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BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
San Mateo County will join a state bill to allow it to ask voters to raise its sales tax by a half-cent after the board voted 3-2 yesterday.
The vote supports legislation in Sacramento by Assemblyman Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, to raise the sales tax at some point over the next five years.
Supervisors Noelia Corzo and Ray Mueller voted no. Corzo said she has a long history of supporting tax measures in the county, but she isn’t comfortable supporting something without an explicit plan or details.
“For me, it’s too open-ended and I don’t think it’s the right time to do this,” Corzo said. A sales tax increase would bring the tax rate above 10% in most San Mateo County cities, including Belmont, East Palo Alto and Redwood City. The lowest tax rate would be 9.875% in cities such as San Carlos, Atherton and Menlo Park. The tax would also be on top of the county’s
current half-cent sales tax, Measure K, which was approved in 2016. Mueller “respectfully” voted no and did not explain why. But during a previous an interview with the Post, he said he is worried about the financial burden the sales tax increase would place on residents after the war in Iran, including higher gas prices.
“It simply gives our community abili-
[See TAX, page 8]
GAS 50% MORE: The price of a gallon of regular gasoline climbed 31 cents in the past week, spiking to an average of $6 per gallon in California yesterday, according to AAA. That's up 50% since the war with Iran began.
OHIO PRIMARY: Biotech
billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy will face a challenge from the state’s former health director as he seeks to keep the governor’s office in GOP hands. Former Sen. Sherrod Brown easily defeated a challenger yesterday in the Ohio Democratic primary and will now attempt to unseat Republican Sen. Jon Husted.
CHINA, IRAN MEET: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in Beijing, Chinese news reported, without providing further details. It was the first time Araghchi has traveled to China since the start of the Iran war.
HORMUZ ESCORTS PAUSED:
President Trump says he has paused the U.S. effort to guide stranded vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz to [See THE UPDATE, page 8]
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
Protesters outraged the East Palo Alto City Council approved a proclamation aimed at combating antisemitism shut down the meeting, resulting in police having to clear the room. Opponents said the proclamation, which is usually a ceremonial item at the beginning of council meetings, uses a problematic definition of antisemitism, which conflates criticisms of the state of Israel with being anti-Jewish. After council heard an hour of public comment on the item, it voted 3-2, with Councilmen Ruben Abrica and Carlos Romero voting no, to approve the proclamation. Council members Webster Lincoln, Mark Dinan and Mar-
[See PROTESTERS, page 13]
BY NADIA LATHAN CalMatters
The candidates running for lieutenant governor are apt to hint at the post’s largely symbolic and overlooked status when discussing their ambitions for the statewide office.
It’s true that California’s lieutenant governor is mostly a ceremonial posi-
tion. Eleni Kounalakis, who currently holds the position, is next in line if the governor is absent or vacates the office, such as when they’re out-of-state, undergoing surgery or if they die. Kounalakis, who terms out this year, is also president of the state Senate and can cast a rare tie-breaking vote if called upon. Most of her influence lies with-
in higher education, where she sits on all three of the state’s higher education boards.
Because of this, the four major leading candidates for the office in the upcoming June primary are emphasizing the sway they’d like to have on higher education, such as freezing tuition
[See NOTHING, page 18]
Watch the exclusive Owner’s Cut estate film featuring Scott Fujita
Perched at 1,300 feet on a private ridge, The Ridge at Upper Forty is a breathtaking dual-estate compound spanning twenty acres across two adjacent parcels. Together they form one harmonious retreat with sweeping 360° views of Carmel Valley, the Pacific Ocean, and city lights. The main residence and pool house estate blend warm modern architecture with the natural beauty of oaks, vineyards, and rolling hills. The two homes total over 9,000 square feet, plus additional spaces including a detached barn, wine cave, pool cabana, and covered outdoor living areas. This rare offering embodies serenity, sophistication, and the best of California’s indoor-outdoor living. Visit www.TheRidgeAtUpperForty.com to learn more.
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BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
Redwood City Council and a couple have agreed to end a yearslong building permit battle that has cost the couple over $10,000.
Council on Monday was set to hold a hearing of Stephen and Sharon Burns’ appeal of a city citation related to a dispute over a concrete masonry wall around a storage area of their garage, which city inspectors say resulted in an unpermitted garage addition. The dispute over the storage area in turn disrupted the couple’s plans to convert their garage into a granny or in-law unit, causing the couple to be hit with fines as a result.
Attorney Edward Low of the Jarvis Fay law firm, who represented the city, said the city will refund the Burnses $100 for one of three citations they received for not having a building permit for the garage extension. The city will also waive fees related to their plans, particularly in relation to the in-law unit, according to Low.
Roof extension
It all started in 2015 when the roof of the Burnses’ storage area next to their garage was destroyed by a fallen tree. In 2018, they extended the roof of their garage, after a city inspector told them they wouldn’t need a permit, according
to the couple’s attorney, Norm Matteoni. But the couple also built walls around the storage area, creating a garage addition.
To fix the situation, they applied for a permit to remove the unpermitted work and to convert the garage into an in-law unit. They also applied for a permit to renovate the main house, paying $10,650 in permit fees in January 2023.
With the permits stuck in plan check, according to their attorney, the couple asked the city for a time extension in October 2025 “because plan progress had been blocked by city action outside (their) control.”
Agreement details
As part of the settlement, the Burnses have agreed to remove the garage extension and make changes to their in-law unit plans. If those changes are made, and the Burnses provide the city with a step-by-step plan to dismantle the garage’s roof, the city will have a permit ready for pick up by June 25, Low said.
The Burnses are still appealing two other citations for not having a permit from the city engineer for construction and for having a masonry unit wall that blocks visibility of the sidewalk. The fine for each is $100, and the matter will be heard by a city employee by the end of the month, according to Low.
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Letters: Limit to 250 words. Author’s full name, address and phone number are required. See policy at padailypost.com under “letters.”
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San Mateo County Coroner:
May 5
Grant Evan Becker, 72, of San Francisco
May 4
David Ross McLachlan Watt, 63, of Belmont
May 3
John E. Avila, 61, of San Bruno
Georgina Bracamontes Cuevas, 51, of Redwood City
Silvestre Lucatero, 51, of Redwood City
Ildefonso Ramirez Perez, 63, of Daly City
May 2
Sheeraz Nasin Siddiqui, 49, of Union City
Ma Erlinda Ticzon Benitez, 93, of Daly City
Bangqun Li, 75, of Daly City
May 1
Victor Marshall Catanzaro, 77, of San Mateo
Elsa De La Quintana, 93, of Redwood City
Inge Lorenz, 89, of Redwood City
Macarthur Collantes, 80, of San Mateo
Kaiser Hospital in Redwood City: Sept. 7
Angelina Dianne Beltrami, a girl
Harrison Robert Liu Cromwell, a boy
Sept. 6
Emiliano Huerta Esparza, a boy
Shlok Pratyush Kshirsagar, a boy
Matilda Anne Neizonek, a girl
Ren Abram Prescott, a boy
Skyler Red Palomares Regado, a boy
Bennett Santiagosingh, a boy
Sept. 5
Jude Wilder Abrahamson, a boy
Kiera Hyewon Forsythe, a girl
Evelyn Sophia Lau, a girl
Olson Ngo On, a boy
Kainalu Joseph Kaipo Rane, a boy
Franco Yamil Ruiz, a boy
Ivy Nailani Saephanh, a girl
Sept. 4
Casper Hui, a boy
Jade Kai Fong Lee, a girl
Theodore Steven Plattner, a boy
Kiana Lucia Rosales, a girl
Seven candidates who want to be California’s next governor kicked off their latest debate yesterday with sharp attacks on each other on issues from gas prices and taxes to immigration in a race that has no clear leader.
The televised debate came as mail voting was already underway in advance of a primary election that ends June 2. It was clear from the testy tone that candidates viewed the matchup as a critical juncture, with a national audience watching as it aired on CNN.
Gas prices in spotlight
The early minutes of the debate were anchored to the punishing cost of living in California and, in particular, gas prices, underscoring deep divides among the candidates on why Califor-
nia prices are so high and how to bring them down. The average gas price topped $6 per gallon in California on yesterday, according to AAA.
Several Democrats on stage, including former state attorney general Xavier Becerra, said President Trump and the war in Iran are to blame for rapidly rising costs at the pump. Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco swiftly pushed back, noting gas has long been much more expensive in California compared to other states.
When Republican Steve Hilton said he could reduce gas prices to $3 a gallon, Democrat Matt Mahan fired back,
“You’re lying to people.”
“Donald Trump is the president in all the other states in America where the cost of living is way lower than in
California,” responded Hilton, who has Trump’s endorsement.
“Boys, boys, enough with the bickering,” former U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, the only woman on stage, interjected at one point.
It is the first time in a generation that California has a wide-open contest for the heavily Democratic state’s highest office. More than 50 names are on the ballot. Candidates hoping to replace outgoing Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom were jostling in hopes of gaining a breakout moment.
Candidates who qualified for the debate include the two leading Republicans, conservative commentator Hilton and Riverside County Sheriff Bianco,
and five Democrats — Becerra, Porter, billionaire Tom Steyer, Mahan and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Trump top of mind
Trump received frequent mention during the debate, with the Democrats seemingly divided on how often to invoke his name.
“Yes, I’m going to repeat Donald Trump as often as I have to because he’s the real menace that we have in California,” Becerra said.
“Donald Trump sucks,” Porter said bluntly.
The contest is unfolding as California struggles with a homelessness crisis, wildfire insurance shortages, budget shortfalls and high housing costs.
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.
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Whether
ty to decide whether to protect essential services in face of ongoing fiscal pressures,” Supervisor Lisa Gauthier said.
The proposal put forward by Supervisors Jackie Speier and Gauthier will allow cities and counties in the state to exceed the 9.25% sales tax cap.
Speier said there was a possibility the county needs the sales tax increase to help the county’s budget amid an anticipated shortfall from the state’s Vehicle License Fee Adjustment. The county is anticipating losing about
finalize an Iran deal. Trump said he is pausing the effort for a short period to give space for U.S. efforts to final a settlement with Iran to end the war.
DIGGS ACQUITTED: Former Patriots receiver Stefon Diggs was found not guilty of assaulting his private chef in a pay dispute. Diggs, who has denied the charges, was released by the Patriots in March.
$120 million in funding. The county was expecting to receive $157 million this year. If voters were to approve a tax, it could also help with making a program to make living in the county more affordable, Speier said.
The county polled residents in February about a potential half-cent sales tax on the November ballot that would raise $114 million a year for childcare.
Speier said in an interview last week that the board won’t put the sales tax increase on the ballot “any time soon,” so the proposal will not compete with any other measure on the November ballot.
FEDEX DRIVER GETS DEATH: A former FedEx driver has been sentenced to death after he pleaded guilty to killing a 7-year-old girl he took from her Texas home while delivering a Christmas gift.
BALLROOM BILL: Senate Republicans are pushing $1 billion in White House security upgrades for President Trump’s ballroom project.
Want to show your mom some love this Mother’s Day? How about treating her to some fresh, delicious lobster?
New England Lobster Market & Eatery in Burlingame not only serves up some of the freshest lobster around but also offers a variety of seafood dishes that any mom would love. She can start with a bucket of peel-and-eat shrimp and then get the full lobster plate with chips, coleslaw and bread and butter … or try the lobster mac and cheese or get a classic lobster roll – naked or dressed, it’s up to her. You can also treat her to oysters or clams on the half shell, Dungeness crab nachos, crab cake sliders and much more.
But don’t forget, Mother’s Day is not the only time you should show mom some love. Make some time to take mom to happy hour at the restaurant. From
Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can enjoy $3 beers, $1 off all wines, $5 shrimp tacos and $2 oysters... Yum!
All New England’s lobsters are delivered by air mail from New England daily, so the lobster is as fresh as it gets and stays that way until it’s on your plate — it’s never frozen. They’re also getting Dungeness crab right from the waters of Half Moon Bay.
And if you’d rather celebrate mom’s big day at home, New England Lobster’s market makes it easy. Order up as many live lobsters as you need or make it easy with their lobster roll kits. And if you want to get really festive, you can host your own family lobster boil by getting their DIY home lobster boil pot. It comes with easy cooking instructions, and you get four 1.25-pound live lobsters, four artichokes, a pound
of shrimp, four Louisiana hot links, four pieces of corn, potatoes, onion and garlic, along with seasonings and lemon. You can also get mom the gift that keeps on giving with a New England Lobster gift card.
So check out New England Lobster Market & Eatery at 824 Cowan Road in Burlingame. You can also order items online, and their drivers are ready to bring your seafood order right to your door in their refrigerated trucks. Delivery is $50 for all customers between San Francisco and San Jose. For more information, go to newenglandlobster.net or call (650) 443-1559. They’re open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
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BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
Menlo Park residents are concerned about the height of the 50 proposed new townhouses, which would be built on the site of a former controversial techie social club.
Planning commissioners said on Monday that there was a lack of mention of neighbor outreach from developer Chase Rapp, who is planning to demolish the existing Cuckoo’s Nest at 68 Willow Road and replace it with 50 townhouses.
“I was kind of surprised not to see a mention that work has been done,” Commissioner Jennifer Schindler said.
Voices of opposition
Resident David Walter, who lives one property down from the project, said the project would not fit in with the neighborhood. The project would be the first three-story buildings in the neighborhood, he said.
“It’s not a downtown area. It’s not close to transit. Is this something where we want to move to a three-story?” Walter said.
Resident Kim Johnson, who lives across the street from the project, also said the project is too tall, and is concerned about the traffic that would build up due to the nearby SRI project. Another developer is looking to rede-
velop the 63-acre SRI campus at 333 Ravenswood Ave. into 800 apartments and 1 million square feet of office and retail space.
“I’m not happy that this is going in right across the street from me, but there’s not much I can do,” Johnson said.
Commissioner Misha Silin said there was not much the commission could do either, since the project is being pushed forward under state law. The project will be moving forward under Senate Bill 330, which allows a developer, under certain circumstances, to have their project approved in five or fewer meetings. The project is also exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under “density bonus” laws that fast-track development with affordable housing.
Schindler said there will be tradeoffs, whether in traffic or density, to achieve the city’s state-required housing plan to build 2,946 homes.
Commissioner Andrew Ehrich said the project will help residents stay in Menlo Park.
“I believe that some of my friends would have been able to stay if this project existed,” Ehrich said.
Commissioners unanimously approved the project, and it will now be reviewed by the City Council.
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The Post prints the latest
PALO ALTO
2456 West Bayshore Road #10, 94303, 2 bedrooms, 906 square feet built in 1972, Forstner Trust to Zhenzhen and You Zhang for $645,000, closed April 9
153 California Ave. #F107, 94306, 2 bedrooms, 1117 square feet built in 1982, Atc-Hw Living Trust to Clarendon Trust for $928,000, closed April 7 (last sale: $480,000, 0423-02)
200 Sheridan Ave. #208, 94306, 2 bedrooms, 1411 square feet built in 1997, Sheridan Plaza LLC to Phea Cheok for $1,361,000, closed April 7
412 Guinda St., 94301, 2 bedrooms, 1405 square feet built in 1926, Lloyd Crawford to Alto Peak LLC for $3,100,000, closed April 9
EAST PALO ALTO
2115 Clarke Ave., 94303, 3 bedrooms, 1280 square feet built in 1956, Theodore Kolvoord to Molly and Patrick Ayers for $1,130,000, closed March 23
MENLO PARK
2140 Santa Cruz Ave. #E102, 94025, 2 bedrooms, 1203 square feet built in 1978, Zuk Family Trust to Palla Living Trust for $890,000, closed March 27 (last sale: $450,000, 02-03-11)
674 Partridge Ave.,
94025, 4 bedrooms, 1653 square feet built in 2018, Stanford Leland to Leslie and Thierry Tambe for $1,648,000, closed March 27 (last sale: $1,675,000, 05-30-25)
MOUNTAIN VIEW
280 Easy St. #114, 94043, 2 bedrooms, 894 square feet built in 1964, Wendy Pasillas to Kyle Fisher for $668,000, closed April 7 (last sale: $260,000, 06-28-11)
765 North Rengstorff Ave. #19, 94043, 1 bedroom, 899 square feet built in 1973, Yundan Zheng to Claudia and Jesus Gonzalez for $700,000, closed April 7 (last sale: $738,000, 0211-21)
LOS ALTOS
425 1st St. #14, 94022, 1 bedroom, 1031 square feet built in 2023, 425 First Los Altos LLC to Nima Nikaiyn for $1,365,000, closed April 10
LOS ALTOS HILLS
24821 Prospect Ave., 94022, 4 bedrooms, 2354 square feet built in 1956, Young Living Trust to Grant and Christine Louie for $4,930,000, closed April 6 (last sale: $2,980,000, 06-10-16)
ATHERTON
80 Watkins Ave., 94027, 3 bedrooms, 1320 square feet built in 1950, J Properties 1820 LLC to Mehdi and Mercedes Gimeno-Segovia for $2,500,000, closed
March 27 (last sale, $2,000,000: 11-20-25)
35 Barry Lane, 94027, 6 bedrooms, 11257 square feet built in 2012, Pinecone Trust to 35 Berry LLC for $23,989,000, closed March 25 (last sale: $18,175,000, 11-14-12)
1049 Haven Ave., 94063, 2 bedrooms, 1220 square feet built in 1947, Lawrence Bacon to Wh4 LLC for $1,180,000, closed March 25 (last sale: $130,000, 12-01-86)
3234 Hoover St., 94063, 3 bedrooms, 1280 square feet built in 1946, 3234 Hoover St. LLC to Christina Chan for $1,750,000, closed March 26 (last sale: $1,025,500, 07-11-25)
1149 18th Ave., 94063, 3 bedrooms, 1930 square feet built in 1948, Thompson Trust to Chiranjib and Kelli Johnston for $1,800,000, closed March 25
1388 Woodland Ave., 94070, 4 bedrooms, 1810 square feet built in 1945, Packer Trust to Zhao Living Trust for $2,720,500, closed March 26
1140 Harbor Blvd., 94002, 3 bedrooms, 1240 square feet built in 1950, Mcintosh Family Trust to Jing and Jia Du for $1,921,000, closed March 25
Martha Barragan voted yes. After the vote, the room erupted into chants, such as “drop the proclamation now,” so the council packed up their belongings and went into closed session.
But after an hour, the protest was still going strong.
During the protest, chants such as “Dinan Dinan you can’t hide we charge you with genocide” and “City Council grow a spine, Palestine is a red line” could be heard.
Ultimately, the council voted 3-2, along the same lines as before, to have Police Chief Jeff Liu clear the council chambers. While chambers were being cleared, protesters could be heard chanting “City Council grow a spine, free speech is a red line.”
For and against
Before the vote and the protest, residents spoke out — for and against — the proclamation.
Asiya Patel said she was disappointed in council and it should instead be focused on issues that are happening in East Palo Alto. Using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition suppresses free speech and marginalizes Palestinian residents, Patel said.
Colin Bookman said he is one of the few Jews in the community and said the proclamation would make him feel safer. He said he is a victim of antisemitism daily. When he puts up his Hanukkah decorations, his family is afraid and asks him to take them down, Bookman said. Some of his neighbors have even suggested that he buy a gun, he said.
Why it was discussed
Lincoln, who is mayor, said he brought forward the proclamation in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. The proclamation affirms the freedom of speech, and the community that has been targeted the most is Jews, Lincoln said.
“When a community is being targeted, the wrong response is silence,” Lincoln said.
Last week, Lincoln attended a gathering in Savannah, Ga. hosted by the Combat Antisemitism Movement to celebrate the start of Jewish American Heritage Month. Council approved a proclamation celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month earlier in the night to no outcry.
Abrica said he did not support the proclamation because safety is a concern for every community, not just one.
“It’s very ironic to me that if this is supposed to be something that somehow fights some kind of hatred, it’s starting to generate a lot of tension,” Abrica said. “There’s a lot of anti-stuff that we can all work together on.”
If the council is standing with one community, it will have to stand with others and make proclamations for them too, he said.
Romero said he didn’t agree with certain paragraphs that would affect freedom of speech. But no other council member agreed with him.
Dinan, who voted yes, said it was not on his bingo card to discuss the war between Israel and Hamas. He said the city’s decision may not move the needle in the debate, and he joined the council to discuss issues like improving parking and the overall condition of the city.
The Food and Drug Administration yesterday announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers, a major policy shift that comes after months of appeals to President Trump from the vaping industry.
The decision is certain to be opposed by health groups and parent organizations that have long pointed to flavors as the driver behind underage vaping in the U.S.
Smoking alternative
Vaping companies have long made the case that their products can help blunt the toll of smoking among adults,
which is blamed for 480,000 U.S. deaths annually due to cancer, lung disease and heart disease. The battery-powered devices have been sold in the U.S. since 2007, but their potential benefits have been overshadowed for years by uptake among teens.
The federal action comes as teen vaping rates have dropped to a 10-year low and manufacturers have pushed the Republican administration to loosen restrictions on their products.
The newly authorized e-cigarettes come in mango, blueberry and two varieties of menthol. Previously the FDA had only granted permission to tobacco or menthol-flavored vaping products.
A new analysis of chemicals in U.S. infant formula found reassuringly low levels of heavy metals, pesticides and other potential contaminants, federal health officials said.
The review was conducted as part of the Food and Drug Administration’s Operation Stork Speed project — billed as the “largest and most rigorous” to date. It found that the infant formula
supply is safe, agency officials and outside experts said.
“There’s no reason not to use any available formula” in the U.S., said Dr. Steven Abrams, a pediatrics professor at the University of Texas at Austin who reviewed the findings.
FDA officials tested more than 300 samples of commercial infant formula between 2023 and 2025.
PALO ALTO
APRIL 2
5 p.m. — Hugh Greer Phillips, 29, of San Jose, arrested for creating a public nuisance, 500 block of Webster St.
APRIL 21
6:18 p.m. — Andrew Gavin Hartnett, 55, transient, arrested for camping, Civic Center Plaza.
APRIL 24
9:36 p.m. — Juvenile cited for public drunkenness and giving a false name to police, Adobe Place.
APRIL 25
8:15 p.m. — Grand theft, Town & Country Village.
10 p.m. — Vandalism, 100 block of Greenmeadow Way.
APRIL 26
12:49 p.m. — Vandalism, Stanford Shopping Center.
APRIL 27
10:08 a.m. — Vandalism, 500 block of Emerson St.
11:55 a.m. — Grand theft from a vehicle, 4200 block of McKellar Lane.
APRIL 28
2:16 p.m. — Kordale Malik Turner, 28, of Oakland, and Liavia Maaewilson, 34, both arrested for drinking alcohol in a public place, 200 block of University Ave.
SUNDAY
1:29 a.m. — Generator found, University Ave. at the railroad tracks.
2:52 p.m. — Gabriela Renee Triant, 28, arrested for domestic
battery, stalking and trespassing, 700 block of Roble Ave.
7:27 p.m. — Vehicle collision causes injuries, El Camino and Ravenswood Ave.
MONDAY
11:04 a.m. — Alondra Lizbeth Arana Villanueva, 29, of Menlo Park, arrested on two warrants, 700 block of El Camino.
1:08 p.m. — Embezzlement alleged, 400 block of Pierce Road.
3:55 p.m. — Marisa Weckerle, 47, of Redwood City, cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license, El Camino and Santa Cruz Ave.
8:14 p.m. — Tays Carolina Mendoza, 25, of East Palo Alto, cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license, University Ave. and O’Brien Drive.
10:38 p.m. — Helen Carmen Cardenas, 36, of Redwood City, arrested for possession of narcotics
and drug paraphernalia, trying to destroy or conceal evidence, and resisting police, Bayfront Expressway and University Ave.
APRIL 26
5:35 p.m. — Karen Lucy Bubano, 56, of Milpitas, cited for failure to care for an animal, Stanford Memorial Church.
SATURDAY
4:05 p.m. — Amazing Grace Finau, 34, of East Palo Alto, arrested on a warrant, 900 block of San Antonio Road.
MARCH 20
11:25 a.m. — Amber Ledezma
Arellano, 26, of San Jose, cited for furnishing tobacco to a minor at B&Y Smoke & Gift Shop, 361 Castro St.
12:55 a.m. — Stefania Saray Betancourt, 33, of Sunnyvale, cited for furnishing tobacco to a minor at Alliance Gas, 101 E. El Camino.
APRIL 26
11:06 p.m. — Daniel Rivera, 37, transient, arrested for petty theft and drug possession, Rengstorff Ave. and Jane Lane.
MONDAY
3:12 p.m. — Identity theft, Stockbridge Ave.
APRIL 24
11 a.m. — Vandalism reported, 2900 block of El Camino. After sheriff’s deputies respond, the victim accepts $112 from the suspect in lieu of prosecution.
THURSDAY
1:15 p.m. — Adreanna Marie Pro, 34, cited for shoplifting at Target, 2485 block of El Camino.
4:32 p.m. — Man says he was extorted out of money by a person who was threatening to distribute explicit photos of him, Broadway.
5:26 p.m. — Tires slashed, Kentfield Ave.
FRIDAY
12:05 a.m. — Woman screaming at a man and throwing tools, Douglas Court.
8:43 a.m. — Martin Barreras Sanchez, 37, cited for trespassing, Chestnut and Heller streets. Citation given by San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies. Noon Man screaming profanities, El Camino.
1:42 p.m. — Nathaniel Lee Woodworth, 34, of San Francisco, arrested for failure to comply with sex offender registration
reductions to misdemeanor
✓ sealings
requirements and on a warrant, El Camino and James Ave. Arrest made by San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies.
THURSDAY
Time not given — Check fraud, 1000 block of Buckland Ave. The loss to the victims is about $8,800.
SATURDAY
10:35 p.m. — Complaint of a loud party, 1600 block of Robin Whipple Way.
SUNDAY
12:31 a.m. — Intoxicated man reported to be pushing his parents into the street, Old County Road.
1:13 a.m. — Rocco Joseph Thompson, 21, arrested for public drunkenness, 1400 block of Old County Road. Arrest made by San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies.
or cutting back on remedial coursework. Previous lieutenant governors have used the office as a stepping stone to the state’s top job, including Gov. Gavin Newsom who held the position for eight years before his election in 2018.
But it’s still mostly unknown to voters and suffers a poor reputation.
“I called the lieutenant governor sort of the Seinfeld of state government, because nobody knows who it is, and then they think it’s a job about nothing,” Gloria Romero, a Republican candidate, told CalMatters.
The major Democratic candidates include Josh Fryday, who leads volunteer programs in the Newsom administration, state Treasurer Fiona Ma who terms out this year, and former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs.
Here is what each candidate, in alphabetical order, said about how they’d approach the gig.
Josh Fryday
Fryday said one of his biggest priorities as lieutenant governor would be to try to get California community colleges to credential more trade workers to help build more clean energy projects and boost the state’s renewable energy supply.
Prior to becoming part of the governor’s cabinet in 2019, he was the chief operating officer of NextGen America, a clean advocacy organization started by
billionaire Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer.
He also said he would push for developing more student housing on public land to increase enrollment and create more revenue to stem rising tuition costs.
The former mayor of Novato also emphasized expanding the volunteer service program he helped develop as chief service officer in Newsom’s cabinet. He would like it to include more community colleges and universities. In addition to Newsom’s support, he’s endorsed by the California Teachers Association and California Federation of Teachers.
Janelle Kellman
Former Sausalito mayor Janelle Kellman wants to make community college free and expand training programs for in-demand jobs as a member of the state’s higher education boards. But the lieutenant governor is one of 18 members on the UC Board of Regents and has limited capacity to enact a single policy change.
She’s received support from the California Legislative Jewish Caucus and the LGBTQ Stonewall Democratic Club.
The lieutenant governor has no role in electricity regulation or insurance. But Kellman, a climate attorney, said she would work to cut utility costs by getting rid of extra electricity fees. She also said she’d work with the insurance commissioner to reduce premiums for homeowners who take preventive measures to mitigate wildfire risks. Kellman spent 10 years in local government on Sausali-
to’s planning commission and city council and is the founder of a climate nonprofit focused on sea level rise.
She also supports building more student housing.
Fiona Ma
Finding other ways to generate revenue for Cal State universities outside the general fund is one way Ma would look to lower the cost of housing and tuition. She supports partnering more with private companies to lease out spaces such as campus theaters when they’re not being used.
Ma has an exhaustive resume in local and state politics: She spent six years in the Assembly after one term on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and was on the Board of Equalization for four years before she was elected state treasurer in 2019.
As treasurer, she has issued housing bonds to California universities, which she said has given her “a different perspective” on how to build more student housing.
“Some of them do have land and they are working with some of the developers that have a speciality with building student housing” she said.
Ma received the most support from delegates at the Democratic Party Convention and has secured some of the most influential endorsements, including from the powerful California Labor Federation.
She was accused of sexual harassment by a former employee in 2021, who accused Ma of requiring her to share a hotel room with her and buying her
gifts. The state, using taxpayer dollars, settled the lawsuit for $350,000 in 2024.
Ma has repeatedly denied the accusations and called the lawsuit “frivolous.”
It took up three years of her life, and voters still elected her, she said. “I still got all the same endorsements that I got the first time I ran in 2018,” Ma said. “I’ve gotten even more support for my lieutenant governor’s race.”
Gloria Romero Romero, a former Democrat-turned-Republican, supports school vouchers to let parents use taxpayer dollars to pay for private school education — which teachers unions vehemently oppose. She also supports slashing remedial coursework to help students finish their degrees faster.
A former assemblymember and first woman to become Senate Majority Leader, Romero spent 12 years representing east Los Angeles in the state Legislature as a Democrat until 2010. She switched parties in 2024 and announced her lieutenant governor run as a joint ticket with Steve Hilton, one of the leading Republican candidates for governor.
On how she’d navigate negotiating with the Democratic supermajority in the Legislature and on numerous boards as a rare Republican, Romero said she would individually meet with each colleague to see where their priorities overlap.
Michael Tubbs
Tubbs is looking to return to office to help drive down the cost of higher education more than a decade after skyrocketing to political stardom in Stockton as one of the youngest big city mayors in the country.
His ascent as the city’s first Black and youngest mayor at 26 in 2016 garnered him national attention as the son of a single mother raised in a poor neighborhood who climbed his way to full ride at Stanford.
He was ousted from office in 2021 by a lesser-known Republican after one term as mayor, which many attributed to a grassroots smear campaign and local disdain for his national profile.
He supports freezing tuition at all public colleges by cutting “administrative bloat,” cutting remedial coursework that doesn’t count toward graduation requirements and streamlining programs for in-demand industries such as nursing.
Tubbs is a special economic adviser to the governor and leads the nonprofit organizations Poverty in California and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, dedicated to implementing universal basic income pilot programs in cities across the state, a flagship initiative of his mayorship.
California’s major public employee union, Service Employees International, is supporting Tubbs.
Puzzles on page 21
Fictitious Business Name Statement File No. FBN725207
The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Lynn Reliable Locksmith, 1256 Klee Ct, Sunnyvale, Ca 94087, Santa Clara County. The business is owned by: An Individual The name and residence address of registrant(s) is (are): Lynn Truong Cao, 1256 Klee Ct, Sunnyvale, Ca 94087. Registrant/owner began transacting name(s) listed above on N/A. /s/ Lynn Truong Cao / County Clerk Recorder of Santa Clara County on 3/27/26.
(POST May 6, 15, 22, 29, 2026)
SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 10 (ZONING AND SITE DEVELOPMENT) OF THE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE TO AMEND CERTAIN MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN the Town of Los Altos Hills’ City Council has introduced, on April 29, 2026, and proposes to adopt, on May 14, 2026, an Ordinance to amend Title 10, Chapter 1, Article 16 of the Town of Los Altos Hills’ Municipal Code to amend certain development standards in the Multi-Family (MF) and Multi-Family Overlay (MFO) zones. Specifically, if adopted, the Ordinance would delete the average unit size requirement, add a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) standard of 0.45 for habitable floor area per acre of contiguous buildable area (with bonuses available for senior and affordable housing, and additional FAR where required by state law), reduce the development site size from 3.5 to 0.5, reduce the maximum unit size from 2,000 to 1,800, delete the unit mix standard, and reduce setbacks between multifamily and single-family lots from 60 feet to 35 feet and reduce setbacks between multi-family lots from 60 to 35 feet for front setback, 60 to 10 feet for side setbacks, and 60 to 20 feet for rear setbacks.
This Ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 21080.085 of the Public Resources Code as CEQA does not apply to a rezoning that implements the schedule of actions contained in an approved housing element pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 65583 of the Government Code. This Ordinance continues to implement the multi-family rezonings under Program A-1 of the Town’s adopted and state-certified 2023-2031 Housing Element pursuant to Government Code section 65583(c) by refining development standards to facilitate multi-family housing production. Additionally, this Ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b) (3) because it does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. The Ordinance amends multi-family development standards but does not approve any development or grant any entitlements. Subsequent project proposals in multi- family zoning districts will undergo separate environmental review. Thus, this Ordinance is a regulatory action by the Town and it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that it may have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, it is exempt from CEQA.
This Ordinance Summary was prepared pursuant to Government Code Section 36933. The full text of the ordinance is available from the Town’s City Clerk’s Office at 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA, or on the Town’s website at www.losaltoshills.ca.gov.
I, ARIKA MILLER, City Clerk of the Town of Los Altos Hills, CERTIFY that on the 5th day of May, 2026, at least five days prior to the City Council meeting set for the 14th day of May, 2026, when this Ordinance was scheduled for adoption (1) the Summary was published and circulated in the Town, and (2) a certified copy of the full text of this Ordinance was posted in my office, all in accordance with Government Code Section 36933.
A certified copy of the full text of this Ordinance is posted in the Office of the City Clerk, Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California. The Ordinance was read for the first time on the 29th day of April, 2026, and is scheduled for second reading and adoption on the 14th day of May, 2026.
DATE: May 4, 2026 /s/Arika Miller, City Clerk
PALO ALTO DERMATOLOGY
INSTITUTE (PADI) is pleased to announce that they are now offering UltraClear® Laser Skin Resurfacing. This advanced treatment improves skin
tone, texture, and clarity by delivering precise energy to reduce signs of aging, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation. UltraClear® is safe for all skin types and offers noticeable results with significantly less downtime than traditional resurfacing treatments. Please call (650) 606-7234 to learn more or schedule an appointment. PADI is located at 301 High St. in Downtown Palo Alto.
MOTHER’S DAY SALE IS now underway at Cooks’ Junction, located at 205 Main St. in downtown Los Altos. For over 40 years, the store has offered high-quality cutlery, bakeware, and cookware from around the world. In addition to Zwilling, they feature premium brands such as Le Creuset, Polish Pottery, and MacKenzie-Childs. Don’t miss these exclusive specials, available through May 9, 2026. For more information, please call (650) 941-6530.
BK COLLECTIONS
HAS PROVIDED QUALITY and timeless jewelry pieces and collectibles since 1978. Are you looking for the perfect Mother’s Day gift? Check out their Spring flower collection featuring Michael Aram tabletop pieces and Annabel Aram Wildflower jewelry. Owner Belinda Chung said they have loyal customers whose children shopped there three decades ago and are now parents themselves. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you select personal and office gifts. They provide free gift wrapping. Packing and shipping are available. BK Collections is located at 342 State St. in Downtown Los Altos.
MOTHER’S DAY
BONDING DAY AT Lingerie République. Saturday, May 9th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come for a fitting. Stay for a rose. Leave feeling like yourself–together. Lingerie République is located at Town &
Country Village, Building 1, Suite 4, and is open seven days a week. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (650) 323-7979.
MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT CROWNE PLAZA PALO ALTO. Celebrate Mom with a memorable brunch at our restaurant, Cabana Cove. Enjoy a lavish buffet featuring breakfast favorites, a chilled seafood bar, slow-roasted prime rib at the carving station, fresh salads, brunch entrées, and decadent desserts. The experience is complemented by live music from Astralogik, ‘all you can enjoy’ mimosas, and a complimentary rose for Mom. Sunday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. *Adults $109 | Kids 5-10 $39.95 | Under 5 Complimentary *Pricing is subject to tax and a 24% service fee. Call (650) 857-0787.
MOMS LOVE PIES TOO! THIS Friday through Sunday, you can purchase a whole apple pie, regularly priced at $25, for only $9.99 from Heidi’s Pies. Established in 1970, Heidi’s Pies is a legendary San Mateo landmark. Voted the best in the Bay Area, their pies are made from scratch with only the highest quality ingredients, including fresh fruits, and no preservatives.
DO CHEESEBURGERS GET BORING? WE don’t think so. Try a classic, thick, juicy cheeseburger, Sundance style, for lunch sounds timeless and delicious. Are you with me on this? Maybe add some fries or a healthy salad on the side? Sundance the Steakhouse is the place for you. Cash is the waiter, bartender, chief bottle-washer and man about town in the historic sports lounge of this historic, family owned restaurant. The lunch menu at Sundance also offers a yummy french dip sandwich, chicken club sandwich, seared Ahi sandwich and the list goes on and on. You want a crisp healthy salad for lunch? They have quite a variety to choose from. Come on in and enjoy a fantastic lunch, Sundance style. Located at 1921 El Camino Real in Palo Alto for over 50 years. Call 650 321-6798 for a reservation and check the website for more info.
