WEDNESDAY, May 27, 2026
Please
Antisemitism lawsuit
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
Sequoia Union High School District has settled a lawsuit filed by six families who claimed teachers and administrators at Woodside and Menlo-Atherton high schools failed to address a rise in antisemitism.
The settlement agreement, signed by the district’s board on Thursday, includes:
• Over the next three years, teachers must clear any materials related to the conflict in Gaza with an independent reviewer who will be agreed upon by the district and the parents,
• Improving the district’s process for investigating antisemitism complaints, including hiring an outside investigator,
• Changing district policy to name and define antisemitism as a prohibited form of discrimination,
• Mandatory annual antisemitism training for all district employees who work with students,
• A payment from the district of $325,000, which includes attorney’s
PAXTON WINS IN TEXAS: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. He defeated four-term Sen. John Cornyn. Paxton was endorsed by President Trump last week. His victory in yesterday’s runoff makes Cornyn the first Republican senator from Texas to lose the party’s nomination for reelection. Trump endorsed Paxton.
META LAYOFFS: Meta has filed with state officials that it will layoff 338 employees at its Burlingame campus. It has not publicly announced any firings at any of its Menlo Park campuses yet. The company plans to fire about 8,000 people as it makes the move to AI.
PAPER MILL EXPLOSION: One person has died and nine others were unaccounted for after a chemical tank imploded at a pulp and paper mill in Washington state. Nine others were injured in the spill, some severely.
EVAC LIFTED: Officials have lifted evacuation orders for final 16,000 residents near a damaged chemical tank in an Orange County town. Officials had said earlier that the [See THE UPDATE, page 27]
fees, to the families,
• An outside investigator will be hired to oversee the district’s compliance with the settlement over the next three years, and will conduct a formal investigation into the district’s handling of antisemitism complaints in 2024 and write a public report about if the district followed state and federal law.
“We believe this represents the most
[See LAWSUIT, page 22]
Clarence B. Jones, a former speechwriter and confidante of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who helped pen his famous “I Have A Dream” speech, has died. He was 95.
Jones died Friday at a senior living community in Cupertino, according to a statement released by the family, who was at his side.
“Our father lived a life of conscience,” the Jones’ family said yesterday. “He believed, until his final days, that an idea” is “more powerful than the march of any army. We are grateful beyond words for the love, the prayers, and the friendships that sustained him, and us, across this long and remarkable life.”
As King’s personal attorney, Jones was heavily involved in some of the key moments of the Civil Rights Movement. He is credited with smug-
[See DREAM, page 22]
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
A Woodside man accused of molesting boys was found guilty by jurors yesterday, a prosecutor said. Alan Frank Russell, 84, was found
guilty of 14 felony charges after nearly a month-long trial, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. Russell faces life in prison for assaulting multiple victims, Wagstaffe said.
Jurors heard the testimony from
multiple victims throughout the trial as to how Russell molested them, and after three days of deliberations, jurors found Russell guilty, Wagstaffe said. Russell is accused of repeatedly as-
[See GUILTY, page 23]
CLARENCE B. JONES, former speech writer for Martin Luther King Jr., stands next to the Warrior’s Steph Curry during the playing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before a May 31, 2024, Giants game. AP photo.
Locally owned, independent
Elect a Professional.
❝ Jim Irizarry is the only qualified candidate, who is already professionally certified, to hold this important office. He has served the residents of San Mateo County in the Assessor’s office for over 13 years. Jim is in complete command of the intricacies of the job. He is smart, gracious, and innovative. I wholeheartedly endorse him. ❞
Jackie Speier
San Mateo County Board of Supervisors
Jim is also endorsed by Mark Church, Anna Eshoo, Ray Mueller, Marc Berman, Noelia Corzo, Dave Pine, Jerry Hill, Adrienne Tissier, Sandie Arnott, Juan Raigoza and many other trusted community leaders.
Rent cap initiative qualifies for ballot
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
Redwood City residents will likely be voting on rent control in November.
Nonprofit Faith in Action Bay Area, who is running the campaign, collected over 7,500 signatures and Chief Elections Officer Mark Church found 4,506 signatures were valid, making it eligible to land on the ballot.
Redwood City Council will meet on June 8 to vote whether to place the measure on the November ballot or make it city law without going to the ballot box, according to city spokesman Nick Mathiowdis.
Rent control effort
Faith in Action Bay Area, which organizes in communities on various issues, is seeking to place an initiative on the ballot to limit rent increases and protect tenants from eviction by imposing stricter rules. Meanwhile, the California Apartment Association (CAA) is gearing up for a battle.
The citizen’s initiative aims to limit rent increases to 60% of the Consumer Price Index, capped at 5%, and make
changes to relocation payments and evictions.
Since 2019, the state has had a rent control law, which limits annual rent increases to 5% plus the local cost of living, or to a strict maximum of 10%. For tenants on a month-to-month lease, the state law limits increases to twice a year.
“Another rent increase could put my family out on the street,” Sara Mendoza, a resident who helped collect signatures, said in a statement. “All of us have two or three jobs just to keep the family afloat.”
Apartment group weighs in If voters approve the measure, it will impose stricter local rent caps and create a city-run rent program funded by annual landlord fees, according to the CAA. Landlords will have to provide tenants with relocation assistance equal to four times the monthly fair market rent or $12,000, whichever is greater, according to CAA Director Mike Nemeth.
The CAA said it will campaign against the measure if it lands on the ballot.
3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom Townhome in Highly Desirable Sharon Heights
• Elegant Living Room with Fireplace
• Formal Dining Area
• Chefs Eat-in Kitchen Features Center Island, Viking Oven Range, and Butler’s Pantry
• Primary Bedroom Suite Retreat Features Spacious Additional Sitting Space, Fireplace, Walk-in Closet, High Ceilings and a Private Balcony
• 3 Bedrooms
• 2.5 Bathrooms
• Interior Features Includes Laundry Room, Central Heating and Air Conditioning, and High Ceilings
• Spacious Private Patio Features Views of the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club Golf Course
• Award Winning Las Lomitas School District Offered at $2,588,000
Hit-and-run kills woman
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
Redwood City police are searching for a driver who was involved in a fatal hit-and-run of a pedestrian at Middlefield Road and Beech Street, police said yesterday.
The hit-and-run happened around 9:45 p.m. on Sunday, according to Redwood City Lt. Jeff Clements.
Maria Perez, 73, was crossing
the street when she was hit by a white Toyota Tundra, according to a fundraiser on GoFundMe. Police found Perez near the intersection and she was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead, Clements said.
“Maria was a loving auntie, family member and friend who
touched the lives of so many people. Her passing has left our family devastated emotionally, mentally, and financially during this difficult time,” her niece, Cindy Perez, said in the fundraiser. “Losing her so suddenly has left a pain that words can’t explain.”
The driver of the car involved fled the scene, and the incident is currently being investigated, Clements said.
PEREZ
DEATHS
San Mateo County Coroner: May 25
Julia Anne McMullin, 73, of South City
Rommel Antonio Santos, 53, of San Mateo
Cruz A. Guzman, 70, of San Mateo
May 24
Judith Mulders, 62, no hometown listed
Nathan Lawrence Allman, 32, of Honolulu
Clarice Howling Wolf, 77, of South City
Jose Villalba, 87, of Redwood City
Tedros Araya, 68, of East Palo Alto
Susan Rikala, 70, of Redwood City
May 23
Andrew Viviani, 76, of San Mateo
Omar Castillo Virrueta, 24, of East Palo Alto
Amulakh Shah, 88, of Hillsborough
Frank Joseph Byrne, 90, of Daly City
Kathleen Ann Pape, 71, of San Carlos
Bonnie Fox, 70, no hometown listed
May 22
Connie L. Blythe, 72, no hometown listed
Joseph Inferrera, 92, no hometown listed
Laverne Frances Keller, 86, of San Bruno
BIRTHS
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto:
Sept. 22
Dia Agrawal, a girl
Naira Kamal Ahmad, a girl
Autumn Elyse Chavez, a girl
Celine Isabel Hanks, a girl
Adrian Ethan Ho, a boy
Hayden Wijtman Kelly, a boy
Mateo Li, a boy
Kai Charles Ferrer Liu, a boy
Scotty Pierce Lobenberg, a boy
Henry Brooks Martin, a boy
Annika Zara Montemayor, a girl
Leyla Rosalia Nava Cendejas, a girl
Zephryn Maurice Chan Prince, a boy
Rose Mary Rundell, a girl
Bernardo Silvabrito, a boy
Nelson Jose Sintud Calderon, a boy
Nikki Duoji Xu, a girl
Sept. 21
Meenakshi Indira Buddana, a girl
Nikolas Davris, a boy
Charley Diane Difabio, a girl
Jayden Aziel Lopez Angulo, a boy
Harliv Kaur Matharu, a girl
Bernardo Gontijo Miguel Da Silva, a boy
Iris Kaylynn Theresa Reid, a girl
Liam David Ruiz Ramirez, a boy
Elias Guadalupe Simpsonvalle, a boy
Luca Ran Zhang, a boy
Sept. 20
Azubuike Lakshya Biafra Ii Semeoni
Ahanonu, a boy
Isabella Angel Frias Gonzalez, a girl
Cillian Paul Kim Murray, a boy
Vaani Kumar, a girl
Matilda Lopez Mendez, a girl
Ariana Isabel Melendez Ramos, a girl
Vihaan Kandlikar Rao, a boy
Maisie Drew Sanchez, a girl
Vax mandates offend
Dear Editor: It’s offensive that vaccine mandates are still an issue in 2026. Countless peer-reviewed observational studies show unvaccinated populations consistently have fewer chronic health conditions than vaccinated peers.
Vaccines that are injected into the population should undergo rigorous testing to prove safety and efficacy be-
LETTERS
fore going on the market. Unfortunately, industry-funded vaccine studies are inherently flawed and poorly designed.
Bill Hough Los Altos
A vote for Becerra
Dear Editor: As we finally approach the finish line for Democratic gubernatorial primary, I’ve decided to vote for Xavier Becerra. He’s not per-
fect, but he has experience and he’s a decent man who will hire good people.
I understand Tom Steyer has donated to some good causes, but I remember his equally expensive campaign for President in 2020, when he bought the most television ad time in South Carolina — and still finished third.
At the time, trying to appeal to Black voters, Steyer campaigned heavily on reparations for Black Americans
because of slavery. He says nothing about that now.
Has he changed his mind? Or was he never serious? Either way, I’m pretty sure the GOP has all those clips. Which could be damaging for a Democrat in a California general election.
And especially with the man in the White House, we need a Democrat to win in November.
Janice Hough Palo Alto
Man arrested in assault of teen boy at bus stop
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
A San Carlos man was arrested for assaulting a 15-year-old boy he mistook for being homeless, a prosecutor said yesterday. Ming Li, 40, was arrested on Monday after he punched a boy who was waiting for the bus at a
stop on El Camino Real, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.
Lead-up to incident Li ran towards the boy around 4:45 p.m., asking him if he needed some food, Wagstaffe said. The boy responded no, and Li asked the boy again. When Li was reject-
ed, he punched the boy in the head, the DA said. Li called the boy a gay slur as he punched him multiple times, according to Wagstaffe. Li also attempted to punch a witness who was waiting for the bus, but missed, Wagstaffe said. Li is in jail on $50,000 bail and will be in court tomorrow.
FOUCRAULT
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EL CAMINO HEALT H FOUN DAT ION P RESEN TS A Conversation with ATUL GAWANDE, MD
Author of New York Times best seller
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Doors open: pm
Program begins: pm
For more information or tickets, scan the QR code or visit
Mountain View Center
by the Behar Family in loving memory of Drs Don & Elaine Ehrman and Jerry Behar
Transit tax clears signature hurdle
Organizers with the Connect Bay Area Act, a regional sales tax measure for public transit, collected 305,895 signatures across five Bay Area counties, well above the 186,000 required threshold to place it on this year’s ballot.
Voters in the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, San Francisco and Santa Clara will vote this November on the sales tax measure Senate Bill 63 — more commonly known as the Connect Bay Area Act — that would create a new source of funding for several public transit agencies fac
ing budget deficits.
In Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda and Contra Costa counties, a “yes” vote means the sales tax will go up by a half cent on the dollar. In San Francisco, where voters are more pro-tax, passage will result in a full cent increase.
Behind the effort
The Connect Bay Area effort was funded mainly by Salesforce, Genentech, Meta, Herzog Contracting Corp., Uber and the Sobrato Organization. By funding a sales tax, which everyone would pay, it would reduce the odds tech companies would be taxed to pay for the cost of taking their workers to their jobs. Contractors such as Her-
zog and Sobrato would benefit from construction contracts paid with money from the new tax.
The state legislature passed SB63 in 2025 after being introduced by state senators Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, and Jesse Arreguin, D-Berkeley. It authorized placing a regional sales tax measure on the November ballot.
Signature gathering
In California, a voter-approved regional measure for a new sales tax would normally require a two-thirds majority approval if the Legislature directly places it on a ballot. Transit advocates, however, chose to collect signatures to make the sales tax a citizen-initiated ballot measure that would lower the threshold to a simple majority of votes cast.
Organizers with Connect Bay Area, the campaign to pass the measure, said the number of signatures collected “proves there is broad and deep support across the region for public transit.”
Campaign spokesperson Jeff Cretan said in a press release that the group used a mixture of grassroots volunteers and paid personnel who would station themselves outside places of business, transit stops and major events across the region.
60,000
Dancing as you age can benefit both mind, body
Carol Ross can’t stop smiling at dance practice as she shouts out the steps of a routine to members of her tap and jazz troupe for women age 50 and older.
“I’ve been dancing my whole life, it’s the best,” said Ross, who founded the Rodeo City Wreckettes group 23 years ago at an age when many people are getting ready for retirement.
Now 87, Ross and her husband and lifelong dance partner John, also 87, have long known what more older adults are now discovering: Moving to music is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Medical professionals say it doesn’t matter if it’s Western line dancing, ballroom steps, salsa, tap, Zumba at the gym, or with a group like the Wreckettes.
“Dancing is one of the most powerful activities for older people,” said Julio Loya, a nurse and geriatric program coordinator at the Tucson Medical Center.
What is it about dancing?
Dance, like other exercise, can help people lose weight, get stronger, reduce fall risk, increase mobility and flexibility, and even improve brain health.
“It engages their brain, it changes their mood, and it connects them socially while getting them moving,” said Loya. “And it’s fun. Everybody has a good time.”
Dr. Thomas Johnson, a geriatrician at the UCHealth Seniors Clinic in Aurora, Colo., said he remembers one man in particular whose passion for dance was so
strong that he willed himself to attend one last class before he died in his late 80s.
“His No. 1 priority was that he danced until the day that he died,” Johnson said of his patient.
Johnson said dance can improve the balance of his patients at the clinic, which serves about 2,500 people 75 and older a year.
He said older patients can benefit from adding two to three dance sessions to the 150 minutes of aerobic exercise he recommends for them each week, because dancing often involves movements that help with balance.
For 67-year-old Gail Kowalski, joining the Wreckettes after she moved meant finding new friends.
“Plus, it’s so dang fun,” Kowalski said.
Hansen
Is your home in need of repair, but you keep putting it off due to the cost? Everyone deserves to live in a safe and healthy home, and Rebuilding Together Peninsula (RTP) can partner with income-eligible homeowners to make critical repairs and modifications.
Founded in 1989, RTP, part of the national nonprofit Rebuilding Together network, helps neighbors throughout San Mateo County, as well as Palo Alto, Los Altos and Mountain View. They address home repair needs including basic electrical and plumbing issues; leaky roofs; flooring; door and window repair; fence and gate repair; interior and exterior painting; railing work; and much more. They also target accessibility needs – installing grab bars, wheelchair ramps and other modifications.
“Anything that makes the home safer and somewhere people can age in place is the focus of our work”, says Robert Skelton, director of marketing and community engagement for RTP.
No-Cost Home Repairs for Eligible Homeowners
All work is done at no cost to the homeowner. After an application is made, RTP will make a site visit to assess the work requested, as well as go over their 30-point healthy housing checklist. Sometimes, Skelton said, it turns out more work is indicated – and they’re happy to help.
“You know, we also see if all the doors and windows work or if there’s a broken stair,” he said. “Is there mold? Are there pest issues?”
When installing accessibility features, such as grab bars, they can also work with an occupational therapist to determine the best placement.
Since its founding, RTP has helped more than 4,000 homeowners with repairs and modifications that help them age in place safely, maintain their home ownership and remain a part of their communities. One happy recipient of these services was Mary, an 85-year-old Mountain View woman living on her own. She received new roof work, in addition to a new toilet, water heater and minor carpentry repairs.
“I feel very happy to have peace of mind to live in my lovely home for more long, long (sic) time,” Mary said. Skelton said that many residents may not know that they qualify for this help. Eligibility is determined by yearly income. A two-person household in San Mateo
County qualifies with under $134,500 in yearly income, and a two-person household in Santa Clara County qualifies with under $129,950 annually.
In addition to their year-round professional handyman repairs, RTP hosts volunteer days to work on larger projects and offers lead paint remediation to both homeowners and renters in San Mateo County living in homes built before 1978.
For more information on what RTP can help you fix, questions on eligibility or to learn about how to help, go to www.rtpeninsula.org, call (650) 366-6597 or email any questions to info@rtpeninsula.org.
Robert Skelton Dir., Mktg. and Cmty. Engmt.
Costco-sold plants could harbor pest
A plant with an invasive species living in it were sold at Bay Area Costcos this month, leading San Mateo County officials to ask residents to check their plants.
Hundreds of grape plants infested with glassy-winged sharpshooters were shipped to Costcos across Northern California last month. In San Mateo County, these plants, labeled “Growers Pride” were on the shelves between April 21 and May 22, according to the county’s Department of Weights and Measures.
Agriculture threat
The small, winged insect spreads Pierce’s disease, a bacterial infection that is fatal to grapevines and can damage almond, citrus and ornamental plants, posing a significant threat to both home and commercial gardens in the state. It can also attack some types of oaks, elms, maples and sycamores, according to the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture.
Anyone who purchased grape plants
DESTRUCTIVE BUG — Grape plants infested with glassy-winged sharpshooters were shipped to Costco stores in the Bay Area. Photo courtesy Johnny N. Dell, Bugwood.org.
from local Costcos beginning April 21 is asked to:
• Place two garbage bags over the plant and secure them tightly,
• Contact the County Agricultural Commissioner’s office. In San Mateo County call (650) 363-4700 to schedule an inspection. In Santa Clara County, call (408) 918-4600 or email scc. agriculture@cep.sccgov.org.
Officials ask residents to not move the plant, sell it, give it away or throw it away.
Hantavirus ship to get more cleaning
A cruise ship at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak is undergoing further cleaning before it returns to its home port, the company that operates it said yesterday.
In a written statement, Oceanwide Expeditions said the extra work is being carried out on the advice of the GGD local health authority in the port city of Rotterdam, where the vessel returned early last week. It’s home port is in nearby Vlissingen in the southern Netherlands.
“Based on their inspection findings, GGD has advised additional cleaning,” the cruise company said. “Following
completion of this work, GGD will conduct a final inspection before the vessel can depart from Rotterdam.” It did not elaborate on why extra cleaning was required and the health authority did not immediately have a comment on the reason it asked for the additional measures.
Hantavirus toll
In a message posted on X, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said so far, 12 hantavirus cases and three deaths have been reported, with no deaths reported since May 2.
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.
MENLO PARK
FRIDAY
12:17 a.m. — Battery, 1300 block of Modoc Ave.
9:07 a.m. — Ernesto Raygoza, 46, of East Palo Alto, cited for drug possession, Bayfront Expressway at the Dumbarton Bridge.
10:21 a.m. — Vehicle hits a utility pole, Ravenswood Ave. and Laurel St. Injuries reported.
11:02 a.m. — Statue damaged, 200 block of Oak Grove Ave.
2:21 p.m. — Miguel Garcia Ayala, 58, of East Palo Alto, cited for driving
with a suspended or revoked license, Marsh Road and Bohannon Drive. Citation given by Atherton police.
5:25 p.m. — License plate stolen, 400 block of El Camino.
5:58 p.m. — Items stolen from a business, 700 block of El Camino.
SATURDAY
8:15 a.m. — Carlos Linton, 58, of San Jose, arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, 700 block of El Camino.
SUNDAY
9:34 a.m. — Nathaniel Greenstein, 41, of Berkeley, cited for petty theft and on a warrant, 500 block of El Camino.
3:16 p.m. — Robbery, Scott Drive and Marsh Road.
10:59 p.m. — Battery, 100 block of Jefferson Drive.
7:24 p.m. — Trupi Patril, 50,
Atam Sandhu
APPLICATION NO: PL-17025
HEARING DATE: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Request for a two-year Permit Extension for a previously approved Development Review Permit (PL-2023-113) to construct a new car wash facility, including a 1,960 square-foot car wash building, seven vacuum stations, a trash enclosure, and new landscaping, replacing an existing self-serve car wash on a 0.37-acre site; and a recommended determination that the project remains categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15303 (“New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures”) of the CEQA Guidelines (as previously determined with the original approval). This project is located on the northeast corner of Old Middlefield Way and Independence Avenue in the CS (Commercial-Service) Zoning District.
If you have comments or questions about this project, please contact the project planner, Madelyn Faul (650) 903-6306 or at madelyn.faul@mountainview.gov
Draft recommendations and associated documents will be available for review the Friday before the hearing at mountainview.legistar.com.
This meeting will be held with a virtual component and broadcast live at mountainview.legistar.com and on YouTube at MountainView.gov/YouTube. Members of the public wishing to provide comments to the ZA may: 1) send an email to azh@mountainview.gov 2) join the Zoom Webinar online at mountainview.gov/meeting or call 669-900-9128 and enter Webinar ID 85261011237; or 3) attend the meeting in person in the Plaza Conference Room, Second Floor at 500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA 94041. Please consult the meeting agenda, which will be available for review the Friday before the meeting at mountainview.legistar.com. Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please check the final published agenda online at the web address listed above or view the posted agenda located outside the front door of
transient, cited on four warrants, 500 block of El Camino.
STANFORD
MAY 16
10:11 a.m. — Assault, Abrams Court.
4:21 p.m. — Electric bike stolen, 200 block of Governors Ave. South.
5:18 p.m. — Rape and battery, Angell Court.
MOUNTAIN VIEW
MAY 16
1:42 a.m. — Home burglary, 100 block of Sonoma Terrace.
3 a.m. — Daniel Quintero Alvarez, 32, arrested for DUI, Evelyn Ave. and Wild Cherry Alley.
3:03 p.m. — Home burglary, 200
block of Bush St. Daveon Wimberly, 27, transient, arrested for burglary, possession of drugs for sale and on a warrant, 700 block of W. Evelyn Ave.
6:24 p.m. — Theft at Target, 555 Showers Drive.
10:33 p.m. — Melecio Macawille, 39, transient, arrested for theft of someone else’s lost property and possession of a dirk or dagger, narcotics, drug paraphernalia and burglary tools, 400 block of Stierlin Road. She’s also arrested on a warrant. 10:54 p.m. — Cecilia Santiago Rivera, of Mountain View, 27, cited on a warrant, Middlefield and Whisman roads.
MAY 17
2:25 a.m. — Vandalism at Monte Carlo Club, 228 Castro St. 7:42 a.m. — Nicholas Ramirez, 40,
cited on a warrant at Mountain View Police Dept, 1000 Villa St.
9:09 a.m. — Battery, 200 block of N. Whisman Road.
LOS ALTOS
APRIL 26
3:11 p.m. — Robert Liston, 91, of Los Altos, cited on a warrant, Esberg Road and Loyola Ave.
ATHERTON
FRIDAY
10:50 a.m. — Fraud, Catalpa Drive.
SATURDAY
6:28 p.m. — Assault, Middlefield Road.
NORTH FAIR OAKS
MAY 20
9:39 a.m. — Tangata
Kalilotoaika Laulea, 29, of unincorporated San Mateo County, cited on a warrant, Fourth Ave. and Middlefield Road.
7:29 p.m. — Mail stolen from multiple mailboxes, 3100 block of El Camino.
8:39 p.m. — Sheyli Damaris Giron Carrera, 25, of Redwood City, arrested on warrants, Middlefield Road and Douglas Ave. Eduardo Lazo Flores, 47, of Redwood City, cited on a warrant.
9:38 p.m. — Man reported to be trespassing on the property of a church, 3500 block of Middlefield Road. Pita Tuitupou Tavake, 52, of Redwood City, cited for possession of a meth pipe.
REDWOOD CITY
MAY 19
7:18 p.m. — Man reported to have burned a hole in a
merchandise case with a lighter, El Camino. Jonathan Giovanni Lopez, 27, of Redwood City, arrested for vandalism, being under the influence of drugs, possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia and parole violation. A charge is added later for bringing drugs into a jail.
11:46 p.m. — Electric bike stolen, Broadway.
SAN CARLOS
MAY 20
3:20 a.m. — Jose Alberto Pichardo Alcantar, 24, cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license, 1000 block of Holly St.
10:32 a.m. — Jesus Antonio Cazares, 29, cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license and on warrants, 1700 block of Laurel St.
PALO
1121 Harriet St., 94301, 4 bedrooms, 2382 square feet, built in 1973, Generational Trust to Legg-Viraj Trust for $5,069,500, closed April 22
3408 South Court, 94306, 4 bedrooms, 2400 square feet, built in 2019, Yao Family Trust to Tao and Xinying Song for $5,600,000, closed April 23 (last sale: $2,575,000, 03-28-17)
MENLO PARK
311 O’Keefe St., 94025, 4 bedrooms, 2632 square feet, built in 2016, Wagner Living Trust to Falkor Family Trust for $4,387,500, closed April 10 (last sale: $440,000, 02-26-99)
736 Cotton St., 94025, 2 bedrooms, 1240 square feet, built in 1939, Bredehoft Trust to Black Shack LLC for $6,200,000, closed April 7
MOUNTAIN VIEW
301 Scarlett Terrace, 94043, 3 bedrooms, 1865 square feet, built in 2020, Zezhong Che to Zhou and Yixing Lu for $2,056,000, closed April 24 (last sale: $2,010,000, 05-06-21)
120 Orchard Ave., 94043, 4 bedrooms, 1932 square feet, built in 2000, Zeiger Trust to Karishma and Nishant Nerurkar for $2,575,000, closed April 24
205 Houghton St., 94041,
3 bedrooms, 1432 square feet, built in 1995, Neli and Jens Holten to Reena Trivedi for $2,650,000, closed April 22 (last sale: $1,080,500, 06-19-12)
ATHERTON
91 James Ave., 94027, 4 bedrooms, 3220 square feet, built in 1951, Abidoye Family Trust to Malavalli Trust for $9,760,000, closed April 7 (last sale: $7,000,000, 10-19-20)
89 Mandarin Way, 94027, 3 bedrooms, 4070 square feet, built in 1965, Menlo Investment Group LLC to Pau Family Trust for $31,000,000, closed April 6 (last sale: $5,744,000, 01-08-24)
LOS ALTOS
1250 Montclaire Way, 94024, 3 bedrooms, 2588 square feet, built in 1964, Karlgaard Family Trust to Acorn ATH Management LLC for $6,960,000, closed April 23
LOS ALTOS HILLS
13918 Mirmirou Drive, 94022, 4 bedrooms, 3869 square feet, built in 1900, Yansouni Family Trust to Raeden Trust for $6,500,000, closed April 24 (last sale: $500,000, 02-09-04)
WOODSIDE
1439 Portola Road, 94062, 3 bedrooms, 3250 square feet, built in 2008, Ross Trust to Magnussen Trust for $4,260,000, closed April 6
391 Mountain Home Road, 94062, 2 bedrooms, 1130 square feet, built in 1941, Lagerquist Family Trust to 391 Mhr LLC for $5,800,000, closed April 8
REDWOOD CITY
2825 Washington Ave., 94061, 3 bedrooms, 1120 square feet, built in 1952, Willett Trust to Arnt Haering for $2,151,000, closed April 3
641 Turnbuckle Drive #1715, 94063, 2 bedrooms, 1428 square feet, built in 2013, Summers Living Trust to Vivian and Samuel Dowell for $1,273,000, closed April 1 (last sale: $1,285,000, 05-02-18)
1503 Whipple Ave., 94062, 3 bedrooms, 1660 square feet, built in 1953, Maldonado Family Trust to Kwong Family Trust for $3,000,000, closed April 3 (last sale: $1,645,000, 10-05-18)
SAN CARLOS
145 Dolton Ave., 94070, 3 bedrooms, 1770 square feet, built in 1966, VHO Residential LLC to 88Mjproperty LLC for $1,869,000, closed April 3 (last sale: $1,800,000, 03-26-26)
BELMONT
1723 El Verano Way, 94002, 3 bedrooms, 1480 square feet, built in 1956, Brar Living Trust to Chaitali and Rajit Johri for $2,500,000, closed April 10 (last sale: $1,605,000, 01-25-16)
Station Homes—Made for the Way You Live
MEDICINE HAS COME A LONG WAY—but when it comes to aging and end-of-life care, are we focusing on what truly matters? El Camino Health Foundation invites you to join Dr. Atul Gawande, author of the New York Times bestseller “Being Mortal,” in conversation with Dr. Mark Adams of El Camino Health for an important discussion on patientcentered care, meaningful conversations, and quality of life. Tuesday, June 2 at 7 p.m. at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://tickets. mvcpa.com/ECHAG. Learn how healthcare can better support what matters most.
THE BEST JEWELRY BUYER IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. Established in 1912, Silicon Valley Diamond & Jewelry Buyers is a fourth-generation, family-owned company based in Menlo Park with
private offices on Menlo Avenue. They understand that selling diamonds, gold, and jewelry can be an intimidating experience. For over 100 years, they have been dedicated to treating every client with the honesty and respect they deserve within a discreet and supportive environment. To schedule a private session (by appointment only), please visit SVDJB.com or call (650) 234-1345. Featured in the accompanying photo is their Managing Partner, Marcus Chait.
REDUCE THE CAPITAL GAINS TAXES ON YOUR HOME. You can turn your home’s equity into tax-deferred guaranteed income with a Structured Installment Sale under Internal Revenue Code section 453. An annuity company rated A+ by AM
Best will issue an annuity for a term of up to 40 years. To learn more, please contact Los Altos Economic Consultant Paul J. Lesti. Since 1982, he has been helping clients find the right financial solutions to fulfill their lifelong dreams. You can reach his office at (650) 903-4100.
FAMILY-OWNED SPANGLER
HAS SERVED the Peninsula for nearly 90 years, providing end-of-life services with respect and compassion. Kevin Hutchison and his dedicated staff are committed to ensuring
your family understands the funeral planning process, helping you make informed decisions with the support you need. For more information, please contact one of their locations: Mountain View Chapel: (650) 967-5546; Los Altos Chapel: (650) 948-6619; and Sunnyvale Chapel and Crematory: (408) 736-6294
PALO ALTO APPRAISAL SERVICES OFFERS local, experienced, and certified residential appraisals.
Mark Nanevicz, a Certified Residential Appraiser and graduate of Menlo College with a degree in Accounting and Finance, provides real estate valuation services throughout Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda Counties. To discuss your appraisal needs, please contact Mark Nanevicz at (650) 799-7923 or via email at mnanevicz@gmail.com.
DO YOU NEED A PLUMBER NOW? Don’t
wait—call Express Plumbing at (650) 3439477. Familyowned and operated since 1989, they are available 24/7, including weekends and holidays, to assist with all your residential and commercial plumbing needs. Owner Nick Bechwati says, “Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.”
JOIN THE LUNCH BUNCH WHERE CASH IS KING. Not that type of cash although that type of cash is also king. Nope, not Johnny Cash. We’re talking about the best bartender around and his real name is Cash. He’s a nice guy so come by and say
CAMINO COINS - VOGT STAMPS
“Hi”. Cash works the lounge at Sundance the Steakhouse. This lounge is like a sports museum that serves cocktails and appetizers and Cash can pour you up a pint of pure relaxation, Sundance style! He pops the corks and mixes the mayhem at this mellow, historic sports lounge. Come by 1921 El Camino Real in Palo Alto for lunch see what we mean. You’ll see why this is such a special place and why they’ve been in business for over 50 years. Call 650 321-6798 for a reservation and check the website for more info.
DREAM –––––––
gling pages of King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail” out of his cell and writing many up until the assassination of the civil rights icon in 1968.
He helped craft King’s 1967 “Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence” address given at Riverside Church in New York exactly a year before King’s death. It was considered a hallmark speech for King’s condemnation of the Vietnam War and U.S. militarism in general. He argued that the U.S.’s participation in the war exacerbated poverty across the country.
Speechwriting knack apparent early
Born on Jan. 8, 1931, in Philadelphia, Jones had parents who were domestic workers for a wealthy Quaker family several miles away in New Jersey, according to the Clarence B. Jones Institute for Social Advocacy. Jones was class valedictorian of an integrated high school in Palmyra, New Jersey. His knack for speechwriting became apparent in 1949, when he gave a graduation speech about breaking down racial barriers.
Jones went on to graduate from Columbia University in New York. He then was drafted by the U.S. Army but was honorably discharged almost two years later. He went on to earn a law degree from Boston University.
In 1960, in what would be the start of a seminal friendship, Jones was approached by King to be on his legal team in a tax evasion case brought by the state of Alabama. Jones pivoted from a career in entertainment law in California and moved his family to New York City. There he could be closer to King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and serve as a full-time adviser, attorney and speechwriter for him.
He was a member of the legal team on the 1964 case New York Times v. Sullivan. The nation’s highest court overturned a libel case against the newspaper, which had run an ad condemning police treatment of civil rights demonstrators in Montgomery, Ala.
After King
After King’s death, Jones went on to work for a Wall Street investment banking firm and became the first Black American with the designation of allied member of the New York Stock Exchange. He later ventured into academia. In 2012, he joined the faculty at the University of San Francisco where
he taught law students as well as undergraduates in courses such as “From Slavery to Obama.” In 2018, he co-founded the Institute for Nonviolence and Social Justice at the school. Around the same time, he also became a scholar-in-residence at Stanford University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute.
Jones published a book about those years with King in 2023 titled “Last of the Lions: An African American Journey in Memoir.”
Recognition
The following year he received the nation’s highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from then-President Joe Biden. A few weeks later, a tearful Jones appeared at a San Francisco Giants baseball game with Golden State Warriors basketball star Stephen Curry to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Curry has produced and co-directed a short documentary on Jones.
“The Baddest Speechwriter of All” won an award at the Sundance Film Festival in January and will stream on Netflix later this year.
Jones is survived by his five children and longtime partner Lin Walters.
Plans for funeral services and a public celebration of life are still being finalized.
LAWSUIT ––––––
comprehensive, legally binding set of anti-antisemitism reforms ever adopted by a public school district in the United States,” attorney Ryan Weinstein, who represented the parents, said in a statement.
“We are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming learning environment where every student can thrive academically and socially, regardless of their background, religion or idenity,” district Superintendent Crystal Leach said in a statement.
Antisemitism escalated
Antisemitism at schools escalated after the Oct 7, 2023, Israel-Hamas conflict, according to the lawsuit.
“Jewish students faced a barrage of taunts, slurs, and hateful remarks, culminating in the appearance of two giant swastikas on campus grounds,” the suit said.
Jewish students were advised by teachers to hide their religious identity to avoid becoming targets, according to the suit.
Who was named
The suit named Woodside High Principal Karen Van Putten and vice principals Charles Velschow and Wendy Porter. Five of the students attend Woodside. The suit also names Menlo-Atherton High School Principal Karl Losekoot, Sequoia Union Superintendent Crystal Leach, Associate Superintendent of HR Bonnie Hansen, former Assistant of HR Todd Beal and all five district board members. Also named is Gregory S. Gruszynski, a history teacher at Woodside High and a former head of the teachers’ union.
The parents who filed the suit are Sam and Andrea Kasle, Igor and Marina Bershteyn, Margarette Kesselman, Scott and Lori Lyle, Daniel and Jennifer Reif and Lisa Joy Rosner.
Incidents outlined
The lawsuit highlighted several alleged incidents that support its claim. In December 2022, the president of M-A’s Jewish Student Union was called a slur for Jews by a student for wearing a Star of David necklace. The school failed to take any action, according to the suit. In September 2023, a substitute biology teacher at M-A started making jokes about the Holocaust after learning one of her students was Jewish. Principal Losekoot said the teacher, Zoe Wilson, could either apologize or the student could transfer to another biology class. Wilson apologized, but the student felt the apology was insincere.
On Nov. 1, 2023, two swastikas were found etched on the pavement at Woodside High School. The perpetrator was caught but claimed the swastikas were “spiritual symbol(s) from Japanese Buddhism known as Manji popularized by anime.” Van Putten told parents she contacted the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office about the swastikas, but there was no record of the report, the suit said.
Pro-Hamas lessons alleged
The lawsuit also claimed Woodside history teacher Gruszynski of spreading “pro-Hamas propaganda under the guise of teaching 10th-grade World History.” He mocked the beliefs of the only openly Jewish student in class and “coerced her into endorsing his biased and ahistorical views to achieve satisfactory grades on exams,” the suit said.
“The girl repeatedly returned home in tears after suffering through Gruszynski’s classes,” the suit said.
The school board heard from parents on Jan. 17, 2024, but no concrete measures were taken to address the hostile environment, the suit said.
Gold: Your Best Insurance
Trade Wars and Currency Wars are accelerating worldwide.
The old monetar y system is failing. Indebted national currencies are depreciating in a see-saw race to the bottom. So much worldwide debt is in default or is being masked with more debt. Politicians posture at each other, but they all created the situation by buying power and favors while mor tgaging your children’s future.
Stocks and bond markets, long suppor ted by Central Banks, may be challenged going for ward as governments have exhausted their debt expansion tools. Recent new highs in equities, due to some promising companies, may be more post-election hope than substance.
Cr yptocurrencies had their run, but the hope for a sounder and more private fiat system remains challenged while a past price bubble for the majority has been costly. Bitcoin is an example of those still per forming among the thousands of currencies & tokens in this young experiment.
Wise and calm obser vers know that longterm, gold is money, not debt, not paper promises. For thousands of years it has protected families from currency depreciation, paper defaults, and cer tain political abuses.
If you have been waiting to buy gold, or buy it “cheaper,” reconsider. Gold bottomed near $1040 at the end of 2015. We are in a new multi-year uptrend reconfirmed by the current strength just below all time highs. Monetar y scientists understand that the repricing of gold is just getting star ted. Each crisis seems to become more pronounced as the debt monetar y system disintegrates towards failure. Gold is best accumulated, not speculated. Star t saving in gold, and make it a habit.
Come visit Mish International and find out what probabilities lie ahead for gold and related commodities.
Learn why gold must be a necessary par t of your assets.
Since 1964, the wisest advice and best prices for gold & silver are right here in Menlo Park.
GUILTY ––––
saulting at least three boys, who were all under the age of 16 at the time of the assaults. Russell molested the first child from 1995 to 2002, from when the boy was 8 until he was 16, according to Wagstaffe.
Russell’s defense
But Russell claimed he never touched any children during this testimony to jurors. Russell testified against the accusations victims made against him, such as one victim claiming Russell touched him inappropriately during a car ride from Mountian View to the theatre.
Russell said it would not have been possible for him to do that as the boy’s father was driving the car.
Russell said the boy was the one who would expose himself to him twice. During a trip, the boy invited Russell to his room, saying he had something special to say. The boy confessed that he was gay and Russell believed the boy saw him as a confidant because of his own sexual orientation, Russell said. After confessing, the boy started touching himself and lowered his own pants, Russell said.
‘We can’t do this’
“We can’t do this,” Russell said to the boy while leaving his room.
The second occasion, Russell claimed the boy exposed himself after he slept over. The boy had come over to Russell’s home to help with yardwork.
In the morning, Russell joined the boy watching T.V. Russell got up to get some coffee, and he returned to find the boy with his pants down, Russell said.
Irrational phone call
A few months later, the victim called Russell with irrational allegations over a phone call, telling him to confess that they had sex together. Russell said he was concerned for the boy because he was talking about suicide and knew his parents were getting divorced.
“We both know what we did,” Russell said out of fear because the boy threatened to tell his therapist.
Deputies found over 3,000 images of child pornography depicting young boys in the home, according to court documents.
Trial issues
During the trial, Russell was combative during cross-examination, calling prosecutor Kara Szkotak a liar, Wagstaffe said.
Russell attemped suicide in January, delaying the trial’s start.
Russell, a retired attorney, was arrested on a warrant at his home in March 2023. He was then released on $900,000 bail. But he was arrested again about a week later when additional victims came forward.
He then posted a $2.5 million bond and began contacting some of the victim’s families. He’d ask the family members to speak with the victims and intervene on his behalf, Wagstaffe said at the time.
Russell was taken into custody after the verdicts were read. He will get a sentencing date on June 22.
Easy SudokuDifficult Sudoku
Officials had said earlier that the risk of a catastrophic explosion had largely passed. Officials had ordered evacuations in the Orange County city of Garden Grove last Thursday after the tank at an aerospace plant overheated.
IRAN BACK ONLINE: Iran has begun restoring internet access after a monthslong national shutdown.
S.C. WON’T REDRAW MAPS: The South Carolina Senate has rejected President Trump’s push to redraw the state’s congressional districts in hopes Republicans could gain an extra seat.
TRUMP’S CHECK-UP: After a visit to Walter Reed Hospital for a three-hour medical and dental visit, the 79-year-old President Trump said, “Everything checked out PERFECTLY.”
COACH LAWSUIT: The Supreme Court has refused to intervene in a discrimination lawsuit led by former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores against the NFL, allowing the case to proceed toward trial. Flores sued the league and three teams in 2022, alleging the league was “rife
with racism” regarding its hiring practices when it comes to Black coaches. Flores was joined in the lawsuit by fellow Black coaches Steve Wilks and Ray Horton.
CANADA’S GAS DEAL: Canada has reached a deal to export liquefied natural gas to Germany from a planned Pacific Coast terminal.
D.C. NDAS: The Trump administration wants all current and future federal employees to sign non-disclosure agreements, part of a continuing crackdown on leaks to the media.
MOON BASE PLANS: NASA is already ordering landers, rovers and drones for a sprawling moon base, less than two months after the Artemis II mission. The space agency outlined the first phase of its moon base plans yesterday. Astronauts are planned to land on the moon in 2028.
FERRARI GOES ELECTRIC:
Ferrari yesterday presented its firstever fully electric car to Italy’s President and Pope Leo XIV, as the rollout received a mixed response from auto critics and the markets.
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING PROPOSED INITIATIVE MEASURE TO AMEND THE GENERAL PLAN
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the Town of Los Altos Hills, State of California, will hold a public hearing at the hour of 6:00 P.M. MONDAY, June 8, 2026, or as soon as thereafter practicable, in the Council Chambers of Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California, as the time and place for consideration of the following:
Subject: Consideration of a recommendation on a Draft Initiative
Measure to amend the Town of Los Altos Hills General Plan Land Use Element by incorporating certain land use principles commonly referred to as the “Green Sheets of the Town of Los Altos Hills.” The proposed initiative would amend policies within the Land Use Element to clarify permitted animal-keeping uses within the Town and to prohibit the introduction of new industrial, large-scale commercial, and retail uses.
The Planning Commission will consider potential adoption of a resolution making recommendations to the City Council regarding the proposed initiative measure and related amendments to the Town of Los Altos Hills General Plan Land Use Element. The City Council is scheduled to consider the proposed initiative measure, including whether to place the measure on the November 2026 ballot, on June 18, 2026.
CEQA Review: Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
A digital copy of the meeting agenda and staff report will be available on the Town’s website by the end of the day on June 5, 2026, at http:// www.losaltoshills.ca.gov. If you have any questions or need additional information about the foregoing actions for consideration, please contact Jay Bradford, Community Development Director at (650) 941-7222 or planning@losaltoshills.ca.gov.
All interested persons may appear and be heard at said time and place. Written communications should be filed at Town Hall prior to the date of the hearing. Court challenges to the action of the Planning Commission and City Council may be limited to issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written correspondence received at Town Hall at, or prior to, the time of the public hearing. Further details may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office at 650-947-2513.
To attend the meeting in person:
City Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
To provide Public Comment in person:
Members of the public wishing to speak are requested to complete a speaker card and submit it to the City Clerk at the meeting.
To participate in the meeting via Zoom Video Conference, please follow the instructions below:
1. If you wish to submit a public comment on agenda items in advance of the meeting, email the Planner for the project. If you choose to email your comments, indicate in the subject line “FOR PUBLIC COMMENT” and specify the File #. Written comments will be posted on the City website at www.losaltoshills.ca.gov subject to Staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting.
2. If you wish to provide public comment during the meeting, follow this protocol: raise your hand in the Zoom application, before sharing your comment, identify yourself by name and where you reside.
3. To join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device, click this URL to join:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89964765820?pwd=pLoRnhRwqLTC oAKJeIp8PtjJz7jRkY.1
Meeting ID: 899 6476 5820
Password: 609916
Or go to https://app.zoom.us/wc/join and enter the Webinar ID and Passcode above.
Public testimony will be taken at the direction of the Chair and members of the public may only comment during times allotted for public comments. This meeting will be broadcast via live-stream service at http:// www.losaltoshills.ca.gov.
Marco Ahumada Administrative Clerk/Technician Town of Los Altos Hills
NOTICE DATE: May 27, 2026
