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Post
Risky e-bikes lead to rules
BY BRADEN CARTWRIGHT Daily Post Staff Writer
Two teenagers were riding on an e-bike in Los Altos a couple of weeks ago, carrying Starbucks drinks with their helmets dangling from their handlebars, when they lost control and crashed, Mayor Pete Dailey said at a discussion about cracking down on unsafe cycling behavior.
Mayor worried of serious crash
“It’s only a matter of time before it’s a really, really serious accident,” Dailey said.
The city is working on an ordinance that would ban sidewalk riding and stunts on all types of bikes. No more
A young woman lost all of her teeth before graduation, Dailey said at a council meeting on Tuesday.
RAMP CLOSED: The northbound Highway 101 off-ramp at University Avenue in East Palo Alto will be closed for construction tonight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., with more nighttime closures scheduled next week and the week after, Caltrans announced yesterday.
WILSON
BRIAN WILSON of the Beach Boys has died at 82. One of the world’s most beloved and influential musicians, his family posted news of his death to his website yesterday. Further details weren’t immediately available. The Beach Boys’ many hits include “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls” and “Surfin’ USA.” The eldest and last surviving of three musical brothers, he and his fellow Beach Boys rose from local California act to national hitmakers to international ambassadors of the American dream. Wilson was celebrated for his beautiful music and agonizing perfectionism and pitied for the demons that plagued him.
MAYORS WANT ICE OUT:
Dozens of mayors from across the
[See THE UPDATE, page 23]
than two cyclists would be allowed to ride next to each other, and bikes could only have one rider at a time.
Parts of the ordinance are the same as state law, but having local rules will allow police officers to issue fines instead of sending tickets to traffic court.
Palo Alto resident Gaby Lee said she
is watching what happens in Los Altos after her parents were hit on June 5 in Palo Alto at the corner of East Meadow Drive and Ross Road.
A teenager in a group of five to eight boys hit Lee’s parents on the sidewalk and knocked them both to the ground, Lee said.
“There were no apologies, and they fled the scene,” Lee said in an email on
[See E-BIKES, page 23]
Street to stay closed to cars
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
A portion of Santa Cruz Avenue will remain closed to traffic after council decided to leave the outdoor dining space to continue enhancing the “buzz” it has created downtown.
Menlo Park City Council members Betsy Nash, Jeff Schmidt and Cecilia Taylor pushed to keep the street closure along the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue open to pedestrians, cyclists and restaurants on Tuesday.
“We’ve created a community space downtown that has proven to be popular with lots of residents of all ages, particularly with middle and high school students in the afternoons. The city devised a bike lane that has proven to be effective at safely separating the bicycles and scooters from pedes-
[See STREET, page 22]
Landlord fined for damp apartment
BY BRADEN CARTWRIGHT Daily Post Staff Writer
The city of Mountain View has ordered landlord Tod Spieker to pay a family $14,273 because their apartment grew mold, smelled like sewage, experienced power outages and had a water heater so loud they couldn’t sleep.
The bedroom walls were “dripping with water,” causing one of the kids to go to the emergency room with breathing issues, mediator Barbara Anscher said in her decision for the city.
This is the second time the city has ordered Spieker to pay for failing to maintain a unit.
Spieker, 77, of Atherton, had to pay another family $10,396 in June 2024 for peeling paint, a moldy bathroom, a leaky tub and a broken stove at 2290 California St.
Tenants Shandy Brooksfox and Brian Keith filed a petition with the city in
[See DAMP, page 22]
OUTDOOR DINING on the 600 block of Santa Cruz Avenue will remain after council decided to keep it closed to traffic. Post photo by Adriana Hernandez.
Locally owned, independent
4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | 3,315 SF | 12,306 SF Lot
Offered at $3,998,000
A just-completed masterful transformation enhances the rich character of this circa 1929 Spanish-style home in desirable Burlingame Hills. Thoughtfully expanded and completely renovated inside and out, the home showcases timeless architecture with terra cotta tile stairs, decorative tile risers, a red tile roof, and iron accents. Inside, original
radiate grandeur with cathedral ceilings, exposed beams, and elegant iron lighting. The all-new kitchen is a showpiece with marble-style quartz counters, Carrara marble mosaic backsplashes, Thermador and Zephyr appliances, a walk-in pantry, and a separate breakfast room.
There are 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths, including a luxurious primary suite with access to a covered veranda, and an additional suite privately located near the kitchen. A newly
veranda, crushed stone side terrace with covered patio, privacy.
Behind the scenes, every system has been upgraded, including electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, plus windows, doors, and landscaping are all new. Located just minutes to Highway 280, SFO airport, and Mills Canyon Park trailheads, this home also offers access to top-rated Burlingame schools. A rare opportunity for vintage character with modern luxurious comfort and an exceptional Peninsula location.
JAN STROHECKER
DRE: 00620365
Ex-train exec gets jail
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
said District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.
“Celebrating 37 Years Selling Silicon Valley Real Estate” Houses, Condos/TH, Multi-Units, Land
Direct: (650) 906-6516
Email: janstrohecker@yahoo.com janstrohecker.com , SRES
CALL Jan Today for Best Results!
A former Caltrain executive was sentenced yesterday for embezzling public funds and living in the Burlingame train station, a prosecutor said.
Joseph Vincent Navarro, 61, of Newtown, Penn., previously Caltrain’s deputy director of operations, was sentenced to two years of probation and four months in county jail. He also needs to pay restitution to the railroad. The amount will be set on Aug. 15,
A month was knocked off Navarro’s sentence for his time in jail while the case was in the court system, so he will only serve three months in jail, Wagstaffe said.
Navarro is also not allowed to get a job that puts him in charge of money and will have to report to a probation officer, Wagstaffe said.
Apartments scheme
Narravo was convicted at a trial on April 30 for misusing public
Vince Maddalena would like to welcome you to 888 Ristorante for a unique dining experience of Authentic
funds to turn a section of the Burlingame train station into an apartment, Wagstaffe said.
From 2019 to 2020, Navarro and Seth Worden, 66, of Oceanside, a former station manager, worked together to secretly construct small apartments in the Burlingame and Millbrae train stations, Wagstaffe said.
Worden was sentenced to two months in jail on Monday.
About $50,000 of Caltrain money was spent on the projects, Wagstaffe said.
June 13 – September 14, 2025
Quattro Terrace will once again be transformed into a luxurious Middle Eastern dining escape, offering guests an unforgettable experience filled with delicious cuisine, signature cocktails, enchanting décor, a souk (bazaar) and belly dance performance. Choose from three immersive settings: open-air terrace dining, a semi-private Arabian tent or a glass-enclosed dome.
Deaths
San Mateo County Coroner’s Office: June 11
Efrin Mendioro, 73, of Daly City
June 10
Aleksey Grigorievich Lipkind, 61, of Belmont
Steven Wong, 75, of San Mateo Cristanto Andrew Punzal, 77, of Pacifica
June 9
Robert D. Kordesh Jr., 71, of Burlingame
Larry Mark Cedeno, 61, of Belmont
Shawn Curtis McKnight, 63, of East Palo Alto
June 8
Evander Robles Gomez, 35, of Redwood City
Darleen Leveroni, 72, of South San Francisco
Richard Turner, 71, of San Francisco
Donald Eugene Gunter, 61, of Elk Grove
June 7
Alfonso Eaton Leal, 63, of Redwood City
REAL ESTATE LOANS
Upgrades to park given green light
BY ADRIANA HERNANDEZ Daily Post Staff Writer
San Carlos City Council gave the green light for improvements at Harrington Park but has shelved plans for a grand fountain downtown.
Council members Sara McDowell, Adam Rak and Pranita Venkatesh voted for the plan, while Neil Layton voted no and John Dugan abstained from the vote on Monday.
Layton and Dugan said that starting construction in just one area would disrupt many businesses and it would be better to do it all at once.
“We know construction down there is not going to be popular. A lot of our retailers, restaurants are already under stress. They’re paying a lot of rent. Construction is not easy. People will be upset. We’re going to get asked so many questions when this is taking place. The thought of getting that done and then a period of time going by and
then trying to get it going again,” Dugan said.
Park, fountain plan
Plans for Harrington Park at 759 Laurel Street would include adding outdoor seating, new paving and a restroom. Council had been considering redesigning the 700 block of Laurel into a promenade, with a fountain, stage, bicycle parking, drinking fountains, public restrooms, trees and space for outdoor dining. But the majority of council put those plans on the back burner because residents seem less interested in the fountain.
In previous meetings, McDowell and Venkatesh were concerned that the fountain would be a danger zone for children, as they might be tempted to get in.
The issue of the fountain will come back to council, but no meeting date was announced.
Fire burns building, land
A fire burned a building and an acre of hillside land yesterday along Page Mill Road in Los Altos Hills, firefighters said.
The fire was reported at 3:31 p.m. at the end of Roble Blanco Court, threat-
ening homes estimated to be worth more than $4 million.
Firefighters from Santa Clara County and the city of Palo Alto knocked the fire down by 4:03 p.m. after one building was destroyed.
Protest autocracy, celebrate democracy
NO KINGS!
As Trump holds a military parade, march with us to demonstrate what an AMERICAN PARADE is like: No tanks, no weapons, no tyrants. Just: People, families, costumes, music.
Then, join us for the DEMOCRACY FAIR!
Protest Trump’s tyranny while engaging in the thing he seeks to crush: Democracy!
Featured Guests:
• Joan Baez
• Rep. Sam Liccardo
• Judge LaDoris Cordell (Ret.)
• Prof. Larry Diamond
• Workshops
• Music
• Meet with elected officials
• Sing-along
• DIY art
• Face-painting, and more
Learn how to promote democracy in our community
Defy Trump by learning, singing, making connections and having fun.
2:00-3:00 PM PARADE
El Camino Real & Embarcadero, Palo Alto
Rinconada Park
Palo Alto
3:00-5:00 PM
PALO ALTO
JUNE 1
1:52 a.m. — Samuel Newton Tupou-Vailala, 37, of East Palo Alto, arrested for DUI, Rengstorff Ave. and Highway 101.
JUNE 4
2:49 p.m. — Grand theft, 500 block of California Ave.
9:11 p.m. — Auto burglary, 300 block of Hamilton Ave.
JUNE 5
2:05 a.m. — Grand theft, 200 block of El Carmelo Ave.
3:23 p.m. — Robbery, Loma Verde Ave. and Kipling St.
FRIDAY
1:58 p.m. — Grand theft from a vehicle, 2400 block of Ross Road.
4:22 p.m. — Vandalism, 1800 block of Sand Hill Road.
4:51 p.m. — Grand theft, Curtner Ave. and Park Blvd.
5:27 p.m. — Shoplifting, Stanford Shopping Center.
7:25 p.m. — Wesley David Pollard, 26, of San Jose, arrested for trespassing, 200 block of California St.
MENLO PARK
TUESDAY
10:14 a.m. — Anthony Dean, 34, transient, arrested for petty theft, 500 block of El Camino.
10:48 a.m. — Electric bike stolen, 100 block of O’Connor St.
Police
10:53 a.m. — Joshua Witt, 34, of Iowa, arrested for being under the influence of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia, 500 block of El Camino.
11:53 a.m. — Andres Henriquez, 51, of Menlo Park, arrested on two warrants, 1300 block of Carlton Ave.
STANFORD
MAY 26
12:49 p.m. — Auto burglary, 200 block of Galvez St.
4:06 p.m. — Battery, 600 block of Escondido Road.
MAY 27
11:03 a.m. — Electric scooter stolen, 600 block of Escondido Road.
2:22 p.m. — Battery at Kappa Alpha, 664 Lomita Court.
3:45 p.m. — Electric scooter stolen, 500 block of Governors Ave.
MOUNTAIN VIEW
MAY 30
12:54 a.m. — Francisco Motavalles, 22, of Mountain View, arrested for domestic battery, 2200 block of California St.
2:05 p.m. — Five vehicles broken into, 1400 block of N. Shoreline Blvd.
2:15 p.m. — Auto burglary, 1400 block of Charleston Road.
2:22 p.m. — Auto burglary, Charleston Road and Huff Ave.
3:06 p.m. — Auto burglary, Charleston Road and Joaquin Road.
4 p.m. — Curtis Dubbles, 22, transient, arrested for theft of someone else’s lost property and on a warrant, 400 block of Moffett Blvd.
5:24 p.m. — Jessica Saldivar, 33, of Mountain View, arrested for domestic battery, 2000 block of Latham St.
5:54 p.m. — Jasmine Anaiz Maduro, 33, of Mountain View, arrested for public drunkenness, Dana and Bryant streets.
LOS ALTOS
FRIDAY
1:25 a.m. — Edwin Molina Lima, 31, of Mountain View, arrested for vandalism, 300 block of Main St.
9:09 a.m. — Auto burglary, 100 block of Merritt Road.
4:27 p.m. — Home burglary, 1700 block of Newcastle Drive.
SUNDAY
3:08 p.m. — Grand theft, 1000 block of Mercedes Ave.
11:19 p.m. — Vehicle stolen, 800 block of Jordan Ave.
MONDAY
6:48 a.m. — Yan Vhang, 49, of Los Altos, arrested for domestic violence, 10800 block of Beechwood Lane.
ATHERTON
TUESDAY
12:16 a.m. — Cesar Lara Alvarez, 42, of San Jose, cited on a warrant, Atherton Police Dept.
4:18 p.m. — Home burglary, 300 block of Lloyden Park Drive. Tong Thach, 47, of Modesto, arrested for burglary.
10:31 p.m. — Pedro Caldera Sanchez, 29, of San Jose, cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license, El Camino and Maple Ave.
NORTH FAIR OAKS
JUNE 4
1:18 a.m. — Paul Daniel Hipolito, 32, of Redwood City, arrested for drug possession and on warrants, Bay Road and Burlingame Ave.
9:35 p.m. — Julio Cesar Castaneda Zepeda, 33, of Palo Alto, cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license, Fifth Ave. and Middlefield Road. Citation given by Atherton police.
REDWOOD CITY
JUNE 4
2:47 p.m. — Shoplifting arrest, El Camino.
5:17 p.m. — Auto burglary, Foothill St. Credit cards stolen and used at stores.
5:30 p.m. — Four-vehicle accident, El Camino.
5:55 p.m. — Fireworks thrown into a crowd at a Pride celebration at Courthouse Square by people shouting homophobic remarks. At least one person is injured. Later, police arrest two 13-year-old boys in the incident.
6:25 p.m. — Domestic violence arrest made. Location not disclosed. 11:56 p.m. — Woman says she was visiting a friend and his roommate hit and kicked her because she didn’t want to have sex with him, Veterans Blvd. An arrest is made.
JUNE 5
7:38 a.m. — Store employee asks for help with a homeless man who is sleeping on a massage bed in the store and who swung at an employee who asked him to leave, Walnut St.
Kennedy selects 8 new vaccine policy advisers
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. yesterday named eight new vaccine policy advisers to replace the panel that he abruptly dismissed earlier this week.
They include a scientist who researched mRNA vaccine technology and became a conservative darling for his criticisms of Covid vaccines, a leading critic of pandemic-era lockdowns, and
a professor of operations management.
Kennedy’s decision to “retire” the previous 17-member Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices was widely decried by doctors’ groups and public health organizations, who feared the advisers would be replaced by a group aligned with Kennedy’s desire to reassess — and possibly
end — longstanding vaccination recommendations.
The new appointees
• Vicky Pebsworth, a regional director for the National Association of Catholic Nurses, who has been listed as a board member and volunteer director for the National Vaccine Information Center, a group that is widely considered to
• Dr. Robert Malone, a former mRNA researcher who rose to prominence during the Covid pandemic as he relayed conspiracy theories around the outbreak and the vaccines that followed.
• Dr. Martin Kulldorff, a biostatistician and epidemiologist who was a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, an October 2020 letter maintaining that pandemic shutdowns were causing irreparable harm.
• Dr. Cody Meissner, an expert in pediatric infectious diseases at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center who previously served as a member of both ACIP and the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory panel.
• Dr. James Hibbeln, who formerly headed a National Institutes of Health
group focused on nutritional neurosciences and who studies how nutrition affects the brain, including the potential benefits of seafood consumption during pregnancy.
• Retsef Levi, a professor of operations management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
• Dr. James Pagano, an emergency medicine physician from Los Angeles.
• Dr. Michael Ross, a Virginia-based obstetrician and gynecologist.
Panel mission
The committee, created in 1964, makes recommendations to the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC directors almost always approve those recommendations, which are then widely heeded by doctors and guide vaccination programs.
Break Free from Chronic Pain
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Benefits of Stimpod
• Typically 8-12 sessions
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• Lower patient out-of-pocket expense
SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER
Take 3 Small Steps to Living A Pain Free Life
1 -on-1 Complimentary Demo
1. Call and tell us about your chronic pain
2. Book your appointment
3. One of our therapists will design a customized demo around your needs
• Depending on your condition, you may experience regenerative shockwave therapy, stimpod, or Pilates for rehab
Book your free consultation before July 4, 2025, to claim this limited-time offer.
Scan the QR code to Pick a time to talk! or, Call for Details: 650-360-9373
Work with a specialist. Work with Tim Trailer.
Tim has sold $2+ Billion in home sales and knows every facet of the residential real estate business, including new construction. He holds the Certified Residential Specialist designation, awarded by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors. He is an Associate Broker with Compass, combining his expertise and knowledge with the cutting edge, high-tech platform of Compass.
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The Post prints the latest real estate transactions.
PALO ALTO
3073 Middlefield Road #101, 94306, 1 bedroom, 876 square feet, built in 1986, Priyesh Mishra to Liu and Yu Family Trust for $839,000, closed May 15 (last sale: $960,000, 0708-22)
539 Lytton Ave., 94301, 2 bedrooms, 1152 square feet, built in 1976, Presley Family Trust to Shihu and Sean Daniel for $1,200,000, closed May 12
765 San Antonio Road #61, 94303, 3 bedrooms, 1212 square feet, built in 1976, Usha Trust to Erjia Zhu for $1,250,000, closed May 15 (last sale: $640,000, 08-06-06)
EAST PALO ALTO
2551 Farrington Way, 94303, 3 bedrooms, 1100 square feet, built in 1956, Jose Coronado to Haochen Wang for $1,150,000, closed April 22 (last sale: $280,000, 06-23-09)
MENLO PARK
901 Cotton St., 94025, 3 bedrooms, 1910 square feet, built in 1942, Jeffrey Fisher to Stinson Living Trust for $5,150,000, closed April 16 (last sale: $1,915,000, 08-07-06)
145 Pineview Lane, 94025, 5 bedrooms, 5459 square feet, built in 2016, Ian Smith to Persimmon and Fig Holdings LLC for
$9,700,000, closed April 18 (last sale: $3,000,000, 09-01-15)
120 Amherst Ave., 94025, 2 bedrooms, 1585 square feet, built in 1981, Ashley and Charles Onyett to Lawrence and Sanaea Kakalia for $1,454,000, closed April 23 (last sale: $1,250,000, 04-20-21)
MOUNTAIN VIEW
255 South Rengstorff Ave. #57, 94040, 1 bedroom, 551 square feet, built in 1965, Mount Family Trust to Shi and Shen Trust for $465,000, closed May 16 (last sale: $310,000, 1028-13)
1943 Mount Vernon Court #109, 94040, 2 bedrooms, 1169 square feet, built in 1977, Xia Jin to Gao-Tu Family Trust for $780,000, closed May 14 (last sale: $382,500, 10-27-11)
1943 Mount Vernon Court #105, 94040, 2 bedrooms, 1169 square feet, built in 1977, Ying Ma to Jenna and Patrick Oline for $850,000, closed May 16 (last sale: $335,000, 02-09-02)
LOS ALTOS
1501 Fallen Leaf Lane, 94024, 4 bedrooms, 2446 square feet, built in 1953, Shearer and Pala Family Trust to Parekh Family Trust for $4,530,000, closed May 16
LOS ALTOS HILLS
1577 Fairway Drive, 94024, 4 bedrooms, 2637
square feet, built in 1973, Phillips Trust to Nira Metcalf for $3,600,000, closed May 7
PORTOLA VALLEY
4760 Alpine Road, 94028, 4 bedrooms, 2930 square feet, built in 1980, Spain Family Trust to Colleen and Alexander Kaitz for $3,550,000, closed April 16 (last sale: $600,000, 0701-87)
REDWOOD CITY
3706 Laurel Way, 94062, 3 bedrooms, 2170 square feet, built in 1968, Donnelly 1993 Trust to Clark Bradley Capital LLC for $2,125,000, closed April 16
1010 Vera Ave., 94061, 3 bedrooms, 1690 square feet, built in 1929, Philomena and John Brown to Mariah and Gregory Grant for $2,300,000, closed April 15 (last sale: $243,000, 0701-91)
SAN CARLOS
430 Portofino Drive #503, 94070, 3 bedrooms, 2054 square feet, built in 1988, Soltanieh Family Trust to Meaghan and Devon Blackburn for $1,675,000, closed April 16 (last sale: $1,580,000, 05-07-20)
60 Williams Lane, 94070, 4 bedrooms, 2380 square feet, built in 1962, Bowman 2020 Family Trust to Kathryn and Lucas Taylor for $2,900,000, closed April 15 (last sale: $665,000, 0202-99)
Fantastic Ground Floor Unit
Beautifully updated two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo located in one of downtown Menlo Park’s most desirable and well-maintained co mmunities. Set behind a peaceful courtyard garden, this thoughtfully reimagined home blends modern comfort with timeless charm. The chef’s kitchen opens to a spacious living room with a wood-burning fireplace and a dining area that leads to a private patio —ideal for indoor-outdoor living. The generous primary suite features a walk-in closet with in-unit laundry and a remodeled en-suite bath. A second bedroom and updated bath complete the home. Additional amenities include two assigned parking spaces, storage units, community pool, fitness center, and guest suite. Just steps from Santa Cruz Avenue’s shops and dining. Excellent Menlo Park Schools!
impressive millwork. Set amid serene ponds and beautiful gardens, this home offers luxurious living with convenience and community.
Beautifully remodeled in 2020
1,972 +/-sf and lot size of 2,703 +/- in a gated community State-of-the-art chef’s kitchen with premium appliances Two offices with custom built-in desks and storage Multi-functional second room as den or family room with built-in cabinetry and skylight rain sensor
Luxurious spa-like primary suite with radiant heated floors and Toto Washlet
2 community pools, plus spa and bocce ball court among walking paths, fountains, and gardens
Attached 2-car epoxy-painted garage floor with spacious storage attic; plumbed for EV charger
HOA monthly dues $1,452 (buyer to verify)
gentle
at the
surroundings. Whether you envision a loving
extraordinary home eagerly awaits to fulfill your dreams and aspirations.
Expansive ranch-style home at the end of a cul-de-sac on an enchanting lot of 47,179 +/- sf
Spacious 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths for 3494 +/- sf
Family room with built-ins and sliding glass door to rear patio
Office or bonus/craft room with deck for endless possibilities
Hilltop rear yard with large patio and near 360-degree views of the hills
Attached 2-car garage with additional carport Recognized Palo Alto schools, Lucille M. Nixon, Ellen Fletcher Middle, and Gunn High (Buyer to verify enrollment)
Conveniently located near Fremont Hills Country Club for aquatics, equestrian, and sport courts; minutes from the City of Los Altos Hills, Pinewood High, and walking paths to the Village of Los Altos
Nestled behind a private hedge, a quaint courtyard awaits, creating a lovely welcome to this desirable Menlo Park home.
An inviting foyer introduces hardwood floors found throughout the home. The bright living room, with soaring ceilings and clerestory windows, has a cozy corner fireplace. The spacious floor plan makes it ideal for comfortable living and entertaining.
The primary bedroom offers a private retreat with vaulted ceilings, a window seat, and a generously sized ensuite.
The family room with dining area has a wall of windows and access to the rear deck and backyard, perfect for year-round enjoyment.
The cozy kitchen has a charming built-in breakfast nook, stainless steel appliances, and a pass-through to the living room.
The bedroom wing has a hallway with built-in bookshelves, two bedrooms that look out to the garden, and a hall bathroom.
Excellent location, with access to downtown Menlo Park and Palo Alto, Seminary Oaks Park, and award-winning Menlo Park Schools. It’s a great place to call home!
1001 NIGHTS RETURNS!
June 13 - September 14, 2025
DISCOVER 1001 NIGHTS, A MIDDLE EASTERN–inspired dining and entertainment experience on Quattro Terrace at Four Seasons Hotel Silicon Valley, open seven days a week. Enjoy themed décor, signature cuisine, live belly dance performances Friday through Sunday, and curated retail items that transport you to the heart of a vibrant souk (bazaar). Choose from three immersive settings: open-air terrace dining, a semi-private Arabian tent or a glass-enclosed dome, all styled with Arabian décor.
FLEA MARKET
ENJOY THE BEST OF CALIFORNIA DINING at Portola Bistro, where you’ll find both classic and playful takes on bistro fare served up in comfort and style. Located across the way from Bianchini’s Market in Ladera County Shopper at 3130 Alpine Road, Portola Bistro is the latest restaurant from Dino Tekdemir and Allen Isik, the pair behind Anatolian Kitchen in Palo Alto and Barbayani Taverna in downtown Los Altos. The new restaurant isn’t Greek or Turkish, said Tekdemir, but instead takes French, Italian and Mediterranean influences and refreshes them with California flair – and a focus on simple, fresh ingredients that make every dish shine. For more information, go to portolabistro.com or call (650) 800-7248. The restaurant is available for private events and offers catering for social and corporate affairs.
BK COLLECTIONS HAS BEEN PROVIDING quality and timeless jewelry pieces and collectibles since 1978. Are you looking for that perfect wedding gift? Check out their Michael Aram Wildflowers, Lovebirds and Hearts frames. Owner Belinda Chung said that they have loyal customers
whose children came to shop 3 decades ago, and those children are now parents themselves. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you select personal and office gifts. They provide gift wrapping free of charge. Pack and ship upon request.
SHOP
DOWNTOWN
LOS ALTOS FOR FATHER’S DAY! Find something special or someone special. With more than 100 shops and restaurants, you can always find just the right way to say, “Thanks, Dad!”
DADS LOVE PIES TOO! THIS Friday to 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. Their pies, which have been voted the best in the Bay Area, are made from scratch with only the highest quality ingredients, including fresh fruits, and no preservatives.
SUSHI CRAFTED WITH SOUL. Kanji Sushi & Ramen, located at 4131 El Camino Way in Palo Alto, offers classics like bento boxes, tempura, donburi, udon and ramen, as well as a variety of sushi rolls, hand rolls, sashimi and nigiri. They also have chef’s
specials like the Family Boat, featuring chef’s choice of nigiri, sashimi, rolls and a cold appetizer for four people ($180) or the Couple Boat for two ($99). To reserve a table or to order, call (650) 485-2996. Shown in the photo is owner Rita Tang.
THE NEW GUYS ARE ON the block, Pizza Guys that is. On June 5th, Pizza Guys, Sacramento-based pizza franchise known for its bold, handcrafted creations opened its doors located at 3864 El Camino Real in Palo Alto. A family-owned business, run by owners Duc and Hein Hong, along with Vinh Nguygen, are passionate about bringing high-quality, delicious pizzas to the community. As a former employee
working through highschool and college at Pizza Guys, Duc made his dream a reality with owning his own location, focusing on family-oriented culture. Make sure to swing by for a pie, and say hello to their friendly staff.
GO ITALIAN TONIGHT. At the 888 Ristorante in San Carlos you come for the pasta and stay for the cheesecake. Throw in a glass of wine and you’re living large. Vincenzo Maddalena loves to serve an Italian dinner you won’t forget. He’s a nice guy that loves
pouring the wine at his romantic dinner spot. The Italian cuisine served there is the finest and freshest around. Vince comes from a large, old-school family, and mamma had all the best recipes. Come by this romantic little spot for some fun and fine dining. They’re popping the corks and pouring the vino at 888 Laurel St. in downtown San Carlos. Buon Appetito! Call (650) 591-0920 for a reservation or check the web.
ON MAY 3RD, THE CITY of Palo Alto held the 101st May Fete Parade which covered from University Ave to Heritage Park in downtown Palo Alto. This event helped celebrate growth and curate community between friends and family.
The parade showcased different groups, teams, neighborhoods, as well as extracurricular activities.
A huge congratulations to the winners of this year, which includes first place: PALY Marching Band and Dance Troupe, second place: Boy Scouts of Palo Alto Troop 52, and 3rd place: Boost! Dance Fitness.
Entertainment Star-studded ‘Materialists’ gets real
BY JOCELYN NOVECK Associated Press Writer
The problem with so many romcoms — one of the problems, anyway — is how often we’re asked to conveniently dismiss our knowledge of life’s realities. Particularly economic ones.
How does this person live in a spacious, light-filled apartment when they have a beginner’s salary, for instance? (In London, or Manhattan!) How can they buy chic designer clothes, or afford those long taxi rides?
By this metric alone, Celine Song’s “Materialists” is something else entirely. Song’s characters tell us bluntly what their salary is, or how much their apartment costs. Economic reality, in fact, drives the narrative.
More than meets the eye
Still, it’s understandable how one can watch the trailer for “Materialists,” with the starry trio of Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans, and feel a little concerned. Compared to “Past Lives,” Song’s stunning debut film about love and longing, “Materialists” looks suspiciously like it could be glossy, superficial and … OK, loads of fun! But perhaps a bit more Bridget Jones than Celine Song.
Let’s look at the similarities, though. Again, Song is writing about a triangle
of a woman and two men, each deserving of our empathy and understanding (no cad-like Hugh Grant character here).
And Song, who based “Past Lives” on an experience she had when contacted by a former love, is again writing what she knows. For six months in New York, while a struggling playwright, she worked for a matchmaking firm. As does Johnson’s Lucy, who’s good at what she does.
Early in the film, Lucy’s being feted at the offices of Adore, the firm she works for: Charlotte and Peter are
FOOD + EVENTS + DESTINATIONS & MORE
getting married, and it’s the NINTH wedding of Lucy’s making!
Love triangle
At Charlotte’s wedding, Harry (Pascal), the groom’s handsome brother, notices Lucy and starts to flirt. Turns out, he’s everything a woman could want: Rich, successful, nice, the right height. To Lucy, he’s a “unicorn” — and an ideal client.
Then the cute waiter drops off her favorite drink combo before she can ask: a beer and a Coke. It’s John, a former boyfriend. He looks like …
well, like Chris Evans. He’s scruffy and adorable, but he’s a cater waiter and struggling actor. The two had split up years ago, we learn, over money — meaning, his lack thereof.
Money, Song points out repeatedly here, is not merely a sideline issue; It’s a driving force in relationships, even good, honest ones.
And so our triangular love story progresses over tricky terrain. (Johnson, Pascal and Evans, expertly cast, all do excellent work). Harry doesn’t want to be Lucy’s client, he wants HER. “The math doesn’t add up,” she protests. But Lucy lets herself be wooed
How Song resolves this particular triangle is certainly different from the resolution in “Past Lives,” where an Uber car arrived to separate two people we ached to see together, somehow.
In “Materialists,” I confess I found myself wondering if, in the end, Lucy would really make the choice she does. But that doesn’t mean the experience rings hollow. A smart rom-com that tries to be honest about life and still leave us smiling — that math seems to add up just fine.
Release info
“Materialists,” an A24 release in theaters tomorrow, has been rated R by the Motion Pictire Association “for language and brief sexual material.” Running time: 116 minutes.
SPOTLIGHT the best of the BAY AREA
CLASSICAL ON THE SQUARE 2025
Redwood City Events is thrilled to kick off its 19th season, inviting people from the Peninsula and beyond to join in for a vibrant summer of free and fun outdoor entertainment. From high-energy concerts to family flicks under the stars, and so much more, Redwood City continues its beloved tradition of bringing world-class events to the heart of downtown— in celebration of shared roots and culture.
For classical music lovers and anyone who appreciates the beauty of live performance, Redwood City’s Classical Music Concert is a must-see! Known for its dynamic performances, Redwood Symphony brings world-class musicianship to Redwood City, and this event promises to again be an unforgettable experience for all ages to enjoy!
Redwood Symphony brings a very special show this year, celebrating its 40th anniversary with powerful orchestral music under the evening sky. Enjoy beloved classical masterpieces and contemporary pieces in the outdoor setting of Courthouse Square. Gather your crew, bring a picnic, and join us for an evening of exquisite music, and a fitting tribute to forty years of exceptional musical artistry. Join Maestro Eric Kujawsky for a magnificent evening with the Redwood Symphony for a rousing concert including memorable melodies by Copland, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, and Gershwin with a twist of cowboythemed pieces sure to captivate the entire family.
Since 1985, Redwood Symphony, the Bay Area’s all-volunteer orchestra, is dedicated to performing an ambitious, contemporary repertoire, as well as the great orchestral classics. The innovative programming and emphasis on youth music literacy and education are why so many of the most talented musicians from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area volunteer their time to play, and why audiences and critics are so enthusiastic about Redwood Symphony’s performances.
Don’t miss this enjoyable family event! Best of all, it’s FREE!
More about the Symphony’s Program: http://www.redwoodsymphony.org
Learn more at: https://www.redwoodcity.org/classical
Other exciting FREE events in Redwood City include: Music in the Park on Wednesdays; Movies on the Square on Thursdays; Music on the Square on Fridays; Pub in the Park and Kids Rock! Music Series on Saturdays; Shakespeare in the Park on Weekends in August; plus special outdoor exhibits featuring ART on the Square. More info at http://www.RedwoodCityEvents.com Redwood
PARTNERING UP — Dakota Johnson, left, and Pedro Pascal in “Materialists.”
A24 via AP.
DAMP –––––––
November, alleging that Spieker and his employees didn’t maintain their apartment at 1984 Colony St.
Anscher found a long list of issues with the unit at a hearing in February, when Brooksfox and Spieker’s employees testified and presented evidence.
For example, Brooksfox said her shower was clogged, so water would get up to her family’s ankles. Maintenance workers would come by and unclog the drain, but the clogging would return.
Brooksfox said she smelled sewage in their hallway, living room and daughter’s room in April 2023.
“The bathroom may have a sewer problem because it doesn’t matter how much I clean it, it’s a sewer odor that is coming out, lingering into the hallway,” Brooksfox wrote in an email to her landlord on May 13, 2023.
Sewer pipe burst
A sewer pipe burst on Nov. 5, 2023, spewing feces in the backyard, Brooksfox said.
The water heater sounded like somebody was trying to break into the apartment anytime the hot water was turned on, Brooksfox said.
Workers put duct tape on the water heater door in May 2023 and did some drilling in December 2023, resulting in a whistling noise rather than loud thumps, Brooksfox said.
The biggest issue was mold and moisture in the apartment, especially during the winter, Brooksfox said.
Brooksfox “constantly had to wipe the walls and ceiling with a towel, and she felt that the walls were soft to the touch,” Anscher wrote in her decision.
The family’s clothes, shoes, backpacks and mattresses were ruined by mold, Brooksfox said.
Daughter’s breathing problems
Maintenance workers told Brooksfox the mold was because the apartment was old and suggested she get a dehumidifier.
The dehumidifier helped with the smell, but there was so much moisture that Brooksfox had to empty it at least every hour, she said.
Brooksfox’s daughter started suffering from ecze-
ma and asthma at the beginning of last year and went to the emergency room on March 13, 2024, Brooksfox said. A cardiologist told them mold can cause breathing problems, Brooksfox said.
Using a coffee pot and a microwave at the same time would trip the circuit breakers, Brooksfox said.
Stopped paying rent
Brooksfox stopped paying her rent in October and was served with an eviction notice, and she moved out in January.
Spieker’s resident manager, regional portfolio manager and a maintenance worker testified at the hearing with Anscher.
Spieker owns the property with his wife, Catherine Spieker. They are appealing the city’s order, arguing that the family didn’t complain on time, workers tried to repair reported issues and Anscher’s rent reduction was excessive.
Meeting tonight
The Rental Housing Committee will consider Spieker’s appeal tonight. He allegedly violated the city’s rent control law passed by voters in 2016 to limit rent hikes and require landlords to maintain habitable units.
Spieker was also in trouble with the city in November 2022 after a homeless man was found dead at his abandoned 70-unit apartment complex at 570 S. Rengstorff Ave.
City inspectors found nearly every unit broken into, evidence of squatters, use of a stove as a fireplace, drug paraphernalia, evidence of previous fires, and mosquitoes around the swimming pool, City Manager Kimbra McCarthy told council.
Spieker said at the time that he sold the property, and he was keeping it vacant at the buyer’s request. He said he had nothing to do with any hazards.
“I don’t remember any of the details because it was handled by other people,” Spieker said.
STREET –––––––
trians and from cars and other cities are constantly trying to create some buzz downtown and a safe gathering space for teens. We’ve achieved exactly that, and I think we should preserve and enhance it,” Nash
said during the meeting. The closure along the 600 block is the only part of the street still closed from when council closed off all of Santa Cruz Avenue to vehicle traffic in 2020.
Who uses it
Bistro Vida, Loretta and Left Bank, currently use the closed space for outdoor dining.
“Ali (El Safy) has a vision for creating a revitalized community gathering space, including special events that draw people together. He’s already done a lot for the downtown, bringing variety, excitement and fun. I personally love the Beaumarche, and he’s planning to bring it back. A brilliant idea in harmony with our two adjacent French restaurants, Bistro Vida and Left Bank. And now, he plans to put in a stage and host live music with outdoor jazz band concerts twice a week,” resident Cherie Zaslawsky said during public comment.
El Safy is the owner of Bistro Vida and Loretta. El Safy became responsible for the outdoor space during the pandemic.
Some want it re-opened
The closure has been hotly debated, as some residents want the space reopened.
“Santa Cruz was built for people to get to El Camino, and El Camino was built to get them out of town, so by pulling all these cars out of Santa Cruz Avenue, we are making it way more unsafe for kids on side streets and people on bikes and people walking their dogs. I think we should keep the cars on the streets that the cars were meant to be on and open that street back up,” resident Trish Mitchell said during public comment.
Some believe it only benefits the restaurants to keep the space closed.
“While it really benefits one business in particular, it creates a barrier that limits traffic and access to the many other businesses beyond that business towards El Camino,” resident Keith Quiggins said to the city in an email.
Feeling safe
Schmidt said the closed space was the only space he truly felt safe when riding his bike in town.
Taylor said that she is looking forward to future
discussions on how to further improve the area. Assistant City Manager Stephen Stolte said council could be discussing new ways to increase downtown vibrancy as early as July 8.
In May, council unanimously approved reopening Ryans Lane, which was also used for outdoor dining.
Ryans Lane was closed during the construction of Clark’s Oyster Bar at 780 Santa Cruz Ave., formerly Ann’s Coffee Shop. Carpaccio at 1120 Crane St. used the closed area for outdoor dining in the meantime.
Downtown debate
The debate over reopening Santa Cruz Avenue is just one facet of angst that residents and downtown merchants have levied at the council. Council last week decided to continue with plans to redevelop three downtown parking lots into public housing. Residents are currently gathering signatures to put a measure on the ballot that would require the city to get voter approval to develop the parking lots. That same group is suing the city over its plan.
E-BIKES –––––––
Saturday. Lee said her dad was concussed, her mom injured her legs and they both went to the hospital in an ambulance.
Lee said she posted about the incident on social media, and many residents agreed they were unhappy about how teens behave on e-bikes.
She is hoping the city of Palo Alto can crack down like Los Altos.
“They are loud, disruptive, dangerous, doing tricks,” Lee said. “Obviously they should not be on sidewalks where pedestrians are walking.”
Stanford student died
Stanford student Aradshar “Chad” Chaddar, 21, was struck and killed by a car around 3 a.m. on May 31 while riding an e-bike on campus near Palm Drive and Arboretum Road. The driver of a Honda Accord
remained at the scene, and drugs and alcohol weren’t involved, police said. The CHP isn’t providing more information about the nature of the crash while the investigation is ongoing, Officer Jovita Ojeda said in an email on Tuesday.
How it started
The discussion in Los Altos started in October when Capital Improvement Manager Steven Son showed pictures to the Complete Streets Commission of kids popping wheelies and riding on handlebars. Son said e-bike riders are treating downtown like a playground.
“They’re doing what teenagers would do on a bicycle, but the difference is there’s a motor that’s now involved,” he said.
Council was split on Tuesday over whether police officers should be required to give riders a warning before issuing a fine.
Vice Mayor Neysa Fligor advocated for a slower approach, and Councilman Jonathan Weinberg agreed.
“(In) August, you’re going to see kids violating every single line in this ordinance,” Fligor said. “So I think we need to be deliberate and intentional about how we’re going to educate our parents and student population.”
Teens ‘game the system’
But Dailey said some kids have an attitude and need a penalty right away.
“Guess what? 16-year-olds love to game the system. And all it takes is for one to find out that the ordinance is written with a required warning, and they’ll all exploit it,” Dailey said.
Sgt. Michael Taylor said the police department would use discretion and try to warn riders before issuing a citation, which starts at $50 and goes to $75 for a second offense and $100 for a third offense.
“I suspect if (officers) see someone with training wheels going down the sidewalk in front of their house, there’s not going to be a big bust,” Councilman Larry Lang said.
LA region banded together to demand the Trump administration stop the stepped-up immigration raids that have spread fear across their cities and sparked protests across the U.S. They also called on President Trump to pull back from using troops alongside immigration agents during the raids. The commander in charge of the troops said about 500 National Guard soldiers deployed to the LA protests are trained to go with immigration agents.
GOOGLE BUYOUTS: Google has offered buyouts to a swath of its workforce across key divisions in a fresh round of cost-cutting coming ahead of a court decision that could order a breakup of its internet empire. It’s not clear how many employees are affected, but the offers were made to employees in Google’s search, advertising, research and engineering units, according to The Wall Street Journal.
MAGNETS FOR VISAS: President Trump announced yesterday that China will make it easier for American industry to obtain much-needed needed magnets and rare earth minerals, clearing the way for talks to continue between the world’s two biggest economies. In return, Trump said, the U.S. will stop efforts to revoke the visas of Chinese nationals on U.S. college campuses.
EMISSIONS ROLL BACK: The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to eliminate rules that limit greenhouse gas emissions from power plants fueled by coal and natural gas. Environmental groups called the plans dangerous and vowed to challenge them in court.
WEINSTEIN CONVICTED AGAIN: Former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein has been convicted of one of the top charges in his sex crimes retrial. But the former movie mogul was also acquitted yesterday of another charge, and jurors have not reached verdict on a third charge.
Schools boss Austin looks to future
BY BRADEN CARTWRIGHT Daily Post Staff Writer
Palo Alto Superintendent Don Austin said comprehensive high schools are going to die out and be replaced by schools that are tailored to meet the needs of individual students.
Austin said he anticipates a schedule that isn’t driven by a bell, with kids starting at different times and moving around less as a herd.
“People here want a bigger menu,” Austin said in an interview yesterday.
Middle College program
Austin’s vision is informed by the success of Middle College Hill School, the district’s new alternative program at Foothill College where students take both high school and college courses throughout the day.
“We’re on to something … It works because it’s small and pretty eclectic,” Austin said.
Students choose to go to Middle
College, creating a “very pure feel” on campus where everyone wants to be there, Austin said.
There’s less peer pressure, fewer cliques and no anxiety about being on a large campus, Austin said.
Middle College is expanding in the fall from just sophomores and juniors to all four grades of high school.
High school changes
Austin doesn’t see Gunn and Palo Alto high schools changing overnight. But when opportunities arise to allow more freedom, Austin said he will support them.
For example, Austin said expanding dual enrollment, where students take classes for both high school and college credit, is a big opportunity for the district.
The state also has to shift its attention away from classroom minutes and how much time students are spending in their seats, Austin said.
“There’s so much more of a desire to meet the individual needs, when schools weren’t created that way,” Austin said.
Austin said he hasn’t always pushed for choice, instead favoring the classic depiction of high school life in movies from the 1980s.
Austin said he lived across the street from his high school growing up, had a lot of school spirit and enjoyed the social aspects. Later, he worked as a high school principal for 10 years and was an assistant superintendent at a district with only high schools before coming to Palo Alto in 2018.
“So in my mind, I had a pretty good sense of what I thought a high school was. It took me a while to really think about the fact that my experience in high school isn’t everybody’s,” Austin said.
Acceleration school
Austin said the district one day could have an “acceleration school” for students who want to get ahead in academics, particularly in math.
“If we create schools for different purposes and needs, could that happen someday? Maybe,” Austin said.
But he said people in Palo Alto talk
about acceleration too much when it’s already a rigorous and high-performing place.
Cubberley proposal
Austin in October 2021 proposed setting aside space at the Cubberley Community Center for an “innovative alternative” high school, and the board agreed.
Cubberley was built in the 1950s as the district’s third high school and closed in 1979 after enrollment fell.
Austin said in October 2021 that he’d be surprised if the district grows enough to warrant a third high school in the next 20 years, but the district may want to offer alternative education before then.
Austin said he doesn’t believe that students in middle school and elementary school should be offered the same choices as high school students.
For example, if younger students can opt out of music class, then they might not choose to participate and will be robbed of the chance to see if they enjoy playing an instrument, Austin said.
Car buyers could soon face higher ‘junk fees’
The California Senate has overwhelmingly — and with bipartisan support — approved legislation that would allow car dealers to charge buyers up to $500 extra on each vehicle purchase, a departure from promises both parties made this year to lower costs for Californians.
The bill’s opponents said they were shocked senators would disregard their pledge by adding more “junk fees.”
“This is the opposite of saving money for people,” said Rosemary Shahan of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety. “It’s just benefiting car dealers at the expense of car buyers. That’s it.”
Yet just one senator voted against Senate Bill 791 that would raise the fees car dealers can charge to process documents by $415 from their current cap of up to $85 for a new or used vehicle. The proposal would allow dealers to charge as much as 1% of a vehicle’s purchase price, up to $500. The aver-
age listed price of a new vehicle in the U.S. in May was $48,656, according to market research firm Cox Automotive.
In recent years, lawmakers have taken aim at similar so-called “junk” or “hidden” fees, requiring businesses to be more up front about them so customers aren’t surprised by the final price tag.
DANCY PARTY
FRIDAY JUNE 13
9pm - 12am with DJ QUAM
AUSTIN