2014 04 23 alm section1 by The Almanac

2014

Spring Real Estate

Inside this issue

Spring Real Estate TALES OF SUCCESS IN A CHALLENGING MARKET

STATEMENT HOMES PAGE 20

PAGE 6

WHAT THE KIDS WANT

RENTERS FEEL THE SQUEEZE

PAGE 16

PAGE 26

WEB APP: SIMPLIFYING HOUSING CHOICES PAGE 40

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E A L M A N A C A N D P A L O A L T O W E E K LY

T H E H O M E TOW N N E W S PA P E R F O R M E N L O PA R K , AT H E R TO N , P O R TO L A VA L L E Y A N D WO O D S I D E

APRIL 23, 2014

| VO L . 4 9 N O. 3 3

W W W. T H E A L M A N AC O N L I N E . C O M

8VcY^Y XVbZgVh Vi ?VheZg G^Y\Z Still and video cameras spy on wildlife at local biological preserve | SECTION 2

$%# % $ !# &) ! % ! " % % ' $ ! ' ) # % *26 26:201; 26;7 ;1. 9.*4 .:;*;. 5*93.; /975 ;1. 57:; :<,,.::/<4 9.*4 .:;*;. *0.6; 26 $242,76 '*44.@ .6 . .76 4:7 5..; 2,1*.4 #.83* ;1. *6*0260 973.9 *6- . .76 #.*4;@ : ;*4.6;.- 9.* $8.,2*42:;: >17 /7,<: 76 :8.,2/2, 6.201+79177-: 26 $242,76 '*44.@ .*9 ;1. 4*;.:; 5*93.; <8-*;.: /26- 7<; >1*; +<@.9: :17<4- .?8.,; /975 ;1.29 *0.6;: *6- 4.*96 :;9*;.02.: /79 84*,260 ,758.;2;2=. 7//.9: 26 ;1. $242,76 '*44.@ 5*93.;

"4.*:. 726 /79 7<9 8924 $.526*9 9.*3/*:; >244 +. 897=2-.-

((( !

"*47 4;7 244: 7<6;9@ 4<+ 9*6- *449775

4.?2: 92=. "*47 4;7

%7 #$'" 84.*:. ,76;*,; ! "

# % ) ! A A #

2 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014

UP F RONT

Inspirations a guide to the spiritual community WOODSIDE VILLAGE CHURCH Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. with Sunday School and Nursery Care Pastor Mike Harvey Rev. Dorothy Straks 3154 Woodside Road Woodside 650.851.1587 www.wvchurch.org

Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac

Clay J. Curtin, assistant to the city manager, walks through the front room of the new Belle Haven police substation.

New police substation more like ‘a neighborhood service center’ By Sandy Brundage Almanac Staff Writer

he new Menlo Park Police Department substation holds some surprises for the Belle Haven neighborhood. The long-awaited facility, scheduled to open April 26, will offer some equally long-awaited community services in addition to its policing functions. “The substation project really grew into a larger project that we are equating to a neighborhood service center,” said Clay Curtin, whose duties as assistant to the city manager expanded to include overseeing construction of the new facility. In addition to a community messageboard and a meeting room, residents can use a new ATM — already operational — courtesy of the San Mateo Credit Union, which plans to provide other services and financial education that the Belle Haven community requested during the city’s recent “visioning process,” Mr. Curtin said. Eventually public Wi-Fi and a computer terminal will be

available, and possibly other electronic banking services. The substation’s architecture reflects the desire for a community gathering spot. Located in a strip mall at Hamilton Avenue and Willow Road, the 1,800-square-foot space used to be two separate units that the city leased from the property owner and combined, according to Mr. Curtin.

Belle Haven facility opens April 26. Facebook paid for the construction costs — $139,635 — and is also chipping in $2,800 toward the $3,700 monthly rent, with the city paying the rest. The social media company’s influence shows in the design details as well, as Mr. Curtin described the wood finishes, moveable furniture, polished concrete and other details that resemble those at Facebook’s headquarters down the road. With double doors at the front and wraparound windows let-

ting in plenty of natural light, to “make the space feel larger, more open, and friendly,” he said, the facility presents a stark contrast to the police department’s old substation on Newbridge, which often earned comparisons to a bunker, complete with barred windows. “We want to create an atmosphere where the community feels much more welcome to just come in and provide information, or get services,” Police Chief Bob Jonsen said. “Right now they’re really happy about having that ATM, believe it or not. They really wanted and needed one, and they realize that we’re listening, rather than the city dictating what we want them to have.” After opening, the substation will launch a six-month staffing trial with a community service officer and a code enforcement officer. A third officer, Mary Ferguson-Dixon, who was selected to fill a new position underwritten by Facebook, will keep an office at the facility. See BELLE HAVEN, page 6

CALLING ON THE ALMANAC

Newsroom: Newsroom fax: Advertising: Advertising fax: Classified ads:

223-6525 223-7525 854-2626 223-7570 854-0858

N E-mail news, information, obituaries and photos (with captions) to: editor@AlmanacNews.com N E-mail letters to the editor to: letters@AlmanacNews.com

To request free delivery, or stop delivery, of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, 94028 and the Woodside portion of 94062, call 854-2626.

To include your Church in

Inspirations Please email Blanca Yoc at byoc@paweekly.com or call

650-223-6596

Good for Business. Good for You. Good for the Community. PARENTS AND KIDS THINK THEY’RE “SICK”.

Meet our two very popular pediatricians, Dr. Sky Pittson and Dr. Sarah Cueva. Parents like that they can talk to them directly instead of going through a nurse. And kids like them enough to stop by on their bikes just to say “hi”. We think that’s pretty “sick”, or as some say, “cool”.

THE ALMANAC (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) is published every Wednesday by Embarcadero Media, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 940256558. Periodicals Postage Paid at Menlo Park, CA and at additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general circulation for San Mateo County, The Almanac is delivered free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside. Subscriptions for $60 per year or $100 per 2 years are welcome. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Almanac, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. Copyright ©2012 by Embarcadero Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

If that appeals to you, we invite you to do what the kids do, stop by and say “hi”. Old-fashioned values. Modern medicine.

Concierge Medicine

650.851.4747 • WWW.VILLAGEDOCTOR.COM April 23, 2014 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 3

Join us for the Brown Jordan Spring Sales Event. Save an ADDITIONAL 5% OFF all collections. NOW THROUGH M AY 12.

Interior Design & Distinctive Furnishings

www.ďŹ&#x201A;egels.com 4 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014

Menlo Park

870 Santa Cruz Ave.

650.326.9661

Local News M

E N L O

A R K

T H E R T O N

O O D S I D E

O R T O L A

A L L E Y

Town challenges Caltrain electrification report By Barbara Wood Special to the Almanac

ess than a mile of train tracks runs through Atherton, but that hasn’t stopped the small town from making an outsized effort to fight changes in rail service. In its latest effort to derail proposed train service modifications, Atherton’s City Council unanimously approved on April 16 a four-page letter pointing out problems in the draft environmental impact report for Caltrain’s plan to

electrify its trains. The letter, signed by Mayor Cary Wiest, but prepared mostly by the town’s rail committee, asks Caltrain to change the draft report so it looks at more alternatives to electrification and to “respond to the questions and concerns that we have outlined in this letter.” The letter says the report is incomplete because it does not include analysis of the entire high-speed rail project, even though one of the stated aims of the electrification project is to make the Peninsula tracks

Atherton ask Caltrain to examine more alternatives to electrification and to analyze the entire highspeed rail project. compatible with HSR. It also faults the environmental review for not looking at alternatives that aren’t compatible with HSR. “The project objectives: to improve

train performance, increase ridership, service and revenue, while reducing environmental impacts, improving regional air quality and reducing green-house gas emissions and noise can be achieved by other means, and a failure to examine and analyze feasible alternatives that might reduce environmental impacts is a fatal deficiency,” the letter states. Atherton has a 10-member rail committee (one seat is currently empty) which meets monthly. The committee has been active in fighting the pro-

posal to bring high-speed rail through the Peninsula. Paul Jones, committee chair, told the council that two attorneys believe the town will “have grounds for litigation” if the environmental report is approved as written. He disputes claims in the report that electric trains will decrease greenhouse gases, that noise will decrease and that vehicular traffic will not be greatly impeded by additional trains. Greenhouse gas emissions will See CALTRAIN, page 8

No charges against driver in death of Joy Covey By Dave Boyce Almanac Staff Writer

an Mateo County prosecutors have decided not to bring charges against the driver of a delivery van involved in a fatal accident in September 2013 that took the life of Woodside cyclist and former Amazon CFO Joy Covey. The van and bicycle collision occurred on Skyline Boulevard about three miles south of La Honda Road. Ms. Covey, 50, was the mother of an 8-year-old son, Tyler. The Almanac learned of the decision not to bring charges when it asked District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe on April 15 for an update. He said the District Attorney’s Office made its decision in February after receiving the California Highway Patrol’s completed accident report in November. In an excerpt of a memo to the CHP, prosecutor Joe Cannon says there is insufficient evidence to establish negligence by the driver. At the time of the Sept. 18 accident, Ms. Covey was riding her bike north on a downhill section of Skyline Boulevard at about 1:30 p.m. when a white Mazda minivan traveling south turned left onto Elk Tree Road “directly in front of the bicycle,” according to a CHP report. In the memo, Mr. Cannon says the van driver was neither distracted nor intoxicated. Mr. Cannon cites a witness who describes the area as dappled with light and shadow at the

time, a condition that the witness said makes seeing a bicyclist difficult. Mr. Cannon also cites a wit- Photo by Julie West of the NRDC ness who said Joy Covey that it appeared that Ms. Covey and the driver did not see each other. These findings would “prevent” a jury from finding negligence beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard of proof in such a case, Mr. Cannon says. “Based on the totality of the circumstances and results obtained in similar scenarios, a jury would more probably find what occurred was a tragic accident rather than negligence by the suspect,” he says in the memo. Joy Covey

At the time of the accident, Ms. Covey was the treasurer for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). She had been the chief financial officer at Amazon from 1996 to 2000. In 2003, she received the Distinguished Alumna Award from Fresno State University. Her bachelor’s degree from Fresno in business administration was awarded summa cum laude. Ms. Covey graduated from Harvard Business School and was a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School, both in 1990. In 1999, Fortune magazine See COVEY, page 8

Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac

Quick response During an emergency response exercise in Menlo Park on April 17, these four responders (from left, Ryan Cramer, Sandy Ciardella, Sanford Carnaham and Robert Lombaerde) take instruction from Operations Chief Alan Douglass. The goal of the “Silver Dragon” exercise was to deliver 2,700 “anthrax vaccines” door-to-door in three hours. Responders from Menlo Park’s fire, police and CERT teams participated in the drill. Cafe Zoe in the Willows neighborhood served as a staging area.

Town to upgrade school crosswalk When students start the 201415 school year at Woodside Elementary School in late August, the crosswalk across Woodside Road in front of the school will have new stripes, new and brighter lights to warn vehicle traffic, and better drainage to redirect rainwater. Work on the improvements is set to begin in June, about a year later than originally planned. The town of Woodside is bud-

N WOO DSI DE

geting about $200,000 for the project, with a refund of up to $194,000 expected from the federal government. The town is also receiving a grant of $21,600 from Measure A funds from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority as a match toward the federal funding. Work might have been delayed

another year had it not been for the assistance of state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, and Assemblyman Rich Gordon, D-Menlo Park. Woodside Road is a state highway; the legislators interceded with the California Department of Transportation to make sure a permit was issued in time to complete the project before school opens, Town Manager See CROSSWALK, page 8

April 23, 2014 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 5

N E W S

-EAT 0RODUCE s &INE &OODS 7INE ,IQUOR s $ELICATESSEN (ARDWARE 'RAIN Open 6:30 am - 8:00 pm daily Sales Dates: April 23 - 26

Fire crews to simulate an aggressive wildfire By Dave Boyce

Ramona, Old Spanish Trail, Joaquin and portions of Portola Valley Ranch. ire trucks and other emerIn addition to Portola Valgency vehicles will be seen ley and Woodside, the district and heard on Portola Val- encompasses nearby unincorley roads, particularly Alpine porated communities, including and Los Trancos roads, on Ladera and Emerald Hills. Wednesday, May 7. Town Hall Ms. Enea has said that the will morph into an emergency drought moved up the start operations center. of the fire season, and that A helicopter from the Cali- district lands are “primed for fornia Department of Forestry a wildland fire, with steep, and Fire Protection brushy slopes full may visit the skies of hillside homes, Wildfire drill many with aging above Los Trancos Woods and Vista wood-shake roofs.” comes to Verde, while below, Go to tinyurl. residents simulate Portola Valley com/Prevent-fire-13 an evacuation from for more informaon May 7. their homes. tion on fire prevenSimulation will be the key to tion in the Woodside district. the day-long training exercise, Go to firesafesanmateo.org for including the fighting of simu- even more. lated fires. Go to cerpp.org for informa“This drill provides ide- tion on the services provided by al training and familiariza- the local volunteers for the crisis tion with problematic narrow management group Citizens streets and an abundance Emergency Response Preparedof fire-prone vegetation for ness Program. engine companies coming from The fire district recommends different cities,” Fire Marshal, keeping roofs and the underside Denise Enea of the Woodside of decks free of leaf debris, and Fire Protection District said. replacing combustible wood“Fire crews will simulate an shake roofs with metal, slate or aggressive wildfire.” composition materials. NonEquipment staging will take combustible siding and deck place at Ford Field at 3399 Por- surfaces are another important tola Road. The neighborhoods step to consider when making included in the drill include remodeling plans.

Almanac Staff Writer

4420 Alpine Rd., Portola Valley phone 650.851.1711

3015 Woodside Rd., Woodside phone 650.851.1511

Fresh Produce Driscoll

2.99ea. Conventional ¢ Bananas .............................. 59 lb. Clip top ¢ Loose Carrots...................... 49 lb. Strawberries 1 lb. ..........

Meat and Seafood $

4.98lb. $ Lemon Chicken Breast Boneless...... 6.98lb. $ Tangy Dijon Chicken Breast ............. 6.98lb. B-B-Back Ribs ....................................

On Sale Grocery Voss Still Water

99 ¢ Athenos Traditional Crumbled Feta $ 6 oz. ................................................................. 2.79 Marie Calenders Chicken Pot Pie $ 16 oz. ............................................................... 2.69 Skippy Peanut Butter $ 16 oz. ............................................................... 2.39 Planet Ultra Laundry Detergent $ 50 oz. ............................................................... 6.99 500 ml - plus Calif. Redeem Value .........................

Deli Department TRY ONE OF OUR GRILLED PANINI Toscano Salami with Proscuitto, Arugula and Provolone Smoked Turkey with Brie, Tomato, Spinach, Pesto Westridge Cilantro, Onion, Jalapeño, Tomato and Grilled Tri Tip

$9.00 each Wine and Spirits Olema Olema is produced by Amici Cellars, in Calistoga. Their goal is to deliver a premium wine experience at “everyday” prices. These wine over-deliver. The Pinot Noir is a brand new edition to the line-up and is the gem of the group.

’12 Olema Chardonnay, Sonoma County ......................... Reg. $14.99 Sale $12.99 Flavors of apple, citrus and toasty oak lead to a satisfying finish.

’12 Olema Pinot Noir, Sonoma County............................... Reg. $19.99 Sale $16.99 Flavors of cherry pie, spice and cocoa culminate in a rich finish.

’11 Olema Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County ...... Reg. $19.99 Sale $16.99 Displays aromas of currants, cedar and espresso, with black fruits, toffee and mocha flavors. (Woodside location only)

6 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014

Backhoe breaks gas main A gas main damaged by a backhoe April 18 was repaired about 30 minutes after the leak occurred, according to the Menlo Park Police Department. Police and firefighters from the Menlo Park Fire Protection District responded to the scene in the 1300 block of University Drive in Menlo Park shortly after noon on Friday.

“Affected parties” were evacuated, repairs were completed quickly, and no one was injured, police said. Police Cmdr. Dave Bertini said that as long as a leak vents into the air, as this one did, there is little danger. “It gets explosive in enclosed spaces,” he said. — Sandy Brundage and Dave Boyce

BELLE HAVEN

first six months is really going to help us mold that concept into what (residents) want. We’ll have someone there to hear what services they’re asking for, and then at the end of six months, we’ll look at what they really want.” Menlo Park has been attempting to open a fully operational substation in Belle Haven for nearly 10 years. Chief Jonsen said the most common comment he hears now is, ‘I can’t believe it’s finally happening.’ “They’re so used to hearing ‘it’s coming, it’s coming.’ They’re astonished that it is happening,” he said.

continued from page 3

The Belle Haven substation will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. A Spanish speaker will be on hand Mondays and Fridays, with on-call translation available at other times. Initial services will include code enforcement, filing police reports, purchasing overnight parking permits and signing off on equipment violations. Community feedback will also play an important role going forward, Chief Jonsen said. “The

N E W S

Two named to Internet Hall of Fame By Dave Boyce Almanac Staff Writer

he Internet Hall of Fame has named two local people among the 24 new members for 2014. The Internet Society inducted (posthumously) former Atherton resident Doug Engelbart, who died in July 2013 and who is credited with inventing the computer mouse and concepts such as point-andclick and hypertext links, and Ladera resident Mike Roberts, who got off the ground the organization that privatized the complicated government infrastructure that established and kept orderly the millions of URLs on the Internet. Mr. Engelbart had a reputation for interceding on behalf of ordinary people to extend the power of computing far and wide. Curtis R. Carlson, president and CEO of SRI International in Menlo Park, at a ceremony honoring Mr. Englebart in December 2000 described his work as “touch(ing) the lives of nearly everyone in the world — in business, education, enter-

Photo by Jennifer Roberts

Mike Roberts, left, and Doug Engelbart.

tainment and our daily lives.” Mr. Roberts and others on the board of directors of the nonprofit Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), along with volunteers from around the world, took on the massive task in the 1990s of privatizing the Internet’s domain name system (DNS). Mr. Roberts served as the first president and chief executive of ICANN from 1998 to 2001, according to the Internet Society. Before coming to ICANN, Mr. Roberts was vice president of Educom, a nonprofit consortium of 600 colleges and universities that introduced these institutions to networking and telecommunications, according to a bio at the Hall of Fame website. He was instrumental in developing

public policy positions in information technology. Mr. Roberts is married to environmental activist Lennie Roberts, the legislative advocate for the Committee for Green Foothills. The Internet Hall of Fame, based in Hong Kong and now in its third year, has a membership of 89. Other local inductees include Paul Baran of Atherton, awarded posthumously for his important work on digital packet switching, and Marc Andreessen of Palo Alto, the coauthor of Mosaic, the first web browser. Other luminaries familiar to Silicon Valley include World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee, Internet protocol inventor Vint Cerf, Linux open-source operating system inventor Linus Torvalds, and former vice president Al Gore, described at the Hall’s website as “a key proponent of sponsoring legislation that funded the expansion of and greater public access to the Internet.”

R EAL E STATE Q&A by Monica Corman

Where to Find Affordable Properties Dear Monica: I am a first time buyer and have seen prices escalate this year so much that I can no longer afford to buy in areas that were my top choices. What would you advise me to do? Elizabeth T. Dear Elizabeth: You are not the only buyer who is revising their plans because they have been priced out of certain areas. First, and most importantly, do not be discouraged, be flexible. Expand your search to include areas that are within your affordability range. Towns and cities on the Peninsula corridor are blend-

ing and many first time buyers, like yourself, are finding good, more affordable properties over a wider area. Explore these markets and you may find places that are a good fit for you and well within an acceptable commute distance. If you are fortunate enough to have family members who can help you buy your first home, you should take advantage of this. Many parents are helping their children buy just as their parents helped them. Be creative and practical and you will eventually find your first home.

For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may e-mail me at mcorman@apr.com or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. I also offer a free market analysis of your property. www.MonicaCorman.com

Go to tinyurl.com/Sci-223 to see earlier story on Mr. Engelbart.

Photo by Kate Daly

‘The Big Clean Up’ Woodside School second-graders celebrated Earth Day early with a performance of “The Big Clean Up” at Sellman Auditorium on April 8. Written by school parent Andy McKaige, the musical is based on his proenvironment children’s book with the same title.

Crews to replace Atherton water mains Construction crews from the California Water Service Co. are planning to spend about 17 weeks on Tuscaloosa Avenue in Atherton as they replace 4,300 feet of water mains. Crews recently completed a similar project on Almendral Avenue, one block away, where they replaced 4,200 feet of water mains. The current cast-iron main under Tuscaloosa dates from

the 1940s, according to Cal Water. The replacement will be of larger diameter PVC, which is not vulnerable to corrosion and is more cost effective, Cal Water says. “The older main was less reliable, and being proactive helps us minimize the potential for interruptions in water service,” said Dawn Smithson, a manager at Cal Water. As was done on Almendral,

when the project is complete, there will be more fire hydrants than there are now on Tuscaloosa Avenue. Construction, including eventual repaving, will be during normal business hours, with two-way traffic expected to continue without disruption. Cal Water, a private company, provides water service to Atherton, Woodside, Portola Valley and parts of Menlo Park. April 23, 2014 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 7

N E W S

Atheton divided over No signs of trauma in hiker’s death funding renovation of carriage house By Barbara Wood

instead of an outright grant. Council members weren’t actually being asked to vote f there was a theme at on funding the project at the the April 16 Atherton City meeting; that decision would Council meeting, it was be made during upcoming bud“more information please” as get discussions. But council the council put off decisions on members had been asked by the renovations to the Holbrook- Dames to indicate their support Palmer Park carriage house and for the project. on whether to abandon part But Mayor Cary Wiest said he of the town’s right-of-way on just couldn’t decide whether to Parker Avenue, until they get give his support without more more facts about both items. information on details such as The Atherton Dames have the condition of the foundation, hired Woodside architect Adolf and seismic and other issues Rosekrans to design that might affect renovations to the construction costs. 113-year-old carThe new Town Susan Masetti of riage house, which the Dames agreed Center ‘is and they say is one of to get the town “all should be the only two original the information buildings built by primary focus of you need.” the Holbrook famthe residents at Parker Avenue ily that remains in Council memthe park. this point.’ bers also asked for But some council COUNCILWOMAN more information members balked ELIZABETH LEWIS to make a decision at the proposal, about what to do which includes the town pitching in $1 million of about Parker Avenue, an issue the proposed $2.5 million cost. that has been vexing the town “I think the timing ... is not since at least 2008. The street right,” said Councilwoman Eliza- has some of the smallest lots in beth Lewis. The town has numer- Atherton, most less than 8,000 ous projects underway that need square feet. But the public rightfunding, she said, and residents of-way for the street is 70-feet will soon be asked to donate wide, about 50 feet wider than the actual street. money for a new Town Center. Council members, asked to Town Center “is and should be the primary focus of the consider whether to cede some residents at this point,” she said. of that right-of-way to hom“It’s much more important to the eowners, were swayed by several town than the restoration of the residents who feared they might have to pay higher property taxes carriage house at this time.” Councilman Rick DeGolia was if their property sizes increased. The council asked to have more supportive. “I have said many times that the park is the City Manager George Rodericks crown jewel of the town,” he said. contact the county assessor for “We need to invest in our park.” more information about the Councilman Bill Widmer tax implications before making called the renovations “a great their decision. If the information isn’t ready project and something that the town will benefit from for years by the May council meeting, Mr. to come.” He suggested the town Rodericks promised that he make its contribution to match would inform the Parker Avenue funding from other sources residents.

Special to the Almanac

CROSSWALK continued from page 5

Kevin Bryant told the Almanac. The town had submitted a crosswalk plan to Caltrans in 2012, but approval came too late for the 2013-14 school year. The town tried for 2014-15, but changes to the plan in the interim meant restarting the application process. The town’s project ended up much farther back in

the queue, Town Engineer Paul Nagengast said. Thus the turn to state legislators for assistance. A complimentary project, extracted from the current plan in order to expedite approval, would narrow the traffic lanes by one foot each to create room on the northern side of Woodside road for a pedestrian path. A separate application for this project is in process, Mr. Bryant said.

8 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014

An autopsy on Magdalena Glinkowski, the Menlo Park woman who was found dead in Mt. Tamalpais State Park on April 12, showed no obvious signs of trauma, Marin County sheriff’s officials said on April 15. The cause and manner of her death is pending toxicology tests, the Sheriff’s Office said. Ms. Glinkowski, 33, was reported missing after not being seen near her Menlo Park home since March 30. She left a note at home that day stating she was going on a hike, sheriff’s Lt. Doug Pittman said. Her car was found April 4 abandoned near the Pantoll Campground. Security footage from March 30 showed her walking across the parking lot. The search was briefly suspended but resumed April 12 after a man told authorities he might have seen her while he was trail running in the state

This photo of Magdalena Glinkowski of Menlo Park, taken by a surveillance camera in a parking lot that serves Mt. Tamalpais State Park, appears to have been instrumental in the discovery of her body on April 12.

park, Lt. Pittman said. It is believed that Ms.

Glinkowski was hiking before she disappeared, he said. The man who contacted authorities said he saw her photo in the media and gave sheriff’s deputies the location where he saw her. Search dogs and volunteers from the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office spotted her body around 9:25 a.m. April 12, about a half-mile from the Bootjack parking lot where she was last seen. Lt. Pittman said her body was found down a steep, southeast slope in a rarely traveled drainage area. She was identified through fingerprints. There were no obvious signs of foul play, he said. Ms. Glinkowski worked as a software developer for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and at Purple Encoding in the Bay Area, according to her LinkedIn profile. — Bay City News Service

Author Barbara Ehrenreich comes to Kepler’s Barbara Ehrenreich, the bestselling author of first-person investigative reports on working and the American Dream, will be at Kepler’s Books at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 25, to discuss her new book, “Living with a Wild God: A Nonbeliever’s Search for the Truth about Everything.” Ms. Ehrenreich, who has written 14 books, including “Nickel and Dimed” and “Bait

and Switch,” will be interviewed by noted Bay Area journalist Angie Coiro. Tickets are $10 in advance, available at Brown Paper Tickets, or $15 at the door. “Living with a Wild God” combines memoir and philosophical inquiry with the perspective of a staunch middleage atheist and rationalist who has been “profoundly shaken”

by the implications of her search for answers to universal questions about religion and spirituality, science and morality, and the meaning of life, Kepler’s says. The book “combines intellectual rigor with a frank account of the inexplicable, in (Ms.) Ehrenreich’s singular voice, to produce a true literary achievement.”

CALTRAIN

say ... find another way to do this electrification if electrification’s got to be done.” Greg Conlon, also a member of the rail committee, said one of the alternatives to be considered should be putting the tracks below ground level. “We should consider doing some kind of a trench,” he said. Council members praised the committee for its work. “The content of this letter is really powerful,” said Councilman Rick DeGolia. “Everybody should read it.” The town’s letter is a response to the draft environmental impact report for the Caltrain electrification project, part of the review process required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). By law, all comments made about the draft report must be responded to before the agency can approve the final environmental report. The deadline for submitting

comments is April 29. Go to tinyurl.com/Caltrain-416 to read the letter and the staff report. Go to tinyurl.com/EIR-217 to see the draft environmental impact report. Comments on the report can be emailed to electrification@ caltrain.com with the subject line, “Peninsula Corridor Electrification Project”; or mailed to: Caltrain, Attn: Stacy Cocke, Senior Planner, P.O. Box 3006, San Carlos, CA 94070-1306.

continued from page 5

increase during construction, Mr. Jones said. Removing trees would exacerbate the problem. Noise from train horns and the rails will still be present. “The actual traffic will have to increase,” he said, because more trains means more time with crossing gates down. The committee also fears the amount of electricity the trains will use could mean “additional transmission facilities will be needed.” Committee member Rosemary Maulbetsch urged Atherton residents to write their own letters to Caltrain asking that the report be changed. The current plans would remove 142 Atherton trees, Ms. Maulbetsch said, and 206 more trees could be severely pruned. Those trees reduce noise and air pollution as well as providing a visual screen, she said. “We’ve got to

COVEY continued from page 5

named Ms. Covey one of the 50 Most Powerful Business Women in America, and in 2000, the World Economic Forum selected her as one of 100 “Global Leaders for Tomorrow.” A

N E W S

By Sandy Brundage Almanac Staff Writer

aster Sunday this year saw the passing of Herb Wong, 88, a longtime Menlo Park resident renowned internationally as a jazz expert and educator. A mysterious box sparked Mr. Wongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifelong fascination with jazz. As young boys, he and his brother Elwood had just moved with their parents to Stockton when a package arrived on the doorstep, addressed to the former occupant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As any boys would, they opened it up,â&#x20AC;? said Paul Fingerote, a colleague and friend for more than 30 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They found jazz (records) and Herb said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This is my music.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? Dubbed a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Renaissance manâ&#x20AC;? because of talents that spanned multiple career fields, Mr. Wong wrote about and produced jazz shows for decades, and spent more than 25 years sharing his musical passions with others.

N OBITUARY

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before they called it jazz education, this is what Herb was doing,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Fingerote said. Mr. Fingerote Herb Wong and Mr. Wong had been collaborating on a compilation of Mr. Wongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s liner notes and recollections, a project Mr. Fingerote intends to complete. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Herb was a living history of jazz... his writing was so exquisite, so sharp. It wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just the music he captured. It was a sense of the times.â&#x20AC;? Mr. Wong served as president of the International Association for Jazz Education and was elected to the Jazz Education Hall of Fame. Seven original jazz compositions have been written in his honor. But Mr. Wongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accomplishments in the world of jazz are

only part of his achievements. After serving in the Army during World War II, he earned a doctorate from UC Berkeley in zoology and a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in science education at San Jose State University. He went on to teach at several schools during his academic career and published numerous books on learning. Mr. Fingerote described him as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;wonderful friendâ&#x20AC;? who always wanted to know what was happening in other peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives and â&#x20AC;&#x153;seemed to be excited about everything.â&#x20AC;? He is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 46 years, brother Elwood, and daughters Kira and Kamberly, in addition to four grandchildren. Mr. Wong will be buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. Services will be announced. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Palo Alto Jazz Alliance, P.O. Box 60397, Palo Alto, CA 94306. A

SamTrans sued by former accountant By Barbara Wood Special to the Almanac

ing La, a former accountant for the San Mateo County Transit District, has sued the district and her former bosses, district CEO Michael Scanlon and manager Sheila Tioyao, whom Ms. La alleges fired her in retaliation for whistleblowing complaints about improper accounting practices. Last year another former SamTrans accountant accused the transit district of manipulating public funds by logging false or exaggerated expenses, thereby creating a slush fund to spend on unbudgeted items. San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said his office is investigating the allegations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A forensic audit is required and such audits take months,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So there will not be any conclusion quickly. I cannot estimate a time for conclusion at this point.â&#x20AC;? Ms. Laâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lawsuit, filed in federal court on April 16, alleges she was fired after repeatedly trying to get district and county officials to investigate her complaints. SamTrans Communications Manager Jayme Ackemann said the district doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t comment

She says she was fired for complaints about improper accounting practices. on pending litigation. After Ms. Laâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s earlier complaints, Ms. Ackemann said, the district hired an independent employment investigator to look into her allegations. Two reports from that investigator, Pacifica-based Employment Practices, issued in May 2013, found the district not at fault and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t uphold the allegations of workplace harassment, defamation, retaliation or racial discrimination. Ms. Laâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lawsuit does not ask for a specific amount of money, but it does ask for payment of lost wages and â&#x20AC;&#x153;punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish Scanlon and Tioyao, and deter future unlawful conduct.â&#x20AC;? According to the lawsuit, she started working for SamTrans in 2011 as a senior accountant. Trouble began after Ms. La transferred in 2012 to the general ledger and accounts payable division, according to

<RX FDQ TXRWH PH

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Steve was great to work with... he had a full team to help us get the house on the market quickly, he priced it well, he kept us informed, he went above and beyond to answer some speciďŹ c questions for buyers, and he was quite responsive and good-humored through out the process. He is a real professional

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Herb Wong, jazz icon and educator

30+ years of local knowledge. Born in Menlo Park. Raised in Atherton. A Woodside resident.

67(9(*5$< %5(

VJUD\#FEQRUFDO FRP

Support The Almanacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s print and online coverage of our community. Join today: SupportLocalJournalism.org/Almanac

her lawsuit, when she â&#x20AC;&#x153;began to suspect collusion between the (SamTrans) buyer and the parts vendorsâ&#x20AC;? over high freight charges. Later, the lawsuit claims, Ms. Tioyao asked her to improperly book an expense as occurring two years earlier than it actually did. The lawsuit lists a long series of attempts by Ms. La to get anyone to listen to her allegations, including a call to the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whistleblower Hotline.â&#x20AC;? She â&#x20AC;&#x153;was consistently dismissed or told no investigative action would be pursued,â&#x20AC;? the suit says. The complaints led â&#x20AC;&#x153;to a pattern of adverse employment actions, including negative performance reviews, probation, personal surveillance, and termination.â&#x20AC;? In July 2013 Ms. La contacted a television news reporter, the San Mateo County Controllerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, the grand jury and several county supervisors. Less than a month later, after the reporter began investigating the allegations, Ms. La was fired, according to the lawsuit. The case has been assigned to Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley, and a case management conference is scheduled for Aug. 21.

! " ! # $% " ! !& ' "$ & ! (& ) ( '' " * " " ! " + ! , ' $& - ! !& $ ./' $ # $ 0 1 / "$ * 2 ! " ' $/ ! $ ' - / $ + " / ! / ' + - #$ ! ! $ " 2 # ' $ ! ' " ! !)0

! " ! "

The online guide to Menlo Park businesses Visit ShopMenloPark.com today April 23, 2014 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 9

N E W S

Kathy Jackson saluted for improving food distribution to needy By Barbara Wood

with more than 330 nonprofit agencies to provide food at more than 770 sites, includtherton resident Kathy ing pantries, soup kitchens, Jackson, CEO of the Sec- shelters and after-school proond Harvest Food Bank grams. of Santa Clara and San Mateo â&#x20AC;&#x153;These exceptional results Counties, was recently named required Kathy to be bold, tireFeeding America 2014 Net- less, collaborative, and clientwork Leader of the Year for her focused,â&#x20AC;? said Norm Taffe, efforts to significantly increase Second Harvest Food Bank the amount of Board chair. food provided Under Ms. by Second HarJacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadSecond Harvest ership, Second vest and streamnow provides line operations to Harvest last year drive down costs, food to more than distributed more the organization than a million 250,000 people pounds of food has announced. According to per week, a 16 every month. Second Harvest, percent increase, the number of while improving people it serves jumped 50 its efficiency by 6 percent and percent after the start of the increasing access to CalFresh recession and has continued (food stamp) benefits by 61 to edge up ever since. Second percent, all over the previous Harvest now provides food year. to more than 250,000 people In addition, she secured the every month. donation of a 75,000-squareSecond Harvest partners foot building from Cypress

Special to the Almanac

Kathy Jackson was named network leader of the year by Feeding America.

Semiconductor to serve as a dedicated fresh produce facility and volunteer center. Bob Aiken, CEO of Feeding America, praised Ms. Jackson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She has used her energy to

inspire her staff, community and peers. Her successes show that Kathy is committed to helping her community and serving the food insecure in Santa Clara and San Mateo

counties,â&#x20AC;? he said. Ms. Jackson joined Second Harvest Food Bank in August 2009 after more than 20 years of executive-level experience in the financial services industry.

! ! " #$ % & ' ! " # ( & & ) *+ ( , $ % & ' # - &

) .

/ ) % ( # .

0 & ) 1 2 !

)

) ) # 3 !

) * +, 4 4 4 .

& - ,

! "

# "

% 10 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014

Health. Fitness. Discovery. Community. Join us for

Health Matters Stanford Medicine Community Day Health Talks

Health Matters Saturday, May 10, 2014 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Li Ka Shing Center 291 Campus Drive, Stanford Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Free parking and shuttles

healthmatters.stanford.edu Follow us @StanfordHealth | #healthmatters

Keynote from Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Emperor of All Maladies, Siddhartha Mukherjee, MD, PhD, with new perspectives on cancer

Neurosurgeon Gary Steinberg, MD, PhD, and former San Francisco 49er Steve Young discuss the latest on sports-related concussions

Talks from top Stanford doctors and medical experts about brain and cognitive health, how to get a good night’s sleep, why genomics should matter to you, and breakthroughs in mental illness prevention and treatment

Interactive Health Pavilion @

Research health topics with librarians from the Stanford Health Library

Take an up-close look at Stanford’s Life Flight helicopter and meet the ﬂight crew

Build an origami microscope and learn about its amazing potential

Pick up tips on keeping your family healthy and safe during an emergency

Learn about construction of the new Stanford Hospital

Meet the furry friends of Pet-Assisted Wellness at Stanford (PAWS)

Listen to live music while enjoying a farm fresh lunch created by nationally known organic chef Jesse Cool

Visit other interactive health exhibits and much, much more

Doors open at 9 a.m. Free parking and shuttles. The health pavilion is open to everyone from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Capacity for talks is limited and attendance will be on a ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-served basis.

Health Matters is a free community event that explores the latest advancements in medicine and health topics that matter most to you and your family. April 23, 2014 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 11

Ideal Bay Area Mountain Retreat

295 Grandview Drive WOODSIDE tĞůĐŽŵĞ ƚŽ ƚŚŝƐ ďĞĂƵƟĨƵů ŵŽƵŶƚĂŝŶ ŚŽŵĞ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐ ϱ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵƐ ĂŶĚ ϱ ĨƵůů ďĂƚŚƐ͕ ŽŶ ŽǀĞƌ ĂŶ ĂĐƌĞ ŽĨ ǁŽŽĚĞĚ ůĂŶĚ͘ dŚŝƐ ƉƌŝǀĂƚĞ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶĐĞ ŝƐ ƐƚĞĞƉĞĚ ŝŶ ůŽĐĂů ŚŝƐƚŽƌǇ ĂƐ ƉƌĞǀŝŽƵƐůǇ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ^ĐŚŝůůŝŶŐ ƐƚĂƚĞ͕ ŽŶĐĞ ĐŽǀĞƌŝŶŐ ŚƵŶĚƌĞĚƐ ŽĨ ĂĐƌĞƐ ŽĨ ŵĞĂĚŽǁƐ͕ ĨŽƌĞƐƚƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŚŽŵĞƐ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ >Ă ,ŽŶĚĂ ĂŶĚ tŽŽĚƐŝĚĞ͘ EŽǁ͕ ƚŚŝƐ ĂƉƉƌŽǆ͘ ϰ͕ϮϳϬ ƐƋ͘ Ō͘ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶĐĞ ;ƉĞƌ ĐŽƵŶƚǇͿ ŝƐ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ Ă ƉĞĂĐĞĨƵů ŶĞŝŐŚďŽƌŚŽŽĚ ĂĚũĂĐĞŶƚ ƚŽ dŚŽƌŶǁŽŽĚĞ ŽƉĞŶ ƐƉĂĐĞ ƉƌĞƐĞƌǀĞ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ŵŝůĞƐ ŽĨ ŚŝŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĞƋƵĞƐƚƌŝĂŶ ƚƌĂŝůƐ͘ dŚĞ ŚŽŵĞ ŽīĞƌƐ ůƵǆƵƌŝŽƵƐ ĂŵĞŶŝƟĞƐ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ Ă ƐŽĂƌŝŶŐ ĞŶƐĞŵďůĞ ŽĨ ůŝǀŝŶŐ͕ ĚŝŶŝŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ͘ dŚĞ ƵƉĚĂƚĞĚ ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ ŝƐ ĂŶĐŚŽƌĞĚ ďǇ Ă ůĂƌŐĞ ŝƐůĂŶĚ ǁŝƚŚ Ă dŚĞƌŵĂĚŽƌ ƌĞĨƌŝŐĞƌĂƚŽƌ͕ ^ ϱͲďƵƌŶĞƌ ŐĂƐ ƌĂŶŐĞ ĂŶĚ Őƌŝůů͕ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƌĞ͘ ĞĚƌŽŽŵƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ Ă ŵĂƐƚĞƌ ƐƵŝƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ĐůĂǁ ĨŽŽƚ ƚƵď ĂŶĚ Ă ĚĞĐŬ ŽǀĞƌůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƌĞĚǁŽŽĚƐ͕ ƚǁŽ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ďĞĚƌŽŽŵƐ ƐŚĂƌŝŶŐ Ă ŚĂůůǁĂǇ ďĂƚŚ Ă ƐŝƫŶŐ ƌŽŽŵ͕ ĂŶ ƵƉƉĞƌ ǁŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ůŝǀŝŶŐ ƌŽŽŵ͕ ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ͕ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵ͕ ĂŶĚ ďĂƚŚ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ƵƐĞĚ ƐĞƉĂƌĂƚĞůǇ Žƌ ĂƐ ƉĂƌƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŝŶ ŚŽƵƐĞ͕ ĂŶĚ Ă ďĞĚƌŽŽŵ ĂŶĚ ďĂƚŚ ĂďŽǀĞ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŝŶ ǁŝŶŐ͘ ĞĂƵƟĨƵůůǇ ůĂŶĚƐĐĂƉĞĚ ĐŽƵƌƚǇĂƌĚƐ͕ &ƌĞŶĐŚ ĚŽŽƌƐ͕ ĚĞĐŬƐ͕ ĂŶĚ Ă ŐĂƚĞĚ ĨƌŽŶƚ ŵŽƚŽƌĐŽƵƌƚ͘ >ŽǁĞƌͲůĞǀĞů ĮƚŶĞƐƐ ƌŽŽŵ͕ ĨƵůů ďĂƚŚ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŶǇ ƐƚŽƌĂŐĞ ĂƌĞĂƐ͘ WŽƌƚŽůĂ sĂůůĞǇ ^ĐŚŽŽůƐ͗ KƌŵŽŶĚĂůĞ ůĞŵ ; W/ ϵϮϯͿ͕ ŽƌƚĞ DĂĚĞƌĂ DŝĚĚůĞ ; W/ ϵϯϳͿ͕ ĂŶĚ tŽŽĚƐŝĚĞ ,ŝŐŚ ŝŶ tŽŽĚƐŝĚĞ͘

K&& Z d Ψϭ͕ϴϵϴ͕000 ŽŵĞ ĂŶĚ ŶũŽǇ ŽŵƉůŝŵĞŶƚĂƌǇ ĂƚĞƌĞĚ >ƵŶĐŚ Θ >ĂƩĞƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ KƉĞŶ ,ŽƵƐĞ͊ KW E ,Kh^ ^ dhZ z Θ ^hE z ϭWD ͳ ϱWD

Ken DeLeon DŝĐŚĂĞů Repka CALBRE# 01342140 CALBRE# 01854880

(650) 488-7325 ŝŶĨŽΛĚĞůĞŽŶƌĞĂůƚǇ͘ĐŽŵ WWW.DELEONREALTY.COM CALBRE# 01903224

For video tour, more photos ĂŶĚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ǀŝƐŝƚ͗

www.295GrandviewDrive.com 12 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014

ĞĂƵƟĨƵů WƌŝǀĂƚĞ ƐƚĂƚĞ

379 Stockbridge Avenue AT H E R TO N dŚŝƐ ƐƚƵŶŶŝŶŐ ŐĂƚĞĚ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶĐĞ ŽīĞƌƐ ϰ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵƐ ĂŶĚ ϯ͘ϱ ďĂƚŚƌŽŽŵƐ ƐƉĂŶŶŝŶŐ ĂƉƉƌŽǆŝŵĂƚĞůǇ ϰ͕ϭϱϵ ƐƋ͘ Ō͘ ;ƉĞƌ ĐŽƵŶƚǇͿ͕ ƐĞƚ ŽŶ ĂƉƉƌŽǆŝŵĂƚĞůǇ ϭ͘ϭϵ ĂĐƌĞƐ ;ƉĞƌ ĐŽƵŶƚǇͿ ŽĨ ƉĂƌŬͲůŝŬĞ ŐƌŽƵŶĚƐ ĨĞĂƚƵƌŝŶŐ Ă ƐǁŝŵŵŝŶŐ ƉŽŽů ĂŶĚ ƐƉĂ͕ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ͕ ůĞǀĞů ůĂǁŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ĂŵĂǌŝŶŐ ŵĂƚƵƌĞ ůĂŶĚƐĐĂƉŝŶŐ͘ ĐĐĞƐƐŝďŝůŝƚǇ ƚŽ ĚŽǁŶƚŽǁŶ DĞŶůŽ WĂƌŬ ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ >ĂƐ >ŽŵŝƚĂƐ ƐĐŚŽŽů ĚŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ŵĂŬĞ ƚŚŝƐ ƌĞƐŝĚĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƚ ĐŽŵďŝŶĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŽǁŶ ĂŶĚ ĐŽƵŶƚƌǇ ůƵǆƵƌǇ͘ ŽŵŵŽŶ ĂƌĞĂƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ Ă ĨŽƌŵĂů ĚŝŶŝŶŐ ƌŽŽŵ͕ ĨŽƌŵĂů ůŝǀŝŶŐ ƌŽŽŵ͕ ĞŶŽƌŵŽƵƐ ŐƌĞĂƚ ƌŽŽŵ ĂŶĚ ŐŽƵƌŵĞƚ ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ ǁŝƚŚ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ ŝƐůĂŶĚ ĂŶĚ ƚŽƉ ĂƉƉůŝĂŶĐĞƐ͘ ůƐŽ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŝŶ ůĞǀĞů ŝƐ Ă ĨŽƌŵĂů ŽĸĐĞ͕ ǁŝŶĞ ĐůŽƐĞƚ ĂŶĚ ďĞǀĞƌĂŐĞ ďĂƌ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵĂŶǇ &ƌĞŶĐŚ ĚŽŽƌƐ ŽƉĞŶŝŶŐ ŽƵƚ ŽŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŽŶŶĞĐƟĐƵƚ ůƵĞƐƚŽŶĞ ƚĞƌƌĂĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŐĂƌĚĞŶƐ͘ hƉƐƚĂŝƌƐ ŝƐ ƌĞƐĞƌǀĞĚ ĨŽƌ Ăůů ϰ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵƐ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ďĞĂƵƟĨƵů ŵĂƐƚĞƌ ƐƵŝƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ ůƵǆƵƌŝŽƵƐ ďĂƚŚƌŽŽŵ͕ ƉůƵƐ ĂŶ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ďĞĚƌŽŽŵ ƐƵŝƚĞ͘ Ŷ ĞǆƉĂŶƐŝǀĞ ƚŚŝƌĚͲůĞǀĞů ĨĂŝƌǇƚĂůĞ ƌŽŽŵ ŵĂǇ ďĞ ƵƐĞĚ ĂƐ ĚĞƐŝƌĞĚ͘ KƚŚĞƌ ŚŝŐŚůŝŐŚƚƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ ĮƌĞƉůĂĐĞƐ͕ ƐůĞĞŬ ůŝŶĞƐ͕ ĞŶŽƌŵŽƵƐ ǀŝĞǁͲĨƌĂŵŝŶŐ ǁŝŶĚŽǁƐ ĂŶĚ &ƌĞŶĐŚ ĚŽŽƌƐ͘ tŽŽĚ ƐŝĚŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƐŽůŝĚ ǁŽŽĚ ĚŽŽƌƐ ĂŶĚ ĐĂƐĞŵĞŶƚƐ ƐŽŌůǇ ĐŽŶĨŽƌŵ ƚŚĞ ƐƚƌƵĐƚƵƌĞ ŽĨ ƚŚŝƐ ŚŽŵĞ ƚŽ ŝƚƐ ĞǆƋƵŝƐŝƚĞ ƐƵƌƌŽƵŶĚŝŶŐƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ŚŽŵĞ ŝƐ ƚƌƵůǇ ďƌĞĂƚŚƚĂŬŝŶŐ͘ &Žƌ ĂŶǇŽŶĞ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƌĞƐŝĚĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƌƵƌĂů ůĂŶĚƐĐĂƉĞ ŽĨ ƉƌĞƐƟŐŝŽƵƐ ƚŚĞƌƚŽŶ͕ ǁŝƚŚ ĂĐĐĞƐƐ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ďĞƐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂǇ ƌĞĂ͕ ƚŚŝƐ ŚŽŵĞ ŝƐ ŝƚ͘

K&& Z d Ψϱ͕Ϯϵϴ͕000 ŽŵĞ ĂŶĚ ŶũŽǇ ŽŵƉůŝŵĞŶƚĂƌǇ ĂƚĞƌĞĚ >ƵŶĐŚ Θ >ĂƩĞƐ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ KƉĞŶ ,ŽƵƐĞ͊ KW E ,Kh^ ^ dhZ z Θ ^hE z ϭWD ͳ ϱWD

Ken DeLeon DŝĐŚĂĞů Repka CALBRE# 01342140 CALBRE# 01854880

;ϲϱϬͿ ϰϴϴͲϳϯϮϱ ŝŶĨŽΛĚĞůĞŽŶƌĞĂůƚǇ͘ĐŽŵ WWW.DELEONREALTY.COM CALBRE# 01903224

For video tour, more photos ĂŶĚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ǀŝƐŝƚ͗

www.379Stockbridge.com April 23, 2014 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 13

C O M M U N I T Y

Earth Day fair to focus on water conservation By Dave Boyce Almanac Staff Writer

Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts 8:00 p.m.

he towns of Woodside and Portola Valley will celebrate Earth Day with a fair on Saturday, April 26. For the second year in a row, the towns are sharing the fair. This time it will be held in Portola Valley from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Town Center at 765 Portola Road. The theme is conserving water

500 Castro Street Mountain View, CA SERIES SPONSOR

Jean Lane

in memory of Bill Lane

MEDIA SPONSOR

Embarcadero Media Edible Silicon Valley EVENING SPONSORS

Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati Foundation Pie Ranch and TomKat Ranch Educational Foundation / Leftcoast Grassfed Noble and Lorraine Hancock Sand Hill Global Advisors

MONDAY //

April 28

Nicolette Hahn Niman

during a drought. The fair organizers have asked each of the 30 exhibitors to come up with a question on how their exhibit relates to water conservation, said Brandi de Garmeaux, Portola Valley’s sustainability and special projects manager. For example, exhibitors promoting LED lamps could pose a question for which the answer could be how LED lamps lower

Mary McCarey Washburn //

ATTORNEY, AUTHOR, RANCHER

Righteous Porkchop: Finding Life and Good Food Beyond Factory Farms TICKETS

MVCPA Box Ofﬁce (650) 903-6000

Peninsula Open Space Trust

Mary McCarey Washburn passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, April 14 at her home in Menlo Park, California. Mary was born Mary Virginia McCarey on August 24, 1926 to Leo and Stella (Martin) McCarey of Beverly Hills, California. Mary’s grandfather was Thomas McCarey who was referred to as “the greatest fight promoter in the world,” by the Los Angeles Times. Mary’s father, Leo McCarey, would go on to become an Academy Awarding winning filmmaker and Mary would accompany him to the Academy Awards on several occasions. Mary enjoyed a very close relationship with her father, especially since she was an only child. Mary enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Southern California. She was a lifelong swimmer, and was always up for any athletic activity, tennis, golf, skiing, etc. When Mary was eighteen, she was admitted to the University of Southern California, her father’s alma mater. One of the accomplishments she was most proud of in her life was the fact that she was able to graduate from USC in three years, and that she received an A in logic even though she majored in English. After graduating from USC, Mary lived a glamorous life of movie premiers, traveling to Europe, visiting the movie sets of her father, shopping, outings with her friends, and trips to Lake Arrowhead where her parents had a second home. In 1958, Mary would marry Edward (Ed) Washburn, originally from Pasadena, California, and they would live in Spain for a brief time where Mary would give birth to her eldest son, Thomas. Ed and Mary would return to California and move to Woodside. Mary would go on to give birth to her second son, Michael, and became a dedicated wife and mother. Mary and Ed joined the Burlingame Country Club in 1959, and they spent many days there golfing, playing tennis and croquet. Mary was also an avid bridge player, and as her health began to deteriorate, it was one of the activities she was still able to participate in. Her bridge opponents knew they had to watch their money because she was quite skilled at the bridge table. In 1960, Mary attended the Squaw Valley Olympics as a special guest because her husband was one of the managers of the event. She would also become the First Lady of Woodside when Ed became mayor. As an avid 49er fan, Mary enjoyed watching football every Sunday. She held season tickets until her health no longer allowed her to attend 49er games. Another of Mary’s interests was politics. She attended one of the Republican conventions with John Wayne, even though she would not have labeled herself a Republican per se. Having dinner with Mary, you had better have a good idea about politics and football or you were in for a long night. Mary’s friends would say that if you were very good, you would come back as one of Mary’s grandchildren whom she spoiled and loved. She will be missed. There truly was no one like Mary! Mary is survived by her eldest son, Thomas McCarey Washburn of Folsom, CA, her younger son, Michael Hampton Washburn and his wife Sarah Hall Washburn of Eugene, OR. She is also survived by her four stepchildren, Tad Washburn, Timothy Washburn, Susan Washburn and John Washburn. Mary was a devoted grandmother and step-grandmother. Her three granddaughters, Kelly, Haley, and Shannon will miss her along with Mary’s step-grandchildren Brad, Storey, David, Rachel and Riaanna. Mary was also the proud step-great-grandmother of Christopher and Zachary. PA I D

14 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014

O B I T UA RY

demand on the electrical grid, thus lowering demand at a water-driven power station. An exhibit on enjoying open space could ask about the effect of the drought on tick populations. Visitors to the fair will be given “passports” listing the exhibitors’ questions. The passports will be stamped at each exhibit. Enough stamps and the visitors participate in a raffle. The questions are meant to engage people of all ages, and the drought is a perfect opportunity for that, Ms de Garmeaux said. “They’re really hungry for what they can do beyond turning the water off when they’re brushing their teeth,” she said. Food and drink

Visitors who ride bikes to the fair will be rewarded with $2 vouchers redeemable at either of the two food trucks: San Francisco-based Little Green Cyclo, with Asian dishes; and San Jose-based Grilled Cheese Bandits, which probably needs no elaboration. The first 100 visitors will receive food-truck vouchers. Half Moon Bay Brewery, a green business, will provide alcoholic beverages. Fair visitors are encouraged to bring their own refillable water containers. Wild animals need drinks, too, and the Paso Robles-based Conservation Ambassadors will be giving a presentation at 2:15 p.m., with real animals, that is expected to address wild-animal water needs. A limited supply of compost will be available in bags from Green Waste Recovery Inc, the San Jose-based recycling and garbage handler for both towns. A free document-shredding service will be available for the day. State Assemblyman Rich Gordon is expected to talk briefly at 2 p.m. about legislation to promote sustainability; following his talk will be a recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation of the town of Woodside as a “Tree City USA.” Live music will be by PJ Weston & the Unstable. A

USGS lecture on earthquakes We’re just into the 21st century and already there have been several catastrophic earthquakes. Why? Research geologist Thomas L. Holzer of the U.S. Geological Survey in Menlo Park, in a free public lecture, will address this particular question and talk about urbanization and the vulnerability of mega-cities to natural hazards. The lecture, “Catastrophic earthquakes in a crowded world,” is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 24, in the Building 3 auditorium at 345 Middlefield Road in Menlo Park.

N E W S

Thomas Borden, 87, active in Rotary Club Thomas W. Borden, who had N OBITUARY a long career in the investment business, was an active member participated in arbitration hearof the Menlo Park Rotary Club, ings for 20 years. and a resident of Menlo Park for Mr. Borden was once a memnearly 50 years, died March 14 in ber of the San Mateo County Portola Valley after a brief illness. Grand Jury, and he enthusiastiMr. Borden had been a resident cally supported the Rotary Club’s for 13 years at The Sequoias retire- college scholarship programs. He ment community. He was 87. was a friend to the Haas School Mr. Borden was a New Jersey of Business at UC Berkeley, the native, a graduate of the Uni- Transfer Alliance Project at UC versity of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, and the Lucile Packard and a former supply officer on Children’s Hospital at Stanford the USS Wantuck, a University. He was also transport ship in service a longtime member of during the Korean War, the University Club in according to an account San Francisco and the of his life by relatives. In Menlo Circus Club in 1954, he married BarAtherton. bara Jean Seal, who preMr. Borden traveled ceded him in death after widely and attended 54 years of marriage. Thomas Borden Stanford football games, His career in the investbut his “greatest joy” was ment business began with Weeden being with his family at Lake & Co., where he spent 40 years, Tahoe. and then Stone & Youngberg. He Mr. Borden is survived by belonged to the San Francisco daughter Ann Bruhn; sons John Bond Club and the board of gov- Borden and Jim Borden; and his ernors of the National Association grandchildren. of Securities Dealers (NASD). He The family prefers donations chaired the NASD Disciplinary to the Menlo Park Rotary FounCommittee for Northern Cali- dation or the Lucile Packard fornia, Oregon, and Hawaii, and Children’s Hospital at Stanford.

Are traffic-calming measures coming to Corte Madera Road? By Dave Boyce

N PO RTO L A VA L L EY

Almanac Staff Writer

he Portola Valley Town Council on Wednesday, April 23, will consider whether anything should be done to slow or prevent twice-a-day traffic on steep, narrow Corte Madera Road and nearby streets with similar characteristics — no sidewalks or paths for the Corte Madera School students who walk there twice a day. Parents driving students to school have been using Corte Madera Road to quickly bypass major Alpine Road intersections at Portola Road and Indian Crossing, and have been using it to quickly cross town to Ormondale Elementary School, according to neighborhood parents. In March, they told the council of their efforts to caution motorists, and of motor-

ists who repeatedly ignore them. The council asked staff to come back with options. The report for Wednesday references a draft trafficcalming model developed over two years by Los Altos Hills. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Historic Schoolhouse at 765 Portola Road in Portola Valley. The problem in Portola Valley may not need such extensive study, given that it’s largely the behavior of four vehicles and the absence of statutes deputies could use to cite the drivers, said Leslie Latham of the town’s Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee in a letter to Mayor Ann Wengert. Committee members have been studying the problem. Ms. Lathan recommends a cautious approach that

could include a temporary sign restricting turns from Portola Road on to Corte Madera Road and deputies posted to catch scoff laws. The temporary aspect, Ms. Latham said, is key to not over-reacting and to avoiding a bandwagon effect if other neighborhoods were to reconsider their own traffic issues. Also on the agenda: the town’s Nature & Science Committee has drafted a letter of interest for a $9 million plan to rehabilitate the rundown structures on the 79-acre Hawthorns estate at the corner of Alpine and Portola roads, now owned by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. The committee proposes natureand-science-oriented activities, including an interpretive center, a native plant garden, and limited housing. Most funding would come from donations. A

Treat your family to a fun day. Celebrate our new Pavilion. Sunday, May 4, 2014, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Sequoia Hospital invites you and your family to attend Family Day on Sunday, May 4, 2014, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Join us for food, music, rafﬂes, tours, a teddy bear clinic, and other fun activities for every member of your family as we celebrate the opening of our new Pavilion. Learn more about Sequoia’s new Pavilion and Family Day at sequoiapavilion.org.

April 23, 2014 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 15

N E W S

T Call us anytime you need an extra hand. Our caregivers, all bonded and insured, lend a hand in caring for your loved ones: )H[OPUN KYLZZPUN NYVVTPUN [VPSL[PUN 3PNO[ OV\ZLRLLWPUN TLHS WYLWHYH[PVU ;YHUZWVY[H[PVU ZOVWWPUN LYYHUKZ 4LKPJH[PVU YLTPUKLYZ WO`ZPJHS HJ[P]P[PLZ *VTWHUPVUZOPW TVYL V anessa V alerio , RN

$1000 off YOUR 24/7 HOME CARE SPECIALIST

(650) 328-1001 1150 Chestnut Street Menlo Park, CA 94025

First Month of Live-in Home Care Service* *6 months minimum, offer expires 04/30/14

Support The Almanac’s print and online coverage of our community. Join today: SupportLocalJournalism.org/Almanac

Resident, business win environmental awards By Sandy Brundage Almanac Staff Writer

enlo Park bestowed two Environmental Quality Awards this year, one to a resident, and another to a business. Carolee Hazard won in the “sustainable lifestyle” category for her many green activities, including leading a Suburban Park community campaign to reduce energy use, delivering produce to various neighborhoods, and running the “Green Club” at Encinal Elementary School to teach students about the importance of recycling and composting. Civic service seems to be a habit for Ms. Hazard — you might recognize her name as the founder of the “93 Dollar Club,” which raises money for food banks via social networking. In the “climate change” category, Gridium, a Menlo Park-based startup, won for providing services to help companies reduce their energy use and maximize efficiency based on analyzing power meter data. “Buildings make up 40 percent of the global energy footprint,

and much of that is wasted. It’s fair to say that energy efficiency is the single biggest lever we have to reduce carbon emissions in the near term, while we make the slow transition away from fossil fuels,” said Adam Stein, company president and co-founder. The list of winners is shorter than in 2013, which had five recipients. Environmental Programs Manager Rebecca Fotu said the number fluctuates depending on how many nominations are submitted. “There have only been a few rare times were the commission didnít award someone that applied or was nominated, and it was mainly because the project or program was not yet complete. Typically, the commission will actively scout out the community to find potential candidates,” she said. A dearth of nominations may come about when businesses are too busy to apply, or some residents are too shy or feel they don’t need recognition for what has become their way of life, Ms. Fotu suggested. The 2014 awards will be presented at the April 29 council meeting. A

Dining ut 2 O14 O

FROM CASUAL TO FINE DINING ON THE MIDPENINSULA

Advertisers:

Reach active Midpeninsula residents who are looking for great places to eat on the Peninsula. The Peninsula is full of wonderful dining establishments, and our residents are always looking for new and alternative options. Our multimedia advertising program will provide you with the opportunity to reach these frequent diners through a powerful combination of print and online advertising. Publication Dates: May 21 (The Almanac) and May 23 (Mountain View Voice & Palo Alto Weekly) Deadlines: Space Reservation and ad copy/ads due: April 25, 2014

For more information, contact Elaine at (650) 223-6572

16 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014

Wonderful Opportunity

Woodside Heights

OPEN SUNDAY APRIL 27 1:30 - 4:30 pm

205 Eleanor Drive, Woodside* s "EAUTIFULLY REMODELED SINGLE STORY RANCH STYLE HOME IN DESIRABLE 7OODSIDE (EIGHTS

s $UAL ZONE (6!# FOR LIVING VERSUS BEDROOM SIDES OF THE HOUSE

s BEDROOMS BATHS WITH APPROXIMATELY SQUARE FEET

s !TTACHED CAR GARAGE

s 7HOLE HOUSE AUDIO VIDEO SYSTEM

s ,IVING ROOM WITH CATHEDRAL CEILING OVERLOOKS LANDSCAPED REAR YARD

s ,ARGE COMPLETELY REMODELED BEDROOM GUEST HOUSE SITUATED OVER THE DETACHED CAR GARAGE

s -ASTER SUITE WITH EXPANDED AND REMODELED BATHROOM

s %XPANSIVE PATIO AND POOL

s 5PDATED KITCHEN WITH TOP OF THE LINE APPLIANCES CUSTOM CABINETS AND &RENCH LIMESTONE COUNTERTOPS

s %XCELLENT ,AS ,OMITAS SCHOOLS

s ,OT SIZE OF OVER ACRE

/&&%2%$ !4 \ 6IRTUAL 4OUR AT WWW %LEANOR$R COM

#1 Agent, Menlo Park â&#x20AC;&#x201C; %L #AMINO /FFICE Ranked #85 Nationally by The Wall Street Journal, Over $1.5 Billion in Sales

WWW.HUGHCORNISH.COM

0ROPERTY IS OWNED BY "ANK OF !MERICA AND IT MAY TAKE SEVERAL DAYS TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE TO AN OFFER

Providing A Network of Reputable Home-Improvement Professionals

HCORNISH CBNORCAL COM #AL"2% This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker believes this information to be correct but has not verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. If your home is currently listed for sale, this is not a solicitation of that listing.

April 23, 2014 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 17

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT This is to notify you that an application for a Site Development Permit, File X9H-672, has been submitted for review by the Planning Commission of the Town of Portola Valley. This proposal requests Planning Commission approval of approximately 1,275 cubic yards of earthwork in association with new residential construction. The property is owned by David Douglass located at 18 Redberry Ridge and is identified as APN: 080-241-150. Planning Commission public hearing has been scheduled to review this application on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers, Historic School House, Portola Valley, CA. Public Hearings provide the general public and interested parties an opportunity to provide testimony on these items. If you challenge a proposed action(s) in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at a Public Hearing(s) described above, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the Public Hearing(s). Information pertaining to the proposal may be viewed at Town Hall Building & Planning Department, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. All interested persons are invited to appear before the Planning Commission to be heard at the time and place herein above mentioned.

Dated:

N E W S

Quality Care. Quality Life. When life brings you unexpected challenges, Agility Health is by your side with full service healthcare delivered in the comfort and privacy of your home. Company employed Personal Care Attendants available to meet your hourly or live-in needs.

Man robbed by cyclists By Sandy Brundage Almanac Staff Writer

T To learn more about Agility Health, please call us at (650) 453-5100 or visit us online at www.agility-health.org RN Care Management t Skilled Nursing Care t Rehabilitation Care t Community Resources t Family Health Counseling

Support The Almanac’s print and online coverage of our community. Join today: SupportLocalJournalism.org/Almanac

April 17, 2014 Carol Borck Assistant Planner

wo teens riding bikes robbed a Menlo Park man at gunpoint near Ivy Drive and Almanor Avenue on Saturday night, April 19, police reported. When the teens demanded that he turn over his property, the 44-year-old victim tried to use his cellphone to call for help. One assailant then pulled out a black semi-automatic handgun and hit the man with it several times, while the other pointed a can of pepper spray at him, police said. The pair fled with the man’s phone. He was treated at the scene for non-life-threatening injuries around 8:47 p.m. Police released the following descriptions of the suspects: Both were said to be black teenage boys, thin, 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with short black hair. One wore a baggy dark short-sleeved shirt and baggy jeans, while the other had on a white hooded sweatshirt with a zipper. One rode a black mountain bike. Investigators ask that anyone with information call 330-6300 or the anonymous tip line at 330-6395. A

TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON REQUEST FOR MODIFICATIONS TO PREVIOUSLY APPROVED VARIANCE THIS IS TO NOTIFY YOU that an application for modification to a previously approved variance (File #X7E-135) has been submitted for review by the Town of Portola Valley Board of Adjustment (Planning Commission). The proposed modifications to the approved variance include: s -ODIFYING THE GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY SUCH THAT THE VARI ance granted for the garage location within the setback and permitting the guest parking area to have a 12-foot high trellis within the setback are no longer needed (trellis feature eliminated) The property is owned by Crystal Ciancutti located at 3 Grove Court and is identified as APN: 079-030-170. The Board of Adjustment public hearing has been scheduled to review the subject variance application on Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 7:30 p.m., in the town council chambers (Historic Schoolhouse), 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley, California. Information pertaining to the proposal may be viewed at Town (ALL "UILDING AND 0LANNING $EPARTMENT -ONDAY THROUGH Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. All interested persons are invited to appear before the Planning Commission to be heard at the time and place herein above mentioned.

Dated:

Las Lomitas Elementary School District Measure S Bond Oversight The District is currently searching for members of the Las Lomitas Elementary School District Community to serve on a Citizens’ Oversight Committee for Bond Measure S to fulﬁll the criteria of: One (1) member who shall be the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the District. One (1) member who shall be active in a business organization representing the business community located in the District. One (1) member who shall be active in a senior citizens’ organization. Two (2) members who shall serve as At Large Community Members. If you are interested in serving on this committee, an application packet may be obtained from Ms. Anna Strauss, Administrative Assistant Las Lomitas Elementary School District 1011 Altschul Avenue Menlo Park, CA 94025 You may also request further information and/or an application electronically at astrauss@llesd.org

April 17, 2014 Carol Borck Assistant Planner

18 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014

Deadline for Application: May 15, 2014.

N B RI EFS

Rotary network Join Rotarians, city officials and other community leaders at LB Steakhouse (898 Santa Cruz Ave.) on April 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. RSVP to yuhuifitness@gmail. com. Admission costs $20, which includes appetizers, wine and other beverages.

Rebuilding Day The 25th National Rebuilding Day takes place on Saturday, April 26. Organized by Rebuilding Together Peninsula, this year’s projects include two in Menlo Park — rehabilitating a home on Hollyburne Avenue and the historic carriage house at 555 Ravenswood Ave. now used by the Junior League of Palo Alto. Call 366-6597 for more information.

Today’s local news and hot picks Sign up today at AlmanacNews.com

C O M M U N I T Y

Chipping wood to reduce risks of wildfires To reduce the chances of wildfire in the Woodside Fire Protection District, crews will be coming around to neighborhoods in Portola Valley, Woodside and nearby communities, starting on Monday, May 5, to convert residents’ excess brush and branches into wood chips. The fire district’s annual wood-chipping program lasts from May to November, with crews making one visit to every residential street in the district. The neighborhoods of Vista Verde, Los Trancos Woods and Blue Oaks will be first, on May 5. Brush and tree branches less than 8 inches in diameter should be piled in neat stacks next to the road, with piles less than 10 feet high or wide and with cut ends facing the road. Eucalyptus and poison oak are not allowed, nor is wood embedded with nails or screws. Go to tinyurl.com/WFPD-123 for the schedule. Go to tinyurl.com/WFPD-321 for guidelines on how to trim and clear vegetation to create a wildfire-resistant environment. For more information, call the fire district at (650) 851-1594 or go to woodsidefire.org.

RESOLUTION NO. 1876 (2014) RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO ANNEX CERTAIN TERRITORY TO THE WEST BAY SANITARY DISTRICT ON-SITE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL ZONE Lands of Moghadam The District Board of West Bay Sanitary District finds and determines as follows: A.

This Resolution of Intention is adopted pursuant to the District’s “Zone Master Annexation Resolution” (“ZOMAR”), which was adopted by the District Board August 12, 1996. The provisions of ZOMAR are incorporated by reference into this Resolution of Intention.

The District has received an application to annex a parcel of real property (the “Parcel”) to the District’s On-Site Wastewater Disposal Zone (the “Zone”). The Parcel is described in Exhibit “A” attached to this Resolution of Intention and the description contained in the Exhibits are incorporated by reference. The name and address of the applicants and the number, type, volume and location of on-site wastewater disposal systems which are proposed to operate on the parcels to be annexed are described in Exhibit “B” attached to this Resolution of Intention and the information contained in the Exhibit are incorporated by reference.

The applicants have demonstrated to the satisfaction of the District Board that the Parcel constitutes “real property” for the purposes of Section 2(b) of ZOMAR in that:

All of the conditions described in Subsections i., ii., iii., iv. and v. of ZOMAR Section 2(b) are satisfied; or Other conditions exist which demonstrate that the Parcel will benefit directly or indirectly from the activities of the Zone. If applicable, those conditions are also set forth in Exhibit “B” and are incorporated by reference.

All of the conditions and requirements of ZOMAR Sections 2(a), 2(c), 2(d) and 2(e) have been fully satisfied.

In consideration of the foregoing findings and determinations, IT IS RESOLVED by the District Board as follows: 1. It is the intention of the District Board to annex the Parcel to the Zone pursuant to the provisions of ZOMAR and applicable provisions of law. 2. In conjunction with a meeting of the District Board to be duly and regularly called and conducted, the Board will conduct a Public Hearing for the purpose of considering all matters pertaining to this Resolution of Intention. The time, date and place of the Public Hearing are: Date:

May 21, 2014

Time: 7:00 PM Place: West Bay Sanitary District Offices 500 Laurel Street Menlo Park, CA 94025 At the Public Hearing, all interested persons will be heard.

Board considers Mandarin program A Mandarin-language immersion program for the Menlo Park City School District will be one of the topics on the agenda when the school board meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, in the Teacher Educational Resource Center at the district’s office, 181 Encinal Ave. in Atherton. For at least a year, district parents have been asking the board to consider a Mandarin immersion program, similar to the district’s Spanish immersion program, in which children have at least half their classes in a second language. The request for a Mandarin immersion program will be part of a broader discussion about foreign language programs in the district. Also on the agenda for Wednesday night are discussions about the need for more administrators at school district sites as student population grows, and an update on the new school on the O’Conner School site. Go to tinyurl.com/MPS-414 to see the agenda.

3. This Resolution of Intention shall be published and copies shall be delivered to the persons and entities as specified in ZOMAR Section 2(e)(i.). 4. A true copy of this Resolution of Intention shall promptly be filed for record in the office of the County Recorder of the County of San Mateo. 5. The District Manager shall cause the matters set forth in Sections 3 and 4 of this Resolution of Intention to be completed as directed. EXHTB1T”A”‘ PROPOSED ANNEXATION TO WESTBAY SANITARY DISTRICT Lands of 1 Grove Court, Portola Valley, California (APN 079-030-190) Situate in the Town of Portola Valley, County of San Mateo, State of California, and a portion of Lot 28, as shown on that cerluin map entitled, ”Tract No. 608, Stonegate Subdivision of a portion of Corte Madera Rancho, San Mateo County, California”, filed in 1l1e office of the county recorder of San Mateo County, State of California, on September 29, 194M in Book 29 of Maps at pages 31,32 and 33, described as: BEGINNING at the point of intersection of the southeasterly line of Grove Court wit11 the dividing line between Lots 28 and 29 as shown on the above mentioned map, 1. thence from the said POINT OF BEGINNING, along the southeasterly line of Grove Court, North 35° 30‘ 00” East, a distance of 161.83 feet;

East, a distance of319.85 feet to the northeasterly corner of said Lot 28; 4. thence along northeasterly line of Lot 28, South 12° 02‘ 00” East, a distance of 123.25 feet to an angle point in the northeasterly line of said Lot 28; 5. thence South 80° lW 00” West, a distance of 163.86 feet to an angle poh1t in the no1theasterly line of said Lot 28; 6. thence South go 30‘ 00‘‘ West, a distance of lOO.OO feet to the dividing line between said Lot 28 and Lot 29; 7. thence along the said dividing line, North 81° 30‘ 00” West, a distance of290.00 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Containing m area of approximately 69,705 square feet/1.60 acres, more or less. The herein described annexation parcel is shown of the attached map, Exhibit B, of this legal description, and is made a part hereof The description was prepa1·ed by me from record data, and shall not be used in any conveyance which may be in violation of the Subdivision Map Act.

2. thence along the southeasterly line of Grove Court on the arc of a curve to the left with a radius of 180.00 feet and a central angle of 12° 21‘ 26”, an arc distance of 54.53 feet to the northwesterly comer of said Lot 28;

Mark A. Helton, PLS License No. 7078, Expires 12/31/14

3. thence leaving the said southeasterly line of Grove Court, along the northwesterly lot line of Lot 28, North 85° 42‘ 00”

Date

1-16-14

April 23, 2014 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 19

C O M M U N I T Y

N P O L I C E C A L LS

cell phone and $60 in cash, an estimated total loss of $385. April 17.

This information is from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and the Menlo Park Police Department. Under the law, people charged with offenses are considered innocent unless convicted. The dates reflect when the police received the reports.

Fraud report: The IRS rejected tax returns filed by a resident of Santa Cruz Avenue and a resident of Coleman Avenue because others had obtained the residents’ Social Security numbers and had already filed fraudulent returns. April 14 and 17. Theft reports:

PORTOLA VALLEY

■ A hotel guest claims someone stole

Residential burglary report: Someone stole a $15,000 pearl necklace from an unlocked jewelry box in the master bedroom of a home on Valencia Court. There were no signs of forced entry. April 8.

a wedding ring valued at $4,700 from a room in the Stanford Park Hotel at 100 El Camino Real. The guest said she had forgotten the ring when she checked out, and staff did not find it after a search of the room. April 5.

WOODSIDE Attempted fraud report: Someone claiming to be from “Homeland Security” called a resident of Woodside Drive and threatened the arrest of the resident’s husband by “the Woodside police” if she did not agree to accept certain charges. The resident, finding the circumstances suspicious, did not do as requested and contacted the Sheriff’s Office. April 11.

■ A man walked out of the Safeway supermarket on Sharon Park Drive with meat concealed under his clothing and was last seen entering the front passenger seat of a silver Hyundai sedan in the parking lot. April 14.

■ Three locked bikes, valued at $750, $374 and $125, were stolen on Sharon Park Drive, two from bike racks and one from an apartment garage. April 10, 17 and 14.

MENLO PARK

■ Two bikes were stolen from the public

Residential burglary report: Someone stole a $100 TV from an unlocked cottage on Santa Margarita Avenue. April 17.

library’s bike racks, one that was unlocked and another, a $500 bike, that had been locked to the rack. April 15 and 17.

Strong-arm robbery report: A man on a bicycle rode up to a 65-year-old woman walking in the 1300 block of Hill Avenue in the Belle Haven neighborhood, demanded her personal belongings and rode away with her purse. In the purse were a wallet, a credit card, a Bible, a

■ Someone stole a $100 bike locked underneath an apartment stairwell on Sharon Road. April 17.

■ A man stole a $10 bottle of champagne from a store on Sharon Park Drive. April 15.

Like us on www.facebook.com/AlmanacNews

Calling all artists A celebration of sketching and rendering using paint, pencil, chalk, charcoal, etc., is set to run from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27, outside the Alpine Inn (Rossotti’s) at 3915 Alpine Road. The site has been home to a roadhouse since the 1850s. Artists should bring a chair, materials, and “enthusiasm for our wonderful town,” says the Portola Valley Cultural Arts Committee, sponsor of the town’s 50th anniversary.

Student sold marijuana-laced treats on campus A 15-year-old Woodside High School student has been disciplined after school authorities learned that she had sold marijuana-laced Rice Krispies treats to four of her fellow students, according to authorities from the San Mateo County Sheriff ’s Office and the Sequoia Union High School District. The incident occurred March 20 and was reported April 7 by a parent to school administrators, who then informed the Sheriff ’s Office, district Superintendent Jim Lianides told the

PENINSULA

Discover the best places to eat this week! AMERICAN

CHINESE

Armadillo Willy’s

New Tung Kee Noodle House

941-2922 1031 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos www.armadillowillys.com

947-8888 520 Showers Drive, Mountain View www.shopmountainview.com/luunoodlemv

The Old Pro

INDIAN

326-1446 541 Ramona Street, Palo Alto www.oldpropa.com

Janta Indian Restaurant

ITALIAN

462-5903 369 Lytton Ave. www.jantaindianrestaurant.com

Cucina Venti 254-1120 1390 Pear Ave, Mountain View www.cucinaventi.com CHINESE

Ming’s 856-7700 1700 Embarcadero East, Palo Alto www.mings.com

Read and post reviews, explore restaurant menus, get hours and directions and more at ShopPaloAlto, ShopMenloPark and ShopMountainView

20 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014

N BR IE FS

Almanac. The student admitted selling the treats, he said. The education code allows the district to expel a student for two semesters for this offense, Mr. Lianides said. The Sequoia district typically readmits expelled students, but assigns them to a different high school.

New website First a refreshed logo, then a new mascot, and now a revamped website: The city of Menlo Park’s image reinvention continued when the city launched an updated website on April 21. Designed by contractor CivicPlus for $49,600, the website now offers a message board and OpenGov data analysis tool in addition to what will, hopefully,

be an easier-to-navigate interface once bugs are eliminated. Residents were already posting suggested “quality of life improvements” within hours of the launch. Features for the website have not been finalized. According to Clay Curtin, assistant to the city manager and supervisor of the redesign, the city plans to see which interactive tools catch on. For now, the log of emails sent to and from the council remains available. “I think it can evolve with the community’s needs and as technology changes. Maintaining (the log) as status quo has its own requirements,” Mr. Curtin said, since it’s not integrated into the new design. “For now, we’ll continue to provide it in the familiar manner (and) format.” Go to menlopark.org to see the changes.

C O M M U N I T Y

N CA L E N DA R Visit AlmanacNews.com/calendar to see more calendar listings

Special Events ‘Wartime Memories: Growing Up, Away from Occupation’ Local authors Eva W. Maiden (“Decisions in the Dark: a Refugee Girl’s Journey”) and K. Sophie Stallman (“My War, My Life”) discuss their childhood flight from Nazi occupation. May 3, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Menlo Park City Council Chambers, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park. Call 650-330-2532. menloparklibrary.org Rotary Connects at LB Steakhouse Community members are invited to join the Menlo Park Rotary Club for an evening of networking with business leaders and city officials. April 23, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $20. LB Steakhouse, 898 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park. Call 805-290-2931. menloparkrotary.org Dave Eggers visits Kepler’s for book signing to mark paperback release of his novel, “The Circle.” Registration required. April 26, 3-4 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. www.keplers.com/ event/dave-eggers-signing-only Friends of Woodside Library holds semi-annual book sale in parking lot. Parking is permitted at library or across the street at Woodside School. April 26, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Road, Woodside. Call 650-8510147. www.smcl.org Mother’s Day Garden Brunch Cancer Prevention Institute of California holds Mother’s Day brunch at a private home in Atherton. May 4, $175 adult; $60 child. Address will be provided with ticket purchase, Atherton. Call 510-608-5003. www.cpic.org/get-involved/ events/mothers-day-brunch.aspx

Classes/Workshops Musical Theater Workshops for Kids and Teens For ages 10 to 19, Singer’s Circuit Training workshops are one-afternoon sessions taught by three musical professionals. Students work on training and fine-tuning their voices and learn about song acting and performance. April 27, May 4, 1-6 p.m. $240. Bridgepoint Music, 657 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-454-9125. www.performancesinging.com

Community Events Fourth annual Sequoia 5K Stampede is fundraiser for Sequoia High School athletics. April 26, 9 a.m.-noon. $10-$30. Sequoia High School, 1201 Brewster Ave., Redwood City. Call 650-361-1000. sites.google.com/ site/sequoiaboosterclub/stampede-run Relay for Life Kickoff Informational meeting for American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, coming this summer in Menlo Park. April 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Fremont Park, corner of Santa Cruz Avenue and University Avenue, Menlo Park. relay.acsevents.org/ site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLCY14National?fr_ id=57306&pg=entry

Concerts Master Sinfonia Concert 4 Maestro David Ramadanoff will conduct the Master Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra’s final concert of the season. It will include performances of local composer Jeremy Cavaterra’s “Monterey Suite.” April 26, 8 p.m. $15-$25; free for youth under 18. Portola Valley Presbyterian Church, 945 Portola Road, Portola Valley. www.mastersinfonia.org/season. aspx?c=Concert4

Exhibits Carleton Watkins: ‘The Stanford Albums’ To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Act of 1864, Cantor Arts Center exhibits 19th-century photographer Carleton Watkins’ Pacific Coast photographs. April 23-Aug. 17, WednesdaySunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Cantor Arts Center, 328 Lomita Drive, Stanford. events. stanford.edu/events/390/39051/

Family & Kids Menlo Park Kite Day The sity of Menlo Park will host its annual Kite Day. Participants can bring their own kite or buy one. $6 will pay for a kite, hot dog, drink and chips or apple. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help assemble and fly kites. All ages are welcome. May 3, 12-3 p.m. Free. BedwellBayfront Park, Marsh Road and Bayfront Expressway, Menlo Park. Story Time with Salina Yoon Salina Yoon reads from her children’s book “Found,”

which the tells the story of a bear who tries to return a lost stuffed bunny toy to its owner. Children can take home signed drawings of stuffed animals they bring to the event. April 27, 10:30 a.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-3244321. www.keplers.com/event/story-timesalina-yoon

Health Skills for Stress Reduction Workshop by Cynthia McDonald, experienced counselor and clinician, who will offer tools for managing stress and coping with anxiety. Cost includes coffee and scones. Contact the center to RSVP. April 26, 8:30 a.m.-noon. $25. Vallombrosa Retreat Center, 250 Oak Grove Ave., Menlo Park. Call 650-325-5614. www. vallombrosa.org

On Stage ‘Lilith, the Night Demon’ The story of Lilith, the bawdy alternate Jewish story of creation, will be presented as a magical folk opera, entitled “Lilith, the Night Demon in One Lewd Act,” by instrumentalists Veretski Pass with San Francisco Choral Artists. May 4, 4 p.m. $30-$39 in advance; $39-$49 at the door. Center for Performing Arts, Menlo-Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. brownpapertickets.com/ producer/6139

Sports Menlo-Atherton Big Bear Run 5K A professionally timed 5 km run/walk race will be held to support Menlo-Atherton High School’s athletic teams. The course starts at the high school, winds through Lindenwood and finishes on the track. Register by May 1 on website. May 4, 9 a.m. $15 students; $25 adults. Menlo-Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. Call 650-2078869. www.active.com/atherton-ca/running/ distance-running-races/m-a-big-bear-run2014?int=

Lectures & Talks ‘Impact of Sea-Level Rise on San Mateo County’ Hosted by League of Women Voters, this talk will be given by Dave Pine of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. April 30, 7-9 p.m. Free. San Mateo County Government Center, Room 101, 455 County Center, Redwood City. www. lwvssmc.org ‘Who’s in Your Teen’s Village?’ The M-A Parent Education Series presents a talk by Dr. Kent Pekel, president and CEO of the Search Institute. The lecture will discuss the importance of teenagers building strong, supportive non-parent relationships. May 1, 7-9 p.m. Free. Center for Performing Arts, Menlo-Atherton High School, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. Call 650-868-0590. teensvillage2014ma.eventbrite.com 23rd annual Authors Salon Luncheon Hosted by Peninsula Volunteers, this event includes talks by historical novelist Margaret George (“Elizabeth I”), emerging author Tracy Guzeman (“The Gravity of Birds”), Ron Hansen (“The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford”), and Susan Shillinglaw (“Carol and John Steinbeck: Portrait of a Marriage”). Stanford law professor and legal fiction writer Paul Goldstein will moderate. May 4, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $125 (includes lunch). Sharon Heights Golf & Country Club, 2900 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park . Call 650-326-0665 ext. 238. www.peninsulavolunteers.org Author Barbara Ehrenreich will discuss her book, “Living with a Wild God: A Nonbeliever’s Search for the Truth about Everything,” in conversation with Bay Area journalist Angie Coiro. Ehrenreich’s new book reconstructs the story of her adolescent search for meaning. April 25, 7:30 p.m. $10 general; $15 at the door. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. www.brownpapertickets.com/ event/590257 USGS April public lecture Thomas L. Holzer of the U.S. Geological Survey gives talk, “Catastrophic Earthquakes: In a Crowded World,” April 24, 7-8 p.m. Free. USGS Menlo Park Campus, Building 3, Conference Room A, 345 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park. Call 650-329-5136. online. wr.usgs.gov/calendar Youth event: Author Andrea Cremer discusses her novel, “The Inventor’s Secret,” an alternate history that asks what would have happened if the British had won the Revolutionary War. April 23, 7 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com/ event/ya-andrea-cremer

Pirates of Penzance Menlo School’s Drama Department will stage the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera, “The Pirates of Penzance,” on May 2, 3, 4, 9, and 10 on an outdoor stage at the school quad at 50 Valparaiso Avenue in Atherton. All shows start at 8 p.m. Menlo School’s version of the musical will be directed by Broadway veteran Steven Minning, who joined the school’s faculty at the beginning of the school year. Chairs are provided but you may bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. In the cast are, from left, front row, Addy Geenan and Lauren Smith; second row, Marco Papadoyannis, J.B. Horsley, Kate Lucas, Lucas Loaiza and Julian Garcia-Mendez; top row, Hayden Pegley and Anika Padwekar. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults and are available at tinyurl.com/Play-503.

TOWN OF WOODSIDE 2955 WOODSIDE ROAD WOODSIDE, CA 94062 PLANNING COMMISSION April 30, 2014 7:30 PM PUBLIC HEARING

Arjay Miller and Jim & Ann Miller-Olstad 277 Mountain Home Road and 225 Mountain Home Road

LLAJ2013-0002, SDES2013-0005, XSET2013-0007 Assistant Planner Sean Mullin

TITLE: 277 Mountain Home Road (Lot 4, APN 073-112-400) SDES2013-0005 - Review and approval, conditional approval, or denial of a proposal to perform a Lot Line Adjustment (LLA) (LLAJ2013-0002) with 225 Mountain Home Road (Lot 3, APN 073-112-390); demolish an existing residence and three accessory structures; construct a new residence with a basement, a detached garage, a new barn, a detached accessory living quarters (pool house), and a swimming pool; reconﬁgure the driveway; install other landscaping and site improvements; and retain an existing tennis court on a site adjacent to a scenic corridor (Mountain Home Road). The project requires review and approval of a Setback Exception (XSET2013-0007) at 225 Mountain Home Road (Lot 3, APN 073-112-390). 225 Mountain Home Road (Lot 3, APN 073-112-390) and 277 Mountain Home Road (Lot 4, APN 073-112-400) LLAJ2013-0002 - Review and approval, conditional approval, or denial of a Lot Line Adjustment between two lots at 225 Mountain Home Road (Lot 3) and 277 Mountain Home Road (Lot 4). 225 Mountain Home Road (Lot 3, APN 073-112-390) - Review and approval or denial of a proposed Setback Exception to reduce the required side yard setback from 50 feet to 40 feet. All application materials are available for public review at the Woodside Planning and Building Counter, Woodside Town Hall, weekdays from 8:00 – 10:00 AM and 1:00 – 3:00 PM, or by appointment. For more information, contact the Woodside Planning and Building Department at (650) 851-6790. April 23, 2014 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 21

Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, and Woodside for 47 years.

Viewpoint IDEAS, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS

ABOUT LOCAL ISSUES FROM PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY. EDITED BY TOM GIBBONEY

EDITOR & PUBLISHER Tom Gibboney (223-6507) NEWSROOM Managing Editor Richard Hine (223-6525) News Editor Renee Batti (223-6582) Lifestyles Editor Jane Knoerle (223-6531) Staff Writers Dave Boyce (223-6527), Sandy Brundage (223-6529) Contributors Marjorie Mader, Barbara Wood, Kate Daly Special Sections Editor Carol Blitzer Photographer Michelle Le (223-6530) DESIGN & PRODUCTION Design Director Shannon Corey (223-6560) Assistant Design Director Lili Cao Designers Linda Atilano, Rosanna Leung, Paul Llewellyn, Kameron Sawyer ADVERTISING Vice President Sales and Marketing Tom Zahiralis (223-6570) Display Advertising Sales Wendy Suzuki (223-6569) Real Estate Manager Neal Fine (223-6583) Real Estate & Advertising Coordinator Diane Martin (223-6584) Legal Advertising Alicia Santillan (223-6578)

Town should decide on plate readers

he revelation that license plate cameras were hidden in speed- hundreds of local residents. monitoring trailers along Alpine and Portola roads in Portola While we agree with Town Manager Nick Pegueros’ concern about Valley without the Town’s knowledge once again raises the the rash of residential burglaries and his request for the lieutenant to question of whether the use of such devices should be permitted report on how residents could prevent property crime, we hope the without a full public debate. manager and the council will discuss how the town should handle In this case, a San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant deployment of license plate readers in the future. How will residents decided to use the cameras in the hope of finding the license plate feel about having their license plate numbers —which easily could of a residential burglary suspect who, it was thought, had broken be traced to their names, addresses and other personal information into three homes in late March. The lieutenant did not inform the — being turned over to a “regional intelligence center” overseen by Town that the cameras were in place for a day the Department of Homeland Security and put and a half, and later explained their purpose at at the disposal of any police agency that believes EDI TORI AL an April 9 Town Council meeting. they need it? When deployed, the cameras capture the license A similar question came before the Menlo Park The opinion of The Almanac plate numbers of all vehicles that pass in either City Council last year when the police departdirection. The lieutenant told the Town Council ment requested approval to purchase three license that after two weeks, the suspect’s plate was not found. Data col- plate cameras that could be mounted on patrol cars, and capture the lected by the cameras was sent to the Northern California Regional license plate number of every vehicle they passed when the cruiser Intelligence Center (NCRIC), the agency that lent the devices to the was on the road. county Sheriff’s Office and that routinely keeps such data for one The sticking point during that debate was what agency should year. NCRIC officials say the data will be available to law enforce- receive and store the data and for how long. And although the ment agencies if the requesting agency can demonstrate its impor- council approved purchase of the relatively inexpensive cameras, it tance to an investigation. has not yet decided how long captured information should be kept All of this took place without the knowledge of the Town Coun- and what agency should have access to it. cil, and at the April 9 meeting little concern was shown about a The Town Council and Town Manager should make clear to the contracting police agency, the county Sheriff’s Office, deciding Sheriff’’s office that permission must be obtained before any surveilon its own to surreptitiously capture the license plate numbers of lance equipment is installed to monitor activities in Portola Valley.

L ET TERS Our readers write

Published every Wednesday at 3525 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025 Newsroom: (650) 223-6525 Newsroom Fax: (650) 223-7525 Advertising: (650) 854-2626 Advertising Fax: (650) 223-7570 Email news and photos with captions to: Editor@AlmanacNews.com Email letters to: letters@AlmanacNews.com The Almanac, established in October 1965, is delivered each week to residents of Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside and adjacent unincorporated areas of southern San Mateo County. The Almanac is qualified by decree of the Superior Court of San Mateo County to publish public notices of a governmental and legal nature, as stated in Decree No. 147530, issued December 21, 1969. ©2014 by Embarcadero Media Company. All rights reserved. Subscriptions are $60 for one year and $100 for two years.

■ WHAT’S YOUR VIEW? All views must include a home address and contact phone number. Published letters will also appear on the web site, www.TheAlmanacOnline.com, and occasionally on the Town Square forum.

Town Square forum Post your views on the Town Square forum at www.TheAlmanacOnline. com Email your views to: letters@almanacnews.com and note this it is a letter to the editor in the subject line. Mail

or deliver to: Editor at the Almanac, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025.

Call

the Viewpoint desk at 223-6507.

Would bleachers violate Palmer’s will? Editor: As a former long-time Atherton resident I was disappointed to see the developments (pun intended) regarding HolbrookPalmer Park. I served on the Steering Committee for the Atherton Dames at the time the park was opened to public use. I clearly remember that Olive Holbrook Palmer stipulated that the park was to be used as a quiet refuge where one could stroll among the lovely gardens. I was concerned when the town allowed Little League in the park, fearing they would eventually take over. That is what seems to be happening with the bleacher situation. I don’t have a copy but I would like someone to publish the terms of her will regarding the park and its intended use. That should be honored and I’m sure it would not allow huge bleachers and the attendant noise and traffic problems. Jean A. Rice Trinity Drive, Menlo Park

Is movie ‘Noah’ unfaithful to Bible? Editor: TV host Glenn Beck and other stalwarts of the Christian right

22 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014

Our Regional Heritage Woodside History Committee

Members of Woodside Girl Scout Troop 14 ride on the float they decorated with foliage, flags and a huge ball for the annual May Day parade. The route for this 1940s-era parade started at the Woodside Elementary School and turned around for the return trip at the old Shell station at Mountain Home and Woodside roads.

have attacked the recent blockbuster movie “Noah” as being “pro-animal” and unfaithful to the Bible. Well, yes and no. The film is both pro-animal and faithful to the Bible, at least to the Book of Genesis, our only source for the story of Noah. After all, Genesis 1:29 admonishes “Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed which

is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree that has seedyielding fruit — to you it shall be for food.” It is only after the flood, with fruits and vegetables no longer abundant, that humans get permission to eat animal flesh. Even then, the Bible stipulates that lives of only select animals may be taken and always with reverence and minimal cruelty.

This is certainly a far cry from today’s factory farm and slaughterhouse practices. Regardless of how we may feel about “Noah’s” interpretation of the Bible, each of us can recreate the recommended diet of the Garden of Eden in our home by dropping animal products from our menu. Miles Barney Sharon Park Drive, Menlo Park

April 23, 2014 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 23

Tr aditional Elega nce

2 serr ano drive, atherton

his premier West Atherton estate, built by PaciďŹ c Peninsula Group, showcases consummate traditional style and elegance blended with everything needed for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s California lifestyle. Impeccable details abound with ebony-stained hardwood ďŹ&#x201A;oors and reďŹ ned millwork. Three levels include six bedrooms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; each with en suite bath, a library, family room, media room, and custom wine cellar. The impressive grounds have beautiful gardens, a pool, spa, ďŹ replace terrace, and outdoor kitchen with barbecue. s $ESIGNED AND BUILT BY Pacific Peninsula Group

s -EDIA ROOM AND BOTTLE CUSTOM wine cellar

s 3IX BEDROOMS AND SIX AND one-half bathrooms

s !TTACHED CAR GARAGE

s 3PACIOUS LIVING ROOM FORMAL dining room, and handsome library s 4REMENDOUS CHEF S KITCHEN FEATURES limestone counters, professional appliances, and breakfast area s ,ARGE UPSTAIRS MASTER SUITE WITH sitting room, walk-in closet, and spa-like bath s -AIN LEVEL AND LOWER LEVEL guest suites

s 'ORGEOUS GROUNDS WITH POOL SPA fireplace, and outdoor kitchen s !PPROXIMATELY TOTAL SQ FT -AIN LEVEL . . . . . . . . . Â˘

Upper level . . . . . . . . . Â˘

,OWER LEVEL . . . . . . . . Â˘

Garage . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Â˘

3QUARE FOOTAGE PER ARCHITECT

s !PPROXIMATELY ACRE

OFFERED AT $7,200,000 VIRTUAL TOUR AT WWW.2SERRANODR.COM

Hugh Cornish

Natalie Comartin

lisa gao

650.566.5353 hcornish@cbnorcal.com

650.380.3122 natalie.comartin@cbnorcal.com

408.750.6962 lisa.gao@happyrealty.org

CalBRE# 01484129

CalBRE# 01720219

CalBRE# 00912143

This information was supplied by Seller and/or other sources. Broker believes this information to be correct but has not verified this information and assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyers should investigate these issues to their own satisfaction.

24 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N April 23, 2014