Trends toward growth

Benjamin Disraeli, the 19th century English prime minister, is famous for the quote “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics.”

However, Los Altos demographic statistics on hand faithfully mirror what many of us know to be true about the area. It takes a lot of money to live here. There is notable growth in the Asian population, which lends some ethnic diversity after decades of a predominantly white population. The number of senior citizens is large and expected to get bigger. But the number of schoolchildren is expected to grow, too.

City asked to investigate garbage collection charges

Los Altos customers may have been wrongfully charged for garbage services that the city should be paying, according to one resident who convinced the council last week to provide a written legal opinion on the topic.

Resident Gerry Madea accused the city of making an illegal profit from its garbage operations by charging residents for a franchise fee and other noncustomer services, such as pickup on city property, street sweeping and the purchase of city garbage bins. He said the city is essentially receiving “freebies” at the cost of customers. These services aren’t free, but the city’s not paying for it, Madea said.

Los Altos by the numbers

Population: 27,693

Households: 10,462

Crime: Los Altos still a safe place

Besides quality education, another big draw to the Los Altos area is the lack of crime. It may be unfair to compare, but where large urban cities like Oakland rack up well over 100 homicides in a single year, Los Altos hasn’t had such a crime in a dozen years. “Knock on wood,” said police spokesman Sgt. John Hughmanick.

Still, Hughmanick sees some troubling trends in lesser crimes. Total burglaries for 2001-02 were 55, but the number was up to 83 in 2003-04. Auto thefts are up. “There’s more reporting of elder fraud now,” he said.

Police nab bank robber trying to escape on dead-end street

A bank robber fleeing from San Jose police took a wrong turn in Los Altos Monday afternoon when he chose Rinconada Court as an escape route. About seven San Jose police cars sealed off the entrance of the dead-end street, bringing an end to a 17-mile chase that began in Willow Glen.

Police arrested the 37-year-old man, whose identity remained anonymous at press deadline, for allegedly robbing a bank on Meridian and Foxworthy avenues in San Jose.

Los Altos launches recruitment plan to attract big businesses

Tree-lined streets, low-lying buildings and family-owned shops - Los Altos residents have worked hard to maintain downtown’s hometown character, even if it has meant turning away potentially lucrative chain stores. That’s about to change.

For the first time, Los Altos plans to aggressively recruit national and regional chain stores downtown.

LAH approves emergency plan for four-legged residents

The estimated 200 to 300 llamas, cows and horses living in Los Altos Hills don’t have to be left unsupervised during an emergency, thanks to an evacuation plan developed by the city and Friends of Westwind Barn. After several months of collaboration among city staff, Palo Alto Animal Services and residents, the plan was presented to the city council this month.

Public Safety Officer Steve Garcia, who headed the effort, encourages residents to start preparing. The plan presents guidelines for large and small pets.

Low inventory of homes keeps LA market prices high

The Los Altos real estate market remains hot - even after the presidential election Nov. 2, which many experts worried would bring higher interest rates and a market slump.

The low inventory of homes has made fall a sellers’ market in Los Altos, real estate experts say. On the other hand, Los Altos Hills, with many properties available at a high price, is experiencing a buyers’ market.

Editorial

It’s been a very busy couple of weeks in which both Election Day and Veterans Day have passed, reminding us of the importance of our democratic institutions and of the men and women who have fought to preserve them.

In the wake of both days and recent local happenings, we offer these observations and congratulations:

Letters to the Editor

City has always had gas blowers
George Lehtinen

I don’t understand the concerns expressed in the Oct. 20 Town Crier article about gas-powered leaf blowers. Los Altos has had gas blowers for over 50 years. They’re called the city council.
Peace Corps volunteers thank family, friends
Tim and […]

Election jitters

Writing this the day before election may be an excellent idea. Why? Because each of us can predict who will win and feel absolutely sure of being correct. The very airwaves tremble under their load of emotion and anger. Do you remember the TV police sergeant who warned his officers, “Be careful. It’s a dangerous world out there”? He was right!

Some events feel like omens. A firetruck knocked over a pole on San Antonio Road this morning, and traffic was backed up for a mile. Those who could, turned into my street and created fear in my heart. What was going on? Two days ago, another large group went past my car as I stopped to let them cross: Egan School students en masse walked by in Halloween costumes. They waved to me and I waved back, reveling in the innocence of youth. Perhaps this means the power of the younger generation.

Peek into the Past

Members of Los Altos Explorers Post 39 enjoy a hayride in this joyous scene from 1953.

Malcolm Klein of Los Altos, 76, broadcasting pioneer

Malcolm C. Klein, a Los Altos resident considered a pioneer in the broadcasting industry, died Nov. 1 after a long illness. He was 76.

Mr. Klein had been actively engaged in the broadcast, entertainment, advertising and communications industries since 1948. He continually stayed on top of his game despite the changing times.

Weddings

Emily Joy Mills and Ivan Scott Fuller
Emily Mills and Scott Fuller were married Aug. 28. The ceremony and reception were held in the back yard at the home of the bride’s parents.
The bride is the daughter of Bob and Bonnie Mills of Los Altos. She graduated from Los Altos High School […]

Noteworthies

On Oct. 22 the Len Edwards Champion of Peace Award was presented to Steve Baron, a 30-year veteran of efforts to end domestic violence and promote peace in the home. The presentation took place at the 11th Santa Clara County Domestic Violence Conference.

Mark Russell turns Celebrity Forum into laugh fest

Now that elections are over, did you ever think politics and current events could actually be as funny as Mark Russell presented them at Flint Center? For three nights last week, political satirist Russell kept the audience laughing and applauding consistently while he blended hilarious one-liners with funny lyrics set to familiar tunes.

Russell is one of the more frequent guests to perform at the Celebrity Forum. Coincidentally, he was there Nov. 10, 2000, right after that year’s elections. At that time he said, “If the president-elect calls, would someone please get his name? … Bush loves the Electoral College, but he thinks it ought to have a new stadium.”

Long-distance walker creates local alpine challenge for all ages

Los Altos resident Dinesh Desai annually undertakes an ambitious outdoor adventure - usually in a remote corner of the world. This year he stayed home.

The reason: His wife and favorite hiking partner, Joy, had undergone foot surgery and was unable to join him.

Veterans Day recognized with Los Altos events

Los Altos residents played up Veterans Day in a big way last week with a special salute organized among local service clubs and a special concert of John Philip Sousa classics.

First, local Rotary and Kiwanis clubs joined forces to honor veterans during a special Thursday meeting at the Los Altos Golf & Country Club.

Calendar

Today
Los Altos Parks, Arts and Recreation Commission, 7 p.m., city hall, 1 N. San Antonio Road.
Community Health Awareness Council, 3:30 p.m., 711 Church St., Mountain View.
Mountain View Planning Commission, 7:30 p.m., city hall, 500 Castro St.
Thursday
Los Altos Hills City Council, 6 p.m., 25890 Fremont Road.
Los Altos […]

Community Briefs

El Camino auxiliary scholarships
El Camino Hospital Auxiliary and Foundation offers scholarships to students wishing to pursue an allied health professional career in one of the following fields: clinical laboratory technology, dietician, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy assistant, radiation oncology technology, radiation technology and respiratory therapy.
Graduating high school seniors and full-time […]

Models hit streets to fight cancer

The Discovery Shop, located at 243 Main St., has scheduled a holiday open house 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Volunteer fashion models will walk the streets of downtown Los Altos modeling gently used clothes and accessories that are the hallmark of the Discovery Shop.

Holidays exhibit opens next week at history museum

The Los Altos History Museum has scheduled its holiday exhibit, “Through the Eyes of a Child: Winter Holidays,” Nov. 26 through Jan. 2.

Winter Holidays explores the culturally and religiously diverse holidays and festivities of Jewish Hanukkah, Hindu Diwali, Iranian Nowruz, African American Kwanzaa, Chinese New Year, and Christmas traditions from Europe, the United States and Mexico. A special highlight of the exhibit is the Winter Wonderland train layout, centered within separate vignettes for each celebration. Many of the vignettes will include a hands-on or take-away activity.

‘Bay Area Backroads’ host Doug McConnell slated to appear in Los Altos

Host of the popular KRON-TV Channel 4 show “Bay Area Backroads” Doug McConnell is scheduled to appear 7-8:30 p.m., Nov. 30, at Main Street Cafe & Books in Los Altos.

McConnell, the popular guide to area vistas, will discuss his travels and autograph his new offering, “Bay Area Backroads Deck.”

Tales of bonfires, fallout shelters

All population figures for Los Altos prior to the 1960 census are misleading, unless readers realize the areas covered differ greatly from today’s city limits. Many were too large, because they included what later became Los Altos Hills. Some were too small, as in the Rand McNally 1912 Atlas, which listed “60.” This was either a misprint or based solely on residents in the downtown triangle.

• Suzanne Elizabeth Field, a 13-year-old, seventh-grade student at Covington School, designed the official Los Altos seal. She won the 1954 design competition sponsored by the city.

Hidden Villa volunteer Brian Donahue: A ‘good feeling’ teaching the children

Though Brian Donahue came to the Los Altos Farmers Market last September for the produce, he left with a new volunteer job.

A molecular biologist and resident of Los Altos for the past six years, Donahue, 47, had long considered volunteering at Hidden Villa, a farm and wilderness preserve in Los Altos Hills. He’d enjoyed taking walks there with his wife and two young children. So when he met the Hidden Villa staff (whom Donahue describes as “really great”) at a booth during the market, he thought, “I’ll just sign up.”

Hidden Villa accepting car donations

Hidden Villa is accepting car donations. All proceeds provide scholarships for summer camp and the Hidden Villa Environmental Education programs for K-6 grade classes. Shannon McEntee, director of leadership gifts at Hidden Villa, said, “I was the guinea pig in that I donated my own car so that I could judge the donation service. I was very pleased. Donation Liaison made it so easy, and Hidden Villa received 50 percent of the proceeds - much higher than other donation programs. Everything was done in one transaction at my home.”

For more information, call McEntee at 949-8659; or contact Donation Liaison at www.DonationLiaison.org or (408) 733-1000.

Los Altos Senior Center

Services offered at the Los Altos Senior Center include:

• Counsel on Aging, HICAP: Insurance counseling the third Tuesday of every month with Roy Ito. Make appointments through the Senior Center,

Free mediation available to resolve conflicts

The Los Altos Mediation Program (LAMP) provides mediation in local disputes. Mediation is a voluntary settlement process used to resolve conflicts between two or more people in a non-adversarial setting with the aid of a neutral third party. The process is confidential and informal. Over 85 percent of the disputes brought to mediation are settled. Of those, the parties uphold 90 percent of the agreements reached.

LAMP provides free and fast mediation for parties residing in Los Altos, Los Altos Hills or the unincorporated area surrounding Los Altos.

Los Altos Sister Cities announces T-shirt design contest

The Los Altos Sister Cities organization has announced a competition for the best design for the souvenir T-shirt commemorating the 2005 New Year’s Day 5K Fun Run, Walk and Roll scheduled Jan. 1 in downtown Los Altos. The winner will receive $50 and have their T-shirt sold at the area event.

Guidelines for the T-shirt entries are: open to all elementary school (K-6) children in Los Altos; must be received at Santa Rita School, attention Dorothy Dickson, by 3 p.m., Dec. 6; must include name and home telephone number; no smaller than 4 inches by 4 inches and no larger than 7 inches by 9 inches; and use no more than two colors (no shading).

‘Belonging’ key to lock on survival

Gael Arreguin is a forthright young man whose words seem to come from a great distance. He considers questions carefully, searches his memory, struggles for accuracy. There are obstacles to surmount in retrieving his memories, but he perseveres.

He was 11 when his family moved here from Mexico City. They did not speak English, and Gael was friendless.

Schools Briefs

High schools hold information nights
Eighth-graders and their parents are invited to an information night at Los Altos or Mountain View high school. Administrators, teachers, counselors, parents and students will be on hand to answer questions about curriculum, activities, athletics, performing arts and other programs.
The event for Los Altos High is […]

Local teens to sing opera at Eagle Theatre

Two Los Altos teens will help bring opera to town this week. Tara Chandra, who attends The Harker School in San Jose, and Monica McCann, a student at Homestead High School in Cupertino, are members of Peninsula Teen Opera, which will present a program of opera and operetta in English, 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m., Sunday, in the Eagle Theatre, 201 Almond Ave.

“Gianni Schicchi,” Giacomo Puccini’s comic one-acter about money, marriage and greed - and the double-crossers who make it all come out right - will be the centerpiece of the evening.

Una furtiva opera at BCS

Singers from the San Francisco Opera performed the “Opera A La Carte” production of Donizetti’s “The Elixer of Love” during the morning assembly Nov. 12, at Bullis Charter School. Sixth-grade students took small speaking roles, for which a field trip to the War Memorial Opera House to observe a dress rehearsal of the romantic comedy helped them prepare. Jennifer Ashworth, a professional singer from the San Francisco Opera Guild sang the role of Adina, supported by the heroine’s friends, (from left) Sophie Stanley, Emily Garverick, Olivia Hon and Anne Goodman. Brian Thorsett of the guild sang the role of Nemorino, the shy hero of the opera who buys a love potion from the traveling snake-oil salesman Dr. Dulcamara, the guild’s Michael Taylor. Michael Touchi at the piano took the place of the orchestra. Sixth-graders Carl Elson, Lindsey Raven and John Hersey played the parts of Sergeant Belcore, a soldier and Hercules, respectively. School staff members Jeron Carr, Becky Sorrentino and Joe Williams comprised the rest of the platoon. The absorbing performance was followed by a question-and-answer session.

The young and the lively

Hyatt Rickey’s was bustling Nov. 6 with the South Peninsula Young Life banquet, which organizers plan to make an annual event. Several hundred parents and teens listened to music and speeches, feasted and bid in a silent auction. Students from Los Altos and Mountain View high schools enjoyed the evening. From left, Lauren Dyson, Michele Baer, Ray Lonergan, Joe Hatasaki, David Ronconi, Jeremy Hamon and Kettie Moreno.

Eagles win sweepstakes at Clovis competition

The Los Altos Eagle Marching Band won the Sweepstakes award at the Western Band Association competition Nov. 6. The band presented its 2004 field show, “New Century Dawn,” under the lights at Buchanan High School in Clovis.

Eight judges rated the bands on their music, visual artistry, color guard, percussion and general effect. Los Altos High received the highest score of the 14 bands with which it competed, rating best overall for three classes of bands.

Last chance to see ‘Spiderman’

The Homestead High School Mighty Mustang Marching Band Home Show is scheduled for 3 p.m., Saturday, on the school’s football field. The marching band, color guard and jazz ensemble will give their final performance of the 2004 award-winning field show, “Spiderman,” with music by Danny Elfman, arranged by Ed Teleky. John Burn and Brett Bartlett are the band directors, and Robert Imada directs the color guard.

The marching band and its auxiliaries have had a winning season, and this exhibition event is a way to thank families and supporters of the musicians and performers. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Music Boosters. Admission is $5 per individual, $15 per family.

Pinewood students start robotics program

Pinewood School is not the typical high school. No football team. No cheerleaders. No marching band. No baseball field. And the graduating class of 2004 had fewer than 60 students. Now a group of Pinewood students is looking to replace one “no” with a “yes” by forming a robotics team.

Thirteen students plan to participate in the Pinewood Robotics Club; other high school robotics programs usually involve about 40 students. The students are eager to put their passion for robotics and technology into an organized and competitive project and bring their school recognition in the area of robotics.

Castilleja presents ‘The Laramie Project’

The Castilleja School Performing Arts Department presents Moisés Kaufman’s “The Laramie Project” 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m., Sunday, in the Castilleja Theater, 1310 Bryant St., Palo Alto. Eight actors from four local high schools - Castilleja, Mountain View, St. Francis and Sacred Heart - team up to deliver the powerful, emotionally charged ensemble play focusing on the 1998 hate crime against a gay student in Laramie, Wyo. Tickets are $10 general admission, $5 students. They will be available at the door 20 minutes before curtain. For more information, call director Bear Capron at 328-3373, ext. 401. The cast consists of, from left, Martina Troesch, Nick Enge of Mountain View, Kristin Leasia, Jared Newmeyer, Sol Hilfinger-Pardo, Steve Anthony, Christine Ahlstrom of Los Altos, and Laurel Tincher.

LAHS plans golden anniversary

Los Altos High School will commemorate its 50th year with a three-day celebration May 20-22, 2005. Tickets for the event are already selling on the alumni and school Web sites.

The weekend begins on May 20, with an alumni golf tournament at Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Gilroy. Prizes will be awarded at the 19th hole, where appetizers and no-host cocktails will be served.

Noteworthies

Corinne Avril Atkinson, daughter of Russ and Erica Atkinson of Los Altos, graduated summa cum laude from Muir College of the University of California at San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in environmental chemistry. An alumna of Homestead High School, she attended UCSD on a Regents’ Scholarship and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. She is employed by D-Max Engineering in San Diego.

Room for two

Knocking off Valley Christian-San Jose 17-14 last Friday seems to have given the St. Francis High football team a much-needed jolt of confidence for the playoffs.

“After losing to Bellarmine, we kind of questioned ourselves and we felt like zeroes,” said star fullback/linebacker Matt Taufoou, referring to the Lancers’ surprising loss to the rival Bells in their previous game. “Beating Valley Christian shows we can play ball. But we need that same intensity every week.”

Economy back on track, inflation still contained

The Federal Reserve Board increased interest rates last week! That may be contrary to stock market beliefs, but it’s good news because it means the economy is back on track. Alan Greenspan’s latest policy statement was optimistic when he said inflation “remains well contained.”

Wall Street closed its third straight week up, with its best close since April 6, and the Dow Jones industrials climbed back into positive territory year-to-date. The Nasdaq composite and the Town Crier index are also in positive territory for the first time this year.

Baseline software provides proof of condition for the chiropractic

Based on 27 years in practice, doctor of chiropractic Chris Watson developed a visual, objective proof of condition and progression of treatment for lower back pains. The result, Baseline, is state-of-the-art software designed for chiropractors and other practitioners in the field.

Patients and insurance providers can understand Baseline’s output as easily as doctors and technicians. It quantifies, increases patient retention, reactivates inactive patients and substantiates continued treatment of patients. Baseline is compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Yelka Day Spa continues dedication to beauty under new management

Health is a popular topic. Everybody starting in childhood wants to be healthy, beautiful and wealthy. Questions on how to achieve this are asked constantly and are not easy to answer.

“If you look good, you feel good and you perform well,” said Jelka (pronounced Yelka) Vranicic, owner of Yelka Day Spa in Los Altos; “You have self-confidence.”

Understand digestive problems to manage them

Whether it’s diarrhea, constipation, heartburn or abdominal cramps, digestive problems can make life miserable. While medications will often relieve your symptoms, taking good care of your digestive system is about more than simply taking a pill. Equally important are your lifestyle choices, the foods you eat and how you respond to stress.

“American Dietetic Association Guide to Better Digestion,” by Leslie Bonci, is a book that provides a road map for people with digestive problems. The book, published by the American Dietetic Association, an organization of 70,000 registered dietitians and nutrition experts, helps readers understand what causes gastrointestinal disorders and guides them toward a plan for managing their problems. It addresses issues faced by both children and adults.

Stanford says too soon to dismiss estrogen treatment

Poor estrogen. Its name keeps getting dragged through the mud. Earlier this year, the National Institutes of Health announced estrogen treatment may increase risk of stroke among postmenopausal women. A related study from 2002 linked a therapy combining estrogen and progestin with increased risks of breast cancer, heart attack and stroke. Despite the bad press, Dr. Natalie Rasgon doesn’t think estrogen should be written off.

An associate professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine, Rasgon is the director of the Stanford University Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Program, which seeks to understand the relationships between mood, brain function and hormones, as well as other endocrine functions in women.

Rebellion a sign of smarts

Question: As a working mother in my mid-40s, I have little patience with the so-called “terrible twos” of my daughter. The morn

ings are on a tight schedule with no time for the “no-no, I won’t business” and pickup in the evening at day care is a battle as well; I begin the day frazzled and end it the same way. Any thoughts?

A new prostate drug study unveiled

Researchers are testing new, innovative approaches to treating men with advanced prostate cancer, including investigational cancer vaccines and targeted therapies. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men.

“I know from experience that men need to learn about all their options,” said Virgil Simons, founder of The Prostate Net, a prostate cancer advocacy organization. “Particularly for men with advanced prostate cancer where options are very limited, knowledge is power. Talk to your doctor about the latest breakthroughs and about the opportunity to participate in clinical trials of new investigational drugs.”

Health Briefs

Expert to discuss nutrition
Accessible Fitness is scheduled to present an event as part of its Living Well series on nutrition and chronic conditions 7-8 p.m., Thursday. Gwen D. Antoni, a registered dietitian specializing in healthy eating and nutrition wellness, will discuss the steps anyone can take to optimize overall health. The […]

Rotary members learn the importance of stroke awareness

President-elect Marlene Cowan advised Rotary Club members last Thursday, “Please stay for the program. It may save your life.”

More than 750,000 Americans are expected to suffer a stroke this year; and two of every three victims are over 65.

Book deals positively with sensitive subject of death

Despite medical advances that give us longer and healthier lives than our predecessors enjoyed, everyone’s life will inevitably come to an end. Not very long ago, serious illness and death were everyday occurrences. Sudden death from infection or accident was common. Today, most of us are removed from the experience of dying; and while we can’t predict the exact time of our death, it’s rarely unexpected. Death typically comes from an illness that has progressed over the course of years. During the course of that illness, the health-care system that treats us is complex and intimidating. Whether we are dying ourselves or caring for someone who is dying, many of us don’t know the first thing about end-of-life care.

A thoughtful guide for people facing serious illness or death is “Handbook for Mortals: Guidance for People Facing Serious Illness,” by Drs. Joanne Lynn and Joan Harrold (Oxford University Press, 2001). It is compelling reading. Combining personal stories, poetry and quotes with facts and useful information, it addresses the needs of both body and spirit during a time that is difficult for all involved. Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter wrote the book’s touching foreword.

Murder, he thought

Despite a deep distaste for the natural world, Chaz Perrone studied biology because he saw the potential to make a killing. His pursuit of a doctorate at Duke University is sponsored by the ruthless agribusiness tycoon Red Hammernut, who plans to profit from having a biologist on his payroll who is unconcerned by anything resembling a scruple. When Perrone concludes that his golden future with Hammernut is compromised by his wife Joey’s discovery of falsified water quality data, he kills her by heaving her over the side of a cruise ship.

Or so he thinks.

Yoga teacher uses awareness, movement to ease pain

When Elise Browning Miller, a respected yoga teacher and co-founder of the California Yoga Center in San Antonio Shopping Center, was diagnosed with scoliosis (curvature of the spine) 30 years ago, she turned to yoga. Experiencing sustained relief from her symptoms, she became a yoga teacher. She studied with B.K.S. Iyengar in India and developed her own techniques for strengthening and relaxing the spine.

With the help of local journalist Carol Blackman, she wrote a book about yoga, “Life Is a Stretch.” The authors have revised the book to include more in-depth information in “Yoga: Anytime, Anywhere” (Llewellyn Publications, 2004).

Cook Islands a tropical paradise

The Cook Islands, a self-governing territory of New Zealand, make for a relaxing holiday destination away from the bustle of modern everyday life. The islands have a wide range of accommodations and offer a variety of activities, from snorkeling and scuba diving to hiking.

The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands in the center of the Polynesian triangle, flanked to the west by the kingdom of Tonga and the Samoas, and to the east by Tahiti and the islands of French Polynesia.

Union Presbyterian explores ‘What on Earth am I Here For?’

Union Presbyterian Church of Los Altos has scheduled approximately 40 small study groups of eight to 10 people each to discuss Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” Jan. 9 through Feb. 20.

This study program, “40 Days of Purpose,” has been employed across the nation and completed by many local churches. It will be open to the public.

Spiritual Life Briefs

Talk on religious issues of assisted reproduction
Congregation Beth Am has scheduled a presentation 4-5:45 p.m., Saturday, to explore the medical options available to those struggling with infertility, the psychological impact of such struggles and religious issues involved in assisted reproduction.
Addressing the issue will be Dr. Linda Giudice, professor at the […]

Datebook

THEATER

“Wiley and the Hairy Man.” Southern folktale of how a boy and his mother manage to outwit a swamp creature. Peninsula Youth Theatre’s Stories on Stage series. Friday; 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Saturday. Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro St. $5-$7. 903-6000; www.pytnet.org.