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Archives » 2001 » Volume 54 , Issue 17, Published on Wednesday, April 25, 2001NewsNo vacations for guide dogs
Demanding training turns puppies into savvy companions and guides for the blind At just 4 months, Val is already eight weeks into training for his career as a guide dog for the blind. The 50-pound, black and brown German shepherd puppy with upright giant ears uses the alleyways, parking plazas and shops in downtown Los Altos as a daily training ground. Get rid of formula for hillside development, committee saysThe Los Altos Hills City Council and the planning commission held a special joint meeting Thursday to hear the findings of a special committee, appointed by Mayor Steve Finn, to study the lot unit factor formula. The formula is at the heart of a proposed controversial ordinance that could affect 70 percent of all town lots and double the size of allowable development area on sloped lots. The LUF (Lot Unit Factor) committee gave a partial presentation of their findings concerning the use of a mathematical formula to determine the maximum development area allowed for hillside homes. Endangered species find refuge at NASA
Despite the local building boom over recent years, several of California’s endangered species have found refuge in Mountain View on a small piece of open space near the San Francisco Bay. Wildlife biologist Chris Adlerete said the wetlands behind NASA Ames Research Center at Moffett Field are home to four endangered species, including the salt marsh harvest mice and three types of birds: the California Clapper rail, the California least tern and the snowy plover. LA council amends zoning law to redefine business districtThe Los Altos City Council recently modified the design criteria and allowable uses in the downtown Commercial Retail Sales zoning district as part of the city’s push to better define the direction of the commercial area. The city’s aim is to attract businesses that “will retain and enhance the downtown Los Altos village atmosphere” under the new code. News BriefsThe U.S. Navy is scheduled to hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Mountain View City Hall to discuss an environmental cleanup plan for a portion of Moffett Federal Airfield. The area, Site 22 Golf Course Landfill, was a disposal area for municipal waste from 1950 to 1967. Environmental investigations indicate that there is no current exposed waste in the area. A potential health risk exists if burrowing animals should bring buried landfill to the surface, according to a Navy press release. Police ReportApril 20, 7:39 a.m., 4000 block of El Camino Real : Police arrested someone for trespassing during a pedestrian stop. Graffiti Neighbors rally city for less development on First and MainMore traffic controls and less development are what most downtown residents told the Los Altos City Council they would prefer to see at the city-owned lot on the corner of First and Main streets. A special council meeting last week drew about 60 property owners living within a 1,000-foot radius of the proposed project site. The city targeted the .78-acre site earlier this year for either a movie theater or hotel development and is waiting for an economic report before deciding on one of four proposals currently on the table. CommentLetters to the EditorWe would like to respond to the April 11 editorial, “What Show Would Go On?” It paints a picture of the Camera Cinemas that is inaccurate and imbalanced. The piece did print a partial list of film titles that the Camera Cinemas have recently shown. It does, however, leave out other titles shown during this period including “Chocolate” (PG-13); the powerful Oscar winner, “Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport” (PG) for thematic elements (child’s vantage point of the holocaust); “Doctor Zhivago” (PG-13); the documentary “Secrets of Silicon Valley” (unrated, but probably G or PG); a delightful family animated film called “Shrek” (PG) that we are sneak previewing and are opening in a few weeks and “Shadow Magic” (PG for brief mild language). OpinionTurning the TV off - one family’s storyBlue Jeans & Jelly Beans This week is TV-Turnoff Week. The TV-Turnoff Network asks Americans to turn off their TVs. “Turn off the TV and turn on life,” is its slogan. Red Cross provides emergency training for kidsThe American Red Cross-sponsored Kid Power is a program designed to teach third-, fourth- and fifth-graders how to prevent and respond to fire and water emergencies. The program is scheduled 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 5, at the Palo Alto Area American Red Cross, 400 Mitchell Lane. There is no charge but students must preregister by phone at 688-0427 or e-mail rosannab@paarc.org. CommunityWeatherThursday through Sunday: Areas of night and morning low clouds, otherwise mostly clear. Lows, 40s to lower 50s. Highs, from the lower 60s to the mid-70s. - Courtesy Weather Underground Labor of ‘Virtual Love’
Silicon cowboy writes lament of heartbreak dot-coms By day, Los Altos resident Rick Glaze is an investment manager with his own successful firm, Glaze Capital Management. Off-hours, he’s a songwriter, a favorite hobby of his for some 35 years now. Business and baseball bring Alhouse ‘lifetimes’ awardAvenidas will honor William (Bill) Alhouse of Los Altos, May 20, by presenting him with the 2001 Lifetimes of Achievement Award during their annual reception scheduled for 3-5 p.m. in the Palo Alto home of Nan Mueller. Honorees, who must be at least 70 years old, are chosen for the depth and significance of their work. Alhouse completed his service in the Navy in 1945. The following year, he enrolled at the University of California at Santa Barbara. After graduation, he moved to Palo Alto where he earned his master’s degree at Stanford University. Alhouse entered the real estate business in Palo Alto in 1950, married his wife Barbara in 1951 and founded his own company, Alhouse Realty, in 1955. Music reverberates at Loopers FestivalMountain View Local electronic musicians performed a new kind of music at the first Mountain View Loopers Festival April 14. El Camino doctors aided by new Web Medical Information SystemFor hospital patients, their physicians and nurses, rapid diagnosis, appropriate medical treatment and accurately administered medications are essential. El Camino Hospital’s Medical Information System (MIS), which stores medical information on a computer network system, has been an important factor in ensuring patient safety and quality care for almost 30 years. The staff physicians’ Web portal recently added to the MIS promises to make the system even more effective and efficient. In 1972, El Camino was the first hospital in the United States to install what is known as a physician’s order entry system, where staff doctors could enter their orders for patient care and medication into a hospital network system from any department within the hospital. Since the Web portal, echmed.com, was added to the MIS seven months ago, all staff physicians are able to enter orders for patient treatment, diagnostic tests and medications not only within the hospital, but also from any remote site with Internet access, including their offices and homes. History museum welcomes 3rd-gradersThe tour will include a visit to the History House, Gilbert Smith’s home, which is restored as a Depression home of the 1930s, a visit to see the pictures of early Los Altos painted by Annie Knapp Fitz and a tour of the new Los Altos History Museum. The museum tour will teach students about the land in Los Altos and Los Altos Hills and how it has been used over the years, from Ohlone times to today’s Silicon Valley businesses. Local council members tackle subject of affordable housingRepresentatives from the Los Altos and Mountain View City Councils will update the public on the General Plan housing element and affordable housing 2-4 p.m., Saturday. The program, sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Los Altos-Mountain View Area, will take place at the Mountain View Public Library, Community Room, 585 Franklin St. City staff representatives from Los Altos and Mountain View will be on hand to inform and answer questions. Biking has long history in Los AltosLooking Back, Moving Forward On any day, we see bicyclists touring through Los Altos. Come the weekend, the bike traffic increases significantly. Mountain bikes, tandems and the latest in composite technology - you can see them all. Bike riding has been a common activity for a long time but the ‘high-end’ nature of the sport is a fairly recent phenomenon. What’s not so new is the vision exhibited (again) by our Village leadership that has allowed the many bikers to traverse our roads safely. Library NewsThe Whodunit? mystery readers’ group will discuss “Seneca Falls Inheritance” by Miriam Monfredo in the group study room of the Los Altos Library 10:15-11:30 a.m., May 2. All interested mystery fans are invited to join the discussion. The Friends of the Los Altos Library will hold a used book sale at the Hillview Community Center in Los Altos the weekend of May 4-6. Friday night’s sale is for members of the Friends group only. Membership forms are available at the Los Altos Library. For more information, call the reference desk at 948-7683, ext. 3519. Van Dyck selected for 2001 Realtors awardTown Crier Correspondent The Los Altos-Mountain View District of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors will honor Judy Van Dyck of Los Altos with their 38th annual Community Service Award at a luncheon Tuesday at Michael’s at Shoreline. Community briefsThis month’s Chefs Who Care benefit for the Community Services Agency is scheduled for May 7 at La Fiesta Restaurant, 240 Villa St., Mountain View. Seating times are 5, 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Menu selections include chile verde, and enchiladas suizas. Half the cost of the dinners goes to the agency’s Food and Nutrition Center to help needy residents. Tickets, if purchased by May 2, are $20 for adults, $10 for children (6-12). To buy tickets in advance by credit card, call 961-3584. Do not call the restaurant. Cost at the door is $22 for adults, $12 for children. 350 artists on display at annual ‘open studio’Approximately 30 Los Altos and Los Altos Hills artists, and another 10 in Mountain View, are opening their homes to the public this weekend for Silicon Valley Open Studios 2001. The 15th annual self-guided tour, which began last week, provides exposure for some 350 artists whose work ranges from oil paintings to quilts and blown glass, photography and metal sculptures. Los Altos Senior Center Resource Faire TuesdayThe following five groups will present information about their programs during the Resource Faire at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, in the multipurpose room at the Los Altos Senior Center, 97 Hillview Ave. In addition, blood pressure checks will be available for the seniors attending the event. The featured senior programs are: Kirsch Foundation awards $863,000 to 20 organizationsThe Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation, a supporting foundation of Community Foundation Silicon Valley, recently announced Community Grants, Environmental Grants and Political Reform and Global Theme Grants totaling $863,000 to 20 non-profit organizations. “Through our grants, we believe we make the world a safer and healthier community for all,” said Kathleen Gwynn, president & CEO of the Kirsch Foundation in announcing recent grants. “Making grants to, and working with, the environmental activist community, the political reform community and Silicon Valley organizations helps the Kirsch Foundation to realize the philanthropic goals of founders Steve and Michele Kirsch.” Tax break for state teachers up to $1,500, board citesWith tax day come and gone, news of a tax break for California teachers comes as a relief. Kathleen Connell, state controller and chairwoman of the Franchise Board, announced the new Teacher Retention Tax Credit last month. Beginning this year, both public and private K-12 teachers can receive a tax credit up to $1,500, depending on experience and wages earned. SchoolsInternational students benefitting from Foothill exchange programWith the start of every new quarter, students from all over the world come to study at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. Foothill is striving to have one of the best exchange programs in the state as well as the country. The college’s International Program began in 1989 with 120 students. It grows in enrollment year after year. Schools BriefsThe International School of the Peninsula Annual Gala fund-raiser “Spirit of the West” is scheduled at 6 p.m., Sunday, at Menlo Circus Club. Tickets are $75. Prize drawing tickets are $75. Guests are asked to dress in Western themed costumes. For more information call, 251-8522. LAHS robotics team holds own at national competitionT he Los Altos High School Robotics team robot competed in the 10th annual FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) National Competition at EPCOT Center April 5-7 in Orlando, Fla. The robot, “Drill-headed, pinscher-pawed roller-tron,” named after a children’s’ book character, sported a sponge green Dinosaur, a rubber duckie head, American flag and fortune cookie fortunes. Out of 343 teams competing, the Los Altos High team finished in the top 16. The team of 13 students were ranked fourth in their division, competing against 84 teams. NoteworthiesAhnika Sarah Kline of Los Altos was named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester at The Johns Hopkins University. She is the daughter of Charles and Lanaii Kline of Los Altos, and attended Los Altos High School. Jerry S. Rawls of Los Altos will be awarded an honorary doctoral degree during a May commencement ceremony at Purdue University. Rawls is president, chief executive officer, and director of Finisar Corporation in Sunnyvale. His doctor of management degree will be awarded May 11. Finisar was named to Deloitte & Touche’s prestigious “Silicon Valley Technology Fast 50,” a ranking of the 50 fastest growing tech companies. CorrectionHere are the correct class size estimates for 2001-2002 as reported by Superintendent Marge Gratiot: In kindergarten, class size will increase from an average of 18 to an average of 21. “A few classes may be larger than 20, but none larger than 24,” Gratiot said. Los Altos High to dedicate new pool this Friday nightLos Altos High will formally dedicate its new pool on Friday, more than a year after it first opened. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 6 p.m., with a barbecue to follow. SportsSports On The SideSt. Francis High senior Tyler Martin performed well in two golf tournaments earlier this month. He placed second in the boys 16-18 division of the Castlewood Junior Championship and took third in his age group at the Sean Remen Golf Tournament at Los Altos Golf & Country Club. Olympic training Owls tennis team swinging toward stateFoothill Roundup he Foothill College men’s tennis team has already qualified for the Northern California playoffs, but that doesn’t mean this week’s Ojai Tournament is for naught. Lancers hope to make a splash at CCSPrep Swimming Spotlight A lot of students see spring break as a time to sleep in, hang out with friends and go on a vacation. Los Altos’ Hayman emerges as three-sport starTown Crier Intern Soccer, field hockey and diving are completely different sports, but they all have one thing in common at Los Altos High: Jeanette Hayman. Area high schools announce winter sports team award winnersBoys Basketball Most Valuable Player: Sai Pela. Howard headed to MinnesotaTown Crier Staff Report Willie Howard on Saturday became the first Los Altos High product to be taken in the NFL Draft since 1991. EXPO 2001 is open for business ThursdayThe 13th annual Los Altos Chamber of Commerce Business EXPO 2001 is scheduled 4-7 p.m., Thursday, in the Los Altos Youth Center, 1 N. San Antonio Road. Visitors to the trade show will find information about the offerings available in the Los Altos business and non-profit communities. More than 60 booths, including retailers, restaurants, professional services and volunteer organizations, will feature exhibits from all seven business districts in Los Altos. BusinessRestaurant savings featuring in new City Date BookA party of four or six can use two or three coupons at the same time, usually providing a savings of $20 to $60 at a time. The book, which offers 200 coupons representing 40 restaurants, is available for $25, with $5 from each sale benefiting the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. TechTalkWhat to do when your Mac falls off the network In our column, running every other week, we will offer solutions to your personal computer problems. We welcome your questions, no matter how challenging. Business BriefsSPAUG ( The Stanford Palo Alto Users Group for the PC ) regular monthly meeting will be 7:15 tonight at the Elks Lodge (Lodge Room), 4249 El Camino Real, in Palo Alto. Regular monthly meetings are on the last Wednesday of the month. All guests are welcome and the meeting is free to all first-time guests. Retirement funds may last longer under new rulesNew, simplified IRS rules governing distributions from your retirement plan can help your retirement nest egg last longer. The good news for anyone who has an Individual Retirement Account or other qualified retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), is that the calculation of your minimum distribution is now easier and the life-expectancy period is generally longer. With smaller minimum distributions, your retirement money has an opportunity to last longer. New Japanese restaurant on State Street believes in quality sushi, customer service
Town Crier Correspondent The moment you walk into Sumo Japanese Restaurant on State Street, you know you’re in for a treat. Federal Reserve interest rate cut gives investors hope for 2002Greenspan gave investors hope for 2002. When the Federal Reserve announced a surprise cut in interest rates last week, it sparked a strong rally in the stock market that could carry into next year. The Fed has cut rates four times this year, and many investors expect a further reduction when the central bank holds its next regular meeting May 15. Last week’s cut brought the benchmark federal-funds rate to 4.5 percent. That’s what banks charge each other for overnight loans and it’s the lowest in seven years. Profile of a human resource professional in actionJean on the Job Human Resource people and other counselors and service-oriented human beings are good at being good, but not always good at getting what you want. My suggestion is to add some new and fairly dangerous skills to your repertoire. This economic moment in our history needs concerned people - persons to stand up, stand out, and stand for-the noble values of your company, even under duress. See how you fit the profile, and then see if you are willing to do the add-ons! Caring, contemplation and counseling in communityStrictly Candids A FASHION CELEBRATION: Yes, spring is in the air! April 14 was the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Shop fashion show for spring and summer outfits. PeopleNoteworthiesThe Round Table was founded in 1916 in San Antonio, Texas, to promote better understanding among the peoples in the Americas and to provide assistance for each other’s countries in emergencies. Membership was patterned after the Pan American Union (now the Organization of American States) founded in 1890. Faithful to the original charter, the organization has grown to 181 chapters. The Los Gatos-Saratoga Chapter raises funds for junior college scholarships, the Flying Doctors and Interplast, and aid for the victims of natural disasters in the Americas. A Spring Garden Luncheon and Raffle, the chapter’s primary fund-raiser, is scheduled June 2 in Saratoga.For information, call (408) 354-8265. For reservations, call (408) 257-9522. The Peninsula Ball Tea, honoring the 2001 debutantes, was held Feb. 10. Presented at the ball were, from Los Altos, Julia Eng, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Eng; Claire Pomeroy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steven Pomeroy; and Sue Young, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chusak Siripocanont. From Mountain View was Kellyn Wulff, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wulff. ObituariesJulia O. Nickon, a longtime area resident, died on Easter Sunday, April 15. A native of Illinois, she was 93.Mrs. Nickon exhibited exceptional mastery in baking, cooking and gardening. While in her 20s, she owned and operated a pie shop in Chicago. Mrs. Nickon is survived by her children, Joyce Altera of Los Altos, Nick Nickon and Dr. Don Nickon; six grandchildren; five-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Sibylla Ofner. Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m., Friday, at Lima Family Mortuary in Sunnyvale. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, at Los Altos Lutheran Church. Stepping OutCYS invites musicians to Brass DayBrass players are invited to the California Youth Symphony’s Brass Day, starting at noon, Saturday, in music wing of Lynbrook High School, 1280 Johnson Ave., San Jose. Brass director Peter Nowlen has planned master classes with guest clinicians on each instrument, a massed brass choir reading session, trumpet choir, horn choir and low brass choir reading sessions. PYT performing ‘Charlotte’s Web’Peninsula Youth Theater continues its Stories on Stage series this weekend with “Charlotte’s Web” at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. The play is based on the book by E.B. White. Schola benefit concert set for FridayChampagne, chocolate and music will come together this week for a benefit concert supporting Schola Cantorum, a Mountain View-based community chorus. Titled “If Music Be the Food of Love,” the event features tenor Gregory Wait and mezzo soprano Claire Giovanetti in a duo recital of favorites from the solo repertoire. ‘Collins’ is a dramatic, if drawn-out musicalTheater review Playwrights often create American heroes in stories of ordinary people striving for a dream against impossible odds. Pianist David Henley to play in Mountain ViewDavid Henley, who recently released his debut album on the Dove Classics record label, will perform a free piano recital at 3 p.m., Sunday, at First Presbyterian Church of Mountain View. Henley was originally scheduled to perform at the church in February, but had to postpone the concert due to travel complications. Palo Alto Players get ‘Angry’
As the centerpiece of its 70th season, Palo Alto Players this week opens its production of “Angry Housewives” at Lucie Stern Theatre. The musical comedy previews Friday, opens Saturday and closes May 13. Special SectionHow to mix ornamental grasses, garden perennialsTown Crier Correspondent Landscape architect Richard McPherson of San Francisco enjoys mixing perennials with ornamental grasses to create a lush, almost romantic look. For a color palette of white, blue, purple, lavender, magenta and pale yellow, he recommends combining the following plants: When canines and felines are king, sometimes the fur fliesI was interested to read that the majority of high-school students queried by Clyde Noel in last week’s Town Crier “Sidewalk Interview” considered themselves dog people rather than cat people. As a lifelong lover of both dogs and cats, I can’t say which animal I prefer, because I love them all. Let’s face it, both species lead amazingly good lives in places like Los Altos - and why not? With many people feeling that their animals provide more companionship and love than other humans do, it’s no wonder that four-legged friends often rule the roost, determine who sits where, which beds are best and which culinary treats will be served. Your HomeAlbin’s thirty years of framing, from Rembrandt to kids’ artworkTown Crier Correspondent Business Profile Ornamental grasses: garden pests or treasures?Town Crier Correspondent As a trendy choice in many new gardens, ornamental grasses play a big role in today’s enthusiasm for the drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, “natural” look. But are they really as wonderful as some designers claim? Remodeled Craftsman home on former ranchTown Crier Correspondent Phillips home mixes old and new, woods and windows, for a cozy openness Home BriefsThe California Native Plant Society will present its annual Wildflower Show and Native Plant Sale 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, at Foothill College A beautiful and educational event presented by knowledgeable volunteers, this is a chance to purchase native plants, bulbs and seeds at reasonable prices in addition to plant-related posters, books and botanical prints. Admission is free; parking requires eight quarters. |
In Our OpinionLetters to the Editor
Leo Long earns local honorsIn the April 30 issue of the Town Crier, you were right to congratulate and thank Dick Henning from Foothill College for four decades of service to the community. I met him at Foothill as student body president more years ago than I’ll admit. Great guy. |
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