Lessons in getting along

Friendship class at St. Simon’s teaches students how to treat one another

It’s not a typical homework assignment - think of 10 ways you can be nice to someone.

Building a culture of ‘talking it out’

Communication and conflict resolution skills are also being taught in the Los Altos School District.

“What we do at almost all of our schools is have conflict managers, run by the fifth- and sixth-graders,” said Dick Liewer, assistant superintendent of curriculum. “It’s a definite curriculum where they are taught how to get kids to brainstorm both sides of a problem and to find a solution and to work it out.”

City goes easy on hotels, despite tax hike

Los Altos

Los Altos’ new hotel tax increase won’t be as high as initially anticipated. The Los Altos City Council last week voted against raising the city’s 8 percent transient occupancy tax to 11 percent, due to the recent economic downturn. Hotel guests will pay a more conservative tax rate of 10 percent, which is on par with neighboring cities, council members decided.

News Briefs

In celebration of Los Altos’ 50th anniversary as a city this month, the Los Altos City Council designated June 3, 2002, Jim Thurber Day, honoring the former mayor who served from 1962 to 1966. That date is Thurber’s birthday. Thurber served the most consecutive years as mayor in the city’s history. Today’s laws require the mayoral position to rotate among the council every year.

The city council plans to honor different past mayors at its council meetings throughout next year as part of the 50th anniversary celebration activities.

Police report

Dec. 10, 11:23 p.m., Fremont Avenue and A Street; Dec. 11, 10:57 p.m., Hawthorne Avenue and San Antonio Road; Dec. 13, 2:17 a.m., San Antonio Road and West Edith Avenue; Dec. 14, 12:32 a.m., San Antonio Road and Chester Drive; and Dec. 17, 2:10 a.m., El Camino Real and Ortega Avenue: Drivers were stopped on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

Disturbance

Los Altos struggles to define blight reasonably

The Los Altos City Council approved a new blight ordinance so restrictive that nearly every Los Altos homeowner will be in violation, a city official said. Termites, yard trimmings or dust and dirt that blows onto someone else’s property is enough to warrant city action under the new law.

The updated Property Blight and Nuisance Ordinance is intended to give the city the authority needed to crack down on habitual violators of the city code by providing a broader list and better definition of what the city can abate.

Bones turned in by resident identified as ‘prehistoric Native American’

Town Crier Editorial Intern

A Los Altos resident turned in a box of bones to the Los Altos Police Department Dec. 7. The bones were initially discovered in the late 1950s in Mountain View, at the former Mayfield Mall site at San Antonio and Central Expressway.

Los Altos car thief, burglar believed to be victim in fatal crash

Town Crier Staff Report

Local police believe that the driver involved in a fatal accident last week while driving a classic sports car reported stolen from a Los Altos home just hours earlier was responsible for ransacking the residence before fleeing in the car.

Police task force uses ‘bait’ cars to catch parking lot auto thieves

Town Crier Staff Report

The Santa Clara County Regional Auto Theft Task Force plans to crackdown on auto thieves this holiday season, a time typically marked with increased auto thefts, police said.

Let Christmas be your Thanksgiving

Next Tuesday morning, many of us will be with our families and friends, our children frantically ripping open presents under the soothing glow of a lighted evergreen. Outside, the winter air will be still and an unusual quiet will pervade in the aftermath of yet another hectic shopping season.

Welcome to Christmas 2001, our traditional Christian holiday that beckons “Joy to the World” and “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”

Letters to the Editor

I recently received a copy of the Nov. 14 Town Crier with its excellent coverage of the Rancho Shopping Center’s 50th anniversary.

I would like, though, to correct an error. Frances Kennedy Maas’s column (p. 6) indicates that developer Chris Wilder bought the future Rancho property from my father, John McKenzie. In fact, the property belonged to a Dr. Rixford, and for years I knew it as “the Rixford place.” The name is preserved in the Rancho homes today as Rixford Lane.

A holiday message

Reflections

Dear Family, friends and faithful readers: I swore that I would never write a holiday letter, but I’ve learned not to say “never.” This message is the way to connect with all our friends, not by e-mail but with carefully chosen words, especially as the year ends.

Save the whales, not the murals

Other Voices

Last year my son painted a turkey in kindergarten. It hung in the window of his classroom, facing out for all to see. It was the best turkey I had ever seen. A real work of art, one of a kind - he even signed it with shaky, brown brush strokes: “S A M.” When November ended, so did the turkey project. Sam learned something about turkey anatomy, color and paint technique.

New Year’s ‘Fun Run’ to usher in 50th anniversary

Sending 2002 off to a running start, Los Altos begins the celebration of its 50th anniversary with the revival of the New Year’s Day run.

The city has scheduled a 5K (3.1-mile) “Fun Run” to begin 9 a.m., Jan. 1, at State and Main streets in downtown Los Altos.

Community Briefs

Coldwell Banker is conducting its “One Warm Coat” drive for those without warm clothing for the winter ahead. The annual program collects hundreds of garments for those who have a need.

All three Coldwell Banker offices in Los Altos will serve as collection points. Contributors may drop off coats, sweaters or other warm clothing at 496 First St., 110 First St. or 161 S. San Antonio Road.

Residents to go a-caroling at Los Altos Hills Town Hall

Residents of Los Altos Hills, Los Altos and Palo Alto, as well as other neighboring communities, are invited to participate in the Second Annual Holiday Caroling Party 7 p.m., Thursday, beginning at the Los Altos Hills Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road.

Members of the Community Relations Committee will provide treats in the hall, where participants are encouraged to gather and view the gingerbread houses made by children in a special holiday class sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Mansouri reflects on 50 years in opera for Morning Forum lecture audience

When Lotfi Mansouri’s parents sent him from Iran to UCLA in the 1950s, they expected him to return as a physician. The young man, with little interest in medicine, had great difficulties with his premed class load and appealed to his academic advisor for help. The advisor suggested he take a voice class, which would not require homework but would earn credits.

“It was kismet,” Mansouri told the Morning Forum audience on Dec. 3. A natural tenor, Mansouri gradually reduced his medical studies to take more classes in music and theater. When the San Francisco Opera Company performed “Othello” at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Mansouri got a part as a spear-carrier and “didn’t want to leave the stage.”

CSMA names new center for enabling donor Finn

The Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) needed a major donor and soon. The city of Mountain View wanted the school to demonstrate that it had the resources to build its new $11 million campus. A Jan. 28 meeting with the council was looming.

Steve Finn’s $2 million donation provided the ideal Christmas gift for the school, supporters said. The gift brings total fund raising to $6.1 million so far, with $5 million to go. The gift means the school will be in good position for project approval. A public phase of the campaign is set for a Jan. 31 start, followed by a groundbreaking in February.

Corrections

A Nov. 21 story incorrectly stated Los Altos Mayor King Lear was traveling to New York to hand over a check from a local fund-raiser to New York Mayor Rudy Guiliani. The money raised was given to the CEO of the Sept. 11 Fund. The event was held at Shoup Park.

Holiday carriage rides return to downtown

A ride in a horse-drawn carriage, bright Christmas lights and crisp winter air may have families singing spirited rounds of “Over the River and Through the Woods” downtown this month.

Kathleen Lytle and her husband, Craig, take their three children on a downtown carriage ride every year. When the Lytles took their then 2-year-old daughter, Nicole, on her first downtown carriage ride four years ago, she loved it.

Holiday Fund benefiting children in need

Children are the most vulnerable members of society in times of need or family crisis. Sunday Friends, Help One Child and the East Palo Alto Kids Foundation are among the children-based charities that receive funds from the Town Crier Holiday Fund.

Sunday Friends is a non-profit organization of volunteers who conduct year-round programs for children living in area family shelters. “Sunday Friends coordinates and focuses activities to generate positive experiences with a focus on teamwork and healthy lifestyles,” said Kim Jackson, a volunteer from Los Altos.

Holiday Fund tops $60,000 this week

This year’s donations have topped last year’s inaugural campaign with two weeks still left in the holiday season.

Tiny Tots accepting applications for enrollment to 3-, 4-year-olds

Tiny Tots is a preschool program for 3- and 4-year-olds, offered by the City of Los Altos Recreation Department. The school is currently accepting applications for enrollment.

The program emphasizes physical, social and emotional growth in a nurturing, child-centered environment. A variety of activities are designed to promote the development of each child’s creativity, self-expression, self-image and learning abilities. These include art, crafts, music, body movement, basic science, cognitive games, creative and imaginary play, cooking, circle and story time.

Christmas songs soothe the soul at Sub-Acute center

Town Crier Correspondent

Music works like a fountain of youth for the residents at Los Altos Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Center. Going home for Christmas is a cherished tradition for the holiday season, but most of the residents will remain at the center because they are incapacitated.

Parks commission looking to commemorate Sept. 11 events

Town Crier Staff Report

The city of Los Altos is inviting residents to participate in the naming of a Shoup Park picnic area to commemorate Sept. 11 events and those who have given their lives in the Afghan conflict.

Openings for MV students on Youth Advisory Groups

The City of Mountain View is now accepting applications for the Youth Advisory Groups (YAG). The application deadline is 5 p.m., Friday.

To be eligible, you must attend middle or high school and be a resident of the city of Mountain View. The city is seeking a diverse group of students in terms of gender, academic standing, cultural and socioeconomic background and level of involvement in extracurricular activities to represent Mountain View’s teen community.

SGI opens doors and Alta Vista students’ eyes

Not many people can say they have been behind the closed doors at one of Silicon Valley’s top companies, Silicon Graphics Inc. (SGI).

But students in Rick Carreriro’s math class at Alta Vista, a continuation high school in Mountain View, can.

Diwali celebration a success at Bullis-Purissima School

Bullis-Purissima School in Los Altos Hills started the holiday season this year celebrating Diwali. Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights in India. Homes are decorated with innumerable lamps made of clay, silver and bronze. Lights symbolize the victory of knowledge over ignorance, the triumph of good over evil.

The Bullis Indian parents displayed symbols of the Diwali spirit in the school library. Gossamer saris in jewel-like colors hung on walls. Artfully arranged stations gave the children a glimpse into Indian culture and heritage. Books, musical instruments, exquisitely crafted jewelry, furniture and artifacts such as unique lamps, engaged the curiosity of children and adults alike.

LASD struggling to complete Covington School site on schedule

At the Dec. 10 meeting, Director of Facilities Construction for the Los Altos School District Dave McNulty asked the board of trustees to select a construction management firm to help keep the renovation of Covington School on track. One construction manager has already left the Covington School site for a job closer to his Marin County home, McNulty said.

The school district hopes to open Covington as an elementary school by August, but the project has run into some problems.

MVHS opens new library, tutorial center

After putting up with dust and noise since construction began in April 2000, students at Mountain View High School were finally able to check out materials from the school’s new library, which opened last Monday.

The library, which cost $2.6 million, is part of the Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District’s $58 million facilities renovation plan, now nearing completion.

Schools Briefs

The Los Altos High School Main Street Singers have scheduled a Wassail Party, 7:30 p.m., Friday, at Shoup Park. Tickets are available at the door for $5. Children and families are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 960-8811.

LASD names new Board president

On Deck: the local sports lineup for Dec. 19-25

Boys Basketball

Today

Sports On The Side

Los Altos High graduate Willie Howard’s rookie year in the NFL has come to an early end. The defensive tackle, drafted in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings, suffered a season-ending knee injury Dec. 9. Howard, who played his college football at Stanford University, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the Vikings’ win over Tennessee. He finishes the year with 15 tackles, 11 of them solo.

County kudos

Spartans deny Eagles

Prep Girls Hoop Scoop

Clutch free throws helps MV beat rival

Gold Star shines at state gymnastics championships

Several competitors from Gold Star Gymnastics in Mountain View claimed state championships last month at Northern California Level 5 and 6 state meets.

Three Gold Star gymnasts placed first all-around, making them the top gymnasts in the state in their respective skill levels and age divisions.

Tourney won’t go down as a ‘Classic’ for Owls

The Foothill College women’s basketball team went into last weekend’s Sacramento City College Classic with high hopes.

The Owls (8-3) returned home with their heads hung low.

Foothill placed on 3-year probation for recruiting violations

Three weeks after Foothill College suspended its men’s basketball program for this season for recruiting violations, the Coast Conference penalized the Los Altos Hills school for the indiscretions.

Foothill’s punishment for violating recruiting rules involving agents and subsidization includes forfeiting all its games this year and last season, when it reached the final eight of the state playoffs. In addition, seven players have been ruled ineligible for this season and the school’s entire athletic program has been put on probation for three years.

Gunn blasts Mtn. View, improves to 7-1

Town Crier Correspondent

Prep Boys Hoop Scoop

Despite adversity, Los Altos is winning

High School Soccer Digest

This was supposed to be the year the Los Altos High girls soccer team challenged the likes of St. Francis, Homestead and Gunn for the SCVAL De Anza Division title.

A ‘no’ is a precursor to a ‘maybe’

Jean on the Job

In the wonderful book “Getting to Yes” by Richard Fisher and William Ury, written first in 1981, some 20 years ago, a simple method is preached. It is called BATNA - Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement. There are five occasions when a BATNA is necessary:

Stock market in an optimistic phase again

Stock Report

On any given day the stock market can be anywhere you least expect. That’s because investors are not buying the fundamentals of a company, but the perceived value of a company. It’s not a good market to trade, but a good market to invest in because it’s in an optimistic mood.

Holiday season proves a merry time for home sales, manager says

Ask Your Realtor

‘Tis the season for wrapping presents, baking cookies and putting a house on the market. While tradition used to dictate that home sellers wait until after the holiday decorations are put away, we, the professionals at Coldwell Banker Northern California, advise that the holiday season can be an active time for home sales.

Jane Bigelow named ‘Realtor of the Year’ by SILVAR

Town Crier Correspondent

To the 57 real estate agents who work at the Coldwell Banker San Antonio office, Jane Bigelow is their soccer mom. After SILVAR ( Silicon Valley Association of Realtors) named her “Realtor of the Year,” Dec. 6, the realtors signed a soccer ball affirming the award.

Transactions

Cupertino

11232 Monterey Court - J. & C. Kalmeta to K. & M. Byun for $856,000.00

Los Altos resident new ONCOR chairman

On the ONCOR board the past 10 years, Walsh now heads the consortium of over 50 privately owned commercial real estate brokerage companies worldwide.

“We are fortunate to have Bill Walsh step forward and serve as ONCOR’s next chairman. These are difficult times for our country, our industry and every real estate organization, independent or otherwise,” said David Ball, president and CEO of ONCOR.

2002 City Date Book available at Chamber

Books are $25. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at 948-1455.

For City Date Book information, call Ken Packer at (408) 865-0170.

Weddings & Engagements

Melanie Christine Truesdale and Bradley Jay McMinn have announced their engagement to be married May 26 in Columbia, S.C.

The bride-to-be is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philip D. Truesdale of Columbia.

Noteworthies

Wortz, who was honored last month, was active in college activities. In her junior year she was listed in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. She was the only woman among a group of 10 who took part in the first Civilian Pilot Training Program at Catawba College and received her private pilot’s license in January 1941. The war broke out during her senior year.

After graduation, Wortz was working for the Civil Aeronautics Administration in Washington, D.C., when she was invited to join the WAFS. The women had to complete the same training as Air Force cadets. Eleanor was assigned to the Fifth Ferry Group in Dallas, Texas, and ferried many different aircraft all over the United States. The last six months of her 22 months in the Air Corps was as an Engineering Test Pilot on the AT-11 at Victorsville.

Obituaries

William R. Simmermacher, a 15-year Los Altos resident, died Nov. 16. A native of Ohio, he was 83.

Mr. Simmermacher served as an officer in the U.S. Army Ordinance Department and Corps of Engineers in the South Pacific from 1941 to 1946. He later worked for IBM, where he held management positions in marketing education, sales and systems support. He served as assistant to Thomas J. Watson Jr. during the period when Watson stepped down from his active role as chairman of the board of IBM.

Los Altan starring in ‘Nutcracker’

Los Altos resident Dalia Rawson is dancing the role of Maria in Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley’s production of “The Nutcracker,” which runs through Sunday at Flint Center in Cupertino.

Choreographed by Dennis Nahat, the production features more than 40 company dancers and is augmented by more than 60 young dancers and students in the advanced program from the Ballet San Jose Silicon Valley School.

TheatreWorks’ comedy won’t ‘drag’ you down

Theater review

Today’s audiences are fairly sophisticated about men in drag, but “Charley’s Aunt,” a 19th-century farce, reaches modern audiences through its antic physical comedy and, in TheatreWorks’ production, a great cast.

Star-studded cast overwhelms Soderbergh’s ‘Ocean’s 11′

Film Vitals:

Movie Review

Beth Am promotes educator

Rabbi Josh Zweiback, a member of Congregation Beth Am’s professional team for the past three and one-half years, has been promoted to the newly-created post of Senior Educator, effective Jan. 1.

As Beth Am’s Adult Learning Coordinator, the 32-year-old Nebraska native was the first full-time, adult learning specialist in a Reform synagogue in the United States.

A season of gifting: people practice the art of giving love

Guest columnist

The end of the year moves us into the season of darkness, when days shorten and the weather turns hard, wet and cold. California has a softer season of change, but still it comes with longer nights and drearier days.

Alliance CEO explains myths and stigma of those with mental illness

Town Crier Correspondent

Myths, misunderstandings, stereotypes and negative attitudes characterize the issue of mental health. A stigma emerges because people feel uneasy or embarrassed to talk about behavior that is out of the ordinary.

A teen’s anxiety can lead to depression

House Calls

One of my patients, a girl in the ninth grade, experienced more than a mild case of shyness around boys. When faced with talking to a member of the opposite sex, she would have heart palpitations, get nervous and shaky and feel as if she couldn’t breathe. It became so uncomfortable that she wanted to stay home from school.

Alzheimer’s Association offering holiday help

The Alzheimer’s Association (Greater San Francisco Area), based in Mountain View, announced last week that help is available for families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders during the holiday season.

The associaiton offers a helpline (800-660-1993) with trained staff and volunteers offering support, information and referrals. It also offers online help (www.alznorcal.org) 24 hours, seven days a week.

Several herbs have medicinal properties

Corner Pharmacist

Dear Mary: When I cook, I use herbs for their wonderful tastes and aromas. I’m wondering - particularly now during the holidays, with all the use of herbs such as cinnamon, clove and nutmeg - whether some of them might also have medicinal properties.

Health Briefs

A talk titled “Caring for the Caregiver” is scheduled 7-8:30 p.m., Jan. 8, at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, 795 El Camino Real. Thomas Wisler, M.D., licensed clinical social worker Mimi Goodrich and Anne Davidson will teach care givers strategies for coping and caring for themselves while they care for others. Attendance is free, but advance registration is required.

For information or to register, call 853-4973.

Marital rough patch needn’t spell doom for kids

Keys to Parenting

Question: Can an unhappily married couple create a positive environment for children?

Dialysis for a new century

El Camino centers offer shorter, more frequent sessions and new equipment to improve patients’ well-being

Healthy people probably never give a moment’s thought to their kidneys as the twin organs go quietly about their work, filtering out waste and toxins from the body.