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Archives » 2000 » Volume 53 , Issue 26, Published on Wednesday, June 28, 2000NewsLos Altos Hills - town in turmoil?
Fall election to decide direction of community There is a changing political climate in Los Altos Hills. Two of the most senior members of the town council, Elayne Dauber and Bob Johnson, are not running for re-election in November. Councilwoman Emily Cheng’s seat will also be up for re-election. Cheng was elected in March of this year to complete the remaining term of former Councilman Bill Siegal, who resigned in November 1999. Bush stops in LAH during campaignAbout 500 supporters attended a reception for Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush on June 19 at the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in Palo Alto. Bush’s entourage was greeted at the entrance to the hotel on El Camino by about 75 protesters carrying sign with phrases such as, “Save Gerry Graham” from the death chamber. Bush had no legal means to stay the execution, and Graham died four days later in Texas. Disgruntled LA city employees to strikePolice negotiations Employees in the Los Altos Public Works Maintenance Department could decide Thursday whether or not to go on strike after contract negotiations with the city allegedly hit a deadlock June 19. The department’s contract expires Friday. Foothill-De Anza budget increases 7 percentBond money Despite a 7 percent funding increase, school officials said the Foothill-De Anza Community College District’s tentative 2000-2001 budget falls $98 million short of what they anticipated. El Camino board member Hoar resignsLongtime El Camino Hospital District board member Paul F. Hoar resigned from the board June 23. Hoar, an anesthesiologist on the hospital’s medical staff, said he resigned in order to avoid any conflict of interest, since he is applying for the position of CEO of El Camino Hospital. Current CEO Richard Warren announced his retirement last month. He will leave the hospital in September. High bids delay LASD construction at EganConstruction at Egan Intermediate School became another case of “hurry up and wait” earlier this month, when the lowest bid from contractors hoping to work on the site came in $2.4 million over budget. Los Altos School District officials opened the bidding process June 8 and received four bids, which Dave McNulty, the district’s director of facilities construction, described as “considerably over budget.” They ranged from $11.5 million to $14.4 million, greatly exceeding the $8.8 million allotted for the school. News BriefsLos Altos residents should expect traffic delays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, over a six-week time period, beginning July 5 when Hackett Pipeline, Inc. is scheduled to begin construction on the city’s sanitary sewer facilities extension. Construction will proceed up Magdalena Road from Stonebrook Drive to Blandor Way, then up Blandor Way to Olive Tree Lane. LA merchant suspected of defrauding customers
Los Altos Police are investigating the owner of a downtown furniture store for possible fraud. Sgt. Mark Macaulay said three local residents told police that the owner of Circa on First Street had allegedly taken their money at the start of this year for deposits on merchandise that they still had not received. E-mails offer look into controversial discourse behind city manager’s firingAt least two Los Altos Hills councilmembers warned about potential open meeting law violations after a controversial May 7 e-mail was sent regarding the termination of then-city manager Mark Miller. A Town Crier request for corresponding e-mails under the California Public Records Act revealed that councilmembers Elayne Dauber and Bob Johnson had expressed concerns over the content of an e-mail sent by Councilwoman Toni Casey. The e-mail prompted concerns that a serial meeting might occur without the required public notification. CommentGiving thanks at the end of the school yearBlue Jeans & Jelly Beans This is the time of year, even more than Christmas, that I am thankful for the people around me. The children’s school year just ended, and the last weeks of school made me aware of how lucky I am to be in a community with so many good people. OpinionLetters to the EditorI am shocked and saddened to see how the city of Los Altos has destroyed the potential beauty at 401 Rosita Ave. The existing, aged paved area, which admittedly needed improvement, was bulldozed away. Along with it went a few beautiful mimosa trees, which used to screen the street from the new playing fields. Now, it is a hot, ugly eyesore! There is no relief to the eye; the black color is unrelentless in its starkness. At the very least, it could have become a parking area with shade trees planted to canopy over the parking spaces. Instead, there is now an endless sea of blacktop. Respecting veterans who gave us our freedomA Side of Clyde Each year on July 4, Americans celebrate their freedom with barbecues and family gatherings. Many veterans remember the times there was no freedom for them - it was during their boot camp. Save The DateLos Altos Village Art and Wine Festival, sponsored by the Los Altos Village Association, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., downtown Los Altos. Admission is free. Nov. 7 CommunityLos Altos ‘Glorious 4th’ celebration slated for Tuesday in Shoup ParkAt 11 a.m., Tuesday, the bugler will play “Assembly” to open the Glorious 4th 2000 Celebration in Shoup Park. Los Altos Boy and Girl Scout troops will provide the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of proceedings. Ralph Vetterlein mediation fundVetterlein, who died June 1, served as the director and a mediator for the program. Contributions, which are tax deductible, may be made to the “Ralph Vetterlein Mediation Fund” and mailed to Los Altos Community Foundation, 183 Hillview Ave., Los Altos 94022. For information, call 949-5267. Pages of the PastIn Los Altos: Citizens want to know about “Independence for Los Altos!” originally published in the Los Altos News, June 20, 1950, by Michael F. Dowley, chairman of the Los Altos Incorporation Committee. Most of the early settlers could see no reason for haste in turning this delightfully rural community into a prosaic incorporated city. Up to about five years ago, the residents of Los Altos were orchardists, retired persons and a limited number of business operators servicing neighbors. A number of persons, also, maintained only part-time summer homes here. CorrectionsA June 14 story about Western Ballet incorrectly reported that Benjamin Pierce was a late scratch from the performances because of a leg injury during rehearsal. In fact, Pierce hurt his hand away from rehearsal. The name of his replacement is Stephen Legate. Library NewsJohnson Brothers Puppets will present “Chen Ping and the Magic Axe” from 3-3:45 p.m. today the Los Altos Library Program Room. Wildlife Associates will visit with “California Wild,” July 5. Festival-goers will survive - and enjoy - this TitanicThe Titanic in the middle of Los Altos? A cushy replica of the fateful 1912 vessel is scheduled to float into downtown Los Altos for the 21st annual Los Altos Arts and Wine Festival, July 8 and 9. This giant replica of the Titanic, part of this year’s KIDZONE activities, is positioned on a tilt, so it looks as if it is sinking. But it creates an “awesome” slide, according to festival organizers. Community BriefsWayne Thiebaud fans can preview an exhibit of 80 major paintings, watercolors and pastels by the California artist at a free lecture by Fine Arts Docent Council speaker Kay Payne. The lecture is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., today, at the Los Altos Library. The exhibit, which celebrates the artist’s 80th birthday, will open at the California Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco July 10. LA Hills composer hits top of the charts
Coster teams with Eminem, Dr. Dre on album The Hills, it turns out, are alive with the sound of music. Thomas Coster, Jr., a longtime resident of Los Altos Hills, is a composer, producer, musician and songwriter. He co-wrote the hit single “The Real Slim Shady,” with Dr. Dre, Eminem and Mike Elizondo. Police ReportJune 26, 12:45 a.m., Landell Court: A caller heard gunshots in the area, according to police. Theft Schools BriefsPeninsula Parents Place hosts a free open house for its new Drop-In Center 9:30-11:30 am., July 12 at its Palo Altos location. The event will include face painting, arts and crafts, and storytelling for children, while parents can mingle and learn more about the facility. NoteworthiesAmy Cole of Los Altos Hills was named to the fall semester dean’s list at Biola University. The minimum semester grade point average for the honor is 3.6. SchoolsFoothill conference inspires local writers
Would-be writers and poets convened at Foothill College last week to pick up some tips from guest authors and faculty writers speaking at the 25th Annual Writers’ Conference. Participants at the six-day conference paid a registration fee of $75 to choose from more than 60 workshops and readings, presented by noted novelists, essayists and poets, as well as members of Foothill’s creative writing faculty. Santa Rita students send school supplies to children in BosniaInternational Day at Santa Rita School became more than just a chance for students to taste food and learn dances from around the world. It was a chance for those students to give something back to children from different countries. At the June 9 event, the school presented the Red Cross with eight school chests to be donated to children living in Bosnia. The chests were filled with school supplies, everything from paper and pencils to a school’s supply of jump ropes. LA High’s ‘New Americans’ program brings U.S. capitol to the classroomThe next generation of American citizens may become the next generation of American leaders, thanks to the “New Americans” program at Los Altos High School. Amy Harris and Dee Dee Pearce, who teach social studies courses designed for students who are just learning the English language, introduced the program to eight students this year. Every Seven brings sound to San Francisco, ShorelineWhen four local students formed a band three months ago, did they think they would start their summer by playing a major concert at Shoreline Amphitheater, along with bands like Limp Bizkit, Third Eye Blind and Everclear? Not at all, say Stewart Kellar, Bobby Templin, Nick Testa, Jr. and Mike Yocum, the members of Every Seven. Sports On The SidePam Johnson of Los Altos won the 10-19 age division of the Danskin Women’s Triathlon Series at Almaden Park in San Jose on June 18. Johnson posted a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes, 22 seconds. Robin Ydremark of Mountain View placed third in the 35-59 division by clocking a 1:14.22. Golf tourney SportsChisam sets the standard at San Diego decathlonMatt Chisam made the most of his final decathlon of the 2000 season. Chisam, who last month graduated from St. Francis High, won the boys decathlon at the San Diego County Championships June 18. Inkster caps birthday weekend by winning LPGA ChampionshipA day after her 40th birthday, Juli Inkster of Los Altos successfully defended her McDonald’s LPGA Championship. Inkster beat Italy’s Stefania Croce on the second hole of a sudden death playoff to win the tournament Sunday in Wilmington, Del. Inkster finished the four-day event with a 3-under-par 281. Quakes planning fireworks show after Tuesday’s soccer gameSoccer and fireworks are on the menu for July Fourth. The San Jose Earthquakes announced last week that a fireworks show has been scheduled after Tuesday’s match against the Kansas City Wizards at Spartan Stadium. The Earthquakes feature two players who live locally: goalkeeper Joe Cannon (Los Altos Hills) and defender Jamie Clark (Mountain View). Kelsey Alloo: among the best in her field
Field hockey may not be as popular as basketball, volleyball or soccer, but that hasn’t stopped Los Altos resident Kelsey Alloo from participating - and excelling - in the sport. Alloo, 16, will enter her junior year at Los Altos High next fall. She began playing field hockey three years ago when she signed up for a field hockey camp at San Jose State. Track & field stars competing Saturday at StanfordThe GMC Envoy Track & Field Open is scheduled for 5:30 p.m., Saturday, at Stanford University’s Cobb Track and Angell Field. Part of the USA Track & Field Golden Spike Tour, the meet is the final tune-up for athletes preparing for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, set for July 14-23 in Sacramento. Sonics taken out by Surf in regional soccer tournamentFor the second year in a row, the Santa Clara Sonics came a win away from qualifying for the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship. And just like last year, it was the San Diego Surf that got in the Sonics’ way. American Slate Co. offers rock-solid alternativeBusiness Profile Homeowners in the Los Altos area are now using slate for entryways, patios, and, in many instances, roofs, whether they are building a new home or renovating an existing one. Little joy on stock market if interest rates rise againStock Report Investors will likely get little joy this week, even if the Federal Reserve stands pat on interest rates. Wall Street views the decision as postponing the inevitable. Many market experts now sense the Fed has at least one more rate increase up its sleeve this year. Either way, the Dow was up 150 points by noon Monday. BusinessLove ‘em or lose ‘em: getting good people to stayJean on the Job While we are talking about retention, and everybody is, let’s look at my friend, Beverly Kaye, and what she says about taking care of your employees. She suggests, in her new book with Sharon Jordan-Evans, “Love ‘em or Lose ‘em,” published by Berrett-Koehler, that money does not talk as loudly as you might think. She explains that meaningful and challenging work, growth opportunities, teamsmanship and good bosses count more. This echoes the latest Gallup Poll that declares that caring bosses beat out raises or promotions for staying power. Weddings & EngagementsKatie McClenahan and Jim McCauley were married Oct. 23, 1999, at the Church of the Nativity, Menlo Park. The bride is the daughter of Kathy and Tim McClenahan of Los Altos. She graduated from St. Francis High School and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo. She is employed with the YMCA. The groom is the son of Susie and Jim McCauley of Oxnard, Calif. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He is employed with J.W. McClenahan Co., San Mateo. ObituariesJohn Bellows Sturges Jr., a Los Altos resident, died May 30 from cancer. He was a native of Chicago. Mr. Sturges was a colonel in the United States Air Force. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. After graduating from the Naval Academy, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He held a number of positions during his Air Force career in aerospace engineering, systems and finance. Among other service awards he received, he was awarded the Legion of Merit award. After retiring from the Air Force in 1974, Col. Sturges held positions as the Comptroller of the Mountain View-Los Altos Union School District, printer with Martin Printing, and as a research specialist working on systems integration for the Skylab project for Lockheed Missile and Space Company. PeopleNoteworthiesJune Vega, of Los Altos, received the New Volunteer Award for the dedication and initiative she showed in her first year as a volunteer. Ruth Buneman, of Los Altos Hills, received the Lydia Mitchell Award for her dedication during her two decades as a Red Cross volunteer. Service NewsNavy Petty Officer 3rd Class Robert J. McMillan, son-in-law of Marshall Leach and Paula Gatewood of Los Altos, is an electronics technician assigned to the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Michigan. McMillan and his fellow crewmembers are preparing to take the submarine on a patrol that usually lasts about four months. Remaining below the water for months at a time can be demanding, McMillan said. Serving with America’s “silent service” also has its rewards. “Considering we hide so well, it is fairly safe, which makes it rewarding,” McMillan added. Stepping OutPA Players’ ‘Triangle’ is filled with laughsTheater review “Bermuda Avenue Triangle” had the opening-night audience at the Palo Alto Players’ final production of the season laughing throughout this loony farce. Stanford Jazz Festival gets under wayThe Stanford Jazz Workshop and Festival 2000, which opened last week and runs through Aug. 5 at the Braun Music Center at Stanford University, offers jazz education programs and concerts. The summer festival includes performances by the Roy Hanes Trio with Danilo Perez and John Patitucci; Sax legend George Coleman; Lou Donaldson and Lonnie Smith; Mary Stallings; trumpet master Clark Terry; bop saxophonist Harold Land and more. Cage’s ‘Gone in 60 Seconds’ is just summer eye candyFilm Vitals - Movie Review Jerry Bruckheimer films have never been known for their engaging content. Instead, he makes sure your senses get a vigorous workout by packing in explosive sounds and rich visual razzle dazzle, wrapped around a few overpaid, big-name stars. Hotdog Suppertime productions begin with folk tale ‘Pied Piper’As part of its summer offerings, the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre is presenting three Hotdog Suppertime productions. The productions are presented in the Secret Garden, adjacent to the theater on the Roy Ginsburg Magic Castle. SJ Symphony to play pre-Independence Day concertThe San Jose Symphony Orchestra, conducted by maestro Leonid Grin, is set to perform a pre-Independence Day concert followed by fireworks, at 7:30 p.m., Monday, at Stanford University’s outdoor Frost Amphitheater. The program includes Aaron Copland’s “Lincoln Portrait,” a suite from John Williams’ “Star Wars,” Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture, Opus 49,” and more. For the finale, John Phillip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” will accompany a display of fireworks. Special SectionA visit to the home of Frederica von StadeRoominations I have seen pictures of many celebrities’ homes in magazines, but never visited one in person, so when I was invited to a reception at the home of Frederica von Stade, the world-acclaimed mezzo-soprano, in the East Bay, I accepted right away. The occasion was a benefit for Clausen House in Oakland, which serves more than 160 people with developmental disabilities. There was no mention on the invitation of whether von Stade would sing, but that seemed a reasonable possibility - and that would be wonderful indeed. Blending art with life:
Carol and Dr. Dexter Hake in Los Altos Hills Creating and enjoying art is an everyday pleasure at Carol and Dexter Hake’s Los Altos Hills home. It’s an art studio, art gallery and family nest, with paintings, carvings and sculpture, indoors and outdoors - not only Carol’s art, but also works by many other California artists. Easy project for Los Altos bird-lovers
Do you feed the birds? I do. I’ve had a standard-type bird feeder for years and the local finches visit regularly for their daily dose of raw sunflower seeds. Recently, I thought I’d make life a bit more interesting for them but in doing so, I’ve changed my own life. I took an empty milk carton, washed it thoroughly, and then with a sharp blade, I cut a square out of the lower half of one side, which we’ll call the front. Your HomeHome BriefsYerba Buena Nursery in Woodside, California’s oldest retail native plant nursery, offers a new garden design service. A Yerba Buena expert will make a house call and provide you with a written plan for your own native plant garden, for $200. Call Kathy at 851-1668 to schedule an appointment. The nursery’s plant availability list for Summer, 2000, is now available by mail. The tea terrace is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Catered high teas are available by reservation Monday through Friday. Yerba Buena is located off Skyline Boulevard, 4.5 miles south of the intersection of Highway 84. The driveway is across the road from the Fogarty Winery. Rooms get quick makeovers when ‘It’s All Arranged’The story you are about to read is true, and the names have not been changed to protect the innocent. It all started small, as such things do, with a vague feeling that someone else could figure out what to do with my family room. After all, I’d only had 23 and a half years to think about the room’s lack of wall space, its lack of a fireplace, its many doors, its broken-down furniture, and its bushels and bushels of books, old design magazines and dog bones. And the rug was really stained, too, from the dog chewing on the bones and from people spilling coffee and soft drinks as they watched TV and talked on the phone. Sleek furniture designs bring local firm successBusiness Profile Two local artists are making a significant splash in the international world of furniture design. |
In Our OpinionEditorialWe’ve recently covered the passing of two of this community’s most involved and committed volunteers, Lee Lynch and Billy Russell. They represented an era when people helped out, not so they could get their name on a building, but because it was simply the right thing to do. There’s a new generation of volunteers hard at work right now in this community who are carrying on their legacy. The level of involvement in the recent Los Altos Relay For Life event bears this out. |
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