Corte Madera students roll up their sleeves to help - The Almanac

23 Pages·2013·7.18 MB·English

New farmers’ market
to open in Woodside
| Page 3
MARCH 20, 2013 | VOL. 48 NO. 29 WWW.THEALMANACONLINE.COM
Corte Madera students
roll up their sleeves
to help change the lives
of Afghan children
SECTION 2
ATHERTON
Old World Craftsmanship abounds in this
stunning custom home. Main house has
6 bedrooms including a 2 bedroom guest
wing. Master Suite has 2 large closets, onyx
tub and office/sitting room. Library, Game
room, and full theater for 12. Fine Walnut
Floors. Loggia with outdoor kitchen, TV and
fireplace. Fully landscaped, including putting
green. Guest house has 1bd/1ba, full
kitchen, and living room with fireplace.
$8,250,000
WOODSIDE
Grand estate home with sweeping Bay
views. Old world charm with modern
conveniences. Updated throughout with
lighting system and surround sound. 5
bedrooms, 5 full baths, media room, pool
house with kitchen, pool, spa, waterfall,
gazebo, and BBQ area. Beautifully
landscaped English gardens on 1.5+/-
acres. Exceptional Las Lomitas Schools.
$7,750,000
WOODSIDE
Peaceful country location in a desirable
neighborhood. Single level, 4bd/2.5ba,
2,000+/- sf contemporary home with soaring
ceilings. Open and flowing floor plan, with
walls of glass so most rooms are accessible
to the beautiful outdoor environment.
Fireplace in living room, separate family
room, and a 2 car garage. Excellent
Woodside and Portola Valley Schools.
$1,325,000
2(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanac(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanacOnline.com(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0) March 20, 2013
UPFRONT
B r o a dway By the Ba
Presents y
CATS OLIVER
APRIL 6 - 21 JULY 12 - 21
CABARET GUYS AND DOLLS
SEPTEMBER 13 - 29 NOVEMBER 8 - 17
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A RADIO PLAY
DECEMBER 26 - 29
2215 Broadway St., Redwood City Like us
on Facebook
650.FOX.7770 Follow us
on Twitter
Tickets are On Sale Today @FoxtheatreRWC
www.FoxRwc.com
Photo by Barbara Wood/The Almanac
Organizers of the new Woodside farmers’ market, which will open Sunday, April 7, at Woodside Elementary School,
say they are working to allow produce from the school’s gardens (here being watered by second-grade student Pilar
V., wearing a garden gnome hat that she knitted herself) to be certified and available for sale at the market.
New farmers’ market in Woodside
By Barbara Wood ping area, at the intersection Ms. Foard said that produce
The
Special to the Almanac of highways 84 and 35. from the school’s garden may (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:46)(cid:66)(cid:76)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:81)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:84)(cid:70)(cid:84)
For those unable to wait until also be sold at the market, with
W online guide (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:56)(cid:83)(cid:74)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:83)(cid:70)(cid:66)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:83)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:74)(cid:70)(cid:88)(cid:84)
oodside residents April 7 and willing to make the the Agriculture Department
interested in purchas- drive up the hill, the Skylonda offering to waive its fee for cer- (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:39)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:69)(cid:70)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:84)(cid:1)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:69)(cid:1)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:86)(cid:81)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:84)
to Menlo Park
ing locally produced market will reopen on Wednes- tifying the gardens.
(cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:35)(cid:86)(cid:90)(cid:1)(cid:72)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:1)(cid:68)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:85)(cid:74)(cid:71)(cid:74)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:85)(cid:70)(cid:84)
food directly from its producers day, March 20, and be open The Woodside Farmers’ Mar-
businesses
will soon have one more option weekly on Wednesdays from 2 ket at the school will have a max- (cid:116)(cid:1)(cid:37)(cid:74)(cid:84)(cid:68)(cid:80)(cid:87)(cid:70)(cid:83)(cid:1)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:66)(cid:77)(cid:1)(cid:67)(cid:86)(cid:84)(cid:74)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:84)(cid:84)(cid:70)(cid:84)
very close to home: a weekly to 6 p.m., with hours lengthen- imum of 16 vendors, with choices Good for Business. Good for You.
farmers’ market right in the ing to 7 p.m. in the summer. such as organic produce, honey,
middle of town, at Woodside nuts and nut butters, organic Good for the Community.
Elementary School, 3195 Wood- olive oil, chocolates, grass-fed
The market would
side Road. beef, pastured chicken and eggs,
Visit ShopMenloPark.com today
The plan is to operate the operate from noon fair-trade coffee, local wild and
market from noon to 4 p.m. sustainable seafood and oysters,
to 4 p.m. Sundays,
every Sunday afternoon, start- and a weekly rotation of cheeses
ing April 7. starting April 7. from producers who make their
The school’s governing board own cheeses from milk produced
on March 12 approved allowing Ms. Foard said her first choice on their farms. (cid:45)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:0)(cid:48)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:75)(cid:0)(cid:36)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:0)(cid:37)(cid:88)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:69)
a market to open on its grounds for a market day in central A few other specialty food items (cid:35)(cid:72)(cid:65)(cid:85)(cid:44)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:71)(cid:0)(cid:46)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:89)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:36)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:0)
while the town tries to figure Woodside is Saturday, but com- such as empanadas and baked
out if it can approve the mar- petition for parking with youth goods from the Flour Chylde (cid:47)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:71)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:84)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:70)(cid:70)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:86)(cid:79)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:84)(cid:79)(cid:0)
ket operators’ original request sports and the Woodside Library gluten-free bakery will also be (cid:73)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:77)(cid:65)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:72)(cid:73)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:81)(cid:85)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:89)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:0)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:0)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:71)(cid:72)(cid:0)
to site the market in the Town made the Sunday time slot pref- available, as will a selection of (cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:71)(cid:0)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:0)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:83)
Center public parking lot near erable. The market day may native plants, Ms. Foard said.
Town Hall. move to Saturdays when school The Mountain Goat market (cid:55)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:73)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:26)
The request for the new mar- is out for the summer, she said. was originally shut down by the
(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:83)(cid:73)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:0)
ket came from Maggie Foard, The market will be certi- town soon after it opened last
(cid:84)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:77)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)
who is managing the Moun- fied by the San Mateo County fall. It was soon allowed to
(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:41)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:6)(cid:0)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:83)
tain Goat Farmers’ Market, Agriculture Department, which reopen once a way was found to
which opened last fall in the requires that farmers’ market modify the use permit for the (cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:79)(cid:83)(cid:77)(cid:69)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:0)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:82)(cid:89)(cid:0)
Skylonda Four Corners shop- food be sold by its producers. parking lot where it is held. A (cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:41)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:66)(cid:76)(cid:89)(cid:0)(cid:66)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:85)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:0)
(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:66)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:83)
Dr. ChauLong Nguyen,
(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:73)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:77)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)
DDS, MAGD
CALLING ON THE ALMANAC
(cid:47)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:66)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:85)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:70)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:108)(cid:0)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:70)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:0)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:76)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:70)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:66)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:0)
(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:67)(cid:72)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:71)(cid:73)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:0)(cid:13)(cid:0)(cid:68)(cid:73)(cid:71)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:0)(cid:88)(cid:13)(cid:82)(cid:65)(cid:89)(cid:83)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:85)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:90)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:76)(cid:65)(cid:83)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:71)(cid:85)(cid:77)(cid:0)
THE ALMANAC (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370)
(cid:84)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:82)(cid:65)(cid:80)(cid:89)(cid:0)(cid:6)(cid:0)(cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:86)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:89)(cid:0)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:77)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:36)(cid:13)(cid:35)(cid:33)(cid:45)(cid:0)(cid:35)(cid:37)(cid:50)(cid:37)(cid:35)(cid:0)(cid:19)(cid:36)(cid:0)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:65)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:0)
is published every Wednesday by Embarcadero Media,
Newsroom: 223-6525 (cid:78) E-mail news, information, obituaries 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025- (cid:67)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:87)(cid:78)(cid:83)(cid:0)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:86)(cid:73)(cid:83)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:14)
Newsroom fax: [phone] and photos (with captions) to: 6558. Periodicals Postage Paid at Menlo Park, CA and
Advertising: 854-2626 [email protected] at additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of (cid:8)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:16)(cid:9)(cid:0)(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:24)(cid:13)(cid:16)(cid:18)(cid:22)(cid:16)
general circulation for San Mateo County, The Almanac is
Advertising fax: [phone] (cid:78) E-mail letters to the editor to: delivered free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola (cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:20)(cid:0)(cid:47)(cid:65)(cid:75)(cid:0)(cid:39)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:33)(cid:86)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:85)(cid:69)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:51)(cid:85)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:17)(cid:18)(cid:16)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:45)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:0)(cid:48)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:75)
[email protected]
Classified ads: 854-0858 Valley and Woodside. Subscriptions for $60 per year or
(cid:54)(cid:73)(cid:83)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:87)(cid:69)(cid:66)(cid:83)(cid:73)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:26)
$100 per 2 years are welcome. POSTMASTER: Send
(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:87)(cid:14)(cid:77)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:88)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:14)(cid:67)(cid:79)(cid:77)
address changes to the Almanac, 3525 Alameda de las
Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. Copyright ©2012
To request free delivery, or stop delivery, of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, by Embarcadero Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction (cid:55)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:84)(cid:65)(cid:75)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:70)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:78)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:80)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:0)(cid:84)(cid:73)(cid:77)(cid:69)(cid:12)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:79)(cid:0)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:66)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:84)(cid:82)(cid:73)(cid:80)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:66)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:75)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:71)(cid:14)(cid:0)
94028 and the Woodside portion of 94062, call 854-2626. without permission is strictly prohibited. (cid:35)(cid:65)(cid:76)(cid:76)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:78)(cid:68)(cid:0)(cid:83)(cid:67)(cid:72)(cid:69)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:76)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:89)(cid:79)(cid:85)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:65)(cid:80)(cid:80)(cid:79)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:77)(cid:69)(cid:78)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:84)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:65)(cid:89)(cid:1)
March 20, 2013(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanacOnline.com(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanac(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)3
Open House | Sat. & Sun. | 1:30 - 4:30
210 Montalvo Road, Redwood City
$ 1,500,000
Beds 4 | Baths 3 | Home ~ 3,200 sq. ft. | Lot ~ 20,000 sq. ft.
Video Tour | www.schoelerman.com

4(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanac(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanacOnline.com(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0) March 20, 2013
Local News
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
Board OKs firing of special education director
By Renee Batti unanimously in closed session staff were unresponsive to the sion of her dismissal to Super- not always going to be happy
Almanac News Editor to approve Mr. Ghysels’ recom- needs of some children in the intendent Ghysels’ leadership. with those decisions.” He said
mended change in the depart- program and resisted parents’ Holding up photocopied imag- he wouldn’t comment on the
T
he school board approved ment’s leadership. attempts to communicate and es of leadership staff members charges of bullying.
the removal of the Menlo Ms. Mandilk, members of her work for improvements. who have left their jobs since “I want to make sure that
Park City School District’s staff, and a number of parents During the comment peri- Mr. Ghysels came on board, parents and their kids rest
director of special education whose children are or have been od, there were some tears on she spoke of each departure or assured that we’re going to
from her job on March 12, but served by the department extended sick leave, alleg- continue to provide outstand-
not until the defiant director attended the emotional ing they were the result ing service” in the program, he
publicly accused Superintendent meeting, speaking dur- ‘It’s hard to be a of the superintendent’s told the Almanac.
Maurice Ghysels of bullying staff ing the public comment bullying and other forms In response to Ms. Mandilk’s
leader and make
members and creating a “trau- period before the board of mistreatment. Six of 12 accusations, board President
matic, hostile workplace” since went into closed session difficult personnel members of the district’s Thygesen told the Almanac:
he took the district’s top post in to make its decision. leadership team, she said, “I am fully confident that Dr.
decisions.’
July 2011. Most speakers support- were “targeted victims” of Ghysels is leading our district
Olivia Mandilk, the district’s ed Ms. Mandilk’s leader- SUPERINTENDENT MAURICE GHYSELS Mr. Ghysels’ “unprofes- effectively.”
director of the Student Services ship of the department, sional conduct and bully- Ms. Mandilk told the Almanac
Department for the last eight which provides instruc- ing behavior” before they before last week’s meeting that
and a half years, will no longer tion and other services for stu- the part of Student Services either agreed to retire or became she had received no warning or
hold her current post after the dents with developmental and staff who showed up to sup- too ill to continue working. indication that her job perfor-
end of the school year, but will other disabilities and special port their boss, and applause Responding to the comments, mance was a problem before Mr.
be reassigned within the dis- health needs. But two parents from the audience, mostly by Mr. Ghysels said the next day: Ghysels called her into his office
trict, said Mr. Ghysels. encouraged the board to support Ms. Mandilk’s supporters. But “It’s hard to be a leader and on Feb. 22 and told her that he
Board President Terry Thy- the change, saying Ms. Mandilk high drama prevailed when Ms. make difficult personnel deci-
gesen said the board voted and most of the department Mandilk expanded the discus- sions. I know that people are
See SPECIAL ED, page 8
Woodside shifts focus
Menlo council supports five housing sites
in road-repair program
By Sandy Brundage Proposed housing sites in Menlo Park
Almanac Staff Writer
By Barbara Wood
Special to the Almanac up at the council meeting ask- Menlo Park’s race to Hav
It’s been more than a decade iunsge dfo tro t gheet t$i7n0g, 0e0ac0h t hyeeya’rv.e been isditeens ftoifry n ewp ohtoeunstiinagl en Ave #14
since residents of Old La But council members, after moved forward on March 12 as (540 units)
Honda road repeatedly lob- hearing from Deputy Town all five council members sup-
bied the town of Woodside to Manager Paul Nagengast that ported staff’s selection of five
do something about the danger- other town roads needed to be out of 14 sites for rezoning. Marsh Rd
ous condition of their steep and fixed now before completely State law requires cities to Marsh Rd
winding road. breaking down and requiring assess and plan to meet their
Since acknowledging the prob- very expensive repairs, voted fair share of regional housing
lems, the town has annually put unanimously to leave the allo- needs, which includes afford-
a good chunk of cations as pro- able housing, every seven years.
B
its road budget posed. Menlo Park hasn’t met the state ay
into repairs and ‘If we increase the The town will requirements since 1992. fro
n
mOladi ntLean anHcoen doaf allotment (for Old La cohf awnogerk t hite dtyopees mAenst pfoarr tn oofn ac olmawpsluiaint csee,t ttlhee- t Exp
Road. On March Honda) that means on Old La Hon- city now needs to finalize by re
s
12, however, the da this year, and May a selection of sites where sw
we take money away a
residents were devote most of zoning changes would allow y
back, this time from some other ... the money to a maximum of 900 housing
#12
because the working on the units to be built. While the
project.’ (216 units)
town’s efforts swales that pro- city is not required to actu- Ha
hmaavde e appeanroeungtlhy COUNCILMAN RON ROMINES vthidee r doraadisnidagees. on aplrloyv biduei lidn ctehnet iuvnesit sfo, ri t dmevuesl-t B Ivmilton Ave
difference in the condition of “Our problem is, how do opers to do so, according to ay A y Dr
Old La Honda that it is no longer we allocate a finite amount of the settlement. ve
a top priority for road funds. money each year?” said Coun- The sites must include high- #10 & #11
The road budget the council cilman Ron Romines. “If we density zones — defined as 30 (78 units)
was asked to approve allocated increase the allotment (for Old units per acre — for afford- #9
$42,750 for Old La Honda Road La Honda) that means we take able housing. Once that’s (60 units) Willow Rd
projects, with even more money money away from some other done, Menlo Park will then
gsMoonoinu gnA tvateionn u (ep$ r8o(6$je,10c82t0s6, )1,5o W8n) o, oJKedfisfniedgre-s r doeMandta ,o rsyfo OmZvledi ro Lbtlhai esH,r aop nr2od0ja-ey,c etb.a”rro uregshi-t nsuipeteedsda tttoeo ccsyotcamlretp. hlyu wntiitnhg t fhoer nneexwt Willow Rd Newbridge O’Brien Dr
Drive ($57,934) and Skyline area the council and town employ- The five sites for this cycle St
roads ($58,702). ees the traditional prop of her tend to lie toward east Menlo The five sites for new housing — 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 — lie
toward east Menlo Park, a fact that did not escape comment
More than two dozen Old La
Honda Road residents showed See WOODSIDE ROADS, page 8 See MENLO HOUSING, page 8 during the March 12 meeting.
March 20, 2013(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanacOnline.com(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanac(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)5
N E W S
(cid:45)(cid:69)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:0)(cid:6)(cid:0)(cid:48)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:85)(cid:67)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:38)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:38)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:83)
(cid:55)(cid:73)(cid:78)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:6)(cid:0)(cid:44)(cid:73)(cid:81)(cid:85)(cid:79)(cid:82)(cid:0)(cid:115)(cid:0)(cid:36)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:73)(cid:67)(cid:65)(cid:84)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:69)(cid:78) Commissioner resigns
(cid:40)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:65)(cid:82)(cid:69)(cid:0)(cid:6)(cid:0)(cid:39)(cid:82)(cid:65)(cid:73)(cid:78)
from traffic subcommittee
Open 6:30 am - 8:00 pm daily
Sales Dates: March 20 - 23, 2013
By Sandy Brundage MENLO BRIEFS
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)
Almanac Staff Writer
T
ransportation Commis- with non-responses counting as
sioner Penelope Huang, a “no” vote.
4420 Alpine Rd., Portola Valley 3015 Woodside Rd., Woodside saying that personal According to Ms. Huang, the
phone [phone] phone [phone] attacks were distracting from a process needs to be revisited in
review of Menlo Park’s neighbor- light of upcoming development
Fresh Produce hood traffic-management pro- projects, such as Facebook’s
gram, resigned from the review expansion to a second campus
Large California 79¢ subcommittee on March 15. and the proposed Stanford-
Ms. Huang came under fire Arrillaga mixed-use complex on
Navel Oranges ........... lb.
during the past few months El Camino Real
From Argentina $1.29 from some residents who ques-
tioned her intentions in calling Environmental awards
Bartlett Pears ........ lb.
for a review of a program that,
Medium Size 79¢ in their minds, doesn’t need Five community members
changing. earned awards from the Menlo
Artichokes ................. ea.
The program allows a resident Park Environmental Quality
Meat and Seafood to request traffic-calming mea- Commission this year. The
sures for their neighborhood, winners are: Facebook (Cli-
Marinated $12.98 but requires signatures from at mate Action); Menlo Business
least 60 percent of their neigh- Park (Climate Action); Caro-
Skirt Steak ......... lb. bors before staff will study the lyn Dorsh (Environmental
B-B-Back $4.98 issue. Installing a mitigation Education); Pacific Biosciences
measure such as a speed bump (Resource Conservation); and
Ribs ....................... lb. on a trial basis after a study then Hillview Middle School-Menlo
Ground $3.98 requires 51 percent approval of Park City School District (Sus-
a surveyed group of residents, tainable Building).
A
Chuck .................... lb.
Katherine Moore is Zider finalist
On Sale Grocery
Clover $3.69 Katherine Moore of Atherton more years at St. Francis High
also is a finalist in the Chris School and was on the school’s
Organic Cheese 8 oz. ........ Zider Scholarship 2012 compe- swim team both years. She is a
Illy $11.99 tition. Unfortunately, her name member of the National Charity
was omitted in the article that League, serves on the student
Espresso Coffee 8 oz. ..... was published in the Almanac’s council at St. Francis, and sings
Lean Cuisine $1.99 March 13 edition. in her church choir.
Katherine played water polo She has been a Girl Scout
Macaroni & Cheese 10 oz. . both her freshman and sopho- member since the first grade.
Bumble Bee $1.69
Solid Albacore Tuna 5 oz. . Want to get news briefs emailed to you every weekday?
Sign up for Express, our new daily e-edition.
Food Should Taste Good $2.49 Go to AlmanacNews.com to sign up.
Tortilla Chips 5 oz. .............
Deli Department
March 18
Come by Roberts Market Smoothie Bar
and Grab a Delicious Cake! We have... WEEKLY REAL ESTATE REPORT
$5.99
Roberts Carrot Cake w/Cream Cheese Frosting ..... ea. Reports available via the
OR $5.99 convenient QR code or at Offering 30+ years
Roberts Chocolate Cake w/Ganache Frosting ........ ea.
PeninsulaSpecialist.com of local knowledge.
OR $5.99
Born in Menlo Park.
Roberts German Chocolate Cake ............................... ea. Real Estate Statistics
Raised in Atherton.
Wine and Spirits Updated Weekly for
A Woodside resident.
Winter Red Bargains Atherton
Its cold at night! What better than a nice glass of red wine to warm your belly. Here are a Woodside
few great wines that offer serious quality at “bargain” prices.
2010 Altos de la Hoya, Monastrell, Jumilla ........................Reg. $10.99 .........Sale $9.49 Portola Valley
2010 Col del Mondo “Sunnae”, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo...Reg. $10.99 .........Sale $9.49 Menlo Park
2009 Lange Twins Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi ..............Reg. $12.99..........Sale $10.99
2010 Petit Bourgeois, Cabernet Franc, Loire ...........................Reg. $12.99 .........Sale $10.99 STEVEGRAY
2010 Aruma Malbec, Mendoza ................................................Reg. $16.49 .........Sale $12.99
Sale prices are not and do not qualify for volume discounts. DRE# 01498634
Call Bob or John at [phone] to reserve some of these wines for you.
650-743-7702
[email protected]
6(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanac(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanacOnline.com(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0) March 20, 2013
N E W S R E T
EAL STATE RENDS
Menlo Park hires investigator
by Samia Cullen
The Danger of Overpricing
to review gymnastics program
your Home
I received a call from a buyer who below fair market value.
By Sandy Brundage
Feb. 12. The complaint, sent to intimidated, and/or otherwise was surprised to read online about Sellers, ask your agent to prepare a
Almanac Staff Writer program management and to bullied by her.” a price reduction for a house on a market analysis and then price your
M
enlo Park has hired an the City Council’s public email Had Mr. McIntyre’s review desirable street in Palo Alto. I con- home in line with the mid-range of
independent investiga- log, described her as unprofes- included speaking to staff who firmed that the property had recently the comparables. In this market it
tor to review the city’s sional in how she had asked the had witnessed this behavior, Mr. experienced a price reduction. The is safer to underprice than overprice
fact of the matter is that even in Palo your home. By visiting open houses,
gymnastics program, multiple parent to step away during a Ortez wrote in his email, “maybe
Alto and in our competitive market, you can get a reality check about
sources told the Almanac on child-only class. then I’d feel that you’d actually
a home typically will not sell unless what you’re up against and see how
March 15. The Almanac’s review of Ms. exercised the due diligence that
the list price is in line with the fair your home’s strengths and weak-
City Manager Alex McIntyre Sutton’s personnel file at the city you purported to using in your
market value. nesses compare with those of other
did not answer questions from found no documentation of any letter to the concerned parents.” While some sellers are tempted to homes that potential buyers will see.
the Almanac about the reasons reprimands or other performance Mr. Ortez told the Almanac list their property at a high price to If your home is well-priced you will
for hiring an investigator. that he loved and respected test the market and then negotiate most likely end up receiving mul-
The move comes weeks both Ms. Mihalek, whom down the price, this strategy often tiple offers, thereby driving up the
after a popular gymnas- The move comes he considered a second is counterproductive. As the house sale price of the home.
tics instructor, Michelle mother, and Ms. Sutton, stays longer on the market, it can This strategy works very well
weeks after develop a stigma that the house is when, like now, the market is hot. By
Sutton, was fired and alle- who serves as godmother
not selling because there is some- avoiding the temptation to overprice
gations of a toxic work- popular gymnastics to his youngest child.
thing wrong with it. The seller will your home, you can sell your home
place environment within The city directed ques-
instructor Michelle start getting lowball offers and may quickly and increase the amount you
the program arose. tions regarding the alle-
end up eventually selling at a price receive for your home.
Mr. McIntyre had pre- Sutton was fired. gations to the human
viously said in a letter to resources director, who If you have a real estate question or would like a free market analysis for your home,
the community that he said she could not com- please call me at 650-384-5392, Alain Pinel Realtors, or email me at [email protected].
For the latest real estate news, follow my blog at www.samiacullen.com
had reviewed the circumstances issues — only a note about a pay ment on personnel matters.
of the firing to his satisfac- raise awarded in 2009. Ms. Sutton told the Almanac
tion. However, his review didn’t Although Menlo Park isn’t that she had been informed
include talking to instructors legally required to document about the independent inves-
who said that a manager within disciplinary actions for at-will tigation, but had not yet been
the gymnastics program alleg- employees such as Ms. Sutton, contacted.
edly bullied and harassed staff, many employers do so as a safe- Before the city hired an out-
including Ms. Sutton. guard. side investigator, several Menlo
Six days before she was fired, Gymnastics instructor Chris Park council members made
Ms. Sutton had asked the city’s Ortez quit in protest over the inquiries of their own after
human resources department firing and later told the city outraged parents demanded Ms.
and union representatives about manager and the council that Sutton’s reinstatement.
filing a harassment complaint Ms. Mihalek held “none-too- “It pleases me to finally say,
against her supervisor, Karen discreet contempt” for Ms. after spending so many hours
Mihalek. Sutton and reportedly had a on this issue, that for the time
However, the instructor said history of complaints filed by being I have no further com-
she was told that a parent’s com- at least two female staff mem- ment,” said Councilman Ray
plaint led to her termination on bers “who have been harassed, Mueller. A
Neighbors and developers on Craigslist and other online
outlets.
battle over driveway permit One ad for the planned $5.5
million, 5-bedroom house
appeared on Craigslist four days
By Sandy Brundage
MENLO PARK after the council said no to the
(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)
Almanac Staff Writer driveway:
C
harges of misrepresenta- “Access to Louise Street is
tion and fraud are flying Louise Street couple Michael expected after development
from both developers and Schwarz and Kiki Kapany, will be complete: 1100 Louise
Louise Street residents after the along with neighbors, appealed St. Frontage of house will be
Menlo Park council voted to the driveway permit to the on Louise (cul de sac) since
revoke a driveway permit. council and won. They also the property always had a
The council voted 3-1, with got the council’s agreement to Drive way and access to Lou-
Cat Carlton dissenting and Ray start an “abandonment pro- ise through existing gates. To
Mueller recused, on March 5 cess” to grant the public right- all neighbors on Louise St.
to revoke Sam Sinnott’s permit of-way to adjacent homeown- Thanks for participating to
to build a driveway on Louise ers. The neighborhood group the public hearing. Hope you
Street. Now the developer and is now drafting an agreement will be able to make it at the
his business partner, Mircea to preserve the green space in rehearing. Stay tuned.”
Voskerician, want a rehearing. perpetuity with easements for Mr. Sinnott told the Almanac
The pair purchased a home pedestrian access, according to he neither knew about nor con-
at 1825 Santa Cruz Ave. last Ms. Kapany. doned the ad, which his partner
year, planning to demolish it Building the driveway posted.
to build a new single-family would’ve bolstered Mr. Sin- Mr. Voskerician told the
house to sell. The rear of the nott’s desire to switch the Almanac in an email that his
lot could exit on Louise Street address of the home from “craigslist statement is based
via a driveway. The proposed Santa Cruz Avenue to Louise on the Law. What is the issue??
exit would have partially paved Street. Although city staff said The Law provides the option
over some land and greenery no when he asked twice during of Rehearing and if that is not
in the public right-of-way. A the past 12 months if they’d met then the last resort is Legal
couple living next door cur- support changing the address, action which will be unfor-
rently use part of the space for the property is being advertised
unlicensed parking. as a future Louise Street home See DRIVEWAY PERMIT, page 9
March 20, 2013(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanacOnline.com(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanac(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)7
N E W S
Portola Valley seeks bids
on Ford Field renovation
By Barbara Wood promised to pay half of any short-
Special to the Almanac fall in funding, up to $40,000, if
the town pays the other half.
P
lans to renovate Portola Money for the renovations
Valley’s Ford Field youth comes from a state grant, public
baseball park, put on hold donations including $100,000
last year after all the bids came in from the Sand Hill Foundation on
over budget, have been modified behalf of Susan Ford, and dona-
to reduce the costs and sent back tions from the Little League.
out for bids. The town will pay its share of
The Portola Valley Town any shortfall with part of the
Council on March 13 $60,387 it gained by
agreed on new plans selling stocks donated
‘We’ll have a
that split out parts to the town in 2008
of the project, such whole new ball by Laird Cagan.
as a batting cage and If all goes
field soon.’
special material for according to plan,
the dugout roof, to be JON MYERS the town will award
bid on separately so the contract by late
they can be removed if the cost April so construction can begin
is, once again, too high. June 1 (after the Little League Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac
Contractors work on removing a collapsed stone pine tree on Continental Drive in Sharon Heights.
Work on the field, located at season has ended) and be com-
3399 Alpine Road, includes new pleted by September so the new
Huge stone pine tree falls in Sharon Heights
irrigation, re-grading, a back- sod can grow over the winter.
stop, dugouts and bleachers. “We’ll have a whole new ball
Even with the changes, the field soon,” said Jon Myers, A huge stone pine tree fell However, removing the tree is Avenue in Sharon Heights.
town does not have enough chair of the town’s Parks and early Wednesday morning, the responsibility of the hom- In the 1960s, when Sharon
money to pay the projected costs Recreation Committee, after the March 13, on Continental eowners, since it is on private Heights was first developed,
of the renovations. The Alpine- Town Council’s unanimous vote Drive in Sharon Heights. property, says city arborist many homeowners planted stone
West Menlo Little League has to approve the project. A It fell into the street, away Brian Henry. and Monterey pines because
from the home on the prop- A year ago, on March 10, they grew quickly. The trees bear
erty, and no one was injured. 2012, another large stone pine shallow roots, however, and can
SPECIAL ED would mean “financial disas- City workers were sent out fell at the corner of Sharon also be stressed by drought and
continued from page 5 ter” because she will be only 59 to clear the road for traffic. Park Drive and Warner Range attacks of pine beetles.
by the end of the school year,
and the school board want to and retiring before she’s 61 or
“change the direction” of the 62 would shrink her pension by Menlo council supports 5 housing sites
program she leads. about $36,000 a year.
She said she was offered three After Ms. Mandilk’s com-
options: to retire, to resign, or ments during the board meet- MENLO HOUSING dents, on the other hand, want development, particularly for the
to request a teaching position ing, Ms. Thygesen told those their neighborhood on the Belle Haven sites, and exploring
continued from page 5
if something becomes avail- present that board members list. Elizabeth Houck asked the potential for developing a
able. “I can’t afford options are restricted by law from com- Park — a fact that did not the council whether that area neighborhood in partnership
one or two, so I selected option menting on personnel matters. escape comment during the could be upzoned. The answer, with Redwood City — which
three,” she said, adding that in Mr. Ghysels said he wanted March 12 meeting. according to staff and Council- apparently has the capacity to
addition to work in the special parents to be assured that ser- “I’m really concerned about woman Cat Carlton, is not at absorb more students within
education department she is vices for their children will some of the selections,” said Belle this time — but there won’t be its school districts than Menlo
also credentialed to teach continue even as the direction Haven resident Vicky Roblede. long to wait for consideration. Park does — will be discussed
social sciences at Hillview of the program shifts — a East Menlo Park fears traffic further, according to staff.
Middle School. She won’t know direction “based on collabora- jams and overcrowded schools The five sites the city will con-
whether there will be a job for tion” that will involve teachers as much as the rest of the city, she The sites must include tinue to evaluate for rezoning, as
her for months, she said. and staff. A pointed out, “but we don’t have high-density zones numbered on the map, are:
To retire now, she added, the money, the power, to fight it. ■ Site 9: Department of Vet-
... People are ready to cut their (defined as 30 units eran’s Affairs campus, located
hand off to not have affordable in the 700 block of Willow Road
per acre) for affordable
WOODSIDE ROADS housing on the west side, but (60 housing units).
continued from page 5 issue,” he said. they’re eager to put it on the east housing. ■ Sites 10 and 11: Gateway
Another major component of side in Belle Haven.” Apartments, located in the 1200
group, Rocky Road candy bars, the $1.59-million road program She finished by asking the “So we can put it on the list block of Willow Road and also
and a plea. “Please finish the Old for the 2013-14 fiscal year is council to “really consider the for the next round, which starts in the 1300 block of Willow
La Honda Road project before $50,000 budgeted for a study impact on the Belle Haven com- almost immediately after this Road, both owned by the Mid-
moving on,” she said, referring of the condition of the town’s munity.” one,” Ms. Carlton noted. Peninsula Housing Coalition
to a study she said the town did aging storm-drain system. Mr. Development Services Man- Mayor Peter Ohtaki said he (78 units total).
in the mid-1990s which con- Nagengast also asked the town ager Justin Murphy, perhaps shared Belle Haven’s concerns, ■ Site 12: Hamilton Avenue
cluded the road needed nearly a to budget $100,000 for repairs making the understatement of and said that Hamilton and East, located in the 700 and 800
million dollars in work. to the storm drains annually for the evening, said, “I’m not cer- Haven avenue sites were realistic blocks of Hamilton Avenue (216
“We were told we will chip at least the next five years once tain anyone is excited by change projects that were already in the units).
away at this program over time. the study has been completed. in their neighborhood.” works prior to the update. ■ Site 14: A site in the 3600 block
Well, finish the program please,” The roads program also Residents of Sharon Heights Proposing developments that of Haven Avenue (540 units).
she said. includes $20,000 to study the and Linfield Oaks, earlier in the include grocery stores and phar- Go to tinyurl.com/MP-heu to
Old La Honda area resident condition of the town’s aging update process, mounted suc- macies for the Belle Haven area review the proposed changes as
Jeff Lee said that with the bridges on Kings Mountain, cessful opposition to proposed could help garner community well as the update process. The
improvements in road condi- Mountain Home and Portola sites in their neighborhoods — support, but staff noted that the City Council and Planning Com-
tions, even more people use it roads to see if repairs or chang- for now. It remains to be seen state doesn’t tend to approve mission will hold a joint meeting
as a shortcut back and forth es can be made to stretch the whether the next update cycle mixed-use zones as counting on April 9 to formally review the
from Skyline Boulevard, espe- lives of the bridges without will revisit those areas. toward a city’s housing quota. sites, and public hearings will be
cially bicyclists. “It’s a safety replacing them. A Some Middle Avenue resi- Secondary units, mixed-use held throughout the spring. A
8(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanac(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanacOnline.com(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0) March 20, 2013
N E W S
Deputy DA ‘reproved’ by state bar or disbarment,” and as “part a change in venue.
of a stipulation and settlement Mr. Wagstaffe said Ms. McK-
before the filing of disciplin- owan was the right choice to
By Renee Batti
Ms. McKowan’s handling of The letter from the state bar ary charges,” according to the prosecute the case because she
Almanac News Editor the prosecution of Dr. Wil- cited violation of the Business report. is already familiar with the
A
prosecutor in the San liam Ayres, a child psychiatrist and Professions Code Section County DA Steve Wagstaffe “massive amounts of docu-
Mateo County District accused of molesting boys who 6106 as cause for the sanction. told the Almanac that he was ments” already generated by
Attorney’s Office has were his patients. Dr. Ayres That section addresses “the aware the state bar was inves- the previous trial and numer-
been “privately reproved” for was arrested in 2007 and tried commission of any act involving tigating a complaint against ous court hearings over the
misconduct by the California in San Mateo County Superior moral turpitude, dishonesty or Ms. McKowan, and his office years.
State Bar, according to a let- Court; the case, prosecuted corruption.” “looked into the matter” on its Ms. Balfour continues to
ter sent to a victim’s advocate by Ms. McKowan, ended in a The letter did not specify own. challenge the DA office’s han-
who filed a complaint with the mistrial in 2009. which of the accusations in Ms. “We took appropriate action” dling of complaints against
agency in 2010. In her complaint, Ms. Balfour Balfour’s complaint were sup- as a result of the DA office’s Ms. McKowan, and noted that
Following a state bar inves- accused the prosecutor of a ported in the investigation, and investigation, which was con- she turned to the state bar
tigation into the complaint, range of unethical and inap- which, if any, were found to have cluded last year, but he is legally to investigate the prosecutor
Deputy DA Melissa McKowan propriate behavior, including no merit. precluded from saying what the after Ms. Balfour and victims’
“stipulated to committing an lying about her contact with According to a report from action was, he said. “We don’t families were “stonewalled” in
act of professional miscon- potential witnesses who could the state bar, the agency’s dis- wait to see what the state bar 2010 when they complained to
duct,” and the state agency has have successfully challenged ciplinary actions for violations decides” when there is a com- Mr. Wagstaffe’s office.
ordered her to attend a one-day Dr. Ayres’ defense that, rather of the Rules of Professional plaint against a prosecutor, he She said her concerns were
state bar ethics school, accord- than molesting his patients, he Conduct or the State Bar Act added. primarily with victims of abuse
ing to the letter. was performing appropriate range from disbarment for the Ms. McKowan is still work- and how they are able to seek
The victim’s advocate who physical examinations. most serious offenses to warn- ing for the DA’s office, he said, justice in San Mateo County’s
filed the complaint, Victoria She also cited examples in ing letters for lesser offenses. A and continues as the prosecu- court system. “This isn’t about
Balfour, said she is making the her communications with the “private or public reproval” is tor in charge of retrying Dr. punishing a prosecutor,” Ms.
March 6 letter from the state state bar investigator of other a mid-level sanction, and can Ayres, whose case was to begin Balfour said. “It’s about vic-
bar public despite the sender’s incidents of alleged miscon- be imposed “for misconduct last week but has been post- tims’ rights.” A
admonition that the correspon- duct involving two other cases not warranting a suspension poned while his attorney seeks
dence and the information it of sexual molestation Ms.
contains must remain confi- McKowan handled for the DA’s
dential. office, including bullying the Support
“I did it out of service to the families of victims and lying
The Almanac’s print
public,” she told the Alma- about a victim’s willingness to
nac, adding that she believes testify. and online coverage
she isn’t violating any laws in Ms. McKowan did not return
of our community.
releasing it. phone calls from the Alma-
Ms. Balfour’s complaint nac seeking comment for this
stemmed in large part from story. Join today: SupportLocalJournalism.org/Almanac
Easter Brunch
Battle over driveway permit
at Allied Arts
DRIVEWAY PERMIT sion appears moot. City Clerk
continued from page 7 Margaret Roberts told the
Almanac that the petition “is
tunate but on the table. Every not a petition in the true sense
Benefiting Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford
city council member will do of a legal petition that the
the same to protect their rights. city would be required to take
... I want people to understand action on. A petition such as
one thing and one thing only.. this is really a letter of support EASTER BRUNCH BUFFET
WE HAD THE RIGHT OF submitted by whoever signs MENU
(cid:31)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:86)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:206)(cid:228)(cid:204)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:85)(cid:202)(cid:202)(cid:163)(cid:163)(cid:62)(cid:147)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:202)(cid:211)(cid:92)(cid:206)(cid:228)(cid:171)(cid:147)
ACCESSING from Louise from the document.”
(cid:45)(cid:105)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:202)(cid:19)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:19)(cid:192)(cid:213)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:12)(cid:136)(cid:195)(cid:171)(cid:143)(cid:62)(cid:222)
day one and by the time we are No guidelines exist about (cid:1)(cid:96)(cid:213)(cid:143)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:102)(cid:123)(cid:120)(cid:202)(cid:85)(cid:202)(cid:10)(cid:133)(cid:136)(cid:143)(cid:96)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:213)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:202)(cid:163)(cid:123)(cid:202)(cid:135)(cid:202)(cid:102)(cid:211)(cid:120)
done we will ensure the entire whether a decision would need Tickets include a photo booth with Easter (cid:1)(cid:195)(cid:195)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:19)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:133)(cid:143)(cid:222)(cid:202)(cid:9)(cid:62)(cid:142)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:42)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:192)(cid:136)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:9)(cid:62)(cid:125)(cid:105)(cid:143)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)
street will be Legally Compli- to be reconsidered if signatures Bunny, Easter Egg Hunt throughout the (cid:1)(cid:195)(cid:195)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:171)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:195)(cid:202)
ant with city regulations with are invalid, she explained. property and a delicious brunch buffet. (cid:45)(cid:147)(cid:156)(cid:142)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:147)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:220)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:10)(cid:62)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:195)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:47)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:34)(cid:152)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)
their parking right away. That is Mr. Sinnott challenged the
what the neighbours want and notion that deleting unauthor- (cid:31)(cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:202)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:96)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:86)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:147)(cid:76)(cid:143)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:69)(cid:202)(cid:34)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:143)(cid:105)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:204)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:93)(cid:202)
that is what City Council will ized signatures fixed the prob- (cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:86)(cid:143)(cid:213)(cid:96)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)(cid:92)
(cid:34)(cid:152)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:31)(cid:213)(cid:195)(cid:133)(cid:192)(cid:156)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:195)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:42)(cid:105)(cid:171)(cid:171)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:195)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:9)(cid:62)(cid:86)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:47)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:156)(cid:93)(cid:202)
want too, right? We all have to lem. “Gee, maybe it is ok to rob
(cid:21)(cid:62)(cid:147)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:10)(cid:133)(cid:105)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:105)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:171)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:62)(cid:86)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:1)(cid:195)(cid:171)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:125)(cid:213)(cid:195)(cid:176)
respect MP city regulations, no a bank if you give the money
Exceptions.” back,” he said in an email. “The (cid:1)(cid:171)(cid:171)(cid:143)(cid:105)(cid:220)(cid:156)(cid:156)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:147)(cid:156)(cid:142)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:9)(cid:62)(cid:86)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:62)(cid:213)(cid:195)(cid:62)(cid:125)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:29)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:142)(cid:195)
Saying he was done “being fraud is a symptom of general
(cid:21)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:105)(cid:222)(cid:202)(cid:20)(cid:143)(cid:62)(cid:226)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:42)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:21)(cid:62)(cid:147)(cid:202)(cid:220)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:10)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:147)(cid:105)(cid:143)(cid:136)(cid:226)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:42)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:105)(cid:62)(cid:171)(cid:171)(cid:143)(cid:105)
the nice neighbor,” Mr. Voskeri- misrepresentation. They had a
cian said this was a matter for motive — secure public land to (cid:44)(cid:156)(cid:62)(cid:195)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:47)(cid:213)(cid:192)(cid:142)(cid:105)(cid:222)(cid:202)(cid:220)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:1)(cid:171)(cid:171)(cid:143)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:42)(cid:105)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:202)(cid:10)(cid:133)(cid:213)(cid:204)(cid:152)(cid:105)(cid:222)(cid:202)(cid:69)(cid:202)(cid:20)(cid:192)(cid:62)(cid:219)(cid:222)
the police and district attorney be incorporated into a private
(cid:9)(cid:213)(cid:143)(cid:125)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:62)(cid:143)(cid:62)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:220)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:55)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:86)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:195)(cid:93)(cid:202)(cid:12)(cid:192)(cid:136)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:19)(cid:192)(cid:213)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:202)
because the petition submitted front yard. Saving their illegally
(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:10)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:192)(cid:213)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:12)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:195)(cid:136)(cid:152)(cid:125)
by Louise Street neighbors to the obtained extra parking. Even
city was fraudulent. the language in the petition (cid:55)(cid:62)(cid:118)(cid:121)(cid:202)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:220)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:133)(cid:202)(cid:31)(cid:62)(cid:171)(cid:143)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:45)(cid:222)(cid:192)(cid:213)(cid:171)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:152)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:19)(cid:192)(cid:213)(cid:136)(cid:204)(cid:202)(cid:10)(cid:156)(cid:147)(cid:171)(cid:156)(cid:204)(cid:105)
Ms. Kapany said after she is misleading. The parking is
(cid:13)(cid:125)(cid:125)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:9)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:136)(cid:86)(cid:204)
realized 17 to 18 signatures were described as ‘a wooded buffer
added without permission, she zone.’ Borderline fraudulent.” (cid:202)(cid:1)(cid:195)(cid:195)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:204)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:202)(cid:12)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:195)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:204)(cid:195)
deleted them and turned in a That allowed the neighbors
revised petition with 214 sig- to get away with claiming this
natures remaining. A petition was “a developer destroying a
started online has now gathered green belt,” Mr. Sinnott said,
295 signers and counting. despite his documentation to (cid:44)(cid:105)(cid:195)(cid:105)(cid:192)(cid:219)(cid:62)(cid:204)(cid:136)(cid:156)(cid:152)(cid:195)(cid:202)(cid:62)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:202)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:181)(cid:213)(cid:136)(cid:192)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:176) Call (cid:200)(cid:120)(cid:228)(cid:135)(cid:110)(cid:206)(cid:110)(cid:135)(cid:153)(cid:228)(cid:228)(cid:211)
Whether invalid signatures the contrary. “Many people fell or email
(cid:13)(cid:219)(cid:105)(cid:152)(cid:204)(cid:195)(cid:74)(cid:1)(cid:143)(cid:143)(cid:136)(cid:105)(cid:96)(cid:1)(cid:192)(cid:204)(cid:195)(cid:20)(cid:213)(cid:136)(cid:143)(cid:96)(cid:176)(cid:156)(cid:192)(cid:125)
invalidates the council’s deci- for it.” A
March 20, 2013(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanacOnline.com(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanac(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)9
N E W S
Imogene Woodruff, 94,
SRI sets public meetings
longtime dance instructor
on its renovation plans
SRI International, as part of approximately 1,500 employ-
By Barbara Wood OBITUARY
its plan to renovate its Menlo ees on site. The moderniza- (cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)
Special to the Almanac
Park campus, is holding a tion project would demolish
I
series of public informational 33 structures to replace them mogene Woodruff, who mother retired at the age of 82.
meetings about the project. with 13 new buildings that taught ballroom dance and Imogene’s mother worked at
Meetings are scheduled for could hold double the num- cotillion classes to genera- all kinds of odd jobs in other
Thursday, March 21, from 6 ber of workers. tions of Midpeninsula residents, people’s homes and her father
to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Go to tinyurl.com/cjm4mj5 died on March 14, one day short was a custodian at the college
March 23, from 10 to 11:30 to learn more. The meetings of her 95th birthday. She had her brother attended.
a.m. will be held in Building G been ill a short time, but had Young Imogene’s dance class-
The 63-acre campus cur- at 333 Ravenswood Ave. in struggled with Alzheimer’s dis- es were so successful that
rently has 38 buildings and Menlo Park. ease for several years. she moved them to the local
Ms. Woodruff, who had lived armory and by the age of 13 she
in Woodside for more than 50 had saved enough money from
years, was living in Belmont at the 25-cent lesson fees for a
the time of her death. Family down payment on the home her
members say a memorial ser- family had been renting, Barry
vice will be announced later. Woodruff says.
Born in Corbin, Kentucky, Another of Imogene Wood-
the youngest of five children, ruff’s talents was baseball,
she moved to the small town which her older brother had
Great time to sell of Kiowa, Colorado, as a very taught her from a young age.
young child. The family moved In high school the local dry-
Matt Skrabo is the go-to Realtor to Fort Collins, Colorado, when goods store promised free nylon
for Silicon Valley’s most exclusive clientele she was 9, and there, in a gym hosiery for each home run, and
class, she discovered a natural Imogene supplied the entire
Explosive Marketing and Advertising
talent for dance. family with nylons. Photo courtesy Barry Woodruff
Imogene Woodruff in her early 20s.
to get YOU the highest sales price. “When she was 12 she was Imogene also loved horses,
teaching tap ... on the porch especially Star, a black mare
- Third Generation Realtor at Grandma’s house,” says with a white star on its forehead ruff said. The horse showed up
and Portola Valley Native son Barry Woodruff, head of that had been with her since she at the front door each school
- The Skrabo’s are a founding the theater arts program at had watched its birth. “People day and gave her a ride to
family of Portola Valley Woodside High who took over came from all over to see this school, reappearing for the ride
the cotillion classes when his horse with her,” Barry Wood- home as the school day ended.
- Specializing in Luxury Homes
and Premier Properties Imogene also competed in
“Roman races,” standing astride
Call or Email Matt to fi nd two racing horses. “She was a
out how to attract the Matt Skrabo great athlete,” Barry Woodruff
savvy Palo Alto buyers said.
Realtor
She attended Colorado State
650-804-6673 University, and dated Byron
[email protected] White, who later became a
www.mattskrabo.com
Supreme Court justice. “She
Dre# 01910597
See WOODRUFF OBITUARY, page 15
David Ramadanoff
(cid:59)(cid:86)(cid:98)(cid:94)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:21)
Conducts
(cid:73)(cid:103)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:104)
Master Sinfonia
Chamber Orchestra
with
Paul Rosas
Cavaterra Monterey Suite
WORLD PREMIERE
Purvis Pièce Symphonique
for Orchestra and Organ
Tickets:
featuring Paul Rosas, organ
Gen Admission $20 Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5, Genealogy
“Reformation” Heirloom Albums
Vintage Photo Scanning
Seniors (60+) $16
Framed Tree Displays
Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 8:00 pm
Elder Interviews
Under 18 FREE First Congregational Church
of Palo Alto, 1985 Louis Rd., Palo Alto (cid:69)(cid:103)(cid:90)(cid:104)(cid:90)(cid:103)(cid:107)(cid:90)(cid:21)(cid:110)(cid:100)(cid:106)(cid:103)(cid:21)(cid:21)
(cid:91)(cid:86)(cid:98)(cid:94)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:21)(cid:93)(cid:94)(cid:104)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:103)(cid:110)(cid:35)(cid:35)(cid:35)(cid:21)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:89)(cid:86)(cid:110)(cid:35)
Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 2:30 pm (cid:56)
This ad sponsored by Los Altos United Methodist Church
(cid:57)(cid:94)(cid:100)(cid:99)(cid:21)(cid:57)(cid:90)(cid:104)(cid:96)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:101)(cid:21)(cid:69)(cid:106)(cid:87)(cid:97)(cid:94)(cid:88)(cid:86)(cid:105)(cid:94)(cid:100)(cid:99)(cid:104)
Ginny and Joe Kavanaugh
655 Magdalena (at Foothill), Los Altos
of Coldwell Banker
(cid:29)(cid:41)(cid:37)(cid:45)(cid:30)(cid:21)(cid:40)(cid:46)(cid:43)(cid:34)(cid:37)(cid:37)(cid:39)(cid:43)(cid:21)
of Portola Valley. Free reception at intermission
Visit them at (cid:98)(cid:86)(cid:103)(cid:94)(cid:97)(cid:110)(cid:99)(cid:35)(cid:89)(cid:94)(cid:100)(cid:99)(cid:53)(cid:89)(cid:94)(cid:100)(cid:99)(cid:89)(cid:90)(cid:104)(cid:96)(cid:105)(cid:100)(cid:101)(cid:35)(cid:88)(cid:100)(cid:98)
www.thekavanaughs.com
10(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanac(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0)TheAlmanacOnline.com(cid:0)(cid:0)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:0) March 20, 2013