Jan. 29, 2026
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BY STEPHANIE LAM Daily Post Correspondent
The city of Palo Alto, which intends to ask voters in November for money to acquire and rebuild Cubberley Community Center, will include an auditorium intended for TheatreWorks.
Plans call for renovating the existing theater for continued use by a variety of local groups while building a second theater for TheatreWorks. The nonprofit says it will fundraise to help cover the cost of a new professional-sized theater that will be part of a 40,000-square-foot performing arts center at Cubberley. The performing arts center would comprise of roughly 16% of the 247,000 square foot project.
SUPER BOWL FEARS: Federal officials have confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security will be involved in security for the Super Bowl on Feb. 8. DHS has declined to say if ICE will be part of its operations in the Bay Area. DHS has regularly provided agents during the Super Bowl for security, but amid heightened tensions due to the recent ICE operations in Minneapolis.
AMAZON LAYOFFS: Amazon is cutting about 16,000 jobs in the latest round of tech industry layoffs. Beth Galetti, a senior vice president, announced this Wednesday in a blog post. The reductions follow October’s layoffs of 14,000 workers.
TROOPS TO CITIES COSTLY: The Trump administration’s deployment of federal troops to six U.S. cities has cost taxpayers about $496 million through December, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The deployments include National Guard and active-duty Marines in cities like Chicago, Memphis and Portland.
FROZEN SOUTH: Conditions were growing more dire in parts of the
[See THE UPDATE, page 4]
That all hinges on whether the full
City Council approves a contract with TheatreWorks — a vote slated for next month — and importantly, whether residents approve a November bond measure that would allow the city to purchase 7 acres of land from the Palo Alto Unified School District for $65.5 million, which will be used to expand
STANFORD’S GUESTS
Stanford Stadium will be the host practice site for the New England Patriots from Feb. 2 to 6, said Assistant Athletics Director Brian Risso. The Patriots will face off against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Meanwhile, the Seahawks will practice at San Jose State University. Stanford photo.
the center. Any leftover money might also be used to fund safety upgrades to the aging center, or renovations. The city has estimated such feats would cost about $392 million, and residents would foot most of the bill.
So far only a non-binding understanding has been made between the city’s Cubberley ad hoc committee and TheatreWorks, according to Council-
[See
BY BRADEN CARTWRIGHT
Post Staff Writer
Not worried about split 2-2 votes, Los Altos City Council is planning to keep former Vice Mayor Neysa Fligor’s seat open for the rest of the year.
Fligor’s seat, which she vacated when she was elected Santa Clara County assessor, will be filled in the regular November election.
Mayor Sally Meadows said council only voted 3-2 three times last year — two of the votes were over which nonprofit organizations to fund, and only one was substantive.
“I don’t even remember the topic. It doesn’t matter,” Meadows said at a meeting on Tuesday.
That’s a far cry from councils of the past, when 3-2 votes were common on big issues facing Los Altos.
Councilman Pete Dailey said an appointment process would only lead to division among residents over whether they like council’s pick.
“I have encountered profound concern about she-
[See VACANT, page 22]
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
A Redwood City man deemed a sexually violent predator by the state will stay in a state mental hospital, a jury determined yesterday.
Domino Aguilar, 50, was convicted in 2004 of molesting a pair of siblings he used to babysit, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. Aguilar has the possibility of staying in the state hospital for life, Wagstaffe said.
Until doctors say Aguilar is no longer a sexually violent predator, he will continue to stay in the hospital until he cannot act in sexually predatory ways, the DA said. Aguilar may stay in the
[See PREDATOR, page 22]
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The three bedrooms on one side of the home include a large primary ensuite with sunken tub and backyard access. The studio in back has many purposes; yoga poses, Peloton workouts, an office, or the perfect (s)he shed to name a few. This home is in close
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• Great location, one-half mile from Rancho Shopping Center, and 2.5 miles from the Village
• Stroll to hiking trails at Rancho Open Space Preserve
• Excellent Los Altos schools
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The Palo Alto school board will discuss whether to go forward with a parcel tax renewal that a former board member says may not be necessary.
School board president Shounak Dharap told the Post last night that he has put the parcel tax on the agenda for the board’s Feb. 10 meeting at 6:30 p.m., 25 Churchill Ave. The focus of
the meeting will be the district’s budget, and the issues about the parcel tax raised by former board member Todd Collins will be discussed, Dharap said.
Gets more money
Collins has argued that it may not be necessary to replace the expiring $941-per-year parcel tax because the
money the district gets from the regular property tax has been increasing beyond what a parcel tax would generate. Meanwhile, enrollment is decreasing. The district has fewer kids to educate.
Collins says that 10 years ago, the district received funding of about $16,000 a student. This year, that number is more than double — $35,000 per
student. Dharap said he’s concerned about the budget because cuts may be necessary. He’s talked to officials in other districts who have had to make cuts. And he said many grants were issued during the Covid pandemic. If they were five-year grants, a common length, the grants would be ending about now.
The property owner of the Peet’s Coffee on Homer Avenue said the shop will reopen.
The cafe at 153 Homer Ave. had signs yesterday that it would be closing tomorrow, but landlord Blake Campbell said he is working on a deal with
Peet’s corporate offices to enter into a new lease that would allow it to reopen after the closure.
Campbell told the Post he likes Peet’s Coffee, which is why he wants to keep it open. The final documents for the new lease have not been signed
yet, Campbell said. Peet’s did not respond to the Post’s inquiries about any possible deal with Campbell’s PACE Properties.
About 30 shops around the Bay Area are closing, including multiple in San Francisco and Berkley, which is where
the company was founded in 1966. Peet’s shut down its other downtown Palo Alto shop at 436 University Ave. in 2019.
The closure comes as Peet’s parent company, JDE Peet’s, prepares to be taken over by Keurig Dr. Pepper.
South still reeling from subfreezing temperatures and widespread power outages as vehicles got stranded for hours on major highways. Tens of thousands of homes and businesses remained without power as cold daytime temperatures sunk below freezing overnight.
Whether you spent a lifetime assembling a coin collection you are proud of or inherited a collection from parents or a spouse, a wise first step is to contact us at Mish International (MIMI).
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Unlike distant internet operations or traveling buyer crews, Mish International has the true expertise, 60+ year top reputation, immediate capital, and permanent presence to serve you right here in Menlo Park.
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HOMELESS HELPER DIES: Shirley Raines, a social media creator known for feeding and caring for the homeless, has died at 58, according to her organization Beauty 2 The Streetz. Known as “Ms. Shirley” to over 5 million TikTok followers, she dedicated her life to helping people experiencing homelessness in California and Nevada.
Privacy and Security. Proper Appraisals. Fairest Buyers. Since 1963, same principal.
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To learn more, visit our website then call (650) 324-9110 for an appointment.
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SJSU VOLLEYBALL: The Trump administration has concluded that San Jose State University discriminated against women by letting a transgender athlete play on the women’s volleyball team. The U.S. Education Department offered San Jose State a deal that would resolve the case. The university would have to accept the administration’s definition of “male” and “female,” restore titles and records that Trump officials say were “misappropriated by male athletes,” and issue an apology to female athletes. SJSU officials are reviewing the proposal.
2020 WARRANT: The search warrant FBI served at Fulton County elections office near Atlanta yesterday seeks records tied to the 2020 election, a county spokesperson said.
PUBLISHERS OPT OUT OF AI: Britain’s competition watchdog says Google should let news sites and content creators opt out of having their content scraped for AI overviews.
III
Account Executives: Jena Hollister, Mike Ireland and Winnie Reyes
Letters: Limit to 250 words. Author’s full name, address and phone number are required. See policy at padailypost.com under “letters.”
Stories without bylines are often from
Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City:
June 28
Chiara Matea Wingyee Alunniliang, a girl
June 27
Zain Yazan Aladwan, a boy
Ivan Alexander Castillo, a boy
Sebastian Benjamin Flores, a boy
Ava Elana Obrien, a girl
Francisco Roman Segura, a boy
Camila Michelle Toribio Valdivia, a girl
June 26
Rosalie Reign Anderson, a girl
Jackson Robert Baeza, a boy
Sesilia Seirosekalenta Filiai, a girl
Athena Fung, a girl
Santiago Samuel Montoya Garcia, a boy
Aariv Ambika Vatwani, a boy
Kaya Chow White, a girl
June 25
Levi Garnett Bain, a boy
Colette Ela Cam, a girl
Efe Kabakci, a boy
Evelyn Sage Martinezkok, a girl
Audrey Ruth Mason, a girl
Rohan Tatipamula, a boy
June 24
Mighty Enzo Riformo Corpuz, a boy
Eyana Gowda, a girl
Haya Mohammed Masoud, a girl
Kayhan Isa Talattof, a boy
Amaya Sol Urruzmendi, a girl
June 23
Phoenix Jang Gouw, a boy
Madison Kaia Mcintyre, a girl
Simon Fernando Ruiz Garcia, a boy
Jack John Saadeh, a boy
June 22
Mika Kedem, a girl
Atharv Painuly, a boy
Jordan Shiying Pang, a girl
Ronin James Smith, a boy
Ataliah Christl Vazquez, a girl
Aurelie Zhao Yun X Chengreen, a girl
Giorgio Molinari, a boy
Theologian, poet, and bridge builder
All Saints Episcopal Church brings Pádraig Ó Tuama to Palo Alto for a morning retreat and evening public conversation.
Padraig is the host of Poetry Unbound from On Being Studios. Profiled in The New Yorker, his work has won acclaim in circles of poetry, politics, psychotherapy, and conflict negotiation. He joins Yale Divinity School in 2026 as Professor in the Practice of Spirituality.
February 7, 1934 – December 28, 2025
Joan Liddy Jack, age 91, died at Stanford Hospital surrounded by her family on December 28th, 2025.
Joan was born on February 7, 1934 in Utica, New York to Earl Atwell Wheaton and Gertrude (Liddy) Wheaton and was the youngest of three children. She grew up in Ridgewood, New Jersey and graduated from Ridgewood High School where her senior quote in the yearbook was “the time to be happy is now.”
After high school she was part of the Class of 1954 at Green Mountain Junior College where she was President of the Student Council and a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She then followed her brother Earl to New York City where she received her nursing degree from Columbia University.
After nursing school, Joan moved to San Francisco and soon met Robert Jack, who was part of an energetic group of Stanford Graduate School of Business students living in a “mansion” in Los Altos. They were married in October of 1960 and had three children: Lisa, Sheila, and Gordon. Once the kids were older, Joan returned to school to get her Masters in Nursing and then led the Health Education Department at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation for many years, followed by working with a pulmonologist to help people stop smoking.
True to her senior quote, Joan spread happiness to others through humor, kindness, and generosity. She was not shy about making jokes about an occasional gaffe (like when she told the philosophy professor that she too loved Play-dough) or telling stories about funny situations from her childhood. She was also not afraid to try new things, such as modeling for a book about color, sewing all kinds of things (including down jackets and a tent), leading a Girl Scout troop, and painting the second story windows of their house at the top of a large extension ladder. Joan was the perfect mom for her children who to this day are so appreciative of her support, warmth, and sense of fun. It is a testimony to Joan’s parenting that all three children ended up living very close by, which allowed Joan to forge close relationships with all seven of her grandchildren.
With Bob, Joan created a life full of friendships and community. Through the kids’ schools (Addison Elementary, Jordan Middle School, and Paly High) and sports teams (softball, soccer, swimming, etc.), volunteerism (President of the Garden Club, docent at the Gamble Gardens and leading Professorville tours), competition (she was an avid tennis player, loved board games, and spent many Saturdays supporting the Stanford football team), and fellowship in church communities, she forged lasting friendships that sustained her throughout her life and brought her joy. Up until the end of her life, her calendar was filled with dates for bridge, bible study, choir practice, dinners, and family gatherings.
Joan loved to explore the world beyond Palo Alto too. As a young mother, she and Bob loaded the children into the VW van and traveled across the country, visiting national parks as they went. When her children got older, she often used them as excuses to see other countries, traveling to the USSR with Sheila for a soccer tournament and to Spain and Chile to visit Gordy while he was working overseas. She and Bob continued their adventures until he got sick and passed in April of 2020.
After Bob died, Joan led a more stationary life, focused on family and friends in Palo Alto. She greatly enjoyed the friends and activities she had at Channing House, and the many family gatherings for holidays and birthdays. As a very spiritual person, she also highly valued her time with her bible study group and attending church services remotely.
Joan is survived by her children Lisa Jack, Sheila Grau, and Gordon Jack, and grandchildren Charles Smith, Cooper Smith, Rachel Grau, Rickey Grau, Alex Grau, Daniel Grau, and Henry Jack. We did not want to give her up but we feel blessed to have had her for as long as we did.
A Celebration of Joan’s life will be planned for a warm sunny day in the Spring.
BY BRADEN CARTWRIGHT Daily Post Staff Writer
Los Altos City Council has unanimously rejected an appeal by neighbors of what would become the city’s tallest building.
“We don’t have discretion to deny this project,” Councilman Jonathan Weinberg said on Tuesday. “And that’s a matter of law. It’s not a matter of good public policy. It’s not a matter of what this project is going to do to the lives of the neighbors.”
The battle over the 110-foot apartment building proposed at 4898 El Camino Real echoes similar disputes in cities across California.
Residents argued the building is unattractive and oversized for the neighborhood, making traffic worse on a street that’s supposed to be a safe route to school.
“Having more rental property will just make our area look cheap and over-urbanized,” resident Jane Tse said in a letter to council.
But state law gives developers the right to ignore local rules as long as
their developments include some affordable housing.
Developer Navneet Aron is planning to subsidize 10 of the 85 apartments.
Aron’s attorney, Brian O’Neill, sent council a 12-page letter arguing against the neighbors’ “meritless” appeal.
“The neighbors’ actions are motivated entirely by self-interest, and they have not raised any genuine legal or environmental concern,” O’Neill said. “Rather, neighbors are attempting to abuse the appeal and legal process to cause delay in the hopes of squeezing concessions from the developer and the city.”
Mayor Sally Meadows agreed. She said the neighbors didn’t show they understood state law or how the city’s approval process works.
“We look for, ‘What’s the angle? What’s their best argument?’ And you didn’t really bring it,” Meadows said at the meeting.
Neighbor Anatol Shmelev is suing the city over its approval of the development. His first court date is on April 22 in Santa Clara County Superior Court.
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
A man who tried to cover up his attempted dalliance with a 13-year-old girl in San Carlos by saying he was a DoorDash driver who had lost his delivery has been arrested, authorities said yesterday.
girl, according to Wagstaffe. The officer gave Dominguez Chan his phone number and arranged to meet up at the 900 block of E. San Carlos Avenue to have sex that same day, Wagstaffe said.
Meetup leads to arrest
FEATURING
OF LOS ALTOS
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY OF LOS ALTOS
But the girl turned out to be an undercover sheriff’s deputy conducting a sting operation on MeetMe, an app for meeting people who live near you, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.
Friday, January 30, 6:30pm - 9pm
Members- Only Preview Sale hip available at the door for $10)
Dominguez Chan arrived at 6:20 p.m. and was parked waiting for the girl with condoms, according to Wagstaffe. When officers approached him, Dominguez Chan said he was a DoorDash driver dropping off food. Officers asked him where the food was, and he said he lost it, Wagstaffe said.
iday, January 30, 6:30pm - 9pm
The app matched the undercover officer, whose profile said they were 19 years old, with Mario Dominguez Chan, 33, of San Bruno, on Jan. 21, Wagstaffe said.
riday, January 30, 6:30pm - 9pm
Friday, January 30, 6:30pm - 9pm
Members-Only Preview Sale (Membership available at the door for $10)
Members- Only Preview Sale (Membership available at the door for $10)
The officer texted Dominguez Chan, saying he was actually a 13-year-old
Dominguez Chan later admitted to attempting to meet a minor, Wagstaffe said. He was arrested but released from jail on his own recognizance on Friday after pleading innocent.
Members-Only Preview Sale (Membership available at the door for $10)
Members-Only Preview Sale (Membership available at the door for $10)
riday, January 30, 6:30pm - 9pm
Saturday, January 31 , 10am - 4pm Sunday, February 1 , 11am - 2pm
aturday, January 31 , 10am - 4pm
Santa Clara Valley Fiddlers play lively tunes
Santa Clara Valley Fiddlers play lively tunes
riday, January 30, 6:30pm - 9pm
aturday, January 31 , 10am - 4pm
Saturday, January 31 , 10am - 4pm
a Valley Fiddlers play lively tunes
Santa Clara Valley Fiddlers play lively tunes
Santa Clara Valley Fiddlers play lively tunes
Sunday, February 1 , 11am - 2pm
nuary 30, 6:30pm - 9pm January 31 , 10am - 4pm February 1 , 11am - 2pm
Members-Only Preview Sale (Membership available at the door for $10)
$5 Bag Sale (bags provided)
Sunday, February 1 , 11am - 2pm
Santa Clara Valley Fiddlers play lively tunes
Sunday, February 1 , 11am - 2pm
$5 Bag Sale (bags provided)
$5 Bag Sale (bags provided)
aturday, January 31 , 10am - 4pm Sunday, February 1 , 11am - 2pm
$5 Bag Sale (bags provided)
aturday, January 31 , 10am - 4pm
$5 Bag Sale (bags provided)
Santa Clara Valley Fiddlers play lively tunes
Books & Puzzles Priced as Marked
$5 Bag Sale (bags provided)
ooks & Puzzles Priced as Marked
Unmarked books priced as follows:
Sunday, February 1 , 11am - 2pm
ooks & Puzzles Priced as Marked
Unmarked books priced as follows:
$2 hardbacks, trade/oversized paperbacks
$5 Bag Sale (bags provided)
Unmarked books priced as follows:
Books & Puzzles Priced as Marked
uzzles Priced as Marked
ked books priced as follows:
Unmarked books priced as follows: FEATURING
ooks & Puzzles Priced as Marked
$2 hardbacks, trade/oversized paperbacks
$2 hardbacks, trade/oversized paperbacks
$1 mass market paperbacks and media
$2 hardbacks, trade/oversized paperbacks
Members-Only Preview Sale (Membership available at the door for $10) Unmarked books priced as follows:
$1-$2 all children’s books
$1 mass market paperbacks and media
$1 mass market paperbacks and media
ooks & Puzzles Priced as Marked
$1 mass market paperbacks and media
$1-$2 all children’s books
$1-$2 all children’s books
cks, trade/oversized paperbacks
$1-$2 all children’s books
Unmarked books priced as follows: FEATURING
$2 hardbacks, trade/oversized paperbacks
market paperbacks and media
$1 mass market paperbacks and media
Large Collection for the Classical/Jazz Guitarist
$1-$2 all children’s books
$2 hardbacks, trade/oversized paperbacks
Large Collection for the Classical/Jazz Guitarist
1-$2 all children’s books
$1 mass market paperbacks and media
Large Collection for the Classical/Jazz Guitarist
$1-$2 all children’s books
Large Collection for the Classical/Jazz Guitarist
SILENT AUCTION Friday & Saturday!
Large Collection for the Classical/Jazz Guitarist
SILENT AUCTION Friday & Saturday!
Large Collection for the Classical/Jazz Guitarist
SILENT AUCTION Friday & Saturday!
SILENT AUCTION Friday & Saturday!
Vintage Comics, Vintage Masterpiece Board Game, Signed Editions, and more
Vintage Comics, Vintage Masterpiece Board Game, Signed Editions, and more
Large Collection for the Classical/Jazz Guitarist
Vintage Comics, Vintage Masterpiece Board Game, Signed Editions, and more
Los Altos Community Center
Vintage Comics, Vintage Masterpiece Board Game, Signed Editions, and more
Los Altos Community Center
97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos
97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos OF LOS ALTOS
SILENT AUCTION Friday & Saturday!
Los Altos Community Center
Vintage Comics, Vintage Masterpiece Board Game, Signed Editions, and more
Los Altos Community Center
97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos
Los Altos Community Center
97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos
Vintage Comics, Vintage Masterpiece Board Game, Signed Editions, and more
Vintage Comics, Vintage Masterpiece Board Game, Signed Editions, and more 97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos
https://losaltoslibraryfriends.org
SILENT AUCTION Friday & Saturday!
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PROCEEDS BENEFIT LOS ALTOS LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY
Los Altos Community Center
https://losaltoslibraryfriends.org
PROCEEDS BENEFIT LOS ALTOS LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY
97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos
PROCEEDS BENEFIT LOS ALTOS LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY
https://losaltoslibraryfriends.org
SILENT AUCTION Friday & Saturday! https://losaltoslibraryfriends.org
Los Altos Community Center
PROCEEDS BENEFIT LOS ALTOS LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY
97 Hillview Ave, Los Altos
https://losaltoslibraryfriends.org
PROCEEDS BENEFIT LOS ALTOS LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY
https://losaltoslibraryfriends.org
WELCOME TO THIS BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED SINGLELEVEL HOME nestled in the peaceful Blossom Valley neighborhood. This residence features a fabulous floor plan with a spacious sun-filled living room and a separate generously sized family room each with a wood-burning fireplace. The formal dining room, with its beautiful hardwood floors, provides the perfect setting for entertaining.
3-bedroom, 2-bath, single-level home with 2,112 +/- sf of living space
8,200 +/- sf lot with thoughtful landscaping
Updated with refinished hardwood floors, fresh interior paint, new carpets, and new light fixtures
Spacious sun-filled rooms with beautiful double-pane windows
Large family room with wood-burning fireplace, picture window, and sliding glass door to the rear yard
Partially covered patio area for entertaining, mature foliage, and charming orange trees
Sought-after Los Altos schools: Springer Elementary, Georgina P. Blach Intermediate, and Mountain View High (Buyer to verify enrollment)
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
After years of planning, the Menlo Park City Council will move forward with the construction of a $62 million tunnel to connect Alma Street and El Camino Real, despite its “shocking” price tag and funding uncertainty.
Council on Tuesday agreed to spend $7.4 million to finalize the tunnel project design and then seek additional funding to cover the construction shortfall, estimated at $34 million to $43 million, according to Public Works Director Azalea Mitch. The tunnel would go under the railroad tracks to connect Alma Street and El Camino Real, cutting down travel times for pedestrians and cyclists by more than a half mile.
“The price tag is shocking. I think this will become a vital part of the area,” Councilman Jeff Schmidt said.
Council weighs options
The city has $22 million set aside for the Middle Avenue tunnel. Council had the option to finalize the design to be shovel-ready while still seeking additional funding, build the project in stages based on available funding or stop the project.
Councilman Drew Combs favored building the project in stages, and compared it to buying a Ferrari. He said if he wanted a Ferrari right now, he wouldn’t be able to pay for it and would need to finance it, which would cost him more.
“If you’ve got the money, some money now or some way to access some part of the project now, then that’s what you take,” Combs said. “That’s the only thing that guarantees that you’ll ever have people in the tunnel or you’ll ever be driving that Ferrari.”
Schmidt agreed with Combs because of the level of uncertainty, and it was unclear what funding would look like. The city has “funding hopes
and dreams,” but nothing is concrete, Schmidt said.
Councilwomen Betsy Nash, Jennifer Wise and Cecilia Taylor agreed to shut down the railroad tracks for one weekend, provide bus services and have short night closures that would last four to six hours. Construction is expected to take 13 to 16 months, according to Mitch.
Interim chief of design and construction for Caltrain, Sherry Bullock, said there would be consequences if the city chose to build the project in stages, as it would become more expensive and cause more disruption to train services.
Residents had mixed feelings about the project, with some speaking against it and others in support.
“We know every person in the city is not going to use this bike tunnel. Most people get around by car. Is this the best use of our money? It’s not all coming out of the city’s pockets, but I’m a taxpayer. It’s coming out of my pockets,” Sue Kayton said.
The city hasn’t considered the cost of maintaining the tunnel and of police patrolling the area, Kayton said.
Homeless people will use the tunnel as a shelter, which will make it less appealing for residents to use, Michael Barclay said.
Katie Behroozi said the project will be useful for future residents, as it will be a route from Belle Haven to Oak Knoll.
The tunnel will help relieve the pressure cyclists face while riding through Ravenswood Avenue congestion, Ken Kershner said.
The idea to build a tunnel under the railroad tracks has bounced around for decades, but the most recent plans started in 2016. Council will review the final design of the project in a future meeting and discuss funding options.
Work with a specialist. Work with Tim Trailer.
Tim has sold $2+ Billion in home sales and knows every facet of the residential real estate business, including new construction. He holds the Certified Residential Specialist designation, awarded by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. He is an Associate Broker with Compass, combining his expertise and knowledge with the cutting edge, high-tech platform of Compass.
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The Post prints the latest real estate transactions:
PALO ALTO
3839 Ross Road, 94303, 3 bedrooms, 1631 square feet, built in 1955, Dilley Living Trust to Ying and ChiWei Kung for $3,185,000, closed Jan. 2 (last sale: $230,000, 10-01-86)
566 Addison Ave., 94301, 2366 square feet, built in 1900, Toney 2005 Family Trust to Chaochao and Rui Luo for $3,325,000, closed Jan. 2
EAST PALO ALTO
120 Gardenia Way, 94303, 3 bedrooms, 1110 square feet, built in 1950, Elarms Living Trust to Anita and Israel Sainz for $930,000, closed Dec. 25
MENLO PARK
1360 Trinity Drive, 94025, 2 bedrooms, 2270 square feet, built in 1986, Critzer Family Trust to Venus Ventures LLC for $2,020,000, closed Dec. 28 (last sale: $910,000, 12-22-98)
65 Yale Road, 94025, 2 bedrooms, 1360 square feet, built in 1936, Irby Trust to Smith Trust for $2,100,000, closed Dec. 27
MOUNTAIN VIEW
88 Church St., 94041, 2 bedrooms, 874 square feet, built in 1947, Daniel Jordan to Shen Living Trust for $1,870,000, closed Dec. 30 (last sale: $1,656,000, 08-19-19)
1190 Maria Privada, 94040, 4 bedrooms, 2493 square feet, built in 1986, Tenover Living Trust to Sakiba and Faisal Sikder for $2,755,000, closed Dec. 30 (last sale: $1,092,000, 07-22-09)
932 Ormonde Drive, 94043, 4 bedrooms, 1852 square feet, built in 1964, Sv Ventures Holdings LLC to Chengwen and Zhijun Dong for $3,050,000, closed Jan. 2 (last sale: $1,700,000, 06-20-25)
135 Wyndham Drive, 94028, 4 bedrooms, 3270 square feet, built in 1950, Anderson Trust to Karon Family Trust for $4,600,000, closed Dec. 25 (last sale: $3,600,000, 08-31-16)
415 Golden Oak Drive, 94028, 4 bedrooms, 3700 square feet, built in 1961, Weissman Trust to Lauren and Kanishka Maheshwari for $5,300,000, closed Dec. 29 (last sale: $2,100,000, 10-12-04)
3451 Oak Knoll Drive, 94062, 3 bedrooms, 1308 square feet, built in 1936, Cobb Family Trust to Jamianne Bright for $1,950,000, closed Dec. 29 (last sale: $460,000, 10-31-03)
190 Rutherford Ave., 94061, 3 bedrooms, 1160 square feet, built in 1948, Charlton Ho to
Yinan and Luyang Huang for $1,770,000, closed Dec. 26 (last sale: $925,000, 10-10-13)
3232 Page St., 94063, 4 bedrooms, 2384 square feet, built in 1955, April and Matthew Quilter to 1065 Nithsdale LLC for $1,850,000, closed Dec. 25 (last sale: $1,675,000, 09-07-18)
3622 Farm Hill Blvd., 94061, 3 bedrooms, 1940 square feet, built in 1959, Olivia and Rodney Miller to Qianyi and Ying Li for $1,850,000, closed Dec. 27 (last sale: $976,000, 05-26-06)
793 Orange Ave., 94070, 3 bedrooms, 1605 square feet, built in 1948, Mary McGuire to Shadfar Family Trust for $2,450,000, closed Dec. 26 (last sale: $345,000, 04-01-91)
2250 Carmelita Drive, 94070, 3 bedrooms, 2440 square feet, built in 1948, Velichko Family Trust to Leung-Huang Family Trust for $3,830,000, closed Dec. 29 (last sale: $775,000, 07-12-11)
19 Loma Vista Lane, 94002, 3 bedrooms, 1890 square feet, built in 2003, Fox Trust to Hannah and Bhuvadej Meesamanyont for $2,058,000, closed Dec. 25 (last sale: $830,000, 03-04-03)
1 W. Edith Avenue #A101
First-floor Parc Regent condominium (age 55+ active community)
Wonderful downtown location just across from the Los Altos Village
• 1 bedroom, large den/office, and 2 full baths
Approximately 1,050 square feet
Hardwood floors, gas-log fireplace, crown moldings, and recessed lights
• Sliding glass doors to a patio
• Remodeled kitchen with honed quartzite and counter seating
Spacious primary suite with remodeled bath
Large office/den doubles as a guest room
• Washer/dryer, underground parking, and large storage closet
HOA fees $1,068 per month
Amenities include community room with continental breakfast, gym, community garden, central pool and spa
TRIANON WAY, LOS ALTOS OFFERED AT $4,798,000 · 4 BEDS · 3 BATHS · ±2,404 SQFT · ±11,070 SQFT LOT
Nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac in North Los Altos. Moments from the Village and top rated Los Altos Schools. 260 Trianon Way is a beautiful single-story home offering 2,400+ sf of living space on over a 1/4 acre lot (11,070 sf). Featuring 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Designed for everyday living, it offers formal living and dining rooms, beautifully remodeled kitchen and inviting family room. Glass doors connect to the resort style backyard with a sparkling pool and multiple play areas. Enjoy the best of California living in one of Los Altos most sought after neighborhoods.
A rare architectural treasure perched atop a gently sloping acre near Gunn High — brown-shingle, Maybeckinspired design. Three bedrooms, four baths, sunlit patios & wisteria arbors. Expansive owner’s suite, two offices, classic oak & redwood interior, and spacious living room anchored by a massive brick hearth. Professionally landscaped garden and serene open space. One-car attached + three-car detached garage. Two horses allowed. Top PA schools and potential for future lot flexibility (buyer to verify).
Tastefully reimagined and architecturally expanded, this exceptional Midtown residence blends contemporary sophistication with timeless design. The main home offers 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms,
thoughtfully curated materials throughout.
Complementing the primary residence is a spacious and private 2-bedroom, 2-bath ADU—ideal for extended family, guests, or
designed for everyday functionality.
Located in the coveted Midtown neighborhood and served by top-rated schools, this home enjoys close proximity to local parks and convenient access to major commuter routes.
A rare architectural offering delivering turnkey
and an elevated lifestyle in a
Times shown are when a report was made to police. Information is from police department logs. All of the people named here are innocent until proven guilty in court.
JAN. 13
8:50 p.m. — Battery that causes serious injuries, Arastradero Road.
JAN. 17
3:41 a.m. — Daniel James Caspary, 29, of San Jose, cited on a warrant, Downtown Palo Alto Caltrain Station.
JAN. 20
12:19 a.m. — Hermenegildo Vasquez Salinas, 24, of Sunnyvale, arrested for DUI, Alma St. and W. Meadow Drive.
JAN. 21
6:53 p.m. — Home burglary, 3300 block of Kenneth Drive.
7:54 p.m. — Home burglary, 1000 block of McGregor Way.
JAN. 22
12:33 a.m. — Heber Martinez, 34, of Mountain View, arrested for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, 4100 block of El Camino.
2:21 p.m. — Mark David King, 40, of Palo Alto, cited on a warrant, 200 block of Lytton Ave.
4:07 p.m. — Vehicle accident causes injuries, 900 block of Oregon Expressway.
9:54 p.m. — Auto burglary, 4100 block of El Camino.
9:35 p.m. — Auto burglary, 500 block of Cowper St.
10:05 p.m. — Home burglary, 2000 block of Amherst St.
11:27 p.m. — Auto burglary, 3400 block of Alma St.
FRIDAY
1:56 a.m. — Auto burglary, 400 block of University Ave.
7:52 p.m. — Victim scammed, 600 block of Hansen Way.
8:51 p.m. — Home burglary, 1900 block of Barbara Drive.
SATURDAY
12:48 p.m. — Grand theft at Stanford Hospital ER, 1199 Welch Road.
7:49 p.m. — Vehicle tampering, 2200 block of Cowper St.
SUNDAY
12:57 a.m. — Sexual battery, Emerson St.
5:48 a.m. — Pedestrian hit and killed by a vehicle on the Embarcadero on-ramp to southbound Highway 101. The vehicle flees the scene.
11:35 a.m. — Vandalism, 500 block of High St.
MONDAY
7:54 a.m. — Vehicle collision causes injuries, Bayfront Expressway and Chrysler Drive.
8:45 a.m. — Erik Foote, 36, of San Francisco, cited for being under the influence of drugs, 300 block of Ravenswood Ave.
11:08 a.m. — Alexander Orsini, 67, of South San Francisco, cited on a warrant, 1200 block of Crane St.
1:17 p.m. — Miyani Ryan, 19, of San Francisco, cited for shoplifting, 1000 block of University Drive.
12:15 p.m. — Burglary, 200 block of O’Connor St.
7:15 p.m. — Three-vehicle collision causes minor injuries, Newbridge St. and Willow Road.
JAN. 19
3:45 p.m. — Parts and/or accessories stolen from a vehicle, 700 block of Campus Drive.
4:01 p.m. — Parts and/or accessories stolen from a vehicle, 200 block of Panama St.
4:44 p.m. — Electric bike stolen, 300 block of Santa Teresa St.
5:08 p.m. — Parts and/or accessories stolen from a vehicle, 200 block of Panama St.
8:44 p.m. — Theft from a vehicle, 500 block of Via Ortega.
JAN. 18
6:29 p.m. — Kristi Mendoza Gonzalez, 37, transient, arrested on a warrant at 7-Eleven, 615 S. Rengstorff Ave.
8:49 p.m. — Mauricio Garcia Dominguez, 36, arrested for DUI that causes injuries and possession and transportation of drugs for sale, Central Expressway and Whisman Station Road. Charris Mast, 47, of San Jose, arrested for possession and transportation of drugs for sale.
10:04 p.m. — Grand theft at Molly Magee’s, 241 Castro St. 11:10 p.m. — Robbery at 7-Eleven, 1951 Old Middlefield Way. JAN. 19
1:33 p.m. — Theft at Target, 555 Showers Drive.
4:05 p.m. — Enrique Campus, 29, of San Jose, arrested for theft of a vehicle, drug possession, illegal possession of ammunition and probation violation, 1000 block of N. Shoreline Blvd. A count of bringing drugs into a jail is added later.
4:44 p.m. — Dhashartu Shrivathsa,
28, transient, arrested for possession of paint thinner or a similar substance for the purpose of huffing it, Dana and Franklin streets.
SATURDAY
2:10 p.m. — Max Michael Davenport, 32, cited for reckless driving, Skyline Blvd. and Redwood Terrace.
FRIDAY
1:30 a.m. — Auto burglary, McGarvey Ave.
2:31 a.m. — Auto burglary, Hudson St.
3:04 a.m. — Anderson Rivas, 21, of Redwood City, arrested on a warrant, 200 block of Walnut St.
6:14 a.m. — Auto burglary, Lincoln Ave.
6:47 a.m. — Auto burglary, Fulton St.
7:24 a.m. — Auto burglary, Fairview Ave.
7:35 a.m. — Auto burglary, Redwood Ave.
7:36 a.m. — Auto burglary, Redwood Ave.
7:38 a.m. — Auto burglary, McKinley St.
8:15 a.m. — Auto burglary, Lincoln Ave.
10:13 a.m. — Auto burglary, Ruby St.
11:17 a.m. — Guadalupe Geronimo Munoz Perez, 29, of Redwood City, cited for shoplifting at Target, 2485 El Camino.
12:50 p.m. — Auto burglary, Lincoln Ave.
12:55 p.m. — Auto burglary, McKinley St.
1:09 p.m. — Vehicle stolen, El Camino.
2:03 p.m. — Vehicle hits a pedestrian, who suffers minor injuries, Jefferson Ave.
3:41 p.m. — Auto burglary, Topaz St.
5:47 p.m. — Caller reports a teen boy took the caller’s electric scooter. Location not disclosed due to juvenile involvement.
SATURDAY
2:52 a.m. — Caller reports seeing a large group of people fighting, Main St. The fighters are gone when police arrive.
7:30 a.m. — Tires slashed, Regent St.
11:54 a.m. — Electric bike rider crashes and hits a railing, causing minor injuries, Chestnut St.
3:57 p.m. — Julian Duchesne, 62,
of Redwood City, cited on a warrant, 800 block of Winslow St.
7:28 p.m. — Caller says five people are beating up another man, Jefferson Ave. Police are unable to find the involved parties.
9:37 p.m. — Auto burglary, El Camino.
JAN. 22
12:01 a.m. — Carlos Felipe Velez, 39, of San Francisco, arrested on multiple warrants, 1000 block of El Camino.
1:05 p.m. — Puja Nakrani, 25, of San Jose, arrested for DUI following a hit-and-run accident, 500 block of Taylor Way.
3:16 p.m. — Man and woman steal merchandise worth about $130 from a store, 1100 block of Industrial Road.
MONDAY
10 a.m. — Vehicle hits a parked vehicle and turns over, Hastings and Carlmont drives. No injuries reported.
11:38 a.m. — Karla M. Scattergood, 48, arrested for burglary, possession of a fake ID, identity theft and on a warrant, 1000 block of El Camino.
12:07 p.m. — Locks cut off of emergency training trailers and tools stolen, Shoreway Road.
10:50 p.m. — Victor Lee Williams, 41, arrested on a warrant, 1000 block of Old County Road.
TUESDAY
4:47 p.m. — Caller says she saw her sister’s partner slap the sister in the face, Crestview Ave.
From the Redwood City office of the CHP, which covers the Mid-Peninsula. JAN. 10
Jose A. Abrego Gomez, 20, arrested for DUI.
Josue G. Anaya-Samano, 34, arrested for driving under the influence of both alcohol and drugs.
Elvin Humkic, 20, arrested for DUI. JAN. 12
Ignacio Garcia, 52, arrested for bringing drugs into a jail. JAN. 13
Cesar G. Camorlinga, 52, arrested for DUI.
Rigoberto A. Cinto Perez, 21, arrested for DUI.
Yadi Fu, 33, arrested for DUI. JAN. 14
Roque A. Diaz Mendez, 61, arrested for DUI.
BY JAKE COYLE Associated Press Writer
In all the dystopian visions of the future that the movies have trotted out over the last few decades, the one that sticks the most, surprisingly, is “WALL-E.” That’s not just because of the chastening sight of an over-polluted Earth or those sedentary humans glued to their screens. It’s because those quite plausible possibilities mean something different in a kids movie. It’s their future, after all.
Some of the same can be said about Ugo Bienvenu’s “Arco,” a charming and dreamy sci-fi animated movie where environmental catastrophe and cartoony fun collide. Like “WALL-E,” there are heroic robots in “Arco,” an Oscar nominee for best animated feature. But it’s the film’s plucky young protagonists that give Bienvenu’s future-set film its heart.
Future of extremes
The film opens in a distant future where a family lives on “Jetsons”-like platforms in the clouds. They wear drab onesies (fashion sense has seemingly been lost along with the Earth’s surface) but sport rainbow cloaks that enable them to fly through time, leaving a rainbow streak behind.
Though 10-year-old Arco (voiced by Juliano Krue Valdi in the English dub) has been told he can’t fly until he’s older, he sneaks off with his sister’s cape and accidentally crash lands in 2075.
“Arco” is the unusual movie to exist in two future times, never our present. And it can take a moment to acclimate to both its jumbled timeline and the sheer amount of rainbows. But Bienvenu, a French comic-book artist making his directorial debut, richly imagines a 2075 future of recognizable extremes.
Storms have become so violent that homes now have protective bubbles around them. Adults work such long hours in a distant city that they are usually mere holograms to their kids — an image that will send shudders down
the spine of any parent who Zooms from a work trip. For Iris (voiced by Romy Fay) and her baby brother, the family robot does most of the parenting. In fact, robots do most things: teaching, construction, medical aid.
Friends and foes
Iris, a sharp young girl, sees Arco’s rainbow fly into the woods and runs to find him. At the same time, three bumbling, oddly dressed fellows, dressed in primary colors and wearing rainbow glasses, come looking for him. This trio — voiced in the English dub by
Will Ferrell, Andy Samberg and Flea — are a goofy and very French addition to the movie. Ferrell and company are a marked improvement from the original.
But there’s no harm in giving “Arco” some Saturday-morning-cartoon slapstick to go with the apocalyptic doom. Those three, believing they’re hot on a time-travel trail, stay in pursuit while Arco and Iris develop a friendship and learn about each’s eras.
Parents remain largely absent. In “Arco,” kids are left to fend for themselves in a world of technology and ecological disaster. (In one of the movie’s most damning moments, the kids find refuge in a library because no one goes in there anymore.) But while there’s no shortage of films that comment on our overly digital lives, technology is far from a villain in “Arco.” It is closer to the savior.
So while Bienvenu’s film bears similarities to movies before it — Arco is far from the first future boy to fall from the sky — it’s the first that I recall that so directly confronts ecological apocalypse and yet still finds a thrillingly optimistic note to end on. Thrilling because it puts the future in the hands of the young. “Arco” dares to imagine a fate for them, somewhere over the rainbow.
Release info
“Arco,” a Neon release in theaters tomorrow, is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association for action/peril, mild thematic elements and a brief injury image. Running time: 89 minutes.
man Pat Burt, who serves on the committee alongside Julie Lythcott-Haims and Keith Reckdahl.
As the city discusses plans for Cubberley, TheatreWorks employees felt it would be “most collaborative” to come out with the news now and be a part of the conversation, Executive Director Phil Santora said in a statement to the Post.
The idea came to be when a Palo Alto city employee was at a TheaterWorks event and approached TheatreWorks about being part of Cubberley, Lythcott-Haims told the Post.
Renovations sought
For years, the city’s community discussion and information on Cubberley’s updates mainly revolved around fixing aging infrastructure to meet earthquake, fire and safety requirements.
The council outlined ideas of ambitious amenities that could be built at Cubberley – a performing arts center, wellness center and updated educational spaces – but there were concerns about whether residents would be open to funding such efforts.
According to a poll last year from the city, 66% of the respondents supported passing a measure to fund repairs and upgrades at the center. However there was less support for funding future amenities, with respondents wanting to keep the plans simple. Around 40% considered it important to create new spaces for children and families.
They’ll chip in
But with organizations like TheatreWorks offering to chip in and help pay the bill, there could be more public support, according to Lythcott-Haims.
“This is the second independent group to raise their hands and say ‘we want in’ and these partnerships could play a vital role in garnering public support for the project come November,” Lythcott-Haims told the Post.
The city is also considering pursuing a collaboration with Friends of Palo Alto Recreation and Wellness Center, for a new gymnasium space on another portion of Cubberley.
Although the amount is not finalized, Burt said TheatreWorks is expected to raise millions of dollars for Cubberley.
“It’s a really sizable investment,” he said. “They
are hoping, and we’re hoping, that it will come to fruition.”
Had to raise money before Santora said TheatreWorks plans to launch a “major capital campaign” to raise the money.
TheatreWorks have made money-raising efforts in the past, most notably in 2023. The nonprofit at the time said they were facing financial shortfalls from the after-effects of the pandemic, which saw audience attendance decline at live theatre performances. The group raised $4 million by the end of 2023, a million more than their intended goal.
TheatreWorks currently splits its productions between Palo Alto’s Lucie Stern Theatre and at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts.
If the Cubberley project is built, it will be up to the city to decide what Lucie Stern’s future will be, Santora said. Lucie Stern is also home to the Palo Alto Players and West Bay Opera. It also hosts other events that come to town.
nanigans,” Dailey said at the meeting. Vice Mayor Larry Lang said he doesn’t want council to spend time on an appointment process for a term expiring at the end of the year. Waiting for the November election would allow someone to get a four-year term.
District elections coming
Council in November is having its first by-district election, rather than having the entire city elect council members.
Council divided Los Altos into five districts after receiving a letter threatening a lawsuit from Malibu attorney Kevin Shenkman, who said citywide elections disadvantaged Asian candidates.
Two seats are up for grabs in 2026 — District 2 and District 4.
District 2 is on the south end of the city and includes the area around Grant Park and neighborhoods just north of Fremont Avenue.
Councilmen look ahead
Dailey lives in District 2 and is up for re-election this year. He said yesterday that he is “weighing options for 2026.”
District 4 includes downtown and runs from North
El Monte Avenue to around Los Altos High School. Lang has already thrown his hat in the ring for District 4.
“It’s rather early for an election in November, but I expect many residents won’t be aware of the details of the transition from at-large to district council members. I wanted to make enough time to explain what’s going on,” he said in an email.
state hospital for life, Wagstaffe said. Doctors said Aguilar still has the same tendencies when he was convicted, according to Wagstaffe.
From October 2002 through January 2003, Aguilar molested an 8-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl he used to babysit, Chief Deputy District Attorney ShinMee Chang previously said. The mother of the two children moved into Aguilar’s relatives’ home, where Aguilar often visited, giving him easy access to the children, Chang said. Aguilar touched the boy multiple times, even after the boy would ask him to stop, according to Wagstaffe.
Mom reported it
The girl told one of the adults in the home at the time that she saw Aguilar touching her brother, according to Chang. They then told the mom who reported it to the police, Chang said.
Aguilar pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Feb. 2, 2004.
Doctors believe Aguilar would continue to act in sexually predatory ways with children because of his pedophilic disorder after asking him questions about his feelings about certain scenarios, Wagstaffe said.
How law works
Under state law, people who are convicted of certain violent sex crimes are evaluated before their release from prison to see if they meet the criteria for being classified as a “sexually violent predator.” The criteria include being diagnosed with a mental disorder that makes the person likely to commit additional violent sex crimes.
If they meet the criteria, the offender is committed to a state mental hospital. The offender can then petition the court once a year to be released. The Department of State Hospitals, or DSH, can also recommend the release of an offender.
If you’re struggling with fatigue, brain fog, chronic inflammation, weight resistance, or “normal” labs that don’t match how you feel, your toxic load may be the missing link. Symptoms Checklist:
Brain Fog,
Word Loss,
Mood Swings
BY CAYLA MIHALOVICH AND MAYA C. MILLER CalMatters
California Democratic senators advanced a measure Tuesday that would make it easier for people to sue federal agents over civil rights violations, a bill shaped by fears of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement practices.
The bill from Sens. Scott Wiener and Aisha Wahab, both Bay Area Democrats, took on additional significance after federal agents gunned down Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and ICU nurse, in Minnesota last weekend. Senators discussed the measure on the floor for more than 90 minutes before voting along party lines, 30 to 10, to send it to the Assembly.
“It’s a sad statement on where we are in this country that this has to be a partisan issue,” Wiener said just before the vote on his bill, which is also known as the “No Kings Act.” “Red, blue, everyone has constitutional rights. And everyone should have the ability to hold people accountable when they violate those rights.”
It’s among several bills lawmakers are moving forward in the new year to confront an escalation of aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and to protect immigrant communities. They include bills that would tax for-profit detention companies, prohibit law enforcement officers from moonlighting as federal agents and attempt to curb courthouse arrests.
Those efforts follow a slate of legislation signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year to resist the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign in California, including a first-inthe nation measure to prohibit officers from wearing masks and others that limit their access to schools and hospitals.
While some of those laws are facing legal challenges, the new batch of proposals offer “practical solutions that are squarely within the state’s control,” said Shiu-Ming Cheer, deputy director at California Immigrant Policy Center.
Here’s a look at some of the key bills lawmakers are considering:
No moonlighting
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, a Democrat from Culver City, authored a bill that would prohibit law enforcement from taking a side job as a federal immigration agent.
At a press conference in San Francisco this month, Bryan said the measure is especially timely as the federal administration ramps up its recruitment of California’s local law enforcement.
“We don’t collaborate in the kidnapping of our own community members, but there is a loophole in state law,” he said. “While you can’t collaborate with ICE while you are working in your police shift, you can take a second job with the Department of Homeland Security. And I don’t think that that is right.”
In an interview with CalMatters, he said the legislation is intended to bring
transparency and accountability, and to close that loophole.
“The federal administration has created not just a secret police but a secret military at the expense of health care, social safety nets, and key benefits that the American people need and rely on to make it through the day,” said Bryan. “All of those resources have been rerouted to the unaccounted militarized force patrolling our streets and literally killing American citizens.”
Stay away from courthouses
Sen. Eloise Gomez Reyes, a Democrat from San Bernardino, introduced legislation to prevent federal immigration agents from making “unannounced and indiscriminate” arrests in courthouses.
The legislation was introduced nearly two weeks after a federal judge ordered that the U.S. Justice Department halt civil arrests in immigration courts across Northern California, ruling that its deportation policies hadn’t addressed the “chilling effects, safety risks, and impacts on hearing attendance.”
Efforts to bolster protections in California courthouses have also been championed by Sen. Susan Rubio, a Democrat from West Covina, who introduced a bill that would allow remote courthouse appearances for the majority of civil or criminal state court hearings, trials or conferences until January 2029.
Taxing detention centers
Assemblymember Matt Haney, a Democrat from San Francisco, introduced a bill that would place a 50% tax on profits from immigration detention centers. Over 5,700 people are being held in seven immigration detention centers across California, three of which are located in Kern County.
Escalating 'resistance'
Cheer, of California Immigrant Policy Center, said the early introduction of the bills demonstrates more urgency from the state Legislature to tackle issues around immigration enforcement.
“My hope for this year is that the state can be as bold and innovative as possible seeing the crisis communities are facing from immigration enforcement,” she said.
That means ensuring funding for attorneys to represent people facing deportation, addressing existing gaps in state laws around information sharing with the federal government, and looking into companies that are directly profiting from the business of arresting and deporting people, Cheer said.
Republicans have criticized the measures, which they characterize as overstepping on federal priorities.
“No one likes to see what’s happening in Minnesota. No one wants to see that coming to California,” said Sen. Tony Strickland, a Republican representing Huntington Beach. Instead, he argued, cities and states should jettison their so-called “sanctuary” policies that hamper coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Notice is hereby given that the governing board (“Board”) of the Mountain View Whisman School District (“District”) will receive sealed bids to construct the following project:
District Wide Bottle Filler Project (“Project” or “Contract”)
Bidders must submit sealed bids on or before 1:00p.m., February 19, 2026,at the District Office, located at 1400 Montecito Avenue, Mountain View, California 94043, and Bidders must ensure that the District time stamps the Bidder’s bid at or before that time. After the designated bid opening time, the District will open the bids and publicly read them aloud. Any claim by a Bidder of error in its bid must be made in compliance with Public Contract Code § 5100, et seq. The District is not responsible for (1) bids received after the deadline noted above; or (2) bids misdelivered, by any method, even to a different District address.
The Project consists of:
Phase 1 Five (5) Sites: Crittenden MS, Graham MS, Mistral ES, Monta Loma ES, Theurkauf ES
Phase 2 Two (2) Sites: Stevenson ES, Vargas ES
Replace existing trough drinking fountain.
Install a new Hi-Lo drinking fountain with bottle filler.
All bids shall be on the forms provided by the District. Each bid must conform and be responsive to all pertinent bid and Contract Documents, including, but not limited to, the Instructions to Bidders.
To bid on this Project, the Bidder is required to possess one or more of the following State of California Contractor Licenses:
A
– General Engineering Contractor
B – General Building Contractor
C36 – Plumbing Contractor
The Bidder’s license(s) must be active and in good standing at the time of the bid opening and must remain so throughout the term of the Contract.
As security for its Bid, each Bidder shall provide with its Bid form
• a bid bond issued by an admitted surety insurer on the form provided by the District,
• cash, or
• a cashier’s check or a certified check, drawn to the order of the Mountain View Whisman School District, in the amount of ten percent (10%) of the total bid price. This bid security shall be a guarantee that the Bidder shall, within seven (7) calendar days after the date of the Notice of Award, enter into a contract with the District for the performance of the services as stipulated in the bid.
The successful Bidder shall be required to furnish a 100% Performance Bond and a 100% Payment Bond if it is awarded the Contract for the Project.
The successful Bidder may substitute securities for any monies withheld by the District to ensure performance under the Contract, in accordance with the provisions of Public Contract Code § 22300.
The successful Bidder and its subcontractors shall pay all workers on the Project not less than the general prevailing rate of per diem wages and the general prevailing rate for holiday and overtime work as determined by the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations, State of California, for the type of work performed and the locality in which the work is to be performed within the boundaries of the District, pursuant to Labor Code § 1770 et seq. Prevailing wage rates are on file with the District and are available to any interested party on request or at www.dir.ca.gov/oprl/statistics_and_databases.html. Bidders and Bidders’ subcontractors shall comply with the registration and qualification requirements pursuant to Labor Code §§ 1725.5 & 1771.1.
A voluntary pre-bid conference and site visit will be held on February 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Crittenden Middle School, 1701 Rock Street, Mountain View, California 94043. All prospective Bidders are required to sign in at the Administration Building. The Site Visit is expected to take approximately two [2] hours. Additional site walks TBD at job walk.
Contract Documents are available on January 21, 2026, for review by contacting Brenda Parella-Greystone West brenda@greystonewest.com for an electronic set of plans and a list of the builders’ exchanges.
The District’s Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids and/or waive any irregularity in any bid received. If the District awards the Contract, the security of unsuccessful Bidder(s) shall be returned within sixty (60) days from the time the award is made. Unless otherwise required by law, no Bidder may withdraw its bid or bid security for ninety (90) days after the date of the bid opening.
The District shall award the Contract, if it awards it at all, to the lowest responsive responsible Bidder based on: The base bid amount only.
Mountain View Whisman School District By: Rebecca Westover, Ed. D, Chief Business Officer
THE REVIEWS ARE IN: CRITICS and audiences alike are loving TheatreWorks Silicon Valley’s “Hershey Felder: The Piano and Me,” now playing at Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. Bay City News deems the World Premiere “Exhilarating. Riveting, entertaining,” while Theater by the Bay commends it as “arresting. A deeply intimate look at an amazing artist.” For All Events lauds it as “Very highly recommended. Master storyteller. Music of the highest order.” Don’t miss your chance to see Hershey Felder onstage. Tickets are selling fast for this limited engagement, which must close February 8. Grab your tickets now at theatreworks.org.
ELEVATE OAKLAND, THE NONPROFIT COFOUNDED by Bay Area legend Sheila E., joins forces with NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott for a special Super Bowl benefit concert on February 6 at The Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, with Sheila E. headlining alongside the rising stars of Oakland Rising. Proceeds support music education and arts programs that empower youth throughout Oakland.
PHILHARMONIA BAROQUE ORCHESTRA & CHORALE invites audiences to step into the sound world of 18th century Italy and France with “Baroque Garlands” performing 1:00pm Sunday, Feb. 8 at Bing Concert Hall (327 Lasuen St, Stanford). Join Philharmonia for a dazzling afternoon of Baroque music performed on period instruments, beginning with Handel’s bombastic choral opus “Dixit Dominus” and Rameau’s “La Guirlande,” telling the lighthearted tale of romance nearly undone by an enchanted
garland. Experience French dance rhythms, operatic arias, bold choral writing, and electrifying conductorship from Nicholas McGegan, featuring unique preserved instruments. “Baroque Garlands” plays one show only in Stanford. Tickets available at philharmonia.org.
will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, located at 1105 Valparaiso Avenue, Menlo Park. All proceeds generated from the car wash will be dedicated to purchasing a vehicle for Coach Tae, the beloved basketball coach.
COME ON OVER
COUPLES LOOKING TO BREAK FROM Valentine’s Day tradition can find a playful alternative at The Ameswell Hotel. The hotel’s Valentine Mystery Dinner invites guests into an interactive evening of intrigue, featuring a three-course prix fixe menu priced at $89++ as the story unfolds throughout the night. Blending drama, suspense, and lighthearted fun, the experience offers a fresh take on Valentine’s celebrations. Perfect for those who prefer a little mystery alongside dinner.
THE HILLVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL AND MenloAtherton High School Basketball Teams have formed a collaborative effort to raise funds for the current Hillview Middle School basketball coach, Jhavante Hill. As a prominent figure in the MenloAtherton basketball community, Coach Tae has previously coached the Menlo-Atherton freshman basketball team and currently leads the Hillview Middle School basketball team. Coach Tae has had to rely on public transportation and colleagues for commuting to and from practice and games. In light of these circumstances, the Hillview Middle and Menlo-Atherton High School basketball teams are partnering with the Menlo-Atherton Service Learning Center to host a car wash on Saturday, January 31st, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The event
AND TREAT yourself to a meal at the stunning MacArthur Park restaurant and bar!
Faz has really made a wonderful place here, a beloved spot in Palo Alto with a great menu and tasty specials every day. Faz and his team at MacArthur Park promise you’ll have a fantastic and delicious dinner in one of the most beautiful and historic restaurants in Palo Alto. They are offering a special five-course Valentine’s dinner on Friday, February 13th, and Saturday, February 14th from 5pm to 9pm. You can find the full menu on www. macpark.com, or call them at 650-321-9990 to make a reservation. MacArthur Park is conveniently located in downtown Palo Alto, just a short walk from the Caltrain station at 27 University Ave.
JOIN THE CALIFORNIA TASK FORCE 3–Foundation and the Menlo Park Fire Protection District for their 1st Annual Crab Cioppino Feed. The event will feature a canine demonstration, a meet-and-greet with handlers, and photo opportunities with their K9 teams. Guests can also enjoy live music throughout the night and an opportunity to connect with the community in support of those who serve during challenging times. Saturday, Feb. 28, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Menlo Park Fire Protection District | CA-TF3 Warehouse, 2470 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto.
