Grad cover-61406.indd - The Almanac

24 Pages·2006·9.31 MB·English

DESIGN FLAWS in new Menlo Children’s
Center disrupt toddler program. Page 5
TTHHEE HHOOMMEETTOOWWNN NNEEWWSSPPAAPPEERR FFOORR MMEENNLLOO PPAARRKK,, AATTHHEERRTTOONN,, PPOORRTTOOLLAA VVAALLLLEEYY AANNDD WWOOOODDSSIIDDEE
JUNE 14, 2006 www.AlmanacNews.com | VOL. 41 NO. 41
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2(cid:78)TheAlmanac(cid:78)(cid:0)June 14, 2006
F ' D
ATHER S AY
CUSTOM JEWELERS
This week’s news, features and community events. 642 Santa Cruz Avenue
Menlo Park
[phone]
FIRST SHOT
The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi
Bring on the books
Clark Kepler of Kepler’s bookstore in Menlo Park presents a check to Belle Haven library manager Judy
Fagerholm — the proceeds from the bookstore’s “Celebrate the Magic of Reading” day last month. Also on hand 220088 MMaaiinn SSttrreeeett •• LLooss AAllttooss,, CCAA •• 665500..991177..88669977
for the occasion is Anne Banta, right, Kepler’s chief marketing officer, and longtime Friends of the Menlo Park
www.personalizedgiftstop.com
Library volunteer Tim Goode, who helped coordinate the Kepler’s daylong event last month. Fifth-grader Mariela
Barajas-Vazquez, second from left, is one of the many library patrons who will benefit from the donation.
Is your
Atherton Schools
addiction
(cid:81) Carlson and Carlson declare their intent to run (cid:81) An era ends at Menlo-Atherton High as
for seats on the council. Page 9 leadership teacher and baseball coach Joe Fontana
hurting
moves on. Page 12
Menlo Park
anyone?
Police news
(cid:81) Design flaws in new children’s center disrupting
toddler program. Page 5 (cid:81) Former Woodside High girls’ basketball coach
(cid:81) Hiring more officers a top priority for new police arrested again. Page 19
chief. Page 7 (cid:81) Arrest in October carjacking, sexual assault case.
Page 19
Woodside
Health & Fitness
(cid:81) Woodside looks at $6.4 million budget. Page 10
(cid:81) Looking at suicide, with eyes wide open. Cover,
Election 2006 Section 2
(cid:81) A daughter reflects on her mother’s suicide.
(cid:81) Local results of last week’s primary. Pages 5, 8 Cover, Section 2
Also Inside On the cover THE SEQUOIA CENTER(cid:1) (cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:24)(cid:1) (cid:13)(cid:8)(cid:18)(cid:16)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:12)(cid:24)(cid:1) (cid:23)(cid:12)(cid:10)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:12)(cid:23)(cid:1) (cid:25)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:1)
Calendar ................................29 Eroun Mostafa Attiyat blows his whistle to (cid:9)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:8)(cid:19)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:1)(cid:25)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:16)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:27)(cid:12)(cid:24)(cid:1)(cid:13)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:25)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:1)(cid:12)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:10)(cid:25)(cid:24)(cid:1)(cid:20)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:9)(cid:26)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:14)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:10)(cid:20)(cid:15)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:1)
Letters ..................................22 celebrate his graduation from Menlo-Atherton (cid:8)(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:1)(cid:20)(cid:25)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:11)(cid:23)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:24)(cid:2)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:5)(cid:26)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:24)(cid:12)(cid:23)(cid:27)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:24)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:23)(cid:12)(cid:1)(cid:20)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:12)(cid:23)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:1)(cid:28)(cid:8)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:1)(cid:10)(cid:8)(cid:23)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:14)(cid:1)
Obituaries ...............................20 High School at the end of the June 8 ceremony. For
(cid:12)(cid:19)(cid:27)(cid:16)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:18)(cid:12)(cid:19)(cid:25)(cid:1)(cid:9)(cid:29)(cid:1)(cid:25)(cid:23)(cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:1)(cid:24)(cid:25)(cid:8)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:1)(cid:11)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:8)(cid:25)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:1)(cid:25)(cid:20)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:17)(cid:21)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:14)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:11)(cid:16)(cid:27)(cid:16)(cid:11)(cid:26)(cid:8)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:1)
PoliceCalls ..............................19 news and names of students graduating from local
(cid:14)(cid:8)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:1)(cid:10)(cid:20)(cid:19)(cid:25)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:1)(cid:20)(cid:27)(cid:12)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:25)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:16)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:27)(cid:12)(cid:24)(cid:2)
schools, see the special report beginning on Page
12. Photo by Almanac staff photographer Marjan
(cid:7)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:1)(cid:6)(cid:12)(cid:22)(cid:26)(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:8)(cid:1)(cid:4)(cid:12)(cid:19)(cid:25)(cid:12)(cid:23)(cid:1)(cid:16)(cid:24)(cid:1)(cid:17)(cid:16)(cid:10)(cid:12)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:12)(cid:11)(cid:1)(cid:25)(cid:15)(cid:23)(cid:20)(cid:26)(cid:14)(cid:15)(cid:1) (cid:32)(cid:12)(cid:14)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:1)(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:14)(cid:31)(cid:1)(cid:6)(cid:3)(cid:10)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:3)(cid:11)(cid:11)(cid:9)(cid:3)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:5)(cid:7)(cid:1)
Sadoughi.
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June 14, 2006(cid:78)TheAlmanac(cid:78)(cid:0)3
Roberts Market Pre Packed
A TOWN MARKET PLACE Side Dishes
3015 WOODSIDE ROAD
WOODSIDE, CA 94062 Asparagus With Olive Oil
650-851-1511 $8.89/
lb.
Open 6:30AM - 8PM Salt and Pepper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mashed Potatoes
Sale Dates: June 14, 15, 16, 17
NOSW Uat RSobHertIs www.robertsmarket.com With Bacon and Chives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5.89/lb
Oven Roasted
Made Fresh Daily Cauliflower $6.89/lb.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sweet
59¢
ORGANIC CANTALOUPE
lb.
Tasty
$1.99
ORGANIC STRAWBERRIES
ea.
California
$1.79
RED SEEDLESS GRAPES
lb.
Fresh
79¢
ROMAINE LETTUCE
ea.
Waffle Wonders
ROBERT & BRIAN –
COOKING SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR FATHERS’S DAY
A Belgian waffle covered with fresh strawberries and crème fraîche is a treat for
many when they go out for breakfast. But don’t stop there! With the increasing
popularity of electric waffle irons and the wide variety of waffle recipes
and tasty toppings, people are serving them for brunch, lunch,
and even dinner. Season your waffle batter with brown sugar
and vanilla bean, or bananas and nuts. Just before cooking, Sunshine in a bottle
sprinkle buttermilk waffle batter with cinnamon sugar for
a crisp coating. Substitute buckwheat flour to give waffles a Sicily is an Italian island drenched with heat and sunshine. The wines
different flavor, then top with fresh blueberries. Other toppings
produced there capture warmth and richness the sun provides. Firriato is a
include toasted pecans and honey or yogurt and sliced bananas. For a
rising star in this region. Their wines offer the full, hearty, gregarious nature
light, fluffy texture, fold beaten egg whites into the batter.
inherent to Sicily, yet with a freshness and transparency that transcends the
At our unique food market you will immediately notice the friendliness of our
region. These are fine wines of balance, finesse and real typicity.
staff. They are eager to help you in every way. We carry an extremely wide variety
of meats, poultry, fish, and exotic cheeses from around the world. We also carry 2005 Firriato “Altavilla” Grillo, Sicily – . . . . . . . . $12.99
many prepared foods for those times when; you are to busy to cook. You’ll also
Grillo is a local white grape that produces a richly flavored wine with hints of smoke
fine breads, deli, produce, fruits, even fine wines. Our market is large enough to
and roasted nuts, yet with a dry, crisp finish. Delicious!
accommodate you, yet small enough to know you.
HINT: When pouring batter onto the waffle iron, ladle it onto each section of the 2003 Firriato “Chiaramonte”
grid rather than placing it in the middle.
Nero D’Avola, Sicily – . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.99
Nero D’Avola is an indigenous red grape that produces a rich, ripe, full-bodied red
with hints of mocha. This is a classic example.
(The above wines assort for a 10% case discount.)
BELGIAN CHEF BELGIAN WAFFLES
$1.99
7 oz.
LOG CABIN MAPLE SYRUP
$3.99
USDA CHOICE
24 oz. – Also Lite $11.98
PRIME RIB WITH BONE
lb.
LAND O’LAKES SWEET CREAM SALTED BUTTER
$2.99
1 lb. cubes $4.98
LEG OF LAMB
lb.
DREYER’S GRAND ICE CREAM
$3.69
$16.98
1.75 gallon – Also Slow Churned CALIFORNIA HALIBUT
lb.
TREE TOP 100% APPLE JUICE
$2.69 ORGANIC FARMED
$12.98
64 oz. SALMON STEAK
lb.
CHINET WHITE DINNER PLATES
$2.49 ORGANIC FARMED
$14.98
15 count – Also Platters SALMON FILLET
lb.
4 ■ TheAlmanac ■June 14, 2006
Short
takes
M E N L O P A R K | A T H E R T O N | W O O D S I D E | P O R T O L A V A L L E Y
Quick, check your
Design flaws in children’s center
recycling bin!
Junk mail got less junky ■
Location, size of
recently, when TheatreWorks — an 18-month-old part-time into an adjacent restroom. and Lee Duboc derailed plans
sent out 20,000 season bro- toddler room dis- attendee — is enrolled in the The doorways to the room are for a new, 13,700-square-foot,
chures via bulk mail. Inside program. blocked by furniture so older $6.2 million children’s center.
rupting program.
one of those brochures is a Mike Gardner, a parent who children don’t enter the room They said the cost for the proj-
gold, hand-signed sticker By Rory Brown has children in the program, and slip out of staff’s sight. ect was too high, and in March
entitling the recipient to a said the size and configuration Michael Taylor, the city’s act- 2005, voted in favor of renovat-
Almanac Staff Writer
freshwater pearl necklace of the toddler room are to blame ing the vacant building to create
from Tiffany & Co. in Palo Toy trucks and dolls line for low enrollment. Mr. Gardner ■ MENLO PARK a 9,400-square-foot center.
Alto. the shelves in the toddler is on a city-sponsored commit- The decision sparked a com-
However, it’s beginning room of the new Menlo tee that is reviewing bids from ing community services direc- munity-wide controversy, as
to look as if the necklace is Children’s Center, but there private operators to take over tor, said although the room the city had already invested
going to go neck-less. aren’t any toddlers in the pro- the child care programs. is “small and not ideal,” it is about $800,000 in studies for
Whoever won the jewelry, gram to play with the toys. “No parent in their right mind “perfectly capable of accommo- building the larger center. Many
a 12-strand Torsade necklace The center, built for $3.4 mil- would put their kid in that dating six toddlers.” He added residents argued that the 2001
designed by Paloma Picasso, lion by the city of Menlo Park room,” he said. “It’s too small, that the city is licensed to have bond measure promised voters
has until June 21 to claim it. and funded by a 2001, $38 mil- and it creates a staffing night- six children and staff members a brand new building to house
TheatreWorks spokeswoman lion bond measure, officially mare.” in the room. the children’s center.
Erica Lewis-Finein said she opened May 1. It houses the city- The 12-foot by 22-foot room The larger center would have
hopes “the case of the miss- operated child care programs, was used as a holding cell when Old plans accommodated about 180 chil-
ing necklace winner” can be and can accommodate 160 tod- the building housed the police The apparent logistical prob- dren; only 153 of 160 spots are
solved in time for someone dler, preschool and school-age department. Although the col- lems sparked by the center’s filled in the current center. Five
to receive the prize at the children. orful carpets and remodeled design isn’t the first controversy of the vacant spots are reserved
opening-night performance But the toddler room, intend- interior don’t remotely suggest to surround the children’s cen- for toddlers.
of “Vanities” on June 24. ed to give six children under 2 the room’s former use, a lack ter.
So, if anyone has a vague rec- years old their own space and of ventilation prompted staff to In 2003, council members Out to bid
ollection of tossing an envelope supervision, is now unused, move the diaper-changing table Nicholas Jellins, Mickie Winkler Although the design of the
with a TheatreWorks logo on as only one children’s center looks to be
it, now might be a good time t o d d l e r the driving force behind the
to dig through that pile of junk disruption of the toddler pro-
mail and newspapers headed gram, all of the city’s child care
Elissa
for the recycling bin. Those Ouyang, programs — toddler, preschool
of you who don’t recycle are and her and school-age — are under
going to have an unpleasant daughter, scrutiny.
search through the trash, and Adrienne Council members Winkler
frankly, if you don’t recycle, Yue, take and Duboc have pushed to
consider digging through cof- a tour privatize the programs, and say
fee grounds and stinky banana of the a private operator could run the
peels a cosmic comeuppance. toddler programs at no cost to the city
room without raising tuition fees.
Wedding bells at during the The city is seeking bids to
April 29 operate the programs, and the
The Sequoias
children’s council could authorize negotia-
center
For the first time in its 45- tions with a private operator as
open
year history, The Sequoias soon as September.
house.
retirement community in The net cost of the programs
Portola Valley was host to a The Almanac/ to the city — what the city pays
resident’s wedding ceremony. Marjan after revenues are recovered
Sadoughi
On May 20, Janna Leffin- — hasn’t been publicly defined
gwell married David Estrich
of Orinda. SeeCHILDREN’S CENTER,page 9
All 300 Sequoias residents
were invited to the cer- Local venture capitalists donate cash totaling almost $368,000; venture
emony, held in the com- capitalist Timothy Draper of Men-
munity lounge, and to the to defeat preschool initiative lo Park, with two donations total-
champagne reception that ing $96,000; Gunderson, Dettmer,
followed at Hanson Hall. Stough, Villeneuve, Franklin &
By Andrea Gemmet
The Rev. Frank VanderZwan Statewide, 61 percent of voters Among the biggest spenders Hachigian, LLP, of Menlo Park,
Almanac Staff Writer
of Menlo Park Presbyterian opposed Proposition 82. were U.S. Venture Partners’ found- which gave $75,000; Benchmark
Church officiated, and a harp- Proposition 82, the Preschool According to polls, support ing partner William K. Bowles Jr. Capital venture capitalist Bruce
ist and flutist provided the for All initiative, was soundly for the initiative spearheaded by of Menlo Park, who gave $500,000, Dunlevie of Atherton, who gave
music. defeated in San Mateo County, movie director Rob Reiner, fell and Gregory B. Penner of Menlo $50,000; and Kohlberg, Kravis,
One of the wedding cakes with help from an infusion of steadily in the weeks leading up to Park, an investment manager with Roberts & Co. partner George
was decorated with a lap- cash from local venture capital the election, as advertising cam- Madrone Capital Partners, who Roberts of Menlo Park, who made
top computer and inscribed, firms. paigns heated up. While the list of donated $250,000. a $50,000 donation.
“Janna and David thank e- Over 54 percent of San Mateo financial supporters of the Yes on According to campaign finance Making donations of $25,000
Harmony.” County voters rejected the mea- 82 committee reads like a Who’s statements filed with the Cali- each were three executives from
“Electronic selection, not sure, which would have imposed Who of Hollywood, a significant fornia Secretary of State’s office, Menlo Ventures: John W. Jarve of
natural selection, made their a 1.7 percent tax on the incomes number of large donations to Stop other locals who made significant Atherton, Mark Siegel of Menlo
marriage possible,” says of California’s highest earners in the Reiner Initiative came from contributions include: more than Park, and Douglas Carlisle of Por-
Sequoias resident Mary Jo order to fund a free year of pre- Midpeninsula venture capital and a dozen executives from Sequoia
Hossfeld. school for all 4-year-olds. investment firms. Capital, who made large donations SeePROP 82,page 10
June 14, 2006■TheAlmanac■ 5
L U C I L E P A C K A R D C H I L D R E N ’ S H O S P I T A L
UNIVERSITY
Provided by Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
Your Child’s Health University
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital offers classes and seminars designed
to foster good health and enhance the lives of parents and children.
(cid:2)
SAFELY HOME PROGRAM
Did you know that 80% of car seats are set up incorrectly? That’s why Packard Children’s offers a
certified technician to ensure that your child’s car seat or booster is safe to use and properly installed.
The service is free, so call [phone] to make an appointment today.
- Ongoing
(cid:2)
A HEART TO HEART TALK ON GROWING UP
Informative, humorous and lively discussions for parents and their pre-teens on topics like puberty,
the opposite sex and growing up. Girls attend these two-part sessions with their moms, and boys
attend with their dads.
- For Girls – June 21 & 28
- For Boys – July 12 & 19
(cid:2)
SIBLING PREPARATION
Designed for children two years of age and older, this class prepares siblings for the emotional and
physical realities of the arrival of a newborn.
- Saturday, June 24
(cid:2)
BREASTFEEDING SEMINAR
While breastfeeding is natural, the process may not come as naturally as one might expect. Our
certified lactation consultant provides tips for breastfeeding success as well as information about
prenatal preparation for breastfeeding.
- Tuesday, June 27
Call [phone] or visit www.lpch.org to register or obtain more
information on the times, locations and fees for these and other courses.
L U C I L E PAC K A R D
C H I L D R E N’S
H O S P I T A L
C A L L T O D A Y T O S I G N U P F O R C L A S S E S ( 6 5 0 ) 7 2 3 - 4 6 0 0
6■TheAlmanac■ June 14, 2006
NEWS REAL ESTATE Q&A
by Monica Corman
The Summer Market
Q: I want to sell my house, valued One of the slowest months for real
at about $2 million, and wonder if estate sales has traditionally been
I should put it on the market now August. Many buyers and sellers, and
or wait until after Labor Day? their agents, are on vacation during
August. If you put your house on the
A: The spring real estate market was
market in June, and it is priced well
delayed this year because of constant
and in a good location, you should be
bad weather during April. There were
able to sell it within a few weeks. If
also fewer properties on the market in
you are not ready to sell until August,
general, and sales were strong for the
then I would definitely wait until after
existing inventory up to $2.5 million.
Labor Day to list the property. If it
There were some significant sales
doesn’t sell in August because too few
above $2.5 million as well. I would
buyers and agents see it, then it will
encourage you to put your house on
look stale by September.
the market now, rather than wait for
September. It is not clear what the Consult with your agent about the
market will be like in the fall, par- details of your property. But I would
ticularly if there are more interest rate encourage you to go ahead and mar-
hikes between now and then. ket your home as soon as possible.
For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may e-mail me
at [email protected] or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. I also offer a free
The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi
Chief Bruce Goitia took over the reins of the Menlo Park Police Department last month. market analysis of your property.
More officers top priority
■
New police chief looking within ranks and to other cities to
fill gaps left by departed officers.
By Rory Brown
the promotion of Chief Goitia work here.”
Almanac Staff Writer
and the recent departure of Mark Chief Goitia pointed to the
B
ruce Goitia is Menlo Park’s Boettger — the city’s former recent budget survey and work-
new police chief, and now patrol commander who left to shop process as a tool that ulti-
it’s his turn to do the hir- serve under Mr. Boyd in Citrus mately eliminated some uncer-
ing. Heights — the department is still tainty within the department.
Chief Goitia, 49, was handed Surveys filled out by more than
the reigns of the police depart- ■ MENLO PARK 1,400 residents suggested the
ment May 22, and his top prior- community supported budget
ity, he says, is to fill positions left in need of another commander. cuts to the police force, but that
by a an unusually large number Mr. Goitia said he will look trend was reversed in the bud-
of resignations from the force last within the department’s ranks get workshops as the effects of
year. and to outside agencies in the those potential cuts — includ-
The department had been search for a new commander, ing longer response times and
without a permanent chief since and once the position is filled, fewer officers — were outlined
January 2, when Chris Boyd, he will fill vacant sergeant posi- in greater detail.
the former chief of three years, tions. “In the end, we’re making cuts
resigned to head a new police Before his appointment as that are not going to directly
department in Citrus Heights, a chief, Mr. Goitia shared acting affect our level of service,” he
Sacramento suburb. chief duties with Cmdr. Terri said.
Under Mr. Boyd, eight officers Molakides. He joined the force Mr. Goitia noted that Cmdr.
— most of whom were veteran 24 years ago as a reserve officer, Molakides, the other finalist for
officers — left the force in 2005, and served in several divisions the chief position, is committed
raising questions about man- before being promoted to com- to staying with the department.
agement, officer morale and mander in 2002. He has been a “[Cmdr. Molakides and I] have
declining experience within the Menlo Park resident for about been friends for 25 years, and
department. three years. for the last six months, it’s boiled
Chief Goitia said officers left down to the two of us running
for a variety of reasons, including Department uncertainties the department,” he said.
dissatisfaction with their jobs and The police department, like
opportunities in other agencies. other city departments, has been Looking ahead
“There are experience gaps dealt a series of budget cuts for Chief Goitia said the depart-
we’re trying to fill,” he said. “But several years. Chief Goitia said ment is looking to use technology
that leaves opportunities for that budget woes, coupled with to improve the force’s efficiency.
younger officers to move into recent departures, may create Mobile data terminals, which
specialized positions and gain some uncertainty within the officers can use to file reports
experience quickly. It also gives department, but he’s confident in the field, have been installed
us the opportunity to hire expe- in his staff. in the city’s squad cars, and resi-
rienced officers from other agen- “You have to take the tem- dents may soon have the ability to
cies who know how to be cops.” perature of the organization on a file online reports for low-prior-
The most pressing vacancy to regular basis,” he said. “Anytime ity calls, he said.
fill is a commander position, Mr. there’s a budget deficit or budget The city is also negotiating a
Goitia said. difficulties, there’s a certain level contract with a developer to con-
The department is consolidat- of uncertainty and stress. ... At the struct the City Council-approved
ing the duties of three command- same time, I believe our officers
ers into two positions, but with are here because they want to SeeMP CHIEF,page 10
June 14, 2006■TheAlmanac■ 7
E L E C T I O N 2 0 0 6
Election day results
bring few surprises
■
Number of ballots
mendi will face Republican Tom
cast appears to be a
McClintock in November.
‘historic low,’ official Bitterest of all was the three-
way race to replace Sen. Speier in
says.
the Eighth Senate District, which
includes Woodside and Portola
By Marion Softky
Valley, North San Mateo County,
Almanac Staff Writer
and almost half of San Francisco.
O
nly about one in three San Francisco Assemblyman
San Mateo County voters Leland Yee beat former San Mateo
turned out for last week’s County Supervisor Mike Nevin
June primary, which set the lineup and former Assemblyman Lou
of candidates for the November Papan after a no-holds-barred
election, from state Assembly to race. Results were: Yee, 38,661;
governor to Congress. Nevin, 28,149; and Papan, 10,545.
“Turnout appears to be a his- Mr. Yee will face Republican
toric low,” said Elections Manager Michael Skipakevich of South San
David Tom. For comparison, he Francisco in November. Mr. Skip-
cited a turnout of 35.42 percent in akevich trounced Coastside activ-
the 1994 primary election. ist Oscar Braun, 9,240 to 6,793.
The turnout as of election day The fourth local candidate, The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi
was 27 percent, but the election former Pete McCloskey of Portola Candidate Steve Westly of Atherton responds to his cheerful supporters after casting his ballot June 6 at
department is still counting Valley, Rumsey and lately Lodi, the Menlo Park fire station on Alameda de las Pulgas.
absentee and provisional bal- failed in his attempt to unseat
lots. Mr. Tom projects a turnout seven-term Congressman Rich-
of 33 to 34 percent of the coun- ard Pombo in the 11th Congres-
County voters pick Angelides over Westly
ty’s 350,305 registered voters by sional District, which sprawls
June 27, when the county must through farming country from
present official results. The state Gilroy and Morgan Hill to the By Andrea Gemmet 43.4 voted for Mr. Westly. In San Mr. Westly, who was born
projects a 28 percent turnout Sierra foothills. Almanac Staff Writer Mateo County, Mr. Angelides in Arcadia, a small town near
statewide. Mr. McCloskey received 32 per- won 48.1 percent to 45.8 per- Pasadena, was raised on the
S
No candidates for county office cent of the votes for the Republican teve Westly won big in cent. Peninsula and is a graduate of
will appear on the ballot in nomination against the entrenched Butte, but failed to carry Mr. Westly carried counties Menlo-Atherton High School
November. With 52 percent of incumbent. He ran to restore tradi- his home county of San in the Central Valley and the and Stanford business school.
the vote, Supervisor Rich Gor- tional Republican values of ethics, Mateo. northern part of the state such He lives in Atherton with his
don fended off two challengers fiscal responsibility and protection Mr. Westly, an Atherton resident as Siskiyou, Stanislaus and Sut- wife and their two children.
and avoided a runoff. Eight other of the environment, he said. and the current state controller, ter, but he won in only two of An early executive of eBay, Mr.
county officers ran unopposed. finished the bruising Democratic the Bay Area’s nine counties Westly used $32 million of his
The big local victory in last County lineup gubernatorial primary race in — Santa Clara and Napa. personal fortune to finance his
week’s election was approval of $91 Of the nine county officers second place, losing to Sacra- Santa Clara County voters run to be the Democratic candi-
million in bonds to rebuild public who ran in last week’s election, mento native Phil Angelides. supported Mr. Westly over Mr. date for governor and run
schools in Menlo Park and Ather- just one newcomer will take Statewide, 47.9 percent of vot- Angelides by a margin of 47.6 against Gov. Arnold Schwar-
ton by 70 percent of the voters in office in January, although he’s ers favored Mr. Angelides, while percent to 44.5 percent. zenegger in November.
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the Menlo Park School District. no stranger to the county.
Undersheriff Greg Munks of
Hard-fought races Portola Valley will replace Sher-
Menlo schools’ $91.1 million bond
All four San Mateo County iff Don Horsley, who is retiring
natives seeking office beyond and plans to run for the Sequoia
county boundaries lost in fiercely Healthcare District.
measure wins by a large margin
fought races. Supervisor Rich Gordon, the
The highest-profile contest saw only county officer to face oppo-
state Controller Steve Westly of sition, barely avoided a runoff. ■ 70 percent of voters support building, expanding
Atherton edged out by state Trea- Challengers Jo Chamberlain, a plan and timeline for design and
facilities to meet needs of district’s growing enrollment.
surer Phil Angelides in the race Green party activist from Half construction. He projects nearly
for Democratic nomination for Moon Bay, and Libertarian Jack a year of planning with design
Governor. Hickey each received just under By Marjorie Mader “Measure U asked our com- teams at each school, some mod-
Mr. Angelides won the contest a quarter of the vote. The final Almanac Staff Writer munity to invest in improving our ernization work taking place in
even in San Mateo County, 27,023 semi-official tally was: Gordon, campuses to match the program summer 2007, and new construc-
A
to 25,733. Now he gets the chance 36,440; Chamberlain, 16,382; new chapter begins for the that has developed over the years tion starting thereafter.
to try to unseat Gov. Arnold and Hickey, 15,730. Menlo Park City School through their commitment” and “We need to make important
Schwarzenegger in November. Re-elected with 100 percent of District now that 70 percent meet the needs of a projected 20 decisions as a school commu-
Similarly, state Sen. Jackie the vote were Supervisor Jerry of district voters endorsed the $91.1 percent enrollment increase, said nity” about reconfiguration of
Speier, termed out of the Sen- Hill, Assessor-County Clerk- million bond measure June 6 to board President Laura Rich. the schools, priorities for mod-
ate, lost her race for Democratic Recorder Warren Slocum; Con- pay for permanent classrooms and But there’s lots of work ahead ernization, the plan for Hillview
candidate for lieutenant gover- troller Tom Heuning; Coroner expanded facilities as the district for the district to translate the vot- Middle School, and the district’s
nor to state insurance commis- Robert Foucrault; Superinten- faces growing enrollment over the ers’ initiative into action: replac- education resource center, said
sioner and longtime Democratic dent of Schools Jean Holbrook; next 10 years at its four schools. ing 40 portable buildings with Mr. Ranella.
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heavyweight John Garamendi by Treasurer-Tax Collector Lee Measure U needed only a 55 permanent classrooms, building
■ THE RESULTS
an agonizing 5 percent margin. Buffington; and District Attor- percent majority vote for passage 20 new classrooms, and expand-
East Bay Senator Liz Figueroa ney James P. Fox. because the election was held ing multi-use facilities, originally
Semi-official tally for Measure U
came in third, with 18 percent Susan Irene Etezadi prevailed under Proposition 39 guidelines built for 250 students but now
on the June 6 ballot:
in the three-way race. over Lisa Maguire in a rare con- that require less than the usual serving 662.
San Mateo County remained tested race for Superior Court two-thirds majority. Only a small Superintendent Ken Ranella is ■Yes3,540 (69.93 percent)
loyal to Sen. Speier, giving her judge. Ten other judges were number of ballots turned in at the expected to present at the board’s
■ No1,522 (30.07 percent)
76 percent of its votes. Mr. Gara- unopposed for a new term. polls remain to be counted. June 21 meeting a management
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8■TheAlmanac■ June 14, 2006
N E W S
Carlson and Carlson declare
Atherton council candidacy
By Andrea Gemmet
Almanac Staff Writer Jerry Carlson
T
he June primary election Mr. Carlson is a former member
is history, and already of the town’s Audit Committee
it’s time to start thinking and is currently the CFO of the
about the election in November. Selby Education Foundation that
Alan Carlson is the first member supports Selby Lane School.
of the Atherton City Council to “I’ve had a great opportu-
Jerry Carlson Alan Carlson
announce that he is seeking re- nity here to be involved with
election to a four-year term. on during a third term on the the council these last several
Jerry Carlson, who was appoint- council. The top priority is the months, and I really appreciate
ed in January to serve for the town’s financial health, he said. that fact,” he said.
remainder of the late Bill Con- He said he’d like to lead an His top priority if elected,
well’s term, said he will run for inquiry to find a long-term solu- he said, would be the town’s
election to the council. tion to the financial problems that finances. He said there’s a lot
The two men are not related to recur every four to five years when of work to be done in that
each other. the parcel tax expires. area, particularly in containing
Three of the five seats on the He also listed construction- costs.
council are up for election this related conflicts that arise between Mr. Carlson, along with coun-
year. Besides those of the Messrs home builders and residents who cil member Kathy McKeithen,
Carlson, Charles Marsala’s current want the quiet enjoyment of their sits on the Atherton Finance
council term expires this year. homes. Another issue is disaster Committee, an advisory body
Mr. Marsala was out of town preparedness, he said. to the council.
and couldn’t be reached by the “The town needs to become He listed disaster prepared-
Almanac’s deadline. proactive, and not just have a ness and quality-of-life issues as
plan of reaction,” he said. “It’s other topics that he would like
Alan Carlson difficult because it requires the to work on.
Mr. Carlson, an attorney who mobilization of residents. There Mr. Carlson said he’s been on
was first elected to the council has to be a real outreach to resi- the fence about whether to run
in 1998, said there are three key dents, not only to inform them, for election, and made up his
issues he would like to work but to get them involved.” mind after a reporter called.
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New charter agreement ends
Summit admission preferences
By David Boyce
communities in Summit’s 2007- concern of the Sequoia board, the
Almanac Staff Writer
08 and 2008-09 freshman classes, agreement spells out how Summit
A
n agreement has been said Sequoia Superintendent Pat is to reach out to eighth-graders
reached between Sequoia Gemma. whose test scores are in the lower
Union High School District Ending the program should end three of five academic performance
and Summit Preparatory High questions on the Sequoia board categories as defined by the state.
School over the terms of the two- as to whether Summit is elitist, he Summit must establish admis-
year charter granted unanimously said. sion target ranges, such as 2 per-
to the three-year-old charter school Summit’s published 2005 state cent to 7 percent of freshmen from
by the Sequoia district’s Board of academic performance rating the far-below-basic category, and
Trustees on May 31. — 864 on a scale of 200 to 1,000 7 percent to 13 percent from the
In a memorandum of under- — exceeded ratings of the high below-basic category.
standing that accompanied the schools in the Sequoia district, If the make-up of the 2007-08
charter and is set for ratification including Menlo-Atherton at 728 freshman class falls short of the
by the Sequoia and Summit boards and Woodside at 720. targets, Summit must takes steps
this week, the Sequoia district pro- State statistics show 41 percent to recruit low-scoring students,
hibits admission preferences for of Summit students tested were including sending a mailing to
children from so-called founding of ethnicities other than white their homes and offering oppor-
families — parents who contrib- and 20 percent were from families tunities to audit Summit classes.
uted at least 30 hours of volunteer that qualify for the federal free or If the targets are unmet for the
work to the school so as to guaran- reduced-cost lunch program. In 2008-09 school year, further
tee admission for their children. the Sequoia district, comparable steps would be necessary, such
About 70 percent of these fami- figures were 56 percent and 35 as reaching out to schools with a
lies live in Atherton, Menlo Park, percent, respectively. concentration of poorly per-
Portola Valley and Woodside, and forming students and holding
more than 100 seats had been Seeking poor performers recruiting events in community
set aside for students from these In addressing a second major meeting places.
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CHILDREN’S CENTER that previous estimates that The city will also submit a bid
continued from page 5 labeled the net cost of the pro- to operate the programs, and
grams at $444,000 — a figure despite the problems with the
by city officials, but that figure used in the city’s budget survey toddler program, Adela Velas-
should be identified in the city’s and workshop process — were quez, the children’s center pro-
budget, which is scheduled to go too high. The council approved gram coordinator, said staff
before the council June 20. fee increases in May, which will “feels confident with the opera-
City staff has acknowledged cut program costs. tion of the center.”
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June 14, 2006■TheAlmanac■ 9
N E W S
Stanford hotel proposal headed to City Council
Stanford University’s proposal ■ MENLO WATCH If approved by the council, The group will hold four istration building at the Civic
to build a 120-room luxury the hotel could generate an meetings this summer, and Center. The meeting time is
hotel and 100,000 square feet in the council chambers at the estimated $1.3 million for the work with city staff to decide the yet to be announced. All of the
of office space is scheduled to Civic Center, between Laurel city when it opens in 2008 and extent that future development group’s meetings will be open to
go before the Menlo Park City and Alma streets. $1.9 million by 2011, according requests should be reviewed by the public.
Council at its June 13 meeting. The council will consider the to a financial study. The bulk the Planning Commission and The working group includes
The council is also scheduled hotel proposal during its regular of those revenues would come the City Council. council members Mickie Win-
to discuss the Belle Haven sum- meeting, which is scheduled to from the city’s hotel tax. The group will not look at kler and Kelly Fergusson; plan-
mer school program at a special begin at 7 p.m. Check Alman- The Planning Commission at specific projects currently pro- ning commissioners Lou Deziel
meeting at 6:30 p.m. Several acNews.com for news updates. its May 22 meeting voted 6-0 posed by businesses, or discuss and Lorie Sinnott; Business
parents have sent e-mails to the The hotel and office complex to recommend that the council changing the city’s general plan, Development Manager David
council, concerned with sched- is planned for a 21-acre site near approve the project. according to Thomas Rogers, an Johnson; Development Services
ule and fee changes that are the intersection of Interstate 280 assistant planner with the city. Manager Justin Murphy; Rick
forcing children out of the pro- and Sand Hill Road. Working group formed He said the group will focus Ciardella of the Menlo Park
gram. Stanford is teaming up with on smaller, procedural details, Chamber of Commerce; Budget
to study zoning
Councilman Andy Cohen Dallas-based Rosewood Hotels such as whether smaller projects Advisory Committee members
asked the council to address and Resorts to propose the A working group of appointed proposed by businesses warrant Honor Huntington, Patti Fry
concerns voiced in the e-mails, hotel, five extended-stay villas, officials, city employees and review by the Planning Com- and Hank Lawrence; and Al
and what he called the “techni- a restaurant, a health spa, and business representatives has mission. Filice and Spence Leslie, who
cal nitpicking that is squeezing four office buildings on the site. been formed to evaluate how The group’s first meeting is will represent the city’s business
people who can’t afford it.” The proposed hotel is 165,000 commercial zoning ordinances June 29 in the City Council community.
Both meetings will be held square feet. affect local businesses. conference room in the admin-
Woodside looks at $6.4 million budget
PROP 82
continued from page 5
The Woodside Town Council Included in the proposed town’s long-term debt. side Town Hall at 851-6790 or tola Valley. Also in the $25,000 club
is set to consider a proposed budget are funds for an addi- The council is set to meet on go to WoodsideTown.org and are two venture capitalists from
$6.4 million budget for the tional sheriff’s deputy to pro- Monday, June 12, to begin bud- click on “town government.” August Capital Management LLC,
upcoming fiscal year at two spe- vide traffic enforcement in the get deliberations, with a second Town Council meetings begin at Andrew S. Rappaport of Menlo
cial meetings, and is set to adopt town, and a recommendation special meeting on Monday, 7:30 p.m. and are held in Inde- Park and David F. Marquardt of
a final budget at its regular June that Woodside use $1.9 million June 19, to be held if needed. pendence Hall, 2955 Woodside Menlo Park; and Epping Invest-
27 meeting. of windfall money to retire the For information, call Wood- Road. ment Holdings of Woodside.
There were a few local resi-
dents supporting Proposition
82 with large donations. Among
them were venture capitalist
John Doerr of Woodside, with a
$100,000 donation; and school
director Marcia Goldman and
community volunteer John D.
Goldman, both of Atherton,
who each gave $25,000.
If Proposition 82 had passed, the
state would have imposed a new tax
of 1.7 percent on incomes over
$400,000 a year for individuals, and
over $800,000 for couples, begin-
ning in 2007. The tax was estimated
to affect less than 1 percent of the
California population, and was
projected to raise $2.1 billion in the
2007-08 fiscal year.
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MP CHIEF
continued from page 7
police substation planned for Belle
Haven on Willow Road at Ivy
Drive.
“A new station will keep our
officers in the community,
answering calls and responding
to crime,” Chief Goitia said.
The new chief now earns
about $145,000 a year, a figure
that could increase to about
$157,000 after a six-month pro-
bationary period, City Manager
David Boesch said.
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YOUR SOURCE FOR
LOCAL INFORMATION
10■TheAlmanac■ June 14, 2006