Progressive policing

While driving around, familiarizing himself with Los Altos’ neighborhoods, new Police Chief Tuck Younis occasionally responds to a call for a patrol car.

“The other day we backed up on a call. It was a domestic disturbance,” he said. A babysitter had called the police about unruly kids.

LASD files legal action against county board

The Los Altos School District filed a petition Jan. 9 asking the Superior Court of the state of California for Santa Clara County to block the Santa Clara County Office of Education Board of Trustees’ approval of Bullis Charter School’s 2007 charter revision, declaring such a revision would violate education codes.

The legal action was filed in response to the county board’s Nov. 26 approval to amend the charter school’s enrollment procedure.

Hidden Villa may lease, sell land to fund endowment

Land-rich but cash-poor, Hidden Villa’s board of directors is considering a bold move to stabilize their organization – leasing or selling some of their 1,600 acres in and around Los Altos Hills.

The non-profit drew more than 70 people Sunday to a forum discussing how to fund a $10 million endowment intended to provide a reliable income to boost the organic preserve’s flagging reserves.

Los Altos impostor captured in Reno after 10-month search

The man suspected of posing as a Buddhist tourist and attempting to run down a Los Altos police officer last spring was arrested in Reno Jan. 8, thanks to tipsters who called “America’s Most Wanted.”

The TV show featured the case of Robert Falkner, 33, an alleged scam artist who led police on a high-speed chase through Los Altos after trying to bilk money from a resident on El Sereno Road March 1.

Sen. Joe Simitian sponsors laws including new cell-phone curbs

Thank state Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) for two new laws limiting cell-phone use while driving that go into effect July 1.

None of the other new state laws that went into effect this month have received as far-reaching attention from residents as the cell-phone bans.

Pathways Committee debuts walking map

Although the dreary weather might discourage some Los Altos Hills residents from heading out on pathways walks anytime soon, they will have a new tool in hand when they are ready to brave the muddy trails – an updated pathways map, the first in 14 years.

The new map, which Pathways Committee Chairwoman Ginger Summit introduced for review at the Los Altos Hills City Council meeting Jan. 10, is part of a series of parks and recreation expansions this winter.

LA council approves Los Altos Gardens plan

A crowd of Los Altos Gardens residents celebrated last week when the Los Altos City Council approved plans long in the works that would preserve the apartment community near El Camino Real and San Antonio Road.

The council unanimously approved design plans for a 17,500-square-foot three-story mixed-use building at 950 San Antonio Road. Condominiums and commercial space would replace the existing 19,000-square-foot two-story office building. In addition to constructing 46 new units, Los Altos Hills resident John Vidovich’s De Anza Properties has designated the 56 apartments set back off the street for refurbishment.

Latest state propositions: Just say no

Has there been a more useless batch of state propositions than what appears before us on the Feb. 5 primary election ballot? We know many of you in Los Altos plan to mail your votes early. So we can sum up our stance on these initiatives by echoing the immortal words of Nancy Reagan: Just say NO!

Take the first initiative, Proposition 91, dealing with transportation funds. This is supposed to limit funds from motor vehicle fuel sales and redirect taxes to nontransportation uses. But the passage of Proposition 1A last November has rendered the Proposition 91 redundant. which did basically the same thing 91 is proposing. Prop. 1A ensured that any borrowed transportation funds are repaid and used for transportation.

Letters to the Editor

Wood-burning fallout for resident

I rent a small cottage on Vera Cruz Avenue. Many people on this street and in the neighboring areas of Jordan Avenue, Catalina Court, Catalina Way, Delphi Circle and Alvarado Avenue are emitting large amounts of wood- burning toxins. I am not sure these people and many other Los Altans know that these are “Spare the Air” days and “Spare the Air” nights.

Reflections

This new year did not come in shyly. We experienced some of nature’s power when a wild storm arrived with a major deluge. Luck had it that our area did not seem to suffer the fallen trees and swollen creeks that had some Bay Area residents piling up sandbags. The positive result, according to weather broadcasters, is that we no longer have to worry about a drought. I don’t mean to be selfish, but I now look forward to leisurely stays in my hot shower.

The outside world, however, rushes in as the storm of politics takes over the airwaves. Suddenly, Iowa became a very important place for our country’s future. I can’t help but pick up some of the nervous tension of the race for the most important office: president.

Other Voices

Recent news coverage described the Santa Clara County Office of Education as a “largely invisible agency.” That’s a shame, because the impact of the COE reaches deep into our community, and public scrutiny is necessary to ensure that any governing body acts, not in its own self-interest, but in the best interest of the public.

Electronic health-care management issues subject of Medicare head’s ECH appearance

Costs, quality and catastrophes are the catalysts for a cause and the reason acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Kerry Weems, visited El Camino Hospital in Mountain View Jan. 8.

Weems’ mission: to promote and expedite the use of electronic health records by doctors throughout the U.S. health-care system – fast. An electronic health record is a history of patient care that physicians and other health-care providers can access by computer.

Community coalition sponsors health-care forum at Beth Am in LAH

A coalition of community groups has scheduled a forum, “Caring for the Common Good: Healthcare Crisis in Our Own Backyard,” 2-5 p.m. Jan. 27 in the social hall at Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills.

The forum, sponsored by Beth Am Women, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Santa Clara and Beth Am’s Peninsula Interfaith Action, will address health-care needs in Santa Clara County, where 11.5 percent of adults lack medical insurance. Topics will include access, insurance, costs, emergency room overcrowding and trauma.

Packard exhibition opens Thursday at LA museum

The Los Altos History Museum is scheduled to debut “Lucile and David Packard: Valued Partners,” Thursday, and continue it through June 22. An opening reception is set 2-5 p.m. Sunday.

The exhibition captures the achievements of Los Altos Hills residents Lucile and David Packard. The Packards’ core values – integrity, respect for all people, belief in individual leadership, a commitment to effectiveness and thinking big – evolved into the groundbreaking “HP Way,” the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, engineering leadership at Stanford University and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

LAH resident Price recognized for volunteer leadership

The Santa Clara County Emergency Managers Association selected Duffy Price, longtime Los Altos Hills resident and Los Altos Hills County Fire District Commissioner, as one of 16 volunteers to receive the 2007 Mick McDonald Volunteer of the Year Award. The awards were presented at a luncheon Dec. 20 at the Crowne Plaza Cabaña in Palo Alto.

Los Altos Hills Public Safety Officer Steve Garcia introduced Price, citing her volunteer leadership in developing a personal emergency preparation program, acquiring a community emergency response team coordinator and procuring appropriate emergency and life-safety supplies.

Los Altos High School schedules Writers Week Feb. 11-14

Los Altos High School has scheduled the 23rd annual Writers Week Feb. 11-14, featuring appearances by approximately 30 writers, from poets to journalists.

This year’s highlight is a “Community Read” event Feb. 13 at Eagle Theater, featuring author Ann Packer. Packer is a local writer whose two recently published novels, “The Dive from Clausen’s Pier” and “Songs Without Words,” were critically acclaimed best-sellers.

Christ Episcopal Church hosts Ugandan children’s benefit

Christ Episcopal Church has scheduled “The Spirit of Uganda,” an evening of singing and dancing, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30.

The performance, sponsored by Empower African Children (formerly Ugandan Children’s Charity Foundation), features a troupe of children who perform to raise money and awareness for the foundation, AIDS and children in Africa.

Community Briefs

TC Train Tours visits Copper Canyon

Los Altos walks mark Roe v. Wade anniversary

Parallel walks are scheduled in downtown Los Altos Tuesday to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion, Roe v. Wade. The two groups, Step Out for Pro-Choice and Pro-Life, will walk on opposite sides of Main Street at the same time, as they have done for the past six years.

The Step Out for Pro-Choice walk was started in 2002 to offer counterpoint to the annual Pro-Life Prayer Walk, sponsored by St. Nicholas Church. Liz Kniss, Santa Clara County Supervisor, will address the pro-choice group before the walk.

Hemingway’s secretary sheds light on famed novelist

Valerie Hemingway, who served as famed novelist Ernest Hemingway’s secretary during his final two years, shared her stories of the “very boyish” man with the Los Altos Morning Forum Jan. 8.

Ernest Hemingway was 60 years old when Valerie met him in 1959. She was a 19-year-old from Ireland working as a freelance journalist in Spain. She knew little about the writer because most of his books were banned in Ireland. When she approached him for an interview, Ernest obliged, taking command of the interview by asking her about Ireland, where he had never been, and offering advice about Spain.

LASD calls on retired staff expertise

The Los Altos School District has pooled its recently retired principals and staff to form a leadership and mentoring program for teachers interested in exploring administrative positions.

Former Santa Rita School principal Steve Peck, former Loyola School principal Linda Eckols and former assistant superintendent for curriculum instruction Patty Weisman have teamed up to encourage teachers in the district to consider administrative roles in the future.

Schools Briefs

Mountain View PTSA continues series

Mountain View High School PTSA continues its workshop series, “Understanding Academic Stress–Tools to Thrive,” 7 p.m. Jan. 23. This installation, titled “Meditation for Teens,” hosts Gina Biegle, MA, MFT, leading students, parents and staff in a meditation based on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR meditation is taught at El Camino Hospital and Kaiser Santa Teresa. Students (grade 6 and above), parents and staff are encouraged to attend.

Spartans shake off two bad quarters to finish strong in win over Fremont

In jeopardy of losing to last-place Fremont after back-to-back dismal quarters, the Mountain View High girls basketball team entered the fourth in desperate need of a spark.

Natalie Warmbrodt provided it. The senior scored seven of her game-high 17 points in the quarter to lead the Spartans to a 44-37 win Friday that kept them atop the SCVAL De Anza Division.

The Jackson Two leading Foothill men’s basketball team

After losing four of its first seven games, the Foothill College men’s basketball team seemed to be hitting its stride just before league play by winning eight out of 10. Then the Owls last week lost their first two Coast Conference North Division games.

But Foothill is expected to have its ups and downs without two of its best players: leading scorer Kevin Pusateri and all-conference selection Kent Eubanks. Both are injured.

Coach says positive environment is key to success of Los Altos boys soccer team

Players show up for practice, they have good attitudes and the team is winning. Life is good for Los Altos High boys soccer coach Vava Marques.

“It’s a very healthy environment,” he said of the program. “Everyone supports each other. It’s enjoyable to coach and the kids are enjoying it, too.”

Owls gearing up for SF showdown

After two lopsided wins to open Coast Conference North Division play last week, the Foothill College women’s basketball team faces a stiff challenge tonight. The Owls play at San Francisco, considered their top challenger for the title.

“This is the premier game of the league,” Foothill coach Jody Craig said. “Usually the two games with them determine the Coast Conference champion, providing no one makes a mistake. It’s an opportunity to set the standard and be at the forefront of the league and make them chase us.”

Injuries, big men hurting St. Francis

Undefeated before league play, the St. Francis High boys basketball team is not finding the West Catholic Athletic League as friendly.

The Lancers are 0-5 in the WCAL, their worst in five years, and the season won’t get any easier with two players recently ruled out for the duration. St. Francis has lost starting point guard Sam Scudellari and reserve forward Andrew Silver to injuries,

Monitoring life

Sarah Khan of Sunnyvale was nine weeks pregnant when she developed a persistent headache. She attributed it to job stress and her pregnancy.

Then she suddenly lost sensation in her right arm and leg. Her husband, Arif, rushed her to El Camino Hospital’s emergency department, where she had two seizures. It was the best thing he could have done other than call 911. Even then, 34-year-old Sarah thought she might just be suffering from a pinched nerve.

The ABCs of stroke prevention

Age: The older you are, the higher your risk. In adults over 55, the risk for stroke is greater than 1 in 6. However, you don’t have to be elderly to have a stroke.

Alcohol: Excessive alcohol should be avoided. For men, that translates to less than two drinks per day; for women, less than one.

Warning signs of stroke

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.

• Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding.

Follow simple diet tips for a healthful 2008

As soon as the ball dropped in Times Square, we made resolutions to live healthier in 2008. Healthful eating does not have to be painful or complicated. Following these simple tips to prioritize healthful eating can make a resolution a reality.

• A healthful diet consists of whole foods, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables. If whole foods are the base of a diet, risk of chronic diseases will decrease. These foods are packed with vitamins and mineral, high in fiber and low in calories, making them a dieter’s best friend.

Thrive while you drive

The world changes so fast now, and many search for a way to keep their minds from spinning into the nut house.

The ancient practice of meditation has found its way out of monasteries and into mainstream public thought. Meditation, an old-fashioned cure for new-fashioned mental overload, has been scientifically shown to alleviate stress.

What parents need to know – warts and all

Warts, which affect 10 percent of children, are usually harmless skin growths. Warts dismay many parents, however, because they are often viewed as unsightly and embarrassing.

Ustream.TV mainstreams live video, chat forums

There’s more than meets the eye when Internet users log on to Ustream.TV compared with mainstreamed YouTube, and if the company’s growth is any indicator, the new video-broadcasting platform will revolutionize politics, entertainment, business meetings, school activities and family videos. YouTube could be destined for, well, the tube.

‘R’ word – recession or resilience?

The “R” word – recession – is being bandied about like a tennis ball. Holiday sales didn’t meet expectations (when have they ever?), job growth was lower than last month, unemployment “skyrocketed” to 5 percent and one young presidential candidate lamented that regular people can’t pay their mortgages.

Ethel Blank, 79: Organized art exhibitions at Los Altos Hills Town Hall

For Los Altos Hills resident Ethel Blank, trips to art museums and theater productions were integral parts of life. She organized cultural excursions with friends and produced art exhibitions for town hall.

Mrs. Blank, a mainstay in town social clubs, died Jan. 4 after a bout with cancer. She was 79.

ERNEST DURYEA CONRAD October 11, 1912 - November 25, 2007

Ernest D. Conrad, 95, died peacefully in Redwood City, California on Sunday evening, November 25, 2007. He leaves a legacy to his family and friends of a life filled with humor, energy, adventure and love. Ernest was born in Brighton, Michigan, the youngest son of Carl C. and Esther Duryea Conrad with two older brothers, Fred and Howard. He went to school in Lansing, Michigan and after high school graduation he learned to fly. He spent many years barn-storming at county and state fairs throughout the state. In 1939 he went to work for American Airlines, based in Chicago and moved up through the ranks for the next 33 years to retired in 1972 as a senior captain based in San Francisco. He met the love of his life, Virginia Woodby, an American Airlines stewardess, and they were married in 1941. They made their home in Hinsdale and LaGrange, Illinois until moving permanently to Los Altos Hills, California in 1957. Ernest was preceded in death by Virginia in 2002 after 61 years of marriage.

Before and after his retirement, Ernest was an avid boater with many different cabin cruisers docked at The Bridge Marina Yacht Club in Antioch, CA. Ernest and Virginia also enjoyed cruise ships, going all over the world and spending many Christmas’s with their family in the middle of an ocean! After retirement, the Conrads traveled extensively in their Airstream enjoying trailering from Canada to Mexico and all across the United States. Ernest also loved fishing and was a commercial ocean fisherman for a few years out of Moss Landing and Oakland, CA.

LARISSA KEET

We lost Larissa one year ago today. She is sorely missed by her husband and numerous friends and admirers.

“May her light shine forever.”

Datebook

Datebook items are run on a space-available basis for entertainment, non-profit events, low-cost classes and groups of wide interest in our circulation area. The deadline is noon Tuesday for the next week’s paper. Notices must be typed and include a contact name and phone number. Items may be submitted via e-mail (peteb@latc.com); fax (948-6647); or post (138 Main St., Los Altos, CA 94022).

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