Cover Story
T
ime moves on and technology moves forward. There used to be a video store at 2645 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto, but the video stores are bowing out. Now the Midtown spot houses a shiny new rock-music school, blasting with giant wall photos of head-banging kids. Still, even the people who get their kicks on Netflix know the saying “Everything
allac W a c c e b e R y b
old is new again.” At the School of Rock, where the paint smells fresh after four months, kids learn the classics. The Beatles, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd keep rocking on. Walk down the hall and you hear familiar guitar licks from decades ago mixed with kids laughing, basses tuning up, a drumstick clattering on the floor. When beginners start lessons, they’re
e Veronica Weber
, kebox, baby ju e th in e dim Put another eep playing k o h w s id k f Rock age for School o in the iTunes s ic s s la c e th
given one of the core tunes that owner and general manager Hansel Lynn picked. Before you know it, you’ve got a 7-year-old warbling “Lean on Me” or wondering why it is, exactly, that we all live in a yellow submarine. It can take time for kids to get it. Lynn, sporting an affable grin and a “Keep Calm and Rock On” T-shirt, thinks of one 10-
year-old boy. “He had no experience, and a guitar takes coordination,” he said. “Every day I’d say, ‘Show me the G chord.’” Struggles ensued, but Lynn had faith. The kid had long hair and a rocker mentality. He could do it. Then he did. With practice, the boy found the chords just clicked. Formerly quiet, he even started belting out songs. Lynn has lots of stories like these, even though the school’s been open only since January. Kids start shy and end up wailing on the guitar, or show up late for every rehearsal until suddenly they start wanting to do their part, to be a team with their bandmates. What happens? Lynn smiles. “Rock ‘n’ roll.” Like people everywhere in the music world, from piano teachers to orchestra conductors, the folks at School of Rock will tell you that becoming a performing musician helps kids build confidence as well as artistry, and learn cooperation as well as chords. These guys just do it louder. The Palo Alto venue is one of more than 100 School of Rock locations sprinkled across the country and as far as Canada, (continued on page 35)
Veronica Weber
Seven-year-old Jacob Mishaga, top, learns to play the guitar in a beginning guitar private lesson at the School of Rock. Left, Music director Andrew Levin, center, listens as Josh Poblete plays the bass with Gabe Cohen on guitar as the young musicians rehearse together.
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Cover Story
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Katie Brigham
School of Rock students Nick Alfonso and Gabe Cohen rehearse for their performance of Pink Floyd’s album, “The Wall.�
Kids wanna rock (continued from page 33)
Latin America and the Philippines. (Its closest neighbor is up the Peninsula in San Mateo.) The first school opened in 1998 in Philadelphia, founded by Paul Green. By 2003 it had inspired a Jack Black movie with the same name, and soon after that new franchises began opening. Thousands of kids are now enrolled at School of Rock, whether they’re beginners in the Rock 101 program or more advanced, in the performance program. The company also recently started offering some adult classes, and growth doesn’t seem to be slowing down. In February, School of Rock won a spot on CNN Money’s “5 Hot Franchises� list. Students, who are typically aged 7 to 18, study guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and vocals in weekly private lessons and group band practices. Some kids like to focus on one favorite instrument, but it’s common to see them jumping from one instrument to another. Rock is the main focus, of course, but students can also get a healthy helping of punk, alternative, funk, reggae and metal. If rock is the soul of the program, the performance-based approach is the heart. We don’t need
no theory education up front, Lynn says. First, teachers emphasize the fun of playing on stage, the joy of the music and the teamwork of working with bandmates. Kids learn by ear, practicing root chords and building on them. Then they realize they’ve been learning music theory. Beginners’ songs have been chosen because they have straightforward chord structures, easy to grab onto. “In order to teach you theory, we’ll teach you this song,� Lynn says.
S
itting in his office at the front of the school, Lynn toys with a piece of paper with the chords from Pink Floyd’s “Vera.� Bits of music and conversation float down the hall from the rehearsal classrooms, and kids come in the nearby front door for their private music lessons. They pass by the front desk, designed to look like a pile of roadie cases. It’s hard to imagine that Lynn looked this happy when he worked in corporate high-tech and real estate. After 20 years in that world, he was looking for a change and then spotted an ad in a business magazine about running a School of Rock franchise. “The light went on,� he says. (continued on next page)
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Cover Story
(continued from previous page)
Katie Brigham
School of Rock students Julia Louth, Janet Wang, Joshua Poblete, Gabe Cohen and Caley Vaheei rehearse for their performance of Pink Floyd’s album, “The Wall.”
A native of Hong Kong who now lives in Palo Alto with his wife and three kids, Lynn had a lot of nostalgia for his days playing in a punkpop cover band called Timmy Ramen with a bunch of other techies. “I was the lead singer. I was not a very good singer,” he confesses. “We were novices. We were good at marketing and stage presence, so we always had a good crowd.” But the music, he confesses, wasn’t the best. “It was the experience of being on stage. It was so much fun.” Lynn took those star-studded memories and his love of The Who, Green Day, Linkin Park and Jack Johnson and opened School of Rock Palo Alto. Now his school has 50 students from 7 to 18 and an array of instructors. Longtime Palo Altan Andrew Levin, an experienced guitarist and graduate from Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California, is the associate music director and an instructor. A Paly graduate, Levin has also taught at Summer Rock Camp of Palo Alto (a separate, seasonal organization), gigged on cruise ships and played the Whisky a Go Go club in Los Angeles.
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Cover Story Brick in the Wall Part 2.� “That feeling when you get a song together is really great,� he says, temporarily taking over Lynn’s desk. He’s quiet but wellspoken, and later when he picks up the guitar the dexterity in his fingers is obvious. Poblete started on piano as a third-grader, then switched to classical guitar. He liked learning the techniques, but it was a lot more fun to be loud. So here he is on the electric guitar. Even when he doesn’t have class, he’ll sometimes drop by School of Rock to use the amps. His drummer brother Jeremiah, 17, is also enrolled here. On the other end of the age spectrum is Julia Louth, 7, the (continued on next page) Veronica Weber
These days, many of the teachers and students have their eyes on “The Wall.� School of Rock franchises typically perform the Pink Floyd classic album as their first concert, and Palo Alto is following the trend. Sixteen of the more advanced students will rock out on “Comfortably Numb,� “Run Like Hell� and the other tunes on Saturday, May 18, at Club Illusions Palo Alto on California Avenue. Lynn is already thinking about summer as well. The next big show, probably in late August, will be themed “Foo Fighters vs. Green Day.� But before the students hit the ‘90s, they’re hanging out in 1979 with Floyd. Josh Poblete, who at 18 will be the oldest musician in the show, is gearing up for his guitar solo in the song “Another
Show director Walt Ziegler, right, leads Jeremiah Poblete in a private bass lesson in preparation for a School of Rock performance.
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Cover Story
NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY AND COMPLETION OF A DRAFT SUPPLEMENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE EDGEWOOD PLAZA PROJECT (SCH#2011022030) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared to assess the environmental impacts of the following project: EDGEWOOD PLAZA PROJECT LEAD AGENCY: City of Palo Alto, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Implementation of the approved project began in September 2012 at which time Building 1 was demolished. None of the historic building elements were retained after demolition. As a result, the relocation and reconstruction of Building 1 cannot be implemented pursuant to the mitigation measures in the approved project. The proposed project is a modification of the approved Planned Development Zoning and redevelopment of the Edgewood Plaza Shopping Center. Under the revised project, Building 1 would be reconstructed with all new materials. The location and design of the building would be consistent with the previously approved project. All other aspects of the approved project, including the renovation of Building 2 and the grocery building, the new parking layout and landscape design and development of 10 single-family houses, remain the same as the approved project evaluated in the 2012 Final EIR. This Supplement to the previously certified Final EIR has been prepared to evaluate the modifications to the original project. Edgewood Plaza (also known as Edgewood Shopping Center) was designed and built by Eichler Homes, Inc. as part of the Edgewood Tract developed in 1956-57, and appears to be a significant historic resource. The proposed project would have potentially significant effects with regard to historic resources and cumulative historic resources. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires this notice to disclose whether any listed toxic sites are present at the project location. The project location is not contained on the Cortese List of toxic sites.
Veronica Weber
2080 Channing Avenue [08PLN-00157/10PLN-0019/13PLN00197]: The Final Environmental Impact Report for the Edgewood Plaza project (State Clearinghouse #2011022030), certified by the Palo Alto City Council in April 2012, (hereinafter referenced as the Edgewood Plaza Final EIR) evaluated the potential environmental impacts resulting from the redevelopment of the Edgewood Plaza Shopping Center with a mix of retail and residential uses. The project, approved by the City Council in April 2012, included renovation of the three existing commercial buildings and construction of 10 single-family residences and an approximately 9,000-square foot park. The nonhistoric grocery store and historically significant Building 2 were to remain and be renovated in their original locations. Building 1, also identified as historic under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), was proposed to be disassembled and reconstructed west of its current location to allow for a reconfiguration of the parking lot. All visible historic building elements from the existing building were to be rehabilitated and installed at the new location. The relocation and reconstruction of historic Building 1 as originally proposed was determined to be a less than significant impact by the City Council.
Nick Alfonso plays the drums while rehearsing at the School of Rock.
(continued from previous page)
youngest to perform in the Pink Floyd concert. She’s arrived in the lobby for a private lesson with Levin and is all set to practice her vocal solo in “The Thin Ice.” “I like it,” she says of the school, flashing a wideopen smile. “I just really like the music.” Besides singing, the young Taylor Swift fan has played the piano for three years along with some guitar. This will be her first big performance. She’s excited and nervous for the concert, but getting to wear “cool boots” and jeggings should help ease any butterflies. She keeps beaming as she heads into the rehearsal room.
C
oncert opportunities can be exciting for the students in the performance program. The most advanced musicians, including the Poblete brothers, are members of the school’s house band and get to play gigs at community events. The Pobletes are also in a select school group who will perform at the Summerfest music festival in Wisconsin this summer. School of Rock
has reserved stage time, and Lynn chose six of his students to go. “To even get one minute on a stage like that ... ” Lynn says dreamily. Another of his dreams is to have some of his students accepted into School of Rock’s all-star program. Some of the best young musicians around get to tour in their own bus and play such big-name events as Austin City Limits. There’s just something special about watching the kids learn to love the stage, Lynn says. “I see the kids get stage fright, but they’re nervous together.” That camaraderie is clear in a big rehearsal room where the Pobletes join forces with a group of others from the house band to practice. The students take up their instruments under a giant quote from John Lennon on the wall: “There is nothing more conceptually better than rock and roll.” Someone suggests The Police’s “Message in a Bottle,” and Zach Chang, in a sideways School of Rock baseball hat, counts off the beat on his drumsticks. Everyone joins in, and by the end, he’s tearing it up with flair. “Nice warm-up,” Lynn says, and then the players are off and running on Green Day’s “Basket
The Draft Supplemental EIR is on file and may be reviewed at the City of Palo Alto’s Development Center, 285 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The EIR will also be available for review on the City’s website-- http://www.cityofpaloalto.org, and at the following public libraries: Palo Alto Main Library (temporary location at the Art Center, 1315 Newell Rd., Palo Alto, CA 94303, and Palo Alto Downtown Library, 270 Forest Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301. The public review for this Draft EIR begins on May 17, 2013 and ends on July 1, 2013. If you wish to provide written comments on the EIR, please submit these to Elena Lee, Department of Planning and Community Environment, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301, or Elena.Lee@CityofPaloAlto.org, no later than July 1, 2013, at 5:00 p.m.
CURTIS WILLIAMS, |DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT Page 38ÊUÊ >ÞÊ£Ç]ÊÓä£ÎÊUÊ*> Ê Ì Ê7ii ÞÊUÊÜÜÜ°*> Ì " i°V
Veronica Weber
If any person challenges this item in court, that person may be limited to raising only those issues the person or someone else raised at the public hearings described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered at, or prior to, the public hearings. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, those requiring accommodation for these meetings should notify the City of Palo Alto 24 hours prior to the meetings at (650) 329-2496.
Hansel Lynn, owner of the School of Rock Palo Alto, stands in a hallway beside the school’s music studios.
Cover Story
Katie Brigham
What: School of Rock Palo Alto plays its first big concert, an allages show of Pink Floyd’s album “The Wall.� Where: Club Illusions Palo Alto, 260 S. California Ave., Palo Alto When: Saturday, May 18, from 2 to 6 p.m. Cost: Tickets are $15/$13 in advance ($10/$8 for youth and seniors). Info: For more about the club, go to illusionssuperclub.com or call 650-321-6464. For more about the school, go to paloalto.schoolofrock. com.
About the cover: School of Rock student Zach Chang rehearses for a performance of Pink Floyd’s album, “The Wall.� Photo by Katie Brigham.
Veronica Weber
School of Rock student Rebecca Segars, above, rehearses for a performance of Pink Floyd’s album, “The Wall.� Whitley Smith, 7, far right, plays the drums at the School of Rock.
Case.� Jeremiah Poblete and Caley Vahedi take the vocals, holding up their phones to read the lyrics. The music reverberates through the red-walled room, resonating in listeners’ skulls and chests. Another musician, Gabe Cohen, switches effortlessly from one stringed instrument to another. These are songs that came out years — or decades — before the players were born, but there’s no scoffing at the old stuff. Instead, during a break, Vahedi and Cohen riff on their absent friends who don’t know the music. Vahedi is sporting an Iron Maiden T-shirt, and Cohen asks in a mockclueless voice, “That’s Iron Man’s wife, right?� They hoot with laughter. Then Cohen has a few choice words about his classmates who think that Nirvana is so cool “for covering that Miley Cyrus song ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit.’� Poblete is quieter, focusing on his guitar, but has just as much enthusiasm for the music. When he was asked earlier what his dream solo would be, his eyes lit up. Without missing a beat, he immediately said, “’Stairway to Heaven.’� N
Loves:
At Harker’s middle school, our kids say they love everything from
“going to Washington, D.C.� and “getting my laptop,� to “dissecting
Doesn’t Love:
chicken wings� and “fans cheering
you on at games!� Dozens of arts,
sports and club opportunities, along with global ed programs,
Trying:
trips, outstanding faculty, great
friends and more help bring out the best in every child.
Real students, real stories.
Come join Zach – and all our other great students – and find out what makes Harker’s middle school such a cool place to be!
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“Smushed potatoes”: smashed, creamed and double- The “Earth burger” has a patty made from mushrooms and edamame. fried.
Umami on University The L.A.-based burger chain takes on Silicon Valley by Elena ardbound books with titles like “Dreamers of the American Dream,” “Inside Asia,” “The Periccone Prescription” and “Harvard Classics: English Poetry, Chaucer to Gray” fill wooden bookcases. Huge canvases hang on the walls, made into collages of images like a Macworld magazine cover, anatomical drawings and quotes from Timothy Leary and Steve Jobs. You’re not in a college library, nor a burgeoning Silicon Valley startup. You’re in Umami Burger. Once a Los Angeles grassroots burger spot and now a multi-million-dollar restaurant group, Umami is all about creating, expanding — and localizing. Every Umami Burger’s physical space is designed with its location in mind, as well as the menu, with a signature burger and tailored drink menu. Owner and founder Adam Fleischman explained the Palo Alto design. “As Palo Alto is a very forwardthinking community, we thought the look of a library or study would work perfectly,” he said. “The decor reflects all of the thought and innovation that’s part of Palo Alto, from the tech community to Stanford University.” The newest Northern California outpost of Umami Burger opened on March 15 on University Avenue, serving up unusual, higher-end burgers that revolve around the concept of Umami, or the Japanese word for the sought-after fifth taste. “Umami is a Japanese concept that refers to the savory taste of foods, based on how glutamates in certain foods react with your tastebuds,” Fleischman said. “Our burgers are built around foods with high amounts of umami in them, like mushrooms, parmesan cheese and roasted tomato, all of which are included in our Original Umami Burger.” The fifth taste manifests in many forms on the Palo Alto menu, from the “Original” ($11) to the “Truffle Royale” ($15), a beef patty topped with braised short rib and Umami’s own truffle cheese; and starters such as truffle fries ($5.50) and the “smushed potatoes” ($4.50), double-fried, creamed and smashed into small crispy bites. Any burger can be served “poutine style” — bunless with Umami gravy or just bunless/meatless — but Palo Alto general manager Patrick Smith said the restaurant frowns upon substitutions. “Our motto is ‘Trust us,’” Smith explained, pointing to a binary code, a string of ones and zeros written in white text on the back of servers’ red T-shirts, with the same meaning. “So trust us and believe in us that
H
Kadvany we know what we’re doing here, the scientific process behind our Umami flavors, that you’re going to really enjoy what we’ve created for whichever community that we’re in.” San Francisco’s Union Street location, Umami’s first Northern California outpost, for example, gets a bacon-wrapped scallop burger just right for the city by the Bay. The Palo Alto kitchen, headed by kitchen manager Cody Shields, serves up an “exclusive” burger that, much like the restaurant decor, is a shout-out to local students and techies. Order the “All-Nighter” and you’ll get Umami’s beef patty, a freshly ground-toorder blend of three steaks, seasoned with patented Umami Sauce and Umami Dust; topped with mapleglazed slab bacon, cheesy tot hash brown and smothered in a coffee-infused red-eye gravy. “It’s an homage to diner food — like what you would eat in college at 2 a.m. while up all night cramming,” Fleischman said. Though beef is Umami’s specialty, the buck doesn’t stop there. Under an “Un-Beef” menu section, a few red-meat-free options hide in plain sight: an ahi tuna burger with hand-chopped ahi tuna, sprouts, crushed avocado, gingered carrots, wasabi flakes and wasabi tartar ($13); “The Greenbird,” made with turkey, crushed avocado, green cheese, butter lettuce, sprouts and a special “green goddess” sauce ($12); and a tricked-out “Earth Burger”($12), a mushroom and edamame patty with truffled ricotta, cipollini onions, butter lettuce, roasted tomato and white soy aioli. Every burger, regardless of what’s inside, comes sandwiched between two compact buns, the top one neatly stamped with an upper-case “U.” Sides include thin, standard-style fries that customers can enhance (“truffle ‘em,” “make ‘em manly” or “smother ‘em”), tempura onion rings, sweet-potato fries and fried pickles. Salads are also umami-fied. A truffled beet salad comes with truffled ricotta, smoked almonds, wild baby arugula and truffle dressing ($7); and a Caesar salad, made of kale and butter lettuce, is drizzled in Umami’s Caesar dressing and topped with fresh parmesan. (Fleischman said in a 2012 interview with Los Angeles Magazine that parmesan has the secondhighest umami levels of any ingredient, and the most of any cheese.) Smith called Umami’s beer and wine menus, wine in particular, Fleischman’s “baby.” Fleischman, who formerly worked for several L.A.
Eating Out
to bring in local spirits whenever possible. Palo Alto’s whites include a California chardonnay and an African chenin blanc, and reds such as an Argentine malbec and a honoro vera garnacha from Calatayud, a wine region in Spain. A French brut called Le Grand Courtâge ($12) that Fleischman “loves” is the only bubbly on the menu. The small but eclectic beer menu offers two bottles with somewhat local ties: the Full Boar Scotch Ale from Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company in Belmont ($12) and Drake’s Denogginizer IPA from Drake’s Brewing Co. in
San Leandro ($8). For alcohol-free options, Umami also serves Abita root beer, Mexican Sprite and Coke, Orange Fanta and Bundaberg ginger beer, among others. So far, Palo Altans seem to like what the Umami concept has to offer. Smith said that five weeks after opening, Palo Alto came in as the third-highest-grossing Umami Burger location, out of its 14 other restaurants. “It’s far exceeded our expectations,” he said. N Info: Umami Burger is at 452 University Ave. in Palo Alto, open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 to 11. Call 650321-8626 or go to umami.com/ umami-burger/eats/palo-alto/.
ShopTalk
Michelle Le
wine retailers and founded and ran some of the city’s first wine bars, said that his company has a few standard beer and wine options at every location, but that he prefers
Palo Alto’s Umami Burger location is made to look like a college library.
PENINSULA
by Daryl Savage
FLEMING’S ON THE MOVE ... Big plans are on the horizon for Fleming’s Steakhouse at Stanford Shopping Center. Construction recently began for the steakhouse’s new stand-alone building. “The shopping center is expanding and asked us to relocate, because Bloomingdale’s will be building a new location in front of our restaurant,” Fleming’s owner-operator Wayne Hanseth said. Neither Stanford nor Bloomingdale’s execs were available to comment on the upscale store’s plans. Meanwhile, Stanford has chosen the mall’s parking lot, near the El Camino Real entrance to the shopping center, for the new location of Fleming’s. When construction is completed, the restaurant will measure 7,000 square feet, about 1,800 square feet larger than the current one. “We’ll be adding another dining room, so we’ll have a total of three private dining rooms and also three patios,” Hanseth said, adding that the restaurant’s bar will also expand to double its current size to create more of a “lounge atmosphere.” Other changes for Fleming’s include a new style for the interior of the restaurant and a plan to begin Sunday brunches in September. Hanseth estimates the new restaurant will begin doing business on Aug. 9. The current Fleming’s will remain open throughout the construction of the new facility. Other changes in the Stanford Shopping Center include a new dog boutique. Offering gourmet food, toys, clothing and accessories for dogs, Happy Go Lucky Dog Boutique and Bakery has taken over the former site of Häagen-Dazs, which moved out of the mall in November 2012. And American Girl is coming to Stanford. The store will occupy a large space on the Sand Hill Road side, next to Pottery Barn and wrapping around to the former Talbots location, sources familiar with the development said. Scaf-
folding is already in place to transform the corner into a two-story American Girl store, which offers dolls, accessories and books. The price tag for an American Girl doll, which stands 18 inches tall, starts at about $100. RAMONA’S PIZZA GONE ... The small, casual Ramona’s Pizza at 2313 Birch St. in Palo Alto, popular for its variety of lunchtime slices, is gone. It surprised would-be diners on May 1, when the restaurant closed and brown paper went up on the windows. COFFEE WITH TEE TIMES ... Another Coupa Cafe has opened, this one on the Stanford Golf Course. This marks the fifth location for Coupa at Stanford, in addition to its original Palo Alto location on Ramona Street. Coupa’s latest coffee shop opened at 198 Junipero Serra Blvd. on May 1 and offers a breakfast and lunch menu. It replaces the Stanford Grill, which closed after a 12-year run. NEW MARKET TO OPEN ... Palo Alto’s newest grocer, The Fresh Market, has announced a June 5 opening in Edgewood Plaza. The nearly 21,000-square-foot store comes on the heels of another grocer, Miki’s Market, which closed after only six months in Alma Village. The Fresh Market has big plans, including offering more than 200 imported and domestic cheeses, and a bakery that produces 30 freshly baked breads and 14 pie varieties daily, according to the company’s president and CEO, Craig Carlock. N
Heard a rumor about your favorite store or business moving out, or in, down the block or across town? Daryl Savage will check it out. Email shoptalk@ paweekly.com.
Discover the best places to eat this week! AMERICAN
CHINESE
Armadillo Willy’s
Chef Chu’s
941-2922 1031 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos www.armadillowillys.com
948-2696 1067 N. San Antonio Road www.chefchu.com
The Old Pro
Ming’s
326-1446 541 Ramona Street, Palo Alto www.oldpropa.com
856-7700 1700 Embarcadero East, Palo Alto www.mings.com
STEAKHOUSE
New Tung Kee Noodle House
Sundance the Steakhouse
947-8888 520 Showers Drive, Mountain View www.shopmountainview.com/luunoodlemv
321-6798 1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto www.sundancethesteakhouse.com
INDIAN
Janta Indian Restaurant Read and post reviews, explore restaurant menus, get hours and directions and more at ShopPaloAlto, ShopMenloPark and ShopMountainView
462-5903 369 Lytton Ave. www.jantaindianrestaurant.com
Thaiphoon 323-7700 543 Emerson Ave, Palo Alto www.ThaiphoonRestaurant.com
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RESTAURANT REVIEW
Almost cool Despite a capable kitchen, Figo is not quite there yet by Dale F. Bentson here is a lot to like about Figo in downtown Palo Alto. The food is a cut above and the ambiance chic and inviting, with good libations and competitive prices. There is a disconnect, though: a variety of miscues I experienced on three of four visits, holding the restaurant back. Owner Gianni Chiloiro scrubbed his more casual Pasta? concept and rechristened the restaurant in January (“Figo” roughly translates to “cool” as in to be cool), reconstituting, remodeling, redefining the space. New chairs, tables, contemporary lighting, and wood and artglass partitions were added. An Italian brick oven capable of reaching 900 degrees was installed for pizza baking. The space was light-
T
ened up. The bar and dining rooms are still separate spaces but much more eloquently delineated. For lunch one day, I ordered the organic greens salad ($8) with cherry tomatoes and house vinaigrette. Someone in the kitchen must have mixed up proportions; there was so much vinegar my eyes teared and I choked on the first bite. The replacement salad was nearly devoid of dressing. Fortunately, the meal was saved by the excellent orecchiette with sausages ($14). The ear-shaped pasta evenly held the slightly piquant tomato sauce. Fresh parmesan was grated on table-side. The plating was artistic and appetizing. That day, I was drinking ice tea,
and despite my having an empty glass for most of the meal, the only refill came after I paid the bill and was gathering my belongings to depart. Dinner appetizers were uniformly good. Brussels sprouts salad ($9) was a personal favorite. The sprouts had been sauteed with crispy pancetta, ricotta, mushrooms, caramelized onions and white balsamic vinegar. The mushrooms added little in flavor or texture, but overall it was an excellent starter. One evening, my companion ordered the sformato di gamberi ($11), a flan of shrimp, asparagus and mascarpone blanketed with a shellfish bisque. Unfortunately, the waiter wrote the wrong item and my dining companion was delivered an excellent shrimp cocktail ($13) instead, with fresh burrata mozzarella, chopped tomatoes and basil dressing. Realizing his mistake, the waiter offered to bring the correct dish. My companion, though, was happy with the shrimp cocktail and told him so. A half hour later, when we
Katie Brigham.
Eating Out Sformato di gamberi. were three-quarters finished with our entrees, the waiter brought the sformato and plunked it on the table. We didn’t know what to make of that. I am happier to report that the sformato patate ($11), a flan of potatoes, zucchini and mascarpone cheese with a “truffle parmesan
fondue,” was well-prepared, savory, and gooey-delicious. The house-made gnocchetti ($19) with duck ragu, parsley pesto and shaved Montasio cheese, a soft cow’s cheese from northeast Italy, was ambrosial. The ragu was meaty-lush and thick, the gnocchetti the size of miniature marsh-
DINNER BY THE MOVIES AT SHORELINE’S
Cucina Venti
ons ervati s e r g in accept
able l i a v a ng cateri Now
LIVE MUSIC 1390 Pear Ave., Mountain View (650) 254-1120 www.cucinaventi.com
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
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On the Patio Wednesday & Thursdays 4-7pm
Eating Out mallows and just as soft. Mouthwatering dish. The pleasantly aromatic agnello scottadito ($28) was a rack of grass-fed Australian lamb with mushrooms and roasted potatoes. The four long-ribbed bones were plump with juicy meat despite their long voyage. The grilled Mediterranean branzino filet ($26), skewered and enveloped in artichoke hearts, was served with a cake of sauteed farro and vegetables. The fish was fresh and the slightly bitter artichokes coaxed out subtle flavors of the sea bass. One visit I reserved just for the pizza. With house-made dough, the Figo pizza ($19) was topped with aged Parma prosciutto, housemade burrata mozzarella and wild arugula. When the pizza was delivered, I drooled. Sadly, it was barely warm and cold by the time I got to the second slice. At that hour, there was only a handful of other diners: no reason for cold pizza. As for desserts, I loved Figo’s take on tiramisu ($8). It was more pudding-like than the traditional cake and was served in a bowl instead of on a plate. Even so, all the ingredients were in evidence with a bit of added whimsy: a long ladyfinger impaled in the cake. Not so successful was the pistachio panna cotta ($8). Panna cotta should be amongst the lightest of desserts. This version could have been cut with a knife and fork. It was dense, rubbery and unappealing. For libations, Figo boasts a full bar with specialty cocktails. On the wine side, labels are split between the West Coast and Italy except for one inexplicable Argentine label. Prices are under control with bottles starting at $34. More than two dozen wines are available by the glass. I am not sure where the disconnect is at Figo. The kitchen is more than capable, the waitstaff sincere and friendly, the ambiance pleasing. It could be a lack of staff communication, lack of training, lack of restaurant instincts. Diners shouldn’t find experiences flawed on multiple visits. Figo could be one of the best places to dine downtown, but until they tighten up their service, it is just another place to eat on University Avenue. N
Figo 326 University Ave., Palo Alto 650-321-4075 figopaloalto.com Lunch: Weekdays 11:30 a.m.2:30 p.m. Dinner: Mon.-Thurs. 5-10 p.m.; Fri. 5-11 p.m. Also open Sat. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. and Sun. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Reservations Credit cards Lot parking Alcohol Takeout Highchairs Wheelchair access
Banquet
Catering Outdoor seating Noise level: Moderate Bathroom Cleanliness: Good
STANFORD STROKE CENTER Committed to the highest standards of stroke care For more than 20 years, Stanford has provided the most advanced patient care available for stroke. The Stanford Stroke Center is the first program in the nation to earn comprehensive stroke certification from the Joint Commission, recognizing our leadership in stroke treatment and research. Our comprehensive center continues to pioneer medical, surgical and interventional therapies for treating and preventing stroke. WARNING SIGNS OF A STROKE t
Sudden numbness or weakness in face, arm or leg (usually on one side)
t
Sudden trouble speaking or understanding others
t
Sudden trouble seeing out of one or both eyes
t
Sudden, severe headache with no apparent cause
t
Sudden dizziness, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination (especially if associated with any of the above symptoms)
For any sign of stroke CALL 911 stanfordhospital.org/strokemonth 650.723.6469
HOSPITALS NATIONAL NEUROLOGY & NEUROSURGERY
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G U I D E TO 2013 S U M M E R C A M P S F O R K I D S
For more information about these camps, see our online directory of camps at http://paloaltoonline.com/biz/summercamps/ To advertise in a weekly directory, contact 650-326-8210 YMCA of Silicon Valley
Academics Early Learning Camp Connection listing
Palo Alto
Write Now! Summer Writing Camps Emerson School of Palo Alto and Hacienda School of Pleasanton open their doors and offer their innovative programs: Expository Writing, Creative Writing, Presentation Techniques, and (new!) Test-Taking Skills. Call or visit our website for details. www.headsup.org
Emerson 650-424-1267 Hacienda 925-485-5750
Foothill College
www.foothill.edu
650-949-7362
Harker Summer Programs
San Jose
K-12 offerings taught by exceptional, experienced faculty and staff. K-6 morning academics - focusing on math, language arts and science - and full spectrum of afternoon recreation. Grades 6-12 for-credit courses and non-credit enrichment opportunities. Sports programs also offered. www.summer.harker.org
408-553-0537
iD Tech Camps - Summer Tech Fun
Held at Stanford
Take interests further! Ages 7-17 create iPhone apps, video games, C++/ Java programs, movies, and more at weeklong, day and overnight programs held at Stanford and 60+ universities in 26 states. Also 2-week, teen-only programs: iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy, and iD Visual Arts Academy (filmmaking & photography). www.internalDrive.com
1-888-709-TECH (8324)
Stanford
Gain a competitive edge! Learn different aspects of video game creation, app development, filmmaking, photography, and more. 2-week programs where ages 13-18 interact with industry professionals to gain competitive edge. iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy, and iD Visual Arts Academy are held at Stanford, and other universities. www.iDTeenAcademies.com
1-888-709-TECH (8324)
Mathnasium of Palo Alto-Menlo Park
Menlo Park
Prevent Summer Brain Drain with Mathnasium Power Math Workouts. During the summer months, many students lose 2 to 2.5 months of math skills learned during the school year. Mathnasium of Palo Alto-Menlo Park is offering 8 and 16-Session Flexible Summer Passes which will keep your child’s math skills sharp and provide a boost for the school year ahead. Open to grades 1st - 10th grade. Summer Passes on sale now and expire Sept. 7, 2013. Center located at 605 A Cambridge Avenue, Menlo Park (next to the Oasis, one block north of Stanford Shopping Mall). www.mathnasium.com/paloalto-menlopark
650-321-6284
Professional Tutoring Services of Silicon Valley Los Altos Academic camps offering Algebra I & II, Geometry, and Spanish I to III, small groups. Great for review or preview. Three sessions starting June 24 through August 2. Perfect for junior high students taking high school level courses. Register online or call us: www.ptstutor.com
650-948-5137
Stanford EXPLORE Careers in Medicine and Science Series
Stanford
Are you a high school or college student interested in science, medicine or healthcare but unsure what degrees or careers are available? Stanford Explore has the answers! Email: explore-series@stanford.edu
Stratford School - Camp Socrates 17 Bay Area Campuses Academic enrichment infused with traditional summer camp fun-that’s what your child will experience at Camp Socrates. Sessions begin June 24 and end August 9, with the option for campers to attend all seven weeks, or the first four (June 24-July 19). Full or half-day morning or afternoon programs are available. www.StratfordSchools.com/Summer
Summer at Saint Francis
TechKnowHow Computer & Lego Camps
Mountain View
650-968-1213 x446
Palo Alto Menlo Park/Sunnyvale
Fun and enriching technology classes for students, ages 5-14 Courses include LEGO and K’NEX Projects with Motors, Electronics, NXT Robotics, 3D Modeling, and Game Design. Many locations, including Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Sunnyvale. Half and all day options. Early-bird and multi-session discounts available. Www.techknowhowkids.com
Arts, Culture, Other Camps Busy Bees & Astro Kids Summer Adventure Camps
Mountain View
http://mountainview.gov
Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA)
Mountain View
50+ creative camps for Gr. K-8! Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Musical Theater, School of Rock, Digital Arts, more! One- and two-week sessions; full and half-day enrollment. Extended care available. Financial aid offered. www.arts4all.org
650-917-6800 ext. 0
DHF Wilderness Camps
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
Children ages 6-14 can meet the livestock, help with farm chores, explore a wilderness preserve and have fun with crafts, songs and games. Older campers conclude the week with a sleepover at the Farm. Near the intersection of Hwy 85 and Hwy 280
Palo Alto Community Child Care (PACCC)
650-638-0500
Palo Alto
PACCC summer camps offer campers, grades kindergarten to 6th, a wide variety of fun opportunities! K-1 Fun for the youngest campers, Neighborhood Adventure Fun and Ultimate Adventure Fun for the more active and on-the-go campers! New this year: Sports Adventure Camp for those young athletes and Operation Chef for out of this world cooking fun! Swimming twice per week, periodic field trips, special visitors and many engaging camp activities, songs and skits round out the fun offerings of PACCC Summer Camps! Registration is online. Open to campers from all communities! Come join the fun in Palo Alto! www.paccc.org
650-493-2361
Theatreworks Summer Camps
Palo Alto
In these entertaining camps for grades K-5, students enjoy juggling, clowning, puppetry, playwriting, acting, improvisation, music, and dance - present their own original pieces at the end of each session. www.theatreworks.org/learn/youth/camps
Western Ballet Children’s Summer Camp
650-493-7146
Mountain View
Students attend ballet class and rehearsal in preparation for the recital of either Peter Pan or The Little Mermaid at the end of the two week session. Separate Saturday classes are also offered. Ages 4-9. 914 N. Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View http://westernballet.org/documents/summerchildrens.html
Western Ballet Intermediate Summer Intensive
Mountain View
Students obtain high quality training in ballet, pointe, character, jazz, and modern dance, while learning choreography from the classical ballet Paquita. The students dance in featured roles in a final performance. Ages 9-12. Audition required 914 N. Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View http://westernballet.org/documents/summerpre-intermediate.html
Western Ballet Advanced Summer Intensive
Mountain View
Students obtain high quality training in ballet, pointe, character, jazz, and modern dance, while learning choreography from the classical ballet Paquita. The students dance in featured roles in a final performance. Ages 13-23. Audition required. 914 N. Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View http://westernballet.org/documents/summer_int_adv.html
Athletics Alan Margot’s Tennis Camps
City of Mountain View Swim Lessons Rengstorff and Eagle Parks
Mountain View
We offer swim lessons for ages 6 months to 14 years. Following the American Red Cross swim lesson program, students are divided into one of the 11 different levels taught by a certified instructor. Rengstorff Park Pool, 201 S Rengstorff Ave and Eagle Park Pool,650 Franklin St. http://mountainview.gov/
Club Rec Juniors & Seniors
Mountain View
Club Rec Juniors and Seniors is open for youth 6-11 years old. These traditional day camps are filled with fun theme weeks, weekly trips, swimming, games, crafts and more! Monta Loma Elementary School, 490 Thompson Ave. http://mountainview.gov
Join us for these half-day camps designed for 3-8 year olds as we have fun, participate in games and crafts, and go on fun field trips! Mountain View Community Center, 201 S. Rengstorff Avenue
650-493-1151
Summer at Saint Francis provides a broad range of academic and athletic programs for elementary through high school students. It is the goal of every program to make summer vacation enriching and enjoyable! www.sfhs.com/summer
408-351-6400
mountainview.gov
iD Teen Academies Gaming, Programming & Visual Arts
explore.stanford.edu
www.ymcasv.org
Los Altos Hills
Two Six-Week Summer Sessions Beginning June 10. These sessions are perfect for university students returning from summer break who need to pick up a class; and high school juniors, seniors and recent graduates who want to get an early start. 12345 El Monte Rd.
Peninsula
What makes Y camps different? We believe every child deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. Y campers experience the outdoors, make new friends and have healthy fun in a safe, nurturing environment. They become more confident and grow as individuals, and they learn value in helping others. We offer day, overnight, teen leadership and family camps. Financial assistance is available. Get your summer camp guide at ymcasv.org/summer camp. Youth camps (ages 5 - 17) run June 17 - Aug. 16 . Half-day and full-day options. Fees vary. 1922 The Alameda 3rd Floor, San Jose
Atherton
Alan Margot’s Tennis Camps provide an enjoyable way for your child to begin learning the game of tennis or to continue developing existing skills. Our approach is to create lots of fun with positive feedback and reinforcement in a nurturing tennis environment. Building self-esteem and confidence through enjoyment on the tennis court is a wonderful gift a child can keep forever! Super Juniors Camps, ages 3-6; Juniors Camps, ages 6-14. www.alanmargot-tennis.net
650-400-0464
City of Mountain View Recreation Division
Mountain View
Foothills Day Camp
Palo Alto
What will you discover? Foothills Day and Fun Camps, for youth ages 8-10 and 5-7 respectively, includes canoeing, hiking, animal identification games, crafts, and more- all for less than $5 an hour. Registration begins February 15th for residents. (February 22nd for non-residents.) Hurry, spaces are limited! cityofpaloalto.org/enjoy
650-463-4900
J-Camp
Palo Alto
Exciting programs for kindergartners through teens include swimming, field trips, sports and more. Enroll your child in traditional or special focus camps like Surfing, Archery, Animal Adventure, Circus Camp and over 50 others! Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way www.paloaltojcc.org/jcamp
Kim Grant Tennis Academy & Summer Camps
650-223-8622
Palo Alto Menlo Park/Redwood City
Fun and Specialized junior camps for Mini (3-5), Beginner, Intermediate 1&2, Advanced and Elite Players. Weekly programs designed by Kim Grant to improve players technique, fitness, agility, mental toughness and all around tennis game. Camps in Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Redwood City. Come make new friends and have tons of FUN!! www.KimGrantTennis.com
Nike Tennis Camps
650-752-8061
Stanford University
Dick Gould’s 43rd Annual Stanford Tennis School offers day camps for both juniors & adults. Weekly junior overnight & extended day camps run by John Whitlinger & Lele Forood. Junior Day Camp run by Brandon Coupe & Frankie Brennan. www.USSportsCamps.com/tennis
1-800-NIKE-CAMP (645-3226)
Spartans Sports Camp Spartans Sports Camp offers multi-sport, week-long sessions for boys and girls in grades 3-6 as well as sport-specific sessions for grades 6-9. There are also strength and conditioning camps for grades 6-12. Camps begin June 10th and run weekly through August 2nd at Mountain View High School. The camp is run by MVHS coaches and student-athletes and all proceeds benefit the MVHS Athletic Department. Lunch and extended care are available for your convenience. Register today! www. SpartansSportsCamp.com
Spring Down Camp Equestrian Center
650-479-5906
Portola Valley
Spring Down Camp teaches basic to advanced horsemanship skills. Ages 6-99 welcome! Daily informative lecture, riding lesson, supervised hands-on ski-ll practice, safety around horses, tacking/untacking of own camp horse, and arts/crafts. www.springdown.com
Stanford Water Polo Camps
650-851-1114
Stanford
Ages 7 and up. New to sport or have experience, we have a camp for you. Half day or Full day option for boys and girls. All the camps offer fundamental skill work, position work, scrimmages and games. StanfordWaterPoloCamps.com
650-725-9016
Summer at Saint Francis
Mountain View
Sports & Activity Camp (ages 6-12): This all-sports camp provides group instruction in a variety of field, water and court games. Saint Francis faculty and students staff the camp, and the focus is always on fun. The program is dedicated to teaching teamwork, sportsmanship and positive self-esteem. After camp care and swim lessons available. www.sfhs.com/summer
650-968-1213 x650
Summer at Saint Francis
Mountain View
Discover fun with us this summer through the many programs available with the City of Mountain View Recreation Division. From sports to traditional day camps, to cooking camps, dance camps and art camps... we have it all! Mountain View Community Center, 201 S. Rengstorff Avenue
Advanced Sports Camps (5th-9th grades): We offer a wide selection of advanced sports camps designed to provide players with the opportunity to improve both their skills and knowledge of a specific sport. Each camp is run by a Head Varsity Coach at Saint Francis, and is staffed by members of the coaching staff.
http://mountainview.gov
www.sfhs.com/summer
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650-968-1213 x650
Book Talk EARLY PALO ALTO JIVES ... Andrew J. Bernstein gives a first-hand account of the Palo Alto music scene in his new book, “California Slim: The Music, the Magic, and the Madness,” which recounts his career from 1962 to 1980. As a teenager, Bernstein studied banjo with Jerry Garcia and later produced light shows for Bill Graham at Fillmore West, where B.B. King, the original Fleetwood Mac and the Grateful Dead performed. His own Palo Alto nightclub, Homer’s Warehouse, was a local music center. In the late ‘70s he joined the crew bus of the legendary Willie Nelson and was at the premier party for the launch of Nelson’s “Honeysuckle Rose.” Bernstein was born in San Francisco and raised in Palo Alto. His book is available locally. EAT, DRINK, TALK, SWAP ... Kepler’s hosts a mystery bookswap with food and wine at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Bring a favorite mystery to talk about with others and swap at the end of the evening. Information: www.keplers.com MEET THE AUTHORS ... Upcoming authors at Keplers include Jeanne DuPrau, “City of Ember Deluxe Edition,” (May 17, 7 p.m.); Rachel Hawkins, “School Spirits,” (May 18, 4 p.m.); Jennie Shortridge in conversation with Erica Bauermeister, “Love Water Memory” and “The Lost Art of Mixing” (May 22, 7:30 p.m.); Kevin Smokler, “Practical Classics: 50 Reasons to Reread 50 Books You Haven’t Touched Since High School,” (May 23, 7:30 p.m.); George Estreich, “The Shape of the Eye: A Memoir,” (June 1, 2 p.m.); Karen Kang, “Branding Pays: The 5-Step System to Reinvent Your Personal Brand,” (June 5, 7:30 p.m.); Mike Adamick, “Dad’s Book of Awesome Projects: From Stilts and Super-Hero Capes to Tinker Boxes and Seesaws, 25+ Fun DoIt-Yourself Projects for Families,” (June 9, 2 p.m.); Elizabeth Scarboro, “My Foreign Cities: A Memoir,” (June 11, 7:30 p.m.); and Helene Wrecker, “The Golem and the Jinni,” (June 12, 7:30 p.m.). Information: www.keplers.com
Title Pages A monthly section on local books and authors
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by Elena Kadvany “One Summer in Arkansas” by Marcia Kemp Sterling; Archelaus Press; 349 pages; $14.95
I
n “One Summer in Arkansas,” the world of Silicon Valley — tech firms, the Stanford Dish, Stanford Law School, Woodside Bakery, College Terrace in Palo Alto — collides and contrasts with that of Riverton, a small town in Arkansas where humidity, Southern values and lingering remnants of segregation reign. In Marcia Kemp Sterling’s first novel, the link between these two worlds is Stanford Law School graduate Lee Addison, a smalltown Arkansas boy turned Dishrunning, type-A personality who returns to his hometown for a summer to spend time with his mother and sister before he moves to San Francisco. Addison, never one to stand still, works at a Riverton law firm for the summer. His main case is a “racially-charged” one: A young black boy, Dewaine Washington, drowns at a local swimming reservoir amidst many unanswered questions. Was Dewaine drinking with (continued on next page)
BOOKS INC ... Upcoming authors at Books Inc. at Town & Country Village in Palo Alto include Meg Donohue, “All the Summer Girls” (May 21, 7 p.m.); and Bee Ridgway, “The River of No Return” (May 30, 7 p.m.) Information: www.booksinc.net MORE TALKS ... Milton Chang, managing director of Incubic Management LLC and author of “Toward Entrepreneurship,” will describe a low-risk startup model based on more than a dozen companies he has successfully incubated from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on May 30 at the George E. Pake Auditorium, PARC, 3333 Coyote Hill Road, Palo Alto. Information: www.parc.com/event/1885/ every-startup-can-succeed.html The “Life Actually Tour” features three authors and their three books: “The Year of Luminous Love” by Lurlene McDaniel, “The Things a Brother Knows” by Dana Reinhardt and “The Running Dream” by Wendeline Van Draanen. Friday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. at Kepler’s on 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. N Katie Brigham
Items for Book Talk may be sent to Associate Editor Carol Blitzer, Palo Alto Weekly, P.O Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 93202 or emailed to cblitzer@ paweekly.com by the last Friday of the month.
Marcia Kemp Sterling, an Arkansas-transplant who lives in Palo Alto, wrote about both places in her first novel, “One Summer in Arkansas.” ÜÜÜ°*> Ì " i°V ÊUÊ*> Ê Ì Ê7ii ÞÊUÊ >ÞÊ£Ç]ÊÓä£ÎÊU Page 47
Title Pages (continued from previous page)
friends (beer bottles were found at the reservoir)? Had he gotten in a fight with Hispanic kids (who are known to hang out at the river bend “despite of the distaste felt by some about the Bend’s new multiracial and multicultural mix�)? Was the city at fault for not replacing warning signs about diving into the reservoir? Though Addison thinks he’s dedicated to IPOs and Silicon Valley-style law, he becomes determined to find out what really happened to Dewaine, uncovering layers of racism and corruption along the way. “The segregated South was so much a part of my childhood,� said Sterling, who grew up in Texarkana, Ark., a small town on the border of Texas and Arkansas, and now lives in Palo Alto. Sterling’s father, a doctor, had a white waiting room in the front of his office and a black one in the back. There were four high schools in Texarkana — two white, two black. Sterling said she never saw the black schools. A central character in the novel — a black woman named Etta who befriends Addison — was also drawn from Sterling’s childhood. Etta’s character is based on a black woman named Odessa who worked for Sterling’s father. Odessa, who Sterling described as a “resourceful, smart ... community organizer before they existed� once challenged Sterling’s father, informing him that his new wife was calling black patients “boy� and “girl.� Odessa told him on a Friday and on Monday, Sterling’s father called an all-staff meeting. “He said, ‘From now on in this office, we will not call our colored patients boy or girl because they consider that disrespectful.’ Odessa was really proud of that and proud of
my father, who for most purposes was quite preach and organize congregations) had some conservative.â€? relatives who, like Frances, “overly cared Despite the heavy themes of race and jus- about social status.â€? tice, “One Summer in Arkansasâ€? is also a Addison’s father left Frances when he and tale of summer love. Addison struggles to his younger sister, M.J., were too young to choose between a relationship with Zoe, a remember. They grew up in a house their fellow law student back in Palo Alto who maternal grandparents built during the Great often appears via cell phone conversations, Depression: a three-story brick Southern and a rekindled love with his high school mansion, complete with white columns and a sweetheart, Annie. circular driveway — a symbol of their wealth, A related and very present theme is that of race and social status. place, belonging and the feelSterling left her home ing of being torn between two in Texarkana for Palo worlds. ²/PU UIBU ZPV Alto in the ‘60s, marAddison is stuck between rying the “wrong manâ€? the fast-paced, educated, BTL GPS USBHFEZ PS and, like Frances, evenprosperous, health-conscious tually ending up with two world of Silicon Valley and IFBMUI QSPCMFNT young children to support “the thick Arkansas humidity, on her own. heavy with legions of ancesPS EJWPSDF CVU Three days after her tors and the guilt-filled hisex-husband left, one tory of the South.â€? BOZ LJOE PG MPTT JT of Sterling’s Palo Alto Riverton seems to be a ficneighbors, a University tional version of Sterling’s HPJOH UP HJWF ZPV of San Francisco law hometown and Addison a student, brought her conliterary reflection, in some TPNFUIJOH OFX Âł solation in the form of an ways, of her own life. LSAT study book. Âą .BSDJB ,FNQ 4UFSMJOH Sterling’s grandfather was a “I would wake up in lawyer, as is Addison’s (whose the middle of the night, legal legacy is brought in for a depressed, thinking, surprising end twist). ‘What’s going to become of my kids? What’s Addison’s mother, Frances, is a function- going to become of me?’â€? she recalled. “And ing alcoholic whose life philosophy is deeply I would get out that book and I would say to rooted in Southern social values and acute myself, ‘I may not know how to keep a husclass consciousness. In Addison’s words: band, but I can take a test.’â€? “It didn’t matter how little money you had She said she saw law school and eventual as long as everyone else thought you were legal career as a way to guarantee financial loaded.â€? support for her children. Sterling said her mother’s side of the famSterling aced the LSAT and was accepted ily (who were Methodist circuit riders, clergy to Stanford Law in the late 1960s as a 38who rode on horseback around Arkansas to year-old woman. She went on to work at Wil-
son Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, a law firm in Palo Alto that represented many software companies such as Microsoft, Adobe and Autodesk in their early years. Sterling served as senior vice president and general counsel for Autodesk until a neurological voice disorder forced her to retire early. She suddenly developed a rare, localized form of spasmodic dysphonia, which causes tremor and loss of pitch, leaving her voice shaky and sometimes hard to understand. This made running high-profile executive meetings impossible. “It’s the damndest thing. For a female executive, the one thing you cannot afford is to appear scared or upset.� Addison, too, is forced to confront serious personal issues in his coming-of-age story: his mother’s alcoholism, an absent father and a troubled teen sister who also drinks recklessly. Sterling’s personal struggles — a husband who left her, raising two children on her own, her speech disorder — run parallel to that. “Part of the theme of the book is that even when bad things happen, something new comes out of it,� she said. “Not that you ask for tragedy or health problems or divorce, but any kind of loss is going to give you something new.� Sterling believes in silver linings. Because of her divorce, she became a lawyer. Because of her voice disorder, she had to find a new way to express herself and wrote this novel. The cast of characters in “One Summer in Arkansas,� despite any differences in race, class or background, all manage to find their own silver linings, too, right in time for the end of the summer. N Editorial Assistant Elena Kadvany can be emailed at ekadvany@paweekly.com.
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