Sec 1 - The Almanac

24 Pages·2008·4.59 MB·English

NURSING HOME fined $100,000 for

Atherton woman’s death. Page 5

YOU DECIDE.
2008
VOTE
for your
favorite shops
& services at
www.TheAlmanacOnline.com
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JUNE 11, 2008 www.TheAlmanacOnline.com | VOL. 43 NO. 41
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L A S S O F
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Stunning 3bd 2/ba on quiet cul de sac
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2 ■ TheAlmanac ■ June 11, 2008
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2007
Photo by Dave Boyce/The Almanac
Home again
A Little Leaguer dusts off home plate after a game at the brand new baseball field in Portola Valley Town
Center. The ball field opened in mid-May without ceremony more than two years after the old field closed.
A ceremonial first pitch may come at the grand opening of the Town Center complex in the fall.
1060 Evelyn Streeett He
Menlo Park Election 2008 Menlo Park, CAA at
650-328-5425 M her
o
■ Nafuterrs iAntgh herotmone wnaoimledan w’si tdhe a$t1h0.0 P,0a0g0e 5fine ■ Jwimon D Aotbhberieto snay cso “usntrcaiilg rhatc eta. lPka”g e 8 Jewelrore
y
■ City facing a projected $1.01 million ■ Measure O falls short of two-thirds support. !
deficit heading into the fiscal year that Page 8
starts July 1. Page 10
Schools
Portola Valley
■ New principal chosen for Corte Madera School.
■ Council may issue final ruling on Page 15
dugout tree this week. Page 10
Community
Woodside
■ Menlo Park author illuminates parallels
■ Welding sparks may have started fire between Gold Rush and Cold War, and their
that destroyed carport, cars. Page 6 impact on California. Cover, Section 2
■ Veteran, volunteer Mike Salome dies. Page 7
Also Inside On the cover
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Woodside High School graduates fling their
Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 caps skyward following the school’s 49th annual
Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 17 commencement ceremony on June 6. Photo by
Police Calls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Veronica Weber. See lists of local public high
school graduates beginning on Page 12
CALLING ON THE ALMANAC
The Almanac offices are at 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025. THE ALMANAC (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) is
published every Wednesday by Embarcadero Publishing
For Classified ads, call 854-0858 ■ E-mail news to (no photos please): Co., 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-
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Display advertising: Ext. 233 [email protected] free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and
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without permission is strictly prohibited.
June 11, 2008 ■ TheAlmanac ■ 3
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4 ■ TheAlmanac ■ June 11, 2008
Short
takes
Save the date M E N L O P A R K | A T H E R T O N | W O O D S I D E | P O R T O L A V A L L E Y
For those with long-
deferred dreams of being Nursing home nailed with $100,000 fine
a June bride — or groom
— San Mateo County’s wed-
ding chapel is now taking ■ Atherton woman died due to injuries suffered at facility, according to the National Institute of Neu-
reservations for same-sex
rological Disorders and Stroke Web site.
marriage ceremonies begin- says state. Nursing home is appealing the charges.
“The patient didn’t allow help, and she
ning June 17.
couldn’t control her own behavior,” Ms.
The chapel, which is
By Rory Brown announced its decision on June 5, claiming Cocachvili said.
located on the first floor of
Almanac Staff Writer Atherton Healthcare staff was inattentive Ms. Nickel died Dec. 1, a week after an
the County Clerk’s Office
in caring for Ms. Nickel, who suffered from Atherton Healthcare staff member noticed
at 555 County Center in D
uring her 10-month stay at Atherton Huntington’s chorea disease and was prone a “deep lacerated wound” on the patient’s
Redwood City, holds up to
Healthcare nursing home in Menlo to falls. The facility was hit with an “AA” head while combing her hair, likely from an
25 people, can be reserved
Park last year, 51-year-old Atherton citation — the most severe citation under “unwitnessed fall,” according to the Depart-
for a 25-minute ceremony
resident Debra Nickel fell 14 times, including state standards. ment of Public Health report. The staff mem-
and rents for $35. Marriage
a late-November fall in which she sustained “The facility failed to identify and continu- ber informed a nursing home physician, who
licenses cost $78, and the
traumatic brain injuries, according to a Cali- ously assess, evaluate and update the resident’s stated that Ms. Nickel “does not need to be
ceremonies can be viewed
fornia Department of Public Health report. needs and plan of care to prevent further falls sent out for stitches because scalp wounds heal
over the Internet by far-
She died several days later, the report said. and injuries,” according to the report. easily,” the report says.
flung friends.
Now, state officials have determined that the Nana Cocachvili, executive director of The staff member notified a second phy-
Warren Slocum, the
nursing home staff is at fault for Ms. Nickel’s Atherton Healthcare, located at 1275 Crane sician, who recommended Ms. Nickel be
county recorder, said in a
death, and have hit the Menlo Park facility St., said the nursing home is appealing the taken to the emergency room, where she was
press release that he expects
with a $100,000 fine and the most severe cita- decision, and that Ms. Nickel’s falls were admitted three hours later with high blood
to expand the wedding
tion possible. “unavoidable,” due to the nature of her pressure and a heart rate of 128 beats per
chapel’s hours to accom-
The facility was fined a smaller amount condition. minute, the report says.
modate the demand. Call
earlier this year following an investigation into Huntington’s chorea disease is a neuro- The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office
363-4500, ext. 6063.
the October death of a Menlo Park man. logical condition that causes uncontrolled
The Department of Public Health movements and emotional disturbance, See NURSING, page 6
My wife is leaving
That’s the tongue-in-cheek
subject line of an e-mail
sent by Las Lomitas School
District Superintendent Eric
Hartwig announcing that his
wife, Woodside elementary
teacher Debbie Hartwig, will
decamp for Paris next year.
Ms. Hartwig is retiring
after 25 years of teaching at
Woodside elementary. She
got an offer she couldn’t
refuse to spend a year teach-
ing seventh grade at the
Having fun, wish
American School of Paris.
The Hartwigs are Franco- you were here
philes who already have a
pied-a-terre in Paris. Sarah Vitale, left, and Allison
“It’s a great new adventure Silverman work on this year’s mural
for her, and instead of visit- at Hillview Middle School in Menlo
ing Paris during her different Park late last month. Images of
postcards from around the world
breaks, she’ll come home to
adorn the music room wall, thanks to
visit me,” Mr. Hartwig said.
the students’ artistic efforts.

Photo by Veronica Weber/The Almanac
Taylor goes global
It’s a small world for Men- Supes OK 20-year plan for Town Manager Susan George told the failure of Measure O, the park
lo Park resident Taylor Fran-
the Almanac. “Since April 22, we sales tax on the June ballot. “We
cis, 16, who’s bringing his
worked long and hard to work out won’t be able to implement several
Huddart, Wunderlich parks
message on global warming
a really good set of compromises. projects,” said park planner Sam
to Shanghai and Beijing.
At the end of the day, we’re in 100 Herzberg. “Now we’ll have to seek
Taylor trained under for- ■ Disputes with Woodside settled, but failure of percent agreement.” private funds and grants.”
mer Vice President Al Gore
Measure O may delay some improvements. The compromises would reduce The major project that’s clos-
at The Climate Project, a
access to lower Huddart Park est to fruition is the restoration
Nashville-nonprofit. He’s
By Marion Softky visors unanimously approved through the gate to narrow Greer of the historic Folger Stables at
spoken at Woodside Elemen-
Almanac Staff Writer the master plan and the envi- Road; allow horses to continue Wunderlich Park and reconfig-
tary School, the Woodside
ronmental impact report for the to ford West Union Creek until a uring the driveway and parking
Priory and Menlo School. A
fter four long years of con- two hillside parks that rise from new pedestrian/equestrian bridge lot, Mr. Herzberg noted. Sup-
He will be in China
tentious meetings, hear- Woodside to Skyline. is built; monitor and mitigate porters are well along in fund-
through June 15, speaking
ings, workshops and focus The meeting was unusually increased traffic due to new raising. “That will probably be
to high school and col-
groups, San Mateo County now upbeat, since the remaining dis- facilities in Huddart; and enter a the next step,” he said.
lege students, as well as
has a master plan for Huddart agreements with Woodside have maintenance agreement for 500 Meanwhile the county is already
business, government and
and Wunderlich parks that will been resolved in the six weeks feet of Greer Road. taking steps to reduce fire hazards
non-governmental organi-
preserve their resources and guide since a more contentious board Improvements called for in the in the forest parks, Mr. Herzberg
zations, said Alex Carey, a
their use for the next 20 years. meeting in April. new master plan may come much
Climate Project spokesman.
On June 3, the Board of Super- “It went very well,” Woodside more slowly than hoped because of See PARKS, page 8
June 11, 2008 ■ TheAlmanac ■ 5
N E W S
Welding sparks may have started
fire that destroyed carport, cars
By Dave Boyce alarm had more to do with the
Almanac Staff Writer fire’s potential to spread to the
S surrounding vegetation, Mr.
parks from a welding torch
Romero said.
may have started a fire that
The relative absence of veg-
caused between $80,000 and
etation around the buildings
$100,000 in damages and con-
Dr. Kathleen Tavarez has been named an 800 Menlo Avenue, #101 sumed a carport, a deck and two — known as the defensible
space — was “pretty good,” Mr.
Menlo Park, CA 94025 vehicles on Saturday, June 7, at
Invisalign Elite Premier Provider, recognizing
Romero said.
700 Glencrag Way in Woodside.
select doctors who have achieved an extraordi- 650-329-9600 An airborne ember from the
The definitive cause of the fire
nary level of experience and who represent fire in the carport probably
is still under investigation by
the top 1% of North American practitioners. www.drtavarez.com the Woodside Fire Protection started a small secondary grass
fire, he said.
District, Battalion Chief Don
The fire trucks did have to
Romero told The Almanac.
snake their way into the site via
The only injury involved a
a roadway that had “a very sharp
minor burn on a firefighter’s
turn and was fairly narrow, Mr.
arm, and that was treated at
Romero said, but added: “We
the scene, Battalion Chief Dan
did manage to get in there and
Ghiroso said.
put the fire out fairly quickly.”
A resident of the two-story
The two long-time residents
single-family house called 911
of the home have been displaced
at 5:28 p.m., and the fire was out
because the fire district had to
by 5:54 p.m., Mr. Romero said.
shut off the gas and electricity
While it was technically a two-
Your Child’s Health University to the house, Mr. Ghiroso said.
alarm fire involving 62 firefight-
ers and 22 vehicles, including 10
Bay City News Service
fire engines, two ladder trucks
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital offers classes, seminars and resources and a water truck, the second contributed to this report.
designed to foster good health and enhance the lives of parents and children.
Nursing home fined
PEDIATRIC WEIGHT CONTROL PROGRAM
Ms. Cocachvili said Atherton
NURSING
This family-based, behavioral and educational weight management program promotes Healthcare has appealed that
continued from page 5
healthy eating and exercise habits for overweight children and their families. More than decision too, and she argued the
80% of children achieve long-term weight loss through this program – and parents lose blame should lie on the transpor-
confirmed Ms. Nickel died Dec. tation provider whose employee
weight too! The new session starts soon, so call [phone] to pre-register. Spaces
1 of swelling of the brain and was supervising the patient when
are limited.
brain hemorrhages caused by he fell, not the nursing home.
blunt trauma. The coroner’s office “That incident should not be
INFANT AND CHILD CPR noted that Ms. Nickel was 51 years connected to us as a facility,”
old, not 48, as the Department of Ms. Cocachvili said. “We didn’t
Parents and other childcare providers will learn the techniques of infant and child CPR
Public Health and other media do anything wrong.”
and how to avoid choking hazards. Mannequins are used to provide hands-on training.
outlets have reported.
- Monday, July 7 “Vastly improved”
Another death Tippy Irwin, executive direc-
CHILDBIRTH CLASS BY THE SEA The citation linked to Ms. tor of Ombudsman Services of
Nickel’s death isn’t the only San Mateo County, a group that
Take a childbirth preparation class in a unique, retreat-like setting at the Ritz-Carlton
Department of Public Health supervises and investigates the
Hotel in Half Moon Bay. This course includes breakfast and lunch for two at the claim Atherton Healthcare is treatment of seniors, said she
hotel, as well as participation in breastfeeding and cesarean birth classes. currently fighting. doesn’t know who is to blame
In April, the state hit the nurs- for recent incidents at Atherton
- Sunday, July 27
ing home with a $20,000 fine Healthcare, but noted the facil-

and citation following an inves- ity has “vastly improved” from
SAFELY HOME CAR SEAT FITTING PROGRAM
tigation into the Oct. 28 death its days as Menlo Park Place
Did you know that 80% of car seats are set up incorrectly? A certified technician at of a 79-year-old man who fell Health Care Center under dif-
backwards off a wheelchair lift ferent ownership in 2005.
Packard Children’s can ensure that your child’s car seat or booster is properly installed.
while being transported to an “What happened recently was
The service, aided by Kohl’s, is free and available Monday through Saturday. Call (650)
off-site medical appointment. an absolutely horrible incident,”
736-2981 to make an appointment. The patient, Menlo Park resi- Ms. Irwin said of Ms. Nickel’s
dent Charles Ladeau, suffered death. “But that place had plunged
major head trauma when he to the depths of poor quality. Is it
Call [phone] or visit www.lpch.org to register or obtain more tried to stand up while being perfect now? No, it has problems.
information on the times, locations and fees for these and other courses. lifted into a van, and died short- But it has improved under the
ly after the fall, according to new ownership.”
reports filed at the Department In 2005, the facility changed
of Health Services San Mateo ownership and was known as
LLUUCCIILLEE PPAACCKKAARRDD County office in Daly City. Canaan Healthcare. The cur-
The incident exposed the fact rent owners took over in early
CC HH II LL DDRR EE NN’’SS
that Atherton Healthcare was out- 2007 and the name switched to
sourcing the driving of patients to Atherton Healthcare.
HH OO SS PP II TT AA LL
off-site appointments through a Ms. Irwin said that several
private company without a formal years ago, she was sending as
contract, and without “written many as six Ombudsman repre-
C A L L T O D AY T O S I G N U P F O R C L A S S E S ( 6 5 0 ) 7 2 3 - 4 6 0 0 standards how transportation sentatives a day to inspect the
services should be provided,” facility. Now she sends one
according to the reports. inspector a week, she said.
A
6 ■ TheAlmanac ■ June 11, 2008
C O M M U N I T Y
R E Q&A
EAL STATE
by Monica Corman
Menlo Park resident, veteran,
Being Realistic in this Market
volunteer Mike Salome dies
Q: I have read that sales of long time and this has an effect on
single family homes are down behavior in our market as well.
in the Mid-Peninsula. What are The best advice for sellers is
By Dave Boyce Germany to dig for bodies in my chances of selling my home to be very realistic about your
bombed out buildings, then
Almanac Staff Writer in this market? property, particularly if it is in the
stuffed into a small boxcar with
Menlo Park resident Mike 75 other prisoners for a five-day, A: The number of sales during low to mid-level price range. This
Salome is no longer 500-mile trip north to Stalag the first months of this year is segment has been most affected by
feeling cramps in his 2A outside Neubrandenburg. down considerably from the the tightening of credit. Price your
toes, a reminder of a bout with The boxcar had no facilities and same period in 2007. This is due property very realistically if you
frostbite in 1944. The Nazis had strafing by American war planes to many factors ranging from are serious about selling. Avoid
given him and his fellow prison- was a constant worry, he said. problems in the financial markets choosing the highest list price
ers of war only thin socks and At the camp, where he spent to uncertainty among buyers as because buyers will be hesitant to
wooden shoes to wear during the nine months, they worked seven
to which direction the market is act. Fix things that need repair;
winter at a camp in Germany. days a week unloading coal from
headed. Many are very hesitant to buyers like to know that sellers have
Michael J. Salome died May 22 railroad cars. Their guards were
buy until they know whether the not deferred maintenance. There is
at Stanford Hospital at the age of German soldiers in their 70s,
market is going to see a significant still good activity in our market
84. A devoted volunteer who had he said. Mr. Salome said he
given tens of thousands of hours escaped the camp on foot with decline or not. The national real and if you price and prepare your
to helping fellow war veterans, seven other men as the war in estate news has been negative for a property well, it will sell.
he had suffered a stroke recently, Europe was winding down.
his wife Lee said. They returned to the United Photo courtesy of Libera Salome For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may
Mike Salome, in a recent e-mail me at [email protected] or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors.
Mr. Salome’s wartime experi- States in the summer of 1945.
photograph. I also offer a free market analysis of your property.
ences fit a classic storyline for a Mr. Salome was discharged
World War II soldier. He entered honorably, but continued his said. He loved going to Las Vegas
France as a 19-year-old Army work for and with veterans and working in his garden.
SSttaannffoorrdd
infantryman at Omaha Beach throughout his life. Two focuses He is survived by his wife of
three days after the Normandy for him: prisoners of war and 60 years, Libera; daughter Jean
invasion; he fought machine- soldiers missing in action. Szarlacki of Milpitas; son Robert DDrriivviinngg SScchhooooll
gun battles in the hedgerows He recently received an award of Louisville; four grandchildren;
in the Normandy countryside, from the Department of Veter- and four great-grandchildren.
where the Germans were dug in ans Affairs in recognition of his “He had a very beautiful DDRRIIVVEERRSS EEDD//TTRRAAIINNIINNGG PPAACCKKAAGGEE
and waiting; he crossed France more than 35,000 hours of vol- memorial service at the (Menlo
wwwwww..SSttaannffoorrddDDrriivviinnggSScchhooooll..nneett
in 27 days with Patton’s 3rd unteer work at the VA hospitals Park) VA hospital in the chapel,”
Army; and he was captured in Menlo Park and Palo Alto. his wife told the Almanac.
while in a foxhole outside the Homelessness, drug and alcohol The family prefers that dona- Summer in-Class Schedule
French town of Metz, he told the abuse and post traumatic stress tions in lieu of flowers be made $$3300 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4
Almanac in 2001. were common afflictions that he in memory of Michael J. Salome Mon 6/9 Tue 6/10 Wed 6/11 Thur 6/12
ooffff
For him, as the saying goes, the found there, he said. to the VA Palo Alto Hospital, Sat 6/14 Sun 6/15 Sat 6/21 Sun 6/22
war was over, but the hardships Mr. Salome had a career in real attention Volunteers Services Mon 6/16 Tue 6/17 Wed 6/18 Thur 6/19
were not. He was hauled off to estate and was seldom without a Fund, 3801 Miranda Avenue, WITH THIS AD Mon 7/23 Tue 7/24 Wed 7/25 Thur 7/26
the town of Limburg in western pipe or a patriotic hat, relatives Palo Alto, CA 94304.
A [phone] • 3960 El Camino Real, Palo Alto
For more information on getting your permit, visit our website at:
www.StanfordDrivingSchool.net
Butler Construction receives according to a company spokes-
person. An onsite manager is
available to assist employees
Family Friendly Award
with managing their benefits.
The company supports many
W.L. Butler Construction of In a written statement, CEO organizations that focus on
Redwood City, founded by Bill Bill Butler, the father of three, families, including the Boys and
Butler of Woodside, received the said: “We’re a very family-oriented Girls Club, Family Giving Tree,
Family Friend Employer Award company, and I don’t use that term Job Train (formerly O.I.C.W.),
at the annual sixth annual Dads lightly. When we welcome you to Little League, Shelter Network,
Count Fatherhood Breakfast held our family, we also welcome your Second Harvest Food Drive, and The Bowman program builds
last month at the Westin San entire family, literally. Several of our Rebuilding Together.
confidence, creativity and
Francisco Airport Hotel. tenured team members are blood The Fatherhood Collaborative
The event was sponsored by relatives and we offer internship provides a forum to address and academic excellence.
the Fatherhood Collaborative of programs to help grow the next support the importance of men
San Mateo County. generation of the Butler family.” and fathers taking an active role
Lower School - Grades K - 5
Company president Frank York The company abides by all in the well-being of children and
received the award on behalf of parent-friendly laws detailed families, according to the organi-
Middle School - Grades 6 - 8
W.L. Butler Construction, Inc. in the Work and Families Act, zation’s Web site.
Individualized, self-directed program
Calling all school board candidates; of board members, and answer
questions. Rich international and cultural studies
informational meeting set for June 10 The candidate filing period
opens July 14 and runs through Proven, Montessori approach
A candidate information Those interested in running Aug. 8, the deadline for filing
night for the upcoming elec- for the two seats up for elec- candidate documents with the State-of-the-art facility
tion for the Menlo Park City tion in November are invited county Registration and Elec-
School District board is set for to attend. tions Division. For informa- Low student-teacher ratio
7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10, in Board members Laura Rich tion about the meeting, call
the district board room at 181 and Jeff Child are set to dis- the district office at 321-7184.
www.bowmanschool.org
Encinal Ave., Atherton. cuss the district and the role
4000 Terman Drive (cid:2) Palo Alto, CA (cid:2) Tel: [phone]
June 11, 2008 ■ TheAlmanac ■ 7
N E W S
Dobbie says ‘straight talk’ ★ Measure O falls short
E L E C T O N
★
won Atherton council race 2 0★ 0★ 8 of two-thirds support
By Andrea Gemmet The fact that outcome of Atherton’s election Measure O, the county-wide Ms. Bott hopes the volunteers
Almanac Staff Writer Mr. Dobbie hails is unlikely to change. Through- proposal to increase the sales tax will stay involved in helping
from the Lin- out the vote count, the results by one-eighth cent to benefit parks parks. “The need hasn’t gone
J
im Dobbie credits his straight- denwood neigh- have shown a roughly 60-40 and recreation programs, fell short away,” she said. “We still have to
forward manner for his success borhood, east split in favor of Mr. Dobbie. Tuesday of the two-thirds voter figure out ways to support our
in the race for an Atherton City of Middlefield approval it needed for passage local parks.”
Council seat in the June 3 special Road, became a Campaign spending As of Thursday morning, the The estimated $16 million a
election. Although there are some campaign issue. The council race didn’t come yes vote count was 44,864 or 60 year that would have been raised
Jim Dobbie
votes remaining to be tallied, he Ms. Lewis’ sup- cheap. Campaign spending percent of the vote, and the no if the tax had passed could have
was leading his competitor for the porters, includ- exceeded a combined total of vote was 29,596 or 40 percent. been used for after-school and
seat, Elizabeth Lewis, by 59 percent ing former council member Carl- $40,000, with Ms. Lewis reporting “It’s just very difficult to make summer programs for kids and
to 41 percent, late last week. son, have charged that the Lin- expenditures of almost $25,000, the two-thirds threshold,” said teens; overdue maintenance and
The special election was held to denwood Homes Association has and Mr. Dobbie spending more Julia Bott, executive director upgrades to trails, recreation
fill the remaining two years left too much influence over Atherton than $16,000. of the San Mateo County Parks areas, and park facilities; repair-
on Alan Carlson’s third term. Mr. town government. Mr. Dobbie reported receiving and Recreation Foundation, ing and upgrading playgrounds
Carlson moved out of Atherton in “I want to squash this idea that $4,000 in late campaign contribu- who led the campaign. and playing fields; and preserv-
December and resigned his seat. Lindenwood is trying to take over tions after May 17. A $2,000 dona- The campaign raised $500,000 ing natural open space.
“I ran what I consider to be an the town,” Mr. Dobbie said. “I tion was made by Roy Demmon, and recruited lots of volunteers. The money would have been
honest, straight-talking race. I don’t think that’s the case, or people a retired Atherton resident, and “The volunteers were stellar,” spent on county parks but also
didn’t pretend to be anything I wouldn’t have voted for me.” $1,000 each was donated by Robert Ms. Bott said on election night. would have been divided among
wasn’t,” Mr. Dobbie, 77, told the As of Friday afternoon, June 6, C. Wilson, retired, and Eric Rob- “We had so many people work- the county’s 20 cities and three
Almanac. the county reported 943 votes cast erts, a self-employed art dealer. ing so hard.” special districts.
Mr. Dobbie also pointed to for Mr. Dobbie, and 647 votes for Ms. Lewis reported two late
strong support throughout the Ms. Lewis. contributions, of $1,000 each,
Supes OK parks plan
town, particularly in neighbor- Although the San Mateo from David Dollinger, an Ather-
hoods west of El Camino Real. County Elections Office doesn’t ton resident and developer, and
“I won every precinct, at least by expect to complete counting Brion Applegate, founder of Spec- by garbage trucks, service vehicles
the numbers I’ve seen,” he said. votes until later this week, the trum Equity Investors. PARKS and employees. “The institutional
A
continued from page 5 use of Greer Road as a ‘short-cut’
is an unwelcome and unwarranted
said. It’s controlling vegetation, misuse of this road,” he wrote.
Red light cameras go live June 10
removing hazardous trees, and Mr. Herzberg reported that clos-
improving drainage. “We’re doing ing the gate significantly reduced
■ Early numbers suggest system could be a big ■ MENLO PARK t hTish reig mhto nsot wc,o”n htero svaeidrs.ial aspect tmraoftfoicr coyncl eGs,r eaenr dR opaadck fsr oomf bciacrys-,
money maker for the city. to the master plan — the proposal clists who swept through.
frequently traveled intersections to route a bike trail from the val- Now pedestrians, bicyclists and
By Rory Brown bring in for the fiscal year that will make drivers think twice ley to Skyline through Huddart equestrians can pass through one
Almanac Staff Writer starts July 1. before running red lights. Park — was withdrawn after at a time, but cars and motor-
For every $378 red-light ticket, “I’ve seen some very serious a couple of Parks Commission cycles are blocked. The county
I
f the early data is any indi- the city receives $150, Ms. ugly crashes there,” Sgt. Kauf- meetings in 2006 that drew 400 will probably establish a keypad
cator, Menlo Park’s new Hutchins said. man said of the Willow Road/ people, 79 speakers, and more control on the gate, he said.
red-light photo enforcement If 194 red-light violators are Bayfront Expressway intersec- than 300 letters. The county also accommodated
program could add a lot of ticketed each month through tion. “As much as people would A new committee is working on the horse riders who like to cross
money to the city’s coffers once the system, the city would col- probably prefer to see live offi- a countywide trails master plan. West Union Creek on their way
the system starts ticketing driv- lect about $273,000 annually. cers at these intersections, it’s out of Huddart Park onto trails
ers on June 10. That total takes into account not logistically possible.” Woodside compromises in Woodside. It agreed that horses
In a trial run of the system, the monthly per-camera fee of Pulitzer Prize-winning author There has been a “dramatic could continue to walk across the
194 drivers were caught running $6,350 the city has agreed to and journalist David Halberstam reduction in traffic on Greer creek as long as there is no bridge
red lights while turning left on pay Los Angeles-based Redflex was killed in a three-car accident Road” since the county locked they can use — or unless a state
to Willow Road from Bayfront Traffic Systems to install and at the Willow Road/Bayfront the gate at the end of that road agency rules they cannot.
Expressway from May 6 to June monitor the cameras. Expressway intersection last year. in late April, admitted Woodside The only bridge now is for
4, according to Diel Hutchins, And more cameras are on the Sgt. Kaufman said it’s likely attorney and Greer Road resident pedestrians, but it may fail and
a program manager with the way. that only 60 to 75 percent of red- Robert Susk, who has been lead- needs to be replaced. The county
Menlo Park Police Department. Ms. Hutchins said two cam- light runners will actually ing the fight to curb park traffic is willing to replace it with a
The intersection is the first to eras — one for each direction of receive tickets, as the camera on the narrow road. bridge for both pedestrians and
be equipped with still-image and El Camino Real at Ravenswood system won’t be able to identify In a letter, Mr. Susk commended horses when necessary and if
video cameras that catch drivers Avenue — should be up and some drivers. As drivers get used Parks Director David Holland and money can be found.
who run red lights, allowing running in coming months. to the cameras, the number of his staff for their attention to the This would have been a good
the police department to mail Cameras will also be installed tickets and revenue for the city problems of their neighbors. He project for Measure O funds, Mr.
tickets, as well as photos of each on El Camino Real at Valparaiso will drop, she predicted. also noted the entrance is still used Herzberg grumbled.
A A
alleged violation, to drivers. Avenue, and on Sand Hill Road
Since May 6, the city has at the entrance to the Stanford
been mailing warnings to driv- Linear Accelerator Center. Blood center sounds donate” to ride out the crisis.
ers caught by the cameras, but The blood center is also below
starting 12:01 a.m. June 10, the Improving safety urgent call for donations minimum inventory in types O
department will start mailing Menlo Park Police Sgt. Sha- positive, A negative, A positive,
tickets of at least $378 to red- ron Kaufman, echoing remarks B negative and AB negative.
light runners. made by City Council members The Stanford Blood Center get back on our feet,” said blood Donors should call 650-723-
and city officials when the put out an urgent call for type center spokesperson Michele 7831 or 888-723-7831 to make
Big revenues ahead? red-light photo program was O negative blood donors last Hyndman. an appointment, find out hours
If the trial period is a sign of unanimously approved in 2006, week after a heart surgery Ms. Hyndman said the center of operation and get directions.
things to come, money gener- stressed that the cameras are patient used the center’s entire has exhausted the list of its regu- For more information or
ated by the cameras could easily intended to increase safety, not O negative inventory. lar type O negative blood donors, to schedule an appointment
exceed the $100,000 of revenue to boost revenues. The surgery “just wiped us “and we’re looking for people in online, go to http://bloodcenter.
the system was projected to She said putting cameras at out, and we’re now struggling to the community to step up and stanford.edu
8 ■ TheAlmanac ■ June 11, 2008
N E W S
Jim Lewis threatens libel lawsuit
against city, Councilwoman Fergusson
By Rory Brown City Council, and myself as the
■ MENLO PARK
Almanac Staff Writer council’s representative, and pos-
sibly even the city manager, will
F
or the past year, Palo Alto e-mail sent to Mr. Lewis by Ms. be subject to awkward misrepre-
resident Jim Lewis has Fergusson exposed the Palo Alto sentations,” Ms. Fergusson wrote
become one of Menlo Park’s resident to “hatred, contempt, in the e-mail.
most persistent volunteers, attend- ridicule and obloquy.” The city did not act on Mr. Lew-
ing countless public meetings, Mr. Lewis identifies himself as is’ claim, rejecting it by default.
trying to organize city events, and a Menlo Park business owner, but That means Mr. Lewis has until
bombarding the City Council with he refused to disclose the name of December 5 to determine if he
e-mails and speeches regarding his business to The Almanac. wants to file a lawsuit — some-
what he likes about the city, and In the e-mail, Ms. Fergusson thing he said he will do if a settle-
how to make it better. (who was mayor at the time) ment isn’t reached by that date.
He’s proving equally persistent expressed reservations about sit- “Settlement is always an
in efforts to get retribution for ting next to Mr. Lewis at a break- option,” Mr. Lewis said. “But if
what he says were libelous actions fast he organized to welcome settlement fails, I definitely plan
on the part of Councilwoman incoming city manager Glen to take it to court.”
Kelly Fergusson. Rojas. Ms. Fergusson questioned Mr. Briggs said he had no fur-
On March 7, Mr. Lewis and whether the public was properly ther comment on the claim. Ms.
his attorney, Carleton Briggs, notified of the event, and whether Fergusson and City Attorney Bill
filed a claim against Ms. Fergus- Mr. Lewis was misrepresenting McClure could not be reached CHRONOMAT
son and the city for more than himself as a council member. before The Almanac’s deadline to
$10,000. The claim says a Sept. 16 “I am concerned that that the comment on this story.
A
Downtown block parties are back
By Rory Brown manager of juvenile mediation
■ MENLO WATCH
Almanac Staff Writer programs for the San Mateo
T County Superior Court.
he Menlo Park down-
town block parties will can register by going to the Menlo The event is scheduled for 7 to
return this summer, and Park Chamber of Commerce Web 10 p.m. in the council chambers
the events have been scheduled site at MenloParkChamber.com, at the Civic Center, between Lau-
for three Wednesday evenings: and click on the “Downtown Block rel and Alma streets.
June 25, Aug. 6 and Aug. 20. Party” link on the home page.
Similar to last year’s parties, Recycle electronics
the city will close the downtown Gangs forum San Mateo County residents can
portion of Santa Cruz Avenue to Local gangs, and how to keep drop off old computers, televisions,
traffic, stores will extend their teenagers from joining them, batteries, cell phones, and other
hours, restaurants will offer will be the topic of a forum electronic equipment for recycling
outside dining, and local music organized by Menlo Park May- at Tyco Electronics’ Menlo Park
groups will perform for several or Andy Cohen scheduled for campus on Saturday, June 21.
hours in the downtown area. Wednesday, June 11. Residents can drop off the
All three block parties are The forum is the second in the equipment from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
scheduled for 6 to 9:30 p.m., mayor’s “Healthy Communities” at the main entrance to the Tyco
and will coincide with the city’s speaker series — an effort to get campus, at 300 Constitution
“Music in the Park” concert series Menlo Park and other cities to Drive, near the intersection of
at Fremont Park. work together to tackle regional Bayfront Expressway and Chilco
This year, the city is inviting local issues. The series kicked off May Street. There is no fee.
nonprofits to set up informational 28 with a forum dedicated to Other items that can be recycled
booths at the event. homelessness. include stereos, printers, copiers,
There is no charge for non- The panel of speakers for the microwaves, and compact fluo-
profits to take part in the block June 11 event includes Cmdr. rescent bulbs and tubes. Jim Gorman Swim School
party, but participants must be Lacey Burt and Sgt. Eric Cow- Stoves, refrigerators and washing
registered 501(c)(3) organiza- ans from the Menlo Park Police machines will not be accepted.
tions and have a significant Department; Boys and Girls Club For more information, call the
presence in Menlo Park. Executive Director Peter Forten- South Bayside Waste Manage- Private swimming & diving lessons
Nonprofits wishing to participate baugh; and David Cherniss, the ment Authority at 802-3500. A
(Semi-Private lessons available if pre-grouped)
Reporting crimes with computer link to submit it.
There are situations for which
We teach 7 day/week, year-round
now available in Menlo Park this form should not be used:
■ Emergencies. In an emer- All ages & abilities
Crime reporting is moving write the report at the police sta- gency in which persons or prop- Warm clean pools
online in Menlo Park. tion or at the scene of the crime, erty are in jeopardy, call 911.
For victims of a nonviolent Menlo Park Police Sgt. Sharon ■ Freeway incidents. Call the
crime such as theft, vehicle bur- Kaufman said in a statement. California Highway Patrol. Instructors are fun, patient, mature
glary or vandalism with no sus- Other crimes that can be ■ Crimes that happen outside experienced and professional
pect information, the Menlo Park reported online include lost Menlo Park city limits. Call the
Police Department has a form property, identity theft, hit-and- appropriate law enforcement
to fill out on the Web at www. run, harassing phone calls and agency.
menloparkpolice.com. The link vehicle tampering. ■ Crimes in which the victim 854-6699
is located on the bottom right. The form takes a few minutes can provide information on a
The online report is optional, to fill in and can be canceled at suspect. Call the Menlo Park Extension 100
an alternative to having an officer any point before clicking on a police at 330-6317.
June 11, 2008 ■ TheAlmanac ■ 9
N E W S
Next fiscal year: Deficit or no deficit? Lee Duboc and Mickie Winkler, PV council may
who sent a widely distributed
e-mail on May 31 stressing that decide on tree’s
By Rory Brown He noted that the city’s spend-
■ MENLO PARK the city should be wary of grow-
Almanac Staff Writer ing is expected to increase by ing personnel costs. fate this week
O about 6 percent from the previous
n paper, Menlo Park is fac- “If [historical] trends continue, Ms. Duboc said she’s trying to
fiscal year, and revenues are pro-
ing a projected $1.01 mil- we will not have this sizeable increase public awareness about A Town Council decision is
jected to grow by just 1.5 percent.
lion deficit heading into budget deficit when all is said rising employee and benefit costs likely this week to decide the fate
“This is not going to get us to
the fiscal year that starts July 1. and done,” said Councilman facing Menlo Park and other Pen- of the hollowed-out oak tree that
a long-term sustainable budget,”
What do City Council members Heyward Robinson. insula cities, and is yet to go directly leans over the home-team dugout
Mr. Boyle said. “I don’t think we
think about the projected deficit? The council did not take action to council members in an effort to at Ford Field in Portola Valley.
need to spend all the money we’re
For the most part, they don’t on the budget, as final approval be as “apolitical as possible.” The council meets at 8 p.m.
planning on spending.”
believe it exists. of the 200-page document is “I’m not trying to be critical of on Wednesday, June 11, in the
Councilman Richard Cline said
At their June 3 meeting, council scheduled for June 17. But most city staff, and I’m not saying they’re Historic Schoolhouse. The dug-
projects that may prove costly
members discussed the proposed council members gave nods doing a bad job,” Ms. Duboc said. out has been closed since early
today, such as the El Camino Real
2008-09 fiscal year budget, which of approval to City Manager “I’m looking at this strictly from April after six arborists agreed
visioning effort, should provide
projects the city will spend about Glen Rojas’ recommendations an economic stability standpoint. independently that the tree was
an economic boost to the city in
$38.24 million in the upcom- of avoiding any drastic budget ... This issue cuts across political in danger of falling. The town
coming years.
ing fiscal year and collect about cuts, and keeping the current 1 lines in our city, and it’s something would be liable for any injuries.
Councilwoman Kelly Fergusson
$37.23 million in revenues. percent tax on all utility bills. we need to address.” Also on the agenda: a first look
urged city staff to complete the
Although the city is projected to Ms. Duboc noted that she’ll be
at the budget for the fiscal year
long-awaited fee study that could
fall $1.01 million short of covering Over spending? sending regular e-mails out that begins July 1, and revisiting
show the city how to make city
its costs, the city’s past budgets Councilman John Boyle was the about the issue of rising city the noise ordinance as it applies
programs more cost-effective.
have outperformed expectations, lone council member to take issue employee costs. Ms. Winkler, to construction activities by
and a majority of council mem- with the budgeting approach, who was recently named to the property owners, particularly
Employee costs
bers said it’s safe to assume the stating the city is “tempting fate” San Mateo County Civil Grand on weekends.
Absent from the council meet-
upcoming fiscal year should be by taking on full list of projects Jury, won’t be taking part in the
ing were past council members
no different. when facing a projected deficit. effort, she said. A
Atherton: special
budget meBeting
irt
Budget talk and nothing but h
— that’s the agenda for a special d
a
Atherton City Council meeting y
set for Wednesday, June 11, in the
council chambers, located at 94
Ashfield Road.
Council members will discuss
the proposed budget for the fis-
cal year beginning July 1, and
may even vote to adopt it. If they
don’t adopt a budget at the special
meeting, it will be added to the
regular monthly meeting agenda
on June 18.
The agenda includes public
TRADITI NS
O- hearings on the budget, and on

setting the levy for the annual
parcel tax.
Information is available online
at www.ci.atherton.c.a.us by
You are Invited to a Birthday Celebration! clicking on “Agendas, minutes,
reports” and then choosing the
City Council agenda for June 11.
Where: Traditions,
850 Santa Cruz Ave., Menlo Park
What: Birthday Cake & Special Savings in the tent Woodside council
reviews budget
(Thurs, Fri, Sat (June 5, 6, 7)
When: June 5 – 14
The budget for the new
and… everything in the store at our Celebration fiscal year that starts July 1
will be a primary topic for
Price of 24% OFF until June 14.
the Woodside Town Coun-
cil meeting scheduled for
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 10,
We thank you for supporting us these past 24 years!
in Independence Hall.
The council meeting
begins with an interview of
Traditions… making homes beautiful since 1985. Mary Brasher, a candidate
for the Planning Commis-
sion; and Jack Helfand and
Leo J. Kusber, candidates
for the Architectural and
Site Review Board.
10 ■ TheAlmanac ■ June 11, 2008