Los Altos Town Crier » 2000 » October

Festival for fall season

Scarecrows, classic cars, culinary chefs return for weekend’s ‘Celebrate Los Altos’

Los Altos area families looking for something fun to do this weekend would not go wrong spending time at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce-sponsored Celebrate Los Altos Fall Festival.

Fall Festival’s classic car show bigger than ever

Fall Fe`‹¿al 2000 Schedule

The ninth annual Celebrate Los Altos Fall Festival, set for this weekend, will feature as its visual centerpiece the annual classic car show in the South Plaza parking lot.

City moves forward with plans for public gym

Construction work on the Los Altos city-owned gym planned for the Blach Junior High School campus could begin as early as this winter if the State Architect’s Office approves the city’s architectural plans.

The Los Altos City Council agreed Sept. 26 to move forward with construction drawings for a standard gym and is slated to submit plans to the State Architect’s Office this October as part of the Los Altos School District’s campus renovation package, even though a preliminary cost estimate indicated that the gym could run about $200,000 over its $2.1 million budget.

Foothill Expressway awaits final repairs

County officials are addressing complaints of clumping asphalt along Foothill Expressway as the roads department and contractor work to wrap up the $3.1 million repaving project following a final inspection Sept. 19.

“It’s important to understand that the road isn’t finished yet,” Supervisor Joe Simitian said of the project that stretches from the Cupertino border through Los Altos to Palo Alto. “There is a long list of items to finish, what’s called a punch list. The contractor (DaSilva Gates) is obligated to work through that punch list before final payment on the job.”

Big dogs, little dogs now welcome at Shoreline Park

The city of Mountain View is slated to open a portion of Shoreline Park to dogs this Saturday following 13 months of controversy and delays over the proposed dog park.

The fenced-in dog park, located at North Shoreline Boulevard and North Road, adjacent to the kite-flying area near the wildlife area’s gate on Shoreline, includes separate areas for large and small dogs, water, benches and parking.

Pathway controversy before LAH council

Los Altos Hills City Councilmembers plan to discuss a decade-long pathway controversy at their next meeting, this Thursday.

According to the town’s pathways master plan, a public pathway is shown connecting the ends of Voorhees Drive and Miraloma Way, linking adjacent neighborhoods and functioning as a school path. There is also a parcel map that shows a 10-foot “pedestrian/equestrian easement” along the southern and eastern boundaries of a property on Voorhees Drive, owned by Councilwoman Emily Cheng and her husband, Frank.

LA City Council continues to view gateway plans

Four developers are scheduled to unveil revised project proposals to the Los Altos City Council for the city-owned property on the corner of First and Main streets Tuesday.

The city council last month asked Barry Swenson, Builder; Roxy Rapp & Company; Keely Associates; and Safeway Stores to revise their proposals for downtown’s Main Street gateway to include some sort of combination of a movie theater, a hotel or housing in the plans.

News Briefs

Deputies from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department arrested an Illinois attorney Sept. 15 for the theft and embezzlement of $1.5 million from a client.

Police arrested Rory O’Brian, 43, of Saratoga after a client discovered that his money market, business checking and savings accounts had been drained. The victim, a 75-year-old businessman, had been referred to the male suspect by a friend who knew the victim was seeking financial and legal advice.

Proposed civic center could replace historic orchard at Los Altos City Hall

Plans to expand the Los Altos Civic Center could mean the demise of the city’s historic apricot orchard that lies between City Hall and the Recreation Center.

Architect J. Beals unveiled a preliminary plan for updating the city’s 10-year-old civic center master plan Sept. 26 that would replace the existing 2-acre apricot orchard with youth and community centers and a theater.

Los Altos Public Works employees vote Friday whether or not to strike

Los Altos Public Works employees were scheduled to decide Friday whether to go on strike after union representatives halted discussions with city management Sept. 14.

Bob Morales, secretary of treasury for the Teamster union, Local 350, who is representing the Los Altos employees, said he planned to give the 21-member department the go-ahead to strike after rejecting the city’s latest labor proposal. Morales said salary increases, subcontracting, dental benefits and grievance procedures remained areas of contention.

Comment

Oprah and the dog whisperer

A View from the Hills

I turn to daytime television sometimes, now. What used to be anathema to me is now an occasional soporific, to quiet the mind and ease my reclining body along with pangs of loneliness for my Cris. Cris used TV to “unwind” after a day’s work at power tools or computer.

Opinion

Doggerel contest winners announced

Commentary

Editor’s note: Back in our Aug. 30 issue, Dave took it upon himself to initiate the “Doggerel Days of August” competition. What follows are the results of that competition, as proclaimed by the publisher emeritus himself.

Letters to the Editor

Measure A proposes to increase our local sales tax for another 30 years to extend BART to connect San Jose with Oakland. The total revenue to be collected is estimated at $6 Billion.

Measure A does nothing for our local roads and will increase the car count in Santa Clara County (and here in Los Altos) by encouraging a higher growth rate for jobs and housing in the county.

First & Main a significant development

Other Voices

In 1995, the city of Los Altos purchased two parcels of land along First Street between State and Main streets and bordering Foothill Expressway. The price was right and the council invested public funds to make the purchases so the city could control the development and hopefully to produce revenue for the benefit of Los Altos taxpayers.

Zounds! Bard still popular as event proves

Strictly Candids

“SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK” AT SHOUP PARK-A GREAT SUCCESS! All three August weekends were perfect for the “Shakespeare in the Park.” Approximately 100 people and families gathered each day for the exciting and new event, to be entertained by 15 actors from the Los Altos Bus Barn Stage Company. Some families brought picnic baskets and enjoyed their snacks during the play, while some of the children had a wonderful time in the play area. Mady Kahn enjoyed watching the children aged 2 years to teens sitting mesmerized and so absorbed in the play. “There was not a peep from any of the children watching the outstanding performance,” said Mady, a Bus Barn board member. Added Judy William: “It was a wonderful opportunity to have free theater in the community. It reminded Larry (Dr. Larry) and I of the many summers we spent at the “Shakespeare in the Park” in Manhattan.” This outstanding event could not have happened without the generous sponsor, Betty Lohman, a 50-year former resident of Los Altos Hills. “Los Altos will always be in my heart and feel like home. It gives me so much pleasure and means so much to me to be able to leave something behind- to give joy to the families - to have their children and grandchildren attend and enjoy this event,” Lohman said.

Community

Calendar

Los Altos Senior Center, 9-3 p.m., Monday through Friday, 97 Hillview Ave.

Today

Community Briefs

The Internet can be a wild and crazy place. For those who want to want to learn how to do Internet and web research, El Camino Hospital can help.

The hospital is hosting a seminar that will provide a general introduction to effective use of the internet to find information. A review of popular search engines will demonstrate how to easily access information on health, fitness, travel, grandparenting, entertainment and more. There will be an emphasis on ease of use and tips on avoiding problems.

Upcoming Events

“One From The Heart” awards breakfast, Midpeninsula Pathways Hospice Foundation, 7:30 a.m., Hyatt Rickeys, Palo Alto.

Nov. 26

Police Report

Sept. 28, 9:43 a.m., Jordan and El Camino Real: Police said there was a fight with chains.

Fraud

Opportunity to tell a good ghost story

The Town Crier wishes to feature a collection of ghost stories from you, our valued readers and prospective story tellers, in our special Halloween edition on Oct. 25.

Stories should be original and limited to 400 words. Material should be composed with wit, drama, mystery and excitement - not blood and gore. Suggestions for accompanying photos or art are welcome.

Requiem for a Poor Clare nun, an end of an era

Obituary

Six priests, a Franciscan brother, relatives, and friends of the Poor Clare sisters gathered in the monastery chapel to celebrate a burial Mass Sept. 8 for 82-year-old Sister Regina of the Sacred Heart.

Los Altos service clubs brush up on city services

Two service groups have been using brushes and cans of paint to show their support for local services.

Ruth Koehler, representing the Los Altos Senior Center, recently presented a plaque to members of the Los Altos Sunset Rotary Club in gratitude for their work painting the Los Altos Senior Center.

Happenings

For more information, call 327-8700.

The locally known and internationally recognized artist Alexander Dzigurski II will open ZYT Galerie’s fall art shows with a large collection of his most recent works. Dzigurski, 30, will make an appearance 6-9 p.m., Oct. 12, at the gallery, 923 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos. ZYT offers original art and etchings with a range of fine art services from framing to conservation.

Morning Forum celebrates 50th year honoring founders and past presidents

The Morning Forum of Los Altos celebrated its fiftieth anniversary on Sept. 19 with a reception in the courtyard of the United Methodist Church and introduction of past presidents Shirley Climo, Cecilia Keehan, Patricia Johnson, Carol Kleyensteuber, Judy Fucilla, Carol Stevens and Marcia Allen.

Also honored in absentia were former presidents Natalie Goetz, Joy Reed, Barbara Foster and Mary Van Tamelen, still active members of the Morning Forum, but out of town on the day of the meeting.

Pages of the Past

In the News: The Ames Brothers top the popular music charts with “Sentimental Me” and “Rag Mop.” The long playing record - called the “LP” - is introduced by the recording industry.

In Los Altos: Nearly one-third of the land purchased by St. Nicholas Catholic Church for a new parochial school has been paid for by local parishioners, the Reverend Stanley J. Reilly revealed. The six-acre plot has been theoretically divided into 700 squares of which 200 have been sold for $25 each. The property is located at the corner of Rosita and Campbell.

Seniors and fixed incomes a hot topic among guests at the LA Senior Center

Barry Kane and John Fernandez, financial advisers with PaineWebber, spoke about fixed incomes to a group of seniors last Monday. The talk was strictly Bonds 101, but before it was over, annuities came into the picture, because many seniors hold annuities instead of bonds.

The Los Altos Senior Center holds monthly meetings on different subjects of concern to seniors. Chaired by Ruth Kroehler, last month’s subject was fixed incomes.

Kiwanis installation banquet has change in officers

Members of the Los Altos Kiwanis Club began their new official year with the installation of new officers Sept. 29 and a reflection on past achievements.

The new Kiwanis president for 2000-2001 is Karen Melbye Smith who succeeds Lynn Davidson.

‘Politics as Usual’ theme of this year’s LA Follies

The seventh annual Los Altos Follies is scheduled for 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., Oct. 14, at the Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos.

The Follies, an evening of musical parody, benefits the Bus Barn Stage Company. In addition to the performance, a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception will be staged for ticket holders in a tent adjacent to the theater.

Popular landscape designer Creasy to hold theme garden class

Class fee is $15. Participants need to pre-register by mail or at the store, which is located at 2225 El Camino Real, Palo Alto 94306.

Creasy, a landscape designer and celebrated author, is a leading authority on environmentally- friendly gardening techniques. She is a three-time winner of the Garden Writer’s of America’s Best Book of the Year Award and its Award for Excellence.

Saturday wine festival for the Red Cross offers education for the intimidated

Once upon a time, it was considered perfectly OK to walk into a restaurant or a bar and order a glass of the house red or white wine. Now, a plethora of choices confront wine drinkers every step of the way. If it is white wine you like, how about a viognier, or a sauvignon blanc? If you want red, your choices range from a syrah, to a merlot, to a pinot noir, or a spicy zinfandel.

If all the choices on the market and on the restaurant’s wine list are bewildering, educate your palate and introduce it to a wide range of flavors and vintages by dropping in at the MacArthur Park Wine Festival on Saturday in Palo Alto. Proceeds from the event benefit the Palo Alto Area American Red Cross which provides services for Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and other north county communities.

Arts events’ popularity means people are serious about art

All About Art

Every year, thousands upon thousands of visitors come to Los Altos for such arts events as the annual Arts & Wine Festival and Rotary’s Fine Art in the Park. This is certainly an indicator that we are being taken seriously by artists and buyers alike. Does this mean people buy art?

Boys, Girls State participants get boost from American Legion

American Legion Post No. 558 of Los Altos sponsored several future leaders when members sponsored several students’ attendance at Boys and Girls State events earlier this year.

The events simulate political bodies, allowing students the opportunity to play roles and make decisions.

Seniors News

Sunday: 2 p.m., The San Francisco Story 1850-2000. Kay Payne will present the colorful saga of San Francisco in paintings, prints and photographs as seen through the eyes of artists. Admission is $2.

Oct. 12: 2 p.m., Holiday Bazaar vendor registration begins for anyone 55 or older. No phone sign-ups accepted. Bazaar date is Nov. 18.

Library News

Ballet San Jose of Silicon Valley (formerly San Jose Cleveland Ballet) will present its Dance Dialogues discussion on “Celebrations and Ode” at 6:30 tonight, at the Los Altos Library Program Room. The Dialogues focus on the season productions and utilize slides and video. This session will introduce the company’s dancers, on-stage and backstage.

The Los Altos Library’s book discussion series will feature “Animal Dreams” by Barbara Kingsolver Oct. 11.

SJSU providing bridge to the future, president tells Los Altos Rotary Club members

Close to half the members of the Los Altos Rotary Club attended San Jose State University (SJSU), and they felt right at home when the University President Robert L. Caret spoke Thursday in the Garden House.

“Just because we defeated Stanford three years in a row doesn’t mean we’ll drop them from our football schedule,” Caret said. “We play them next year at home in Spartan Stadium.”

League of Women voters schedules campaign forums

The League of Women Voters of the Los Altos-Mountain View Area has scheduled several candidates and issues forums with the general election little more than a month away.

A forum for the proposed merger of Mountain View and Whisman school districts and a look at candidates for school boards in those districts is scheduled for 7-9 p.m., Oct. 17, at Theuerkauf School, 1625 San Luis Ave., Mountain View.

Castilleja students do not blast off, but sure have a blast

Editor’s note: Former Town Crier intern Christine Chiu and Lisa Mandle of Los Altos, both Castilleja students, got to witness last month’s space shuttle launch up close as members of the Young Women of NASA Student Advisory Council.

Apparently there was a rumor circulating that Lisa Mandle (’02) and I were actually going to be in the STS-106 space shuttle that launched on Sept. 8. While this rumor may conjure up interesting pictures of Lisa and me dressed in orange astronaut suits, floating about in zero gravity and eating dehydrated astronaut ice cream, it is unfortunately entirely untrue. However, we did get to see the shuttle launch and also attended the Women’s Launch Conference hosted by NASA at the Kennedy Space Center.

Foothill, De Anza Colleges will receive $570,000 from PG&E for installing new energy measures

Foothill and De Anza Community Colleges have successfully implemented comprehensive energy retrofit projects, and as a result, the district will receive $570,000 from Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s Standard Performance Contract (SPC) incentive program.

According to John E. Schultze, director of facilities, operations & construction management, the colleges were using older, inefficient equipment to meet their lighting and space conditioning needs.

Schools

Noteworthies

Jacalyn Price of Los Altos Hills was on the dean’s list at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture for the spring 2000 semester.

Ahnika Sarah Kline, daughter of Dr. Charles and Lanaii Kline of Los Altos, has been named to the spring semester dean’s list at Johns Hopkins University. Kline, who is majoring in biology, is a Los Altos High School graduate.

Schools Briefs

The “old” Mountain View Union High School Eagle Alumni Committee has scheduled the 10th annual picnic-reunion 9 a.m. to sundown, Saturday, in Cuesta Park.

The committee invites alumni from the ex-Awalt High School, the combined new Mountain View High School, all graduates and former students of MVUHS and teachers from all the schools to the park for music and dancing, food and raffles, but, most of all, to restore old friendships.

Los Altos Girl Scouts sail the San Juans

What first pops into mind when the phrase “Girl Scouts” is mentioned? Little Brownie Scouts running around the playground in cute vests? Frighteningly addictive chocolate-mint cookies? Probably not adventure or roughing it in the wilderness. But Leslie Carmichael’s Cadette/Senior Troop 321 is no ordinary Girl Scout troop. The troop goes camping, canoeing, spelunking, backpacking, river rafting, snow camping, rappelling and orienteering, in addition to creating dozens of community service projects. And that’s just during one school year.

Three years ago, in the summer of 1997, they took Alaska’s Southeastern Inner Passage, traveling for 10 days solely by bicycle and ferry from island to island. Two years ago they visited Hawaii’s tropical islands. Last year they explored America’s Southwest by automobile caravan and train.

LASD going for the gold with Measure E on November ballot

Earning the Los Altos School District Parcel Tax is very much like winning a gold medal. It’s rewarding to have it, but you must work very hard to get it, and you must work every four years to keep it.

The Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Finance met during the summer, examined the district’s long-term financial projections and recommended that the parcel tax be renewed at its current rate for an additional four years. The renewal, designated Measure E on the ballot, will be voted on by LASD residents at the Nov. 7 election.

Local educator joins an online educational adventure

Neda Farzan, a resident of Los Altos and recent Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University, has been selected to join US Trek, an educational venture sponsored by The Odyssey.

US Trek is the latest educational venture sponsored by The Odyssey, a non-profit organization that is working to transform K-12 education to promote global awareness.

McKenna Family Foundation assists Montclaire into the 21st century

Designer colors dazzle young computer users

One classroom at Montclaire School in the Cupertino Union School District brightened considerably over the summer. The activity at the room prompted the unusual sight of students on bikes, skateboards and scooters spending some of their summer days on the school grounds peeking in windows, according to Principal Nancy Wood. They were trying to get a glimpse of the 32 state-of-the-art Apple iMac’s the school purchased and installed before school started.

On Deck:

Football

Friday

Sports On The Side

Kevin Lozares of Mountain View was the overall winner of the Palo Alto Junior Championship last month. The St. Francis High freshman shot a 71 both days of the event to finish with a score of 142.

Show your skills

Sports

Lancers’ 42-7 loss not as bad as it seems

Football Game Of The Week

Don’t be fooled by the final score.

Turnovers the difference in Foothill’s loss to Fresno City

Women’s water polo

Turnovers continue to haunt the Foothill College football team.

Eagles open league season with lopsided win over Cupertino

Prep Football Digest

After three weeks of inconsistency, the Los Altos High football team commenced Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division play last Friday with a big win that could be the turning point in the Eagles’ hopes of a league championship.

SCVAL varsity football coaches agree to disagree on two-game scheduling rule

It comes up every year. When football coaches in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League hold their annual meeting to discuss by-laws, there’s always a proposal to change a certain rule.

And every year, the vote results in a tie. Coaches in the lower El Camino Division vote to abolish the rule requiring them to play two teams from the upper De Anza Division each season. Coaches in the De Anza Division, however, vote to retain the rule.

St. Francis meets its match in Chicago

Prep Sports Summary

Cross country

Eagles taking their lumps in tough De Anza Division

These are tough times for the Los Altos High girls tennis team.

The Eagles are off to an 0-8 start and haven’t come close to winning a Santa Clara Valley Athletic League De Anza Division match.

Race to benefit Stevens Creek Trail

The seventh annual Trailblazer Race to benefit the Stevens Creek Trail is set for Sunday in Mountain View.

Presented by SGI, the race is being organized by the Friends of Stevens Creek Trail.

A good move takes coordination, expert says

Donna Mattson is a busy person because people are moving out of California again in droves. They move to Arizona, Oregon, Chicago, Reno and some all the way back east to find a lower cost of living. Once the decision to move is made, questions arise and the stress begins.

Where can I get boxes? How will the moving process work? Who will pack my computer and monitor? Who is going to move us?

Hollis Bischoff to head META Group’s cross-disciplinary e-business programs

META Group Inc. (Nasdaq:METG) announced the appointment of Hollis Bischoff of Los Altos to vice president and director of E-Business Transformation, Infusion Programs.

Bischoff will be responsible for integrating META Group’s offerings into overall e-business transformation programs.

Business

Foot lovers have a purpose at this year’s fall festival

If you want to look beautiful from head-to-toe - literally - you might consider a run-in with Robin Danica Cohen at this weekend’s Celebrate Los Altos Fall Festival.

Cohen, 31, of Mountain View, specializes in toe rings, which she said are gaining in popularity. The past six years, she has successfully run her Los Altos-based business, Once Upon A Toe. Cohen also participates in 40-50 art and wine festivals annually.

Bedside manners for doctors’ receptionists

Jean on the Job

The receptionist can make or break the doctor. You need to remember that the patient who walks in thinks she or he pays your salary. She may not. Maybe Medicare does, or no one she knows, or the doctor loses money on that patient, but her perception is that she is keeping you on the payroll.

Mountain View chamber of commerce offers endorsements

The chamber supports county measures A (Traffic Relief Initiative), B (Safe Creeks and Flood Protection), and C (merger of Whisman and Mountain View school districts). The chamber’s board of directors endorsed the measures after hearing recommendations from the Business Issues & Public Policy Committee. Committee members studied the issues and met with community leaders.

Measure A offers a comprehensive transportation plan for relieving traffic congestion in Santa Clara County.

Riding a volatile stock market: long-term focus can make ride smoother

With the stock market entering volatile new territory, many investors are bracing themselves for the worst. But an unpredictable market doesn’t have to be a painful experience-particularly if investors follow a few sound principles of long-term investing.

According to Jim Thompson, a director of shareholder education at Scudder Investments, the market is always unpredictable. But these days, the market is experiencing particularly steep climbs and sudden drops, due in part to volatile “sector” stocks. It’s no surprise that many investors are questioning the appropriateness of their investments-and are tempted to sell in a panic. That’s the last thing you should do, says Thompson.

All-new & redesigned vehicles lead J.D. Powers’ list of most appealing autos

All-new and redesigned vehicles serve as the catalyst for the automotive industry’s most appealing line-up in recent history, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2000 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study (APEAL), released Sept. 21.

Of the 47 all-new or redesigned vehicles introduced in 2000, 14 rank in the top three in their respective segments, resulting in an all-time high APEAL industry average. The study, in its fifth year, is based on responses from 101,768 new-vehicle owners and measures what excites and delights them with their vehicles’ features and design.

Fall movie season opens with two worthy films

Film Vitals:

Movie Review

Verisign Inc. hits pay dirt by ensuring trust on the Net

Who says there are some things money can’t buy? Take trust, for example. For about $20 a year, you can buy it - on the Internet, at least.

Verisign Inc., who dub themselves “the Internet trust company,” is a leading provider of “trusted infrastructure services.”

Transactions

Los Altos

781 Berry Avenue - Signes Trust to A. & M. Roy for $1,495,000.00

Ask your Realtor

Housing at what price?

By the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors

The stock market took a bite out of Apple Corp.

Stock Report

The Nasdaq market lost more value in September than it has in any previous September for the last 30 years. This is all because Apple Computer lost its shine and a meltdown occurred in Intel Corp. stock.

On the Road

Xterra made for interstate & off-roading

Auto Review

When Nissan designed the 2001 Xterra, it didn’t drive down Main and State streets in Los Altos to check out the biggest sport utility vehicles (SUVs) on the planet.

Pit Stops

The Chrysler Group warned it will lose about $530 million in the third quarter. High-incentive costs on minivans and other slow-selling vehicles pushed Chrysler to its first quarterly loss since 1991.

Ford Explorer SUV downgraded for leasing

CCFA seeking used vehicles

The Greater Bay Area Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) is asking people to donate their used cars, trucks and motorhomes to help those afflicted with inflammatory bowel diseases.

The “Cars For A Cure” program gives the maximum tax deduction as allowed by law, while helping to fight digestive diseases.

Sen. Sher’s bill to toughen California auto lemon law approved by Gov. Gray Davis

Legislation authored by Senator Byron Sher (D-Stanford), making the most significant improvements in California auto lemon in nearly two decades, was signed into law by Governor Gray Davis on Sept. 27.

The bill, SB 1718, reduces the number of repair attempts needed to have a car declared a “lemon” and extends the law’s protection to small businesses which own fewer than five vehicles.

It’s just a fender bender, but it’s annoying

Clyde on Cars

The radio announcer on KCBS comes on every 15 minutes to talk about the big tie-up on I-280, which was caused by an accident.

AAA reminding motorists to ‘take five’

AAA, North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, is urging motorists to “take five” before the winter driving season starts.

More than recommending a pause in normal driving routines, AAA suggests motorists take time-out in October to remember there are five primary maintenance items that should be attended to this time of year:

People

Weddings

Ricena Ljubojevic and David Sciortino were married at Ralston Hall, Belmont, with a reception following.

The bride is the daughter of Marceia and Branko Ljubojevic of Los Altos. She graduated from Homestead High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University, Malibu, and a master’s degree from Hayward State University and Santa Clara University. She is employed as a school psychologist.

Obituaries

William Luverne Smith, a longtime Mountain View resident, died Sept. 13. A native of Iowa, he was 83.

Mr. Smith was a graduate of Palo Alto High School. He worked in quality control at Baker Graphics. He was a member of BPOE, Palo Alto for 52 years, serving as Post Exalted Ruler in 1971-72. He held all offices of the lodge.

Spiritual Life

Spiritual Life Briefs

Christ Episcopal Church, 1040 Border Road, Los Altos, has scheduled its Stewardship Dinner 2001 for Oct. 14. Sign-up will begin Sunday, and sign-up sheets will be available through this month.

New work dates for Habitat for Humanity are now Monday and Nov. 4. Call 948-1193 for more information.

Time in church a reminder how valuable faith community is

Companion on the Journey

I have a confession to make: I didn’t go to church all summer.

Stepping Out

Los Altos flutist will be the ‘Starr’ attraction at San Jose State Symphony Orchestra concert

Renowned flutist Isabelle Chapuis Starr of Los Altos is scheduled to perform with the San Jose State University Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m., Friday, at SJSU’s Concert Hall.

Starr will solo on Mozart’s “Flute Concerto in D Major” and works by Bizet and Rossini.

PACO opens 35th season Saturday

The international award- winning Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra (PACO) opens its 35th season at 8 p.m., Saturday, at Spangenberg Theater, 780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto.

Conducted by founder and music director William Whitson, the orchestra will perform classical European favorites. The highlight of the program will be “Symphony No. 38 in D, K.504 (”Prague”)” by Mozart in tribute to the orchestra’s trip to Europe this summer. Also on the program will be the “St. Paul’s Suite” by Holst and the solo performance by cellists Julian Hersh and Michel Flexer, who will play the “Concerto in G minor for 2 Cellos” by Vivaldi.