A league of their own

When residents and reporters scratch their heads over a particularly indecipherable bit of ballot language, or an obscure primary, they turn to a homegrown oracle. The League of Women Voters, a 90-year-old grassroots organization, has the mission of cultivating informed and active participation in government.

Superior Court denies LASD suit against county

A Superior Court judge last week denied the Los Altos School District’s petition to block the Santa Clara County Office of Education’s approval of a change in the admissions policy at Bullis Charter School.

The school district filed the legal action Jan. 9 in response to the Office of Education’s Nov. 26 approval of an amendment to Bullis Charter School’s charter regarding enrollment. The amendment allows preferences in the enrollment lottery, stating that after siblings of current students who reside within the Los Altos School District have been accepted, the charter school could grant preference (up to 50 percent of the total available openings) to students who reside within the boundaries of the former Bullis-Purissima Elementary School attendance area, as drawn by the district in the 2002-2003 school year.

Eminent domain issue dominates June ballot for Los Altos

Excepting those residents particularly fired up about Superior Court judgeships, the hottest issue on the Los Altos ballot this June may be two warring propositions: 98 and 99.

The June 3 primary election comes as a bit of an afterthought this year, thanks to the rescheduled California presidential primary, held in February, instead of in the June election.

LAH roads take ongoing investment

It will take various road rehabilitation projects and an investment of approximately $1 million each year for the next five to six years to keep Los Altos Hills’ roads up to current standards, said Los Altos Hills City Engineer Richard Chiu.

The Los Altos Hills City Council discussed the cost and priorities of ongoing road improvements in town, among other ongoing and one-time capital improvement projects, during a special study session held April 10 before the council meeting.

Locals headed to August Democratic convention

Los Altos and Los Altos Hills are sending delegates to represent Sen. Hillary Clinton at the Democratic convention in Denver in August, in what might be the most dramatic battle for the presidential nomination in decades.

If neither Clinton nor Sen. Barack Obama garners a decisive majority in the handful of remaining state primaries, humble party delegates such as Los Altos Hills resident Lorraine Hariton and Los Altos resident Jim Thurber will have the final say Aug. 25.

Fire in the Hills

Approximately 40 Santa Clara County Fire Department personnel responded at 2:24 p.m. April 15 to a fire at a residence at 11800 Page Mill Road. The house is located across the street from Palo Alto Foothills Park, within the town of Los Altos Hills. There were no injuries but approximately $250,000 in property loss and $70,000 in contents loss were reported, said arson investigator Dennis Johnsen. Details are still under investigation, but officials determined that the cause of ignition was unintentional, Johnsen said.

Wedding: Anna Walker and Michael Allen

Anna Walker and Michael Allen were married June 23 at Valley Presbyterian Church in Portola Valley. A reception for the couple was held at the Quadrus Center in Menlo Park.

Engagement: Palmira Harris and Devan Walker

Palmira Harris and Devan Walker have announced their engagement to be married in the fall in Pacifica.

The bride-to-be is the daughter of Robert and Palmyra Harris of Pacifica. She graduated from Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory School in San Francisco and earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from Sonoma State University.

Wedding: Anna Walker and Michael Allen

Anna Walker and Michael Allen were married June 23 at Valley Presbyterian Church in Portola Valley. A reception for the couple was held at the Quadrus Center in Menlo Park.

Engagement: Palmira Harris and Devan Walker

Palmira Harris and Devan Walker have announced their engagement to be married in the fall in Pacifica.

The bride-to-be is the daughter of Robert and Palmyra Harris of Pacifica. She graduated from Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory School in San Francisco and earned a bachelor’s degree in geography from Sonoma State University.

Downtown benches turned around to face storefronts instead of traffic

Downtown Los Altos benches are doing an about-face. City crews are switching them from facing the street to facing storefronts, a recent change that comes 14 years after the benches were first installed.

“We were looking at our downtown standards and trying to update things,” said Brian McCarthy, public works supervisor, explaining the reason for the change. “Looking at the benches, there wasn’t any real reason why they were facing the traffic. We had talked to the (Los Altos) Village Association and downtown standards committee and felt that benches should be facing toward the businesses.”

Pathways run/walk set for Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Hills has scheduled the 7th annual Los Altos Hills Pathways Run May 10, starting and finishing at Westwind Barn, 27210 Altamont Road. A 5K/10K run/walk is scheduled for 9 a.m. and a 1-mile children’s fun run will begin at 10:30 a.m.

The 5K/10K and 1-mile fun run courses are hilly trails on Los Altos Hills pathways through Byrne Preserve.

AAUW offering a ‘taste of technology’ for young girls

The Los Altos/Mountain View Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has scheduled “A Taste of Technology!” 4-5:45 p.m. May 7 at the Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos.

The program will feature Shannon B. Johnson, research technician in the molecular ecology lab at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, speaking on “Exploring the Deep Sea and Finding the Unexpected: Whales, Snails, and Weird Worms.”

Local chiropractor offers Relay For Life a healing touch

From swollen feet to stiff shoulders and everything in between, Los Altos chiropractor Dr. Gregory Dabb volunteers to tend to participants at the Relay For Life of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.

Cancer survivors and other relay participants benefit from his massage, stretches and minor chiropractic adjustments to get them through the 24-hour fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, this year scheduled June 21 and 22 at Los Altos High School.

Downtown benches turned around to face storefronts instead of traffic

Downtown Los Altos benches are doing an about-face. City crews are switching them from facing the street to facing storefronts, a recent change that comes 14 years after the benches were first installed.

“We were looking at our downtown standards and trying to update things,” said Brian McCarthy, public works supervisor, explaining the reason for the change. “Looking at the benches, there wasn’t any real reason why they were facing the traffic. We had talked to the (Los Altos) Village Association and downtown standards committee and felt that benches should be facing toward the businesses.”

Photographer talks polar bears at library

The Los Altos Library and Cool Los Altos have scheduled local photographer Jim Liskovec to discuss the “Polar Bears of Churchill, Manitoba” 7 p.m. May 6 at the main library, 13 S. San Antonio Road.

Liskovec will share a close-up of the polar bears of Churchill, the only place on land in the circumpolar arctic where polar bears can be closely and safely observed in the wild. The bears depend on arctic ice for their survival and are threatened by climate change and receding ice.

Pathways run/walk set for Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Hills has scheduled the 7th annual Los Altos Hills Pathways Run May 10, starting and finishing at Westwind Barn, 27210 Altamont Road. A 5K/10K run/walk is scheduled for 9 a.m. and a 1-mile children’s fun run will begin at 10:30 a.m.

The 5K/10K and 1-mile fun run courses are hilly trails on Los Altos Hills pathways through Byrne Preserve.

Hidden Villa, other Hills organizations combine for program on sustainability

Sustainability in the Hills, a monthlong program winding down in Los Altos Hills this week, began as an answer to a question, according to Marc Sidel, Hidden Villa community programs manager.

Volunteers and staff at Hidden Villa mulled over how the non-profit nature preserve could develop sustainable living programming, capitalizing on April’s Earth Day theme, within the confines of limited staff resources.

AAUW offering a ‘taste of technology’ for young girls

The Los Altos/Mountain View Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has scheduled “A Taste of Technology!” 4-5:45 p.m. May 7 at the Bus Barn Theater, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos.

The program will feature Shannon B. Johnson, research technician in the molecular ecology lab at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, speaking on “Exploring the Deep Sea and Finding the Unexpected: Whales, Snails, and Weird Worms.”

Morning Forum speaker ponders ‘Pope Joan: Legend or History’

Donna Woolfolk Cross, author of “Pope Joan: A Novel” (Ballantine Books, 1997), discussed her book and the status of women in the Dark Ages with the Los Altos Morning Forum audience April 1.

Living conditions in ninth-century Europe were grim, Cross determined from her extensive research on the period. She explained to the audience that the continent was wracked with violence. Infrastructures such as bridges were so broken down, people drowned trying to cross the rivers. Vikings had pillaged many landmarks, including the Vatican. Ignorance was widespread and the arts labeled pagan.

Local chiropractor offers Relay For Life a healing touch

From swollen feet to stiff shoulders and everything in between, Los Altos chiropractor Dr. Gregory Dabb volunteers to tend to participants at the Relay For Life of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.

Cancer survivors and other relay participants benefit from his massage, stretches and minor chiropractic adjustments to get them through the 24-hour fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, this year scheduled June 21 and 22 at Los Altos High School.

Wesla Whitfield warbles with Peninsula Symphony

Popular vocalist Wesla Whitfield is scheduled to perform in concert with the Peninsula Symphony 8 p.m. Saturday at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City.

The performance of the symphony, whose administrative office is based in Los Altos, will also feature Whitfield’s husband, pianist/composer Mike Greensill. The two released their 19th recording, “Message from the Man in the Moon,” in December.

Photographer talks polar bears at library

The Los Altos Library and Cool Los Altos have scheduled local photographer Jim Liskovec to discuss the “Polar Bears of Churchill, Manitoba” 7 p.m. May 6 at the main library, 13 S. San Antonio Road.

Liskovec will share a close-up of the polar bears of Churchill, the only place on land in the circumpolar arctic where polar bears can be closely and safely observed in the wild. The bears depend on arctic ice for their survival and are threatened by climate change and receding ice.

Community Briefs

Collaborative screens PBS documentary

The Bay Area Chapter of the Children in Nature Collaborative has scheduled a screening of “Where Do the Children Play?” 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Los Altos main library community room, 13 S. San Antonio Road.

Hidden Villa, other Hills organizations combine for program on sustainability

Sustainability in the Hills, a monthlong program winding down in Los Altos Hills this week, began as an answer to a question, according to Marc Sidel, Hidden Villa community programs manager.

Volunteers and staff at Hidden Villa mulled over how the non-profit nature preserve could develop sustainable living programming, capitalizing on April’s Earth Day theme, within the confines of limited staff resources.

Morning Forum speaker ponders ‘Pope Joan: Legend or History’

Donna Woolfolk Cross, author of “Pope Joan: A Novel” (Ballantine Books, 1997), discussed her book and the status of women in the Dark Ages with the Los Altos Morning Forum audience April 1.

Living conditions in ninth-century Europe were grim, Cross determined from her extensive research on the period. She explained to the audience that the continent was wracked with violence. Infrastructures such as bridges were so broken down, people drowned trying to cross the rivers. Vikings had pillaged many landmarks, including the Vatican. Ignorance was widespread and the arts labeled pagan.

Wesla Whitfield warbles with Peninsula Symphony

Popular vocalist Wesla Whitfield is scheduled to perform in concert with the Peninsula Symphony 8 p.m. Saturday at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City.

The performance of the symphony, whose administrative office is based in Los Altos, will also feature Whitfield’s husband, pianist/composer Mike Greensill. The two released their 19th recording, “Message from the Man in the Moon,” in December.

Community Briefs

Collaborative screens PBS documentary

The Bay Area Chapter of the Children in Nature Collaborative has scheduled a screening of “Where Do the Children Play?” 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Los Altos main library community room, 13 S. San Antonio Road.

Bullis Charter School named California Distinguished School

State Superintendent of Education Jack O’Connell visited Bullis Charter School in Los Altos this month to recognize the school as a California Distinguished School.

“I was honored to be able to join in the excitement as these dedicated educators learned their schools earned this coveted title,” O’Connell said. “From their stories, it became clear that they share a schoolwide vision of excellence where every student can succeed and achieve at the very highest levels of performance.”

Schools Briefs

Foothill College hosts Kiva.org founder

Matt Flannery, co-founder of Kiva.org, is scheduled to share the innovative methods his organization has developed to assist people around the world as they work to end poverty in developing countries through micro-credit loans noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at Foothill College’s Smithwick Theatre.

Weis named superintendent of county schools

The seven-member board of the Santa Clara County Office of Education April 16 unanimously named Dr. Charles Weis superintendent of schools, effective July 1.

Weis, 57, the current Ventura County superintendent of schools, will replace Joe Fimiani, who has been serving as interim superintendent since November.

LAHS production of ‘The Crucible’ challenges labeling

Los Altos High School’s Broken Box Theatre Company will revisit the events of 1692 in Massachusetts when it presents Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” a fictional account of the infamous Salem witch trials.

The 22 student-actors and six production-team members enrolled in Nancy Moran’s Acting II class will perform the last production of the school year.

Bullis Charter School named California Distinguished School

State Superintendent of Education Jack O’Connell visited Bullis Charter School in Los Altos this month to recognize the school as a California Distinguished School.

“I was honored to be able to join in the excitement as these dedicated educators learned their schools earned this coveted title,” O’Connell said. “From their stories, it became clear that they share a schoolwide vision of excellence where every student can succeed and achieve at the very highest levels of performance.”

‘Funny in Farsi’ author to speak at Circle of Support Breakfast

Local author Firoozeh Dumas will serve as keynote speaker for the fifth annual Circle of Support Breakfast, scheduled 8:30-10:30 a.m. May 8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Palo Alto.

The Circle of Support Breakfast benefits Family and Children Services, a non-profit organization whose mission is to build strong, safe and self-sufficient individuals, families and communities. The organization serves Santa Clara and San Mateo counties by providing mental health and psychiatric care, life-skills preparation, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence intervention, family counseling and financial literacy and family loan services to those in need.

Schools Briefs

Foothill College hosts Kiva.org founder

Matt Flannery, co-founder of Kiva.org, is scheduled to share the innovative methods his organization has developed to assist people around the world as they work to end poverty in developing countries through micro-credit loans noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at Foothill College’s Smithwick Theatre.

Weis named superintendent of county schools

The seven-member board of the Santa Clara County Office of Education April 16 unanimously named Dr. Charles Weis superintendent of schools, effective July 1.

Weis, 57, the current Ventura County superintendent of schools, will replace Joe Fimiani, who has been serving as interim superintendent since November.

LAHS production of ‘The Crucible’ challenges labeling

Los Altos High School’s Broken Box Theatre Company will revisit the events of 1692 in Massachusetts when it presents Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” a fictional account of the infamous Salem witch trials.

The 22 student-actors and six production-team members enrolled in Nancy Moran’s Acting II class will perform the last production of the school year.

‘Funny in Farsi’ author to speak at Circle of Support Breakfast

Local author Firoozeh Dumas will serve as keynote speaker for the fifth annual Circle of Support Breakfast, scheduled 8:30-10:30 a.m. May 8 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Palo Alto.

The Circle of Support Breakfast benefits Family and Children Services, a non-profit organization whose mission is to build strong, safe and self-sufficient individuals, families and communities. The organization serves Santa Clara and San Mateo counties by providing mental health and psychiatric care, life-skills preparation, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence intervention, family counseling and financial literacy and family loan services to those in need.

Spartans seek success in De Anza Division

The Mountain View High softball team is thriving outside of league, posting an 11-4-1 record. Yet the Spartans are struggling within the SCVAL De Anza Division, going 2-5.

The discrepancy has left Mountain View’s head coach scratching his cap.

Los Altos High to dedicate track to former coach Long Sunday

A ceremony to dedicate Los Altos High’s track and field facility to Leo Long, who guided the school’s track team to a state championship during his 20 years as coach, is scheduled 1 p.m. Sunday in the Los Altos gym.

Long coached the team from 1958-1963, then 1970-1981. Los Altos went 128-3 in dual meets during Long’s tenure, claimed 18 Santa Clara Valley Athletic League titles, two Central Coast Section crowns and was the first CCS team to win a state championship (1970). Long garnered state and national coach-of-the-year honors in 1979.

Robbins leads Mountain View baseball team over Sequoia

Jake Robbins did it all April 16. Whether he was on the mound or at the plate, Robbins delivered for the Mountain View High baseball team in a 12-4 rout of Sequoia.

The junior earned the win – striking out seven over five innings – and had four hits and five RBIs in the non-league game.

Big week ahead for Los Altos

As coach Sandy Wihtol sees it, this is a win-or-else week for his Los Altos High baseball team.

The Eagles need to win both games against Milpitas or risk missing the league tournament – and maybe even the Central Coast Section playoffs.

Spartans seek success in De Anza Division

The Mountain View High softball team is thriving outside of league, posting an 11-4-1 record. Yet the Spartans are struggling within the SCVAL De Anza Division, going 2-5.

The discrepancy has left Mountain View’s head coach scratching his cap.

Despite back-to-back losses, Lancers show positive signs

Back-to-back losses in the West Catholic Athletic League are never easy to stomach, even for a youthful St. Francis High baseball team.

But the silver lining of the Lancers’ defeats to Valley Christian and Serra last week is that St. Francis is showing signs it is on the cusp of joining those programs among the league’s elite.

Los Altos High to dedicate track to former coach Long Sunday

A ceremony to dedicate Los Altos High’s track and field facility to Leo Long, who guided the school’s track team to a state championship during his 20 years as coach, is scheduled 1 p.m. Sunday in the Los Altos gym.

Long coached the team from 1958-1963, then 1970-1981. Los Altos went 128-3 in dual meets during Long’s tenure, claimed 18 Santa Clara Valley Athletic League titles, two Central Coast Section crowns and was the first CCS team to win a state championship (1970). Long garnered state and national coach-of-the-year honors in 1979.

Robbins leads Mountain View baseball team over Sequoia

Jake Robbins did it all April 16. Whether he was on the mound or at the plate, Robbins delivered for the Mountain View High baseball team in a 12-4 rout of Sequoia.

The junior earned the win – striking out seven over five innings – and had four hits and five RBIs in the non-league game.

Big week ahead for Los Altos

As coach Sandy Wihtol sees it, this is a win-or-else week for his Los Altos High baseball team.

The Eagles need to win both games against Milpitas or risk missing the league tournament – and maybe even the Central Coast Section playoffs.

Despite back-to-back losses, Lancers show positive signs

Back-to-back losses in the West Catholic Athletic League are never easy to stomach, even for a youthful St. Francis High baseball team.

But the silver lining of the Lancers’ defeats to Valley Christian and Serra last week is that St. Francis is showing signs it is on the cusp of joining those programs among the league’s elite.

Editorials

Grant Park in Los Altos is becoming a playing area for the classic sand-versus-woodchips debate between residents and city officials.

The city’s process is already well under way to install new playground equipment at Grant and Montclaire parks this spring. As part of the renovations, the Los Altos City Council two weeks ago approved a staff plan to replace the current all-sand covering at the Grant Park playground with Fibar-brand engineered woodchips.

Letters to the Editor

Telling the truth about California natives

I am writing in defense of the following statement that was criticized in a letter to the editor April 16: “California natives are hard to keep alive and often look like a brown weedy mess by July.” I believe it was simply telling the truth.

No Shoes, Please

When Beijing was awarded the 2008 summer Olympic Games, I started grousing. Sure, I get it – the Olympics are a kind of quinceañera to showcase China’s inevitable ascension to world superpower status. But for reasons unrelated to the occupation in Tibet and genocide in Darfur, I thought it wrongheaded to host the world’s greatest athletes in Beijing.

First, the city itself is a health threat. Last month, after an exhibition match in Beijing, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre had this to say about the impact pollution would have on Olympic athletes: “The pollution is pretty bad over there. I think it could really have an effect unless they clean it up. You could cut it with a knife.” This from a guy whose sport is replete with steroid abusers and tobacco chewers – not exactly what you call a health nut.

Hope never hindered

At one time, a simple message from the doctor accompanied a diagnosis of mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism or Down Syndrome: “No hope.”

Many disabled infants, children and adults consequently became the inmates of state mental institutions, isolated from everyday life in their communities.

Advocates for Alzheimer’s relief lobby in Sacramento

Local caregivers and supporters of Alzheimer’s disease patients headed to Sacramento April 16 to protest looming state budget cuts and the lack of a plan for a health crisis that could impede services for thousands of patients.

Organizations present research on early puberty

The onset of early puberty in girls can increase their risk of developing breast cancer later in life, according to Jeanne Rizzo, a registered nurse and director of the Breast Cancer Fund.

Understanding endometriosis can preserve long-term health

Many women experience mild discomfort during their monthly menstrual cycles, but women with endometriosis may experience more severe symptoms. Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological disorders, causing many women to seek help from a medical practitioner.

Practicing good hygiene can help ward off common staph infections

Q: I am hearing a lot about staph infections. Should I be worried?

Books detail rhythmic functioning of human body

Many humans are fascinated by the workings of the body, how it grows and functions and how it fails. We are fortunate to live in a time when scientific research has explored the workings of our physical selves. Advances in medical imaging offer a glimpse inside the body. An increased understanding of genetics has helped illuminate the body’s functions, even at a cellular level.

Bestselling author visits Los Altos Library

Bestselling author Mildred Armstrong Kalish, a spry 85 years old, visited the Los Altos Library April 18 to share stories of her childhood and her unexpected literary success with an overflow crowd.

Kalish, a resident of The Forum in Cupertino, was featured speaker for the Los Altos Library Endowment’s Speaking Volumes series, now in its seventh year.

Foothill continues to celebrate literature

Firoozeh Dumas, author of “Funny in Farsi” (Villard, 2003) and the upcoming “Laughing Without an Accent,” is scheduled to speak 3 p.m. Thursday at Foothill College as a part of Foothill’s Authors Series.

A multimedia gallery exploring concepts from T.C. Boyle’s award-winning book “The Tortilla Curtain” (Bloomsbury, 2004) continues on display at Foothill College’s Krause Center for Innovation. The exhibition, running through May 15, melds traditional and new media with collaboratively created print images that address themes of race, class conflict, immigration and the environment.

Shakespeare goes goofy

Bus Barn Stage Company’s “The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)” will play best with Bard-lovers equipped with a strong stomach for ribald humor.

Directed by Nichole Y. Hamilton, the show’s host of characters are all played, or at least approximated, by Ken Boswell, Charles McKeithan and Steve Cortopassi.

Adolf Sannwald: The story behind an enemy casualty

Beneath the tall, white spire of Memorial Church of Harvard University in Harvard Yard is the quietest, least frequented place on campus. Every time I go back, I see the wall dedicated to those who died in World War II. The names are listed by class and professional school. Thirty-eight died from the class of 1942, 37 from the class of 1941, 81 from the Law School and 78 from the Business School.

At this point, I usually feel uneasy – only two names are listed from the Divinity School. If this were not embarrassing enough for a patriotic graduate, one of the names listed has a parenthetical comment. It reads, “Enemy Casualty.” Half the men who died fighting in World War II from the Divinity School were on the wrong side. I guess they always have been a contentious bunch.

Spiritual Life Briefs

Foothills Congregational holds rummage sale

Los Altos Foothills Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, has scheduled its annual rummage sale 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 3 at the church, 461 Orange Ave.

Guitar 101 – beware of dust

As one of America’s most standard appliances, the toaster is so revered it spawned a mini-industry of toaster-cover products to protect it from savage kitchen elements. Google “toaster cover” and 97,800 hits will appear.

From covers for cars to toilet seat lids, Americans proudly protect their most-coveted possessions. The principals of Los Altos-based Lanthum Products, Greg Gabriel and Adriana Lustig, are on a mission to educate guitarists and convince them they need covers, specifically the Drapester, to protect their musical investments. Dust that accumulates over time can cause the slow death of a guitar.

Annual EXPO celebrates 20th year

The annual Los Altos Chamber of Commerce Business EXPO, scheduled 4-7 p.m. Thursday, will mark 20 years that the chamber has been bringing the local business and non-profit communities under one roof for sharing, networking and socializing.

The event, held at the Los Altos Youth Center, includes retailers, restaurants, professionals and service providers.

Mortgage market impacts second-home sales

The combined total of vacation- and investment-home sales declined with the overall market in 2007 but still accounted for 33 percent of all existing- and new-home sales, according to a national realtor survey.

The National Association of Realtors Annual Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey shows vacation-home sales dropped 30.6 percent in 2007 from 2006, while investment-home sales fell 18.1 percent last year from 2006. Primary-residence sales declined 10 percent in 2007 from 2006.

TOIVO “TED” HENRY KOSKI

Born Jan 19, 1922 in Red Lodge, MT. Passed away peacefully at age 86, on April 8, 2008 with his family by his side at Kaiser Hospital in Roseville, CA, after a courageous 3 year battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilho and Anna Koski, brother Oliver Koski, stepmother Adele Koski, stepsister Aili Hakola and nephew Bob Hakola.

FRANK RENATUS GOLZEN February 3, 1916-April 13, 2008

Born in Frankfurt, Germany and immigrated to America in 1931, our dad was a great man who died peacefully knowing that his family loved him.

He joins his wife, Kunigunde, his “mubbus” who was the love of his life for 63 years.

ROBERT J. GASPICH, M. D.

Robert J. Gaspich, physician and former resident of Los Altos Hills, passed away last week. Dr. Gaspich, one of the founders of El Camino Hospital was one of the first physicians to join the Sunnyvale Medical Clinic. He had been a partner and specialist in internal medicine and allergy there and a clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University. Upon retirement, he donated his time as a physician at a free clinic. Dr. Gaspich was known not only for his skill as a physician, but also his empathy for his patients.

Dr. Gaspich was a very active and engaging person who enjoyed music and had played the coronet in the Santa Clara County Medical Society Orchestra. He was a member of Stanford University Golf Club and Quail Lodge Golf Club.

Michael E Rosinski April 20.1959-April 13, 2001

As always he is near-

Never far although body is gone,

FREDERICK J. YAEGER February 21, 1924 - April 11, 2008

Fred was deeply loved and will be missed by his wife of 60 years, Betty Doyle Yaeger, his four daughters; Pam Smith, Gretchen Bryson, Leslie Kranz, Stephanie Landis, seven grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews.

ALVINA GUERRA ALLEN

Passed away in Palo Alto on April 13, 2008 at age 79 surrounded by her family. Alvina was the dearly beloved wife of the late Frank J. Allen, Jr., (retired Battalion Chief, SFFD), dear mother of Michael and Peter Allen, cherished mother-in-law of Rita Hirsh Allen and Sylvia Valdez, and loving “nonni” of Madeline and Elizabeth Allen. She leaves behind her sister Rosemarie Giannecchini, nieces and great nieces and nephews. Alvina was born in Jackson California, grew up in Stockton, and raised her sons in San Francisco.

Alvina made her home in San Francisco from 1948 when she came to study dental nursing, and she worked at Letterman Hospital until she married in 1956. She was active in the Italian-American Federation, and an active member in St. Thomas the Apostle parish. She loved musical theatre and enjoyed attending Sunday matinees with her friends. Since 2000, she has lived in Los Altos.

WILLIAM EDWARD RYAN

William E. (Bill) Ryan , 91, passed away at his home in Los Altos on April 10, 2008, after a brief illness. His wife and children were with him. Bill was the only child of Joseph S. and Alice Cain Ryan and was born and raised in Providence, R. I..

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy Atkins Ryan and his older son, Michael Cain Ryan. Also, by his wife, Marjorie Dunne Ryan, and stepson, Lawrence R. Dunne. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Sally Diekman Ryan, son, Kevin L. Ryan (Melanie), step children, Edward M. and Robert F. Dunne (Debbie), Marilyn Dunne-Wylie (Jerome), daughter-in-law Joan Dunne, and 8 grand children.

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).

THEATER