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Archives » 2002 » Volume 55 , Issue 43, Published on Wednesday, October 23, 2002NewsElection decisions await
Town Crier Staff Report Is Los Altos Hills’ new town hall design a mission-style community enhancer or a budget-draining monument to council egos? How will the rebuilding of El Camino Hospital’s main tower affect its quality medical care and its bottom line? How will the Los Altos School District fare if Measure H’s call for a $333 increase in the annual parcel tax is not heard? Downtown merchant group approaches holidays without executive directorLos Altos LAVA board dismisses Kathleen Byrne less than a month after its largest annual downtown fund-raiser Candidates forum spurs councilwoman’soutburst Five candidates vying for two vacant Los Altos Hills City Council seats in next month’s general elections squared off in a Candidates Forum Oct. 16. They fielded questions on issues ranging from high-speed Internet connections to water conservation. Tough creekside proposal doesn’t hold waterA Los Altos ordinance intended to protect local creeks won’t be added to city lawbooks anytime soon. The Los Altos City Council last week sunk a plan that would have created tougher development regulations on residential creekside properties until city officials are convinced that existing state and county laws don’t already cover such issues. The council directed the Environmental Committee to determine whether any problems exist regarding creekside developments that would require the city to pass an ordinance; and if so, to come back to the council for a study session. Contenders for El Camino Hospital District board stress preserving quality, preparing for the futureWith only a two-minute opening speech on issues confronting the El Camino Hospital District, one minute to answer questions, and one minute for closing, each candidate had comments that were crisp and to the point. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters in the Mountain View council chambers last Thursday, four candidates provided commentary for the two open seats on the El Camino Hospital District Board of Directors. The fifth candidate, Philip Green, dropped out, but his name will appear on the official ballot. Ignored grievances motivate Cupertino Union School District recall moveParents frustrated with what they call an unresponsive school board filed a recall petition notice against two Cupertino Union School District Board members Oct. 9. Board members Pearl Cheng and Gary McCue had one week to submit a written response to the Santa Clara County Registrar’s office. Their terms do not expire until 2005. The recall does not include board members Josephine Lucey and Barry Chang whose terms end next November, or Ben Liao, who will remain on the board until 2005. Snapped electrical wire sparks fireTown Crier Staff Report Sparks from a high voltage wire that snapped between two electric poles in Los Altos Hills ignited a wildfire near Interstate 280 at 3 p.m., Oct. 16. The blaze burned more than an acre-and-a-half of land, a Santa Clara County Fire spokeswoman said. Town Hall opposition group raises talk about compromised planLos Altos Hills pponents of a new $5 million Town Hall planned for Los Altos Hills continue to hammer away at city council members who approved the project. Last week, dissidents resorted to virtual “drip torture.” Election BriefsThe League will also sponsor two meetings on the pros and cons of the state propositions on the November ballot. The first meeting, open to the public, will be held 7:30-9:15 p.m., Oct. 29, at the Los Altos Main Library’s Program Room, 13 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos. A second Pros and Cons meeting will be held 7-8:45 p.m., Oct. 30, at the Mountain View Public Library Community Room on Franklin Street. El Camino Hospital DistrictBorn in Palo Alto and raised in Sunnyvale, Ferrer has lived most of her life in the El Camino Hospital District. Although asked by the Libertarian Party to run, Ferrer said she is not an “absolutist” libertarian. “I will represent what I think is right for the hospital,” Ferrer said. A technical writer by profession, Ferrer said her abilities to understand complex issues and translate in a straightforward fashion would be an asset to the board. She called El Camino “a symbol of high community standards,” and said she wants the hospital to continue operating with a surplus of revenue. Measure H: Los Altos School District Parcel Tax IncreaseFinancially strapped schools asking public for help The Los Altos School District will be asking voters to approve Measure H, or an increase in the existing parcel tax from $264 a year to $597 per parcel per year, during the Nov. 5 election. LAH council postpones OK of pathways map for ‘further research’Brandishing a bush on the podium, Gwyn Dukes erupted Thursday at the city council meeting adding green to a heated discussion of the maps of the pathways in Los Altos Hills. Shaking the bush, she admonished those concerned about privacy along the paths to “just plant a bush.” OpinionHubbell, Kerr for LAH City CouncilAll five candidates for the Los Altos Hills City Council’s two open seats have good qualifications to serve on the council. Two, Bill Kerns and Janet Vitu, already have town government experience as planning commissioners. Dean Warshawsky would bring energy and commitment to the However, we give the edge to Steve Hubbell and Breene Kerr. Hubbell is a breath of fresh air - a resident with no ties to any political factions who merely wants to apply his problem-solving skills to council issues. We were a bit turned off by the politcal sparring this election as essentially two slates of candidates squared off. But Hubbell did not fit comfortably in anyone’s category. Therefore, he’s the ideal candidate. O’Connor, Reeder for El Camino boardJust last issue, we suggested challengers would have a tough time making a case for change on the El Camino Hospital District Board of Directors. After interviewing all the candidates, we still feel that way. The hospital has the healthiest bottom line in its 42-year history. It has achieved this without compromising quality patient care, and surveys continue to show very high satisfaction ratings among patients, doctors and hospital workers. Letters to the EditorMenlo Park has two community pools as do Mountain View and Palo Alto. Cupertino has threeand Sunnyvale, six. Los Altos has none. The good news: The city has found the space for a new community pool and a local group has offered to raise funds to build the pool tax free. CommunityFoul balls are their businessTown Crier Editorial Intern Ball Dudettes play important role on the sidelines Free photos of children at SpooktacularThe Los Altos Village Association’s Halloween Spooktacular will again be offering free photographs of children in costume, courtesy of Brian Orlov Photography, 1-4 p.m., Oct. 31. “This event was such a great success last year that we decided to participate again this year,” said Orlov, who has been a professional photographer for 10 years. Those accustomed to Halloween in costume bank on this LA institutionVisitors to the Costume Bank in downtown Los Altos are greeted by endless rows of costumes, weird hats and masks hanging against the wall. The shelves are lined with realistically scary-looking animal heads. The Costume Bank has more than 3,000 costumes for rental, classified into sections such as the Renaissance and different periods in history. It’s ba-ack! Special event set to spook downtownDowntown Los Altos will host its annual Halloween Spooktacular Oct. 31, featuring free entertainment, trick-or-treating, contests and a performance by the Egan Intermediate School Music Department. The event will take place in the Community Plaza on Main and State streets. Thirty-eight percent of Egan students are in the music department. The department consists of a seventh-grade band, an eighth-grade band, a seventh-grade orchestra, an eighth-grade orchestra and a chorus made up of seventh- and eighth-grade students. Concerts are given throughout the school year for students, parents and the community. Each spring, the music students travel to Disneyland to perform and participate in Magic Music Days. Wildlife expo at Foothill showcases leading conservationistsWildlife Conservation Network makes its public debut Saturday, with its Wildlife Conservation Expo at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills. The expo offers an unprecedented opportunity for the public to meet many of the world’s leading conservationists. Most council candidates were in favor of incorporation, 1952 papers reportedThe year 2002 marks the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of Los Altos. As the year 1952 progressed, the campaign for and against incorporation intensified. What follows is a description of incorporation-related and other current items that appeared in the weekly 1952 Los Altos News issues of Oct. 17, 24 and 31. “14 of 15 council candidates unreservedly endorse incorporation” headlined a full-page story with photos, brief biographies and endorsement statements of all candidates for the five council positions that would exist if the Nov. 18 election resulted in the new city of Los Altos. The one candidate opposing incorporation was Harry Dale. He advanced the interesting argument that his election to the council would ensure fair coverage of the opposition’s viewpoint. Library NewsToday: Theatrical presentation of “Pastures of Heaven” by John Steinbeck, by Word for Word Performing Arts Company, 7:30-9 p.m., Program Room. Saturday: Words into Film, a Day of Steinbeck Films in celebration of the centennial of his birth: “Cannery Row,” 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; “Of Mice and Men,” 1-2:50 p.m.; and “East of Eden,” 3:30-5:30 p.m., Program Room. Racial differences important in political evolution, Stanford professor tells Morning Forum audienceDifferences based on race and ethnicity are important, Morning Forum members were told last week, but it is important to get away from emotionalism in dealing with them. Luis R. Fraga, associate professor and director of undergraduate studies at Stanford University, combined political science and politics in his speech regarding race and ethnicity and the future of California. His enthusiasm and eloquence on the subject are evidenced by his numerous teaching awards. CalendarMidpeninsula Regional Open Space District Board of Directors, 7:30 p.m., district offices, 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos. Monday Community BriefsThe Joint Community Volunteer Service Awards Committee is seeking nominations for its 20th Annual Awards Luncheon celebration, scheduled for Dec. 6 at the Los Altos Youth Center. Distinguished volunteers who have given outstanding service and who often receive little notice for their efforts are selected and recognized. If you know someone who has given generously of time, leadership, experience and heart to the benefit of the Los Altos/Los Altos Hills community, nomination packets are available at Los Altos City Hall, Los Altos Hills Town Hall and the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. SchoolsOfficial ballot language for the LASD parcel taxThe following is the ballot language for the Los Altos School District parcel tax, approved at the district’s board of trustees meeting July 22, as it will appear before voters on the ballot of the Nov. 5 special election, to raise the parcel tax from $264 a year to $597 per year, beginning July 1, 2003. Ballot Question Schools BriefsSanta Rita School has scheduled a Scholastic Book Fair 2-5:30 p.m., today; 8 a.m. to noon and 2-9 p.m., tomorrow; 8 a.m. to noon and 2-5:30 p.m., Oct. 25; and 2-5:30 p.m., Oct. 26, in the multipurpose room, 700 Los Altos Ave. The PTA-sponsored event is a book sale featuring books and educational materials for all ages. Silicon Valley Essential High School closes its doorsThe financially troubled Silicon Valley Essential High School closed its doors Oct. 15, after its staff, a director and three teachers, submitted resignations. The school was unable to fund any additional staff within the time frame needed to keep the school open. A look at Basic Aid DistrictsLos Altos School District hopes to become basic aid in 2004-05 school year to get more funding from state The Los Altos School District not only needs to pass Measure H, a $333 increase in the parcel tax, but also must become a Basic Aid District during the 2004-05 school year to maintain its current educational program with minimal cuts, the district’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee for Finance announced Oct. 7. Seniors can apply for a parcel tax exemptionIf you own a parcel within the Los Altos School District boundaries, are at least 65 years of age, and the parcel is your principal residence, you are eligible. How do I file for an exemption? SportsSt. Francis grad McBain honored for soccer performance at TexasThe honors continue to pile up for Kati McBain, a University of Texas women’s soccer player from Los Altos. A day after earning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week distinction for the second time this season, McBain was named to both the Soccer America National Team of the Week and the Soccer Buzz Elite Team of the Week. Coach hopes Owls got the most out of bye weekAlthough the Foothill College football team had a bye last week, the Owls didn’t have much time to relish their 4-1 start. They were too busy preparing for what lies ahead. Sports On The SideLos Altos High seeks an artist to paint a mural and other art work on the walls of the large gym at the high school. When the gym was updated a few years ago, it was also repainted and looks plain and lacks spirit, according to Los Altos athletic director Monica Lodge. Coaches and students have some idea what they would like to see for the walls but the school needs someone capable of doing the painting. For more information, call Lodge at 960-8857 or e-mail her at monica.lodge@mvla.net. Riding high Cannon selected as the MLS Goalkeeper of the YearJoe Cannon of Los Altos Hills last week was named Major League Soccer’s Goalkeeper of the Year. The San Jose Earthquakes goalie claimed the honor after putting together another stellar season that included a league-leading eight shutouts in 26 games. Turnovers prove costly for SpartansHigh School Football Report Just when it seemed Mountain View High would overcome four turnovers to save homecoming by beating Cupertino last Friday, along came No. 5. Gold Star shines at San Mateo meetGold Star Gymnastics’ Level 6 team won the nine-team Teddy Bear Classic in San Mateo last month. Gold Star’s Brittany Skinner placed first in all four events in the girls 11 division to easily win the all-around title at the Sept. 22 meet. Natalee Pei of Los Altos finished fourth. Eagles sweep SpartansLos Altos swept its season series against rival Mountain View with a 15-9, 15-8, 15-12 home win last Thursday. Ashley Bjorklund and Ashley Watson led the Eagles with six kills each. BusinessDowntown’s Something Special blooms into new ownershipRetail update For quite a while, Carol Brudno has been trying to find the right buyer for her shop, Something Special, so she could retire. She eventually connected with Terry and David Jordan from England, and the shop is sold. Shopping center gets active with new promotional directorChanges afoot at Rancho In an effort to revitalize Los Altos Rancho Shopping Center, the Rancho Merchants Association has elected new officers and hired a sales promotion professional. Don’t get keyed up over rising stocksStock Report Look for stocks to continue rising this week. There is a lot of money sitting around in banks. If corporate earnings continue to be positive, stocks will also rise. My brave attempt to get attorneys to listen - some of the timeJean on the Job Dear Attorney Friend: You can’t help it. You were taught to listen for loopholes or flaws. You got very good at it. You learned to be a debater, a master communicator. You were taught to put the other person on the defensive. Those are skills honed for a professional position. They have made you successful. They have put you in the driver’s seat. Your HealthExercise for the Older adult is a mustMost older adults agree exercising isn’t easy. It takes dedication, effort, time and, quite often, discomfort. But talk to the adults taking Misty Reddington’s class and they’ll say the apparent benefits outweigh the costs. Reddington is the instructor for a group of older seniors who meet and stretch twice a week at the Hillview Social Hall. Her routines are aimed at alleviating the problems of stiffness, limited movement and poor posture. Acacia C schedules symposium on skin careMales and females both spend a good amount of time and money trying to look as beautiful on the outside as they feel on the inside. As people age, they want to remain as “youngish” looking as possible. Encouraged by the success of last month’s Botox party, Lynda Newlon, owner of Acacia C on Main Street, has scheduled another educational meeting on women’s issues for her customers and friends 7 p.m. Tuesday, at Acacia C, 270 Main St. Keys to ParentingCompliments encourage good behavior in children Q: Because both my son and daughter-in-law work, I am a very The other breast cancerWhen Los Altos resident Kay Carlyle was diagnosed with it, she turned to the Internet. Merry Astor called the Community Breast Health Project. Both women are survivors of ductal carcinoma in situ, a noninvasive cancer that the American Cancer Society estimates was newly diagnosed in 41,000 women during 2000. Roughly one quarter of all breast cancer diagnoses are DCIS, making it a disease about which women need to know. Several ways to prevent and treat kidney stonesApproximately 10 percent of Americans will get kidney stones at some point in their lives. This is one of the most common - and unfortunately one of the most painful - urinary tract disorders. Kidney stones are crystallized mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. While urine naturally contains chemicals that prevent these masses from forming, this process can fail - leading to kidney stones. New surgical center opens in Mountain ViewIt’s been open only a few months, but more physicians are beginning to use the Hospital Drive Surgical Center. It’s a small, state-of-the-art medical facility that is used for plastic surgery, hand surgery and pain management. Situated across from El Camino Hospital, it’s the first of many small surgical centers that could appear when the main hospital is rebuilt to conform to current earthquake standards. BriefsDoctors from the urology department of the Palo Alto Medical Foundation and Stanford Hospital and Clinics lead a free discussion for all ages on prostate cancer. The group meets 5:30-7 p.m., the fourth Tuesday of every month, in Room 117, Avenidas, 450 Bryant St., Palo Alto. For more information, call 326-5362, ext. 22. Periodontics without painDr. Kenneth Abe uses a surgical microscope to make dental work less painful With its serene rice-paper screens, gracefully displayed antique obi and lustrous blond-wood floor, this office doesn’t look as though it belongs to someone who practices perhaps the bloodiest of dental specialties: a periodontist. |
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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