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BY BRADEN CARTWRIGHT Daily Post Staff Writer
A jury yesterday awarded Mountain View tutor Alice Ku’s parents $23.6 million from her husband who was accused of killing her at a national park in Taiwan.
Harald Herchen, 66, of Los Altos, kept a straight face while the verdict against him was read, and Ku’s family
Jury orders him to pay $23 million
started crying in the courtroom in San Jose.
“I’m just overcome with emotions.
I’m glad that after five and a half years, justice is finally served,” brother George Ku said afterwards.
The jury reached its verdict in about two hours, ending an emotional twoweek trial that had testimony from Herchen, Ku’s siblings and dad, a Taiwanese police officer, two doctors, an email expert and an investigator who looked for Ku. The trial examined Ku’s upbringing, family life and secret marriage to Herchen in October 2017. She
[See DEATH, page 23]
GIANTS EXEC DIES: Bill Neukom, former managing general partner of the San Francisco Giants and a key figure in bringing the baseball franchise its first World Series title in San Francisco, has died. He was 83.
EPSTEIN FILES: President Trump yesterday directed the Justice Department to ask a court to unseal secret documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case including grand jury transcripts. Trump is under fire for going back on a promise to release all the files in the case.
TRUMP DISPUTES EPSTEIN
LETTER: The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that in 2003 Trump sent Jeffrey Epstein a sexually suggestive letter and drawing that was included in a 50th anniversary gift for the wealthy financier. Trump denied writing the letter and sued the Journal. In 2004, Trump banned Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club.
AMERICANS FREED: Americans and U.S. residents who had been seized by Venezuelan authorities and held as bargaining chips were released
[See THE UPDATE, page 23]
THE KISS CAM at a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts caught tech CEO Andy Byron holding his company’s HR director, Kristin Cabot. As soon as they realized they were on the Jumbotron, they tried to hide themselves.
The tech company Astronomer announced yesterday it has opened an investigation after CEO Andy Byron was shown on a Jumbotron at a Coldplay concert in an intimate embrace with the company’s HR head.
For several seconds, the couple was cuddling and smiling, his arms wrapped around her, as she leaned back into him. When they saw themselves on the “kiss cam,” her jaw dropped, her hands flew to her face and she spun away from the camera. He ducked out of the frame, as did she.
“Either they’re having an affair or
[See KISS CAM, page 23]
The House yesterday gave final approval to President Trump’s request to claw back about $9 billion for foreign aid and public broadcasting.
The White House says NPR and PBS have a liberal slant, and that it’s unfair to make conservative taxpayers fund viewpoints with which they disagree.
In anticipation of the funding cut, KQED earlier this week laid off 45 people and cut 12 more with buyout offers, marking a 15% reduction in its staff.
KQED is operating at a $12 million deficit in the current fiscal year. Last year, KQED received $7.6 mil-
lion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, whose funding was cut by Congress yesterday.
Lawmakers representing rural areas said listeners would suffer from the cuts. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said the stations are “not just your news
[See NPR, page 23]
A man was arrested for vandalizing 14 businesses in downtown Redwood City by carving the letter “R” into their windows, police said.
Roman Leoncontreras, 25, of Menlo Park, was allegedly spotted by a victim and taken in for questioning by officers after reviewing security camera footage.
Several businesses reported damage to their windows on Saturday and Sunday. Video from those businesses’s security cameras showed Leoncontreras carving
the letter “R” into their windows, police said in a statement.
Leoncontreras was arrested Thursday at 12:05 p.m., after a victim flagged down police and led them to him, according to police.
The final bill to repair the damage hasn’t been determined. But a bakery and leasing office said it would cost $12,000 to repair their windows, a pizza place said it would cost them $10,000 and a nail and barber shop said they would be out $1,000, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.
Leoncontreras had a previous warrant for breaking the window of a car on May 22, 2022, in East Palo Alto, Wagstaffe said. A judge issued the warrant when Leoncontreras didn’t show up to court, the DA said.
On March 18, 2025, Leoncontreras appeared in court and was arrested but released on his own recognizance, Wagstaffe said. He was due in court on April 30, 2025, but failed to appear, and a new warrant was issued, according to Wagstaffe.
Editor:
Managing
General
Distribution: Amando Mendoza
Account
Letters:
Readers have asked why our birth announcements are delayed several months. All of the Mid-Peninsula hospitals with the exception of Sequoia in Redwood City refuse to provide a list of new births to the newspaper. So the Post obtains the births from the state Department of Health, which takes months to provide the information. All births and deaths are public records under state law.
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital in Palo Alto
Dec. 29
Amora Maree Beaudoin Bryson, a girl
Albert Chang, a boy
Forrest Ross Dixon, a boy
Bryson Jude Jacobogil, a boy
Aria Jiselle Leon, a girl
Cynthia Alexandra Mendoza Gonzales, a girl
Taara Nina Menon, a girl
Millie June Rodriguez, a girl
Tarana Sachdeva, a girl
Francesca Sargsyan, a girl
Dylan Qiuyan Shen, a boy
Deborah Folauhola Ofeina Mei
Langi Tuifua, a girl
Isaac Yuting Yeh, a boy
Penelope Iris Young, a girl
Anya Zhang, a girl
Dec. 30
Matias Jese Bac Culpatan, a boy
Isla Louise Chirieleison, a girl
Emilio Andres Guardadovizcarra, a boy
Dylan Joshua Montoya Garcia, a boy
Johana Nicole Montufar Mich, a girl
Solomon Ray Orr, a boy
Eliette Antonella Perez Lara, a girl
Liam Benjamin Rios Urrutia, a boy
Christian Isaac Romero Diaz, a boy
Israel Isaiah Silva, a boy
Henry Aaron Valencia Cornelio, a boy
Dec. 31
Nalani Alora Coria Martinez, a girl
Shahd Abdullah Fadhel, a girl
September 11, 1940 - July 10, 2025
Ralph Levine passed away in his sleep at his Palo Alto home on July 10. He was well cared for during his rapid decline due to Alzheimer’s.
Ralph was gifted, from his perfect musical pitch, to his natural athleticism (he played shortstop), to his overall brilliance. He had ideas how to improve the world, and would send occasional beautifully-crafted letters to the New York Times (on baseball rules) -- and to Stanford presidents. He had a quick wit and a Bronx sense of sarcasm. He remembered a professor’s words, “The more you know about different subjects, the more interesting your own life will be.”
But his special talent was friendship. He loved children. He cherished a vast network of friends including childhood playmates, people from his colleges and his old jobs, students he mentored at Stanford, and neighbors. He was a wonderful friend—so full of warmth, humor, and kindness. Many regarded him as their best friend and mentor. His trips all over the globe were often to visit or travel with those friends. They in turn would often come to stay with him in Palo Alto, and he joked that his home was the “moochery.”
Music was a delight for him throughout his life. Ralph composed his own melodies and could play any song after hearing it once. He was a master of many instruments, often selftaught, and played both organ and piano in his living room. He loved opera. He read three daily newspapers and had insightful views on both local and national politics. Ralph relished amateur photography and his photo albums recorded his happy times with friends. And, as volunteer family archivist, he prepared albums that systematically organized the family photos from the 1940’s onward.
Ralph Sanders Levine was born September 11, 1940, in New York City, the son of Samuel, who was a beloved elementary school teacher and principal, and Ruth, the wise and intelligent center of the family. His grandparents lived in the apartment next door. He grew up in what was then the thriving working-class neighborhood of Highbridge in The Bronx.
Ralph was educated at P.S. 11, one block from the family apartment; at the renowned Bronx High School of Science, where he later taught math; at Bard College, where he won the prize in science, was the college organist, chaired the college council, and was later a generous donor. And then at Harvard he earned his Master of Arts in Teaching and Doctor of Education degrees.
In his long and successful career in educational administration, he was a school district official first in Connecticut and later in Oakland where he was responsible for Federal grants. He taught higher ed administration at Cal State Sacramento, taught at the College of the Center for Early Education in Los Angeles, and was principal of the secular section of a Hebrew day school in the Bay Area. Joining Stanford, for years he was at the School of Education helping to lead Pew Foundation national initiatives on standards-based education, and then was promoted to be the long-serving manager of the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department in the School of Engineering.
Ralph brought care and intelligence to everything he did, formed close relationships with the graduate students, and delighted to volunteer as advisor to Stanford undergraduates. He will be missed in Palo Alto, from coast to coast, and from Korea and Japan to Switzerland. He is survived by his sister Laura Steinberg and brother Martin Levine, his nephews David Steinberg (Mona) and Ben Levine and niece Diane Hiller, and grandnephews Matthew and Evan Steinberg and grandnieces Sydney Hiller and Cara Phillips (Billy). Pasepa Kolo and her family were his devoted caretakers.
Ralph will be buried in Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills, 5590 Forest Lawn Drive, in Los Angeles, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 2:00 PST. For those who cannot attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at https://Mount-Sinai-Memorial-Parks-and-Mortuaries. livecontrol.tv/687a5e59 An obituary will be posted at https://mountsinaiparks.org/ obituaries/
Donations in his memory can be made to the Fund for New York City Public Schools, 52 Chambers St. Room 305, New York, NY 10007, to support PS 11, Bronx (Highbridge School.) https://www.fundfornycps.org/donate
Susan Marie Adams was born in Portland Oregon on June 11, 1940. She was the third child of Marie and Leonard Adams of Beaverton, Oregon. Her sister Margaret Louise was three years older and her brother James Edward, was one year older. She maintained her place as the baby in the family until her sister Nancy Patricia was born seven years later. She loved horses and often rode with a family friend who lived nearby. Growing up she attended Merle Davies Grade School and then St. Thomas More Grade School which was built by her Uncle Monsignor Francis Schaefers. Susan went to St. Mary’s Academy High School, and spent four years in Denver at Loretta Heights college. She was an avid skier during these college years. After graduation she returned to Portland and worked as a teacher for two years. She then moved to Palo Alto and got a Masters degree in Counseling at Stanford University.
She worked in the Milpitas School District as a middle school counselor for many years until her retirement.
Susan was a devoted Catholic who joined a Franciscan order of lay women. She was very active in her local church as well as being active in many leadership positions in the Franciscan group. She loved her dogs who gave her much love and comfort. She was often the life of the party at gatherings with her friends. One of her friends in the Franciscan group , Rosemary Finnerty, became a housemate of Susan and they often entertained friends after Saturday evening Mass. She added a lot of laughter and good cheer to these gatherings. Susan was a very kind person who put a lot of effort into helping people who needed her. She was also very close to her parents and siblings and travelled to Oregon for many visits. She died after a brief illness a month after celebrating her 85th birthday She is survived by her sisters Margaret and Nancy and their husbands, her sister-in- law Sheila Adams and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and many friends. Her funeral Mass will be at St. Albert the Great in Palo Alto at 11:00am preceded by The Rosary at 10:00am and followed by lunch at the multipurpose room at the church. All friends and family are welcome to attend.
June 12, 1946 - July 9, 2025
Alison Slone Hengehold, 79, of Menlo Park, loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor and friend, passed away on July 9, 2025.
Alison was born on June 12, 1946, in Patterson, California, to James Woodward Slone and Charlene Elfers Slone. She attended Northmead Elementary, Las Palmas Middle School and Patterson High School, where she played tennis and was a cheerleader. After graduating, she earned a nursing degree and quickly realized that caring for others was her true calling. She began her career at Del Puerto Hospital in Patterson and later continued at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. It was during her time in San Jose that friends introduced her to her future husband, James Hengehold.
Alison and Jim were married on September 6, 1975, at Mission Santa Clara. They made their home in Menlo Park, where they raised two children, Matthew and Ann. Jim ran the family business, Hengehold Trucks, with his brother Dave for many years. While Alison did not work at the business, she supported Jim wholeheartedly in both his professional and personal life. After becoming a mother, Alison retired from nursing but never stopped caring for others. She redirected her compassion and energy toward her family and friends, becoming a constant, nurturing presence in their lives. She extended that care to Jim’s father, Fred Hengehold, founder of Hengehold Trucks, lovingly supporting him in his later years until his passing at the age of 103. She also cared for her mother, whom the family affectionately called Nana and who was a regular presence at the Hengehold home in Menlo Park, often found playing cards and making her infamous Chex Mix—a recipe Alison thankfully passed on. A devoted wife, Alison was Jim’s primary caregiver and a steady source of strength as the family faced his battle with Parkinson’s disease. Alison and Jim’s marriage spanned 42 years, until his passing in 2017. When not tending to family and friends, Alison could be found in the NICU at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, cradling premature newborns. She cherished her mornings in the Cuddlers Program and afternoons driving local seniors to medical appointments. Alison was active in the National Charity League with her daughter, Annie. For a decade, she served as a devoted board member and volunteer with the Ecumenical Hunger Program in East Palo Alto. Alison will be remembered for her generous spirit, her deep loyalty to family and her unwavering kindness. She was always thinking of others, quietly doing thoughtful things to lift those around her. She was the thread that tied four generations of Slone and Hengehold families together, embracing the role of matriarch with love and ease. Her fun nature and willingness to laugh at herself endeared her to many. We will miss her beautiful smile, her warm embrace and her selfless love.
Alison is survived by her children, Matthew Hengehold (Christina) and Ann Hengehold (Cesar Ramos); her grandchildren, Alexa, Reed and Josephine Hengehold, and Slone Ramos; her brother, John Slone (Shauna); her brother-in-law, Dave Hengehold (Cathy); her nieces and their families; her childhood best friends, Georgia Leese and Michele Knapp; and the first dog she ever owned, Daphne, who she truly adored. She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved aunt, Geraldine Edwards; her brother, Michael Slone, and his wife, Virginia; her sister- in-law, Diane Hengehold; and her loving husband, Jim.
A celebration of Alison’s life will be held in the near future, with details to be shared by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Ecumenical Hunger Program.
Services provided by Menlo Park Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Portola Valley’s town council has decided to hire Darcy Smith, previously assistant city manager in San Bruno, as its next town manager.
Smith in her 22 years of experience in city government has also worked for Millbrae, San Mateo and Campbell.
As a student at Stanford in the 1990s, her coursework included in-depth studies of Portola Valley’s land use and environmental plans. As an avid hiker and
cyclist, she has explored the town’s trails and scenic roads, gaining firsthand appreciation for its natural landscape and commitment to open space preservation.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in earth systems from Stanford and a master’s in urban and regional planning from San Jose State University.
Smith replaces Sharif Etman. Smith’s proposed salary wasn’t disclosed but Etman was paid $255,818, according to a Jan. 8 report to council.
School District for the fiscal year of 2025-2026.
Trucks: Council will review the purchase of three Ford Super Duty trucks for $173,076 for the Public Works Department.
PALO ALTO PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
7 p.m., Tuesday 250 Hamilton Ave.
Grassroots: Commissioners will get an update from the nonprofit Grassroots Ecology.
Middle: Commissioners will discuss the city’s middle school athletics program.
Parkland: Commissioners will get an update on efforts to dedicate city properties as parkland.
CALTRAIN BOARD
3:30 p.m., Wednesday 1250 San Carlos Ave.
Funding: The board will discuss how Santa Clara County and San Mateo County should fund Caltrain’s operations.
ATHERTON PLANNING COMMISSION
6 p.m., Wednesday 80 Fair Oaks Lane
Trees: The commission will review requests to remove trees at 258 Camino al Lago and 65 Linda Vista Avenue to accommodate the placement of an ADU.
Garage: The commission will review a request to remodel a garage at 7 Betty Lane.
Granny Unit: Commissioners will review a request to place an accessory dwelling unit at 236 Camino al Lago.
REDWOOD CITY COUNCIL
6 p.m., Monday 1017 Middlefield Road
School: Council will give $1,184,299 to the Redwood City
Encampments: Council will consider an ordinance for removing homeless encampments.
Townhomes: Council will review a request to construct six townhome units at 2336 El Camino Real.
Home: Council will review a request to construct a single-family residence at 879 Vista Drive.
Transit: Council will consider supporting Senate Bill 63, which would allow a five-county ballot measure to approve a new tax for the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The money would ultimately go for mass transit such as BART and Caltrain.
MENLO PARK LIBRARY COMMISSION
6:30 p.m., Monday
700 Alma St.
Services: Commissioners will review statistics of the recent events at the library.
MENLO PARK PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
6:30 p.m., Wednesday
700 Alma St.
Report: Commissioners will be preparing a report for City Council on their work from 2024 to 2025.
SAN MATEO COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
9 a.m., Wednesday
500 County Center
Granny Unit: Commissioners will review a request from resident Elizabeth Lacasia to add an accessory dwelling unit on San Carlos Avenue.
• 4 bedrooms and 2 baths on one level
• Approximately 1,871 square feet of living space
• Freshly painted inside, hardwood floors, and new carpet
• Attached 2-car garage
• Lot size of approximately 8,612 square feet
• Sought-after Birdland neighborhood
• Excellent Santa Clara schools: Laurelwood Elementary, Peterson Middle, Wilcox High (buyer to confirm)
Offered at $2,798,000 1375SprigCt.com
And what a location!
Times shown are when a report was made to police. Information is from police department logs. All of the people named here are innocent until proven guilty in court.
JULY 3
3:18 p.m. — Michael Philip Lugea, 64, transient, arrested for polluting a waterway with refuse that can be hazardous to wildlife, 2400 block of Faber Place.
JULY 5
9:48 p.m. — Gabor Kovacs, 53, of Redwood City, arrested for shoplifting at CVS, 352 University Ave.
JULY 7
6:36 p.m. — Yoire R. Fernandez Silveiro, 36, transient, arrested for creating a public nuisance and polluting a waterway with refuse that can be hazardous to wildlife, 2400 block of Faber Place.
JULY 9
7:13 p.m. — Gavin Mour, 44, transient, arrested for creating a public nuisance and possession of drug paraphernalia, 100 block of Forest Ave.
MONDAY
10:15 a.m. — Vandalism, 300 block of Fulton St.
6:23 p.m. — Angel Maldonado Zarco, 55, transient, and Franklin A. Guzman Alvarado, 42, of Richmond, both arrested for creating a public nuisance, 3800 block of Fabian Way.
TUESDAY
3:37 p.m. — Brian David Jones, 64, transient, arrested for creating a public nuisance, 1000 block of Elwell Court.
3:58 p.m. — Larry Castro, 61, of San Jose, arrested for creating a public nuisance, 1000 block of E. Meadow Circle.
6:39 p.m. — Michael Philip Lugea, 64, transient, arrested for creating a public nuisance and polluting a waterway with refuse that can be hazardous to wildlife, 2400 block of Faber Place.
7:09 p.m. — Vehicle accident causes injuries, Page Mill Road and Foothill Expressway. Brian Barbata Jimaroa, 19, of Redwood City, arrested for DUI, hit-and-run, driving without proof of insurance and obstructing police.
8:33 p.m. — DeJohn Edward Stone, 24, of San Francisco, arrested for shoplifting and falsely identifying himself to police, Stanford Shopping Center.
THURSDAY
2:05 p.m. — Calixto Nevarez Delgado, 45, of Menlo Park, cited for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, 1300 block of Willow Road.
1:14 p.m. — Bicycle storage locker damaged, 200 block of Waverley St.
5:23 p.m. — Diego Corona, 35, transient, cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, Windermere Ave. and Newbridge St.
5:34 p.m. — Credit card fraud at Walgreens, 643 Santa Cruz Ave.
6:23 p.m. — Cristobal Cardenas, 59, transient, arrested for possession of stolen property and drug paraphernalia, 300 block of Willow Road.
JULY 2
2:45 a.m. — Raymond ThorntonRuocco, 37, of Sacramento, arrested on a warrant, Palm Drive and Arboretum Road.
6:19 p.m. — Credit or debit card fraud, 300 block of Jane Stanford Way.
JULY 3
11:01 a.m. — Building broken into, 300 block of Jane Stanford Way.
3:24 p.m. — Electric bike stolen, 200 block of Governors Ave. South.
8:50 p.m. — Electric bike stolen, 400 block of Via Ortega.
10:30 p.m. — Brandon Jones, 24, of San Pedro, arrested for stalking and trespassing, and then for resisting and obstructing police, 300 block of Santa Teresa St. Two sheriff’s deputies are injured while trying to arrest him.
JULY 9
1:11 a.m. — Cheryl Weeks, 44, of San Jose, arrested on a warrant, Rengstorff Park.
9:28 a.m. — Home burglary, 700 block of Continental Circle.
10:04 a.m. — Vandalism, 2200 block of Grant Road.
10:48 a.m. — Gideon Wulfsohn, 32, of Los Altos Hills, arrested for battery, El Camino Hospital.
12:25 p.m. — Robert Stallings, 52, of Ojai, arrested for being under the influence of drugs, battery and on a warrant, The Americana and Medical Center Drive.
1:32 p.m. — Grand theft, 1900 block of W. Middlefield Road.
2:51 p.m. — Vandalism, 1600 block of Morgan Court.
9:34 p.m. — Bradley Edwards, 67, of San Francisco, cited for prowling and on a warrant, 2700 block of Ramos Court.
10:17 p.m. — Theft at Walmart, 600 Showers Drive.
11:55 p.m. — Battery, 1100 block of N. Rengstorff Ave.
JULY 10
10:05 a.m. — Theft, 400 block of Sierra Vista Ave.
12:22 p.m. — Wilmer Lopez Diaz, 28, of Sunnyvale, arrested on warrants, 1100 block of W. El Camino.
11:46 p.m. — Jose Gonzalez, 36, of Mountain View, arrested for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, Rengstorff Ave. and Middlefield Road.
JULY 11
11:38 a.m. — Ernesto Rojo Carrillo, 32, of San Jose, cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license, El Monte Ave. and Foothill Expressway.
JULY 12
8:08 p.m. — Connie Sponheim, 75, of Enumclaw, Wash., cited for skipping out on the bill at a restaurant, 4500 block of El Camino.
TUESDAY
8:32 p.m. — Ryan Murrell, 39, of San Francisco, cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and theft of someone else’s lost property, 100 block of First St.
WEDNESDAY
6:28 p.m. — Vehicle accident causes minor injuries, El Monte Ave. and Cuesta Drive.
9:48 p.m. — Auto burglary, Plaza North and Second St.
THURSDAY
9:28 p.m. — Vehicle tampering, 200 block of Covington Road.
APRIL 19
Javier Jimenez Lopez, 25, of Redwood City, cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license and without a mandated ignition interlock device, 200 block of Walnut St. Glenn O. Grutter, 55, of Salt Lake City, Utah, arrested for child endangerment, 200 block of W. 39th Ave. in San Mateo.
Wilson Pirir Lopez, 36, of San Mateo, arrested for DUI, Marine Parkway.
Isaiah Brogdon, 30, transient, arrested for narcotics possession, falsely identifying himself to police and on a warrant, 2400 block of El Camino.
APRIL 20
Alma Delia Polvo Gomez, 39, of Redwood City, arrested for resisting police, 700 block of Bradford St.
APRIL 21
Alberto Fuentes, 45, of Redwood City, arrested for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, 1000 block of Mills Way.
Emily Elizabeth Diamond, 40, of Redwood City, cited for shoplifting and possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia at Target, 2485 El Camino.
WEDNESDAY
1:53 p.m. — Man says a homeless man used a sharp object to puncture the front tires of his truck and then left, Heller St.
1:59 p.m. — Scott Arlin Evers, 52, arrested for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, carrying a concealed dirk or dagger and on a warrant, Redwood City Caltrain Station. Arrest made by San Mateo County sheriff’s deputies.
3:14 p.m. — Checks forged, Whitehall Lane.
3:50 p.m. — Packages stolen from several apartments, Bair Island Road. 3:59 p.m. — Man scammed into sending people gift cards, Geneva Ave. 8:41 p.m. — Man yelling racial slurs, Jefferson Ave.
THURSDAY
12:41 a.m. — Lexus stolen, Davey Glen Road.
1:34 a.m. — Stolen vehicle found, Hiller St.
1:13 p.m. — Theft at a business, Alameda de las Pulgas.
3:48 p.m. — Truck stolen, Hillcrest Drive.
4:19 p.m. — Edwin Jefferson Gomez Gonzalez, 22, cited for driving with a suspended or revoked license, E. Sailor Drive and 31st Ave. in San Mateo.
10:40 p.m. — Sabrina Adams, 54, arrested for shoplifting, possession of drug paraphernalia and on a warrant, Ralston Ave. and El Camino.
The Post prints the latest real estate transactions.
PALO ALTO
753 La Para Ave., 94306, 3 bedrooms, 1988 square feet, built in 1939, Rebecca Dishotsky to Jianyu and Shiyue Liu for $4,260,000, closed June 16
2957 Alexis Drive, 94304, 5 bedrooms, 2868 square feet, built in 1967, Carmel Trust to Deepa and Suresh Pallikuth for $4,488,000, closed June 20
2608 Bryant St., 94306, 5 bedrooms, 2748 square feet, built in 2006, Han 2007 Family Trust to Kymm Living Trust for $5,715,000, closed June 20 (last sale: $823,000, 10-18-99)
711 Central Ave., 94025, 3 bedrooms, 1690 square feet, built in 1947, Central Sterling Homes LLC to Ingrid and Matthew Levine for $5,300,000, closed May
30 (last sale: $1,875,000, 12-12-22)
1271 Bellair Way, 94025, 4 bedrooms, 3612 square feet, built in 2005, Kunafa Living Trust to Ning Jiang for $5,500,000, closed May
28 (last sale: $2,753,500, 06-14-06)
2 Lassen Court, 94025, 4 bedrooms, 2560 square feet, built in 1969, Chen Living Trust to Aeberhard Living Trust for $5,850,000, closed May 27 (last sale: $4,075,000, 04-23-18)
1205 Cuernavaca Circulo,
94040, 3 bedrooms, 2022 square feet, built in 1985, Siegel Family Trust to Kearsten and Kevin Talebpour for $2,200,000, closed June 20
1051 Dale Ave., 94040, 2704 square feet, built in 1963, John Thompson to Duong and Michael James for $2,381,500, closed June 16
582 Bush St., 94041, 3 bedrooms, 1528 square feet, built in 1954, Giovacchini Trust to Kavita and Gregory Coombe for $2,800,000, closed June 16
1651 Tulane Drive, 94040, 3 bedrooms, 1538 square feet, built in 1952, Sullivan Living Trust to Wei and Lei Tian for $3,028,000, closed June 20
LOS ALTOS
1520 Topar Ave., 94024, 3 bedrooms, 1881 square feet, built in 1952, Hong Family Trust to Noa and David Matot for $3,800,000, closed June 16
1130 Runnymead Drive, 94024, 4 bedrooms, 2322 square feet, built in 1969, Zampino Family Trust to Haripriya and Pradeep Srinivasan for $3,800,000, closed June 20
1670 Whitham Ave., 94024, 4 bedrooms, 2582 square feet, built in 1954, Halliday Trust to Richardson Living Trust for $3,975,000, closed June 17 (last sale:
$400,000, 03-30-99)
674 Campbell Ave., 94024, 4 bedrooms, 1889 square feet, built in 1955, Smith Family Trust to Yu
and Hongwei Wang for $4,200,000, closed June 17
REDWOOD CITY
631 Spar Drive, 94065, 2 bedrooms, 1080 square feet, built in 1972, Lin Living Trust to Renjie Zhu for $1,900,000, closed May 23 (last sale: $294,500, 08-01-88)
112 Marine Road, 94062, 2 bedrooms, 1750 square feet, built in 1994, Trisha Ennes to Makler Family Trust for $2,145,000, closed May 19 (last sale: $1,495,000, 04-08-20)
2627 Hampton Ave., 94061, 3 bedrooms, 1660 square feet, built in 1954, Yuko Wakasugi to Madison and Jordan Riches for $2,338,000, closed May 20 (last sale: $2,350,000, 12-28-23)
421 Ruby St., 94062, 4 bedrooms, 2070 square feet, built in 1959, Richa Family Trust to Vasudharini and Sudharshun Lyengar for $2,658,000, closed May 21 (last sale: $2,195,000, 03-17-20)
80 Gateway Court, 94070, 3 bedrooms, 2710 square feet, built in 2018, Eggers Trust to Chloe Yan for $3,025,000, closed May 27 (last sale: $2,499,500, 11-09-17)
142 Coronado Ave., 94070, 4 bedrooms, 3990 square feet, built in 1981, So Prop Development LLC to Toyama Trust for $4,275,000, closed May 30 (last sale: $2,528,000, 02-20-24)
4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 3,450 SF Living | 15,000 SF Lot
Open House Saturday, June 7th & Sunday, June 8th | 1PM-4PM
Sunday, | 1PM-4PM
Nestled in the heart of Old Palo Alto, this beautifully preserved home showcases the elegance of early 20th-century architecture blended seamlessly with thoughtful modern updates. Originally constructed in 1915, this home stands as a rare and refined example of classic design in one of Silicon Valley’s most desirable neighborhoods.
The main house features 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs, with a half-bath on the ground floor. A separate detached den with a full bathroom provides a versatile space for guests, a home office, or a creative studio. The formal dining room features a Venetian chandelier and built-in china cabinet. Enjoy quiet moments in the sunroom/ library area, lined with built-in bookcases and large windows that overlook the serene backyard. Huge 2-car garage.
With one of the largest lots (15,000 sf) in prestigious Old Palo Alto, this elegant home boasts a rare and generous backyard perfect for entertaining and everyday enjoyment. A safety-covered pool, hot tub, heated deck, lawn, and bocce court make it an entertainer’s paradise. In addition to a spacious 2-car garage, the property offers a backyard cottage with full bathroom and kitchenette, providing options for a guest suite, home office, or rental opportunity. Also on the property is the original carriage house, which can be used for a workshop, studio, or storage.
New Roof & Solar. Gleaming Hardwood Floors. Updated bathrooms & kitchen. Close to top Palo Alto Schools, Parks, Stanford University and Hospital.
Offered at $ $7,988,000
Set on a beautifully flat and expansive half-acre lot in a charming creekside setting, this single-story home offers the perfect blend of space, style, and location. With three generously sized bedrooms—including a luxurious primary suite—this thoughtfully updated residence is designed for modern living.
The heart of the home is the stylishly renovated kitchen, seamlessly connected to a spacious family room with direct access to the backyard oasis. Enjoy warm wood floors, updated bathrooms, and a layout ideal for everyday comfort and effortless entertaining. Step outside to a private retreat featuring a sparkling pool, lush landscaping, and picturesque views of the gently winding creek —perfect for relaxing or hosting gatherings.
Ideally situated in one of San Mateo’s most desirable neighborhoods, with easy access to Laurelwood and Hillsdale shopping centers, scenic trails at Laurelwood/Sugarloaf Park, and top commuter routes including Hwy 92, 101, and 280. Nature, convenience, and comfort—all in one exceptional home.
Offered at $3,200,000 | 700Laurelwood.com
is pleased to present 356 Covington Road in
Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 4pm
and Sunday 1:30pm-4:30pm.
Welcome to a rare and remarkable offering in the heart of Pebble Beach—a fully restored and meticulously renovated century-old Spanish Colonial Revival that blends timeless architecture with modern luxury.
www.CharmingCarmelCottage.com
$4,450,000
Birdsong Cottage is an enchanting Carmel retreat nestled on a .67-acre park-like setting where nature, art, and refined living converge.
www.CarmelCottageLiving.com
$2,750,000
This single-level storybook home built in 1939 provides a timeless 2-bedroom, 2-bath retreat in downtown Carmel’s sought-after Golden Rectangle.
www. AptosLuxury.com
$10,500/month | Long-term, yearly rental
Welcome to this luxury coastal escape in Aptos, a recently built home offering sweeping ocean views, just a short walk from Rio Del Mar Beach.
www. MontereyParadise.com
$2,495,000
Set on over an acre of private usable land, this home offers expansive mountain and valley views and 3,000+ SqFt of single-level living.
TimelessPG .com
$3,450,000
Experience timeless Victorian elegance at the "Daffodil House," a meticulously maintained 3-story residence in Pacific Grove's Retreat district.
www.CarmelLot .com
$1,675,000
Permitted, ready to build gently sloped 9,975 SqFt lot with plans nestled into the natural topography of the peaceful Carmel Woods neighborhood.
John sold this home for $2,873 per square foot versus the 2024 average of $1,623 across Los Altos Hills sales with other listing agents.
Discover the difference a tailored strategy makes.
John sold this newly built home for $2,873 per square foot — outperforming the average of $1,858 per square foot for homes zero to five years old. That’s an impressive $1,015 more per square foot , delivering over $4,250,000 in additional value to his client at close.
Curious what your home might command in today’s market? Call John today for a no obligation consultation of your home to see what he did differently to get these results for his clients .
PERFECT FOR RELAXATION OR ENTERTAINING. Ellen Barton is pleased to present 356 Covington Road in Los Altos. Discover a beautiful sixbedroom, seven-bath residence set on over approximately 43,000 sf of level, landscaped grounds. Step inside to soaring ceilings, elegant formal living and dining rooms, a game room, and a chef’s kitchen with Sub-Zero and Viking appliances designed for both entertaining and everyday ease. The romantic primary suite features vaulted ceilings, a spa-like bath, and a private sunset deck overlooking the resort-style backyard. Please contact Elle at (650) 619-2756 for more information.
REBUILT. Alex Wang is pleased to present 2330 Sierra Court in Palo Alto. This newly renovated 4-bed, 3-bath home sits on an 11,442 sf lot at the end of a quiet culde-sac. Stripped to the studs and completely rebuilt, it features allnew systems—electrical, plumbing, HVAC, Milgard windows, and roof. The 2,065 sf interior includes white oak floors, designer fireplaces, an under-stair wine cellar, and a chef’s kitchen with premium Bosch appliances and quartz finishes. Smart home upgrades include Nest thermostat, Kasa switches, and EV charging. Please call Alex (650) 800-8840 for more information.
estate. This newly constructed compound comprises the stunning main house, a private ADU, and a Tea House (Guest House) floating on water. The striking architecture embraces intentional simplicity, blending natural elements with modern form. Please call Tim at (831) 214-1990 for more information.
PRESTIGIOUS OLD PALO ALTO. Kathleen Pasin is pleased to present 1404 Bryant Street in Palo Alto. Nestled on one of the largest lots 15,000 sf, in prestigious Old Palo Alto, this beautifully preserved 1915 home blends early 20th-century charm with thoughtful modern upgrades. The main house features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2.5 baths, a formal dining room with a Venetian chandelier, sunroom, and a library with built-in bookcases overlooking the serene backyard. A detached den with a full bath and a separate cottage with a kitchenette provide flexible space for guests, a home office, or rental income. Please call Kathleen at (650) 450-1912 for more information.
SOUGHT-AFTER BIRDLAND NEIGHBORHOOD. PAM BLACKMAN is pleased to present 1375 Sprig Court in Sunnyvale. Remodeled style in sought-after Birdland neighborhood. This 4 bedroom and 2 bath home offers 1,871 sf of living space on one level. Beautifully freshly painted inside, hardwood floors, and new carpeting. Features attached 2-car garage, and a lot size of approximately 8,612 sf. Excellent location of Santa Clara schools. Please call Pam at (650) 823-0308 for more information.
EXTRAORDINARY ESTATE. Tim Allen is pleased to present 3159 Stevenson Drive in Pebble Beach. With sweeping views of Spyglass Hills 11th fairway and filtered ocean vistas, the Waterbridge House is an extraordinary Scandinavian-Japanese minimalist
DAVE ANDERSON AND MARVIN CHRISTIE are pleased to present 3625 N Main Street in Soquel. Experience the magic of a Mediterranean sanctuary in the heart of town. This rare, fully fenced 2.29 flat acres offers exceptional value and endless lifestyle possibilities. Just a short stroll from restaurants, shopping, and top-rated schools, a gated entrance opens to your private paradise. Please call Dave or Marvin at (831) 4001777 for more information.
CHARMING CREEKSIDE SETTING. Leannah Hunt and Laurel Hunt Robinson are pleased to present 700 Laurelwood Drive in San Mateo. Set on a beautifully flat and expansive half-acre lot in a charming creekside setting, this single-story home offers the perfect blend of space, style, and location. With three generously sized bedrooms—including a luxurious primary suite—this thoughtfully updated residence is designed for modern living. The heart of the home is the stylishly renovated kitchen, seamlessly connected to a spacious family room with direct access to the backyard oasis. Please call Leannah or Laurel at (650) 400-2818 for more information.
STYLISH MENLO PARK CONDO. Lynn Wilson Roberts and Anne Roberts are pleased to present 20 Willow Road #5 in Menlo Park. Stylish Menlo Park condo is in prime location with resort amenities. This sophisticated 1 bed, 1 bath 1,004 sf condo offers modern living in a well-maintained community just minutes from downtown Menlo Park, downtown Palo Alto, and Burgess Park. Enjoy a private deck, inunit laundry, and two dedicated parking spaces. Community amenities include a pool, spa, gym, library, and extra storage. Please call Lynn or Anne at (650) 255-6987 for more information.
A HIDDEN PENINSULA GEM. Helen Miller and Brad Miller are pleased to present 602 Vista Drive in Emerald Hills. Originally built in 2005 with modern Cape Cod style, this luxurious home has just completed extensive remodeling, including the kitchen, three of the bathrooms, refinished hardwood floors, new paint, and refreshed landscaping. A Premier location across from Emerald Lake, a hidden Peninsula gem, with stunning lake views at every turn. Please call Helen at (650) 400-3426 or Brad at (650) 400-3717 for more information.
EXPERIENCE COASTAL LIVING. Monterey Coast Realty is pleased to present 3095 Marina Drive #2 in Marina. This charming 2 bed, 2 bath condo features recent upgrades and an ideal location close to all the Monterey Peninsula has to offer, making this property an exceptional value along the Central Coast. Please call Monterey Coast Realty for more information at (831) 250-6616.
IS A NATIONALLY recognized leading real estate agent located in Los Altos, CA with a deeprooted passion for turning properties into dream homes and lucrative investment opportunities. With over five years of experience as a topproducing agent, Nicole’s expertise lies in Los Altos Hills and the surrounding California and Nevada real estate markets. Her journey in real estate began after a successful career as an investor in luxury renovations, where she honed her skills in identifying diamonds in the rough and transforming them into stunning properties. Please contact Nicole (650) 823-0002 to help you find the home that fits your future.
BREATHTAKING
VIEWS. Keri Nicholas is pleased to present 1449 Liddicoat Circle in Los Altos Hills. This beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath home lays on 1.10 sf acres and offers breathtaking views. The home starts with a formal entry, leading into an elegant living room with fireplace and vaulted ceilings. The kitchen consists of a chef’s eat-in kitchen with skylights and a breakfast bar, opening to a spacious family room with wet bar, and sliding glass doors offering spectacular light to the space, and access to the deck. Please contact Keri (650) 522-7373 for more information.
GLORIA AND JOHN YOUNG’S GOAL is the same for a brandnew home or a tear down, whether it needs $200,000 in upgrades (that they advance) or is in a challenging location. They believe in delivering the highest price in the shortest time. Please Contact Gloria (650) 380-9918 or John (650) 8622122 to discuss selling in the fall.
disappeared after sightseeing with Herchen at Taroko National Park on Nov. 29, 2019.
Outside the courtroom, jurors said they felt like something was off because Herchen didn’t show emotion about Ku like they had a loving marriage.
Jurors said parts of Herchen’s story didn’t make sense, like when he said he carried three phones in one pocket or tried to inflate a car tire with a bike pump.
Experts brought in by Ku’s side were convincing, and Herchen didn’t have any proof that he dropped Ku off at a train station where he claimed he last saw her, jurors said.
Ku’s family didn’t give up
The day started with closing arguments from attorney Todd Davis, who represented Ku’s parents in their wrongful death lawsuit against Herchen.
“He thought he got away with it,” Davis said. “But he didn’t count on the resolve and the perseverance of Alice’s family.”
Davis focused on three pieces of evidence to show that Herchen killed Ku — cell phone data, a fake email and a mysterious broken hand.
Herchen said he dropped Ku off at a train station after they visited Taroko National Park, but Taiwanese detective Li Tsong Su testified on Wednesday that cell tower data showed their phones went straight back to the hotel.
An email from Ku’s account was sent, after she disappeared, from a laptop on the hotel Wi-Fi where Herchen was staying, according to internet communications expert Tal Lavian.
Conflicting stories about broken hand
Herchen broke his hand on the trip to Taiwan, and he’s given different stories about what happened. He’s said the injury was from wrestling with his brother, punching a bookshelf and inflating a car tire with a bike pump.
Dr. Katherine Putz testified on Tuesday that she saw Herhcen at urgent care in Mountain View on Dec. 1, 2019. Herchen told her the injury was from the day Ku disappeared, and the fracture was consistent with a punch, Putz said.
“He has a history of telling cover stories when things are not convenient for him,” Davis said.
Herchen was represented by attorney Chuck Smith, who started his closing argument with a slide showing a black silhouette with a white question mark, titled “Alice Ku: A Woman Of Mystery.”
Smith said Ku lied about graduating from UC-Berkeley. Smith said Ku told Herchen to have a cover story about how they met and she distanced herself from everyone in her family except her oldest sister.
Herchen had no motive to kill Ku, who was part of the most enriching parts of his life, Smith said. They visited historic sites and natural marvels around the world and were working on a tutoring app together. Ku and Herchen went to Taiwan seven times in their two-year marriage yet never contacted her parents while she was there. Her brother lived in Redwood City and recently had a baby, yet she only saw him twice when she was living in Sunnyvale, Smith said.
Ku’s parents didn’t have any birthday gifts or messages that showed a strong relationship, Smith said.
Herchen didn’t search for Ku because he believed she ran off with their tour guide who was younger and better looking, Smith said.
Jury wasn’t told about Ku’s past
What the jury didn’t know is that Ku allegedly worked as an escort, and that’s how she met Herchen online. Davis and Smith agreed that her alleged past as a sex worker wasn’t a part of the wrongful death case.
The jury was tasked with deciding if Herchen’s conduct was a “substantial factor” in causing Ku’s death.
There’s no fixed standard that told the jury how to award damages in the civil case. The instructions they received are for a “reasonable amount based on the evidence and your common sense.”
The jury was given a life expectancy chart that informed their decision on how much to give to Ku’s parents, who are both 75 and live in Taiwan.
The next step in the case will be collecting the money from Herchen, who works as an investor at Bloom Energy. He said he owns around eight properties in the area and lives comfortably.
“There are no winners here,” investigator Andrew Watters said. “Alice is gone, and she’s not coming back. But at least the family has some closure now.”
they’re just very shy,” Lead singer Chris Martin joked to the audience of 65,000 at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
Ironically, Byron was cuddling with the company’s human resources director, Kristin Cabot, the very person who deals with employees who have office affairs.
The company has suspended both Byron and Cabot. Neither has spoken publicly about the incident on Wednesday night.
Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, is the associate director of a private school in Worcester, Mass. She deleted her Facebook page after her account was inundated with comments from people about the alleged affair. Cabot is divorced.
“The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly,” the company said in a post on X.
“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” the company said.
Astronomer is a private data infrastructure startup that achieved “unicorn” status in 2022 with a valuation exceeding $1 billion.
The company, which is behind the open-source data operations platform Astro, relocated its headquarters last year to New York from Cincinnati.
— it is your tsunami alert, it is your landslide alert, it is your volcano alert.”
However, it was pointed out that every radio and TV broadcaster in America is required by the Federal Communications Commission to provide the same emergency alerts. In addition, every cellphone in America can receive these alerts.
Yesterday’s action cuts $1.1 billion to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR, PBS and some 1,500 stations that pay fees to NPR or PBS. Republican presidents going back to Ronald Reagan
have tried to eliminate funding for public broadcasting, but this is the first time it has happened. However, federal money represents less than 10% of the funds these broadcasters receive. The majority of money they get comes from donations from foundations or their audience.
The House passed the bill by a vote of 216-213. It now goes to Trump for his signature.
No Democrats supported the measure when it passed the Senate, 51-48. Final passage in the House was delayed for several hours as Republicans wrestled with their response to Democrats’ push for a vote on the release of Jeffrey Epstein files.
The package cancels nearly $8 billion in foreign aid programs.
Democrats argued that the Republican administration’s animus toward foreign aid programs would hurt America’s standing in the world and create a vacuum for China to fill.
The White House argued that many of the cuts would incentivize other nations to step up and do more to respond to humanitarian crises and that the rescissions best served the American taxpayer.
“The money that we’re clawing back in this rescissions package is the people’s money. We ought not to forget that,” said Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., chair of the House Rules Committee.
in exchange for more than 200 Venezuelan migrants whom the Trump administration sent to a prison in El Salvador.
META SETTLES: A settlement has been reached in a class action investors’ lawsuit against Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and company leaders over claims stemming from the privacy scandal involving the Cambridge Analytica political consulting firm. But the amount of money to be distributed to investors hasn’t yet been disclosed.
ISRAEL-SYRIA CEASEFIRE: U.S. Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack said that Israel and Syria have agreed to a ceasefire, following Israel’s intervention this week in fighting between Syrian government forces and Bedouin tribes and armed groups from the Druze minority. The announcement came as clashes continued between Druze groups and members of Bedouin clans in Syria’s southern Sweida province, leaving tens of thousands of people displaced in a worsening humanitarian crisis.
DEPUTIES KILLED: An explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office training facility yesterday killed three deputies. It’s believed the blast was a possible training accident.
FULL HOUSE: Police have removed 21 children from a couple in Arcadia, Calif., who were paying surrogates to give birth to their babies. Police got involved when a nanny allegedly abused a baby. There’s no limit on how many children someone can have through surrogates or any other method.
CRYPTO REGULATION: President Trump yesterday signed the first major congressional overhaul of cryptocurrency rules into law. The law creates new rules for so-called stablecoins that are pegged to the value of the dollar.
