Issuu

Taller buildings on the way

BY ELAINE GOODMAN Daily Post Correspondent

Palo Alto City Council on Wednesday will discuss the impacts of a new state law that could allow seven-story residential buildings within a quarter mile of the city’s three Caltrain stations. The buildings could be even taller — nine stories — if they’re right next to

Cities can protect neighborhoods

the train station, under Senate Bill 79 by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco. If the housing is between a quarter and a half mile from the Caltrain station, buildings can be six stories tall.

SB79 will allow transit agencies to

CEASEFIRE TESTED: Gaza’s fragile ceasefire faced its first major test yesterday as Israeli forces launched a wave of deadly strikes, saying Hamas militants had killed two soldiers, and an Israeli security official said the transfer of aid into the territory was halted. The military later said it resumed enforcing the ceasefire, and the official confirmed that aid deliveries would resume today.

NURSE STRIKE ENDS: A planned five-day strike by thousands of registered nurses and other Kaiser Permanente health care workers ended yesterday with both sides agreeing to return to the bargaining table. The unionized workers were focusing on wages. The average pay for a Registered Nurse at Kaiser Permanente in California is $73.21 per hour, which is $117,883 per year.

ROBOT CAR AVOIDS TICKET: San Bruno police were perplexed when they pulled over a Waymo taxi after it made an illegal U-turn, only to find no driver behind the wheel and therefore, no one to ticket. The police

[See THE UPDATE, page 4]

develop their own land, giving them a way to potentially raise money.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law on Oct. 10. It takes effect July 1.

Cities have a small amount of wig-

gle room under SB79 if they approve a so-called transit-oriented development alternative plan. The alternative plan must allow the same number of housing units and the same square footage within a half-mile of a Caltrain station, but the city has some flexibility on how it’s arranged. With an alternative plan, the

[See TALLER, page 18]

Galatolo bribery trial to start

RON GALATOLO: Former chancellor of the San Mateo County Community College District. The district operates three Colleges: Canada College in Redwood City, College of San Mateo and Skyline College in San Bruno.

SALARY: $467,000 annually when he left the district

HIRED: 2001

RESIGNED: 2019

CONTRACTORS SUED: In 2023, the district sued five contractors to stop them from getting government contracts after they allegedly paid off Galatolo. They are Allana Buick & Bers, McCarthy Building Companies, Bunton, Clifford and Associates (now known as Studio W Architects), Robert A. Bothman Construction and Blach Construction Company. All have denied any wrongdoing.

BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ

Former San Mateo County Community College District chancellor Ron Galatolo is scheduled to go on trial today on charges of taking bribes from contractors, a prosecutor said.

Galatolo, 61, of Menlo Park, is facing criminal charges for allegedly taking bribes from contractors, tax evasion and using district money for his personal legal fees.

The case has taken many twists and turns since his arrest in 2019. One of the witnesses against him will be his ex-wife.

The central allegation in the case is that Galatolo received kickbacks for giving the contractors jobs on the projects that totaled $1 billion. The district went to the voters with three parcel taxes to pay for the work. Court documents allege Galatolo

[See GALATOLO, page 19]

RON GALATOLO’S jail mug shot.

Locally owned, independent

Deaths

Santa Clara County Medical Examin-

Sept. 22

Mohammed Shahi, 80, of Sunnyvale

Antonio Paloma, 65, of Sunnyvale

Maria Brito, 87, of Menlo Park

Sept. 21

Yee Lee, 51, of Los Altos

Sept. 20

Isaiah Mendoza, 16, of Sunnyvale

Edwin Chow, 70, of Daly City

Sept. 19

Robert Hill, 76, of Sunnyvale

Germelina Melendez, 84, of Sunnyvale

Hermann Baumann, 70, of Redwood City

Sean O’Keefe, 60, of Sunnyvale

Sept. 18

Catherine Misuraca, 58, of Mountain View

Helen Shandler, 85, of Mountain View

Dorothy Lloyd, 91, of Palo Alto

Nhan Luong, 88, of Atherton

Sept. 14

William Lane III, 86, of Menlo Park

Births

El Camino Hospital in Mountain View:

April 7

Samarth Sahana Arun, a boy

Lenny Bar, a girl

Dominic Thomas Bogert, a boy

Celine Chao, a girl

Evan Zicheng Chen, a boy

Riddhi Dash, a girl

April 6

Chace Nian En Chang, a boy

William Kenji Fischer, a boy

Isla Ann Gallagher, a girl

Pierce Leland Robson, a boy

Nicolas Taffarel Fries, a boy

April 5

Rahula Cheburthy, a boy

Clara Mrozack Dooley, a girl

Dhruv Shanmukha Garlapati, a boy

Allison Dahianna Gomez Castro, a girl

Jadon Adlai Hsu, a boy

Kassia Athanasia Jade Kouretasvierra, a girl

Emma Leilani Murayama, a girl

Declan Yu Pong, a boy

Ava Ayumi Schwartz, a girl

Avery Lynn Smith, a girl

Harlowe Laine Woernley, a girl

Aria Zhao, a girl

Ex-sheriff owes taxpayers; recover it

Talk about insult to injury for San Mateo County taxpayers.

Sheriff Christina Corpus will be allowed to retire with full pension and benefits even though she was fired by the Board of Supervisors for corruption.

Corpus submitted her resignation letter a few hours after the supervisors fired her on Tuesday.

Her pension will be 90% of her

Need for newspapers

Dear Editor: With San Mateo County’s yearslong nightmare finally ending with the departure of now former Sheriff Christina Corpus, it’s a reminder how much, on a bipartisan basis, we need our local newspapers.

The whole sorry mess came to light originally in 2023 when the Daily Post started looking into Corpus’s relationship with an inexperienced chief of staff.

Corruption, especially at a local level, isn’t a Democratic problem or a Republican problem.

Democracy does die in darkness. Kudos to the Post. And we need as many local papers as possible surviv-

final year’s pay. According to records the county provided to Transparent California, a nonpartisan operation that keeps track of government compensation, she makes $701,310 in total pay, including $466,058 in cash and $235,252 in benefits.

The county should try to take back the money.

The county has spent millions of dollars on her lawyers, who defended her during the firing hearings. And the county will pay millions

to settle the lawsuits brought by employees who were harassed, intimidated and falsely arrested by Corpus.

The county has a simple way to collect this money. The supervisors can take one of the many lawsuits filed against Corpus and decide to waive punitive damages. If the county waives punitive damages, the other defendants in the case, such as Corpus, would have to pay the punitive damages out of their own pocket.

In lawsuits, actual damages are often small, but the punitive damages

produce the big numbers you read about in the headlines.

If Corpus doesn’t have the money in the bank, foreclose on any real estate she may own. Garnish her wages, should she ever get another job.

It’s disappointing to hear that Supervisor David Canepa doesn’t want to try blocking Corpus’ generous pension payments. Is Canepa on the same team as Corpus?

Editor Dave Price’s column appears on Mondays.

Janice Hough Palo Alto

Why pay them?

Dear Editor: Why should Congress be paid when the rest of government is shut down and workers are not being paid? Especially since the House is in recess. If they weren’t paid, maybe they would be more motivated to reach a compromise to reopen the government. And why does Congress receive free healthcare when the rest of us have to fight for even minimal benefits. If they had to negotiate their way through the healthcare system, maybe they would

The City of Palo Alto staff released a 25-page report on October 9, 2025, in preparation for the upcoming October 20, 2025 City Council meeting on the RV Parking issue.

In that report, staff described their “stakeholder engagement” process as follows:

“Staff has made some preliminary efforts to gather feedback from the community on the Committee’s recommendation. This included seeking input from the “RV Dwellers Group” of service providers, a representative of Stanford University, members of the faith-based community, City staff, a City Councilmember, and a Human Relations Commission member,”

NOTICE WHO IS MISSING?

Residents. Businesses.

Employees who work in Palo Alto

The very people most impacted by this ongoing problem were not contacted. That is unacceptable.

John Hyde Palo Alto

Prop 50’s problems

Dear Editor: I hope to educate a few here on what they just voted for by helping pass Prop 50. In order to combat President Trump — who many deeply hate — this proposition’s solution is to further alienate 40% of California voters who may (or may not) like Trump, but enjoy the direction this country is now headed: but who already have to deal with living in a one-party state (whose unbalance is sending it into an unaffordable tailspin). Now their voic-

es are to be further beaten down in their representation in D.C.! Part of what is sad about this is how this “temporary” measure will become permanent, as they always do. (Ever know of someone willingly give up power or money?) For reference, see your “temporary” gas tax, registration fees, sales tax, and other “emergency allocations” of funds, that never go away. The non-partisan commission was set up that way for a reason. God forbid those trying to stop the other party now be on the losing end next time. Fair is fair, but to some, it is sometimes necessary to upend democracy to save democracy. Sounds more like you just want to make sure you always get your

LET’S TAKE ACTION PALO ALTO

SAVE LEGAL

ing and trying to shine a light on our elected officials.

have a better appreciation for what ordinary folk go through.

Dave Price

way, like a spoiled child. Pretty soon, you end up with no friends left. But some can only see short-term gain, and not long-term consequences.

Howard Welch Mountain View

Sheriff election needed

Dear Editor: I thought that the type size of Wednesday’s headline (“Sheriff fired”) would be even bigger. To whom did departing Sheriff Christina Corpus surrender her gun and badge? I could imagine Corpus barricading herself in the sheriff’s office with Undersheriff Dan Perea and her few remaining supporters, such that some outside enforcement agency (maybe federal marshals) would have to storm the building to forcibly remove her.

But why is she being given another 14 days for her lawyers to “appeal the decision and reinstate her”? Wasn’t the full-blown evidentiary hearing supposed to be the final opportunity to overturn her removal? Haven’t they already expended every possible avenue of appeal with their numerous lawsuits and rejected requests to delay or dismiss the proceedings? Who is left for an appeal? The Supreme Court? God?

Leaving Dan Perea in charge will not do anything to help the morale of the sheriff’s office. A temporary sheriff needs to be appointed immediately. Probably an outsider with no alliances against or for Corpus. Someone who agrees not to run for the permanent po-

sition, like Laphonza Butler who took Dianne Feinstein’s Senate seat after her death.

An election for the replacement sheriff should be held. But not a special election; the county has already spent enough money on this case. Why can’t an election for the new sheriff be held in conjunction with the next general election in June 2026 or November of 2026?

Linda

Zausen

Palo Alto

Two wrongs

Dear Editor: Prop 50 replaces the map drawn by the voter-approved independent citizens commissions with a map drawn by politicians for politicians behind closed doors. The new map puts Modoc in the same district as Marin. That’s ridiculous. The independent redistricting commission drew the current districts after months of hearings and discussions.

The new districts would be in place three election cycles. There is no guarantee California would return to the commission after 2030 because temporary bills often seem to become permanent.

In addition, the election is costing over $200 million out of a state budget that is already billions of dollars short. Not fiscally responsible.

Politicians are using Texas as an excuse to take power away from the peo[See LETTERS, page 8]

PALO ALTOPlease Follow the Law

Who in the City of Palo Alto made the decision to break the law to not tow RVs parked illegally in Palo Alto?

Shikada, PA City Manager? #3 Andrew Binder, PA Police Chief? #4 Palo Alto Voters?

The citizens, businesses, and their employees have the right to know.

The answer to this question should be made public before the city council meeting on October 20, 2025.

THE ORDINANCE STATES:

“No vehicle, including oversized vehicles, trailers, and RVs, can be legally parked or be left standing on any Palo Alto street for a consecutive period of 72 hours.”

Palo Alto Dermatology Institute is nationally recognized for our expertise in all types of skin cancer. Be proactive in your health care and contact us today for a skin check.

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This ordinance is not being enforced. As a result, approx. 290 RVs are parked illegally on Palo Alto streets.

The signs are posted. The laws are written. Without enforcement, they mean nothing!

Willie’s Landscaping Designs, INC. 240 Harbor Blvd, Belmont, CA 94002

Lic. C - 27 #94162 (650) 598-9463 • wldi.org

LETTERS –

ple of California. Two wrongs don’t make a right. Vote “no” on Prop 50! Jo Ann Arneson Belmont

’No’ on Prop 50

Dear Editor: I am a registered Democrat. I have voted in every election since moving to California 42 years ago.

I am very proud of the redistricting work that the independent, bi-partisan commission completed in December 2021. It gave the state a truly democratic solution. As far as I know, the bi-partisan commission’s work has neither been challenged nor litigated.

In many ways, California serves as a beacon for our country in innovation and integrity. Gov. Gavin Newsom, however, exhibits neither innovation nor integrity by copying the tactics of

President Trump with his own gerrymandered Prop. 50, negotiated behind closed doors.

Who can ensure that if this trick is successful in 2025, it won’t be repeated whenever the party in power finds it expedient?

I will vote “no” on Prop 50. Louise Beattie Palo Alto

‘No’ on Measure A

Dear Editor: I agree with your anti-Measure A position, as explained in last Monday’s editorial. Why is it always a regressive sales tax increase? It never stops; next year will bring yet another transit tax proposal.

Before increasing taxes yet again, let’s remove some wasteful spending. And look at alternative sources – why not tax the rich tech companies?

Bill Hough Los Altos

Trumpers disrupt ‘No Kings’ event

A “No Kings” protest was interrupted for about five minutes by demonstrators supporting President Trump.

The “No Kings” demonstrators, who oppose Trump, responded by the proTrump crowd by singing and playing music at the event Saturday in Palo Alto’s Rinconada Park.

No injuries or arrests were reported.

The interruption came following the speech of Hesham Sallam, a senior research scholar at Stanford. After the counter demonstration, Congressman Sam Liccardo was next at the microphone.

Across the country, 2,700 No Kings Day demonstrations were planned. In San Francisco, some people dressed in inflatable costumes such as dinosaurs, bears, and the Stay Puft Marshmallow

Man from Ghostbusters. Several had dogs or children in tow. A man who was nude except for a cowboy hat paraded with “Trump” in large dark letters on his buttocks.

At San Francisco Civic Center, dozens of speakers from union leaders to immigration activists spoke on a stage to thousands of attendees, who shouted in agreement to the speeches. Joan Baez sang “Gracias a la Vida” (“Here’s to Life.”)

Feeling united

“I feel hopeful,” said Antonio Bustamante, a San Francisco resident in an interview. “The goal of the Trump regime is to make us feel divided and alone, but this just proves there’s more of us than them.”

Celebration, where we come together to remember, rejoice, and honor the lives of our loved ones who have passed on.

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Music was part of the ‘No Kings’ demonstration in Palo Alto on Saturday. Photo by Alfred Leung of Pro Bono Photo.

Seniors were well represented at the ‘No Kings’ demonstration in Palo Alto.

News coverage

The Post won national awards for its coverage of the:

• controversy surrounding San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus

• the opioid crisis

• the slow release of after-action reports on the Covid outbreak

• coverage of a massive fire that destroyed a housing development in North Fair Oaks

• Best Series Ad Using Color Wednesday, October 22 from 1:30PM - 3PM nd

Mani Mortezai is a well-respected professional in the senior real estate field and the Marketing Director of Tailored Transitions, a full-service senior real estate company that helps its clients with planning, packing, relocating, unpacking, downsizing, and estate liquidation services.

Brent Mardesich is the founder of Tailored Transitions, Inc. Brent has a true passion for serving others, and a desire to make a difference in the world. In charge of the day-to-day operations, Brent helps lead Tailored Transitions to being the leader in the Senior Relocation Industry.

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Refreshments will be served. Valet parking available

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Advertising

The Post’s advertising and graphics staff won first place national awards for:

• Best Advertising Idea

• Best Public Notice Section

• Best Real Estate Ad

• Best Restaurant Ad

• Best Use of Color

• Best Small-Page Ad

Photo by Alfred Leung of Pro Bono Photo.

Stanford upsets Seminoles

Stanford tackled Gavin Sawchuk just short of the goal line on an untimed down and the Cardinal barely hung on to hand Florida State its ninth straight Atlantic Coast Conference loss with a 2013 victory.

“It comes down to the last play,” interim coach Frank Reich said. “Just credit to our defense ... just to keep him just short of the goal line. I know it was close, but just that last-ditch effort to get him on the ground. Big play.”

Comeback in the making

The Seminoles (3-4, 0-4) nearly

pulled off an improbable comeback when backup quarterback Kevin Sperry completed a 49-yard desperation heave to Micahi Danzy on third and 22 to get the ball to the 9 with 2 seconds left.

Stanford’s Che Ojarikre was then called for pass interference in the end zone, giving the Seminoles an untimed down from the 2.

Sperry threw a shovel pass to Galvan who was fighting for the end zone but was stopped just short by Matt Rose and Jahsiah Galvan. The play went to replay review and after a few tense moments Stanford (3-4, 2-2) was able

to celebrate its third straight home win.

Big effort is late

The Cardinal defense came up big late, stopping Tommy Castellanos just short on fourth-and-2 keeper from the 14 with a little more than 5 minutes to play and on another drive with 1:26 to play.

Castellanos was knocked out on that drive on a targeting foul against Mitch Leigber. Sperry came in and almost led the Seminoles to their first conference win since beating Cal on Sept. 21, 2024.

T h u r 6 t h F r o p m M o v i e N i g h t

I n c e l e b r a t i o n a n d h o n o r o f c a r e g i v e r s , w e w i l l b e w a t c h i n g a

s p e c i a l v i e w i n g o f t h e P B S D o c u m e n t a r y

E n j o y c o m p l i m e n t a r y p r e - m o v i e t r e a t s a t 4 : 3 0 p m , a s w e l l a s

i n t e r m i s s i o n s n a c k s . T h e s c r e e n i n g w i l l b e g i n a t 5 : 0 0 p m .

S e a t i n g i s l i m i t e d a n d R S V P s b y N o v e m b e r 3 t o : r d

M o l l y : m j o h n s o n @ f i r s t l i g h t h o m e c a r e c o m o r

E l e a n o r : e l a n u z a @ w q l i v i n g c o m

B r a i n i n L a w O f f i c e , F a r m e r s I n s u r a n c e , F i r s t L i g h t H o m e C a r e , N e w

R e a l E s t a t e E x p e r t s , a n d P a l o A l t o C o m m o n s a r e

Y o r k L i f e , T h e R e a l E s t a t e E x p e r t s , a n d P a l o A l t o C o m m o n s a r e j o i n i n g t o g e t h e r t o h o s

g t o g e t h e r t o h o s t t h i s e v e n t f o r a s p e c i a l e v e n i n g o f r e s p i t e

a n d r e c o g n i t i o n o f c a r e g i v e r s

Stroke Care Onward Panel - Palo Alto, CA

Stroke Care Onward Panel

Transition Care for Stroke and Aphasia Survivors

Stanford Health Care / Hoover

Neuroscience Health Center

Wellness Center

Connecting pathways helps us understand where breakdowns occur and identify opportunities for change in the journey patients take through different healthcare settings. As Stroke Onward highlights, the journey to recovery is multifaceted, encompassing not only physical rehabilitation but also the emotional health challenges that survivors and carepartners navigate in their often chronic state of recovery.

Conditions We Treat (and beyond)

Aches and Pains That Linger

• Back Pain (Sciatica, Discs, Stenosis)

213 Quarry Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304

Transition Care for Stroke and Aphasia Survivors

In this panel, we will facilitate an interdisciplinary conversation that delves into successful models prioritizing emotional health support as people transition between various care settings. By examining the intersections of care and the emotional journey of stroke recovery, we will explore how to create a more cohesive and supportive overall care environment. Through the sharing of experiences and expertise, we aim to foster a holistic approach that acknowledges the complexities of stroke recovery and promotes resilience in survivors and their loved ones as they rediscover their identities while navigating the short and long-term impacts of stroke.

PANELISTS

Hildy Agustin, Psy.D., Willow Trees Psychological Services

Ellen Bernstein-Ellis, MA, CCC-SLP, Cal State East Bay

Molly Buccola, Stroke Survivor, Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke

Chris Tarver, MD, FAAPMR, Stanford Neuroscience Health Center

Vanessa Valeri , RN, CMC, CHCA, Care Indeed Maarten Lansberg, MD, Ph.D, Stanford Medicine

PANELISTS

Hildy Agustin, Psy.D., Willow Trees Psychological Services

Ellen Bernstein-Ellis, MA, CCC-SLP, Cal State East Bay

Molly Buccola Stroke Survivor, Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke

Chris Tarver, MD, FAAPMR, Stanford Neuroscience Health Center

Vanessa Valeri , RN, CMC, CHCA, Care Indeed

Maarten Lansberg, MD, Ph.D, Stanford Medicine

Stanford Health Care / Hoover

Neuroscience Health Center

PLEASE RSVP: Free for all

Wellness Center

213 Quarry Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304

PLEASE RSVP: Free for all

• Knee, Shoulder, and Neck Pain

• TMJ Dysfunction

Specialized Conditions

• Pelvic Floor Pain/Dysfunction

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• Neuropathy

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Core Strength & Recovery

• PT/OT: Customized training to restore your movement, strength, and function.

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ends Nov 15, 2025. Claim your

Information is from police department logs. All of the people named here are innocent until proven

PALO ALTO

SEPT. 18

9:42 a.m. — Stephanie Gaspar, 56, of San Jose, cited on a warrant, 1000 block of Corporation Way.

WEDNESDAY

10:11 p.m. — Auto burglary, Stanford Shopping Center.

10:39 p.m. — Auto burglary, Birch St. and Sherman Ave.

THURSDAY

3:30 a.m. — Kenneth Arlen Hennefer, 71, transient, and 51-yearold Dwayne Anthony Lubin of Mountain View both arrested for creating a public nuisance, Mitchell Park.

STANFORD

OCT. 10

12:09 p.m. — Identity theft and fraud, 400 block of Arguello Way.

2:52 p.m. — Electric scooter stolen, 400 block of Lasuen Mall.

7:36 p.m. — Bicycle stolen, 300 block of Santa Teresa St.

10:10 p.m. — Petty theft from a vehicle, 700 block of Campus Drive.

MENLO PARK

FRIDAY

8:15 a.m. — Vehicle collision causes injuries, Willow Road and Newbridge St.

9:58 a.m. — Serapio Camacho, 49, transient, arrested on two warrants, University Ave. at the railroad tracks. Oscar Valvert Farfan, 50, transient, cited on a warrant.

2:16 p.m. — Jose Arriola Torres, 57, transient, arrested for trespassing, Bayfront Expressway and University Ave.

3:18 p.m. — John Flores Gomez, 40, transient, arrested for petty theft and on three warrants, 1000 block of University Drive.

5:47 p.m. — AirPods stolen, 2200 block of Sharon Road.

SATURDAY

2:58 p.m. — Vicente Olvera Campos, 46, transient, cited for trespassing. Location not disclosed.

10:23 p.m. — Burglary, 1000 block of Louise St.

MOUNTAIN VIEW

OCT. 11

3:57 a.m. — Gabriel McNern, 29, of Mountain View, arrested for domestic battery and narcotics possession, 400 block of Stierlin Road. 11:43 a.m. — Theft, 500 block of San Antonio Road.

2:31 p.m. — Auto burglary, 100 block of Del Medio Ave.

3:47 p.m. — Daniel Baxter, 44, transient, arrested for public drunkenness, possession of drug paraphernalia, probation violation and on a warrant, 700 block of Mercy St.

4:20 p.m. — Sarbjit Sihota, 54, of Mountain View, arrested for elder abuse and battery that causes serious injuries, 200 block of Castro St.

5:06 p.m. — Auto burglary, 1500 block of N. Shoreline Blvd.

8:30 p.m. — Juan Gomez Lopez, 27, of San Jose, arrested on a warrant stemming from a charge of lewd acts with a child, Mountain View Police Dept.

8:41 p.m. — Tiffany Helgerson, 45, of Mountain View, arrested for public drunkenness, arrested for public drunkenness, 500 block of Castro St.

10:26 p.m. — Battery, Shoreline Amphitheater.

REDWOOD CITY

THURSDAY

2:24 a.m. — Clothing and shoes stolen out of a laundry room, Oxford St.

4:09 a.m. — Brett Benjamin Harwood, 56, of Redwood City, cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, Chestnut and Heller streets.

11:30 a.m. — Vehicle crashes into a pole, Broadway. No injuries reported.

12:34 p.m. — Woman reported

to be yelling racial slurs after a twovehicle collision in a parking lot, Middlefield Road.

3:24 p.m. — Meter box stolen from a residential property, Barbour Drive.

6:33 p.m. — Jose Raudales Baca, 21, arrested on a warrant and for falsely identifying himself to police, 2800 block of El Camino.

9:37 p.m. — Oscar Dario Banegas, 46, of Redwood City, arrested for trespassing and parole violation, 900 block of Main St.

10:17 p.m. — Miguel Angel Hernandez Rodriguez, 41, of Redwood City, cited for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, Chestnut St. and Veterans Blvd.

BELMONT

THURSDAY

9:03 p.m. — Anthony Vernon Alford, 40, of San Mateo, arrested for grand theft and drug possession, 800 block of F St. Arrest made by San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies.

FRIDAY

1 a.m. — Vehicle stolen, Granada St.

3:11 p.m. — Student assaulted by another student, Alameda de las Pulgas.

3:30 p.m. — Tesla hits a SamTrans bus, Ralston Ave. No one is injured.

estate transactions.

PALO ALTO

2365 Waverley St., 94301, 4 bedrooms, 2933 square feet, built in 1938, Mark Sanders to Swati and Abhinav Gupta for $6,500,000, closed Sept. 19

111 Waverley Oaks, 94301, 3 bedrooms, 2580 square feet, built in 2011, Paula and Michael Rantz to Silicon Trust for $15,000,000, closed Sept. 15

1021 Fife Ave., 94301, 4 bedrooms, 2050 square feet, built in 2004, Yq Junior LLC to Wu Trust for

$16,500,000, closed Sept. 19 (last sale: $3,890,000, 06-02-17)

MENLO PARK

128 Cornell Road, 94025, 3 bedrooms, 1770 square feet, built in 1935, Cornell Home LLC to Sanglaji Family Trust for $3,350,000, closed Aug. 27 (last sale:

$3,650,000, 01-28-22)

2030 Sterling Ave., 94025, 4 bedrooms, 2620 square feet, built in 2008, Juan Rio to Weijing and Sen Li for $4,450,000, closed Aug. 25 (last sale:

$3,800,000, 09-16-20)

45 Sneckner Court, 94025, 4 bedrooms, 4630 square feet, built in 2002, Prolo Trust to Xiangxi and Xilin Wang for $5,700,000, closed Aug. 28 (last sale: $3,225,000, 06-27-07)

890 Berkeley Ave., 94025, 5 bedrooms, 5862 square feet, built in 2017, Aurelia and Ezra Setton to Jesal and Vipul Deokar for $9,425,000, closed Aug. 27 (last sale: $7,000,000, 06-18-18)

MOUNTAIN VIEW

32 Church St. #30, 94041, 3155 square feet, built in 1966, Anthony Ferrario to Hsin Family Trust for $2,750,000, closed Sept. 18 (last sale: $1,450,000, 09-10-13)

2188 Yorkshire Way, 94040, 3 bedrooms, 2048 square feet, built in 1949, Sanchez Trust to Sethuram-Anand Trust for $3,020,000, closed Sept. 18 3418 Stacey Court, 94040, 4 bedrooms, 2338 square feet, built in 1979, Maciag Living Trust to Jonathan Lee for $4,665,000, closed Sept. 17

LOS

ALTOS

13206 Wright Way, 94022, 5 bedrooms, 5186 square feet, built in 1991, Shroff Trust to Ma and Zheng Family Trust for $4,930,000, closed Sept. 17 (last sale: $635,000, 0401-90)

1245 Monte Verde Court, 94024, 4 bedrooms, 2676 square feet, built in 2003, Foong Family Trust to Muzaffar Family Trust for $5,375,000, closed Sept. 18 (last sale: $3,760,000, 03-28-18)

1204 Eureka Court, 94024, 4 bedrooms, 2251 square feet, built in 1965, Hsu and Lin Family Trust to Shreya and Varun Sakalkar for $5,400,000, closed Sept. 16 (last sale: $2,658,000, 11-19-15)

430 San Domingo Way, 94022, 4 bedrooms, 2530 square feet, built in 1971, Anzur Trust to Old Barn Trust for $5,500,000, closed Sept. 16 (last sale: $5,100,000, 04-04-25)

13801 Templeton Place, 94022, 4 bedrooms, 4086 square feet, built in 1966, Nesmith Family Trust to Jolynn and Michael Andrakis for $7,758,000, closed Sept. 19

115 Doud Drive, 94022, 5 bedrooms, 4376 square feet, built in 1949, Packard Family Trust to Sobota Family Trust for $8,211,500, closed Sept. 15

PORTOLA VALLEY

5 Zapata Way, 94028, 4 bedrooms, 3870 square feet, built in 1964, Marlin Home Solutions to Ribas Living Trust for $9,300,000, closed Aug. 27 (last sale: $4,750,000, 09-14-23)

REDWOOD CITY

1640 Kentfield Ave., 94061, 3 bedrooms, 1660 square feet, built in 1955, Gupte Living Trust to Joseph and Botong Zhou for $1,870,000, closed Aug. 28 (last sale: $1,900,000, 03-27-23)

GILFIX & LA POLL ASSOCIATES LLP is hosting Living Trusts and Planning to Preserve Assets, a proactive planning seminar this Wednesday, Oct. 22 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Delta Hotels Marriott in Santa Clara, and on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Baylands Golf Links at 1875 Embarcadero Road,

Palo Alto. Attorneys Michael Gilfix and Mark Gilfix will cover topics that include the new tax law and what it means for your estate plan, how to save the family home from massive tax increases, and how to plan for your special needs child or grandchild. Register at gilfix.com/seminars or call (650) 3820363.

DOWNSIZING: PREPARING FOR SENIOR LIVING & Navigating Capital Gains Tax. Palo Alto Commons will host an informative seminar this Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at 4041 El Camino Way. Speakers include

will be served, and valet parking

To reserve a spot, call (650) 320-8626.

WORLD’S BEST SEARCH ENGINE

AT your fingertips. Remember when search meant finding what you needed? Kagi brought that back. Kagi doesn’t sell your attention to advertisers, doesn’t track you, and doesn’t clutter your results with sponsored content. Kagi simply helps you find what you’re looking for. When you choose Kagi, you’re choosing search that works for you.

AT NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR UNIVERSITY (NDNU), education is more than a credential—it’s a calling to lead, serve, and make meaningful change. Whether you’re returning to ﬁnish your undergraduate degree or pursuing graduate-level study, NDNU helps you reach your goals with: Flexible Online & OnCampus Options; CareerDriven Curriculum; A Personalized Learning Experience; and A Mission That Matters. NDNU integrates social justice, community engagement, and ethical leadership into

every program, preparing graduates to serve with both skill and compassion. Discover how NDNU can help you advance your career, deepen your impact, and fulﬁll your potential. Give them a call at (650) 508-3600 or visit their website at ndnu.edu.

NATIVITY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE. Join Nativity for their preschool/TK and kindergarten open house event taking place on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Classrooms will be open and teachers will be available to answer questions.

Please come and view the campus and discover what makes Nativity School a special place for young learners. Register to attend at: nativityschool.com

FOUNDATIONAL TUTORING, REIMAGINED. MEHR SIKRI believes that anyone can excel in math. She has been teaching students for over 10 years (in both private and public settings in Palo Alto and Los Angeles) and for the past 7 years, she’s been working full-time on her EdTech startup: OpMath. Mehr’s goal has always been to develop a modern solution to help students eliminate any gaps in learning, build strong foundations, and grow conﬁdence in their math ability. She started OpMath in the study of her parents’ Palo Alto home,

Our

Mani Mortezai and Brent Mardesich from Tailored Transitions, and Shannon Corpuz from Pence Financial Group and LPL Financial. Refreshments

is available.

and it has organically grown to what it is today. She is excited for OpMath to help many more students in the years to come. Learn more at opmath.com.

THE DAUGHTERS OF NORWAY CHAPTER in Palo Alto, Sigrid Undset Lodge, is a great place to learn about your Nordic ancestors’ history and culture. The members meet once a month at Grace Lutheran Church on Waverley St. in Palo Alto. They have a variety of cultural programs, including different food and arts demonstrations, and speakers are sometimes invited to come to talk about Nordic subjects. Throughout the year they invite guests for various cultural events. For more information about events and becoming a member, please contact Randi Adams at (408) 314-5778 or randijorgadams@comcast.net.

offer a world class wine list and desserts that should be world class. Have the mudpie and see what we mean. Call Brooklyn or Lauryn at 650 321 6798 for a reservation and then let Ashley bring you a martini. It’s all very simple really. Check the website and hope to see you soon. Sundance the Steakhouse is at 1921 El Camino Real in Palo alto.

giving you the confidence to focus on what matters most—your family, your goals, and your future. At Menlo Asset Management is more than advisors; they are your financial partner, ready to guide you through every stage of life. Whether it’s customizing investments, planning for retirement, or managing your legacy, our independent, client-first approach seeks to ensure that we’re always working in your best interest. Give Clayton VandenBossche, founder and president of Menlo Asset Management a call at (650) 321-6068.

THE THREE STOOGES? WE THINK not. Just the opposite except that they are here to make sure you have a good time. Brooklyn, Ashley and Lauryn are ready to make your next visit to Sundance the Steakhouse one to remember. They are part of the friendly staff that helps keep this family owned restaurant one of the ﬁnest steakhouses in the bay area. It’s a warm, romantic atmosphere here and yet it’s kid friendly. Prime rib and fresh seafood with all the trimmings are the main fare at Sundance. They

Peninsula Civil War Round Table Meeting

October 21, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. peninsulacivilwarroundtable.org

HARRY’S HOFBRAU - 1909 El Camino Real, Redwood City Tonya McQuade on “Missouri in the Civil War”

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE. With over 20 years of experience, Menlo Asset Management specialize in personalized retirement planning, investment strategies, and wealth management. Their mission is simple: to grow and protect your wealth while

DOES YOUR VACUUM NEED A little love? The Vacuum repair shop is ready to take your rundown old vacuum and give it new life. Just drop it off at the shop and Steve will call you up when it’s ready. The Saget family has two Steves, an Alex and more. They’re all expert repair people who also sell new and refurbished vacuums and sewing machines. This is a traditional family-owned ﬁxit repair shop for anything electrical. Call Steve or Alex at (650) 968-6539 or just come by 1446 W. El Camino Real in Mountain View and drop off your vacuum or sewing machine. You can also browse the showroom for new and refurbished sewing machines and vacuums.

sterling, gold jewelry, currency, and watches too. To learn more, visit our website then call (650) 324-9110 for an appointment.

TALLER –--

city might be able to steer taller buildings away from single-family neighborhoods, according to a report to council approved by Planning Director Jonathan Lait.

The report suggests that the city develop SB79 alternative plans for each of its three Caltrain stations: University Avenue, California Avenue and San Antonio Road.

For the University Caltrain station, the half-mile radius includes some of the South of Forest Avenue neighborhood and the Stanford Shopping Center, as well as downtown.

Council’s discussion on Wednesday will focus on the downtown housing plan that the city started developing in February 2024. A community advisory group has been part of the process, and the city had been planning a community workshop.

But in light of SB79, council might want to instead prioritize work on the alternative plans, the report to council said.

Plan needs state approval

The alternative plans would likely be completed by the end of 2026 — several months after SB79 takes effect on July 1. The plans must go to the state Housing and Community Development Department for approval.

To streamline development of the alternative plans, Palo

Alto would potentially bypass the usual community outreach process and instead have public meetings before the city’s boards and commissions. A committee of council members could also help work on the plans.

SB79 was sponsored by groups including the Bay Area Council, the Greenbelt Alliance and California YIMBY.

Two legislators vote ‘yes’

Assemblyman Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, voted in favor of SB79 in its final vote on the Assembly floor on Sept. 11; Assemblywoman Diane Papan, D-San Mateo, didn’t vote on the bill.

Sen. Josh Becker, D-Menlo Park, didn’t vote on SB79 on the Senate floor on Sept. 12 but voted in favor of it in June.

The city of Palo Alto opposed SB79, saying it would impose a “rigid, one-size-fitsall framework.”

Under SB79, Caltrain and BART stations are considered Tier 1 transit stops, and housing can be 65 to 95 feet tall depending on its distance from the station. Greater density and larger floor area ratios are also allowed. The transit-oriented housing may be built on land zoned for residential, commercial or mixed uses.

The bill also has rules for Tier 2 transit stops, which include light-rail stations such

Proposed high-rise housing areas

United Nations Association Film Festival

and service every 15 minutes or less during morning and afternoon rush hours.

Housing can be 85 feet tall within 200 feet of a Tier 2 transit stop, 65 feet tall within a quarter mile, and 55 feet tall between a quarter mile and a half mile from the stop.

SB79 also has affordable-housing requirements. A transit-oriented housing development must have either 7% of units for extremely low-income residents; 10% of units for very low-income residents; or 10% of units for low-income residents.

benefited after giving contracts to five contractors including the Palo Alto architectural firm Allana, Buick and Bers, or AB&B, and McCarthy Building Companies in Santa Clara.

McCarthy got contracts for the new Math and Science Building, or Building 23 at Canada College. The construction of that $64 million project was funded by bond measure money. The district’s board approved a contract for $40 million with McCarthy.

Accused of tax cheating

Galatolo is also charged with lying to the DMV and on tax forms.

Galatolo is accused of saying on his 2017 tax form that he made a $10,000 charitable donation to the Santa Rosa Junior College Foundation Fire Relief Fund to help people after the Tubbs

Fire. However, the DA’s office discovered the district’s nonprofit foundation made the donation.

Prices understated

The DA’s office also claims that Galatolo told the DMV he bought a 1963 Corvette for $2,500, yet its actual price was between $63,000 and $100,000.

Similarly, Galatolo allegedly told the DMV that he bought a 2006 Chevy SSR for $1,000. Similar vehicles listed on Carfax sell for around $35,000.

As chancellor emeritus, Galatolo was paid $467,700 a year, the same he was making as chancellor. That contract, set to expire in 2022, was rescinded by the board in February after it had learned Galatolo had received various gifts from district contractors and was using public funds to fund a retirement account.

Galatolo is out on $150,000 bail and is scheduled to appear in court today.

Nunez to testify

Former vice chancellor of facilities, Jose Nunez, took a plea bargain on Jan. 5, 2022, after being hit with 15 felonies, including embezzlement for steering a contract for a solar power system to a Palo Alto firm, perjury and using college district resources to help a college trustee, the late Tom Mohr, get re-elected to the district’s board. Nunez pleaded no contest to two of the counts, both related to his campaigning on Mohr’s behalf.

If Nunez testifies against Galatolo, holding up his end of the bargain, he will get probation. The penalty for those charges is three years and eight months in jail, Wagstaffe said.