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Archives » 2002 » Volume 55 , Issue 24, Published on Wednesday, June 12, 2002NewsWork at home
LASD sets policy for districtwide time guidelines for school work at home The current homework controversy in the Los Altos School District is a passionate one. Some parents feel students have too much homework and some too little. For others, the workload is fine. All sides present valid arguments as the district works to implement its first-ever, districtwide homework policy. LAH pathways map hearing draws capacity crowdControversy remains, emotional response from residents Even though the Los Altos City Council appears to be moving toward a final resolution on proposed changes to the town’s pathways system, a frequently emotional crowd of 300 residents at Thursday’s public hearing made it clear that the issue remains volatile. News BriefsThe Los Altos School District Board of Trustees was scheduled to decide Monday night after the Town Crier press deadline the amount of the new parcel tax up for vote on the November ballot. District officials talked about the possibility of raising the tax to $664 annually per resident at the board meeting June 3. Police ReportJune 3, 11:41 a.m., Rosita Avenue: Paramedics treated a person who had fallen from a tree. Commercial alarm Los Altos man could face animal cruelty chargesThe Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office is expected to decide within the next several weeks whether to press charges against a Los Altos man for allegedly beating his dog in a Palo Alto park, police said last week. According to two witnesses, the dog’s owner allegedly picked up the animal after it defecated, threw it to the ground, hit it and sprayed it with a garden hose. Witnesses told police they saw the incident take place about 10:15 a.m., May 31, in Mitchell Park. Residents consider initiative to give them a voice in the sale of town-owned propertiesLos Altos Hills A group of Los Altos Hills residents concerned about the city council’s interest in selling town-owned properties, such as Westwind Barn, say residents should have a voice in such transactions. Foothill College’s new master plan could impact red-legged frogs, burrowing owlsTown Crier Correspondent Campus renovation plans are back on track at Foothill College a year after officials discovered an earthquake fault line running through areas slated for new buildings. The new plan, however, places buildings closer to Adobe Creek, possibly impacting stream wildlife. Berry Avenue neighbors veto city’s ‘blank check’Not a single resident on Berry Avenue had agreed last week to give Los Altos city officials the permission needed to proceed with traffic improvements along their street that could cost individual property owners up to $10,000 each. The improvements include making changes in the city right-of-way between the street and residents’ homes to construct a 10-foot-wide Class I bike path on the south side of Berry Avenue under the federally funded Safe Routes to School grant. OpinionOff-road paths: No blanket solutionsRonald Reagan’s immortal words, “There you go again,” have serious application to both sides of the argument as Los Altos Hills residents again argued seemingly forever about the future of the town’s off-road pathway system last Thursday. We’ve heard the shopworn arguments for years now: Letters to the EditorLos Altos Hills residents got quite a lesson in Democracy Thursday night at the much anticipated public meeting on the town’s pathway system. For the approximately 250 people who attended, there was a little bit of everything, from the folk singing protesters outside to the adept political maneuvering going on inside. After 4 hours of being led through the minutia of the towns extensive network of pathways, I was left with a vague sense of unease. Rather than seeking the advice and consent of the electorate, the current council seems to be merely going through the motions, leaving citizen participants in the process to wonder if they might just be wasting their time. The process was punctuated by an almost universal outpouring of affection from the audience for our town’s cherished rural character and its unique system of pathways. Time and time again, the council heard from residents who supported the system and wanted its integrity preserved. Surprisingly, most of the citizens who came to the microphone were homeowners with existing or proposed pathways on their land and not the expected core group of hikers, riders and open space advocates. By my count, the sentiment was somewhere between 5 and 10 to 1 in favor of leaving well enough alone. No special rights for day workers, just human rightsOther Voices In regards to the pathetic letter of Tom Anderson (Los AltosTown Crier May 22), Mr. Anderson’s criticism is nothing new. It’s unfortunate and sadly a repetition of the same attitude observed through the history of this country towards immigrants especially in the late 1800s, and in the first half of the 1900s against Chinese, Irish, Germans,Italians,etc. One of the sad and unacceptable aspects of this is that Mr. Anderson and people like him have not learned from history and shamefully fail to see and value the great contributions that immigrants have provided,are providing and will provide to the overall greatness of these United States of America. No person mature enough, informed enough and human enough can deny this. Baby showers - past, present and futureThe Living Experiment This baby shower differed from the ones I attended in my late twenties. In those long-ago days, the guests at baby showers were bright-eyed and wrinkle-free. They were often pregnant themselves, or had been recently, or soon would be for the first, second or third time. Women who didn’t have children often came equipped with second-hand horror stories about childbirth. Indeed most of the conversations revolved around labor, as it was inconceivable for most young women to truly see beyond that momentous event. CommunityLove for the law, passion for musicLawyer Bob Konevich sings with local quartet, Almost Blue Longtime Los Altos residents Bob and Mitzi Konevich conduct their real estate and business law practice in a quiet and pleasant Main Street office. What Bob’s clients may not be aware of is that every Tuesday night their lawyer bursts into song. Benza trades corporate ladder for Jacob’s ladderSpiritual Life - Page 22 Stepping off the corporate ladder after 19 years with IBM was much like getting a divorce; but “there was a peace about it,” said John Benza, director of Ministry Resources for the First Baptist Church of Los Altos. Frogs make this champion jump for joyTown Crier Editorial Intern Los Altos resident still competes in annual Calaveras jubilee Volunteers will have fun, bring fun to L.A. festivalDesperately Seeking Susan. And Bob. And Ted. And Minnie. And Charles. All to join the fun of making the 23rd Annual Los Altos Art & Wine Festival the place to be on July 13 and 14. The sun, the fun, the music, the arts, the food and the multitude of friendly faces are all part of the festival, organizers said. Be a part of the action; get the inside scoop on activities; join the pre-event party and get your complimentary festival glass for volunteering; meet new people - if you’re single well, you never know; get to know the local merchants as you work along side them to serve beverages, keep entertainers’ thirst quenched, sell glasses, merchandise, soda and water; and feel good about offering your services to your community. Make ‘em laughAlbert Pagin and his daughter Carolyn do stand-up comedy Longtime Los Altos resident Albert Pagin and his daughter, Carolyn, are much alike. They’re outgoing, energetic and have always enjoyed sharing their humor - at work, social gatherings or at the family dinner table. Seniors NewsExercise for Seniors will be offered by the Palo Alto Chapter of AARP 1:30 p.m., June 13, at the Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Road. Refreshments will be available. Tax credits available Community CalendarMidpeninsula Open Space District Board, 7:30 p.m., district offices, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos. Thursday Community BriefsThe speaker for the June 25 Technology and Society Committee luncheon will be Ray Everett-Church. Church will talk on the “Rising Tide of Spam.” He will cover the impact of unsolicited commercial e-mail (SPAM), how people are targeted, why it’s profitable to be in the spamming business and legislative attempts to minimize Spam. The luncheon begins 11:45 a.m. at the Golden Wok Restaurant, 895 Villa St., Mountain View. Cost is $8.50 for members, $9.50 for nonmembers. For more information, call Bob Kirby at 969-7215. History museum salutes first neighborhood of Los Altos“Homes and Gardens of Los Altos: The Architectural Heritage Show” is on display through Aug. 18 at the Los Altos History Museum. This exhibit features the history of the Orange, University and Palm avenues neighborhood, the first to be settled in Los Altos. Cairo professor discusses the political and cultural role of Islam for Morning ForumWhile the administration initiated policies to protect the country from terrorism, a professor from the American University of Cairo addressed The Morning Forum of Los Altos June 4 about the political and cultural role of the Muslim religion in the Middle East and its relationship to the West and the rest of the world. Dr. Walid Kazziha, who in the summer also teaches at the University of Calgary, said that many people are puzzled by the fact that Islam has come to play an important political role and that its rise is happening in many places at the same time. Members vocal about musical direction as Schola Cantorum finishes 38th seasonTown Crier Editorial Intern Schola Cantorum, a choral group of 135 singers from all over the Bay Area, will be holding its last performance of the season at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center 3 p.m., Sunday. SchoolsSOS fund-rasing campaign brings $1.4 million to rehire LASD teachersThe Save Our Staff parent volunteer fund-raising campaign for the Los Altos School District officially ended its pledge drive with a June 3 announcement that $1,405, 831.36 in donations had been collected. The foundation raised enough money through donations to reinstate 19 teaching positions. Montclaire students graduate from DAREBoth sixth-grade classes at Montclaire School have learned eight different ways to say no - to drugs. The students graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, also known as DARE, June 4. Schools BriefsFoothill College’s monthly flea market to benefit Foothill Music Theater has been scheduled 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., June 15, in parking lot 7 at Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Visitors must purchase a campus parking permit for $2. For more information, call the Flea Market Office at 948-6417. LASD Summer School classes available SportsSports On The SideThe South Swell Summer Lacrosse League for boys and girls ages 9-17, runs Sunday through Aug. 18 at Whisman Field in Mountain View. The league is open to players of all levels, beginners to experienced. The league features include a professional coaching staff, clinics and league play, plus a season-ending awards ceremony. Coaches include Kristin Sommar (University of Maryland), Ben Andrews (former Olympic Club lacrosse commissioner), Kevin Higgins (Notre Dame) and Craig Grevelding (1996 Division I save percentage leader). To register and for more information, call (858) 974-5245 or logon to www.southswell.org. Making a SPLASH Bowling grabs a gold in CanadaLos Altos Hills resident Sara Bowling returned from Canada with a gold medal last month. The senior at Castilleja School won the platform diving event at the first-ever Canada-United States Junior Olympic Diving Challenge, held May 24-26 in Ottawa. Sollers fails to qualify for U.S. Open, but he has fun tryingAdam Sollers didn’t let the pressure of playing for a spot in the prestigious United States Open golf tournament get to him. The Los Altos Hills resident said he approached last week’s U.S. Open sectional qualifier as a learning experience. Dibner leads Yale to title in cyclingTown Crier Staff Report Los Altos resident Reilly Dibner helped the Yale University women’s cycling team successfully defend its Division 2 Time Trials title at last month’s NCCA championships. Cannon denies the KC Wizards in Quakes’ winGoalkeeper Joe Cannon of Los Altos Hills posted his fourth shutout of the season last Saturday to help the host San Jose Earthquakes defeat the Kansas City Wizards 3-0 in a Major League Soccer match at Spartan Stadium. Cannon is now tied for the league lead in shutouts. Sitler sets school records at county track finalsBen Sitler beat the competition - and himself - at the recent Santa Clara County Junior High Track and Field Championships. The eighth-grader at Blach Junior High successfully defended his boys B division titles in the mile and 880-yard runs and broke his own school records in both events May 30 at De Anza College in Cupertino. Area baseball standouts shine in summer leagueTown Crier Correspondent As the summer baseball league season swung into action, two teams loaded with local high school standouts met in a non-league contest last Friday at St. Francis High. Quintero leads West Valley to state crownIt would be hard to imagine Samantha Quintero’s decision to play softball at West Valley College turning out any better. The Los Altos High graduate batted over .500 as a sophomore this season and earned MVP honors at the community college state tournament, which West Valley won. Quintero’s efforts led to scholarship offers from several big-time programs and she recently decided on the University of Arizona. BusinessAre you a candidate for identity theft?North American Precis Syndicate The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that between 500,000 and 650,000 Americans annually are victims of identity fraud or identity theft. More than half of those who report their experience to the FTC have discovered the identity theft in multiple accounts - credit cards, cell phones, auto loans, leases, etc. Play it safe, fix that leak with a hired plumberTown Crier Correspondent Most homeowners have the skills and confidence to tackle minor plumbing problems, like dripping faucets, clogged drains and leaky toilets, but they don’t have the tools or the time. The party’s over - for growth stocksStock Report The party’s over because stock prices fall faster than they rise. Stocks have fallen three straight weeks and the selling continues as investors are more content to hold cash and bonds, and not stocks. Improved lighting technologies may pay dividends for U.S. companiesIn a time of struggling economy and increasing operational costs, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for U.S. businesses: More than $640 million annually could be saved nationwide if businesses updated their lighting to more energy-efficient systems. According to a recent study conducted by Venture Lighting International and the American Counsel for an Energy Efficient Economy, lighting is the number one use of electrical energy for business establishments, accounting for approximately 40 percent of total electric bills. This is in part due to the more than 40 million outdated, energy-wasting lighting fixtures currently being used. Special SectionHow you can be close to home when you’re traveling abroadWith security alerts regarding traveling abroad still a real concern, the main question on the minds of many travelers is, How can I stay in constant contact with family and friends while spending time overseas? Here are a couple of tips when traveling abroad, courtesy of the folks behind RoamBuddy, the only flat-rate, prepaid international cell phone solution, providing reliability, security and ease-of-use from over 100 countries worldwide: An herbal twist to new wineTown Crier Editorial Intern Peninsula couple are the first to get FDA approval for herbal wine Don’t be afraid to send that bottle backI was recently at a too-many-course dinner at the Fifth Floor Restaurant in San Francisco. The wine theme of the night was Red Rhones. I was in heavy-duty company, with at least seven master sommeliers in attendance. Everyone brought a great Rhone. My bottle was one of the best, a 1990 Chateau Rayas. It was one of the most anticipated wines of the evening. I knew it would be a winner. Chocolate could be better for your health than once believedQ: Is using “lite” salt a good way to cut down on sodium? A: If you use a fair amount of salt, a lite version, with only half the sodium of regular salt, could make a real difference. But people who have kidney disease or take a potassium supplement should check with their doctor first, since the added potassium in lite salt could pose serious problems for them. But keep in mind that more than half of the sodium in the diets of most Americans comes from commercially-processed foods, not the salt they add at the table. By carefully reading and comparing labels, you can make sure you’re not getting more than you realize. Food BitesThe Outlet Program of the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula - a community resource for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth - has scheduled its fourth annual Out To Eat gala Tuesday at Hyatt Rickeys in Palo Alto. The fund-raising dinner and auction is the only program of its kind in northern Santa Clara County. Organizers hope to raise $25,000. Service NewsThe exercise was performed more than two weeks after Arroyolligo’s unit completed offensive raids against Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Robin Boniface of Los Altos recently graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., with a degree in economics. During her time at the academy, she also served as the co-captain of the women’s lacrosse team. Los Altos girl and her pony win Novice Championship at Westwind BarnDeane is an eighth grader at Cupertino Middle School and a member of the Saratoga Pony Club. She won the championship by accumulating the most points in her division, which included jumping and equitation competitions. Noteworthies“I have personally witnessed how important it is to have resources available to youths who are facing difficult times in their lives,” Halliwell said. “My goal is to expand the number of funding sources available to Bill Wilson Center and to increase awareness of the services the agency offers.” “We’re very pleased that Chris joined our board,” said Sparky Harlan, executive director for Bill Wilson Center. “The board is in the process of reshaping itself for the future, and Chris’ business marketing background will help us reach into the community.” ObituariesMisa Therese Tomari died May 22. A native of San Jose, she was 20. Miss Tomari was a lifelong Mountain View resident. She attended St. Simon’s Elementary School near her home, and most recently attended De Anza College. Spiritual Life BriefsFoothills Congregational Church has announced the selection of Charlotte Asher, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, as the new director of Christian education. She has been on leave the past decade teaching special education classes. Asher will be coordinating educational ministries with children and will be working with the church staff to ensure a rich and diverse program for all ages. Foothills schedules theater party and picnic Breakfast at Union brings families together for food and prayerFive months ago, Union Presbyterian Church introduced a casual worship service, Breakfast at Union, that has grown in popularity. Breakfast is served 8-8:30 a.m. every Sunday, followed by worship, which ends by 9:25 a.m. Families have breakfast and worship together around the table. The service typically includes a clip from a recent film, guitar praise music and a message that is often interactive. Children enjoy the service and the opportunity to sit and color at the table. Calif. Youth Symphony offering two concertsCalifornia Youth Symphony’s Orchestra and Percussion Ensemble will each perform free concerts this weekend. The CYS Orchestra will play at 2:30 p.m., Sunday, in the Spangenberg Theatre at Gunn High School, 780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto. Tickets, sold at the door, are $6-$12. CSMA’s ‘Women in Jazz’ concerts slated for SundayThe Community School of Music and Arts closes its 2001-02 free family concert series Sunday on the SecondStage of the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. “Women in Jazz, Sizzlin’ Sounds of Summer” will be performed at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. ‘Scapino!’ closing PA Players’ seasonPalo Alto Players closes its season with Frank Dunlop and Jim Dale’s comedy, “Scapino!,” opening this week in Palo Alto. A paid preview is set for 8 p.m., Friday, and the play opens at the same time Saturday. “Scapino!” runs through June 30 at the Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Spirited ‘La Boheme’ caps West Bay seasonOpera review It is said that when Giacomo Puccini penned the final notes which accompany Mimi’s tragic death in “La Boheme,” he wept copiously. Audiences forever after have been doing the same thing. Foothill’s ‘CelebrAsian!’ concert to feature several musical formsThe Foothill College Concert Choir presents “CelebrAsian!” - a concert showcasing the musical art forms of India, Indonesia, Fiji, Korea, Japan and Hawaii - at 7:30 p.m., Friday. The concert will be in Room 1501 at Foothill, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills. Cruise New England waters for rich autumn colorsTown Crier Correspondent Several years ago JoAnne and George Estill, of Estill International Travel Service in Los Altos’ Village Court shopping center, planned a fall Canadian and New England bus tour from Toronto to Boston traveling along the St. Lawrence River. Local author presents successful first novel, ‘Moonshine Express’Town Crier Correspondent Book Review |
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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