we go?” Collins asked her stationary colleagues. “Do you want to wait until the building collapses?” Commissioner Terry Acebo-Davis seemed unfazed. “I’m a California girl,” she said, calmly. One meeting attendee added: “I’m afraid to go down to the parking lot to get my car.” The question for adjournment was raised, but official formalities were forsaken in favor of hasty departure. NOT A BIT RATTLED ... A crowd of students gathered Monday on an outdoor staircase at Foothill College, peering and pointing and taking photos on their iPhones. The object of their interest: a yellowand-tan snake. The crowd wanted to move the little guy out of the way of tromping feet, but no one knew what to do. One man after another strutted over to gallantly grab the reptile — then jumped back when it coiled and hissed. Finally a woman lost patience and simply lifted the snake with a stick and placed it in the grass. The would-be heroes left in a hurry, looking a tad sheepish. COOL ART ... An eye-popping art installation is planned for a central plaza between the renovated Palo Alto Art Center and Main Library. Six sculptures — a sphere, sea star, a pear shape and other natural forms — will be placed throughout the plaza. Steel cutouts in the sculptures will spell words, and lights within the sculptures will animate the space by projecting the words onto the sidewalk at night, according to Elise DeMarzo, the Public Art Commission staff liaison who presented the plan to the Parks and Recreation Commission on Tuesday (Oct. 25). Each sculpture will change color when touched. The sculptures are designed by Joe O’Connell and Blessing Hancock of Tucson, Ariz. The Art Commission issued a request in July for sculpture ideas, and received 101 submissions.

The artists want to work with the community to choose phrases and placement for the sculptures, which will be installed after facility renovations are completed. BEDBUGS IN PALO ALTO? ... A group of Palo Alto parents stepped up their protest of the Palo Alto school district’s academic calendar for 2012-13, which moves to an Aug. 16 school start date in order to fit in the first semester before the December holidays. Several of the parents, who have formed a group called Time to Thrive Palo Alto, told the school board Tuesday that the new fall schedule will be too stressful to kids, undermining the Developmental Assets, a youth wellness framework recently adopted by the school district. “With the new calendar, you have made a bed that is full of bedbugs, and you expect our students to lie in it,” parent Lauren Bonomi said. In an emotional 3-2 vote in May, school board members adopted the revised calendar, saying the downside of the earlier August start and preholiday finals were worth the upside of giving students a clean, work-free chunk of time to de-stress over the December break. LAST CHANCE FOR ‘LAW’ ... Aspiring lawmakers have one last chance to suggest new California legislation in State Sen. Joe Simitian’s 11th — and final — “There Oughta Be A Law” contest. Simitian announced Wednesday that the deadline for the contest will be extended to Nov. 15. “Since this is the last year, I wanted to make sure everyone has a chance to participate,” Simitian stated in a news release. His time in the California State Senate will end in 2012 because of term limits. Since the contest’s introduction, 18 “Oughta Be” ideas have been signed into law, including a driving-safety rule that requires headlights be turned on when windshield wipers are needed; outreach programs for veterans in need of treatment for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder; and privacy protections in regards to electronic records of library activity, among others. Simitian said the contest has spawned “proposals that are striking in their diversity.” More information about the contest is posted at www.senatorsimitian. com/oughta. N

Upfront

S E Y on D!

LAND USE

Courtesy Forrest Richardson & Associates

This conceptual plan for reconfiguring the Palo Alto Golf Course is one of six options by golf course architect Forrest Richardson. Pictured above the course is San Francisquito Creek.

City considers new attractions for golf course Activities for seniors, women and kids considered for revitalized course by Sue Dremann

he Palo Alto Golf Course will have to offer more than just golf if it is to be profitable in the long run, a consultant and architect hired by the City of Palo Alto said on Tuesday. Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aging course, which was built in the 1950s, hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had a design makeover in decades, city staff said. But the city will have a chance to turn the site into an attractive regional destination when the San Francisquito

Creek Flood Protection project builds a new levee next year. City Parks and Recreation commissioners got a glimpse of several potential designs for a vibrant and economically viable course that would have amenities to attract non-golfers, seniors, women and kids. Those options could include a possible sports playing field, revitalized (continued on page 10)

CITY HALL

Legal battle could threaten labor-reform measure Palo Alto officials, firefighters union clash in court over Measure D by Gennady Sheyner

alo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high-profile fight with its public-safety unions over labor reform will not end on Election Day (Nov. 8), when voters are scheduled to rule on Measure D, but will continue to play out in the courtroom well after the ballots are cast. Even as City Council members and the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s firefighters are waging public campaigns for and against Measure D, which would repeal the binding-arbitration requirement in the City Charter, attorneys for both sides are clashing over whether the ballot measure is legal in the first place â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a conflict that promises to stretch beyond Nov. 8. The legal dispute was prompted by an â&#x20AC;&#x153;unfair labor practiceâ&#x20AC;? complaint that the union, International Association of Firefighters, Local 1319, filed against the city shortly after the City Council voted 5-4 in July to place the repeal measure on the ballot. The union argued the city violated labor law by not negotiating with the unions in good faith before placing on the ballot a measure that would change

the process for resolving disputes. The city countered that the firefighters had plenty of opportunity to discuss binding arbitration with city officials before July. Binding arbitration empowers a three-member panel of arbitrators to settle labor disputes between the city and its public-safety unions. The firefighters union vehemently opposes the measure. The city has also argued binding arbitration is not a subject that requires meet-and-confer sessions with the union under state law. The verdict, which the Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) has agreed to postpone until after the election, could have major ramifications on the results of Measure D. If the court were to rule against the city, it would provide the union with a basis to legally challenge the results of the Nov. 8 election, should Measure D pass. The labor-relations board was planning to issue its verdict this month but Chief Administrative Law Judge Shawn Cloughesy agreed this month (continued on page 8)

Restore Fiscal Responsibility...

Repeal Binding Arbitration

City of Palo Alto Operating Expense Increases 2002â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2010 60% 50% 40%

Fire

30%

Police

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All other

ublic safety spending in Palo Alto increased by 80% in the last decade. The spending for other departments is basically flat.

10% 0%

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St. Simon Parish School Pre K - 8th Grade

Open House /Ă&#x2022;iĂ&#x192;`>Ă&#x17E;]Ă&#x160; Â&#x153;Ă&#x203A;iÂ&#x201C;LiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;ÂŁx]Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă¤ÂŁÂŁĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;Â&#x2122;\Ă¤Ă¤>Â&#x201C;Â&#x2021;ÂŁ\Ă¤Ă¤ÂŤÂ&#x201C; /Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;,-6*]Ă&#x160;VÂ&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;>VĂ&#x152;Ă&#x160;>`Â&#x201C;Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x192;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;JĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x192;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x201C;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Â°Â&#x153;Ă&#x20AC;} Strong Christian Values *Ă&#x20AC;iÂ&#x2021;-VÂ&#x2026;Â&#x153;Â&#x153;Â?Ă&#x160;qĂ&#x160;nĂ&#x152;Â&#x2026;Ă&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;>ìĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160; Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;ìĂ&#x20AC;}>Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x160;/i>VÂ&#x2026;iĂ&#x20AC;\-Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2022;ìÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;,>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;ÂŁ\ÂŁĂ¤ -Ă&#x152;>Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x160;Â&#x153;vĂ&#x160;Ă&#x152;Â&#x2026;iĂ&#x160; Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;-VÂ&#x2C6;iÂ&#x2DC;ViĂ&#x160; >LĂ&#x160;EĂ&#x160; i>Ă&#x20AC;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;}Ă&#x160;,iĂ&#x192;Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;ViĂ&#x160; iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;iĂ&#x20AC; Ă?Ă&#x152;iÂ&#x2DC;ì`Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x160; >Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x160;vĂ&#x20AC;Â&#x153;Â&#x201C;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x2021;>Â&#x201C;Â&#x2021;Ă&#x2C6;ÂŤÂ&#x201C;Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; VVĂ&#x20AC;i`Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x152;i`Ă&#x160;LĂ&#x17E;Ă&#x160;7 - Ă&#x2030;7 /Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x20AC;Ă&#x192;\Ă&#x160;9:00am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:30pm *Ă&#x20AC;iĂ&#x192;iÂ&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;>Ă&#x152;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x153;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x192;\ Pre-School - 9:00am-9:30am Kindergarten - 11:30am-12:00pm Middle School - 11:00am-11:30am

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Upfront

Students

(continued from page 3)

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope you consider these figures regarding African-American students â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and Hispanic students, which arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a whole lot better â&#x20AC;&#x201D; as disgraceful and unacceptable as I do and have the same sense of urgency about it.â&#x20AC;? Bomar and other members of the Parent Network for Students of Color have advocated making the a-g requirements a condition of graduation as a way to force the district to raise expectations for minority students. Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current high school graduation requirements are not as academically rigorous as the a-g, which comes as a surprise to some parents. Superintendent Kevin Skelly said the district is still considering instituting a-g as a condition of graduation. But when he proposed that idea to the Board of Education last May, members expressed worries about possible unintended consequences on special-education students and others, who could have difficulty graduating under those rules. Skelly also corrected the studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; data, saying that 3 of the 20 black students graduating in June actually had met the a-g requirements. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But the bottom line is this data is not good,â&#x20AC;? he acknowledged. Paly senior Tremaine Kirkman, a member of the Student Equity Action Network (SEAN), noted that the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own pie chart showed the data as 0 percent, rounded down from 0.5 percent. Kirkman, who was recently named a National Merit Semifinalist, urged the board to adopt the a-g requirements as a condition of graduation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve interviewed the students of color, and we personally experience it,â&#x20AC;? Kirkman said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They drop off from kindergarten and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just nothing being done to help them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are some of our best friends that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve grown up with since diapers.â&#x20AC;? Unless a-g becomes a graduation requirement, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to be in the same placeâ&#x20AC;? when his younger brother reaches high school, Kirkman said. School officials, including the principals of Gunn and Paly, told the board about a wide array of focused efforts to help struggling students complete the a-g requirements. Those include expanded summer school offerings to allow students to make up credits, individualized scrutiny of students earning Ds and Fs and programs such as College Pathways at Gunn. Gunn is piloting a program with the online Khan Academy for students who are re-taking algebra 1, said Director of Secondary Education Michael Milliken. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re experimenting and trying new things to ensure success for a broader range of students,â&#x20AC;? Milliken said. In a separate presentation later in the meeting, Greendell School Principal Sharon Keplinger said a pilot early-intervention program for highrisk students, Springboard to Kindergarten, has shown positive results. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kids entered the program with need across all dimensions of (kindergarten) readiness,â&#x20AC;? Keplinger told the board. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Their skills improved dramatically across all four of the readiness di-

mensions. Every single child showed statistically significant improvement in all the areas we were looking at,â&#x20AC;? she said. Keplinger said she evaluates children at the start and the end of the program using the Pre-Kindgergarten Observation Form. Springboard recruits pre-kindergarten children who have not had a highquality preschool experience and provides five-day-a-week programming from February through June. It has served about 40 children a year for the past two years under a three-year grant provided by the Heising-Simons Foundation. Board members acknowledged concerted staff efforts to support struggling students, including particular focus at the elementary level. But several expressed frustration that little seems to have changed. Results for black and Hispanic students â&#x20AC;&#x153;are shocking, dismal and embarrassing,â&#x20AC;? board member Dana Tom said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The hard part is weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve talked about this year after year after year and havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t made any real traction.â&#x20AC;? Board President Melissa Baten Caswell said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m incredibly distressed about this. We can wring our hands or try to figure out what to do,â&#x20AC;? citing other school districts such as San Joseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eastside Union High School District who are â&#x20AC;&#x153;handling success of children of color better than we are.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe we need to go figure out what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing differently than we are thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s helping them be more successful.â&#x20AC;? Board member Barbara Klausner described her recent visit to schools whose African-American and Hispanic students have earned top test scores. The success of the independent Eastside College Preparatory School in East Palo Alto in preparing its students for four-year colleges also was cited. As for the 170 members of the Class of 2011 who failed to complete the a-g coursework, Wilmot said that in many cases there were early signs of struggle. About half of them had scored â&#x20AC;&#x153;below proficientâ&#x20AC;? on standardized tests in elementary school, she said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;indicating that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early intervention and identification thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possible.â&#x20AC;? English and math are where students have the most difficulty, Wilmot said, but noted that many donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up easily and are still trying as late as senior year to complete algebra 2 or geometry and to make up English credits. Overall, 90 percent of the Paly and Gunn classes of 2011 went on to college, 80 percent to four-year colleges, Wilmot said. But many private, four-year colleges do not demand a-g as a condition for entrance. Among members of the Class of 2011 not completing a-g, half went on to two-year colleges and another quarter are attending four-year colleges that do not require a-g as a prerequisite, Wilmot said. N

TALK ABOUT IT

www.PaloAltoOnline.com Are you in favor of the Palo Alto school district adopting a-g graduation requirements? Share your opinion on Town Square, the online forum on Palo Alto Online.

Upfront

Neighborhoods A roundup of neighborhood news edited by Sue Dremann

AROUND THE BLOCK

BEEN BOOED? ... A new preHalloween tradition has cropped up in the last few years in Old Palo Alto, according to neighborhood association leader Nadia Naik. Since her family moved to the neighborhood six years ago, Naik said they have been booed. A mysterious note appears at least two weeks prior to Halloween with a notice that the recipient has been “booed.” A few candies are left at the home. Recipients are asked to replicate the boo, secretly distributing three treat bags to other homes. People who have been booed tape the message to their door so they won’t get booed again, she said. NEIGHBORHOOD HEROES ... Two Palo Alto Neighborhoods volunteers will be recognized by the Palo Alto Stanford Citizen Corp Council in a ceremony on Nov. 3 with a CCC Community Partnership Award for helping to ensure that the community is safer and better prepared for emergencies. Old Palo Alto Neighborhood Preparedness Coordinator Camelia Sutorius and Barron Park Block Preparedness Coordinator Daniel Lilienstein are among the honorees. The others are: Vinnie Biberdorf, American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter; Alex Schubek, Office of Emergency Management, Stanford Hospital & Clinics; and Barbara and Ron Green, Palo Alto Community Emergency Response Team. A panel discussion on disaster preparedness follows the ceremony and will include: Brandon Bond, director of the Office of Emergency Management at Stanford Hospital & Clinics; Dr. Colin Bucks, interim medical director of the hospital’s emergency office; Vicky Powell, a social worker and American Red Cross Silicon Valley Chapter volunteer; and David Lipin, San Francisco Bay Area Disaster Medical Assistance Team commander. The event is open to the public and takes place at 7 p.m. in the Palo Alto City Council chambers, 250 Hamilton Ave. N

Send announcements of neighborhood events, meetings and news to Sue Dremann, Neighborhoods editor, at sdremann@paweekly. com. Or talk about your neighborhood news on Town Square at www. PaloAltoOnline.com.

Veronica Weber

REMEMBERING STEVE ... Residents of the Old Palo Alto neighborhood are making memory books for Steve Jobs’ family of things they fondly recall about the late Apple CEO and cofounder and his children and wife, including school events, soccer games and other good times. Jobs died Oct. 5 of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was a longtime neighborhood resident. Residents also want to send donations to College Track, a nonprofit co-founded by Jobs’ wife, Laurene. With Halloween around the corner, neighbors said they fondly remember that his home was a popular trick-ortreat spot with long lines waiting 20 to 30 minutes.

Ann Crady, left, and her daughter Maya Kennedy hang a ghost, which plays spooky sounds and moves back and forth, from their garage. Their home is located on South Court, known as a trick-or-treat destination in Palo Alto.

MIDTOWN

The spookiest Palo Alto street Midtown’s South Court goes all out for Halloween by Sue Dremann

ust days before Halloween, the homes along South Court look like any other typical Palo Alto neighborhood, with a verdant tree canopy lining a street of neat homes. But beware. On Oct. 31 South Court becomes what may be Palo Alto’s spookiest street. Already a few residents are preparing for the big day: Fake blood drips from doors and windows, and tombstones are popping up from lawns like fungus after a heavy rain. This section of street between East Meadow Drive and Loma Verde Avenue comes alive with hundreds of witches and goblins, residents said, and it’s not just the candy-seeking kind. Halloween is a neighborhood affair, with adults getting into the act too, dressing up as ghosts and other supernatural entities and scaring trick-or-treaters in haunted houses. “It’s completely unlike any other neighborhood. South Court is the best place to be on Halloween. This one really is outrageous,” resident

Donna Do said. Blue, red and black tarantulas with 3-foot leg spans hang eerily from a tangled web draped over bushes along the sidewalk. Wendy Swanson has lived on the street since 1999. “It’s only gotten bigger since then with the number of trick-or-treaters. There are lines out the door,” she said. Swanson is particularly fond of her ghost graveyard, which includes a giant animated spider with moving legs. But she’s saving the best for Halloween: a life-size animated witch that stirs a cauldron and spouts spells, she said. Across the street the first hints of Halloween are hanging from trees and peering out of shrubbery. A large purple-and-black spider hangs from the trunk of a birch tree. A coffin stands upright deep in the graveyard, containing a mummified corpse. It takes a while to adjust the eyes, and then one sees it: the oneeyed head of a man pops out of a

shrub next to the driveway. This is the home of Allen Hall, the former chief of fright for 13 years at Scaremeadow, the haunted house at Fairmeadow Elementary School. Hall volunteered to help build a haunted house in the multipurpose room when his son was in first grade, he said. “The message is, ‘Be careful what you sign up for,’” he said. The project mushroomed from there, and he and friend Dave Scheiman got the Henry M. Gunn High School robotics team to help create animatronic frights such as the 12-foot diameter vortex tunnel, he said. Scaremeadow is part of the school’s harvest festival, which always takes place before Halloween and this year occurred last weekend. There’s always the matter of what to do with the scary props, so Hall said he took them home to set up in his front yard. Word spread. “We had 400 trick-or-treaters last

year, and those are the ones I can count,” he said. Hall and Scheiman stopped working on Scaremeadow in 2009, but the tradition at home carries on. “Dave and I erect it on Halloween,” he said. The men work on the project for weeks in advance; assembly takes about 20 man-hours, he said. “It’s been a lot of fun. I like the excitement it brings to the neighborhood and the thrill of being able to scare people,” he said. There is one thing that creeps out Hall, however: “I hate spider webs. I leave those for the neighbors to do.” Hall said his neighbors are tolerant of the hoopla and many join in. “I think I have a love-hate thing going with a lot of my neighbors. A neighbor walked by the other day and jokingly said, ‘I’m going to send you my candy bill this year.’ “I said, ‘Good luck with that.’” N Staff Writer Sue Dremann can be emailed at sdremann@paweekly.com.

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Upfront

NO factory in our park!

EDUCATION

Expensive. Risky. Misleading. www.SaveTheBaylands.org " ! # !! $ % " ! %

First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto presents

Dr. Larry Rasmussen November 4-6, 1140 Cowper Palo Alto Reinhold Niebuhr Professor Emeritus of Social Ethics, Union Theological Seminary one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foremost Christian environmental ethicists Ghost Ranch associate author of over a dozen books, including the award-winning Earth Community Earth Ethics $10 donation requested for Friday lecture. $20 donation requested for Saturday study sessions. (no one turned away for lack of funds) For a complete schedule of events: www.fprespa.org/lecture

Baby Boomers: Thinking about downsizing? Consider something different. We just received approval from the City Council and are moving quickly toward making the Mountain View Cohousing Community a reality. Already 13 households strong, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for 6 more to join us. Our located walking walking Our cohousing cohousing community, community, located distance View, will will distancefrom from downtown downtown Mountain Mountain View, balance fellowship and shared balance fellowship and shared activities activities with with private spaces spaces and private and individual individual pursuits. pursuits. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re building neighborhood building aa new new â&#x20AC;&#x153;old â&#x20AC;&#x153;old fashionedâ&#x20AC;? fashionedâ&#x20AC;? neighborhood of with of upscale, upscale,energy-efficient energy-efďŹ cient condos, condos, with shared common facilities, open space, garshared common facilities, open space, dens and underground gardens and undergroundparking. parking. To learn more: 650-479-MVCC (479-6822) www.MountainViewCohousing.org

Page 8Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;"VĂ&#x152;Â&#x153;LiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;n]Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă¤ÂŁÂŁĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;*>Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;7iiÂ&#x17D;Â?Ă&#x17E;

Campus offers small classes, extra support for students set on college by Chris Kenrick he Stanford University School of Education has a nationally recognized track record in research and training, but its decade-old venture in hands-on management of schools has been rough going. A Stanford-affiliated elementary school was forced to close last year after losing its charter in a vote by trustees of East Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ravenswood City School District, who cited poor performance. Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remaining charter high school, East Palo Alto Academy, has earned dismal scores on California standardized tests, failing to meet growth targets in two of the last three rounds. But the 245-student high school â&#x20AC;&#x201D; serving mostly youth from East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park â&#x20AC;&#x201D; has forged ahead under new leadership, which arrived a year ago. A recent visit to the academy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; housed in the former Menlo Oaks School on Pope Street west of U.S. Highway 101 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; found an orderly campus with students in small classes, engaged in the usual high school work of algebra, English, geometry and government. Though offering extra academic support, the school eschews uniforms, mandatory extended hours and other back-to-basics features that have become standard fare for high-achieving charter-school operators such as KIPP and Aspire Public Schools. Such requirements can have a perverse and discouraging effect on students who are at a high risk of dropping out, said Kevin Sved, CEO of Stanford New Schools. The university created Stanford New Schools to manage the East Palo Alto charters, combining university resources and faculty expertise for the benefit of underserved students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Those (extra-high requirements) can have a very negative impact on studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; chances of obtaining a high school diploma, he said. Sved said the academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s test scores are low because many students arrive at the school poorly prepared. For example, last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entering ninth-graders averaged a fourth-grade reading level, and many transfer students who have been â&#x20AC;&#x153;unsuccessfulâ&#x20AC;? elsewhere are admitted, he said. Senior Faauuga Saofanua said he boosted his GPA from 1.2 at Carlmont High School to 3.7 at East Palo Alto Academy because â&#x20AC;&#x153;teachers here really care for you and stay after school

Legal

(continued from page 5)

to wait until after the election. In post-hearing briefs to the laborrelations court, each side has laid out its case. The firefighters pointed to Section 3507 in the labor code that requires â&#x20AC;&#x153;good faithâ&#x20AC;? negotiations with unions on a variety of issues, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;additional procedures for the resolution of disputes involving wage,

Veronica Weber

NO on E

Stanford-sponsored high school in East Palo Alto forges ahead

East Palo Alto Academy seniors (from left) Daisy Carillotes, Marissa Williams, Ariana Maldonado, Carmen Rodriguez, Zulma Rivera, Edanet Rodriguez and Mallenci Maldonado take notes on each othersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; posters about the evolution of government. for long hours. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you need help, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be there for you,â&#x20AC;? said the basketball player, who took advantage of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s credit-recovery program to make up enough units to plan on college next year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The many interventions we have in place for the students pay off as they reach their senior year,â&#x20AC;? Sved said, noting that 89 percent of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 graduates were admitted to college. That includes 52 percent accepted to four-year colleges, more than double the rate for similar students in California. Principal Yetunde Reeves, who grew up in East Palo Alto, was recruited to the academy last year from the Oakland Unified School District, where she had been principal of the EXCEL High School on the McClymond campus in West Oakland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exciting to be in a small school where we attract students who havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had success in other environments,â&#x20AC;? Reeves said, noting that the academy this fall enrolled 15 students from large high schools who needed a â&#x20AC;&#x153;second chance.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying to be strategic about how teachers give kids extra support while keeping to grade-level standards.â&#x20AC;? Reeves noted that the AfricanAmerican majority of her East Palo Alto youth has shifted to a Hispanic majority today. Sixty-four percent of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s students are classified as Englishlanguage learners. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We definitely try to build on that strength by offering Spanish for native speakers, and they do very well when they get to the AP exam, but

that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessarily translate into good scores in English,â&#x20AC;? Sved said. The school maintains close ties with Stanford with regular faculty interaction and use of Memorial Auditorium for graduation ceremonies each year. A large percentage of the 22 teachers, as well as Vice-Principal Jeff Camarillo, are graduates of the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP), and the academy has Stanford faculty oversight that includes nationally known names in education such as Linda Darling-Hammond. Several classroom teachers voluntarily host â&#x20AC;&#x153;Steppies,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Stanford students getting practical training for their future careers as teachers. After losing the opportunity for charter renewal with Ravenswood last year, Stanford New Schools approached the Sequoia Union High School District, where trustees voted May 4 to charter East Palo Alto Academy beginning in 2012-13. The new charter comes with a new campus â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sequoia just completed a new facility on Myrtle Street in East Palo Alto, which will be the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new home starting next fall. Sequoia trustees said they were impressed with the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offerings and excited about the new partnership. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our board supports the Stanford charter and, given that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a high school at this point, felt Sequoia should be the chartering agency so the school can continue its work in the Ravenswood community,â&#x20AC;? Sequoia Union High School District Superintendent James Lianides said. N Staff Writer Chris Kenrick can be emailed at ckenrick@paweekly. com.

hours and other terms and conditions of employment.â&#x20AC;? The city argued that the union had plenty of opportunities to provide feedback on the proposed labor reforms, which have been the subject of nearly two years of public debate. The city also maintains that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the superior courts, rather than PERB, that have jurisdiction over arbitration matters. Charles Sakai, an attorney

representing the city, cited a section of the labor code that states that â&#x20AC;&#x153;superior courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction over actions involving interest arbitrationâ&#x20AC;? when the action involves a firefighters union. Thus, the unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complaint, Sakai argued, â&#x20AC;&#x153;must be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.â&#x20AC;? N Staff Writer Gennady Sheyner can be emailed at gsheyner@paweekly. com.

Upfront

News Digest

Lytton Plaza

Armed man sought following downtown robbery

at Cubberley Community Center and had an event scheduled at Lytton Plaza for Wednesday. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t possibly convey my disappointment with the staff report,â&#x20AC;? he said, and asked commissioners to â&#x20AC;&#x153;resist pressures from the special interest groups of downtown businesses.â&#x20AC;? Questioned by Commissioner Sunny Dykwel, Anderson said he had received six complaints from businesses and three from residents, and that most of the calls came from one business owner and possibly

A woman walking home from downtown Palo Alto was robbed of her purse at gunpoint a week ago Thursday (Oct. 20) night, police said. The woman was walking in the 300 block of Ramona Street when a lone gunman approached her and a friend from behind around 11 p.m. The suspect showed a small handgun and demanded the womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purse, police said. The woman complied and the suspect fled in a car. The car was parked a short distance away with a lone driver inside. Police described the vehicle as a light-colored late 1980s or early â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s Chevy two-door sedan. It was last seen driving northbound on Ramona. Police canvassed the area for the suspect and vehicle but were unable to locate either. No injuries were reported during the robbery. The suspect is described as approximately 25 years old, thin, about 5-foot-7-inches tall, with a medium-dark complexion, thin mustache and hair under his chin, dark hair and dark brown eyes. He was wearing a dark navy blue hoodie. The robberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s racial identity has not been determined, Sgt. Brian Philip said Saturday. The police are asking anyone with information about the purse robber to call the department at 650-329-2413. Anonymous tips can be emailed to paloalto@tipnow.org. Anonymous voicemails and texts can be sent to 650-383-8984. N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Bay City News Service and Palo Alto Weekly staff

Paver hit by truck in Fryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parking lot, dies A paver working in the parking lot of Fryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Electronics at 340 Portage Ave. in Palo Alto Tuesday evening (Oct. 25) was struck and killed by a semi truck that was backing up, a spokesperson for CAL/OSHA said Wednesday. The Santa Clara County Coroner identified the victim as Richard Loza, 64, of Pittsburg. Palo Alto police received a 911 call at 6:46 p.m. about a traffic collision in the parking lot, according to a department press release. When police and fire personnel arrived they found Loza, but he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A representative of CAL/OSHA was contacted due to the industrial nature of the accident, and they took over the investigation into the incident,â&#x20AC;? the police stated in the release. Initial findings indicate that Loza, a paver for G&S Paving based out of Oakley, Calif., was hit by the truck as crews were cleaning and preparing to leave the site, according to CAL/OSHA Public Information Officer Patricia Ortiz. The driver was backing up when â&#x20AC;&#x153;he heard an odd noise,â&#x20AC;? Ortiz said. Upon exiting the truck, the driver discovered Loza beneath the wheels of the truck, she said. A Palo Alto excavation permit was issued to American Integrated Services on Sept. 30 for excavation of an underground tank at the site, according to Mike Nafziger, City of Palo Alto Public Works engineer. Storage-tank excavation is common around the city when old septic, gas or oil tanks that have long been retired and forgotten are found, he said. G&S Paving is a sub-contractor to general contractor American Integrated Services, Ortiz said. The involvement of a sub-contractor makes this a â&#x20AC;&#x153;multi-employer investigation,â&#x20AC;? she said. Ortiz said CAL/OSHA has issued an order prohibiting further use of the vehicle until the investigation is completed. CAL/OSHA will investigate whether there was a functioning back-up alarm on the truck and whether there was proper traffic control in place at the time of the fatality, among other factors, Ortiz said. A full investigation into the incident is ongoing and could take up to 6 months to complete, she said. N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Palo Alto Weekly staff

Tenants sought for San Antonio parcel The Palo Alto school district will seek tenants for property the district plans to acquire at 525 San Antonio Road. The $8.5 million acquisition of the old Peninsula Day Care site is scheduled to close Nov. 1. Superintendent Kevin Skelly said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s likely to be at least two years before the district is ready to build on the property. At a meeting Tuesday night, school board members endorsed the idea of leasing the site in the interim. Used in the past as both a church and a day care center, the 2.6-acre property contains a chapel room, a large multi-purpose room, classrooms and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s play areas. The parcel abuts the school districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greendell campus, which is contiguous with the district-owned Cubberley Community Center. N â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Chris Kenrick LETâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DISCUSS: Read the latest local news headlines and talk about the issues at Town Square at PaloAltoOnline.com

(continued from page 3)

from the businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s employees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m concerned that we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heard enough from the public for a decision to be made,â&#x20AC;? Dykwel said, adding the permitting process is long and cumbersome and the plaza is intended as a place for groups, students and families to feel welcome. Anderson said each performance would be required to have the $300 permit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think we should make money off people wanting to be spontaneous,â&#x20AC;? Commissioner Deirdre Crommie said. Crommie said that while some people are abusing the situation, she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to restrict everyone. Resident Herb Borock said that

L U C I L E PA C K A R D

Pizza My Heart, which borders the plaza, plays music on outdoor speakers. He also said any ordinance changes would be subject to the California Environmental Quality Act. It is also a free-speech issue, he added. Commissioners Dykwel, Pat Markovitch and Ed Lauing volunteered to form a subcommittee to work with residents, businesses, the musicians and city staff regarding the proposed ordinance. The issue will be discussed again before a recommendation to City Council would be made. N Staff Writer Sue Dremann can be emailed at sdremann@paweekly.com.

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Upfront

It Happened in Palo Alto In 1912, the town of MayďŹ eld, south of Stanford University campus, had spent $400,000 to improve what is now El Camino Real, but the repairs having been done badly, the work had to be re-done, ďŹ nanced by a combination of state highway commission, local businesses, Stanford University, and the county. It was an embarrassment to the town. MayďŹ eldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ nances had originally relied heavily on taxes on liquor outlets, but when these were mostly closed, the town was strapped for money. Outsiders joked about MayďŹ eld, like a poor country cousin. Controversy followed over the status of the town itself: remain a separate community, or dis-incorporate, or merge with the city of Palo Alto? In 1924, the ďŹ rst balloting to annex MayďŹ eld with Palo Alto was held. MayďŹ eld proponents touted the beneďŹ ts of better ďŹ re protection, law enforcement, utilities, etc. On October 28th, 590 voters went to the polls, with annexation losing by just 26 votes. The proponents tried again. On May 8th, 1925, annexation with Palo Alto won by a vote of 357 to 288. The battle was not yet won, however, but had passed to Palo Alto, the voters of which would also have to approve annexation. Palo Alto opponents warned of higher taxes and more bond issues. Nonetheless, on July 2, 1925, Palo Alto voters approved annexing MayďŹ eld overwhelmingly, 1,094 yeas to 441 nays. The City of Palo Alto had increased its population by 1,700, the residents of MayďŹ eld; 16 miles of MayďŹ eld road were added to Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 44; Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assessed valuation went from $8 million dollars to $9 million. Nowadays, however, although present-day Palo Alto has distinct neighborhood names â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Professorville, Midtown, College Terrace â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there is none called â&#x20AC;&#x153;MayďŹ eld.â&#x20AC;? The name remains only in MayďŹ eld Park, on Wellesley Street just west of South California Avenue.

Golf

(continued from page 5)

club house and restaurant with sweeping baylands views, a pedestrian and bike trail and a wedding venue, an Arizona golf course architect Forrest Richardson told commissioners. The proposed flood-control levee would directly impact six and possibly seven holes and is being built in response to the 1998 flooding of San Francisquito Creek, which caused $28 million in damage to Palo Alto homes and businesses. Several other

holes at the course would be affected due to the need to maintain minimum distances between fairways for golfer safety, according to an Oct. 3 city staff report. The San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority (JPA), a joint-action agency that includes the City of Palo Alto, hired Richardsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s firm to develop both a simple plan adjusting the courseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holes and a master plan that would consider the siteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire potential. Richardson has experience working with high-saline turf conditions, such as those at the baylands course,

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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Newsâ&#x20AC;? in the left, green column.

Lana Ralston, RealtorÂŽ

Fairmeadow groundbreaking expected in January

DRE # 01477598

Construction is expected to begin in January on a new two-story classroom building at Fairmeadow Elementary School. The Board of Education Tuesday (Oct. 25) authorized solicitation of bids for the $6.3 million project, which will modernize and increase capacity at the campus on East Meadow Drive. (Posted Oct. 27 at 9:36 a.m.)

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Palo Alto hires new chief information officer City Manager James Keene has selected Jonathan Reichental to be Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief information officer, the city announced in a press release. (Posted Oct. 27 at 9:04 a.m.)

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Serial bank robber hits nearby banks A man who robbed two U.S. Bank branches within 20 minutes of each other Monday (Oct. 24) is a serial bank robber who has struck three or four other U.S. Bank branches in the area, Los Altos police said. (Posted Oct. 25 at 11:21 a.m.)

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Stanford professor John McCarthy dies at 84 John McCarthy, a retired Stanford University computer science professor who coined the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;artificial intelligence,â&#x20AC;? has died. He was 84. (Posted Oct. 25 at 9:55 a.m.)

Campaign sign cell phone reunited with owner Menlo Park police have closed the case, but the Saga of the Missing Campaign Sign continued to unfold over the weekend as John Woodell surfaced with a few terse comments for the press. (Posted Oct. 25 at 8:25 a.m.)

Woman shot after â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;horsing aroundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with boyfriend A man was arrested Monday (Oct. 24) for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for being in violation of his probation after allegedly accidentally shooting his girlfriend in her living room in East Palo Alto on Sunday night. (Posted Oct. 25 at 8:20 a.m.)

Thrills and spills at Fairmeadow Harvest Fair A haunted classroom, face-painting, a dunk tank and â&#x20AC;&#x153;harvest gamesâ&#x20AC;? were some of the featured attractions at Fairmeadow Elementary Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Harvest Fair Saturday (Oct. 22), a longstanding tradition at the school sponsored by the PTA. (Posted Oct. 24 at 9:19 a.m.)

Shooting leaves one person in critical condition East Palo Alto police are investigating a double shooting Friday night (Oct. 21) that sent two people to the hospital â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one in critical condition. (Posted Oct. 22 at 10:43 a.m.)

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Teen recants Mtn. View sexual assault story Mountain View police said that a 16-year-old girl who told officers she had been sexually assaulted in Whisman Park in late September has recanted her story. (Posted Oct. 22 at 10:39 a.m.)

Teacher blames fatal accident on sun glare A teacher who struck and killed a 6-year-old East Palo Alto girl in a crosswalk Sept. 28 told police that sun glare prevented her from seeing Sioreli Torres Zamora, East Palo Alto Police Chief Ron Davis has confirmed. (Posted Oct. 21 at 9:56 a.m.)

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Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan to redesign the commercial stretch of California Avenue â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a plan that has galvanized a small community of area merchants â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is becoming more ambitious by the moment, with some City Council members directing staff this week to explore creating a new central plaza and a new parking configuration for the commercial strip. (Posted Oct. 21 at 9:54 a.m.)

Two earthquakes hit Bay Area Thursday The U.S. Geological Survey has downgraded Thursday nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Oct. 20) earthquake from its original preliminary magnitude of 4.2, to 3.9 a short time later, and now experts report it was a 3.8-magnitude tremor. (Posted Oct. 21 at 9:09 a.m.) 4 "/ . "5 & 0 ÉŁ 1" - 0 " -50 ÉŁ 4 "/ ' 3 " /$ * 4 $ 0 ÉŁ -04 " -50 4 ÉŁ #6 3 - * / ( " .&

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staff said. The current 18-hole course on 184 acres of flat, former salt marsh and bay fill was designed by William R. Bell of Pasadena, a noted golf-course architect, Richardson said. Renovations to the buildings and four holes were done in the 1970s, and in 1998 eight greens, four tees and five fairways were rebuilt. A new storm-drain station, with drainage, 35 catch basins and a new irrigation system were installed. But it lacks a â&#x20AC;&#x153;wowâ&#x20AC;? factor that is unlikely to attract more golfers, Richardson said. In the last 10 years the course has struggled financially. Play has gone from 100,000 rounds to 70,000 annually, said Rob DeGeus, recreation department division manager. And only 20 percent of users are Palo Altans. Richardson said the golf course represents â&#x20AC;&#x153;one of our largest parks,â&#x20AC;? and as such, he envisioned an area that could attract many other users. One concept would add an NCAAsize soccer field to the site (by reconfiguring 75 percent of the course); another adds a trail system along Embarcadero Road that leads to the clubhouse and restaurant, increasing revenue from non-golfers. A short-game practice area, public putting green and flexible yardage for women, beginners and seniors who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to play 18 holes could attract more users, particularly as Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population ages, he said. A fun and attractive childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area could also introduce youngsters to the game. Revenue drivers could include a wedding lawn and improved driving range. Each of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s six drivingrange bays produces $30,000 in annual revenue, he said. The designs have excited the golfing community and non-golfing commissioners. Golfer Craig Allen said he played the course in 1956 and soon thereafter switched to the course at Stanford, he said. Commissioner Ed Lauing, another golfer, admitted he uses Shoreline Golf Course in Mountain View more often. Commissioner Jennifer Hetterly said she is not a fan of the current golf course. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know many golfers, none of whom would ever choose this course,â&#x20AC;? she said. The city should invest enough money to create an option that would attract more people, she added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great opportunity to produce a lunch place for people out at the baylands,â&#x20AC;? she said. And Commissioner Deirdre Crommie said she was excited by the dual-use concept. The goal is to bring more people in, and she couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see residents supporting expensive renovations to a facility where only 20 percent of users are Palo Altans, she said. Golfers at an Oct. 24 public-outreach meeting â&#x20AC;&#x153;were blown awayâ&#x20AC;? by some of the options Richardson presented, Allen said. Getting the wow factor built in, including configuring some of the holes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;can provide an asset to draw more golfers and revenue for the future. Going a little extra with city money at this time is important,â&#x20AC;? he said. Richardsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team also presented renovations for the structures, including the clubhouse developed by Joseph Eichler, and restrooms.

Upfront The existing clubhouse and two other buildings would be renovated in the Eichler style, with warm wooden exteriors. A renovated clubhouse with glass-and-stone clerestory windows would have sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. It reminded Commissioner Sunny Dykwel of structures by Frank Lloyd Wright. “It could be a magnet,” she said. “But can we afford it?” The JPA-funded mitigations for the levee work would strictly address reconfiguring the holes impacted by the flood-control work. A $3.1 million budget for design and construction has been established, JPA Project Manager Kevin Murray said. Option D, the most popular among golfers at the outreach meeting, could cost $8.2 to $8.9 million.

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Raising that money could require some creativity in the current economic climate, commissioners agreed. Potential ideas included public-private partnerships and even a monetary exchange with Stanford Medical Center, which will be looking for a place to park all of its excavated soil from the hospital expansion project. The commission expects to discuss Richardson’s potential designs in November. Several other public meetings are planned in coming months. Construction of the portion of the golf course affected by the levee is scheduled to commence in December 2012. N Staff Writer Sue Dremann can be emailed at sdremann@paweekly.com.

CityView A round-up of

Great Selection of

Palo Alto government action this week

City Council The council did not meet this week.

Parks and Recreation Commission (Oct. 25)

Golf course: The commission discussed the Palo Alto Golf Course Reconfiguration Project. Action: None Lytton Plaza: The commission voted to defer a proposal to limit sound amplification at Lytton Plaza, pending public input. Yes: Unanimous Connectivity: The commission selected Option B (paved path) to connect the Main Library with the Palo Alto Art Center. Yes: Dykwel, Hetterly, Lauing, Markevitch No: Crommie, Walsh Absent: Losch Restroom: The commission recommended to the City Council the installation of a restroom at Juana Briones Park. Yes: Unanimous

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Board of Education (Oct. 25)

College-prep trends: The board heard a report on efforts to boost the percentage of high school students who graduate with the prerequisites to enter California’s four-year state universities. Action: None 525 San Antonio: The board discussed possible interim uses for land at 525 San Antonio Road that the district is under contract to purchase. Action: None

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Planning and Transportation Commission (Oct. 26) Edgewood Plaza: The commission heard public comments on the draft environmental study for Edgewood Plaza, a proposal to build 10 homes, renovate three retail structures and relocate one of the retail structures at 2080 Channing Ave. Action: None

Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce

A preview of Palo Alto government meetings next week COUNCIL FINANCE COMMITTEE ... The committee plans to discuss an external review of the Office of the Auditor; staff recommendations for energy efficiency rebates, homeenergy reports and two demand-side management programs; and a plan for eliminating the Recycling Center and retaining the Household Hazardous Waste Dropoff facility. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, in the Council Conference Room.

UTILITIES ADVISORY COMMISSION ... The commission plans to discuss an update on renewable portfolio standard policy. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2, in the Council Chambers . COUNCIL RAIL COMMITTEE ... The committee will review the California High Speed Rail Authority Report to the California Legislature dated Oct. 11, 2011, and Revised Business Plan due to be issued Nov. 1, 2011. The meeting will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, in the Council Conference Room. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD ... The board plans to review plans for a 30,200 sf office at 3031 Hansen Way; wayfinding signs and banners for downtown; and project details for a previously approved project by the Pacific Art League at 668 Ramona St. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, in the Council Chambers.

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CITY COUNCIL ... The council will begin with a closed session involving labor negotiations, then will consider a timeline for addressing interest (with the school district) in the Cubberley campus and discuss Finance Committee recommendations for adopting Electric Reserve guidelines and gas-purchasing strategy. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, in the Council Chambers.

CITY COUNCIL ... The council plans to interview candidates for the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Public Art Commission. The special meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2, in the Council Conference Room.

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HANNAH SCHER

APRIL 15, 1922 –OCTOBER 18, 2011 Our dear Hannah passed peacefully from this life at her home of over fifty years. She was attended by loving family and caregivers and is finally at rest after a long illness. Hannah was born April 15, 1922 on the kitchen table at 179 Stanton Street on the Lower East Side of New York City. She was the youngest of 11 children born to Hattie and Abraham Horn, who owned a small luggage factory in the front of the building where they lived. Hannah was athletic and played on the basketball team at Seward Park High School, where she graduated in 1939. This is where she also met her future husband and lifelong partner, Meyer Scher. They spent the next few years falling in love at rooftop dances and outings to the beach at Coney Island. With Hannah wearing taps on her shoes in order to get more pizzazz into her dancing, Meyer didn’t want to dance with anyone else. After high school she attended Acme School of business and studied accounting. Hannah and Meyer were married on December 17th 1944. Almost immediately Meyer had to return to Hawaii where he had been working as a welding contractor for the Navy. Hannah bravely followed in a few months, all alone, first by plane to California where she worked at the Naval shipyard on Mare Island while waiting for a transport ship to take her to Hawaii despite the ongoing war. Les, their first child was born on Oahu in 1946. After the war the little family returned to the mainland where their second son, Arnold, was born in Hollywood. Soon after, the growing family found the city they would live in for the rest of their lives, Palo Alto. Meyer was working full time and attending law school at night, while Hannah put her business school training to good use working at the VA hospital in Menlo Park. The addition of Danny kept them both busy with their three young sons. As the years passed and the family grew – eventually adding three more sons, Robert, Eddie, and Jerry - Hannah became the benevolent matriarch presiding over both their home and the office of Meyer’s busy law practice. Hannah eventually found the perfect home to raise their large and growing family on beautiful University Avenue where they happily lived for over fifty years. In later years Hannah and Meyer traveled all over the world visiting every continent. They would sometimes bring their whole family, gradually including daughters-in-law and then grandchildren as the family continued to grow. They arranged for an epic journey to Israel in 1994 for 24 immediate family members and 18 members of Hannah’s extended family from the East Coast. The group traveled all over Israel in a bus and everyone had the time of their lives. No matter how busy their lives got they always made time for a jaunt to their beloved Las Vegas. Hannah was incredibly fast with numbers and figures and was not intimidated

by a packed craps table. The other people at the table would assume she was there to place a few basic bets and then leave. They would watch in amazement at her knowledge and skill of this game of chance. Eventually they would ask her to explain the different bets she would place that they had never seen before. Her nickname on the floor was “Hardways Hannah” and of course her special bet was “The Horn”, after her maiden name. Hannah and Meyer were blessed with many friends that they had made during their years together and loved both attending and hosting gatherings to mark their collective simchas. Their parties were legendary and they loved being surrounded by family and friends and dancing away to their beloved big band songs. Hannah and Meyer were founding members of Temple Beth Am and also founding members and lifelong benefactors of Kol Emeth Synagogue, both in Los Altos. Hannah was also an original and lifetime member of Sequoia Hadassah. Hannah remained athletic and was a competitive bowler on a local league as long as she was able. Hannah lost her beloved Meyer, her husband of 63 years as well as her beloved second born son, Arnold, in the year 2007. Hannah is survived by her remaining five sons, Les (Carol), Danny, Robert (Elise), Eddie (Lori), and Jerry (Susan), her daughter-in-law Lynn, and her fifteen grandchildren, Rachelle, Paula, Hadassah, Elliot, Sarah, David, Jordan, Roxy, Corey, Abe, Jacqueline, Dina, Saul, Jonathon, and Mia. She was thrilled to be a greatgrandmother to two sets of twins: Benjamin and Caitlin, and Audrey and Mirabelle. Hannah Horn Scher was a gracious and vital woman who was the heart and soul of a large dynamic family. She was a loyal and stalwart friend who could be counted on in good times and bad. She was a fierce competitor and loved to match wits in any game she had the opportunity to play. She was the beloved “Nanna” to her grandchildren. She was the night owl that her sons could call at any hour and she would invariably say, “I was just thinking of you.” She loved cats and had the opportunity to have many beloved pets during her lifetime. Everyone who had the good fortune to know her will cherish her memory. May she rest in peace. Funeral Services were held on Oct. 23 at Congregation Kol Emeth, Palo Alto. Interment followed at Hills of Eternity Memorial Park, Colma. SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL 650-369-3636

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Pulse

A weekly compendium of vital statistics

POLICE CALLS Palo Alto Oct. 19-25 Violence related Armed robbery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Casualty/fall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Child abuse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Elder abuse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Suicide adult attempt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Theft related Commercial burglaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Grand theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Identity theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Petty theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Residential burglaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Shoplifting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Vehicle related Abandoned bicycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Auto theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Bicycle theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Driving w/suspended license . . . . . . . . .6 Hit and run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Lost/stolen plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Misc. traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Vehicle accident/major injury . . . . . . . . .1 Vehicle accident/minor injury . . . . . . . . .4 Vehicle accident/property damage. . . . .8 Vehicle impound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Alcohol or drug related Drunk in public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Drunken driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Possession of drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Open container. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Miscellaneous Business and profession code violation 2 Found property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Lost property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Misc. municipal code violation . . . . . . . .4 Missing person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Psychiatric hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Restraining order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Suspicious circumstances . . . . . . . . . . .5 Unattended death. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Vandalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Warrant/other agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Menlo Park Oct. 19-25 Violence related Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Theft related Auto burglary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Burglary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Identity theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Petty theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Vehicle related Auto theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Driving w/suspended license . . . . . . . . .2 Driving without license . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Vehicle accident/no detail. . . . . . . . . . . .1 Vehicle accident/non injury. . . . . . . . . . .1 Vehicle accident/minor injury . . . . . . . . .3 Vehicle accident/prop. damage . . . . . . .1 Vehicle code violation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Vehicle tow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Alcohol or drug related Drug activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Drunken driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Miscellaneous Disturbance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Disturbing/annoying phone calls. . . . . . .1 Found property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Information case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Lost property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Missing person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Probation violation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Suspicious circumstances . . . . . . . . . . .1 Vandalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Warrant arrest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Atherton Oct. 19-25 Violence related Assault and battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Theft related Burglary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Grand theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Petty theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Vehicle related Parking problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Ticket sign-off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Traffic control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Traffic details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Vehicle code violation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Vehicle/traffic hazard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Alcohol or drug related Driving under influence of drugs/alcohol 2 Miscellaneous Animal call. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Building/perimeter/area check . . . . . . . .7 Citizen assist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Construction complaint . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Construction site checks . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Disturbance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Disturbing/annoying phone call . . . . . . .1 Fire call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Found property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Located missing person . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Medical aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

(continued on next page)

Harry McKeever Beck June 22, 1925 - October 13, 2011

Harry M. Beck died in Palo Alto, CA on October 13 after a short illness following surgery. He was 86 years old. Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, Harry served in the Naval Pilot Training Program and the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He later attended and graduated from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Following his graduation in 1952, he embarked on a 30 year career in commercial banking, eventually settling in Northern California in 1957. He retired in 1980 as Vice President at the Bank of California. An avid golfer, Harry belonged ﬁrst to the Sharon Heights Golf Club and then for more than 35 years to the California Golf Club. He enjoyed playing notable courses both in the U.S. and abroad, especially Scotland and Australia. Along with reading, he also enjoyed traveling with his wife to many foreign lands and sharing those experiences with friends and family. Harry is survived by Frances, his wife of 47 years, their three surviving children and their spouses, William (Virginia), Robert (Lee Damico), Cynthia (William) Swartz, daughter-in-law Eileen, eleven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and his treasured dog and constant companion, Trez. He is predeceased by son Mark. Private services have been held. Memorial gifts may be made to the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, 400 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 340, Palo Alto, CA 94301. PA I D

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(continued from previous page) Meet citizen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Other/misc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Outside assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Pedestrian check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Public works call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Special detail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Suspicious circumstances . . . . . . . . . . .2 Suspicious person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Suspicious vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Town ordinance violation . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Vandalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Warrant arrest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Welfare check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

9:06 p.m.; child abuse. Unlisted block Amarillo Avenue, 10/23, 5:12 p.m.; casualty/fall.

Menlo Park 700 block Hamilton Avenue, 10/20, 10:04 a.m.; battery.

Atherton Menlo Atherton High School Middlefield Road, 10/21, 6:04 p.m.; assault and battery. Unknown block Middlefield Road, 10/25, 1:48 p.m.; assault and battery.

VIOLENT CRIMES Palo Alto Unlisted block Alma Street, 10/19, 1:30 a.m.; child abuse. Unlisted block Whitclem Drive, 10/19, 11:34 a.m.; elder abuse. 2000 block Alma Street, 10/20, 4:51 p.m.; suicide adult attempt. 300 block Ramona Street, 10/20, 10:51 p.m.; armed robbery. Unlisted block Ben Lomond Drive, 10/22,

Today’s news, sports & hot picks

Palo Alto Unified School District Notice is hereby Given that proposals will be received by the Palo Alto Unified School District for bid package: Contract No. PASTA-11 DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK: The work includes, but is not limited to: Construction of a new concessions building, bleachers, jump pits, fencing, sound system and other site improvements to the Palo Alto High School Stadium. Bidding documents contain the full description of the work. There will be a mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit at 1:00 p.m. on November 9, 2011 at the Facilities Office at 25 Churchill Ave., Building D, Palo Alto, California

Lynnette Fumiko Cummins March 30, 1975-Oct. 11, 2011

Lynnette Fumiko Cummins, of Stillwater, Oklahoma died, Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at home. Born in Mountain View, California, March 30, 1975, to Janice Styles & Ian Cummins. She lived for and loved her two little girls. Fumi was a true competitor at heart. From a young age she enjoyed BMX racing and won many trophies over the years. She also loved German Shepherds and turned that love into a successful business breeding, raising, and training them. Fumi is survived by her soul mate, David James Brown, daughters Alexis Kiku CumminsParker, and Sumiko Rayne Cummins-Brown, Don Styles, her Step-Father; Brother, James

Styles; Grandmother; Ida Mary Cummins, Aunties: Christine Takigawa, Lynne Haro, Debbie Takigawa, Leslie Clarkson, Debbie Hussey, and Kate Cummins. Uncles: Allan Takigawa, Steve Takigawa, Joe Haro, Robert Cummins, and Glenn Cummins. Cousins: Kenneth Takigawa, Nicholas Haro, Christopher Haro, Heather Cummins, Amber Cummins, Joshua Bruner, and Jessica Dea. A memorial service will be held at 4:00pm on Oct. 30, 2011 at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple, 2751 Louis Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 PA I D

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Patricia M. Tighe Patricia Murphy Tighe passed away October 17, 2011. She was born in Sterling, Illinois in 1932, the seventh of nine children, and was raised in Sterling and Chicago. In 1954, she married her sweetheart, Charles Joseph Tighe, a native Chicagoan, after he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Pat became an Army wife and shuttled her growing family from Germany, to Wisconsin, to Texas, Oklahoma, Los Angeles, and Kansas. She settled in Palo Alto in 1967 after her husband, then Lt. Col. Tighe, was killed in action in Vietnam. Widowed with four young children to whom she devoted herself to raising, she joined the workforce, rising to become vice president of a Bay Area insurance ﬁrm. Her children—Charles, Jr., Mary, John, and

Thomas—survive her, as do her grandchildren Erin, Travis, Andrew, Grifﬁn, and Megan Tighe. She was an active member of St. Albert the Great—later St. Thomas Aquinas—parish, where she served in several roles and was a charter member of the 38-year old “Beach Group.” She also was a food bank volunteer, avid bridge player and golfer until the onset of ALS earlier this year. In lieu of ﬂowers, her family suggests that donations be made in her honor to Direct Relief International, an international health and medical relief organization (www. directrelief.org). PA I D

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Bid Submission: Proposals must be received at the District Facilities Office, 25 Churchill Ave., Building D, Palo Alto, CA by 10:00 a.m. on December 1, 2011. PREVAILING WAGE LAWS: The successful Bidder must comply with all prevailing wage laws applicable to the Project, and related requirements contained in the Contract Documents. Palo Alto Unified School District will maintain a Labor Compliance Program (LCP) for the duration of this project. In bidding this project, the contractor warrants he/she is aware and will follow the Public Works Chapter of the California Labor Code comprised of labor code sections 1720 - 1861. A copy of the Districts LCP is available for review at 25 Churchill Avenue, Building D, Palo Alto, CA 94306. 1. A pre-job conference shall be conducted with the contractor or subcontractors to discuss federal and state labor law requirements applicable to the contract. 2. Project contractors and subcontracts shall maintain and furnish to the District, at a designated time, a certified copy of each payroll with a statement of compliance signed under penalty of perjury. 3. The District shall review and, if appropriate, audit payroll records to verify compliance with the Public Works Chapter of the Labor Code. 4. The District shall withhold contract payments if payroll records are delinquent or inadequate. 5. The District shall withhold contract payments as described in the LCP, including applicable penalties when the District and Labor Commissioner establish that underpayment of other violations has occurred. Bidders may examine Bidding Documents at Facilities Office, Building “D”. Bidders may purchase copies of Plans and Specifications at ARC, 599 Fairchild Drive, Mountain View, CA 94043, Phone: (650) 967-1966 All questions can be addressed to: Palo Alto Unified School District 25 Churchill Avenue, Building D Palo Alto, CA 94306-1099 Attn: Heidi Rank Phone: (650) 329-3927 Fax: (650) 327-3588

Phillip Norman Kirkeby Phillip Norman Kirkeby, died October 15, 2011. Born June 4, 1930 in Racine, Wisconsin, to Martin and Anna Kirkby (née Smith Andersen). Phillip moved to Denmark with his family when he was an infant and later graduated from high school in Copenhagen. He served as an apprentice with TITAN in Copenhagen from 1945 to 1950, and then worked for the company testing elevators and cranes from 1952 to 1958. He attended the School of Technical Design in Copenhagen in 1954 and received a degree from Teknikum in mechanical and technical engineering in 1956. Kirkeby also developed and tested medical equipment, working for Kaiser Laboratories on the instrumentation for encephalograms in the late 1950s. He returned to the United States in 1958 and was employed by Varian Associates on projects such as Klystron tubes for high-powered radar. He was also involved in solid-state microwave research for lightweight radar systems for the United States government, special radar systems for the United States Navy, and quality assurance for the missile guidance systems produced by General Dynamics. He opened his company, Advanced Vacuum Technology in 1980, manufacturing vacuums for NASA, General Electric, Varian, Westinghouse, the Stanford Linear Accelerator, and the Lawrence Livermore Laboratories. He also designed and built ion pumps for these companies, Lockheed, and the Universities of Upsala and Lund in Sweden. Among the many innovations he produced before his retirement in 2000 were pumps used in the Mars Lander project. Kirkeby was a renaissance man whose interests

extended well beyond science and engineering. With his wife Paula (née Zolloto), whom he married in 1962, he founded Smith Andersen Gallery in 1969, bringing the work of artists such as Sam Francis and Bruce Conner to the public in the Bay Area. Kirkeby was an avid collector who particularly appreciated the arts of China and other Asian cultures. He was a man of great imagination and strong opinion who was admired for his creativity and connoisseurship. In addition to his much beloved wife of 49 years, Kirkeby’s immediate family includes three sons, James, Stefan, and Peter and their wives, Nita, Mette, and Kjersti; six grandchildren, Anastasia, Alexander, Sheldon, Ella, Liv, and Kai; sisters Esther and Eva and his twin sister Sonja, and a brother Bent, all of Copenhagen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. His family and friends will greatly miss his spirit, zest, intelligence, and generosity. Memorial plans are pending. The family requests that contributions in memory of Phillip Norman Kirkeby may be made to The Stanford University Hospital & Clinics Emergency Room Fund. Please mail donations to the Ofﬁce of Medical Development, Attn: Gayle Cox, 2700 Sand Hill Rd., Menlo Park, CA 94025. PA I D

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Spectrum Editorials, letters and opinions

Feasibility for Baylands Editor, We often go out to the Baylands — we love it, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. I hope Measure E passes. A complete feasibility study can then be done. If the project is feasible then several percent of the cost can be creatively spent for Baylands mitigation — perhaps more accessibility and interpretation. If not feasible, we will seldom linger in the ten acres next to our sewer plant. Sam Halsted Kipling Street Palo Alto

Wet compost Editor, This is in regard to Palo Alto’s Measure E, about the undedication of parkland at the Bay for the possibility of an anaerobic digester for sewage sludge and the creation of compost. I do understand that it is the wet anaerobic digester that the proponents now favor. However, I would not want to use compost that has residue of sewage sludge in it. That residue could be toxic, and I would not use it for my tomatoes or other edibles. No one has yet addressed this issue. How safe would such compost, made from sewage sludge and food waste, be for vegetable gardens? And would the compost also include yard trimmings as it has in the past? Natalie Fisher Ellsworth Avenue Palo Alto

Sustainable waste Editor, I sat attentively at the Palo Alto Chamber debate (Oct. 11) over Measure E, regarding Byxbee Park’s 10 acres. I did my best, even wrote down all the opponents talking points (42 total) as to why I should vote no on E. I heard so much fear, uncertainty and doubt, when the meeting ended I couldn’t recall from my notes any rational reason. Voting no was all emotional. If any data was present it was exaggerated. I asked two attendees to give me one main reason why I should vote no. I got repeats of the emotional stuff twice. My vote is yes on E. We need to live and process our waste more sustainably and this is the best option presented. Greg Bell Cowper Street Palo Alto

E proponents ignore facts Editor, Proponents of Measure E carefully ignore facts and reality, appealing to emotions and fond wishes. In fact no facility capable of dry anaerobic digestion of biosolids, food scraps and yard trimmings has been built or operated anywhere. Attempting to verify such a facility is possible will cost tens of millions of dollars. The low range of 20-year operating costs are given as $60 to $96 million with

15 percents from grants assuming land value and rent are zero. The high range is $202 to $294 million. If land value and rent are included the true minimum cost would be $96 to $134 million, and the high range would be $240 to $332 million. The cheapest alternative is composting food scraps and yard trimmings in Gilroy and anaerobic digestion of biosolids at RWQCP which ranges from $77 million to $89 million in the low range and $112 to $134 million in the high range, including land rent. Supposedly undedicating parkland per Measure E is easy to reverse. Even if no facility is built there will be consequences. If conversion of the dump to parkland is delayed for 10 years construction costs certainly will be much higher. Spending excessively on waste processing can destroy a community’s finances. Harrisburg, Penn., recently declared bankruptcy due to hundreds of millions spent on a waste facility that never operated adequately. We can’t afford to risk our financial viability on fond hopes and grand dreams. Vote No on Measure E. Bob Moss Orme Street Palo Alto

Good for the environment Editor, Much has been said about Measure E circumventing the environmental review requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act by not preparing an Environmental Impact Report before the vote. As it turns out, CEQA review is not required for proposals placed on the ballot by initiative (Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines). Beyond that, there are common sense reasons for delaying the review, namely that an adequate review cannot be conducted for a “project” that does not yet have a secured location and is not fully defined. In development, like the rest of the economy, uncertainty equals risk; until the 10 acres of landfill next to the sewage plant are undedicated, the proposed composting facility lacks a secure site, making the investment in an EIR a much more risky proposition. If we want the opportunity to attract private sector financing, this will likely be the first step. Similarly, without a secured location, it is much more difficult to determine critical pieces of information like building design, size, site coverage, traffic access, volumes of materials to be processed, etc. When there is a defined project a full environmental review should be conducted according to law. All impacts, including those to air, water, noise, odor, traffic, wildlife, land use, etc. should be identified and mitigated. Perhaps this is why former California Assemblymember John T. Knox, author of CEQA, has endorsed the “Yes on Measure E” campaign. In his

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words, “Measure E is good for the environment. That’s why I endorse it.” Lynnie Melena Magnolia Drive Palo Alto

Editorial The Weekly recommends ... Measure D, to repeal binding arbitration, vote yes. Measure E, to undedicate 10 acres of parkland, vote yes.

E is the future Editor, As a parent of a high school student, a college student and a recent college graduate, their support for Measure E came naturally and selfishly. Measure E and the associated development of a local organic conversion facility builds an interesting and engaging future for Palo Alto’s next generation. Students and recent grads rally to Palo Alto’s leadership in green technology — green tech will keep coming to Palo Alto and with the associated opportunities. The project will continue to engage Stanford research where our local treatment and organic management is at the forefront of technology. The project excites the local green tech venture community furthering our business growth in this arena. The project reveals the positive and scientific climate choices that inform discussion in high school environmental studies classes. The project brings the prospect of green jobs to Palo Alto, a common agony for recent graduates. There is no engagement or opportunities by voting no — the ten acres will just sit as disturbed land idle into the future. So as parents, when you look at the ballot choice, talk to your kids. Know that Measure E’s outcome will build a richer environment, economy, and opportunities. There are no guarantees, but as we set the correct course for Palo Alto, supporting Measure E is where to point the future’s compass. Bob Wenzlau Dana Avenue Palo Alto

A tough choice Editor, Measure E was a tough choice. I am passionate about zero waste, climate protection, and open space. I am open to the possibility of siting wind or solar power facilities on what is today dedicated parkland: it is true that climate change is our generation’s defining challenge and we have to be open to re-examining our assumptions. It’s a new world we live in. But ultimately I came down on the side of “No on E.” Ten acres is huge: 40-50 times the average home lot size. The impact of a large processing plant in the baylands will be significant so the tradeoff better be compelling. In fact, San Jose is moving forward on a regional anaerobic digester. It’s great for Palo Alto to be a regional leader but it doesn’t all have to be on our lands. We already commit 170 acres of our baylands to a regional golf course and 102 acres to a regional airport.

Closing the carbon cycle locally is a great goal. But we need to think in the most integrated and holistic way. There is much we can do to reduce the volume of green waste we generate. The right landscape plants, especially bay-friendly native plants, require little pruning and also save time, water, money and fertilizers. In sum, we can work past this dilemma by working on a mix of regional cooperation, city leadership and making changes in each of our households and businesses. Vote no on E. Yoriko Kishimoto Embarcadero Road Palo Alto

Sustainability solutions Editor, Measure E is a good solution to our current garbage problem. Since my home is too small to maintain a compost pile, a local anaerobic digester

will make it possible for me to compost my garden scraps. The separate curbside pickup of such compostables and recycling should bring into sharp relief the truly wasteful parts of our life, like packaging. We have a precedent in using parkland for an important community use: My local park has a chunk taken out of it for the community garden. I am not allowed to go into that part of the park, there is a sign warning me to stay out. The residents decided at some point that the self-sufficiency provided by the garden is worth the sacrifice of a piece of the public park. I believe the same holds true of our need to undedicate a corner of the former dump. Measure E is not risky nor expensive, since it does not require the city to build anything. All the measure does is open up the possibility of building an anaerobic digester on a small piece of the former dump. This

YOUR TURN The Palo Alto Weekly encourages comments on our coverage or on issues of local interest.

What do you think? Do you think the Opportunity Center is a community asset? 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!

will just lead Palo Alto a few steps down the path toward true sustainability. Elaine Haight Cowper Street Palo Alto

Misinformation Editor, I am writing regarding the upcoming election in Palo Alto on Measure E. Misinformation by proponents of E says if the ten acres of park is undedicated and the anaerobic digester is not built, they will revert back to park. This is not true. The council would have to take action and rededicate the land. The proponents are trying to keep the council from rededicating for ten years while they try to prove anaerobic digestion works. It is unlikely that a future council would take action. Once the land is not protected as park, there will be pressures to use it for public works. Look at CMR:ID2037 Oct. 3, 2011 (http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/ knowzone/reports/cmrs.asp). Staff suggests that “One idea is to utilize the new acreage ... for the aerobic finishing step....”. Against all past recommendations we could revert to open windows of compost on the park. For six years Public Works, without council direction and supported by these same E proponents, tried to build a garbage recovery and processing plant on 19 acres of Byxbee Park. This would have duplicated our regional SMaRT Station in Sunnyvale, six miles away. The council killed this proposal in 2005. In 1965, the Park Dedication Or-

Guest Opinion

Licensed healthcare clinic grows at homeless shelter by Carol Garsten ix years ago when I first heard of the new homeless center I was skeptical of the kind of people it would attract and how they would affect my livelihood, my retail business at Town & Country Village. Now I find myself at the end of my fourth year on the board of directors and second year as board chair of Peninsula HealthCare Connection and in the second year as director of the Downtown Streets Team Mentor Program, which connects community volunteers with people emerging from homelessness. My interest in homeless issues began when a good friend of mine became homeless and I couldn’t help him, and grew when Dr. Lars Osterberg and Dr. Don Barr visited Palo Alto University Rotary Club to tell us about the new health care clinic that they started. What stuck in my head that day was something that Dr. Barr told us. He said that when members of the local homeless community were asked what they were most afraid of, it was not that they didn’t have food or a place to live but the way that people looked down on them. I thought to myself that day, understanding that I cannot end homelessness, but I can start today to treat these people with dignity, acknowledge the unhoused people in our community with a smile, a nod of the head or a friendly greeting. Peninsula HealthCare Connection was proud to announce on Aug. 22 that its 250-square-

foot-clinic became a free licensed community clinic. Located inside the Opportunity Center, the clinic was not designed or built to meet the stringent California State Licensing requirements. The process of becoming licensed took three years and was no small feat. It involved such things as removing two bathrooms, developing Disaster Preparedness and Pandemic Flu Plans and re-routing the air ducting. Though many in the community thought that we would never be awarded a state license, the clinic board did not see licensing as an option. The truth is that no matter what great work we were doing, if we weren’t licensed we couldn’t bill Medicare or Medicaid, we couldn’t go to the local hospitals for partnerships and funding and

I can start today to treat these people with dignity, acknowledge the unhoused people in our community with a smile, a nod of the head or a friendly greeting. we just wouldn’t be taken seriously. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation has been a tremendous supporter of the clinic since its inception. It has not only written checks to support our work but has underwritten the cost of our amazing dedicated medical staff. Dr. Patty McGann works half time as the clinic’s managing medical director and primary care physician, Dr. Bahzra provides primary care and Dr. Ruth Rothman, dermatology.

The clinic, which provides primary and mental health care, has quadrupled the amount of patient visits in the last two years. In 2009 the clinic conducted 1,000 patient visits and now has 4,000 visits per year. Services have expanded to include intensive case management, helping over 20 local homeless people move to permanent housing last year, high blood pressure and diabetes classes. All of these services are now being provided even as the clinic has tightened its belt and decreased its budget. Eileen Richardson, the executive director, has lead the clinic from a place of barely surviving to a place where our focus is on how we can expand the clinic into a bigger space to help even more people. Finding a solution to homelessness is challenging, particularly in these rough economic times. The Opportunity Center has five independent nonprofits work in a cooperative way to help our local un-housed population. They include Community Working Group, InnVision, Downtown Streets Team, Palo Alto Housing Corporation and Peninsula HealthCare Connection. At the clinic, we feel that good physical and mental health is one of the cogs in the wheel to ending homelessness right here in our community. Our small clinic makes a huge difference in so many people’s lives. For more information on becoming a part of the solution to homelessness please visit Peninsula HealthCare Connection’s website www. peninsulahcc.org. For more information about the Downtown Streets Team Mentor Program email: dstmentorprogram@yahoo.com. ■ Carol Garsten is board chair of Peninsula HealthCare Connections and owns Nature Gallery in Town and Country Village.

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Streetwise

What do you think about the Occupy Wall Street movement? Asked on California Avenue, Palo Alto. Interviews and photographs by Yichuan Cao.

Marilyn McDonnell

Retired Cortez Avenue, Burlingame “I support people’s right to protest. They have a demand for a change.”

Mary Barton Rose

Lawyer Ramona Street, Palo Alto “I have trouble following their message. I sympathize with the protestors but the message seems to be lost somewhere.”

Peter Lowenberg

Retired Lighthouse Road, Half Moon Bay “I am completely in favor of it. It’s time for us to take control over our life. The only people who care about us is us.”

Barbara Foster

Retired Washington Avenue, Palo Alto “Great! I love the way they express themselves. I hope this is authentic. I mean, spontaneous, not managed by someone.”

Barbara Swenson

Retired Waverley Street, Palo Alto “Good. The last major issue was that we had been silent for so long. Now the 95 percent finally speaks up.”

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Spectrum

Letters

(continued from page 15)

dinance stopped a plan to fill the wetlands and marshes to build an industrial site to be called Palo Alto Industrial Park. Byxbee Park will always be vulnerable until completed. We need the vision 22 other cities had to create parks on their completed landfill. Don’t open the door for more industrial factories in our Baylands. Vote no on Measure E. Elizabeth Weingarten Bret Harte Street Palo Alto

Balanced analysis Editor, While I do not agree with your editorial position on Measure E, I wish to thank you and Gennady Sheyner for a balanced analysis of the issue. Your coverage of both the pros and cons was thorough and very informative. Don Kobrin Greer Road Palo Alto

Committee for Green Foothills Editor, It’s unfortunate that the Palo Alto Weekly failed to consult with Committee for Green Foothills before incorrectly characterizing the CGF Board’s position, among others, as stating that “parkland should never be

repurposed.” The CGF Board’s statement and supporting material specifically recognizes the need to balance competing environmental interests and makes clear that it examines the issues on a case-by-case basis. In this case, the majority of greenhouse-gas emission reductions that would be done at a loss of parklands can instead be done by a smaller operation at the Water Quality Control Plant with no loss of parkland that has been promised to voters for forty years. Committee for Green Foothills’ Board did not make a knee-jerk decision but rather a thoughtful one to support both action to fight climate change and to protect our local parkland and natural open space, by encouraging a no vote on Measure E. Brian Schmidt Committee for Green Foothills Board of Directors East Bayshore Road Palo Alto

E-ffective Editor, Measure E provides a prudent mechanism to determine the most cost effective and environmentally beneficial method to manage our waste. Contrary to the proclamations of opponents, it is neither expensive nor risky. It involves zero risk as it only provides the land necessary should a facility be determined fiscally sound. The council-commissioned study showed that the city can save $1 million a year if a dry anaerobic digestion facility is built. Opponents

quote higher cost estimates from the study based on choices that the city would never make including: (1) An expensive system for handling an amount of waste far exceeding what Palo Alto will produce. The study recommends “the lower cost options.” (2)Palo Alto to profit by charging its Refuse Fund $908,000 a year rent requiring an increase in garbage rates. This assumes that the land is worth eight times its appraised value. Supporters believe that the most cost-effective facility would use well-established wet anaerobic digestion to compost biosolids and food scraps, with the residue composted with yard trimmings. The study did not consider this technology, which East Bay MUD has used for years, generating enough energy to run their sewage plant and sell the excess The critical point in your editorial, is that “there is a reasonable chance that .... an exciting, low-risk and financially and environmentally beneficial plan can be developed.” The council will not build anything without such a plan unless land is available. Vote yes! Flora Chu Laguna Court Palo Alto

Yes, with caution Editor, Your “Yes on E, with caution” editorial is thoughtful, well-reasoned, fair and correct in its con-

clusion. One reason for yes that you do not name is the global-warming and climate-change threat and the resulting need for awareness and action. Although this potential project on energy from renewable biomass fuel (organic wastes: sewage sludge, food wastes and compost) is extremely small compared to the global problem, it is the type of action that will be needed worldwide. Palo Alto’s leadership would be consistent with what the community has done in the past. It would also show recognition of proper flexibility to make tradeoffs among environmental values and to encourage green technology and business. Evan Hughes Rondo Way Menlo Park

Ballot measures Editor, The current conflict dividing the community with Measure E brought to mind a similar episode back in 1980, which involved some of the same key players, but interestingly, now on a different side. The city had bought a block in Downtown North designated for a neighborhood park, but left it undedicated. Seems that a small park in Downtown North doesn’t provide sufficient environmental cachet, so in 1979, with low-income housing having become the flavor-of-themonth, even for the “environmentalists,” the majority on the council wanted to change the designation of the land to PC, opening the possi-

bility of high-density blocks of flats being built there instead. The majority against park dedication included Byron Sher, Alan Henderson, Emily Renzel and Gary Fazino, who are now fighting for park dedication and opposing Measure E. The neighborhood organized to try and overturn the council vote. Sterling efforts by the neighborhood succeeded in getting enough signatures put the issue on the ballot. However, to his credit, Byron Sher reversed himself and provided the vote needed to dedicate the land as park. Emily Renzel then also switched sides to provide us with what eventually become the delightful and highly used Johnson Park: A park that has provided a critical breathing space for the crowded Downtown North neighborhood and has served to maintain the residential character of this wonderfully eclectic community. Walter Sedriks Waverley Street Palo Alto

E consensus Editor, It says a lot that the Republican, Democratic and Green Parties have all endorsed Measure E. It’s quite significant these days to see this kind of consensus. Measure E is good for the environment and the economy. That’s why it has my vote. Brandy Faulkner Shauna Lane Palo Alto

November 8, 2011, Consolidated General Election City of Palo Alto NOTICE DESIGNATION OF POLLING PLACES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Election is to be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2011, at the speciﬁed polling places: Voting Precinct PCT 2003 PCT 2004 PCT 2005 *S PCT 2010 C *S PCT 2015 C PCT 2017 C PCT 2019 PCT 2026 PCT 2034 PCT 2043 *S PCT 2048 PCT 2049 PCT 2056 C PCT 2061 PCT 2068 PCT 2075 PCT 2078 PCT 2090 C PCT 2098 PCT 2101 C PCT 2107 C PCT 2108 *S PCT 2110 C PCT 2115 *S PCT 2122 C

Poll Palo Alto High School Front Ofﬁce Foyer Oak Creek Apts. - Eucalyptus Room University Lutheran Church - Sanctuary Palo Alto Community Childcare Center Palo Alto Christian Reformed Church St. Andrews United Methodist Church Fairmeadow Elementary Sch - Multi-use Rm First Church Of Christ, Scientist Grace Lutheran Church - Room # 2 First Baptist Church - Fellowship Hall Crossroads Community Church First Lutheran Church Channing House - Board Room Lytton Gardens Court Yard - Lounge Walter Hays Elementary School - Mp Room Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Kartchner Residence First Congregational Church - Narthex Friends Meeting Of Palo Alto Ohlone Elementary Sch - Multi-purpose Rm Palo Verde School - Mp Room Barron Park School - Multi-use Bldg. The Father’s House Creekside Inn Of Palo Alto - Stratton Rm Palo Alto Fire Station # 05

Cross Street Off El Camino Real Near Churchill Near Pasteur Dr Off Bowdoin St Off El Camino Real Near Georgia Ave Between Ferne Ave At Greenmeadow Way Between Waverly St And Cowper St Between El Carmelo Ave And Gary Ct Off Loma Verde Avenue Near Bryant St Oregon Expwy And Marion Place Between Middleﬁeld and Webster St Near Middleﬁeld Road Off Channing Ave Between Bryant St And Waverley St Near Embarcadero Road Near Embarcadero Rd Off Melville Ave Patricia Ln @ Hamilton Ave Off Embarcadero Road Between Louis Rd At Greer Rd At Louis Rd Near Loma Verde Ave Off Ames Ave Barron Ave & El Centro St Off E. Meadow Dr Off Matadero Ave Off Clemo Ave

Address 50 Embarcadero Rd 1450 Sand Hill Rd 1611 Stanford Ave 3990 Ventura CT 687 Arastradero Rd 4111 Alma St 500 E Meadow Dr 3045 Cowper St 3149 Waverley St 305 N California Ave 2490 Middlefield Rd 600 Homer Ave 850 Webster St 330 Everett Ave 1525 Middlefield Rd 1295 Middlefield Rd 577 Patricia Ln 1985 Louis Rd 957 Colorado Ave 950 Amarillo Ave 3450 Louis Rd 800 Barron Ave 3585 Middlefield Rd 3400 El Camino Real 600 Arastradero Rd

City, St Zip Palo Alto, CA 94301 Palo Alto, CA 94304 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto, CA 94301 Palo Alto, CA 94301 Palo Alto, CA 94301 Palo Alto, CA 94301 Palo Alto, CA 94301 Palo Alto, CA 94301 Palo Alto, CA 94301 Palo Alto, CA 94303 Palo Alto, CA 94303 Palo Alto, CA 94303 Palo Alto, CA 94303 Palo Alto, CA 94303 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto, CA 94306

PLEASE NOTE **This list is subject to change** Notice is also given that the ballots casts at said election will be centrally counted at the Registrar of Voters Ofﬁce, 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, commencing at 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Dated October 14, 2011 DONNA J. GRIDER City Clerk, MMC Page 16ÊUÊ"VÌ LiÀÊÓn]ÊÓä££ÊUÊ*> Ê Ì Ê7ii Þ

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Cover Story

Sleepless

in Palo Alto Night owls, early birds and shift workers struggle to manage their sleep cycles

story by Karla Kane photos by Veronica Weber

In Silicon Valley, it seems that the world never sleeps.

(continued on next page)

Courtesy Jessica Michaelson

In this haven for all-hours start-ups and venturecapital firms with global connections, high-tech workers are joining doctors, nurses, paramedics and emergency vets; truck drivers; pilots, flight attendants and air-traffic controllers; janitors; retailers; and those with international business pursuits, who often work at night or on rotating timetables. For locals who put in long hours with irregular schedules, getting enough high-quality shut-eye can be a challenge. Around 15 percent of fulltime workers in the U.S. are shift workers (defined as not only those on evening or rotating shifts but any nonstandard hours and schedules), according to a 2009 Current Neurology and Neuroscience Caption Reports article. caption and Stanford School of Medicine professor sleep researcher Dr. Jamie Zeitzer, an expert on circadian rhythms and sleep disorders, said one’s slumber schedule — or lack thereof — can and does have a major impact on overall, long-term health. “The biggest problem with sleep disorders is that effects are long-range. You might live a few years less long; the medical issues are less concrete for people so they don’t take it as seriously. They’ll say: ‘It’s just sleep. Suck it up,’” Zeitzer said. “Shift work interferes with the circadian

system so that you’re awake when you want to be asleep. Events that normally go together start fading apart. It eventually leads to higher rates of cancer, obesity and diabetes.” One of his current research studies focuses on the potential connections among circadian rhythms, sleep disruption and breast-cancer survival rates. Sleep deprivation can also lead to problems in more acute ways. “There have been lots of studies in the last 10 years showing that most major disasters that have occurred are associated with night shifts or sleep deprivation,” said Zeitzer, naming the Exxon Valdez oil spill as an example. “Trying to live in a 24-hour society just doesn’t work as well. There are more accidents, more car crashes and more errors. Every time you get in an airplane, you have no idea what your pilots’ schedules are like.” Medical interns working extended shifts reported making more medical errors (including those that harm or kill patients), had a 60 percent increase in the odds of suffering an occupational injury, and have twice the odds of suffering motor-vehicle crashes on the drive home from work, a June 2011 article in the journal Science of Nature and Sleep states. People really do need about eight hours of sleep (whether it be day or night) to function at optimum levels, Zeitzer said. “Some aspects are psychological in nature. Feeling tired and being tired are two different things. People can feel alert, but if the hospital

Clockwise from top: Palo Alto Police Officers Marco Estrada (left) and Brad Young respond to a call at 12:30 a.m. Happy Donuts owner Gerald Pak pulls donuts from the fryer for glazing at 3:45 a.m. He typically works from 11 p.m. to mid-morning. Dr. Jessica Michaelson demonstrates an “enthusiastic wake-up,” used to teach babies to differentiate sleep time from wake time. *> Ê Ì Ê7ii ÞÊUÊ"VÌ LiÀÊÓn]ÊÓä££ÊU Page 19

Cover Story

Sleepless

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tests them they respond as if they were tired,” he said. “You can’t compensate. An extra cup of coffee just doesn’t cut it.” Maintaining as much consistency as possible, as well as napping before starting on a shift, can help mitigate the impact, he said. In July, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education enacted a rule that first-year residents may work no more than 16 hours without rest, as reported in the Nature and Science of Sleep article. “Extensive scientific data demonstrate that shifts exceeding 12-16 hours without sleep are unsafe,” the report states. “Schedules should be designed that adhere to principles of sleep and circadian science; this includes careful consideration of the effects of multiple consecutive night shifts, and provision of adequate time off after night work.” The Stanford Sleep Clinic’s website suggests that adjusting light exposure (blackout curtains or eye shades), taking certain “alerting medications” and trying behavioral techniques may be helpful to sufferers of “Shift Work Sleep Disorder.”

Dr. Layla Shaikh, overnight vet at Adobe Animal Hospital, treats Sapphire, a cat who came in with a bite-wound emergency.

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Sleep cycles are a crucial factor in a number of biological functions. The body’s internal 24-hour clock, the circadian system (named from the Latin “circa” and “diem,” meaning “about a day”), “controls the timing of various systems in your body so that all the wake-related functions

Paly student James Maa works on homework at 3:30 a.m., saying he stays awake “until the energy drink wears off.” happen when you’re awake and vice versa,” Zeitzer explained. “The central clock in the brain keeps time and coordinates with blood cells, skin cells, cells everywhere in the body, the idea being that it doesn’t make sense to have your gut, your liver, processing food when you’re asleep.” Circadian systems are present in all animals, from single-celled organisms to dogs to humans.

“Sunlight tells the internal clock what time it is,” Zeitzer said. “Jet lag is basically the body adapting to new time zones, and the light and darkness will tell the internal clock what time you want to be on.” The body’s use of light exposure as a natural alarm clock doesn’t work so well for those who aren’t on a standard daylight schedule. “For shift workers, one issue is that exposure to light and dark is erratic,” Zeitzer said. However, people can adjust to working nocturnal hours. It’s switching back and forth between schedules that is especially problematic. “Consistency is the most important aspect. You can turn someone into a night person but sometimes they work a night schedule during the week, then they revert to a standard system on the weekend (for family or social time). That’s the root of the problem, so help is limited,” Zeitzer said.

dobe Animal Hospital veterinarian Layla Shaikh’s current schedule at the Los Altos clinic includes three overnight shifts a week, plus one day shift. “I work an 11- to 12-hour shift. It equals about 40 to 50 hours a week,” she said. When on the night shift, she comes in around 8 p.m., with another vet overlapping until 9 or 10 p.m. During the slowest part of the night (1 to 4 a.m.), there are usually two nurses and one doctor on duty.

Cover Story Children would really complicate things.” In order to cope with her irregular schedule, “the most important thing is making sure to communicate with the people who are important to my life that I really do need to sleep during the day. I turn off my phone and have to tell people that is really something I absolutely need to do,” she said. “People don’t always understand. They say, ‘Well, you’re home ...’ Yeah, not really.” She finds it particularly difficult to go to sleep after daybreak. “It’s so rewarding getting home before the sun comes up. To be in bed before the sun is shining, it makes a world of difference.” But though it’s taxing, her job is full of rewards, too, she said. “You work fewer shifts, which is nice. And it’s fun overnight. The nurses who work overnight are really intelligent, really hard workers and really fun.” Working with emergency patients, “You really, really help your clients in crisis situations; it’s very rewarding. If you like emergency medicine, it’s worth that sacrifice. “Is it sustainable in the long term? Not for everybody.”

alo Alto resident Mel Kronick, the former CEO and current board member of Population Genetics Technologies, based in Cambridge, U.K., leaps into his work day near dawn while his British co-workers, eight hours ahead,

Mel Kronick talks to his Cambridge, U.K, office at 6:30 a.m. from his home in Palo Alto. are approaching the end of theirs. Kronick said he doesn’t usually feel sleep deprived since he keeps a fairly regular schedule (“only once

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have I had to do a board meeting at 3 a.m.”), but coordinating socially can be tricky. “The hardest thing for me person-

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Shaikh estimated treating an average of eight to 10 patients a night. After 10 p.m., the clinic is open for emergencies only, though what constitutes an emergency can vary. “Last night someone found fleas on his cat at 1 a.m.” and brought it in for treatment, she said. But she sees a wide range of cases, such as pets having trouble breathing, problems walking or gastrointestinal distress. Shaikh, 30, has been working nights for five years. Switching between night and day shifts has “gotten a little harder for me now that I’m older. It’s gotten tougher for me to make the shift,” she said. She prefers to work nights for a week straight, then have a week off, then a week of day shifts, and so on — a schedule she will switch to next month. She does worry about the impact of her schedule on her health. “When I work nights I get headaches more frequently. I’m more susceptible to getting colds,” she said. “Coming off nights and going to days is really tough,” especially adjusting her sleeping habits on the days between her night and day shifts. “I come home in the morning, hang out with my husband for a few minutes before he goes to work and go to sleep.” Spending only a few moments a day with her husband, who works long hours in the finance industry, is hard, she said. But at least, she added, “I don’t have children.

ally is getting up in the morning and immediately having to be on, first (continued on next page)

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Cover Story

Sleepless

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Courtesy Chun-Wei Huang

thing in the morning. There’s no transition time,” he said. And with co-workers eight hours in the future but family and friends on Pacific Time, “You have to work a lot more at staying in sync with what’s going on. You can’t quite so easily integrate personal life into work life.” According to the Stanford Sleep Clinic’s website, young adults and self-proclaimed “night owls” “appear to find it easier to adjust to night and nontraditional work shifts.” Palo Altan Chun-Wei Huang, 32, is one such night owl who said he’s perfectly happy working and sleeping unusual hours, with a schedule that would be the worst nightmare (no pun intended) of a sleep clinician. “I don’t have a ‘typical’ sleeping schedule because it really depends on my projected workload and what I want to accomplish during the daylight hours here. I may pass out around 1 p.m. on some days and be awake by 7 p.m.,” he stated in an email interview, adding that any Halloween trick-or-treaters ringing his doorbell will have better luck around midnight than in the early evening, when he’ll likely still be “zonked out.” Huang works for an Asia-based green-energy venture, meaning he often has to coordinate with colleagues 15 to 16 hours ahead of him,

along with frequent travel across many time zones. “1 p.m. here coincides with the stock-market close, and 7 p.m. is currently 10 a.m. in Asia, so it gives my business partners there a chance to get caught up before we begin our Skype sessions. Sundays and Thursdays here are usually my busiest evenings because it is Monday and Friday afternoon in Asia,” he said. Huang has been working irregular hours and days since 2001 and said he has long since gotten used to it. “It’s not difficult to adjust to this kind of lifestyle, although it’s definitely not for everyone, but we are operating in a global business environment, so I would expect more and more individuals adopting this kind of pattern. Taking power naps help if I anticipate a long day ahead,” he said. Sleep has always come easily to him, so he doesn’t feel his health is in jeopardy. “Closing the window blinds helps. I believe I’m a heavy sleeper, as some have said that I could probably sleep through World War III if it was going on outside. I grew up drinking green tea so caffeine has no impact in my system. I could say the same for sugar, too. This helps a lot, especially when I meet with friends for their lunch (my dinner), and we end up going to Starbucks afterwards. I could have an extra shot or a Venti mocha Frappuccino and still naturally fall sleep shortly afterwards,” he said. Huang, like Shaikh, sees some

Palo Altan Chun-Wei Huang structures his schedule to coincide with business hours in Asia. benefits to keeping his hours. “My schedule actually makes grocery shopping easier, since I can go

during off-peak periods. It’s great that the Safeway stores around here are open 24/7. The benefits to going

late at night during the graveyard hours: no traffic, no parking issues, no lines at the checkout counter and

CONSTRUCTION ZONE AHEAD LEGEND

CLAR K WY

Road/Driveway Closure Vehicle Routes

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NOTE: Trafﬁc Changes to Welch Road 770

Nordstrom

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Clinics

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Effective Wednesday, October 19th, Welch Road will become a one-lane, one-way road going West between Quarry Road and Pasteur Drive. Additionally, access to 730, 750 and 770 Welch Road is now via new driveways on Vineyard Lane. These traffic changes will be in effect for two years, after which time Welch Road will return to its original traffic patterns.

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Stanford University Medical Center is beginning construction work to rebuild and expand its medical facilities in Palo Alto. Please be advised of traﬃc changes around the medical center due to construction.

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Expansion

We appreciate your patience during construction.

MORE INFO: SUMCRenewal.org | info@SUMCRenewal.org | 24-Hour Construction Hotline: (650) 701-SUMC (7862)

Page 22ÊUÊ"VÌ LiÀÊÓn]ÊÓä££ÊUÊ*> Ê Ì Ê7ii Þ

Harker Open House Events

Cover Story

! # Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dr. Jamie Zeitzer examines an electrocardiogram. He recently concluded a five-year study of sleep disorders in women with breast cancer. that all shelves have usually been restocked,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a money-saving benefit to beginning a meal after 9 p.m. Some restaurants on Castro Street in downtown Mountain View ... will bring back their discounted lunch specials menu.â&#x20AC;? Having a local social life can be tough at times, but â&#x20AC;&#x153;if I get advance notice, I can plan to stay awake ahead of time so that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not asleep when everyone else wants to go check out a new place and grab a bite to eat. I do miss out occasionally on the spontaneous road trips and last-minute group gatherings because I failed to answer the phone,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I definitely donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sleep enough, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the tradeoff Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve accepted in hopes of a stock-option windfall and ... a somewhat balanced social life.â&#x20AC;?

o matter how consistent their usual work schedules may be, new parents find themselves turning into shift workers of sorts, and often-unhappy night owls.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since the beginning of time, having a young child equals sleep deprivation, which is a reality,â&#x20AC;? said Jessica Michaelson, a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with parents on baby-sleep issues. Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blossom Birth resource center offers classes and refers parents having a particularly tough time adjusting to sleep disruptions to sleep experts, including Michaelson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Babies, particularly in the first three months of life, are awake around the clock, every two to three hours, so parents, typically the mother, also are awake at that same frequency,â&#x20AC;? she said. During a regular nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep, the body goes through natural 90-minute cycles of deep sleep, light (REM/dreaming) sleep and brief wake-ups, but â&#x20AC;&#x153;with a baby you are not waking up based on your own natural cycles. It might come during a deep sleep so you have to awaken and your nervous system has to respond to that, so it secretes stimulating hor(continued on next page)

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Sun., Nov. 6

UPPER SCHOOL, Gr. 9 - 12 Upper School Campus

Sun., Nov. 13

LOWER SCHOOL, K - 5 Lower School Campus

Thurs., Dec. 1

UPPER SCHOOL, Gr. 9 - 12 Upper School Campus

Sun., Dec. 4

MIDDLE SCHOOL, Gr. 6 - 8

PUBLIC NOTICE FORMER NAVAL AIR STATION MOFFETT FIELD

Middle School Campus

Overview, Q & A and campus tour during a school day.

Restoration Advisory Board Meeting November 2011

Oct. 21 Lower School Nov. 8 Middle School

Visit classrooms, enjoy warm cookies and ask questions!

Jan. 6, 10, 19, 24

The next regular meeting of the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) for former Naval Air Station (NAS) Moffett Field will be held on:

Thursday, November 3, 2011, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at: Mountain View Senior Center Social Hall 266 Escuela Avenue Mountain View, CA 94040-1813

The RAB reviews and comments on plans and activities about the ongoing environmental studies and restoration activities underway at Moffett Field. Regular RAB meetings are open to the public and the Navy encourages your involvement. To review documents on Moffett Field environmental restoration projects, please visit the information repository located at the Mountain View Public Library, 585 Franklin St., Mountain View, CA 94041, (650) 903-6337. For more information, contact Mr. Scott Anderson, Navy Base Realignment and Closure Environmental Coordinator at (619) 532-0938 or scott.d.anderson@navy.mil. Visit the Navyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website: http://www.bracpmo.navy.mil/basepage.aspx?baseid=52&state=California&name=moffett

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www.harker.org

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SAVE THE DATE FOR THIS VERY SPECIAL EVENT:

Cover Story

HOLIDAY BAZAAR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 10 am-4 pm — Food, Gifts, and Crafts made by our volunteers, teachers, and local artisans — Refreshments — Holiday Music — Adopt-a-Book and Used Book Sale (beneﬁts Deborah’s Palm)

november highlights NEW FOR THIS MONTH: Job Search Support & Strategy Group Mind-Body Wellness Retreat Human Trafﬁcking Awareness Event Culture Kitchen: Indian Cooking Love & Logic Parenting Classes Joy of Singing Workshops For further details, visit our website: deborahspalm.org 555 Lytton Avenue, Palo Alto 650/473-0664

debor ah’s palm

ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AWARENESS Atrial fibrillation is the most common heart rhythm problem, affecting over 2 million Americans. Without detection and treatment, atrial fibrillation can affect quality of life and cause stroke and heart failure Expert Stanford physician specialists will discuss the signs and symptoms of Atrial Fibrillation and the options for evaluation and treatment, which may improve quality of life and decrease complications. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 9:30AM – 11:00AM Sheraton Palo Alto (Justine Room) 625 El Camino Real r Palo Alto, CA To RSVP, email: events@stanfordmed.org Please register, seating is limited.

Sleepless

(continued from previous page)

mones like adrenaline and cortisol to get you awake,” she said. Being pushed into a stimulated, forced-awake state is stressful to the body and the psyche. “Studies link prolonged sleep deprivation with increased risk for maternal depression. It decreases your ability to function well during the day; there are more accidents, difficulty with work and planning, and executive functions. That’s why we have maternity leave and paternity leave — because you’re neurologically not capable of performing” at regular levels during the months following birth, she said. Michaelson, who has two children of her own, recalled her own exhaustion during the day — “the feelings of powerlessness. You feel like you don’t know how you’re going to be able to get more sleep barring having other people take care of your children. The exhaustion on top of powerlessness can be quite overwhelming.” She recommends that parents (who are able) nap during the day, along with their baby — something she said some parents are reluctant to “give themselves permission” to do. Hiring help to assist with night feedings can also be a lifesaver but is beyond the means of many. Before a baby is 6 months of age, it is unrealistic to expect it to sleep through the night, but counselors such as Michaelson can step in with advice and techniques when families with older babies and toddlers are having a hard time adjusting to longer periods of “sleep-time” and “wake-time.” Regardless of how or when it’s accomplished, she said, people should make time to catch 40 winks, or at least a catnap. “You can make better decisions if you’re well-rested. It’s in everybody’s best interest to get as much rest as they can.” N Editorial Assistant Karla Kane can be emailed at kkane@paweekly.com.

About the Cover Illustration by Shannon Corey

25th Annual Palo Alto Weekly

MODERATED BY: Paul J. Wang, MD, FACC, FHRS Professor of Medicine Director, Stanford Arrhythmia Service For more information: www.stanfordhospital.org/aﬁb-event

NE DEADLI E D EXTEND December 2nd Visit Palo Alto Online for details

Page 24ÊUÊ"VÌ LiÀÊÓn]ÊÓä££ÊUÊ*> Ê Ì Ê7ii Þ

A weekly guide to music, theater, art, movies and more, edited by Rebecca Wallace

5 :=B5@ 6CK by Rebecca Wallace

he farewell tour of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, coming to Stanford University two years after the death of the troupe’s innovative founder, is fitting as both a tribute and a statement. On Nov. 1, the company will perform a restaged version of Cunningham’s work “Nearly 902,” which he premiered in 2009 for his 90th birthday. His intense, non-narrative choreography will be paired with a score by Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones and mixed-media sound composer Takehisa Kosugi. In addition, Stanford dancers will present their versions of Cun-

ningham choreography in a free Oct. 31 event. New York Times dance critic Alastair Macaulay is scheduled to speak. Cunningham’s inventive spirit will no doubt live on in many of these young dancers. But his company’s story will soon come to a close, just as he planned it. “Nearly 90” was his final work, and the troupe will disband at the end of the year. These are the steps of a man who lived in the moment. “He was interested in what was in front of him. This continued exploration, rather than repetition or referencing the past, was really at the heart of what Merce was doing,” Trevor Carlson, executive

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Above: Merce Cunningham. Left: Dancers in the piece “Nearly 902.”

Arts & Entertainment

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Dancers Rashaun Mitchell and Andrea Weber with Merce Cunningham.

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director of the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, told the Weekly. The New York artist, whose career extended nearly seven decades, was widely revered as a choreographer. When Cunningham died in July 2009, Macaulay wrote in a New York Times obituary that the artist â&#x20AC;&#x153;ranks among the foremost figures of artistic modernism and among the few who have transformed the nature and status of dance theater.â&#x20AC;? For Cunningham, that modernism also involved modern technology. In his later years, he delved into motion-capture technology and appeared in a web series. When age and arthritis limited his motion, he choreographed with the help of a computer program, DanceForms. Cunninghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technological bent may have struck a chord with many at Stanford, where his company has appeared a number of times. In 2005, the school hosted a rare interdisciplinary project dedicated to his career, called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Encounter: Merce.â&#x20AC;? The campuswide endeavor included films, panel discussions, workshops and collaborations with departments as diverse as the music department and the School of Medicine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Stanford student body and faculty, the connection and interest in technology: All of those things make for a good partnership,â&#x20AC;? Carlson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When all parties are interested in pushing beyond what exists.â&#x20AC;? Born in 1919, Cunningham was a soloist in the Martha Graham Dance Company before founding his own company in 1953, according to his troupeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. A major force in the American avant-garde, he took dance in new, surprising directions, sometimes even using tools of chance such as the I Ching to guide his next path. His choreography, which was

purposely non-narrative, can be difficult to describe. In the dancerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obituary, Macaulay wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;His movement â&#x20AC;&#x201D; startling in its mixture of staccato and legato elements, and unusually intense in its use of torso, legs and feet â&#x20AC;&#x201D; abounded in non sequiturs.â&#x20AC;? Stanford dance lecturer Diane Frank, who was on the teaching staff of the Cunningham studio in New York from 1979 to 1988, said his choreography always had â&#x20AC;&#x153;a tremendous clarity.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;His inquiry has to do with space and time and movement,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stand for anything. It is what it is, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why I like it.â&#x20AC;? Frank added with a smile: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The technique is so hard. You have to have built it up not to injure yourself doing it.â&#x20AC;? Over the years, Cunningham collaborated with a wealth of visual artists and musicians, in particular his life partner, the composer John Cage. The two worked together from the 1940s until Cageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1992 death. They agreed that music and dance

should be crafted separately and then brought together on the stage, a notion that was controversial. Other Cunningham collaborators included the artists Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns; and the musicians Brian Eno, Sonic Youth and Stanford composer Mark Applebaum. Of course, Cunninghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career was also notable in its length. Until age 70, he appeared in every performance of his company, and performed from time to time after that, Macaulay wrote. He taught dance almost up until his death. Frank recalls visiting the New York studio a few years ago and remarking upon how tired Cunningham looked. Then he led a dance class. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The vitality of his teaching!â&#x20AC;? she exclaimed with a laugh. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was awe-inspiring to see what his intent could generate in that room.â&#x20AC;? Frank is scheduled to attend the Nov. 1 company performance at Stanford, moderating a free postperformance discussion with Robert Swinston, director of choreography for the company. When asked whether she found it poignant to watch the last local performance, Frank shook her head. She reflected aloud on the fleeting nature of dance and how exciting that can be. The dance has to end, but in the moment, it lives. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What it does give you is a sense of being very much alive,â&#x20AC;? she said. To be in Cunninghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circle was â&#x20AC;&#x153;an extraordinary gift,â&#x20AC;? she added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What I got was a way of looking at the world, not just steps. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never just steps.â&#x20AC;? N What: The Merce Cunningham Dance Company performs â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nearly 902â&#x20AC;? in its farewell tour, presented by Stanford Lively Arts. Where: Memorial Auditorium, Stanford University When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1 Cost: Tickets are $30-$80 general, $15.50-$42.50 for youths under 18, and $10 for Stanford students. Info: Go to livelyarts.stanford.edu or call 650-725-ARTS. A free, informal event is also planned at 7 p.m. Oct. 31 in Studio 38 at Stanfordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Roble Gym (no reserved seating), with Stanford dancers in open rehearsal of some of Merce Cunninghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works. New York Times dance critic Alastair Macaulay and former dance-company member Carol Teitelbaum will speak.

A&E DIGEST TRAVELING MUSIC ... Young Palo Alto bluegrass musician Molly Tuttle is headed for the Berklee College of Music in Boston next January, after winning an award from the Nashville-based Foundation For Bluegrass Music. She was presented with the first Hazel Dickens Memorial Scholarship, which honors the American singer, guitarist and feminist. Tuttle, who sings and plays banjo and guitar as well as writing songs, attended Palo Alto High School. She performs regularly with her family band, The Tuttles with A.J. Lee, which is set to play at the First Presbyterian Church at 1667 Miramonte Ave. in Mountain View at 8 p.m. on Nov. 12. For details, go to rba.org. OCTET BENEFIT ... Another Palo Altan is off to the East Coast music world. Pianist William Susman will be among the musicians playing Carnegie Hall in a Nov. 10 benefit concert for Best Buddies, a nonprofit helping people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Susman will perform with his ensemble OCTET, which he describes on his website as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;scaled-down big band using one each from the brass section plus rhythm.â&#x20AC;? The pianist Elaine Kwon will also play a piece written by Susman. Details are at www.carnegiehall.org/Calendar/. N

Arts & Entertainment

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Puppet master David Frerichs looks up at the Grim Reaper at the DC Cemetery in Mountain View.

Halloween activities for all ages abound on the Midpeninsula by Rebecca Wallace

f youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather dress up like Buzz Lightyear than Charlie Sheen, the Midpeninsula is a good place to spend your Halloween. Familyfriendly options abound, many of them free. Here are some of the local options, including spooky music, trickor-treating and puppet shows. Landels Elementary School in Mountain View is opening up its annual haunted house to the public for the first time this year, from 4 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 28,

30 and 31. The event promises lowkey, kid-friendly spookiness and treats in the community room, 115 W. Dana St. Admission is $3 or $10 for a family of four. Go to landels. mvwsd.org. The city of Menlo Park hosts its free annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Halloween Hooplaâ&#x20AC;? on Oct. 29, with a parade starting at 11:45 a.m. in the Alma Street parking lot at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center. Marching ghosts and goblins end up downtown to trickor-treat at participating stores with

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Family-friendly fright

signs on their doors, or to do crafts and watch a magic show in Fremont Park at Santa Cruz Avenue and University Drive. Go to menlopark.org or call 650-330-2200. The DC Cemetery draws a crowd each Halloween to its intricate and spooky animatronics show at the corner of Bush and Yosemite streets in downtown Mountain View. New this year: a coffin that opens with a skeleton jumping out. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s open Oct. 28 through Nov. 1, starting at 6 p.m. every night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Child-friendlyâ&#x20AC;? hours are from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday and Monday, with softer volumes and creatures moving more slowly. Go to dccemetery.net for more. Mountain View does the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Monster Bashâ&#x20AC;? with its free family happening from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29 at

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Pinewood offers tours of all three campuses. For schedule information, please visit our website. www.pinewood.edu

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Arts & Entertainment

Halloween

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the Mountain View Community Center and Rengstorff Park at 201 S. Rengstorff Ave. Activities include crafts, games and a showing of the

2011 Disney movie â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mars Needs Moms.â&#x20AC;? Go to mountainview.gov or call 650-903-6408. The Bay Area Country Dance Society holds its 31st annual Halloweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;en Costume Ball from 8 p.m. to midnight Oct. 29 at the First

United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. Guests, many wearing â&#x20AC;&#x153;danceableâ&#x20AC;? costumes, will do contra dancing and waltzes to the music of The Retrospectacles. Tickets are $14 general, $12 for members and $7 for students. Go to bacds.org. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spooky Times at Deer Holloween Farmâ&#x20AC;? takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 29, with â&#x20AC;&#x153;haunted barns,â&#x20AC;? kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities and crafts, and costumes. Deer Hollow Farm is in the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve near Mountain View; admission is $7 per person ($5 for those in costume) and free for youngsters under 1. Go to fodhf.org. On Oct. 30, the city of Palo Alto marks Day of the Dead from 1 to 5 p.m. with performances, art activities, music, food and storytelling at several locations: the Lucie Stern Community Center at 1305 Middlefield Road, the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Library at 1276 Harriet St. and the Junior Museum & Zoo, 1451 Middlefield Road. Go to cityofpaloalto.org and click on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arts, Parks & Recreationâ&#x20AC;? and then â&#x20AC;&#x153;Arts and Sciencesâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Palo Alto Art Center.â&#x20AC;? Little witches and ghouls can shriek at a haunted house and giggle at a puppet show on Oct. 30 at Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto. The event runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m., intended for kids ages 4 to 10. Admission is $15 general and $10 for members. Go to gamblegarden. org or call 650-329-1356, ext. 201. Forty-some businesses on Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s California Avenue host trickor-treating and a carnival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 30. Orange signs designate those taking part. At the carnival between Ash and Birch streets, tickets are $1 each for games, a raffle and other activities. Go to blossombirth.org. The Stanford Symphony Orchestra and Stanford Wind Ensemble take the Dinkelspiel Auditorium stage on campus on Oct. 31 for the annual Halloween Concert at 8 p.m. Music by Bach, Berlioz, Andrew Lloyd Webber and others might not be scary, but guest-conducting the concert finale could be good for audience members with stage fright. The winner of the costume contest takes the baton. Concert tickets are $10 general and $5 for students. Go to music.stanford.edu. Pipe organist James Welch also puts on a Halloween show each year; this time, the theme is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bach-y Horror Show.â&#x20AC;? The 8 p.m. concert happens at St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church at 600 Colorado Ave. in Palo Alto. Costumes are plentiful, and a $10 donation is requested at the door. Welchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sons, Nicholas and Jameson, will join him in the program, which includes music by Bach, Beethoven and Rimsky-Korsakov. Go to welchorganist.com or call 650-856-9700. The Lytton Gardens senior community is again holding its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Safe Halloweenâ&#x20AC;? event, with trick-ortreating, face painting, refreshments and games for kids. The free event goes from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at 656 Lytton Ave. in Palo Alto. Go to lyttongardens.org or call 650-3283300. N

Movies

MOVIE TIMES

(Palo Alto Square) Undoubtedly, “The Skin I Live In” will get under yours. Writer-director Pedro Almodóvar — sometimes referred to as the Man of La Mania instead of the Man of La Mancha — once again delves into the dark side of human nature with his signature blend of desire and violence, creepiness and camp. This labyrinth of passion is a psychological thriller that offers more horror than humor. Getting lost in the cinematic maze is a problem. Beginning with the arresting opening image of a woman (Elena Anaya of “Talk to Her”) in a fleshtoned body stocking holding a yoga position, the Spaniard shows a restrained, confident style. The minimalist look captured by cinematographer José Luis Alcaine perfectly suits the tragic story of a Toledo-based plastic surgeon in the process of developing a revolutionary artificial skin. Although his procedures raise bioethical red flags, Dr. Robert Ledgard (Antonio Banderas) appears to be an extraordinary professional driven by the death of his burn-victim wife. He lives in a gorgeously appointed villa (courtesy of production designer Antxón Gómez), equipped with its own operating theater and staffed by the faithful Marilia (Almódovar muse Marisa Paredes of “All About My Mother”). The beautiful female in the opening scene is his patient, carefully monitored on video screens and two-way mirrors. Then Almodovar wields his scapel on the source material, Thierry Jonquet’s sinister French noir “Mygale,” and twists it slowly. The good and gifted doctor, portrayed by Banderas with clinical coldness, is not what he seems — nor is anyone else in this movie. As the Byzantine backstories unspool, the true natures of the characters surface. One flashback involves Ledgard’s shy daughter (Blanca Suárez), who meets a nice young man (Jan Cornet) at a party. In another flashback, Marilia reveals the truth about her two sons. But even then character motivations are murky, their actions visible but unexplained. Allusions to Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” and Georges Franju’s “Eyes Without a Face,” among other cinematic nods, evoke doubles and masks without providing the key that unlocks all the symbolic meaning lurking in the Spanish director’s mind. Screens and surveillance are everywhere, too, but Almodóvar doesn’t make us question our roles as spectators or voyeurs as Michael Haneke does so successfully in “Funny Games.” The beauty of this film is only skin deep. The surface elements, such as the convoluted plot, can be understood. And the visuals are breathtaking. Almodóvar has reworked generic formulas, stitching together a Frankenstein film of his own making that deals with issues ranging from mother-son relationships to identity and personal freedom. But what does it all mean? The themes are as difficult to understand as the writings on Dr. Ledgard’s walls. Rated: R for sexual assault, language, strong sexuality, drug use, disturbing violent content and graphic nudity. In Spanish with English subtitles. 1 hour, 57 minutes. — Susan Tavernetti

Anonymous --

(Century 16, Century 20) Back in 1976, when “Saturday Night Live” was still irreverent, Garrett Morris would do a bit called “News for the Hard of Hearing,” shouting through cupped hands. That’s a bit what it’s like watching Roland Emmer-

Century 16: 11:50 a.m.; 2:15, 4:40, 7:20 & 9:55 p.m. Century 20: 11:30 a.m.; 1:55, 4:20, 6:50 & 9:25 p.m.

A Face in the Crowd (1957)

Stanford Theatre: Fri. at 5:15 & 9:30 p.m.

Anonymous (PG-13)

Century 16: Noon, 3:20, 7 & 10:05 p.m. Century 20: 1:10, 4:05, 7:15 & 10:10 p.m.

((

Dolphin Tale Century 20: 11:25 a.m.; In 3D at 2 p.m. (PG) (Not Reviewed) Footloose (2011) Century 16: 11:30 a.m.; 2:10, 4:55, 7:40 & 10:25 p.m. Century (PG-13) 20: 11:30 a.m.; 2:10, 4:50, 7:30 & 10:15 p.m. (Not Reviewed)

OPENINGS

The Skin I Live In (La piel que habito) --1/2

50/50 (R) (((

ich’s “Anonymous,” a loud and ludicrous historical rewrite about the supposed hidden authorship of Shakespeare’s plays. Yes, from the man who brought you “Godzilla” and “2012,” the story of Shakespeare. If Shakespeare were a lowlife opportunist and murderer, that is. According to “Anonymous” — which promulgates an “anti-Stratfordian” viewpoint — the true author of Shakespeare’s plays was Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford. As the theory goes, the aristocrat found a front so as not to compromise his position with the political intimations and liberality of his plays (because, after all, a poor guy who never went to college couldn’t possibly have written them ... sorry, the 99 percent). Besides being unable to agree upon de Vere (other suspects include Christopher Marlowe and Francis Bacon), the anti-Stratfordians represent a small if vocal minority within the world of literary study. And screenwriter John Orloff does them no favors with his wildly overreaching historical fiction, dotted with salacious conjecture (two words: accidental incest) and inaccuracies that range from trivial to head-scratchingly bald (like taking a famous event from the Shakespearean timeline, shifting it by a full decade, and providing a new reason for its occurrence). OK, but audiences will excuse anything if a story works on its own dramatic terms. Unfortunately, “Anonymous” drops the ball in this respect, as well. A herky-jerky pace and confusing editing hobble narrative clarity, and it doesn’t help that Emmerich prefers shooting every scene as if it took place in an aquarium with its light turned off. As played by Rhys Ifans, de Vere comes off as a seriously repressed cold fish. Even allowing the film’s conceit that circumstances force de Vere to hold back his passions, we’re never convinced this guy ever took delight in his own freewheeling humor and poetic soul. (To be fair: The elder de Vere contrasts with his lustier youthful self, played by Jamie Campbell Bower). Orloff nominally frames the story with a provocative modern-day stage play, whose narrator is played by Shakespearean actor (and anti-Stratfordian) Sir Derek Jacobi. The rest ping-pongs around de Vere’s life, purporting — among other things — that de Vere authored and starred in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at age 9. De Vere conspires with Ben Johnson (Sebastian Armesto), who allows Shakespeare (Rafe Spall) to claim the glory. Meanwhile, the Queen’s devious counselors (primarily David Thewlis’ William Cecil) angle to control succession, a plot complicated by de Vere and — whaddya know? — his plays, which Orloff reductively treats as propaganda. Even devoted Shakespeareans may take naughty pleasure in seeing anti-Stratfordian theories leap to life, and the film does have numerous strengths: passages of recreated Shakespeare plays (wittily cast with former Shakespeare’s Globe artistic director Mark Rylance), a revivified Elizabethan London courtesy of nifty CGI, and Vanessa Redgrave’s beautifully subtle work as Queen Elizabeth I. Still, the film’s default is bad acting, with supposedly real human beings talking as if they’re, well, terrible Shakespearean actors (worst in show: Trystan Gravelle as Marlowe). Cumulatively, “Anonymous” is some kind of hot mess, but then again, it’s not every day you can see a sacred cow slaughtered before your eyes. Rated PG-13 for some violence and sexual content. Two hours, 10 minutes. — Peter Canavese

Forbidden Planet Stanford Theatre: Sat. & Sun. at 3:45 & 7:30 p.m. (1956) The Ides of March Century 20: 11:25 a.m.; 1:55, 4:20, 7 & 9:35 p.m. Palo Alto (R) ((( Square: 2:15 p.m.; Fri.-Tue. also at 4:30 & 7:20 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. also at 9:45 p.m. In Time (PG-13) (Not Reviewed)

Century 16: 11:25 a.m.; 2:05, 4:50, 7:50 & 10:30 p.m. Century 20: 11:15 a.m.; 12:10, 1:50, 2:45, 4:25, 5:20, 7:05, 8, 9:45 & 10:40 p.m.

Johnny English Reborn (PG) (Not Reviewed)

Century 16: 11:20 a.m.; 1:55, 4:50 & 7:45 p.m. Century 20: Noon & 2:35 p.m.; Fri.-Wed. also at 5:10 & 7:50 p.m.

The Lion King (G) Century 20: In 3D at 4:45 p.m.; In 3D Fri. & Sun.-Thu. also at (Not Reviewed) 11:50 a.m. & 2:20 p.m. Margin Call (R) (((1/2

Aquarius Theatre: 2, 4:30, 7:15 & 9:55 p.m.

The Metropolitan Century 20: Wed. at 6:30 p.m. Palo Alto Square: Wed. at Opera: Anna 6:30 p.m. Bolena (Not Rated) (Not Reviewed) The Metropolitan Century 20: Sat. at 9:55 a.m. Palo Alto Square: Sat. at 9:55 Opera: Don a.m. Giovanni (Not Rated) (Not Reviewed) Moneyball (PG-13) (((1/2

Century 16: 12:35, 3:50, 7:15 & 10:15 p.m. Century 20: 1, 4, 7:10 & 10:10 p.m.

Mrs. Miniver (1942) Stanford Theatre: Wed. & Thu. at 5:05 & 9:40 p.m. (Not Rated) (Not Reviewed) My Afternoons Guild Theatre: 2, 4:30, 7 & 9:30 p.m. with Margueritte (Not Rated) (Not Reviewed) National Theatre Century 20: Thu. at 7 p.m. Palo Alto Square: Thu. at 7 Live: The Kitchen p.m. (Not Rated) (Not Reviewed) On the Waterfront Stanford Theatre: Fri. at 7:30 p.m. (1954) Paranormal Activity 3 (R) (Not Reviewed)

Century 16: 11:30 a.m.; 12:30, 1:40, 2:40, 4, 5, 7:05, 8:05, 9:40 & 10:30 p.m. Century 20: 11:35 a.m.; 12:55, 1:45, 3:05, 3:55, 4:40, 5:15, 6:10, 7:40, 8:30, 10 & 10:45 p.m.; Fri.-Mon., Wed. & Thu. also at 6:55 & 9:15 p.m.

Pride and Prejudice Stanford Theatre: Wed. & Thu. at 7:30 p.m. (1940) Puss in Boots (PG) (Not Reviewed)

Century 16: 12:20, 2:50, 5:20, 7:55 & 10:20 p.m.; In 3D at 11:25 a.m.; 2, 4:30, 7 & 9:30 p.m. Century 20: 11:20 a.m.; 1:45, 3:15, 6:35, 8:05 & 8:55 p.m.; In 3D at 12:05, 12:50, 2:30, 4:55, 5:40, 7:30, 9:50 & 10:30 p.m.; Fri.-Tue. & Thu. also at 4:10 p.m.; Sat. also at 10:20 a.m.; Wed. also at 4:05 p.m.; In 3D Sat. also at 10:40 a.m.

Real Steel (PG-13) ((1/2

Century 16: 11:50 a.m.; 3, 6:50 & 9:45 p.m. Century 20: 1:35, 4:35, 7:35 & 10:30 p.m.

The Rum Diary Century 16: Noon, 3:30, 7:10 & 10:10 p.m. Century 20: 11:20 (R) (Not Reviewed) a.m.; 12:40, 2:10, 3:35, 5, 6:25, 7:55, 9:20 & 10:45 p.m. The Skin I Live In Palo Alto Square: 4:30 & 7:15 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. also at 10 p.m.; (R) ((1/2 Fri. & Sun.-Thu. also at 1:45 p.m. Take Shelter (R) (((1/2

Aquarius Theatre: 2:30, 5:30 & 8:30 p.m.

The Thing (2011) Century 16: 10:15 p.m. Century 20: Fri.-Wed. at 10:20 p.m. (R) (Not Reviewed) The Three Musketeers (PG-13) (Not Reviewed)

Century 16: 11:40 a.m.; 2:20, 5:10 & 8:20 p.m.; In 3D at 12:40 & 3:40 p.m.; In 3D Fri.-Mon., Wed. & Thu. also at 7:05 & 9:50 p.m. Century 20: 11:15 a.m. & 1:50 p.m.; Fri.-Tue. & Thu. also at 4:25, 7:05 & 9:45 p.m.; In 3D Fri.-Thu. at 12:05, 2:40, 5:20, 8 & 10:40 p.m.

The Time Machine Stanford Theatre: Sat. & Sun. at 5:35 & 9:20 p.m. (1960) Twilight Saga Century 16: Tue. at 7:30 p.m. Century 20: Tue. at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays: Twilight (PG-13) (Not Reviewed) The Way (PG-13) (Not Reviewed)

Century 20: 7:25 & 10:05 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) CinéArts at Palo Alto Square: 3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (493-3456) 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 PaloAltoOnline.com.

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Movies NOW PLAYING 50/50 --(Century 16, Century 20) Will Reiser, the writer of this film, is himself a cancer survivor, so however this semi-autobiographical story may end, it at least comes with the guarantee that it knows whereof it speaks. Like his creator, 27-year-old character Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) discovers

heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s developed a spinal cancer. He begins as an overly cautious individual, but as his illusions of order crumble, he allows himself to indulge his emotions and cross behavioral boundaries. Gordon-Levitt excels, partly as an amusingly deadpan straight man to Seth Rogen (playing a version of himself as Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best bud) and Anjelica Huston (lovable as Adamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s demonstrative mother), but more importantly as an Everyman navigating his mortality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;50/50â&#x20AC;?

proves winningly humane as a carpe diem comedy designed to remind us, gently, that what matters most is being true to one another and ourselves. Rated R for language throughout, sexual content and some drug use. One hour, 40 minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; P.C. (Reviewed Sept. 30, 2011) The Ides of March --(Century 20) â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Ides of Marchâ&#x20AC;? goes be-

hind the scenes of a Democratic presidential primary race, as seen through the eyes of idealistic, highly placed campaign staffer Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling). Pennsylvania Gov. Mike Morris (George Clooney) is looking good heading into the Ohio Democratic Primary. As the Republican machinery manuevers to get out the vote for Morrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; less electable rival, Morrisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team parries and thrusts. Rival campaign managers Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) clearly have read their Machiavelli; the filmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central conflict begins to unfold when Duffy, hoping to poach a keen political mind, makes an overture to Myers. A true believer in his own candidate, Myers declines, but complications ensue when top-tier reporter Ida Horowicz (Marisa Tomei) gets wind of his secret meeting with the other side. Rated R for pervasive language. One hour, 41 minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; P.C. (Reviewed Oct. 7, 2011) Margin Call ---1/2 (Aquarius) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Margin Call.â&#x20AC;? Is a dramatization of a crucial 24-hour period at a fictional Wall Street investment bank, MBS, with most of the story unfolding within its glassencircled high-rise offices. The canary in the coal mine is the bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Risk Assessment & Management department, just gutted by a round of layoffs. Out with the trash goes the man running the department (Stanley Tucciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eric Dale), but he leaves some data in the hands of his young protege Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto), along with two ominous words: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be careful.â&#x20AC;? Sullivan, who left rocket science for finance, extracts an inescapable conclusion from the data: The bank will tank. Rated R for language. One hour, 45 minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; P.C. (Reviewed Oct. 21, 2011) Moneyball ---1/2 (Century 16, Century 20) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moneyballâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Fri ONLY 10/28 Sat ONLY 10/29 Sun thru Tues 10/30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11/1 Wed & Thurs 11/2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11/3

The Ides of March - 2:15, 4:30, 7:20, 9:45 The Skin I Live In - 1:45, 4:30, 7:15, 10:00 The Ides of March - 2:15, 4:30, 9:45 The Skin I Live In - 4:30, 7:15, 10:00 The Ides of March -2:15, 4:30, 7:20 The Skin I Live In -1:45, 4:30, 7:15 The Ides of March -2:15 The Skin I Live In -1:45, 4:30, 7:15

BWQYSba O\R AV]ebW[Sa OdOWZOPZS Ob QW\S[O`Y Q][

based on the 2003 novel by Michael Lewis about Oakland Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) and his unorthodox approach to fielding a winning team on the cheap â&#x20AC;&#x201D; offers a captivating and often humorous look into the business side of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pastime. Beane hooks up with young economics whiz Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), an unheralded wunderkind in the value of baseball statistics. Together the duo eschews standard baseball wisdom and begins revamping the team using an analytical/mathematical approach, much to the chagrin of the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more traditionally minded scouting department. Rated PG-13 for some strong language. 2 hours, 6 minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; T.H. (Reviewed Sept. 23, 2011) Real Steel --1/2 (Century 16, Century 20) In the not-too-distant future, the sport du jour is robot boxing. Seems fight-hungry citizens have tired of watching people beat each other up (weak humans) and prefer to see sophisticated and expensive robots pound each other into scrap metal. One of the most notable robot-boxing trainers (i.e., the guy who works the remote control) is washedup fighter Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman). Charlie is down on his luck when he gets word that the mother of his estranged young son (Dakota Goyo) has died, leaving Max without a guardian. Maxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aunt Debra (Hope Davis) and her hubby Marvin (James Redhorn) are eager for custody, but the unscrupulous Charlie sees an opportunity to make a quick buck. Charlie enlists the help of his longtime friend and former lover Bailey (Evangeline Lilly) and plans to hit the robot-boxing circuit with Max in tow. Rated PG-13 for some violence, intense action and brief language. 2 hours, 7 minutes. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; T.H. (Reviewed Oct. 7, 2011) Take Shelter ---1/2 (Guild) Small-town-Ohio construction worker Curtis LaForche (Michael Shannon) looks heavenward and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like what he sees. Scarily realistic dreams of twisters and a wild dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bite, brown rain and odd-flocking birds unnerve Curtis enough to send him down a path of determined survivalism on behalf of his family. Taking out a â&#x20AC;&#x153;risky loanâ&#x20AC;? and crossing ethical lines in the workplace and his personal relationships, Curtis buys a shipping container, stocks up on canned goods, and sets to work converting his storm cellar into a shelter to withstand the worst-case scenario. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Take Shelterâ&#x20AC;? cuts deep, proving equally capable of excruciating tension and aching empathy. Rated R for some language. Two hours. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; P.C. (Reviewed Oct. 14, 2011)

EL DESEO presents A FILM BY A LM ODĂ&#x201C;VA R

â&#x20AC;&#x153;PEDRO ALMODĂ&#x201C;VARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EXHILARATING FILM.

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A PLEASURE TO EXPERIENCE A PERFORMANCE FROM BANDERAS THAT PEELS AWAY HIS PERSONA AND BURROWS UNDER THE SKIN.â&#x20AC;? -Manohla Dargis, THE NEW YORK TIMES

â&#x20AC;&#x153;SCARY, SEXY AND TERRIFICALLY TWISTED!

ANTONIO BANDERAS IS MAGNETIC WITH A VENGEANCE!â&#x20AC;? -Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;ALMODĂ&#x201C;VARâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HYPNOTIC NEW FILM.

EVERY TIME YOU THINK YOU KNOW WHAT THE MOVIE IS UP TO, IT TAKES AN ASTONISHING NEW TURN.â&#x20AC;? -Joe Morgenstern, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL GALA PRESENTATION

NEW YORK FILM FESTIVAL

OFFICIAL SELECTION CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

2011

SPECIAL PRESENTATION

TORONTO FILM FESTIVAL

ANTONIO BANDERAS ELENA ANAYA MARISA PAREDES JAN CORNET ROBERTO Ă LAMO directed by PEDRO ALMODĂ&#x201C;VAR WWW.SONYCLASSICS.COM

ALTO SQUARE STARTS FRIDAY, CINĂ&#x2030;ARTS@PALO 3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto OCTOBER 28 (800) FANDANGO

On Visit iTunes.com/SPC for a look at The Skin I Live In and other SPC films

VIEW THE TRAILER AT WWW.THESKINILIVEINMOVIE.COM

Page 30Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160;"VĂ&#x152;Â&#x153;LiĂ&#x20AC;Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;n]Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;Ă¤ÂŁÂŁĂ&#x160;UĂ&#x160;*>Â?Â&#x153;Ă&#x160; Â?Ă&#x152;Â&#x153;Ă&#x160;7iiÂ&#x17D;Â?Ă&#x17E;

MEXICAN Celia’s Mexican Restaurants Palo Alto: 3740 El Camino Real 650-843-0643 Menlo Park: 1850 El Camino Real 650-321-8227 www.celiasrestaurants.com

of the week

Palo Alto Sol 328-8840 408 California Ave, Palo Alto Õ}iÊ i ÕÊUÊ iÃÌÞ iÊ,iV «iÃ

AMERICAN

CHINESE

Armadillo Willy’s 941-2922 1031 N. San Antonio Rd., Los Altos Range: $5.00-13.00

Su Hong – Menlo Park

Hobee’s 856-6124 4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto Also at Town & Country Village, Palo Alto 327-4111

Burmese

Dining Phone: 323–6852 To Go: 322–4631 Winner, Menlo Almanac “Best Of” 8 years in a row!

INDIAN Darbar Indian Cuisine 321-6688

Green Elephant Gourmet 494-7391 Burmese & Chinese Cuisine 3950 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto (Charleston Shopping Center) Dine-In, Take-Out, Local Delivery-Catering www.greenelephantgourmet.com

CHINESE Chef Chu’s 948-2696 1067 N. San Antonio Road on the corner of El Camino, Los Altos 2010 Best Chinese MV Voice & PA Weekly

129 Lytton, Downtown Palo Alto Lunch Buffet M-F; Open 7 days Janta Indian Restaurant (650) 462-5903 Fax (650) 462-1433 369 Lytton Ave., Downtown Palo Alto Lunch Buffet M-F; www.jantaindianrestaurant.com

ITALIAN La Cucina di Pizzeria Venti 254-1120 1390 Pear Ave, Mountain View

Jing Jing 328-6885 443 Emerson St., Palo Alto Authentic Szechwan, Hunan Food To Go, Delivery www.jingjinggourmet.com

www.pizzeriaventi.com Fresh, Chef Inspired Italian Food Spalti Ristorante 327-9390 417 California Ave, Palo Alto

Ming’s 856-7700 1700 Embarcadero East, Palo Alto www.mings.com New Tung Kee Noodle House 947-8888 520 Showers Dr., MV in San Antonio Ctr. Voted MV Voice Best ‘01, ‘02, ‘03 & ‘04 Prices start at $4.75

ÝµÕ Ã ÌiÊ `ÊUÊ"ÕÌ` ÀÊ }Ê www.spalti.com

JAPANESE & SUSHI Fuki Sushi 494-9383 4119 El Camino Real, Palo Alto Open 7 days a Week

PIZZA Pizza Chicago 424-9400 4115 El Camino Real, Palo Alto This IS the best pizza in town Spot A Pizza 324-3131 115 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto Voted Best Pizza in Palo Alto www.spotpizza.com

Green Elephant Gourmet

POLYNESIAN Trader Vic’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

SEAFOOD Cook’s Seafood 325-0604 751 El Camino Real, Menlo Park Seafood Dinners from $6.95 to $10.95

Fine Burmese and Chinese Cuisine 3950 Middleﬁeld Rd, Palo Alto (650) 494-7391 www.greenelephantgourmet.com Open 7 Days a Week

THAI 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

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Eating Out

David Ramadanoff presents

FOOD FEATURE

Tickets: $20

Seniors (60+)

$16

Youth

Kelsey Kienitz

Gen Admission

Teacher Baraka Abealhadi, right, gives a class on Iraqi cooking at Whole Foods Market in Los Altos.

Culture Kitchen cooks up ethnic exchange Culinary classes bring together immigrant-women chefs and food lovers By Sue Dremann

bby Sturges didn’t cook while growing up in Columbus, Ohio, but now her life is filled with the aromas, flavors and sensations of food: savory chicken with Indian spices, Vietnamese caramelized catfish and stir-fried garlicky greens. Sturges and Stanford classmate Jennifer Lopez turned a graduate thesis project into a business with a social mission: connecting lower-income immigrant women who are skilled in cooking authentic, ethnic cuisines with food lovers who want to learn the culinary arts. Their fledgling business, Culture Kitchen, was part of angel investor Dave McClure’s 500 Startups Accelerator program in Mountain View this summer. Culture Kitchen serves up cooking classes with a side order of cultural exchange. Women who have a passion for food, its history and culture teach their family recipes and traditions at Deborah’s Palm and Lucie Stern Community Center in Palo Alto, at Whole Foods Market in Los Altos and in San Francisco. The women, who go by their first names, come from Thailand, Page 32ÊUÊ"VÌ LiÀÊÓn]ÊÓä££ÊUÊ*> Ê Ì Ê7ii Þ

Nicaragua, Colombia, Ukraine, Vietnam, Iraq, Bangladesh, India, France, Taiwan and Mexico. They range in age from their 20s to their 60s, but all bring generations of cooking experience, Sturges said. Linh, a Vietnamese immigrant, grew up “with an army of aunts” who instilled in her traditional Vietnamese cooking skills, Sturges said. And Letty, an immigrant from Colombia, learned to cook and love vegetables as a child from a cookbook written by her mother, “Chupa los dedos comiendo verduras (Lick your fingertips eating vegetables).” Some of the women, such as India-born Aradhita, formerly catered for friends, but they aren’t professional chefs, Sturges said. “We look for women who are really passionate about their cooking and the history behind it. The women wanted people to learn about their culture. Most people don’t really have an opportunity to learn that.” Sturges also thinks the Culture Kitchen fills a craving for her American students. “You’re learning to cook from the grandmas you’ve always wished you

had,” she said. The idea for Culture Kitchen came during a spring-break dinner Sturges and Lopez had. The women were back from an overseas program on “entrepreneurial design for extreme affordability,” she said. Sturges worked on a sanitation project in Kenya; Lopez was in Myanmar developing a marketing project for treadle pumps — an inexpensive device for pumping water. Although continents apart, they discovered a common experience: “The most interesting part of the trip was when we went into the homes of people in their villages. We were able to bond with people of very different cultures over food,” said Sturges, who graduated this summer with a master’s degree of fine arts in design. Back in the United States, Sturges and Lopez interviewed immigrant women about the role food played in their lives. “I want people to know that Muslims are good,” Sturges recalled that an Iraqi woman said when asked why she wanted to teach a cooking class. Lihn’s parents come from the north and south of Vietnam, which have very different culinary traditions. In the north they use utensils, but in the south they eat with their hands, Sturges said. When the family gathers, there are cooks from the north, south and central part of the country, all with their own distinct ways of doing things.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;My mom would marvel at how my dad would add boiled green onions instead of fresh bean sprouts and basil to his pho, and my dad would be almost offended at my momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s use of sugar in her stews,â&#x20AC;? Lihn wrote on Culture Kitchenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website blog. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whenever Auntie #5 from Hue (southerners and centralers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use names, just their rank) would walk by a dipping sauce or a pot, she would surely add a couple more spoonfuls of chili paste or one or two extra peppers.â&#x20AC;? But despite the culinary differences, everyone had a great time and got along, she added. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stories such as these that enrich the Culture Kitchen experience, Sturges said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People are able to relate to the stories these women share. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a much more personal way to learn about those cultures and the way things are practiced in those cultures.â&#x20AC;? Culture Kitchen also empowers the chefs by providing income, opportunities to share their cultures and to connect to their adopted country through a shared love of food, she said. Afterwards chef and students share a meal. During a recent class on Indian cooking, the students, all of whom had traveled to India, shared their experiences, Sturges said. Aradhita will teach a class on a special-occasion Indian feast at Deborahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palm, 555 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto, at 6:15 p.m. on Nov. 2. and Yulie will teach Taiwanese cooking at Whole Foods Market at 4800 El Camino Real in Los Altos at 6:15 p.m. on Nov. 9. Sturges said she takes one trip each year to another country and bases it around food. But she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to go far to find a meaningful connection. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I missed home cooking when I was at college, so I called my mom for her recipes,â&#x20AC;? she said. N Info: For more, go to culture kitchensf.com or call 415-689-6642.

Shop Talk

AMBER CUISINE ON PALO ALTO SCENE ... Downtown Palo Altoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Junnoon restaurant has closed, but another Indian eatery is poised to take its place. The popular and Zagat-praised Amber India restaurant in Mountain View is adding another location at 150 University Ave., under a different name with a slightly different perspective. Amber Dhara will offer â&#x20AC;&#x153;contemporary Indian foodâ&#x20AC;? in comparison to the traditional menu for Amber India, owner Vijay Bist said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We will have a more seasonal menu, with fresh, green, California produce and local cheeses.â&#x20AC;? The menu will focus on more healthful versions of traditional Indian dishes with â&#x20AC;&#x153;less cream and lighter gravies and curries,â&#x20AC;? he said. Bist added that some of the dishes will have ingredients from southern India and will even include seafood, which is not typical. He expects to offer weekend brunch and, after a few weeks, happy hour and live music at night. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to be a place where people can comfortably sit down and where young people can go at night,â&#x20AC;? he said. Amber Dhara will be open until 11 p.m. on weekends and will serve vegetarian and nonvegetarian dishes. Amber India also has locations in San Francisco and San Jose, along with the more informal Amber Cafe in Mountain View. More about the chain is at amberindia.com.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; David Ruiz LIFE AT LYFE ... One street over from University Avenue, the Lyfe restaurant (its title refers to â&#x20AC;&#x153;love your food every dayâ&#x20AC;?) has opened at 167 Hamilton Ave. in downtown Palo Alto. Chefs Art Smith (a former Oprah personal chef) and Tal Ronnen (who penned the book â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Conscious Cookâ&#x20AC;?) have

created an uber-health-conscious menu that lists the calorie and sodium counts right up there with the prices. For example, $11.99 gets you 303 calories worth of grilled barramundi in a spicy vegetable broth with edamame, cabbage, spinach, roasted mushrooms and salmon (763 milligrams of sodium). If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still hungry, you might opt for 187 calories worth of Brussels sprouts and squash (207 mg

sodium) for $2.49. Other menu items include breakfasts, flatbreads, soups, sandwiches, cakes, smoothies and several dishes incorporating â&#x20AC;&#x153;gardein,â&#x20AC;? a meat substitute made from plantbased foods. Go to lyfekitchen.com or call 650-325-5933.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Rebecca Wallace STARRY-EYED ... The latest issue of the Michelin Guide for restaurants in

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WE MAKE HOUSE CALLS

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PRE-SCHOOL

the Bay Area and wine country singled out four local restaurants. Baume in Palo Alto, which serves â&#x20AC;&#x153;French cuisine moderne,â&#x20AC;? won the coveted two stars (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Excellent cuisine, worth a detourâ&#x20AC;?), while Chez TJ in Mountain View, Madera in Menlo Park and The Village Pub in Woodside got one star (â&#x20AC;&#x153;A very good restaurant in its categoryâ&#x20AC;?). Details are at michelintravel.com.

WHEN ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YOUR CHILD, EXPERIENCE MATTERS. TEACHING MANDARIN CHINESE IMMERSION FOR 15 YEARS. A LEADER IN FRENCH IMMERSION IN PALO ALTO. ACCEPTING PRE-SCHOOL APPLICATIONS.

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ANNOUNCING T H E T W E N T Y- S I X T H A N N U A L PA L O A L T O W E E K L Y JUDGES: ADULT/YOUNG ADULT

PRIZES

FOR ADULTS: $500 Cash - FIRST PLACE $300 Cash - SECOND PLACE $200 Cash - THIRD PLACE

Tom Parker, Award winning novelist and short story writer, UC Extension and Foothill College Instructor and former Stanford Instructor Meg Waite Clayton, is the nationally best selling author of The Four Ms. Bradwells, The Wednesday Sisters, and The Bellwether Prize finalist The Language of Light. She lives with her family in Palo Alto, and is at work on a fourth novel to be published by Ballantine in 2013. Pam Gullard, Pamela Gullard’s stories have appeared in the North American Review, Arts and Letters, The Iowa Review, TriQuarterly and other journals and anthologies. With co-author Nancy Lund, she has written three nonfiction books; the latest, Under the Oaks: Two Hundred Years in Atherton, appeared in 2009. Pamela teaches personal narrative and literature at Menlo College.

CHILDREN/TEEN Katy Obringer, Former supervisor of Palo Alto Children’s Library Caryn Huberman Yacowitz, Playwright and Children’s book author Nancy Etchemendy, Children’s book author

ENTRY DEADLINE: All Writers: December 2, 2011 5:30 p.m.

FOR YOUNG ADULT/CHILDREN/TEEN: $100 Gift Certificate - FIRST PLACE $75 Gift Certificate - SECOND PLACE $50 Gift Certificate - THIRD PLACE Certificates are from co-sponsoring area bookstores. Bell’s Books (*ages 15-17) Kepler’s (*ages 12-14) Linden Tree (*ages 9-11) *age as of entry deadline

E N I L D A DE D E D N E T EX

All adult winners and first place young winners in each category will be announced in the Palo Alto Weekly in February 2012. All winning stories will be published online at www.PaloAltoOnline.com

CONTEST RULES

1. The contest is open to anyone who lives, works or attends school full-time in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Atherton, Stanford, Portola Valley, Woodside, Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and East Palo Alto. 2. Limit of one entry per person. 3. Stories must be typed, double-spaced. Maximum 2,500 words. Longer stories will be disqualified. 4. $15 entry fee, along with hard copy, for all ADULT stories; $5 entry fee for YOUNG WRITERS under 18. Make checks payable to “Palo Alto Weekly.” 5. Entries may not have been previously published. 6. Signed entry form must accompany story. Author’s name should NOT appear anywhere on pages of story. 7. All winners are required to email their story to the Palo Alto Weekly in a Microsoft Word Document as an attachment. Mail manuscripts to: Palo Alto Weekly Short Story Contest, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94302 or deliver to 450 Cambridge Ave., Palo Alto Questions: shortstory@paweekly.com

Category (as of December 2, 2011): Q Adult Q 9-11 Q 12-14 Q 15-17

ENTRY FORM (Please print legibly)

Name:_________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ City: ________________________________ Zip Code:________________ Day Phone: _____________________ Evening Phone:________________ School or Work location: ___________________________ Story Title: _____________________________________________________ Exact Word Count________ *must be ﬁlled in to enter

Page 34ÊUÊ"VÌ LiÀÊÓn]ÊÓä££ÊUÊ*> Ê Ì Ê7ii Þ

This story is my original work and I received no assistance with it. My story is 2,500 words or less. I understand that the Palo Alto Weekly reserves first publishing and online rights to winning entries. Judges decisions are final. Palo Alto Weekly employees and their relatives and freelancers are not eligible to enter. Stories cannot be returned.

_________________________________________________ Authors Signature _____________________ Date

Sports Shorts

Bob Drebin/stanfordphoto.com

PLAYOFF TIME . . . Five teams from the Palo Alto Knights’ youth football league football program will be in playoff action this Sunday. The Jr. Pee Wee squad (4-4) will take on Oakland at Palo Alto High at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Pee Wees (6-2) against Oakland at 2:30 p.m. The Palo Alto 8th/9th Grade Unlimited team (8-0) will host San Lorenzo Valley at 4:30 p.m. At Oak Grove High in San Jose, the Palo Alto Cadets (5-3) will face Oak Grove West at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Jr. Midgets (5-3) and Oak Grove West at 5:30 p.m. The Knights won four of five regularseason finales last weekend against Oakland teams at Palo Alto High. The Cadets won, 26-6; the Pee Wees won, 24-0, the Jr. Midgets posted a 24-14 victory and the Unlimited squad rolled to a 33-0 victory. The only setback came in the Jr. Pee Wee game as Palo Alto lost, 33-0. COACH CORNER . . . Gunn High is looking for a boys’ JV soccer coach for the winter. Interested candidates should contact athletic director Sarah Stapp at sstapp@pausd.org. PREP ALUMS . . . The nationally No. 15-ranked Santa Clara men’s water polo team wrapped up its own Rodeo Tournament with a pair of wins against Bucknell and Harvard on Sunday. The Broncos finished the tournament with a 4-1 record and goalie Michael Wishart from Sacred Heart Prep set the all-time Santa Clara record for goalkeeper blocks. Wishart had 14 blocks and three assists in a 13-6 win over Bucknell, moving to within three of the school record for career blocks. In a victory over Harvard, Wishart recorded six saves in the first half. With 20 blocks on the day, Wishart became the Santa Clara all-time blocks leader with 1,066. He surpassed Peter Moore’s 1,063. Santa Clara (15-12) opened the tournament with a 10-4 loss to Brown, which got three assists from Menlo School grad Toby Espinosa. Brown lost a pair of games on Sunday, including an 18-5 setback to Stanford. That match provided a reunion for Espinosa and Stanford’s Alex Avery. The two were co-captains at Menlo in 2007. . . . On the other side of the country, 14th-ranked Princeton swept Fordham and Iona. Princeton defeated Fordham 14-6 and Iona 19-9. Palo Alto High grad Tim Wenzlau scored two goals and added two assists against Fordham. In the win over Iona, Wenzlau had three goals and four assists.

The Stanford offensive line not only has been successful opening huge holes for a dominating running attack this season, but has done a superlative job protecting quarterback Andrew Luck (12), who has responded to the protection while leading the Cardinal to a 7-0 record heading into Saturday’s USC game.

Keeping Luck clean and safe is O-line’s job Stanford’s high-powered football offense heads to USC for another battle Saturday by Rick Eymer he perfect football game, according to Stanford redshirt junior Jonathan Martin, would be one in which the Cardinal takes a lead into the fourth quarter and then holds on by running the same play over and over again with the backs collecting yards the way a slot machine pays off a jackpot and the team using the game clock like a sponge and soaking up the minutes.

There’s one small thing Martin would add to this scenario: after the game, Andrew Luck’s jersey would look like it was freshly laundered and his hair would be perfect. Martin, Stanford’s bulky and agile 6-foot-6, 306-pound left tackle, has a lot to say about just those scenarios. Now in his third year as a starter, he’s been part of an offensive line that helped both Luck and Toby Gerhart enjoy the bright city lights of New York at Heisman Tro-

yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter officially set the mark, gave Stanford three backs with at least 93 yards rushing in the contest. “We were all excited about achieving the record,” said Martin, who joined in with the rest of the offensive linemen to perform a special, in-game, version of its ‘Tunnel Workers Union” routine, usually reserved for pregame activity to ac(continued on page 39)

PREP CROSS COUNTRY

Gallagher’s return gives Gunn girls chance to challenge Good efforts should keep Titans among the leaders for the SCVAL El Camino Division and CCS finals by Keith Peters n a normal season, Gunn senior Kieran Gallagher would have run at least four cross-country races by now. This, however, is not one of those seasons. Gallagher is not only chasing teammate Sarah Robinson and others, but she’s chasing her own fitness while racing herself back into shape after suffering a stress fracture in her foot during the summer. After just two races, Gallagher seems to be winning the race. In fact, that’s just what she did on Tuesday as she toured the 2.18mile course at Bol Park on the Gunn campus to win individual honors and help the Titans to a close 32-34

ON THE AIR Friday Women’s volleyball: USC at Stanford, 7 p.m.; KZSU (90.1 FM)

Saturday College football: Stanford at USC, 5 p.m., ABC (7); KNBR (1050 AM); KZSU (90.1 FM) Women’s volleyball: UCLA at Stanford, 7 p.m.; KZSU (90.1 FM) Keith Peters