The Almanac December 27, 2017

T H E H O M E TO W N N E W S PA P E R F O R M E N LO PA R K , AT H E RTO N , P O RTO L A VA L L E Y A N D W O O D S I D E

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What made news in Portola Valley, Woodside, Atherton and Menlo Park | Page 5

2017

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Obituary | Page 18 Calendar | Page 20

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TAX SEMINAR

IMPACT OF TAX REFORM ON LOCAL REAL ESTATE Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club 3000 Alexis Drive, Palo Alto Saturday, January 6th, 2018 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Please join DeLeon Realty at our Real Estate Tax Seminar to learn about how Trump’s tax plan could impact the local market as well as other important real estate tax issues.

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Seminar is for prospective clients only.

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December 27, 2017 Q AlmanacNews.com Q The Almanac Q 3

Established 1965

Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley,

Developing leaders within the community

ADVISORY DISTRICTING COMMITTEE Menlo Park is recruiting for up to 9 seats on the City’s newly created Advisory Districting Committee. This Committee will be responsible for reviewing and recommending City Council district boundaries for the 2018 election.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

More information and a tentative schedule is included in the application packet. Additionally, Committee members must meet applicable preservice, during service and post-service requirements.

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Apply by 5 p.m., Monday, January 8, 2018

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Registered voter

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Menlo Park resident and resided in Menlo Park for the past 5 years

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FOR MORE INFORMATION •

Visit menlopark.org/districtingcommittee

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Call 650-330-6615

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Portola Valley focus: crime prevention, housing

By Dave Boyce Almanac Staff Writer

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wo issues not amenable to simple solutions — crime and the cost of housing — drew a lot of attention from Portola Valley government in 2017.

After two brutal home-invasion robberies in 2016, the town in 2017 has changed in ways that regular observers might have anticipated.

Portola Valley now has 31 neighborhood watch groups, a trend that grew from zero in the fall of 2016. The Town Council has also approved a neighborhood watch sign designed specifically for the town’s preference for muted colors and a rural ambiance. The council is expected to consider a sign policy early in 2018.

At two roadside spots in town, new wooden poles have gone up. While still bare, they will be arrayed early in 2018 with automatic cameras that capture images of the license plates of every vehicle, night or day, that enters or leaves town.

Changes are also likely for the town’s residential design guidelines, specifically in the section on exterior lighting. In two study sessions, officials from the Architectural & Site Control Commission spoke positively about the use of lights activated by motion detectors, something that has long been discouraged in a town that prizes a darkness deep enough to see the stars at night. Research has shown that motion-sensitive lights can conserve darkness if they’re well designed and not spotlights, which remain unlawful in town.

Crime is still an issue, as this recounting from the 2017 Sheriff’s Office log shows: Q In February, someone

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YEAR IN REVIEW

smashed a window of a home on Santa Maria Avenue and stole jewelry valued at $59,000.

Q In March, a burglar entered a house on Wayside Road after smashing the glass on a rear door, then grabbed some property and fled — he was “scared off” by the homeowner, who was inside the house at the time, deputies said.

Q In April, deputies were on the lookout for three people in dark clothing whose images were caught on a home surveillance camera at a burglarized home in the 100 block of Golden Oak Drive.

Q In August, thieves broke into The Alpine Inn on Alpine Road and stole the ATM machine for a loss estimated at $6,000.

All told for 2017, there were seven residential or vehicle burglaries, according to Sheriff’s Office statistics. While that is a steep decline from the previous year’s tally of 18, it is not indicative of a trend. There were 29 burglaries in 2013 and 33 in 2014, but the years before and after (2012 and 2015) had nine burglaries each.

Go to is.gd/PVcrime for more crime statistics from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.

Affordable housing

In January, the council formed an ad hoc committee of current and former town officials to look into housing for people of low to moderate incomes on 30 parcels of land the town owns. All but four parcels were deemed unworthy of further examination, the committee reported in October.

And of those that were, none were “obvious candidates” for

Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac

A sheriff’s deputy monitored Golden Oak Drive in Portola Valley in 2016 in the wake of two home invasion robberies. The robberies led to community discussions about crime and to the Town Council in March 2017 approving the installation of license plate-reading cameras at the town’s entry and exit points.

homes, the report said.

But with the housing situation “beyond crisis and into disaster,” as Councilwoman Maryann Derwin put it, the mission lives on.

“I want to keep it moving,” Councilwoman Ann Wengert said after discussing the report.

“If anything, I want to expand it if there’s a willingness,” she said, adding that it will be vital to keep the public’s attention on the issue.

“Just because we’re out here in the hills and we’re an affluent community, we still have to play our part,” Ms. Derwin said. “Every city in San Mateo

Image by Sarah Contreras

This sign of the glaring owl could be greeting everyone entering Portola Valley by road sometime in 2018.

See PORTOLA VALLEY, page 14

Dave Bertini named interim police chief in Menlo Park

By Kate Bradshaw Almanac Staff Writer

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hen Menlo Park Police Chief Bob Jonsen departs to head Palo Alto’s police department on Jan. 5, Menlo Park will have an interim chief with a familiar face: Commander Dave Bertini.

Menlo Park City Manager Alex McIntyre has named Cmdr. Bertini to serve as the city’s interim police chief while

the city recruits and hires a more permanent police chief.

The search process is expected to last four to six months, according to city staff.

Cmdr. Bertini started in Menlo Park in 2011, and since then, has worked as a patrol commander and in administrative services, leading initiatives in the department to improve technology and transparency.

In 2015, he spent six months working as the city’s interim

human services director.

He currently oversees the police department’s patrol division, which covers patrol officers, traffic, parking, and the Reserve and Explorer programs.

Prior to Menlo Park, he worked in Pacifica. He has about 30 years of experience in law enforcement, according to city staff.

He began his career as a police explorer with the Pacifica Police Department. In 1986, he was

hired as a reserve officer, and became a public safety dispatcher the following year. In 1988, he was hired as a full-time police officer and in 2008, was promoted to captain.

Cmdr. Bertini holds a master’s degree in military history from Norwich University in Vermont, a bachelor’s degree in business management from St. Mary’s College and an associate’s degree in administration of justice from the College of San Mateo. A

Photo courtesy city of Menlo Park

Menlo Park Police Commander Dave Bertini.

December 27, 2017 Q AlmanacNews.com Q The Almanac Q 5

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Top topics: larger homes, traffic jams, free speech

By Dave Boyce Almanac Staff Writer

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epending on your point of view, the year 2017 in Woodside was arguably good in terms of property rights and arguably bad in terms of traffic congestion, but it was also inarguably contentious.

In a development pleasing to property rights advocates, the municipal code now allows notably larger homes, and there’s a smoother regulatory path to building cottages or other types of housing affordable to people with lower incomes.

For anyone traveling state Highway 84, particularly the mountainous section between Portola Road and Skyline Boulevard, the year got a bad start and then got worse. Mud and rock slides caused by heavy winter rains in January and February either blocked the road or undermined it.

Drivers endured months of single-lane traffic, an invasion of traffic lights, and interminable waits as crews built massive retaining walls — a long-term solution that should make future winters safer.

As for contentiousness, shortly after the Town Council sidestepped dealing with an ethics complaint against one of its appointed officials, two of its members and the town government were accused of violating that official’s rights to free speech.

And there was the pig

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scramble. Children chased pigs at the July Fourth junior rodeo, as usual — a tradition that violates no laws — but 2017 brought out more protesters. Adults and children held signs complaining that the pig scramble is cruel to animals and teaches children to accept cruelty toward animals.

Protesters, organized as the Committee for a Humane Woodside, asked the town’s Livestock and Equestrian Heritage Committee in March to advise the Town Council that the event is cruel. The committee concluded that the pig scramble “does not meet the highest ideals” and issued a statement encouraging its “modification,” while noting that, to the committee’s knowledge, no pigs have been injured or killed.

The council chose not to act, arguing that attempting to ban a legal activity was not in their portfolio. Pig scramble opponents should take their complaints to the state Legislature, council members said.

Members of the Mounted Patrol of San Mateo County, which hosts the rodeo, dismissed the Humane committee’s complaints as attacks on American tradition and Western culture. A Patrol spokesman said the scramble would continue despite the protests.

The protesters said they would be back in 2018.

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Photo by Natalia Nazarova

In March construction work was underway to build a retaining wall along La Honda Road near the intersection with Friars Lane in Woodside. The wall, now in place, is intended to shore up a section of road shoulder eroded by storm water runoff.

Larger homes

Responding to pressure from residents of Woodside Heights, who in 2014 complained that nearby residents of Atherton had more generous floor area rules, the council in January granted an increase in floor area of up to 10 percent for the main residences throughout the town — when the property owner requests an exception.

While exceptions are normally subject to scrutiny of a project’s consistency with the town’s general plan, for example, the revised code now notes that exceptions regarding maximum house size “shall” be granted.

Woodside Heights residents cited the need for larger homes due to trends such as more in-home offices and extended families living together.

The new law caps floor area at 4,200 square feet for homes in the R-1 zoning area (Woodside Glens), at 5,500 square feet in the SR area (central Woodside and some neighborhoods east of Canada Road and Interstate 280), and 8,800 square feet in the remaining zones.

The proposal was the work of town officials and two representatives from the community deliberating behind closed doors in 2016. Resident Steve Lubin argued that community meetings should have been held rather than leaving the proposal’s crafting to a

select subcommittee, and that council meetings are no substitute in that they are “highly charged where many people are hesitant to speak up.”

Then-mayor Deborah Gordon, who said she occasionally attended the deliberations, told the Almanac that she considers council meetings to be community meetings.

A settled matter

The council in February concluded a matter begun in May 2016 when former mayor Dave Burow alleged that Nancy Reyering, a member of the Architectural and Site Review Board, violated the town’s ethics code.

The complaint arose from an email Ms. Reyering sent to colleagues and the planning director. She commented on a project coming before the board, saying the applicant should refrain from the common practice of asking for exceptions to zoning regulations and design guidelines in light of the role of the applicant’s architect, Councilman Peter Mason, in approving zoning regulations and design guidelines.

Mr. Burow’s complaint included allegations that Ms. Reyering had attacked Mr. Mason and had reached a conclusion about a project before hearing testimony and before a public meeting had been held.

The subsequent investigation,

required by the current ethics code, cost the town about $33,385, according to an attorney working for Ms. Reyering, and led to a report that recommended to the council that five of the nine allegations against her be sustained.

The code requires the council to hold a hearing to determine whether violations had occurred, but Mayor Tom Livermore recommended, and a council majority agreed, that “no further action” be taken, given that Ms. Reyering had allowed her membership on the board to expire.

Ms. Reyering filed a complaint alleging violation of her First Amendment rights to free speech and that Woodside’s ethics code, in the words of her attorney Scott Embidge, “infringes on a speaker’s right to engage in uninhibited, robust debate on public issues, including negative criticism ... of public officials” and “creates an unacceptable risk of the suppression of ideas that are protected as part of a vibrant public discourse.”

The town settled in November, agreeing to hold a community workshop to evaluate the ethics code, and to pay Ms. Reyering $35,000 for her incurred legal expenses “as a good faith gesture and to avoid future litigation costs.” The payment brought the town’s total bill on the matter to at least $68,384. A

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Photo by Michelle Le | The Almanac

Ginny Maiwald, the Menlo Park City School District’s director of student services, was named the regional Special Education Administrator of the Year in March. Here she chats with a 7-year-old student at Encinal Elementary School.

Schools: tax measures, declining enrollment

By Barbara Wood Almanac Staff Writer

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here was much going on beyond educating students in local elementary school districts in 2017: parcel taxes passed in two districts, school board members resigned and new members were appointed in two districts, and the year-end announcement that although the local economy is booming, all the local districts have declining enrollment.

Administrators came and went and won honors, volunteers worked to help students in other districts, a new student mental health organization moved into town, two schools had emergency closures, and construction was underway in one district and contemplated in another.

Parcel taxes

Voters in the Menlo Park City and Woodside Elementary school districts approved parcel taxes in 2017. Such taxes require approval by more than twothirds of voters.

After two parcel taxes failed to gain approval in May of 2016, the Menlo Park City School District set out to better communicate with its community, including school parents, nonparent district residents, and district employees.

The school board held months

of public meetings on budget issues and eventually approved putting a slimmed-down measure with a seven-year expiration date on the ballot. The board also came up with millions in cuts to district spending.

The strategy worked, and in March, 79 percent of those voting approved a $360 parcel tax.

It brings the district $2.83 million each year.

In the Woodside Elementary School District, 73 percent of voters approved a $290 parcel tax on April 4. The tax brings about $300,000 a year to the district.

Two weeks after the election, the Woodside district finally answered a question the Almanac had been asking it for more than a year — how much the district had spent to dismiss a teacher in 2016. The answer, which the district provided only after the Almanac made a public records request, was $584,000, or almost two years-worth of parcel tax revenue.

The teacher had appealed his firing, and the Woodside district lost the case in a unanimous decision made by a threemember appeals panel. The panel included an administrative law judge and two teachers, one picked by the district and one by the teacher who made the appeal.

The teacher received full benefits and salary while on 16

months of leave after he was replaced, plus a $200,000 settlement. The district also paid all the costs of the hearing, in addition to legal bills for the teacher and the district.

Administrators

Maurice Ghysels, the superintendent of the Menlo Park City School District, announced he would be retiring almost a year in advance of his July 2017 departure. Assistant Superintendent Erik Burmeister, who had been hired by Mr. Ghysels as principal of Hillview Middle School and was promoted to assistant superintendent in 2015, took over when Mr. Ghysels departed.

Mr. Ghysels is now working for the Ravenswood City School District as its chief innovations officer, and indulging in his love of performing live music with his friends in occasional gigs at Cafe Zoe and other venues.

The district named Jammie Behrendt, who had been the director of educational services in the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District, as the new assistant superintendent.

In March, it was announced that another Menlo Park district administrator, Student Services Director Ginny Maiwald, had won the California Special Education Administrator of the Year award from the Association of California School

Administrators. Ms. Maiwald, the mother of two deaf children who are now young adults, was nominated by school employees who said she had transformed the district’s culture since her hiring in 2013.

In the Portola Valley School District, Eric Hartwig, hired as interim superintendent when Superintendent Lisa Gonzales abruptly left the district in October 2015, announced in January that he would stay at the district for at least two more years, through June 2019.

The word “interim” was removed from his title.

Also in January, Pam Duarte, one of two principals at Woodside Elementary School, announced she would be leaving mid-year due to health and stress problems, for a new job in Nevada.

Bob Sherman, who was a Woodside assistant principal (during the time the district’s superintendent also served as its principal) from 2002 to 2008, was named interim principal.

The district hired Lauren Petrea, who had been the principal of Booksin Elementary in the San Jose Unified School District, to replace Ms. Duarte.

Volunteers

While every local school has scores of volunteers who work in classrooms, school organizations and after-school activities, not all school districts are so lucky.

In 2008, All Students Matter began sending volunteers from Menlo Park, Atherton, Palo Alto and other local communities to volunteer in the Ravenswood

City School District in East Palo Alto and Menlo Park’s Belle Haven neighborhood. In 2017, the organization had more than 230 volunteers in six Ravenswood school classrooms, from transitional kindergarten through fifth grade, serving about 2,000 students.

Youth mental health

In mid-2017 SafeSpace, a mental health clinic designed by and for young people from age 12 to 26, opened on El Camino Real in Menlo Park.

The nonprofit, founded by three local women who all had family members who had experienced mental health problems, is based on the Australian clinics called “headspace.”

With an advisory board of students helping determine its direction, SafeSpace offers professional mental health services.

It also works to educate youth, parents, teachers and the public about youth mental health problems and how to recognize them, while trying to erase the stigma attached to seeking help for such conditions as anxiety and depression.

By year’s end, SafeSpace had opened a Community Engagement Center in a vintage bungalow on Oak Grove Avenue in Menlo Park. The space will house groups, workshops and events, as well as Youth Advisory Board meetings.

The need for such services, and such education, was illustrated in early March, when a student at Hillview Middle School in Menlo Park ended up See SCHOOLS, page 9

REAL ESTATE Q&A

by Monica Corman

Year End Tax Planning This is my last column of 2017 and many readers have questions about how the new tax bill will affect them in California. Here are a few things you should discuss with your accountant or tax lawyer.

First, should you pay both installments of your property taxes because the deduction for state and local taxes will be capped at $10,000 in 2018?

Many Californians pay more than $10,000 per year in property taxes.

Another item you should discuss with your advisor is whether you should make an extra mortgage payment this year because next year the standard deduction will increase above the limit of many

taxpayers’ total of deductions.

One change coming is that taxpayers will only be able to deduct interest on loans up to $750,000, down from the current allowable $1 million limit. This is only for new mortgages created after November 2, 2017. The average price in Menlo Park and Palo Alto is above $3.2 million so the reduced limit will have some effect.

It will take time to absorb what these changes mean for California real estate. Will home values be affected? It’s too soon to tell.

Happy New Year.

Contact me at mcorman@apr.com; Office: 650-543-1164; www.monicacorman.com Ranked in the Top Tier by The Wall Street Journal 2016 and 2017 Nationwide List of 1000 Top Real Estate Professionals

December 27, 2017 Q AlmanacNews.com Q The Almanac Q 7

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Holiday Fund Your gift helps local children and families in need

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The organizations below provide major matching grants to the Holiday Fund.

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation www.siliconvalleycf.org Rotary Club of Menlo Park

Ecumenical Hunger Program Provides emergency food, clothing, household essentials, and sometimes financial assistance to families in need, regardless of religious preference, including Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for more than 2,000 households.

Second Harvest Food Bank

ontributions to the Holiday Fund go directly to programs that benefit Peninsula residents. Last year, Almanac readers and foundations contributed $174,000 from more than 150 donors for the 10 agencies that feed the hungry, house the homeless and provide numerous other services to those in need.

Contributions to the Holiday Fund will be matched, to the extent possible, by generous community organizations, foundations and individuals, including the Rotary Club of Menlo Park Foundation, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. No administrative costs will be deducted from the gifts, which are tax-deductible as permitted by law.

All donations to the Holiday Fund will be shared equally among the 10 recipient agencies listed on this page.

DONATE ONLINE: almanacnews.com/ holiday_fund

Provides after-school academic support, enrichment, and mentoring for 1,800 low-income K-12 youth at nine locations across Menlo Park, East Palo Alto, and the North Fair Oaks neighborhood of Redwood City.

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation The Almanac will make every effort to publish donor names for donations unless the donor checks the anonymous box.

All donations will be acknowledged by mail.

The largest collector and distributor of food on the Peninsula, Second Harvest Food Bank distributed 52 million pounds of food last year. It gathers donations from individuals and businesses and distributes food to more than 250,000 people each month through more than 770 agencies and distribution sites in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

LifeMoves Provides shelter/housing and supportive services across 18 sites in Silicon Valley and the Peninsula.

Serves thousands of homeless families and individuals annually on their path back to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

Project Read Provides free literacy services to adults in the Menlo Park area. Trained volunteers work one-on-one to help adults improve reading, writing and English language skills so they can function more effectively at home, at work and in the community. Basic English classes, weekly conversation clubs and volunteer-led computer enrichment are also offered.

Ravenswood Family Health Center Provides primary medical and preventive health care for all ages at its clinic in East Palo Alto. Of the more than 17,000 registered patients, most are low-income and uninsured and live in the ethnically diverse East Palo Alto, Belle Haven, and North Fair Oaks areas.

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Upward Scholars empowers low-income adults by providing them with financial support, tutoring, and other assistance so they can continue their education, get higher paying jobs, and serve as role models and advocates for their children.

Please make checks payable to: Silicon Valley Community Foundation Send coupon and check, if applicable, to: The Almanac Holiday Fund c/o Silicon Valley Community Foundation 2440 West El Camino Real, Suite 300 Mountain View, CA 94040 The Almanac Holiday Fund is a donor advised fund of Silicon Valley Community Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization.

A contribution to this fund allows your donation to be tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Serves hundreds of hot meals six days a week to people in need who walk through the doors. Funded by voluntary contributions and community grants, St. Anthony’s is the largest dining room for the needy between San Francisco and San Jose. It also offers take-home bags of food, as well as emergency food and clothing assistance.

Fair Oaks Community Center This multi-service facility, serving the broader Redwood City community, provides assistance with child care, senior programs, citizenship and immigration, housing and employment, and crisis intervention. Programs are available in Spanish and English.

StarVista Serves more than 32,000 people throughout San Mateo County, including children, young people, families with counseling, prevention, early intervention, education, and residential programs. StarVista also provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services including a 24-hour suicide crisis hotline, an alcohol and drug helpline, and a parent support hotline.

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Thank you for supporting the Holiday Fund As of Dec. 18, 2017, 102 donors have donated $102,100 to the Holiday Fund 19 Anonymous .................... $9,525

Anne Moser ................................. *

Lisa & Tom Carhart ....................... *

Robert Mullin ........................... 250

Sandy & Rich Shapero ........... 1,000

Barbara & Bob Ells ................... 200

Mary Cooper .............................. 50

Bruce & Donna Whitson ........... 500

Bettina Hughes .......................... 50

Erika Crowley ............................... *

Anne DeCarli................................ *

Marilyn Voelke.......................... 500

Mary Kenney & Joe Pasqua ........... *

Bill Wohler ............................... 380

Ann O’Leary ............................. 100

Greg & Penny Gallo .................. 500

Paul Welander ............................ 25

Clay & Nita Judd .......................... *

Terri Bullock Family................ 2,500

Lynne Davis .................................. *

Robert & Martha Page .................. *

Elizabeth Tromovitch................. 100

David Stamler & Nicole Kemeny ......................... 500

Pat & Rog Witte ....................... 100

Bud & Harlan Wendell .............. 200

Barbara Jacobson ..................... 100

Joan Lane ............................. 2,000

Thomas & Joyce Dienstbier ........... *

Shirley & John Reiter ................ 250

Betty Meissner ......................... 100

Susanna Tang & Albert Scherm . 500

Victoria Rundorff .......................... *

Catherine Cerny ........................... *

Joe & Julie Zier ......................... 100

Robin Gates ............................. 250

Robert & Barbara Simpson............ *

Leonard Shar & Laura Hofstadter ...................... 500

Dorothy Saxe................................ *

Mark & Karen Weitzel................... * Charles Bacon & Cynthia Dusel-Bacon ................ 200

George & Marjorie Mader......... 200

Kathleen Elkins ............................ * Brugger................................. 1,000 Russ Family .............................. 100

Hersh & Arna Shefrin .................... *

Gail & Susan Prickett ................ 500

Malcolm & Cosette Dudley ........... *

Marc & Mary Ann Saunders .......... *

Karen & Frank Sortino .............. 100

Lauren & Julie Mercer ................... *

Steve Kundich & Zee Zee Matta.......................... 200

Margaret Melaney .................... 500

Gretchen Hoover ...................... 100

Tate Family .......................... 10,000

Mary & Bob Dodge ................... 200

Brennan Family ........................ 200

E.R. & B.L. Dodd ....................... 175

In Memory Of Richard & Louise Barbour, long-time Menlo Park residents .. 50

Margo Sensenbrenner .................. *

Pete & Marguerite Hurlbut ............ *

Lorraine Macchello ................... 100

Wayne Grossman ..................... 155

Susan Kritzik ........................... 150

Mae & Jerry................................ 50

Dorothy Polash ......................... 200

Annie Strem ................................. *

Robin Toews............................... 50

Frank & Celine Halet................. 500

Paul Welander ............................ 25

Mary Margaret Koch..................... *

Kayleen Miller .......................... 100 Andrea Julian ........................... 500

In Honor Of Katharine Thompson................. 500

George & Sophia Fonti ............. 100

Woodside Fire Department ....... 500

Jameds Esposto ........................ 500

The Liggett Family ........................ *

Robert & Connie Loarie ............ 500

Lucy Reid-Krensky .................... 100 Judy & Les Denend ................... 500

Organizations Menlo Park Rotary Tour de Menlo Bike Ride...... 20,000

Kathy & Bob Mueller ................ 100

Packard Foundation ............. 15,000

Leslie & Hy Murveit .................. 300

Hewlett Foundation ............... 8,750

Don Lowry & Lynore Tillim......... 100

Narrative Histories .................... 100

James Lewis ................................. *

Griffin & Sons Construction ...... 150

Barbara & Robert Oliver......... 1,000

Your gift helps local children and families in need

DONATE ONLINE: almanacnews.com/ holiday_fund

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Busy year for local schools continued from page 7

with a broken jaw while involved in a variation of what students call “the choking game” with a group of students on the school’s playing field at lunchtime.

Participants in the “game,” either in groups or alone, use various methods to block their airways until just about to pass out, which can result in a short bout of euphoria.

Devin Prouty, the father of a teen and preteen, a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adolescents and an SRI researcher of adolescent brain development, said talking about the dangers of this behavior “is probably the most protective thing you can do for your kids.”

Mr. Prouty said children of this age have undeveloped frontal brain lobes, which he called “the seat of reason.”

“Kids of this age will take risks,” he said. “Their brains are still developing and they’re still working out the balance between impulse control and decision-making.”

Board members

Two local school district’s governing boards had midterm resignations this year.

When a school board member resigns, state law says the remaining board members have 60 days to either schedule an election or appoint a new board member.

In the Woodside Elementary district, the process went awry.

Board member Wendy Warren Roth submitted her resignation April 6, a day after the school district announced it would be appointing a new board member.

Not until May 1 did the board vote to fill the vacancy with an appointment, with the deadline for applications (which had been announced on April 5) only four days later, on Friday, May 5.

The Almanac pointed out that the decision on whether to make an appointment or hold an election was not on the agenda for the meeting, which violates the the state’s open meetings law, the Brown Act. On May 16, the board rescinded the action and voted again to appoint a replacement for Ms. Warren Roth, with a later application due date.

On June 2 the board appointed Jennifer Zweig, a parent of Woodside Elementary students and co-chair of the district’s parcel tax campaign.

Portola Valley had a similarly fraught round of board appointments, but for different reasons. After the deadline to

add an open position to the November ballot, board member Jennifer Youstra resigned with nearly two years left in her term.

The November ballot included three open seats on the Portola Valley board, and four candidates had filed for those seats.

But when the only incumbent in the race, board member Karen Tate, had to withdraw due to health issues, the election and the appointment became more complicated.

A demographer’s report shows falling enrollment in all four local school districts.

In October, the board appointed Jeff Klugman to fill Ms. Youstra’s seat.

But Mr. Klugman was also a candidate, and when he won a three-year term in November, he had to resign the seat he’d held for a month, leaving the board to make yet another appointment.

In December, the board, including newly elected members Karyn Bechtel and Mike Maffia, appointed Brooke Day, a district parent and active volunteer.

Closures

In October, Woodside Elementary School went into lockdown mode for a little over an hour and half while sheriff’s deputies searched, without results, for a man with a gun reportedly seen by an 11-yearold near Bear Gulch Creek behind the school.

While the nearly two dozen sheriff’s deputies (and numerous media helicopters) that converged on the scene found nothing, the incident did serve as a very realistic drill for the staff, parents and students who were on the campus. Most students had left the school earlier in the day while parent-teacher conferences took place.

In December, La Entrada Middle School closed down for a day and a half after a sewer backup left the campus without running water or bathroom facilities. That school also had a chance to practice its emergency pickup drill with parents and students when the school week ended prematurely at 11:30 a.m. on a Thursday.

Construction

The Las Lomitas School District began construction on major projects at both its

Las Lomitas and La Entrada schools in 2017. Both projects are expected to continue into 2018, and the district is already exploring asking voters next year to approve another bond measures for projects not part of the current work.

The Portola Valley School District is also exploring asking voters to approve a bond measure in 2018. The district spent much of the year working on a new facilities master plan that lists possible projects at Ormondale School totaling $30.2 million and at Corte Madera School totaling $42.2 million.

A consultant’s poll found, however, that voters were unlikely to approve more than a $40 million bond measure, meaning the school board will have to do some prioritizing in the coming year.

Enrollment

In December a report by demographer Tom Williams showed falling enrollment in all four local school districts.

Mr. Williams said that historically a robust economy means an increasing numbers of births, and more students in local schools. The high prices of housing, however, may be pushing young families away from local districts, he said.

The report showed drops in enrollment in the four local districts of between 4 and 18 percent from recent highs.

The numbers are significant because the Menlo Park, Woodside, Portola Valley and Las Lomitas districts are all “community funded” (formerly called “basic aid”), meaning they receive most of their revenue from local sources, including property taxes, parcel taxes and donations. Little of their funding depends on enrollment, so dropping enrollment means more funding available per student.

Mr. Williams’ report compared the enrollment in transitional kindergarten through fourth grades from 2010 to 2017 in local districts. It showed that in 2017: Q Menlo Park City School District was down 4 percent from the 2013 high of 1,721 students.

Q Las Lomitas Elementary School District was down 18 percent from the 2012 high of 838 students.

Q Portola Valley School District was down 17 percent from the 2011 high of 406 students.

Q Woodside Elementary School District was down 9 percent from the 2014 high of 265 students. A

December 27, 2017 Q AlmanacNews.com Q The Almanac Q 9

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Development, traffic top Menlo Park agenda

By Kate Bradshaw Almanac Staff Writer

F

or people in Menlo Park, the past 12 months have likely involved, in one way or another, watching new buildings take shape, inching through traffic on El Camino Real or Willow Road, and either worrying about rent or basking in escalating property values.

With Councilwoman Kirsten Keith serving as mayor for the year, Menlo Park celebrated its 90th year of its second incorporation with some growing pains, most acutely in two areas of the city where zoning changes over the last decade have laid the groundwork for new growth.

Downtown, the city approved two major mixed-use developments: Stanford’s “Middle Plaza” project at 500 El Camino Real and Greenheart Land Co.’s “Station 1300” at 1300 El Camino Real, which broke ground in September.

Together, they’re slated to add nearly 400 new apartments, 6,400 new daily vehicle trips and 350,000 square feet of office space along El Camino Real.

On the city’s Bay-facing side, the Bohannon Development Corp. has built the 11-story Hotel Nia, set to open in early 2018, and an eight-story office building that was quickly leased in its entirety by neighboring Facebook.

Several development proposals have already been submitted following the City Council’s adoption of a general plan update in November 2016 to allow new developments between the Bay and U.S. 101.

Facebook, Menlo Park’s biggest employer by far, has continued to scale at a breakneck rate. (It earned the No. 6 spot on Fortune’s 2017 list of the top 100 fastestgrowing companies.)

About eight months after receiving clearance from the City Council to move forward with more than a million square feet of development on its campus between Bayfront Expressway and Constitution Drive, the company submitted a master plan for its 59-acre property southwest of Bayfront Expressway and Willow Road.

The new proposal is to build 3.45 million square feet of office, retail and residential space — more specifically, nine office buildings, 1,500 housing units, three parking garages, 125,000 square feet of retail space for a grocery store and three blocks’ worth of ground floor retail on both sides of the street, a visitors’ center and seven public access parks or plazas.

It will be the largest single development proposal the city has ever seen.

Facebook also made major revisions to the second of two large Gehry Partners-designed office buildings the city had already approved. Construction of the first building is well underway, while the second building was redesigned to speed the construction process. The new plans include a seven-story parking garage.

The company’s growth in Menlo Park comes with both tension and opportunity.

The city has agreed to accept Facebook’s offer to pay for a second police unit to patrol eastern Menlo Park, which will result in increased policing in Belle Haven, Menlo Park’s only majority Hispanic and African American neighborhood.

Community activists from the East Palo Alto-based “Real Community Coalition” say they fear this will result in excessive policing and gentrification, which could lead to lower-income people and people of color being displaced from the community.

Facebook recently launched a program called “Access” to hire more residents from North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven and East Palo Alto.

Housing

The year was notable for a housing boom in a city that had seemed reticent about housing development. In April, the city reported that it had approved permits for 885 housing units since 2014. More than 80 percent of those will be affordable only to households that make more than 120 percent of the area’s median income.

MidPen Housing, a nonprofit housing developer, completed a 90-unit affordable housing complex for seniors on the 1200 block of Willow Road and proposed to build up to 150 affordable apartments on the 1300 block that would be for families. It would be the largest all-affordable housing development in Menlo Park’s history.

The city’s Housing Commission was expanded to seven members and authorized to meet monthly in order to dive into big housing policy questions. Many of those, which the City Council discussed in early 2017, have yet to return for further consideration.

During the year, a number of state laws intended to streamline housing development were passed that Menlo Park will likely have to reckon with in the coming year.

Continued on next page

10 Q The Almanac Q AlmanacNews.com Q December 27, 2017

MENLO PARK DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION 1300 El Camino Real

183 units, 220,000 sf commercial space

612 College Ave.

4 units

1295 El Camino Real

15 units, 2,000 sf commercial space

1020 Alma St.

25,156 sf commercial space

1400 El Camino Real

61-room hotel

1149 Chestnut St.

Renovation

889 Santa Cruz Ave.

Renovation

650-660 Live Oak Ave.

17 units, 17,000 sf commercial space

133 Encinal Ave.

24 condominiums

150 Jefferson Drive - new high school

47,434 sf

100-155 Constitution Drive, 100-190 Independence Drive

250-room hotel, 694,664 sf office, health club, restaurant

Facebook Building 21

512,000 sf office space

APPROVED PROJECTS 500 El Camino Real

215 units, 144,000 sf office, 10,000 sf retail space, restaurant

1275 El Camino Real

3 units, 9,066 sf office, 589 sf retail space

Facebook Building 22, garage, hotel

450,000 sf office space, 7-story parking garage, 200-room hotel, public open space, pedestrian bridge

PROPOSED PROJECTS 2131 Sand Hill Road

39,510 sf office space

840 Menlo Ave.

3 units, office space

706 Santa Cruz Ave.

4 units, 16,000 sf office space

1540 El Camino Real (Formerly Beltramo's)

27 units, 41,000 sf office space

1704 El Camino Real (Hampton Inn)

70-room hotel

1125 Merrill St.

2 units, 4,000 sf office space

506 Santa Cruz Ave.

3 units, retail, office

556 Santa Cruz Ave.

3 units, retail, office

Facebook Willow Campus

1,500 units, 9 office buildings with retail, grocery store, 200-room hotel, cultura/transit center

115 El Camino Real

4 units, commercial space

151 Commonwealth Drive/ 164 Jefferson Drive

300,000 sf office space, 1,767 space parking garage

1075 O'Brien Drive

122,344 sf office, restaurant

1283 Willow Road

27 affordable units, 3,800 sf retail

1080 O'Brien Drive

Renovation

1300 Block Willow Road

118-140 units, 8,000 sf retail

115 Independence Drive

93 units

40 Middlefield Road

3,600 sf office space, 12 parking spaces

Menlo Park Civic Center

New 44,000 sf library, possible council chambers, other uses

1105 O'Brien Drive

106,000 sf office space, event venue, parking garage Data: City of Menlo Park.

These are among major projects under construction or awaiting permits or approval. “Units” refers to a housing unit — an apartment, home, condominium, etc.; and “sf” refers to square feet.

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Continued from previous page

Traffic onslaught

With continued job growth in Menlo Park and the Peninsula, traffic has reached new levels of misery. Several groups were created to support road safety and quality-of-life improvements. In January, Jennifer Wolosin launched “Parents for Safe Routes,� which rapidly gathered advocates for infrastructure that makes it easy and safe for kids to get to school on foot or bike.

In early November, traffic signals were installed at the Willow Road/U.S. 101 interchange as part of a project to rebuild that interchange. In response to the resulting traffic backups on residential streets in the Willows neighborhood, residents circulated a petition urging immediate action.

New signs have been installed to curb the incidence of commuters cutting through the Willows neighborhood at peak evening hours. City staff say residents should give the changes about a month to allow drivers to adjust.

A major project this year was a study to help the City Council decide how to separate roads from the Caltrain line that runs through Menlo Park. A stalemate resulted, partly because it isn’t known what Atherton and Palo Alto are interested in, or capable of, pursuing jointly.

Whether the city will move forward with one of two options consultants have recommended has yet to be determined. Those options are to lower Ravenswood Avenue beneath the tracks, or to raise the tracks and partially lower three streets: Ravenswood, Oak Grove and Glenwood avenues.

Some people have proposed working with neighboring cities to fully elevate the tracks or move them underground into a tunnel or trench.

The crux of this debate, as with many transportation projects, is whether the city should act on its own to get something — anything — done, or work regionally on plans that may make more bigpicture sense but may never get funded.

In December, the Samtrans board adopted the findings of a Facebook-funded study looking at ways to ease traffic on the Dumbarton corridor. The study incorporated recommendations from Menlo Park to build a bike and pedestrian route along the old rail line from Redwood City to East Palo Alto.

Crime

Statistics provided by the Menlo Park Police Department show that violent crime reports are up over last year. From January through October, there were 43 incidents of rape, robbery or aggravated assault reported, compared with

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29 such incidents in the first 10 months of 2016.

Property crime reports are up slightly, with 559 incidents of burglary, auto theft, stolen vehicles, and arson reported from January through October 2017, compared with 543 incidents during the same period in 2016.

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Acknowledging that Menlo Park is neither wholly culpable nor innocent with respect to the region’s dearth of affordable housing and abundance of clogged roadways, the city continued some efforts and started new ones to solve problems beyond city boundaries.

Cooperation with other cities was, in at least one instance, forced through litigation. In early December, the City Council approved the terms of a lawsuit settlement with East Palo Alto, in which the cities agreed to notify each other when development in one city impacts the other in terms of traffic and housing affordability.

In recent months, tensions appear to be escalating with Stanford. The Menlo Park City Council rescinded its approval of a proposal by Stanford to build a new office building on Sand Hill Road after learning at the last minute about another proposed development by the university in nearby unincorporated Santa Clara County on Quarry Road.

Rumblings have also begun about how to get Menlo Park’s southern neighbor, Palo Alto, to more effectively address the traffic it generates, such as by eliminating the barriers in Palo Alto that prohibit motorists from driving across El Camino Real from Sand Hill Road onto Alma Street.

Politics

Starting the year, many Menlo Park residents were not sure what to expect with the new U.S. president. The Menlo Park City Council adopted an ordinance declaring itself a “Safe City� and codifying police practices to not comply with requests by federal immigration enforcement officials to hold someone beyond the time that person would otherwise be held (with some exceptions). The ordinance also prohibits police from participating in immigration sweeps conducted by ICE. Since Menlo Park doesn’t have a jail, which is where such policies tend to play out, the impact is limited.

A proposal by Menlo Park staff to hire a federal, and maybe state, lobbyist was tabled after many residents opposed the recommendation to hire the Washington, D.C., firm, Mercury LLC, which would put two controversial figures in charge of

Photo contributed by Kirsten Keith.

Menlo Park council members, from left, Peter Ohtaki, Kirsten Keith, Catherine Carlton and Rich Cline shovel dirt with Greenheart Land Co. principals Steve Pierce and Bob Burke.

the city’s lobbying: Bryan Lanza, former communications director of the Trump transition and of Citizens United, and former GOP congressman Vin Weber, who is under scrutiny in a federal investigation of ties between President Trump’s campaign and Russia, according to the Associated Press.

In August, the city received a lawsuit threat from an unnamed plaintiff alleging that its at-large voting system disenfranchises Latino and African American voters in the city. To avoid a costly lawsuit, Menlo Park has to adhere to a strict process to quickly draw up boundaries and switch to district elections.

Several election reform organizations are encouraging the city to consider changing the city charter to enable alternative voting systems, such as ranked-choice voting. The city is accepting applications from candidates who want to serve on an advisory commission to draw district boundaries that will last until the next census.

Applications are due Jan. 8.

Go to menlopark.org/districtelections to access the application. /LEUDULHV UHFUHDWLRQ

In July, City Hall shifted priorities when billionaire developer

and philanthropist John Arrillaga offered to help build a new main library for the city by paying construction costs beyond the first $20 million.

To take advantage of the offer, the city is expected to seek voter approval of a bond measure to fund this project and a new Belle Haven branch library.

On the recreation front, the council approved a master plan for Bedwell Bayfront Park, and a draft environmental impact report on plans to make changes at Flood Park, which is owned and operated by San Mateo County.

In response to a proposal by “Belle Haven Action,� a group of Belle Haven residents led by 2016 council candidate Cecilia Taylor, the city will rename the 1-acre “Market Place Park� after Karl Clark, a World War II war hero and longtime resident of the neighborhood who died in March at age 100.

Along the city’s waterways, the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority has had a busy year installing flood protections near the Bay, studying how to keep the creek from flooding upstream, and preparing for sea level rise.

Peninsula Clean Energy, which launched in late 2016, has continued to grow and provide 50

percent renewable energy to residents at rates cheaper than PG&E’s services. PCE also offers 100 percent renewable energy to people willing to pay a little bit more than PG&E rates.

Comings and goings

The year has also witnessed many changes in the restaurant and business scene. Among restaurants that closed or plan to close are: Bradley’s Fine Diner, Akasaka, Plantation Deli in West Menlo Park and John Bentley’s in Redwood City. Among businesses that closed or plan to close are the Mid-Peninsula Animal Hospital (which will be relocating to North Fair Oaks when its site is redeveloped), and Home.

The city welcomed a number of new restaurants. Among them: Yum Cha Palace, Black Pepper, Kyosho Sushi, Octopus Restaurant, 32 Fahrenheit Japanese Bistro, and a food truck offering Polynesian fare, Umu. Among the new businesses are Anthem, a home furnishing store; A. Space, an art gallery; Neil Dahl, a jeweler; and the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM), a fertility clinic.

Among restaurants expected to open in Menlo Park are: See MENLO PARK, page 17

December 27, 2017 Q AlmanacNews.com Q The Almanac Q 11

WEST BAY SANITARY DISTRICT BULLETIN: WINTER 2017 During the holiday season we like to spend time with our IDPLOLHV ,W·V D WLPH WR UHFRQQHFW DQG YLVLW ZLWK ORYHG RQHV ZH KDYHQ·W VHHQ PXFK DQG EH UHPLQGHG WKDW 8QFOH -RH·V MRNHV DUH FRUQ\ ,W·V D WLPH WR VHH WKH MR\ RQ WKH IDFHV RI RXU FKLOGUHQ DQG JUDQGFKLOGUHQ +HUH DW :HVW %D\ 6DQLWDU\ 'LVWULFW ZH·OO EH ORVLQJ WZR RI RXU ¶ZRUN IDPLO\· PHPEHUV WR UHWLUHPHQW DW WKH HQG RI WKH 'HFHPEHU 0DUN 3UDWXUORQ LV RXU 5HJXODWRU\ &RPSOLDQFH ,QVSHFWRU +H·V EHHQ ZRUNLQJ KHUH IRU QHDUO\ \HDUV DQG District Manager UHPHPEHUV WKLQJV DERXW WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQ IURP DOO RI those many years. Mark started here as a young man, HDJHU WR OHDUQ DQG VWURQJ DV D PXOH 0DUN VWDUWHG DV D 0DLQWHQDQFH :RUNHU DQG WKHQ KLV MRE ZDV WR LQVSHFW UHVWDXUDQWV WR PDNH VXUH WKH\ ZHUHQ·W DOORZLQJ WRR PXFK JUHDVH WR JR GRZQ WKH GUDLQ +H DOVR LQVSHFWHG WKH OD\RXW RI QHZ FRPPHUFLDO NLWFKHQV 0DUN UHPHPEHUV ZKHQ 5D\FKHP +HXEOHLQ DQG 6XQ 0LFUR 6\VWHPV ZHUH LQ WRZQ DQG WKH UDLOURDG WUDFNV RQ :LOORZ 5RDG ZHUH DFWLYH

by Phil Scott

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DISTRICT ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN EVEN YEARS ,Q )HEUXDU\ :HVW %D\ SDVVHG D UHVROXWLRQ WR KROG HOHFWLRQV LQ HYHQ \HDUV 7KH SXUSRVH RI UHVFKHGXOLQJ WR HYHQ QXPEHUHG \HDU HOHFWLRQV LV WR HQKDQFH YRWHU SDUWLFLSDWLRQ DQG IXUWKHU LQFUHDVH WKH SHUFHQWDJH RI YRWHUV SDUWLFLSDWLQJ LQ WKH 6SHFLDO 'LVWULFWV HOHFWLRQV 7KH FKDQJH ZDV DSSURYHG E\ WKH 6DQ 0DWHR &RXQW\ %RDUG RI 6XSHUYLVRUV ZKLFK VWDWHG WKDW :HVW %D\ PXVW PRYH WKH HOHFWLRQ GDWH IURP 1RYHPEHU RI RGG QXPEHUHG \HDUV WR 1RYHPEHU RI HYHQ QXPEHUHG \HDUV FRPPHQFLQJ LQ %RDUG PHPEHUV ZKRVH WHUPV ZRXOG KDYH H[SLUHG LQ ZHUH H[WHQGHG WR DQG %RDUG PHPEHUV ZKRVH WHUPV ZRXOG KDYH H[SLUHG LQ ZHUH H[WHQGHG WR 7KH QH[W GLVWULFW HOHFWLRQV DUH VFKHGXOHG IRU 1RYHPEHU

WEST BAY SANITARY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS

Ned Moritz, President

Fran Dehn, Secretary

12 Q The Almanac Q AlmanacNews.com Q December 27, 2017

Roy Thiele-Sardiña, Treasurer

David Walker, Director

George Otte, Director

Serving Our Community Since 1902

westbaysanitary.org

EMERGENCY WORK SAVED SEWER LINE, WATER LINE AND ROAD

BAYFRONT RECYCLED WATER FACILITY PLAN IN DEVELOPMENT

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West Bay Sanitary District (West Bay) operates a wastewater collection system serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and several small portions of unincorporated areas of San Mateo County through a network of over 200 miles of mainline pipe and 13 pumping stations serving approximately 54,000 citizens.

Call Us First 650-321-0384

December 27, 2017 Q AlmanacNews.com Q The Almanac Q 13

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Photo by Michelle Le | The Almanac

At Woodside High, the new two-story J Wing is emblazoned with the letters STEM, indicative of the focus on science, technology, engineering and math.

High schools open classrooms, welcome new superintendent

By Dave Boyce Almanac Staff Writer

P

erhaps the most notable developments in 2017 for Woodside and MenloAtherton high schools were the openings of a new classroom building at each school.

At Woodside, a bright orange exterior wall of the new twostory J Wing is emblazoned with the letters STEM, indicative of the focus on science, technology, engineering and math for the 10 classrooms inside. The building opened for the start of the 201718 school year.

NOTICE INVITING BIDS TOWN OF ATHERTON, CA The Town of Atherton will accept bids for construction of the following public work: SITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR TEMPORARY LIBRARY MODULAR BUILDINGS Furnish all labor, equipment and materials and perform all work necessary and incidental to construct site improvements at the Town of Atherton Civic Center as shown on the drawings entitled Atherton Civic Center Temporary Library to accommodate Temporary Library Modular Buildings for the Atherton Town Center Project.

7SHUZ :WLJPĂ&#x201E;JH[PVUZ TH` IL VI[HPULK H[ http://www. ci.atherton.ca.us/bids.aspx at no cost. The Contractor shall be responsible for any addendums that may be posted on the Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website. :,(3,+ )0+: ^PSS IL YLJLP]LK H[ [OL VŃ?JL VM [OL *P[` *SLYR (ZOĂ&#x201E;LSK 9VHK ([OLY[VU *HSPMVYUPH until 2:00 p.m.

7HJPĂ&#x201E;J :[HUKHYK ;PTL VU Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud.

Bids must be for the entire work, and shall be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked: "Bid of (Contractor) for SITE IMPROVEMENTS FOR TEMPORARY LIBRARY MODULAR BUILDINGS,â&#x20AC;? along with date and time of bid opening.

14 Q The Almanac Q AlmanacNews.com Q December 27, 2017

At M-A, the new G Wing brought a plaza and 21 classrooms and is the first two-story building on campus. The academic focuses are English, math and social studies. The building was in use in June, but officially opened in August.

As for the Sequoia Union High School District, which has some 9,200 students and stretches from the southern border of San Mateo County to Belmont, consider what did not happen in 2017: Q The school year did not start in August under the leadership of Jim Lianides, who retired as superintendent in June after seven years at the top job.

Mary E. Streshly took over in July after leaving her position as assistant superintendent at a Campbell high school district.

Ms. Streshly, 49 and a resident of Burlingame, has a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in English from the University of California at Berkeley, a teaching credential and a PORTOLA VALLEY continued from page 5

County needs to help out with this crisis.â&#x20AC;?

In 2017, the state removed some local regulatory barriers to the construction of affordable housing, and the Town Council approved an ordinance in May

masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in English lit- goal of incorerature and English as a second porating career language from San Diego State skills into the University, and a doctorate in program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will also educational leadership from San be fostering Francisco State University. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe deeply that the the partnerSequoia Union High School ship with the District is uniquely positioned local commu- Mary Streshly to be the testimonial for the nity college rest of the nation for how to district,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The bulk provide a world-class education of the work will be ensuring in a diverse community,â&#x20AC;? Ms. that the curriculum is articulated between TIDE and the Streshly said in a statement.

Q The Sequoia district did not classes offered at the community end the year without having college.â&#x20AC;? given a name to the magnet high Q The district did not hold an school under construction at election in November for board 150 Jefferson Drive in the light members Alan Sarver and Chris industrial zone of Menlo Park.

Thomsen, despite 2017 being The name TIDE Academy the fourth year in both of their â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an acronym for technology, four-year terms. Their terms are innovation, design and engi- now up in 2018. The board, in neering â&#x20AC;&#x201D; reflects the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s May, extended the terms of every focus and its location near the board member by a year, allowBay. ing the Sequoia district to reset The school will be unique its elections to even-numbered in its combination of techni- years. cal focus, community-college The change reflects a state teachers working part time and law that requires public agenteaching classes for transferable cies to shift to even-numbered college credit, and partnerships year elections if turnout in with high-tech corporations odd-numbered years was at and startups so as â&#x20AC;&#x153;to promote least 25 percent lower than in real-world education and career even-numbered years. The goal preparation,â&#x20AC;? officials said. is to reduce election costs and The school will eventually increase voter turnout. accommodate 400 students and This shift was complex for is set to open in August 2019. All the Sequoia district. The board, students, including the inaugu- under threat of a lawsuit from ral class of about 100 freshmen, the Mexican American Legal will be chosen by lottery.

Defense and Educational Fund, Q The Sequoia district did not recently restructured the district into five votend the year withing areas with the out having named a principal for Superintendent: goal of bringing more ethnic and TIDE Academy.

The district economic diverMichael Kuliga, sity to the five48 and a Hayis â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;uniquely board. ward resident, positionedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to show member P r e v i o u s l y, was an adminishow to provide every voter in the trative vice prindistrict could vote cipal at Sequoia a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;world-class for every candiHigh in Redwood education in a date running for City before being named to lead diverse community.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; the board â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an at-large system TIDE in March.

His duties as principal began in that tended to favor candidates with the resources to communiJuly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are going to create an cate with all likely voters. By creinnovative program that brings ating voting areas, voters who together a range of partners to live in an area, and only those prepare students for both college voters, can vote for candidates and their future careers,â&#x20AC;? Mr. who also live in the area.

In making the shift, district Kuliga told the Almanac in an email. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My duties will include officials had to figure out how establishing relationships and sitting board members elected partnerships with local busi- at-large could run for re-election nesses in the tech sector with the under the new system. A that reflects the new state laws.

Portola Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ordinance increases the maximum size of so-called affordable dwelling units to 1,000 square feet from 750 feet on parcels of one to two acres, and to 1,200 square feet on parcels of two to three and a half acres. These larger units are more suitable

for families, Planning Director Debbie Pedro said.

On parcels of more than three and a half acres, Portola Valley allows two affordable units of 1,000 feet each.

To discourage short-term occupancy, rentals of less than 30 days are not allowed in any of these units. A

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WRNS Studio for town of Atherton

This view from the existing council chambers toward Fair Oaks Lane shows the proposed design of the interior courtyard of Atherton’s new civic complex.

A year of wins and losses for Atherton

By Barbara Wood Almanac Staff Writer

A

therton moved ahead with its plans for a new civic center in 2017, receiving voter approval for public financing for the project; but lost an election to renew the parcel tax that has brought it $1.86 million a year since 1978.

The town also continued its fight against Surf Air and hired a new police chief during the year.

Civic Center

In 2017 Atherton took significant steps toward a new civic center. Currently, the town facilities consist of leaking portables that don’t meet building codes, administration and police offices built in the 1960s, council chambers built in 1928, and a library built in 1929 (with a 1981 addition).

Police officers work out in a garage and book prisoners in a former shed.

In February, the City Council approved the final design for a modern library packed with energy- and water-saving features, and a Santa Barbara Mission style building to house a police station, a council chamber/emergency operations center, and town administration, planning and building offices.

The historic council chambers are to be renovated as a library annex with room for a tiny restaurant inside.

But the town found itself without enough funding for the project after the nonprofit

Atherton Now’s attempts to raise $25 million resulted in less than $7 million in donations.

(The library has a separate pot of tax money in place.)

So, in June, the town asked voters if public money could help pay for the project. Voters, by 61.4 percent to 38.6 percent, reversed a 2012 ballot measure that had limited paying for the design and construction of a new town center to donations.

That 2012 measure had exceptions allowing public money to be used for the library and a portion of the new building and planning offices.

The town says it can pay the unfunded costs of the civic center without borrowing by using its unallocated general fund and capital improvements funds for the next three years. In case cash-flow problems appear, the council also investigated shortterm borrowing.

Also in June, the City Council approved alternatives to the civic center plans that could save an estimated $2.5 million if bids are higher than estimated. Bids are scheduled to be in by May. The current estimated cost is $25.17 million for construction and site development of the new administration and police building, the new council chamber/emergency operations center, and the town’s corporation yard, where the town’s maintenance equipment is stored.

The library’s construction and site development cost is just under $15 million. The cost-cutting measures include delaying the building of the

council chambers/emergency operations center until funds are available and delaying work on the corporation yard.

Parcel tax

While the town won an election victory in June regarding funding the civic center, in November it failed to gain voter approval to renew a parcel tax the town has had since 1978.

The parcel tax brings in annual revenues of $1.86 million.

Passage of the measure

required approval by two-thirds of the voters, but only 52.6 percent of voters gave their consent.

The amount of the existing parcel tax, which expires at the end of June 2018, varies by parcel size and use. For homes on the average Atherton lot of between a half and two acres, the tax is $750 per year. The tax is as low as $225 for unimproved parcels between a quarter and half acre, and it’s as high as $10,000 for a private club.

The tax proceeds can be spent

only on the town’s police services and its roads and drainage system.

Tax opponents argued that steadily increasing property tax revenues in recent years mean the parcel tax is no longer needed. But council members, who had unanimously supported the measure, said they had hoped the parcel tax could be left in place for three more years while the civic center is built. That’s See ATHERTON, page 17

TOWN OF WOODSIDE 2955 WOODSIDE ROAD WOODSIDE, CA 94062 PLANNING COMMISSION January 3, 2018 6:00 PM PUBLIC HEARING 3. Town of Woodside Study Session: Non-conforming Regulations Planner: Jackie Young, Planning Director Study Session to review those sections of Chapter 151, Site Development, and Chapter 153, Zoning, of the Woodside Municipal Code, which address nonconforming lots, structures, improvements, and uses; including a report on the Town Council’s general direction of December 12, 2017, on a desired scope of study by the Planning Commission.

All application materials are available for public review at the Woodside Planning and Building Counter, Woodside Town Hall, weekdays from 8:00 – 10:00 AM and 1:00 – 3:00 PM, or by appointment. For more information, contact the Woodside Planning and Building Department at (650) 851-6790.

December 27, 2017 Q AlmanacNews.com Q The Almanac Q 15

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Fire district fights fires and controversies

By Barbara Wood Almanac Staff Writer

T

he Menlo Park Fire Protection District has had a busy year, and not just in responding to fires and medical calls in the district, and to disasters and emergencies elsewhere.

As the district worked on plans to upgrade its facilities and respond to the development boom in the area, there have been a number of controversies, including squabbles with Atherton, whose officials are questioning the costs of providing fire district services to the town.

(See “A year of wins and losses for Atherton” in this issue.)

In March, Belle Haven residents responded furiously to plans to rebuild the Chilco Street station that included displacing the residents of as many as three homes. The fire district backed off from that plan.

The more than 50 stories the Almanac ran about the fire district during the year included January revelations that the state controller’s website shows the district’s employees have among the highest average wages of any state or local agency.

The district was also in the news about bouts of infighting among fire board directors, more than $16 million in property purchases made during the year, the resignation and subsequent appointment of a director, and revelations about the share of local property taxes the district receives.

The district sent its firefighters across the country and around the state responding to fires, floods and hurricanes.

During 2017, the fire district sent 53 employees to assist with 11 California disaster incidents ranging from the Oroville Dam

spill threat to floods and fires.

The chief reported the district would be reimbursed for 6,967 hours of employee time. The district also sent its firefighters to respond to hurricanes in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico.

Employee pay

Early in 2017 the Almanac reported that Publicpay.ca.gov, the state controller’s office website, shows the average wages paid to the Menlo Park Fire Protection District’s employees have been in the top 10 of all state and local government agencies in California since the controller started posting the information in 2009.

In 2014 the district had the highest average wages (total compensation minus benefits) on the website. It fell to second in 2015, behind only a one-employee commission. In October, the controller’s office showed the Menlo fire district again was in the number one spot, with average wages $23,000 higher than those of the No. 2 agency.

In April, the district’s own numbers showed 12 people, including its chief, had total compensation of more than $300,000 in 2016. A battalion chief with $387,799 in total compensation was the district’s top earner, while an engineer/ paramedic was not far behind at $368,745.

Chief Harold Schapelhouman argued district employees deserve their high pay because their jobs are risky. “We get paid to do the dirty work,” he said.

The chief said many firefighters earn a lot of overtime because they respond to disasters in other parts of the state or country. The district is reimbursed for much of those costs,

which means that state and federal taxpayers, not just locals, help pay the district’s employees.

Property tax share

Part of the reason the fire district can afford to pay its employees so well is that its property tax revenues have been steadily increasing.

Since Proposition 13 passed in 1978, the district — like most other government entities — has received the same percentage of local property tax revenues each year, regardless of need.

Figures from the San Mateo County Controller’s Office show that during the 2015-16 fiscal year, the fire district received $41.1 million in property tax revenue, $11.8 million more than the combined total for the three cities it serves: Menlo Park ($14.1 million), East Palo Alto ($6.6 million) and Atherton ($8.6 million).

That means the fire district receives more in property tax revenues for providing emergency medical, fire and other services (hazardous waste spills and rescues among them) than the three municipalities combined receive for providing city services such as police, parks and recreation, streets, and land-use planning (plus the library and water service in Menlo Park). All the agencies also receive other revenues.

The district recently announced that San Mateo County estimates it will receive $42 million in property tax revenue in the 2017-18 fiscal year.

Property purchases

The fire district went on a real estate shopping spree in 2017, spending more than $16 million.

In June, the district spent $4.6 million on a three-bedroom,

Photo by Barbara Wood | The Almanac

Belle Haven residents filled the fire district board room and lined up out the door March 21. The residents were there to protest plans to expand the Chilco Street fire station that would displace one of the neighborhood’s most beloved families.

16 Q The Almanac Q AlmanacNews.com Q December 27, 2017

Menlo Park Fire Protection District

Members of the Bay Area water rescue team, sponsored by the Menlo Park Fire Protection District, assist an elderly man from his home in Wharton, Texas, on Aug. 31, after the Colorado River flooded.

two-bath home with a pool on a 0.9-acre lot wrapping around the Almendral Avenue fire station. The district says the property can be used when the district renovates the Almendral station in 20 to 30 years.

In the meantime, the district is trying to figure out what to do with the property. Renting the house, demolishing it, or using it to house district employees have all been contemplated. In December the board authorized spending $500,000 to renovate the property.

In September the district announced it had purchased a 28,000-square-foot warehouse on 1.37 acres on Pulgas Avenue in East Palo Alto for $5 million. In December the board authorized spending $500,000 to renovate the warehouse.

On Dec. 19 the district announced the purchase of an acre of St. Patrick’s Seminary land next to its Middlefield Road fire station for $6.6 million.

That station is scheduled to be rebuilt in mid-2018.

Also in December, the district announced it was negotiating to buy a three-bedroom, two-bath 2,050 square-foot-home on an approximately 6,000-squarefoot lot. It is on Valparaiso

Avenue in unincorporated West Menlo Park, next to the district’s Alameda de las Pulgas station, which the district is scheduled to replace in 2022.

The home was not listed for sale, but Zillow estimated its value at $2.22 million.

Board infighting

In addition to public squabbles with Atherton, fire board directors had some significant public spats. At a Feb. 21 board meeting, Director Rob Silano and board President Peter Carpenter had a prolonged spat over sending copies of a report the district had commissioned to the city managers in the cities and town the district covers.

“I don’t want to solicit their input,” Mr. Carpenter said about the report, which suggests possible future fire stations locations, “because it’s not their decision to make.”

“I’d like to know how they feel,” Mr. Silano finally said, after doggedly repeating his request eight times.

“Feel free to ask them,” was Mr. Carpenter’s ultimate response.

At the end of the July 18 meeting, Director Virginia Chang Continued on next page

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Atherton residents reject parcel tax continued from page 15

because, until the project is completed, any general fund revenues not used for operating expenses have been allocated to pay for construction.

The council hasn’t yet figured out how it will make up for the loss of the parcel tax revenue, but at a December study session, council members appeared to favor putting off some planned capital improvement projects until the civic center is built.

They also have discussed possibly raising additional revenue by making changes to the town’s business license tax. Voters would have to approve the tax changes.

Surf Air

Atherton’s attempts to get something done to quiet the noisy Surf Air commuter airline planes flying in and out of the San Carlos Airport made some progress, but had no resolution in 2017.

The town and local residents had been complaining since late 2013 about the noise from Surf Air’s turboprop planes. Because the Pilatus PC-12s hold fewer than nine passengers, under Federal Aviation Administration regulations they may use the San Carlos Airport even FIRE DISTRICT Continued from previous page

Kiraly read a memo lashing out at Mr. Carpenter for excluding her from a meeting she had asked to have arranged with officials from San Mateo County and Atherton. She is the board’s liaison to both entities. She also complained about public records requests Mr. Carpenter had made to Atherton.

“The fire board has not directed anyone from the fire district or fire board to submit” a Public Records Act request to Atherton, she said.

At the Sept. 19 meeting, Ms. Chang Kiraly and Director Chuck Bernstein said they could not vote that night to fill a board opening left when Director Rex Ianson resigned. The application process had been unfair and “lacked specificity without full board vetting; it was vetted by only one person and his puppet,” Ms. Chang Kiraly said, referring to Mr. Carpenter and Director Rob Silano.

Moments after Ms. Chang Kiraly’s comments, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Silano voted to adjourn the meeting. The move

though it is a general aviation, not commercial, airport. It is considered a “reliever airport,” keeping small planes out of busy regional airports such as San Jose, San Francisco International and Oakland.

In late June, San Mateo County approved spending $1 million over three years to address the complaints. The Board of Supervisors on June 27 unanimously approved funding for an airport communications specialist to work with the public and pilots; hiring a contractor to investigate new air routes that avoid residences; and putting in place an automated flight tracking system tied to the noise complaint system.

But just 10 days earlier, dozens of protesters, including Atherton residents who live under Surf Air’s flight path, picketed at the San Carlos Airport. They expressed their frustration with Surf Air’s planes, which they say are noisier than jets, and the frequency of their flights.

The county has moved ahead with an FAA noise study of the airport, and added fees for landings and overnight parking at the San Carlos Airport and its other airport in Half Moon Bay. A new operator, Encompass came before the board had acted on a single agenda item, and only 35 minutes into the meeting. The meeting continued when the two other directors did not support adjournment.

On Oct. 2, a week after Ms. Chang Kiraly says Mr. Silano warned her to “watch out for Peter because he might come after” her, Mr. Carpenter emailed John Ullom of Half Moon Bay, an outspoken opponent of Ms. Chang Kiraly. Mr. Carpenter asked Mr. Ullom for an update on a complaint he’d made eight months earlier about Ms. Chang Kiraly serving simultaneously on the fire board and the board of the San Mateo County Harbor District.

After Mr. Ullom colorfully and publicly refused to cooperate with him, Mr. Carpenter began distributing copies of Mr. Ullom’s eight-month old complaint via email. Mr. Ullom told the Almanac he had dropped the complaint about Ms. Chang Kiraly because someone involved in the effort had behaved inappropriately.

Belle Haven station

On March 21, more than 50

I N

R E V I E W

Aviation, began flying Surf Air’s planes on May 15. The FAA had in January announced the end of a trial allowing Surf Air to use the Bayside Visual Approach to avoid the Midpeninsula on the way to the San Carlos Airport. But Encompass received FAA permission to keep using the route under visual flight conditions.

In September, the FAA held hearings in San Jose to help it decide if it should make the route a permanent, fairweather option. A large crowd from Sunnyvale and Cupertino showed up to complain the route sent the Surf Air planes over their homes. No final decision has been announced.

Fire district

Atherton and fire district officials spent much of the year at odds with each other after the City Council voted late in 2016 to look at a fiscal study of the fire district. The council in April awarded a $50,000 contract to study the costs and benefits of the existing fire and emergency services provided by the fire district, and examine other options for providing fire services to the town.

Fire board President Peter Carpenter lashed back. He wrote emails calling the study “nothing but a greedy and selfish attempt to take property tax revenues from the Fire District to pad the coffers of the Town.”

He made a series of public records requests to the town Belle Haven residents showed up at the fire board meeting to protest plans for expanding the Chilco Street fire station.

Speakers were especially angry the district had notified a neighborhood family that they were considering using eminent domain to acquire the Terminal Avenue home they had spent the last 10 years building.

Although the district had already spent nearly $100,000 drawing up plans and doing environmental studies on a new station, the district later promised to consider a different location in the M-2 industrial area for a new station.

Board vacancy

Fire board director Rex Ianson announced on June 20 that he would be retiring to move to Oregon effective Aug. 31. The process of appointing a successor to Mr. Ianson took three meetings, however, and became contentious.

Seven candidates applied for the open position, and even after a five-hour meeting on Sept. 19, two board members (Ms. Chang Kiraly and Mr. Bernstein) said they did not have

Photo by Barbara Wood | The Almanac

Measure F, an Atherton parcel tax proposal on the November ballot, needed the approval of two-thirds of the voters, but received less than 53 percent.

for years of emails and other documents.

By year’s end, with the report not yet released, the two agencies held an amicable joint meeting. However, they discussed only the North Bay fires, fire prevention, and the effects of development on local traffic.

Police chief

Atherton got a new police chief in May after illness forced former Chief Ed Flint to retire late in 2016. Steve McCulley was one of 30 applicants, coming out of retirement from Washington state, where he served most recently as police chief of the towns of Snoqualmie and North

Photo by Michelle Le/The Almanac

Atherton’s new police chief, Steven D. McCulley, started in May.

Bend. He had also been a public information officer for the Washington State Patrol. A

enough information to make the appointment.

On Oct. 17, after five rounds of voting, three of the four fire board members finally agreed on candidate Robert Jones. But before that vote, the board members had voted that

whoever was chosen would have to go through a background check before formal appointment. So, the board met again on Oct. 25, after Mr. Jones had passed two background checks, and finally formally made the appointment. A

MENLO PARK

City Clerk Pam Aguilar to Redwood City and Police Chief Bob Jonsen to Palo Alto.

No new city clerk or police chief have been named yet — city staffer Clay Curtin and Commander Dave Bertini are acting in those respective positions on an interim basis. Sustainability Director Rebecca Lucky was rehired after she spent three years working in New Zealand.

The year was marked with the deaths of valued community members: Florence Detlor, Gene Giannotti, Duncan Matteson, Kirtee Kapoor, Valerie Knapp, Daniel Norman Chappelear, “Ace Hardware Man’ Bill Niebling, Carolyn Clark, and Ernst Meissner, among many others.

They’ll be missed. A —Elena Kadvany contributed to this report.

continued from page 11

Coffeebar (1149 Chestnut St.), Star Fish (former Bradley’s Fine Diner, 1165 Merrill St.), Camper (unknown location), and a Mexican/Salvadoran taqueria (989 El Camino Real).

Menlo Park institutions that passed milestones during the year include the Menlo Park Farmers’ Market, which turned 25.

Kepler’s launched its nonprofit arm, the Kepler’s Literary Foundation, separate from its commercial bookstore operations.

Downtown business owners submitted a petition to the City Council in early December asking for work to start in earnest on a downtown parking garage.

Transitions

At City Hall, Menlo Park lost

December 27, 2017 Q AlmanacNews.com Q The Almanac Q 17

F O R

William C. Brady, Jr. June 11, 1945 – November 26, 2017 William Charles Brady, Jr., 72, passed away Sunday November 26, 2017, at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Born in Joplin, Missouri to William and Margaret Brady, he lived most of his life in Northern California, and graduated from Serra High School and San Jose State University, where he was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Bill worked in Finance for 30 years as a Senior Vice President at Intellectual Capital Enterprise, Imperial Bank Leasing, Silicon Valley Bank, and various positions at JLA Credit Corp. and Wells Fargo Leasing.

He was a passionate man with a quick wit who loved Formula One car racing, Golden State Warriors basketball and San Francisco Giants baseball.

In his spare time he enjoyed spending time with family, playing tennis, working with stocks and options, cooking, and participating and organizing local bridge games.

Bill was extremely loving and proud of his three daughters, Heather DeQuincy of San Leandro, Heidi Brady of New Jersey, and Allison Gervis of San Francisco. He is also survived by his sister Linda Brady of Vermont, the mother of his children, Sandra Livingston-Brady, his many loving grandchildren who knew him as Dado, and nieces, nephews and friends.

His family will be organizing a memorial service in the summer of 2018. Please email heidi.l.brady@gmail.com for information.

Memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name to the Cheetah Conservation Fund, P.O. Box 2496, Alexandria, VA 22301, https://cheetah.org/donate/ PAID

OBITUARY

Charles Henry Keyser September 26, 1935 – November 18, 2017 Charles “Charlie” Keyser, 82, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 18, 2017. Charles was born in Palo Alto on September 26, 1935, to the late Charles M. and Katherine Keyser. He grew up in Redwood City, raised his family in Portola Valley for two decades, and enjoyed his retirement in Nevada City.

He attended Mount Carmel Elementary School, graduated from Junipero Serra High School (1953) and the University of San Francisco (1958) and served in the U.S Army Reserves.

He married Jacqueline in 1964.

Charles served as president of Heaton and Keyser Sales for 30 years. While a 20-year resident of Nevada City, Charles was an active member of the St. Canice Church parish and the Gold County Lions Club.

He was forever dedicated to his Serra High School Class of 1953 and planned their annual reunion for 50 years. Charles was the 1996 recipient of the Junipero Serra Award.

Charles is survived by his wife Jacqueline of Emerald Hills, daughters Sharon Shaffer (Chris) and Lauren Lopez (John) of Portola Valley, son Mark Keyser (Heather) of Fairfield and Matthew Keyser (Liz) of Lafayette, cousin Diane Keyser of San Jose and eleven grandchildren.

We will forever miss the love and generosity that Charles shared with his family and his community.

A Memorial Mass in honor of Charles will take place on Thursday, January 4th, at 11:00am. St. Matthias Catholic Church, 1685 Cordilleras Rd, Redwood City, CA 94062.

Please join us for a lunch reception following Mass in the church hall.

Memorial donations may be made to the Father Zoph Scholarship, Serra High School Advancement Office, 451 W. 20th Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403. Note Charles Keyser ‘53 on the memo line.

PAID

OBITUARY

18 Q The Almanac Q AlmanacNews.com Q December 27, 2017

T H E

R E C O R D

Eric Reed, former mayor, councilman in Belmont Eric Laurence Reed grew up in Portola Valley, graduated from local schools and came to public service somewhat late in his now foreshortened life. Mr. Reed, a former councilman and mayor of Belmont, died Dec. 8 at his Belmont home, about two miles from the San Mateo hospital where he was born. He was 50.

Mr. Reed’s funeral is set for 4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 14, at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church at 1300 Fifth Ave. in City of Belmont Belmont, with Eric Laurence a reception to Reed follow in the parish hall.

Mr. Reed’s “happy and free-range childhood” in Portola Valley included touring the trails and creek beds on a red sting-ray bicycle with his rascal pals, his mother Loverine Taylor said.

He attended Ormondale, Corte Madera, Woodside Priory, all Portola Valley schools, and Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton. Throughout his time in school, he played soccer and occasionally first base as a Little Leaguer at Ford Field, his mother said.

Photos that he took, as a 4H Club member, of a blue-ribbon winner at a state fair were published in the Almanac, his mother said.

OBITUARY Obituaries are based on information provided by the family.

Animals were a theme in his life. As a child, he shared his bedroom with fish, cats and a pet rat, his mother said, adding that her son assisted her in raising wild animals such as fawns, quail and birds of prey for Wildlife Rescue.

Mr. Reed grew to love writing, helped along to proficiency in grammar and punctuation

by Sisters Serena and Joan at the Priory, his mother said.

Between his junior and senior years at M-A, he spent a summer in Norway with a newfound friend that led to a notable change. On boarding the plane at San Francisco International Airport, he wore a three-piece suit, his mother said. When he deplaned three months later, he was wearing clogs, black jeans and a goth pink sweatshirt.

At M-A, Mr. Reed met Laura Tower, who he later married.

After graduating in 1986, he enrolled at the University of California at Santa Cruz with plans to major in history, his mother said.

Four years later, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology, whereupon he immediately signed on as a research associate with the South San Francisco biotech firm Genentech.

Portola Valley closes trails

Joseph West Chait March 15, 1947 – December 18, 2017 Joseph W. Chait (70), son of the late Robert and Toby Chait, passed away at home on Monday, December 18th at 10:00 PM surrounded by his loving family after a valiant 8 month battle with cancer.

An avid fisherman, passionate skier, often competent golfer, and master margarita maker, Joey had a smile and laugh that could fill a room. A 43 year resident of Menlo Park, Joey was passionate about his business, having first partnered with his father and then his son, and loved nothing more than traveling the world with his beloved wife and true love.

A man who put family and true friendship above all else, his goal throughout treatment was “to inspire others.” Inspire you did, Joey. You will be deeply missed, and wholeheartedly celebrated.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Deborah, adoring children Marcus (Melissa), Jessica Sieck (Shawn) and the “lights of his life” Zoe (11), Brody (9), Stella (5) and Sophie (3).

A celebration of Joseph’s life will take place at Peninsula Temple Beth El in San Mateo on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 10:00 AM. PA I D

He never left, his mother said.

He acquired a master’s degree in business administration in biotechnology from Santa Clara University in 1999 and his responsibilities at Genentech included management positions in molecular research.

Mr. Reed’s involvement in civic affairs began with a proposal for speed bumps on his residential street in Belmont, where he moved with his family in 2002. He later sought a position on the Planning Commission, to which he was appointed in 2008.

A 2011 run for the City Council was unsuccessful — he lost by 11 votes — but he won a seat on the council in 2013 and served as mayor in 2016. “He really loved helping people and during his tenure as mayor and councilman fulfilled virtually all of his campaign promises,” his mother said.

In a comment to Mr. Reed’s mother, current Belmont Mayor Charles Stone described his colleague’s wisdom, wit, grace, and clarity of good intention as “amazing to behold. ... I’ve worked with many Councilmembers on different bodies and Eric was the best, hands down.”

Along with his mother, Mr. Reed is survived by his wife Laura; sons Nick and Jake; father Larry Reed of Foster City; brother Ian Reed; and his extended family.

His mother asks, given that her son’s favorite color was orange, that friends and relatives think of her son when wearing an orange sweater or seeing an orange flower.

O B I T U A RY

With the approach of winter and the rainy season, the town of Portola Valley recently announced the closure — to equestrians — of 11 trails in town.

The trails that will remain open to pedestrians are: Q Coalmine, Old Spanish, Arroyo and Blue Oak trails in the Coalmine ridge area.

Q The Hayforks and Larry lane trails in the Woodside Highlands area.

Q The Los Trancos, Black Oak, Deer Path and Sweet Springs trails in Los Trancos Woods.

Q The Eagle Trail in the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve.

AlmanacNews.com Read the latest local news headlines and talk about the issues on Town Square at AlmanacNews.com

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December 27, 2017 Q AlmanacNews.com Q The Almanac Q 19

F O R

T H E

R E C O R D

a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free. Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Road, Woodside.

Q CA L E N DA R Go to AlmanacNews.com/calendar to see more local calendar listings

Theater TheatreWorks Presents “Around the World in 80 Days” Set in the 1870s, the play follows fictional adventurer Phileas Fogg and his valet as they circle the globe in an unheard of 80 days. Nov. 29-Dec. 31, times vary. $35-$100.

Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto.

Concerts Tribute to the Grateful Dead The China Cats, a Grateful Dead tribute band, performs. Dec. 29, 9 p.m. $15. Club Fox, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City.

Top Shelf Classics R&B and soul classics with Top Shelf’s tribute show. Dec. 30, 8 p.m. $20.

Club Fox, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City.

Old School R&B The Touch Of Class Band, a singing group backed by a band, performs choreographed R&B, funk, oldies and standards.

Dec. 31, 9:45 p.m. $47-$67. Angelicas, 863 Main St., Redwood City.

Music

1HZ <HDU·V (YH 2UJDQ &RQFHUW Organist James Welch marks 25 yeas as organist of St. Mark’s Church in a recital of works by Bach, French and English composers, and several California composers. Dec. 31, 8-9 p.m. Free.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Ave., Palo Alto. welchorganist.com <RXQJ %HHWKRYHQ San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and guest soloist pianist Rin Homma, led by conductor Ben Simon, perform early works by Ludwig van Beethoven. Jan. 1, 3-5 p.m. Free. First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. thesfco.org

Portola Valley

1RRQ <HDU·V (YH 3DUW\ Music and dance with Cotton Candy Express, followed by snacks and fun highlighted with a countdown to “Noon Year’s Eve.” Dec. 29, 11 a.m.-noon. Portola Valley Library, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley.

3RUWROD 9DOOH\ )DUPHUV· 0DUNHW This weekly farmers’ market offers farm produce, berries, local eggs, and more goods. Dec. 28 and Jan. 4, 2-5 p.m. Free. Portola Valley Town Center, 765 Portola Road, Portola Valley. pvfarmersmarket.com

Museums & Exhibits

$QQXDO %D\/8* +ROLGD\ /(*2 6KRZ, which features holiday scenes in a miniature city. Exhibit is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 8 through Jan. 14, 11 a.m.-3:45 p.m. $3; free admission to MOAH and BayLUG members. Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave, Palo Alto. moah.org/

Film Film Discussion Group discusses the movie that played at the Guild Theatre the prior weekend. Jan. 2, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. menlopark. org/adults

Lessons & Classes Tai Chi Tai Chi instructor Ben Dineen will teach in the Native Plant Garden, leading a 60-minute class open to all ability levels. Dec. 29, 10-11 a.m. Free. Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Road, Woodside.

Talks & Lectures Inside the Gun Debate: To Hunt? To Defend? To Assault? Attendees will hear various viewpoints on gun control and watch filmed interviews with Tom Mauser, whose son died at Columbine High School, and Michael Lang, a concealed weapon firearms instructor. Jan. 3, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bethany, 1095 Cloud Ave., Menlo Park. facebook.com/LTCMenloPark

Arts & Crafts Open Paint An all-ages social paint event.

Paint, brushes, blank canvases and “fill-in-theblank” designs by local artists provided. Donations and a percentage of all food/beverages sales support Community Advocacy Through Art. Jan. 4, 5 p.m. Free, donations accepted.

Cyclismo Cafe, 871 Middlefield Road, Redwood City.

Seniors

%UHDNIDVW DW 0LWFKHOO·V $ 6HQLRU 1HZ <HDU Brunch Celebration Seniors invited for brunch and Champagne. Tickets available for purchase at Lucie Stern Community Center, Mitchell Park Community Center, Cubberley Community Center and Avenidas Palo Alto. Dec. 29, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $10. Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Search eventbrite.com for more info.

Teens

Family Winter Crafts Library lays out supplies for children and their adults to get creative with a little crafting fun. Dec. 27, 10 a.m. to noon. Free.

Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park.

Block Party - Build & Learn Children will play with blocks, developing fine motor skills and social skills along the way. Dec. 28, 11:15

95 /DE ([SHULHQFH 9LUWXDO 5HDOLW\ The Traveling Virtual Reality Kit is coming to Woodside. Featuring The Lab, a collection of mini games and experiences. Participants need to be at least 13 years old to safely wear the headset, but the experience will be projected for everyone to view. Dec. 28, 2-4 p.m. Free. Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Road, Woodside.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF ATHERTON Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the Town of Atherton will introduce an ordinance amending the following municipal code at their regular meeting held on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 94 (ZOÄLSK 9VHK ([OLY[VU. Section 13.10.070 of the Atherton Municipal Code regarding public educational and governmental access (PEG) support fees For a complete copy of the staff report and draft ordinance that will be heard at the meeting, please contact City Clerk Theresa DellaSanta at tdellasanta@ci.atherton.ca.us or 650-752-0529.

Those wishing to comment on the proposed ordinance may either attend the Public Hearing or submit written comments to the City Clerk, to be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday March 10, 2017. (Written comments are to be Z\ITP[[LK [V [OL *P[` *SLYR ;V^U VM ([OLY[VU (ZOÄLSK Road, Atherton, California 94027 or by email at tdellasanta@ ci.atherton.ca.us /s/ Theresa DellaSanta City Clerk December 21, 2017 20 Q The Almanac Q AlmanacNews.com Q December 27, 2017

Photo by Battalion Chief Tom Calpert

Dousing a fire Menlo Park firefighters said that discarded cigarettes and cigars were the possible cause of a small vegetation fire on the morning of Dec. 19 just outside the Church of Christ Scientist at 201 Ravenswood Ave. in Menlo Park. The spot is also near a municipal bus stop and opposite the main entrance to Menlo-Atherton High School. “It’s a point where people gravitate” and convenient for use by students, district fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman said. “While they’re waiting for the bus, things can happen,” he said.

Burglar sentenced to 14 years in prison Hayward resident and Federal Express contract driver Kevin Eugene Baker was sentenced Dec. 19 to 14 years and eight months in state prison for home burglaries in Atherton and Menlo Park.

Mr. Baker, 57, who was sentenced on his birthday, pleaded no-contest in October to three counts of residential burglary, San Mateo County prosecutors said.

Prosecutors recommended a sentence of 27 years and four months, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said in a report.

In the bargain for a lighter sentence, Mr. Baker acknowledged that the allegations against him were serious and

violent, that he was ineligible for probation, and that among the 10 prior felony convictions in his record were two that counted as strikes — a 1981 residential burglary in Santa Clara County and a 1988 robbery in San Mateo County, Mr. Wagstaffe told the Almanac.

Mr. Baker admitted to burglarizing the three homes, all of which had their front doors unlocked, while making deliveries for Federal Express, prosecutors said.

The DA listed these incidents: Q On May 3, 2017, Mr. Baker entered a home on Orchard Hill Avenue in Atherton and stole a $1,500 laptop computer. A surveillance camera caught him in

Alleged stalker to be evaluated for competency to stand trial A Menlo Park man who has pleaded not guilty to charges of stalking a teen girl will be evaluated by a doctor to determine his competency to stand trial, Criminal Presiding Judge Donald Ayoob ordered on Dec. 20.

Israel Mora, 42, pleaded not guilty in court on Dec. 14 to stalking and attempting to communicate with a 14-yearold girl for the purposes of seduction, according to San

Mateo County prosecutors.

Mr. Mora, a resident of the Belle Haven area in Menlo Park, was charged with two felonies and four misdemeanors in connection with a number of alleged incidents of leaving flowers sitting in containers of urine on the teen’s porch between Nov. 12 and Dec. 10, 2017, according to District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

There were at least four

the act, prosecutors said.

Q On May 5, 2017, he entered a home on Park Lane in Atherton and stole $40 from a wallet while the resident was upstairs.

Q On May 22, 2017, he entered a home on Trinity Drive in Menlo Park and stole two iPad tablet computers with a total value estimated at $2,000. Police were able to trace the computers to Hayward, prosecutors said.

The sentence by Criminal Presiding Judge Donald Ayoob includes restitution payments of $1,415.91 to one victim and $1,928 to another.

Mr. Baker had been in custody on a bail of $800,000. He received 242 days credit for time already served. incidents during which Mr. Mora left yellow and pink roses and other flowers on the front porch of the girl who lives on a neighboring street, prosecutors said. At least some of those flowers were left soaking in vases or Coke bottles that contained his urine, according to prosecutors.

The case has been continued to Jan. 26, 2018, when the court is scheduled receive the doctor’s report.

Mr. Mora remains in custody on $100,000 bail.

— Kate Bradshaw

December 27, 2017 Q AlmanacNews.com Q The Almanac Q 21

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MARKETPLACE the printed version of

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business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/14/17.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on November 14, 2017.

(ALM Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27, 2017)

Legal Notices 995 Fictitious Name Statement RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL BUILDING SERVICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No.: 275747 The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Residential & Commercial Building Services, located at 782 Hamilton Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025, San Mateo County.

Registered owner(s): ANTONIO NORIEGA 782 Hamilton Ave. Menlo Park, CA 94025 This business is conducted by: An Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 6/21/11.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on November 28, 2017.

(ALM Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27, 2017) COFFEEBAR MENLO PARK FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No.: 275641 The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Coffeebar Menlo Park, located at 1149 Chestnut St., Menlo Park, CA 94025, San Mateo County; Mailing address 10120 Jibboom St., #101, Truckee, CA 96161.

Registered owner(s): COFFEEBAR MENLO PARK LLC 10120 Jibboom St. #101 Truckee, CA 96161 This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact

County Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on December 5, 2017.

(ALM Dec. 13, 20, 27, 2017; Jan. 3, 2018)

CAN CAN CLEANSE CAN CAN NUT MILK FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No.: 275623 The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1.) CAN CAN Cleanse, 2.) CAN CAN Nut Milk, located at 250 S. Maple Ave., Suite D, South San Francisco, CA 94080, San Mateo County; Mailing address: 305 W. Broadway #114, New York, NY 10013.

Registered owner(s): CAN CAN HEALTH & WELLNESS LLC 305 W. Broadway #114 New York, NY 10013 CALIFORNIA This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 11/14/2012.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on November 13, 2017.

(ALM Dec. 6, 13, 20, 27, 2017)

FENZI DOG SPORTS ACADEMY THE DOG ATHLETE FENZI DOG TRAINING FENZI TEAM TITLES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No.: 275950 The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1.) Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, 2.) The Dog Athlete, 3.) Fenzi Dog Training, 4.)

Fenzi Team Titles, located at 937 Canada Rd., Woodside, CA 94062, San Mateo County.

Registered owner(s): FENZI DOG ENTERPRISES, INC. 937 Canada Rd. Woodside, CA 94062 California This business is conducted by: A Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 2010, 2013, 2016.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on December 11, 2017.

(ALM Dec. 20, 27, 2017; Jan. 3, 10, 2018)

PALM VILLAS REDWOOD CITY PALM VILLAS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No.: 275882 The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: 1.) Palm Villas Redwood City, 2.) Palm Villas, located at 1931 Woodside Road, Redwood, City, CA 94061, San Mateo County.

Registered owner(s): FOREVER YOUNG ASSISTED LIVING, INC. 1931 Woodside Road Redwood City, CA 94061 California This business is conducted by: A Corporation.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 2008.

This statement was filed with the

AVANTI PIZZA FRESH PASTA FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No.: 275966 The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: Avanti Pizza Fresh Pasta, located at 3536 Alameda De Las Pulgas #4, Menlo Park, CA 94025, San Mateo County.

Registered owner(s): MODERN FUSION GRILL LLC 3536 Alameda De Las Pulgas #4 Menlo Park, CA 94025 This business is conducted by: A Limited Liability Company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 6/1/2004.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on December 12, 2017.

(ALM Dec. 20, 27, 2017; Jan. 3, 10, 2018)

THE PENINSULAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FREE CLASSIFIEDS WEBSITE TO RESPOND TO ADS WITHOUT PHONE NUMBERS GO TO WWW.FOGSTER.COM RHG CONSTRUCTION FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No.: 275979 The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as: RHG Construction, located at 174 Longview Drive, Daly City, CA 94015, San Mateo County.

Registered owner(s): RAMIL H. GUEVARRA 174 Longview Drive Daly City, CA 94015 This business is conducted by: An Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 12/13/17.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on December 13, 2017.

(ALM Dec. 20, 27, 2017; Jan. 3, 10, 2018) BAY GENERAL CONTRACTOR FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No.: 275767 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Bay General Contractor, located at 308 Sheridan Drive, Menlo Park, CA 94025, San Mateo County.

Registered owner(s): HOANG CHIEU NGUYEN 308 Sheridan Drive Menlo Park, CA 94025

This business is conducted by: An Individual.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name(s) listed above on 04/15/2008.

This statement was filed with the County Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on November 29, 2017.

(ALM Dec. 27, 2017; Jan. 3, 10, 17, 2018) File No. 276009 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: NRG Residential Solar Solutions, 804 Carnegie Center, Princeton, NJ 08540, County: Mercer Registered Owner(s): NRG Residential Solar Solutions LLC, 804 Carnegie Center, Princeton, NJ 08540, DE This business is conducted by: a limited liability company.

The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 12/11/2012.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.)

Signature of Registrant: Kevin P. Malcarney Print name of person signing. If corpora-

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tion, also print corporate title of officer: Kevin P. Malcarney, Secretary This statement was filed with the County Clerk of SAN MATEO COUNTY on December 14, 2017.

Notice - In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920, a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the Office of the County Clerk. Except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or Common Law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

New Filing MARK CHURCH, COUNTY CLERK SAN MATEO COUNTY BY: XIMENA CASTILLO, Deputy Clerk CN944113 10723937 SQ Dec 27, 2017, Jan 3,10,17, 2018

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I chose Gail with Rossetti Realty because she was a certified probate expert and she had knowledge of the area. She was thorough and always available to communicate with. That was important to me. I was selling my deceased brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home and I needed that extra customer service.

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3525 Alameda delas Pulgas, Ste C, Menlo Park

www.RossettiRealty.com December 27, 2017 Q AlmanacNews.com Q The Almanac Q 23

THANK YOU! IN 2017 WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE

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24 Q The Almanac Q AlmanacNews.com Q December 27, 2017

mandymontoya 650.823.8212 CalRE #01911643

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