Stories saved for history

World War II stories to be read aloud on Veteran’s Day

Virginia Reynolds

DA investigates police involved in fatal shooting of man with toy gun

Gunman

The two police officers who shot and killed a 32-year-old East Palo Alto man armed with a toy gun last week are on paid leave. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is investigating whether they used proper force during the standoff with Michael Faumui that occurred at a Mountain View auto shop Oct. 30. It was unknown last week which officer fired the fatal shot.

Police evacuate patients during last week’s search for gunman

Krystelle Rogers was in the process of having her tooth pulled Oct. 30 when the Mountain View and Palo Alto Police SWAT team evacuated Grayson Dental on El Camino Real to search for Michael Faumui, 32, who had threatened to shoot his girlfriend, an employee at the Mountain View office.

The Mountain View resident said she had been waiting for nearly three hours for the dentist to return and finish extracting her tooth, when she spotted a police officer with a rifle outside of the window, motioning her to get out of the building.

News Briefs

The Los Altos City Council is scheduled to negotiate the price and terms of a potential property lease with AT&T this Thursday during a closed session.

The land lease is part of the city’s new cable franchise with AT&T, which the city has been negotiating since the start of this year, when AT&T acquired the city’s cable service, TeleCommunications Inc.

LAH man launches plan for a city plaza

Los Altos Commons would feature shops, cafes, offices and underground parking

New city center

Purissima Water revisits fluoridation

Board considers backing public utilities decision to flouridate Hetch Hetchy water

The Purissima Hills Water District Board of Directors will again take up the subject of fluoridation at tonight’s meeting, two months after agreeing they would not oppose the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s quest to fluoridate its entire Hetch Hetchy water supply.

13 disqualified from voting as LAH council campaign closes

More sign vandalism has supporters pointing fingers

Thirteen fewer voters were expected to go to the polls yesterday to vote in the hotly contested Los Altos Hills race for city council.

Cosmetic groomers and bed caddies

The Living Experiment

When an unfamiliar catalog called “As We Change” arrived at my house, I could tell immediately that it was very different than the usual Lands End, REI and the depressing Victoria’s Secret, which I browse after I wrestle it away from my husband.

Letters to the editor

It is super urgent that you immediately call the Los Altos Access TV Studios at Foothill College (949-7616) and ask that your name be placed on the list of local supporters who do not want the studios closed and the local TV operation killed on Dec.31 after its magnificently successful 15-year operation.

Otherwise, Access will die here or be significantly crippled, and Foothill College’s incredibly shortsighted administrators will leave the college without its studios. These administrators wish to have more office space for themselves and a classroom or two that could be located elsewhere easily without destroying the TV studios. It cost Santa Clara University almost $3 million to build its studios a year or two ago. They claim local support for the local TV generation is nil. Your calls will prove them wrong and make a difference!

Another messy election campaign in the Hills

Another election, more fireworks. Will things ever change in Los Altos Hills? Again, the affluent town’s election process has been sullied by charges of illegal voting and ugly vandalism.

We don’t like what we’re hearing about voters who don’t live in town yet have been allowed to vote on town issues. So far, the county district attorney has ordered 13 non-residents to re-register in the city where they currently live. This is a serious matter, considering the fact that the winner was elected to council last March by 41 votes. The California Secretary of State has confirmed that the intention to live in the town is not enough to be allowed to vote. It will be quite interesting to see if more voters are targeted, or even if those already asked to re-register will continue to vote in the Hills.

Vets project will serve succeeding generations

“The War Stories Project,” coordinated through Foothill College includes a dozen Los Altans, relaying often touching stories about their lives during World War II (See this week’s cover story).

Some participants’ stories are being videotaped for use in high schools throughout the country. In addition, the World War II vets are giving readings on Saturday and Nov. 18 at Cubberley Community Theatre in Palo Alto.

City council to misuse public funds?

Other Voices

The Los Altos City Council may be about to misappropriate assets financed with your sewer-tax dollars - a scheme probably illegal, certainly bad policy and definitely unfair to taxpayers. Why? Apparently to avoid accountability and public scrutiny of a controversial project.

LA crime prevention officer retires

When burglars ransacked Noreen Sorg’s home, the Los Altos community services officer launched a career in crime prevention. And when doctors diagnosed her with breast cancer, she arranged to have her head shaved in preparation of the treatments.

Sorg has used her vigilance against becoming a victim in crisis situations to encourage others to be proactive against crime during her 12 years as crime prevention officer in Los Altos. For many local residents, her face has become synonymous with security.

New El Camino CEO boasts long record of accomplishment

Lee Domanico, El Camino Hospital’s new CEO, brings to the position a power-packed résumé and lots of enthusiasm. His long list of accomplishments includes a bachelor’s of science degree, magna cum laude, in industrial engineering from the University of Michigan and the successful facilitation of the largest organized bankruptcy in the history of health care, involving numerous hospitals in the Philadelphia area.

His first experience as CEO, Domanico said, came at age 29, at Delta Memorial Hospital in Antioch. Besides Delta, he served in executive positions at the University of Southern California, Stanford Medical Center, and various hospitals in Chicago and Philadelphia.

Community Briefs

The Los Altos History Museum is looking for volunteer docents and interns.

Volunteer docents are needed to lead house tours on Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday afternoons.

Upcoming Events

Los Altos Community Foundation, report to the community, 10:30 a.m., Hillview Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos.

Nov. 26

Holiday Briefs

The Los Altos holiday season begins with the annual downtown Christmas tree lighting celebration at 6 p.m., Nov. 24, in the Community Plaza, State and Main streets.

Radio station KARA is a sponsor of the event.

Police Report

1:37 p.m., Nov. 4, Gordon Way and Hawthorne Avenue: Juveniles were trying to loosen a stop sign, police said.

Suspicious person

‘Eleanor Roosevelt’ visits Morning Forum

On Oct. 24, the anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, “Eleanor Roosevelt” appeared at the Morning Forum of Los Altos to share her experiences as the United States’ delegate to the U.N. Mrs. Roosevelt, portrayed at the forum by actress Elena Dodd, served as chairwoman of the U.N. Commission on Human Rights, and under her leadership, the commission drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the first international statement of its kind in history. Adopted on Dec. 10, 1948, the declaration was intended as a statement of principles only, but has achieved the force of law throughout the world.

Mrs. Roosevelt spoke candidly of her hopes for this landmark document and of the problems she face in trying to reach consensus among delegates from China, Australia, the Soviet Union and the Arab nations. She managed to see the humor in the situation, recalling the intense work schedule and colorful personalities among her colleagues noting especially that the Russian delegate, Dr. Pavlov (famed for the “Pavlov’s Dog” conditioned response experiments) kept insisting that all articles be “enforced by the state.” She also noted that the original wording, based on the U.S. Declaration of Independence, was changed from “all men are created equal” to “all human beings are born equal” in recognition of women and to reflect differing religious beliefs throughout the world.

Los Altos doc realizes childhood dream, opens first office

Resident Profile

When Caroline Kerba was in second grade at Loyola School, she knew she wanted to be a doctor. After years of study and determination, Caroline Kerba Stratz, M.D., achieved her goal when she opened her first practice on South Drive in Mountain View Oct. 1.

Military actions, people played big role in development of local community

Pages of the Past

As the wife of a retired Marine Corps officer, the coming of Veteran’s Day has a special meaning for me. While my husband served during a time of relative peace for our nation, there are many veterans living in our community who have endured considerable trials and unfathomable personal pain in the service of our country. To a large degree, military actions and military people have been key to the development of our community.

Living longer, feeling better

LAH resident promotes good health through International Longevity Center

Aging is inevitable. And it is something we do without thinking, every day. But longevity, said Rita Ghatak, associate director of partnerships for the International Longevity Center, is another matter entirely.

Seniors News

Following is a list of special events for the month:

Monday: 1 p.m., November birthdays celebration featuring cake, ice cream, bingo and music. Everyone is invited.

Hoboes who rode rails highlighted in ‘Music and Memories’

“Music and Memories,” the show sponsored by the Los Altos History House, will feature, “Los Altos During the Depression Years” 2 p.m., Nov. 18, at the Los Altos History Museum, 51 S. San Antonio Road (behind the Los Altos main library).

The show will focus on hoboes who rode the Southern Pacific rails into Los Altos during the Depression and how they affected the town.

Foothill Disposal embarks on ‘Spirit of Sharing’ food, toy drive

As another holiday season approaches, Foothill Disposal will hold its annual “Spirit of Sharing” food and toy drive November 13 to December 8 in Mountain View to benefit needy families served by the Community Services Agency (CSA).

Foothill Disposal employees will collect new toys, games, books, canned goods and non-perishable food items curbside during the four week period on residentsí regularly scheduled recycling or garbage day.

Library News

The report is available at county libraries, as well as at www.haplr-index.com. For more information, call 948-7683, ext. 3519.

Calendar

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

Wednesday

Parcel tax renewal before voters; election results available online

Residents went to the polls Tuesday night to consider renewal of the tax, under Measure E. Historically, voters have been favorable of the tax, and even voted in an increase, from $168 per parcel to $264, in 1997.

Results from last night’s election were unavailable due to the Town Crier’s Monday press deadline for today’s issue. They are on the Web through www.losaltosonline.com.

Egan rises amid the construction

LASD trustees tour new two-story building

Los Altos School District board members took an escorted tour through Egan Intermediate School to witness progress at the first school under construction in the district’s $94.7 million facilities renovation project.

Doing without D.A.R.E.

Local schools feel the loss of police contact with kids

The impact of the ongoing difficulty of filling police department positions in Los Altos has trickled down into areas not at first apparent.

Noteworthies

Fennell, a history major at the University of San Diego, received a four-year NROTC scholarship and has made the Dean’s List for the last two and one-half years. He served as director of the special Olympics basketball tournament and Habitat for Humanity.

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. The minimum grade point average for the honor is 3.5. Kline, who is majoring in biology, is a Los Altos High School graduate.

Schools Briefs

Los Altos and Mountain View high schools have scheduled information nights for all eighth-grade students and their parents. Administrators, counselors, teachers, parents and currently-enrolled students will answer questions and discuss their experiences with the eighth-graders.

Both sites will provide child care and Spanish language translation.

Hard work rewarded

Blach foreign language students visit Costa Rica for summer

Taking a foreign language at Blach Junior High School is not a superficial commitment. Students may select Spanish or French as an elective but they do so knowing that it will involve more homework and difficulty than most of the optional subjects. They cover Level 1 of the language in the two year program - the identical curriculum taught in the high schools. Most of the graduates go directly into Level 2 when they enter local high schools. Students who elect these subjects are already goal-oriented.

On Deck:

Football

Thursday

Sports On The Side

The Lokahi Volleyball Club, run by Mountain View High volleyball coach Peter Kim, invites girls ages 12-18 to play for the club this winter. Practices are held 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturdays, starting this week, at Mountain View High. The tournament season runs through June. For more information, call Kim at 461-1040.

Relay results

Los Altos can’t bear to share

Football Game Of The Week

or a football team that had just clinched at least a share of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League El Camino Division title, Los Altos High was relatively subdued last Friday after its 35-8 rout of rival Mountain View.

Gunn can grab a share of title Thursday

Prep Football Digest

With a win Thursday against Lynbrook, the Gunn High football team will claim its first league crown of any kind since 1971.

Goalie Cannon training in Europe

San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Joe Cannon, the team’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2000, left for England Oct. 26 to train for a month and a half.

Cannon, who returns Dec. 10, won’t see any game action, but will train at a variety of clubs in the Manchester area - including a spell at English powerhouse Manchester United.

It takes more than wins to make playoffs

Prep Volleyball Roundup

When it comes to qualifying for the Central Coast Section playoffs, records can be deceiving.

Sherbakov captures league tennis title

Prep Sports Summary

Cross Country

Mattos scores two touchdowns in Owls’ 35-14 win over Chabot

Foothill Roundup

Grant Mattos last Saturday showed why he ranks among the top receivers in the Golden Gate Conference.

Forget the election: November a good month to invest in stocks

Stock Report

If your stomach’s in a knot over what effect yesterday’s presidential election will have on your stock portfolio, relax. November through April are traditionally the best six months to invest in stocks.

Employees take a chance, buy Ligtelyn travel agency

Is a time bomb ticking in the travel industry, with the Internet offering individual travel plans and the airlines reducing commissions to a minuscule amount? How much longer can a travel agency survive?

When Rudy Ligtelyn moved to Sonoma to build a new house, he put his travel agency on Main Street up for sale. With no takers on Oct. 1, four of his longtime employees decided to take the chance and buy it.

Local real estate prices remain highest in the nation

The California Association of Realtors’ third quarter report, released last Thursday, showed home prices slightly declining, but as expected, the Bay Area continues to be the most expensive place to live in the United States.

The latest statistics report a slight decline, but consumers continue to be optimistic about the economy. Most Los Altos realtors don’t expect to see any wide fluctuations in home sales in the near future.

Transactions

1480 Aster Court - D. & M. Carlson to R. & C. Yun for $940,000.00

6355 Atherwood Avenue - Fontenot Trust to A. Mangalone for $597,000.00

Caution! Calculating square footage not a consistent practice

Ask your Realtor

Coldwell Banker Real Estate

Why do the big boys and girls need coaching?

Jean on the Job

You are the leaders of your company. In fact, you’ve always been a leader - from the scouts, to college, to grad school, to your early career in your professional life. You lead teams, strategize for the company, command respect, plan for others and effect change in your company’s future. So why do you need a coaching program now?

CSMA offers free concert Sunday

The Community School of Music and Arts continues its SGI Family Concert Series of free performances at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, with “Musical Artistry of Sonic Gold,” featuring Maria Tamburrino (flute) and Dan Levitan (harp).

The concert will be held at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Second Stage, 500 Castro St.

Dia de los Muertos

While Americans traditionally celebrate Halloween collecting candy door-to-door and dressing up to scare away ghosts and goblins, the Latin American celebration requires that families prepare a feast with a variety of lavish dishes and decorations to call on the dead.

Mexican and Latin American cultures honor the dead during Dia de Los Muertos or The Day of the Dead every Nov. 1-2. The first day honors Angelitos (little angels) or deceased children.. The second day of the celebration honors adult family members who are deceased. According to custom, the celebration gives the honored dead permission to visit family and friends during this time and share in the pleasures of the living.

Popcorn is a great high-fiber snack

Q: Is popcorn a good snack for people trying to watch their weight?

A: Popcorn can be a great high-fiber snack if you choose a low-fat type and watch your portion size. Microwave popcorn products come in a wide range of fat content and usually contain hydrogenated vegetable oils. To control overall fat content, find the lowest-fat version that tastes good to you. Ideally, that will be one with no more than three grams of fat per serving. If you are salt-sensitive or have high blood pressure, you’ll want to check the sodium content, too. If weight control is your goal, watch your portion size. The calories and fat content listed on the label are for a three- or four-cup serving. To make sure you’re not eating more than one serving, measure that amount into a bowl. If you won’t be sharing with others and don’t like leftovers, consider the “snack size” packages. Or, consider popping corn with an automatic popper or on the stove, using a bit of vegetable oil, which only takes a few minutes.

Thanksgiving dessert

Cranberry Pie

Preparation: 1 hour

Holiday tasting fair at Wild Oats market

HealthNow will perform free masssages and posture screenings to customers from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Nov. 15 during the store’s De-stress day.

Skip’s: new owner, same pizza menu

A group of Town Crier staff restaurant reviewers, known as the “Lunch Bunch,” descends upon unsuspecting local lunch-time haunts once a month to critique their offerings in the Food & Wine section. The Bunch visited Skip’s Place in Los Altos recently.

Town Crier Staff Report

How did that bottle I ordered cost $60?

The winery that produced your bottle of wine sold it to the distributor for $11 or $12 and netted 30 cents to $2. Wineries’ costs vary with volume and their cost for grapes and supplies. Bigger wineries should make more money overall, but less per bottle. The distributor adds 30 or 40 percent and the cost is now close to $17. The wine is then sold to the retailer who will sell it for approximately a third more, at $25.

Many years ago when California wines were not prevalent and considered second rate to Italian and French wines, there was a tradition established by higher class restaurants of doubling the retail price.

Milan Pizza offers different Italian cuisines

Business Profile

Kouroush Shahidi owned an Italian pizzeria restaurant in Riverside for five years before moving to San Jose and working as chef at another restaurant for four years. When Mountain Mike’s pizza restaurant in Blossom Valley shopping center closed, Shahidi and his wife Guita opened Milan Pizza.

Caregivers with heart and a resident reaches her peak

Strictly Candids

ONE FROM THE HEART CELEBRATION: The Midpeninsula Pathways Hospice Foundation members held their 10th Annual Autumn Awards breakfast, Oct. 19, “in celebration of our family caregivers.” Palo Alto’s Hyatt Rickeys was filled with hospice supporters, caregivers and friends.

Wedding

Jennifer Levin and Ryan Ross were married April 8 at the Sheraton Palace Hotel, San Francisco.

The bride is the daughter of Deborah and Brahm Levin of Los Altos Hills. She graduated from Los Altos High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Davis.

Obituaries

Edler Jullian Anderson died Oct. 19. A native of Wisconsin, he was 85.

Mr. Anderson graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in business. After working for Washington National Insurance, he became a fighter pilot and flew P-38s during World War II. He retired as a major at the end of the war. He opened his own consulting business in self-funding health and welfare in Los Altos until 1985, when he retired.

Sunday’s CYS concert marks Eylar’s 10th anniversary

The California Youth Symphony, under the direction of Leo Eylar, performs 2:30 p.m., Sunday, at Flint Center in Cupertino.

The concert will mark music director Eylar’s 10th anniversary with CYS.

PYT’s ‘Peter Pan’ flies in the face of tradition

When Peninsula Youth Theater launches its 10th season with “Peter Pan” this weekend, traditional casting will fly out the window.

Ever since J.M. Barrie’s play opened in London in 1904, starring Nina Boucicault, it was typical for a grown woman to play the boy who never grew up. Mary Martin originated the role in the 1954 Broadway musical. The show was revived in 1971, with Sandy Duncan, and again in 1998, starring Olympic gymnast Cathy Rigby.