Palo Alto Weekly July 20, 2018 by Palo Alto Weekly

Palo Alto

Vol. XXXIX, Number 42

w w w. P a l o A l t o O n l i n e.c o m

Read up-to-the-minute news at PaloAltoOnline.com

INSIDE News | Arts | Sports Home and Real Estate

July 20, 2018

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Page 4 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

Upfront

Local news, information and analysis

Departures pose recruiting challenges in Palo Alto After appointing next city manager, city shifts to other key vacancies by Gennady Sheyner

alo Perez had spent hundreds of grueling Monday nights at Palo Alto City Hall, but he wasn’t in attendance on June 25, when the City Council approved a resolution of appreciation recognizing his 33 years of service.

“I like to let my work do the talking,” Perez told the Weekly the day after his July 5 retirement from his position as chief financial officer. Public Works Director Michael Sartor also wasn’t looking for publicity when he officially

began his retirement on July 7, two days after Perez. Sartor had spent 16 years in the department, the past eight as the department head. Mike Sartor Dur ing his watch, the city has seen a surge of street repaving; it reconstructed

three library branches; and it began the process of retiring the city’s sludge-burning incinerators in the Baylands. The loss of 48 years of institutional knowledge in the span of three days would hit any organization hard, but the challenge is particularly severe in Palo Alto, where every month seems to bring another gaping vacancy to the senior-management ranks. The city has been

without a permanent planning director since Hillary Gitelman departed in May to accept a job in the private sector. Development Services Director Peter Pirnejad left for Napa in February and has not yet been replaced. Neither has Rob de Geus, former head of the Community Services Department who last year was named deputy (continued on page 11)

EDUCATION

Parent announces bid for school board Nicole Sbragia to run for Ravenswood seat by Elena Kadvany

(continued on page 10)

(continued on page 8)

Veronica Weber

labor groups, transportation officials, the business community and public officials — to develop a package of housing strategies and legislation. At the June 18 meeting, representatives who hosted the workshops in East Palo Alto, Concord, San Jose and Santa Rosa said many immigrants desperately need tenant protections. Landlords have been threatening to turn immigrants in to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation and are making many retaliatory evictions.

icole Sbragia, an East Palo Alto parent, charter school paraeducator and security dispatcher, plans to run for a seat on the Ravenswood City School District Board of Education in November. She is the first candidate to announce a bid for three open seats. Three board members’ terms are expiring in November: President Ana Pulido and members Charlie Mae Knight and Marcelino Lopez. Lopez told the Week- Nicole Sbragia ly he has not decided yet whether he will run for re-election. Pulido and Knight did not return repeated requests for comment. Sbragia said she felt compelled to run because of increasing concerns about a breakdown in trust between the community, teachers and district leadership, particularly in recent months. She organized a boycott at Belle Haven Elementary School in protest of the sudden removal of former principal Todd Gaviglio last spring and felt the board did not listen to the community’s pleas to not renew Superintendent Gloria Hernandez-Goff’s contract. She is part of Community United for Better

Battle bots Landon Nakamura-Richardson, 10, center, looks on as Charlie Cohen, 9, left, and Omkar Perinkulam, 10, right, engage in a battle with the robots they programmed in the TSquared Robotics weeklong summer camp at the Mitchell Park Community Center.

HOUSING

Regional group explores housing solutions Metropolitan Transportation Commission forms task force to gain legislative traction, develop policy compact by Sue Dremann

new regional group exploring ways to build more affordable and lowincome housing throughout the Bay Area met on Wednesday to discuss residents’ most pressing needs following a four-city workshop series, which ended in East

Palo Alto last week. Stronger tenant protections, housing production and the preservation of existing low-income housing were top concerns identified by the blue-ribbon task force, CASA — the Committee to House the Bay Area, which

the Metropolitan Transportation Commission convened in 2017 to address the area’s housing crisis. The task force has been seeking consensus from leaders representing a broad range of groups — including housing and environmental advocates, developers,

www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 5

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Apparently, city government doesn’t have the same sheen it once did. —Liz Kniss, Palo Alto mayor, on recruiting new city hall employees. See story on page 5.

Around Town

FLY AWAY ... Oohs and aahs erupted from the 30 or so people at Gamble Garden on July 14 as eight mourning doves rapidly escaped their cardboard boxes and rejoined the wild after weeks of rehabilitation. The Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley released the doves as part of a publiceducation program centered around activities such as making masks and studying scat. The doves had been rehabilitated for various injuries at the center’s animal hospital, which serves a range of wild and domestic animals. Laura Hawkins, executive director of the center, said the mourning doves arrived with varying injuries from April to July. These months also overlapped with the peak breeding season for many animals and a period during which Hawkins cited an increase in wildlife the center treats. The doves had been captured by cats or were orphaned, and they were brought to the center in San Jose by animal control or by members of the public. Animals are typically released no more than 3 to 10 miles away from where they were found, but doves have more flexibility in their release sites. The rehabilitation process differed for each dove, but each was treated based on the severity of injury until they could be moved to the center’s outside enclosure. Anna Van Patten, the center’s program director, said, “Once they are healthy, (an animal’s release) is a matter of weather and other circumstances.” ALUMS SCORE EMMY NODS ... Stanford University is wellrepresented in this year’s Emmy nominations unveiled on July 12. Sterling K. Brown, an alumnus who delivered the keynote address at commencement last month, made the list for the third consecutive year. He is in the running for two awards: outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his role as Randall Pearson on NBC’s “This is Us,” which is also up for outstanding drama series, and outstanding guest actor in a comedy series for an episode of FOX’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” The 42-year-old thanked the academy for the nominations in a 33-second video on Twitter. “We are so very, very excited and honored to be

invited to the party,” he said while walking to the show’s set in Los Angeles. “It’s off to work. I’ll see you on the carpet.” Issa Rae, a member of the Class of 2007, received her first-ever nomination for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series for her role as Issa Dee on “Insecure,” a HBO show she co-founded with Larry Wilmore. “An Emmy nom?! So grateful to my #InsecureHBO family for making this possible and to you guys for the continuous love. Honored!” she tweeted last Thursday. “Westworld,” a science fiction Western television series cocreated by 1999 graduate Lisa Joy, is up for outstanding drama series. Netflix dominated the list with 112 nominations, beating HBO’s 17-year streak. The streaming service’s co-founder and CEO Reed Hastings earned a master’s degree in computer science at Stanford in 1988. The winners will be revealed at the awards show on Sept. 17. GETTING PERSONAL ... The Palo Alto Police Department launched a new recruiting video on Tuesday in an effort to build up its rank and file. The one-and-half-minute clip begins with a diverse group of 10 officers in uniform each naming their former occupation followed by the line, “Now, I’m a Palo Alto police officer.” The viewer meets a former professional baseball player who is seen throwing a baseball into a glove at a diamond, a previous high school teacher strolling down a classroom aisle and a past sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps walking outside next to a line of American flags, among others. About a minute in, Chief Robert Jonsen enters the screen with the 10 officers behind him walking towards the camera outside City Hall. “As you can see, each Palo Alto police officer has their own unique story. But despite (the) different backgrounds, they’ve all embraced a common mission: to proudly serve and protect the citizens of Palo Alto with respect and integrity. If you’d like to help us accomplish this mission, apply today and tell us your story,” he says. The call for candidates comes as the department is looking a dozen vacancies in the coming months. View the video at https://bit. ly/2NkjagY. Q

Upfront DEVELOPMENT

District slams county’s Stanford housing study Board member: Permit plan would add students, leading to spike in annual unfunded costs by Elena Kadvany

he Palo Alto school board backed on Tuesday a strongly worded letter that calls a new Santa Clara County analysis of Stanford University’s planned expansion “legally inadequate.” The letter, penned by an outside attorney, blasts the county for failing to fully “inform the public and public agencies like PAUSD about the project’s environmental impacts” in the updated Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which the Santa Clara County Department of Planning and Development released in June. “PAUSD requests that the county revise the Draft EIR to identify and mitigate all of the project’s environmental impacts and that the county recirculate the entire Draft EIR so that the public has the opportunity to understand and meaningfully comment on the project’s environmental effects,” attorney Karen Tiedemann of Oakland firm Goldfarb & Lipman wrote in the district’s draft letter. Stanford is seeking a new general use permit to build 2.275 million square feet of new academic space by 2035. The university has proposed adding 3,150 units or beds; the new county study considers two alternatives that would require a total of 5,699 (in Housing Alternative A) or 4,425 (in Housing Alternative B) units or beds. The district is taking issue with the county’s conclusion that no mitigation related to schools is required. The letter asks the Planning Department to revise its report to “meaningfully” address the potential impacts, both direct and indirect, on the school district. The district’s draft letter asks the county to provide a greater level of detail on an “unspecified” amount of off-campus affordable housing Stanford has proposed to build within a half-mile of any major

Bay Area transit stop, which the county acknowledges would “disproportionately” affect Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Mountain View. The county made “no effort to quantify the effect this planned housing” would have, Tiedemann wrote, leaving “readers to guess how much housing is actually proposed under the project, where such housing would be developed and what effect such housing would have.” The district also is asking the county to identify concrete, “enforceable” actions that could be taken to mitigate the potential impact of this off-campus housing. The letter characterizes the offered mitigation as “vague and indefinite” — so much so that it “amounts to ... an abdication of the responsibility to identify and incorporate feasible mitigation that would reduce a projects (sic) impacts in an EIR.” The letter also criticizes the county’s examination of the two additional housing alternatives, which have not been proposed by Stanford. The county “should be clearer about what development scenarios are feasible and acceptable to Stanford so that it is not necessary to review different sets of impacts, requiring different mitigation measures, for projects with vastly different approaches and development footprints that may never come to fruition,” Tiedemann wrote. The letter also asks the county to correct an outdated student generation rate used in the report, which understates future district enrollment and thus related mitigation, Tiedemann wrote. The county made its calculations based on a rate of 0.5 children per household, while the district believes a 0.98 rate is conservative but appropriate. (The original rate came from an enrollment forecast

Public Agenda A preview of Palo Alto government meetings next week CITY COUNCIL ... The council is on break until July 30. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ... The commission plans to have a discussion with the Palo Alto Recreation Foundation on future goals and collaboration and hear a presentation from the consulting firm Concordia about the Cubberley Master Plan. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 24, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave. PLANNING AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION ... The commission plans to consider an ordinance that would amend a provision in the zoning code regarding a cap on non-residential square footage in the Downtown Commercial Zoning District. The commission also plans to review and possibly amend its bylaws and procedural rules. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 25, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 250 Hamilton Ave.

that has historically been unreliable in the district.) The district hopes the county will revise the updated environmental report to address direct as well as “secondary” impacts on the district, such as potential traffic and safety concerns or the need for a new school to accommodate increased enrollment. Board members asked Tiedemann on Tuesday to make clear in the letter that the district places high value on providing its students access to their neighborhood schools. Board member Todd Collins has expressed concerns publicly about the project’s potential financial impact on the district. At a meeting on the recirculated draft environmental analysis last week, Collins noted that because Stanford’s rental properties are tax-exempt, the school district doesn’t receive any property-tax revenues from the university. Collins said that absorbing the estimated 275 new students who would move in under Stanford’s permit plan would constitute an annual school-district expenditure of $5.3 million, without any revenues to offset the cost. Collins said that with Housing Alternative A, which would bring 1,500 students to the school district, the district would see $27.8 million in annual unfunded costs. On Tuesday, Jean McCown, Stanford’s associate vice president of government and community relations, said that the university has its “own concerns” about the additional housing alternatives the county is studying. It’s “confusing to the community to make a lot of assumptions about what may happen,” McCown said, “and arrive at some very large numbers ... without acknowledging the fact that it’s a totally undetermined question.” “It is not the application of Stanford at this point in time,” she told the board. She noted that Stanford’s property-tax exempt status is not new and that there are non-exempt Stanford properties, such as oncampus faculty housing, that generate a significant amount of revenue for the school district. The board agreed that Tiedemann should submit the letter, largely as written but with additional wording pertaining to the value of neighborhood schools, by the county’s July 26 deadline. The board unanimously authorized staff to spend up to $20,000 on legal services related to the development of its response letter. Q Staff Writer Elena Kadvany can be emailed at ekadvany@ paweekly.com.

News Digest City set to review affordable-housing project When the City Council last discussed the affordable-housing development proposed for El Camino Real and Wilton Avenue in April, the project by Palo Alto Housing was still in the concept phase and the city’s affordable-housing laws were still in flux. Now, with the city’s new “Affordable Housing Combining District” in place, the nonprofit has filed an application for the development, which is currently being processed by city planners and which is set to go undergo formal reviews in the coming months. Planning staff expect the project to reach the council by the end of the year, potentially giving the council’s pro-housing bloc a rare victory in what has been another slow year for residential production. The proposal from Palo Alto Housing would include 58 studios and three one-bedroom units, including one manager’s unit, according to the project application. The development at 3705 El Camino Real will be three stories in height and will include two levels of parking — one on the ground floor — with a total of 50 parking spots. The units will all be designated for residents making no more than 60 percent of the area median income. The application still has to clear several hurdles before it reaches the council. Planning staff had requested that Palo Alto Housing provide more information, including an application to combine the two existing lots at 3703 and 3709 El Camino into one lot, where the new development would stand, and a historic review for the existing buildings on site. The project also is set to be reviewed by the Architectural Review Board, with the first hearing set for Aug. 16. Q —Gennady Sheyner

Palo Alto Housing seeks new leader Palo Alto Housing, the nonprofit developer that manages the city’s affordable-housing program, will be looking for a new leader after its President and CEO Candice Gonzalez announced her plans to leave the company next month. Gonzalez, who has headed Palo Alto Housing for the past 10 years, is stepping down from her position to join Sand Hill Property Company, a commercial and residential developer whose recent Palo Alto projects have included the redeveloped Edgewood Plaza and the reconstruction of the recently demolished commercial building at 2600 El Camino Real. Gonzalez will leave in late August to serve as the chief housing officer and managing director for Sand Hill. Gonzalez said she is passionate about “housing for all income levels” and that her position at Sand Hill will allow her to make a positive impact in the housing world. Gonzalez is departing at a time when housing — particularly affordable housing — is one of Palo Alto’s highest priorities. The City Council had adopted as its goal the creation of 300 units annually. Sheryl Klein, chair of the Palo Alto Housing board of directors, will oversee the search for the new CEO, according to the announcement. “Candice is leaving Palo Alto Housing in a very strong position with a healthy pipeline of projects,” Klein said in the announcement. For Sand Hill, the hiring of Gonzalez is part of a broader “pivot toward housing,” according to the company. Sand Hill is now in the process of redeveloping Vallco Mall in Cupertino and constructing 2,400 housing units at the site. It had also bought Woodland Park Apartments in East Palo Alto, which includes 1,800 units and makes up the city’s largest portfolio of rent-stabilized apartments. Q —Gennady Sheyner

Police chief expands community engagement Six months into his new job, Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen is seeking law-enforcement advice from a local group with plenty of opinions to offer: the residents themselves. Jonsen, a former Menlo Park police chief who took over as Palo Alto chief six months ago, announced that the department is bringing back its traffic unit, which focuses exclusively on traffic violations. The unit, he said at a “Meet the Chiefs” event on July 12, will focus on areas that residents identify as most in need of enforcement. He also announced at the event that he plans to start soliciting applications this month for a new citizen advisory panel, a group that will include representatives from all major Palo Alto neighborhoods. And on Monday, Jonsen re-introduced National Night Out, an annual event set for Aug. 7 in which residents are encouraged to mingle with police officers. The event is returning after a decade-long absence. (Those interested in having an officer attend their event are asked to fill out a form and email it to police Public Affairs Manager Janine De la Vega at janine.delavega@cityofpaloalto.org). Jonsen said he plans to form the advisory group with 16 people, representing every major neighborhood. Anyone interested in applying is asked to email Administrative Assistant Barbara Teixeira at Barbara. Teixeira@cityofpaloalto.org. Q —Gennady Sheyner www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 7

Upfront

Ravenswood board (continued from page 5)

CityView A round-up

of Palo Alto government action this week

City Council

The council did not meet this week.

Board of Education (July 17)

Legal contract: The board waived its two-meeting rule and authorized staff to enter into a contract with Goldfarb and Lipman in an amount not to exceed $20,000 for legal services. Yes: Unanimous Draft EIR response: The board discussed a draft response letter to Santa Clara County’s recirculated draft environmental impact report (EIR) on Stanford University’s general-use permit. Action: None CBO designation: The board waived its two-meeting rule and designated the chief business officer as a senior management classified position. Yes: Unanimous Firewall: The board waived its two-meeting rule and authorized spending $298,000 for the replacement of the district’s network firewall. Yes: Unanimous Portables: The board waived its two-meeting rule and awarded $143,201 in lease agreements to Williams Scotsman for two daycare portable buildings at Addison Elementary School. Yes: Unanimous

aide in special-education classrooms. Her position was cut last year, so she found a paraeducator job at East Palo Alto charter school KIPP Valiant Community Prep. She said she is concerned about the future of Ravenswood, which is facing declining enrollment, lean budget years and high teacher turnover. At Belle Haven alone, eight lead teachers, a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, a makerspace teacher and a vice principal left this year, according to Sbragia. She’s worried about the impact these vacancies, if unfilled or even if hurriedly filled, might have on students. Belle Haven teachers have told Sbragia they are leaving because of “poor leadership” and broken trust with the district, she said. “The choices that you have made have lasting effects on our school communities,” she told the board at its last meeting of the year on June 28, speaking about the departure of Belle Haven’s popular vice principal. “The responsibility does fall in part on you but the consequences fall on our children.” The solution is in part simple, Sbragia said — “I really think they (teachers) need to be treated better” — but also complex. She suggested spending less on district personnel, such as

Veronica Weber

Education, a grassroots advocacy group that formed last spring in response to concerns about Hernandez-Goff’s leadership. “Over the two years that my kids have been in the school district I have seen that the decisions are not being made with the child first,” Sbragia said in an interview. “I feel that the community is not being listened to.” A single mother of two,

Sbragia moved from Redwood City to East Palo Alto five years ago. Her younger son attends Belle Haven and her older son is a rising freshman at East Palo Alto Academy, a public charter high school in the Sequoia Union High School District. Sbragia has a degree in criminal justice and has worked in security dispatch for the past 13 years. Both of her children have special needs, which spurred her to become a paraeducator in Ravenswood in 2016, working as an

The Ravenswood School District’s administration offices, located on Euclid Avenue in East Palo Alto. eliminating the district’s external communications officer and cutting down on legal expenses, and diverting the dollars to support teachers and staff. Sbragia said she supports charter schools as another choice for East Palo Alto parents. Other parents elect to send their children to neighboring districts through the district’s longtime Voluntary Transfer Program, known as the Tinsley program. “Parents should have a choice,” Sbragia said. “I do believe in charters and I do believe in Tinsley but I wish that our school district was good enough to where

parents didn’t have to make those choices. They should be able to go to their neighborhood school and have confidence that their children are being looked after and that the best is happening for their children.” Whoever is elected will join Vice President Sharifa Wilson and Marielena Gaona-Mendoza on the dais. Both were elected in 2016, Wilson to her third term and Gaona-Mendoza her first. The Ravenswood school board does not have term limits. Q Staff Writer Elena Kadvany can be emailed at ekadvany@ paweekly.com.

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Upfront

What is CASA? Group brings together a wide group of interests to solve a regional problem

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We may not be able to come up with solutions that everyone loves, but if everyone hates it a little, that is what we want to have.â&#x20AC;? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about the right mix of carrots and sticks and filling the needs of each community in ways that are still equitable, he said. For example, San Francisco is interested in more housing and can raise the money, but the city canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t build fast enough. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But how about giving some money to Oakland and near transit? We need to find some combination to do your fair bit,â&#x20AC;? Sood said. San Jose has built housing but it needs more jobs, he added, while other cities might not want to build the housing but can contribute money. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Can we re-balance that and get (them) compensation for more housing,â&#x20AC;? Sood said. Q â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sue Dremann

(continued from page 5)

The representatives told the committee that at their workshops, residents listed as top priorities legal assistance to prevent evictions, subsidized housing, area-wide rent control and justcause evictions ordinances, and repealing the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which was enacted in 1995 and limits municipal rent-control ordinances. They also cited a need to prevent construction on land that is unsafe, such as high-fire areas, and to protect public land from being sold to private developers. Such lands should be used to build housing, they said. In addition, Mary Murtagh, a member of the technical committee, suggested the group should add punishment as another tool of the CASA strategy against those who intimidate tenants or engage in questionable practices. Susan Shaw of the North Bay Organizing Project, which hosted the Santa Rosa meeting, said renters comprise 41 percent of residents. Many have experienced huge rent increases since last fallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s devastating wildfires. The city lost 5 percent of its housing in the disaster and there has been much price gouging.

Weekly file photo

ikrant Sood, manager of the CASA program, said last week that the task force is a compact between often-competing forces to negotiate among themselves and develop policies and solutions to the housing crisis. This approach comes on the heels of the April 17 defeat of Senate Bill 827, Californiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambitious Transit Zoning Bill, which would have removed local control of some building restrictions for new construction near transit hubs, including parking, height and density under certain conditions. Cities were opposed to the bill, which died in its first legislative committee meeting. Having a wide range of players at the table hammering out a joint approach would hopefully avoid the pitfalls that doomed SB 827. â&#x20AC;&#x153;CASA is looking at something similar but more palatable,â&#x20AC;? Sood said last week.

Housing

The Committee to House the Bay Area is looking to preserve 30,000 affordable units in the next five years as part of its efforts in addressing the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s housing crisis. Tameeka Bennett, executive di- its traditional community. Median rector of Youth United for Com- housing prices in East Palo Alto munity Action (YUCA) in East went up 21.7 percent in the past Palo Alto, noted that 80 percent year and are expected to rise anof the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s residents are renters other 13.4 percent in the next year, and are primarily undocumented according to real estate website families. The city also has the Zillowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s estimates. A median sinlargest population of Pacific Is- gle-family home is now $949,000. lands immigrants in San Mateo Newer developments, such as Montage by Edenbridge Homes, County. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of people wanted educa- now list homes at $1.4 million. tion. There were 16 housing laws The average rent for a two-bedin 2016. How do we get the infor- room apartment in East Palo Alto mation from the Capitolâ&#x20AC;? to the is $2,973, according to the rental listings website RentCafe. communities,â&#x20AC;? she asked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that gentrification is Bennett said last week that the city, once a bastion of low-income running rampant,â&#x20AC;? she said. The and affordable housing, is now ex(continued on page 11) periencing rapid displacement of

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Upfront

Housing (continued from page 10)

workshop attracted about 50 residents from East Palo Alto, unincorporated North Fair Oaks, San Jose and Redwood City. Those at the workshop said cities should have funds exclusively dedicated to relocation and firstto last-month rental assistance. Residents also need new models for building credit. Paying rent on time could count as a way to build credit among many immigrants who don’t have normal creditbuilding mechanisms, they said. Other priorities include policies to better balance the jobs-tohousing ratio; finding or creating fees for cities to create more

Departures (continued from page 5)

rent-stabilization and an antigouging rent cap; stronger justcause evictions; tenant services and right to legal counsel; shortterm rental and relocation assistance and protection incentives for landlords. • Preserve housing by developing a regional tracking and notification system for expiring deed-restricted and marketrate affordable units; creating a flexible housing preservation fund, including incentives for code compliance; establishing local preservation protocols that include a one-to-one unit replacement requirement and first right of refusal to nonprofit organizations and tenants; and a tax on vacant and underutilized units and parcels, especially in

a 457 “deferred compensation” account. He also will receive a housing allowance of $4,000 a month until he is able to find permanent housing in Palo Alto, according to the city’s announcement.

“Had we guessed at the end of last year that this was a situation we were in, we would’ve handled it quite differently,” Kniss said. But she noted that going through a normal recruiting process, which typically takes about nine months, would also be far from ideal given the high number of current vacancies at City Hall and Keene’s planned departure in December. The task of finding an outside candidate is particularly daunting at a time when the Bay Area is experiencing a housing crisis and escalating cost of living, she noted. According to the 2018 Silicon Valley Index, an annual publication by Joint Venture Silicon Valley, the median sale price of a Silicon Valley home was $968,000 last year, compared to $454,000 statewide and $212,000 nationwide. Furthermore, home prices in Silicon Valley had risen by 7.4 percent between 2016 and 2017, compared to 3.7 percent in California as a whole, according to the report. The rising cost of living helps explain why cities in Silicon Valley have tended to poach talent from one another, rather than undertake nationwide searches. “If you bring someone in from, say, Milwaukee, they take one look at the housing prices and the cost of living here and they say, ‘It’s not going to work,’” Kniss told the Weekly. “So we’ve been watching on the Peninsula lately how Santa Clara poached the city manager from Sunnyvale. We know Cupertino is in the running for a new city manager and they would have talked with Ed. “We’ve talked to any number of people in the business — not just recruiters but people in the evaluation business — and each said, ‘This isn’t your father’s recruitments.’” Kniss noted that the impact of baby boomer retirements is exacerbated by a relatively small number of younger workers coming into the public sector.

he fierce competition for talent helps explain why council members in Palo Alto — a city where it takes years to figure out how many parking permits to sell to downtown workers — made one of their most critical decisions, the hiring of a new city manager, in seemingly a blink of an eye. Members of the Council Appointed Officer’s Committee (which is responsible for evaluating the four council-appointed officers: city manager, city attorney, city clerk and city auditor) told the Weekly that it was the market pressures, as much as Shikada’s qualifications, that prompted them to act fast in locking up Keene’s replacement. Mayor Liz Kniss, who formally announced Shikada’s appointment at the June 25 meeting, told the Weekly that Shikada already had been involved in interviews with two other cities, which had both indicated that he was one of their top choices. As former San Jose city manager, Shikada knows Silicon Valley well, which makes him a stronger candidate than someone brought in from the outside, she said. Given the high likelihood that Shikada would take the city manager job in Cupertino or elsewhere, the committee agreed that it’s better to move quickly on appointing Shikada. The council plans to approve his contract shortly after it returns from its July break. The hot market for executive talent seems to have caught the council off guard. Kniss called the expedited process of selecting a city manager “regrettable” and suggested that the council would have begun the search sooner had it known that the competition for senior executives would be so fierce.

transit-oriented development areas. • Boost housing production by building more types of housing in different neighborhoods, including accessory-dwelling units, affordable housing in higher income neighborhoods and higher density housing; lowering net cost for new construction through use of technology and innovation, limiting impact fees and flexible green-building requirements; streamlining permits; and financial incentives and using public and surplus land for affordable housing production. The task force will return for additional public meetings in the four cities in the fall with strategies the CASA committees develop. An additional four “listening

sessions” will take place in Oakland, San Jose, Santa Rosa and San Francisco, said Vikrant Sood, manager of the CASA program. A final compact would be negotiated by key stakeholders, adopted by the committee and then passed to a steering committee for final adoption. The compact would likely have three components: a package of Bay Areaspecific legislation to be introduced in Sacramento; solutions for MTC and the Association of Bay Area Governments; and solutions to raise funding for protection, preservation and production of affordable housing, according to MTC staff. Q Staff Writer Sue Dremann can be emailed at sdremann@ paweekly.com.

Former CFO Lalo Perez reflects on three decades at City Hall Lalo Perez has seen it all — booms and busts, surpluses and deficits, a union strike and a library renaissance. But despite being intimately involved in just about every major Palo Alto initiative over the past three decades — from the stalled effort to expand the dark-fiber system to the city’s ongoing quest to build a new police headquarters — the city’s soft-spoken budget guru has always managed to avoid the spotlight. It’s enough for him to know that the city has a AAA credit rating, that the books are balanced and that the city’s infrastructure plan is moving ahead. Those 20 awards that he received from the Government Finance Officer Association and the California Society of Finance Officers? Icing on the cake. The resolution that the council passed in his honor on June 25, recognizing him for his positive attitude and strong work ethic? That’s also nice, but the now retired chief finance officer opted not to attend. Public recognition isn’t really his thing, he says. He prefers to let his work do the talking. There’s plenty of work to talk about. Perez, 55, began his City Hall career in August 1985 as a 22-year-old in the Revenue Collections and moved up the ladder before becoming director of the Administrative Services Department in 2008. As chief financial officer, he has been at the forefront of the city’s long-term planning, which includes tackling the infrastructure backlog and the sprawling pension costs.

Photo by Dalton King, courtesy of city of Palo Alto

city manager (the department is now being led on an interim basis by Library Director Monique le Conge Ziesenhenne). The changes are happening just as City Manager James Keene is wrapping up his decade in charge of the organization. Anticipating Keene’s retirement, the council last month named Ed Shikada, a nimble policy veteran who serves as both assistant city manager and utilities general manager, as his replacement. Even that appointment, however, comes with a hitch: The council now faces the daunting prospect of hiring someone for the historically difficult-to-fill utilities general manager position. To make matters even trickier, the city is launching its various recruitment drives during one of the hottest seller’s markets in recent history. With baby boomers retiring, cities throughout region have been seeing more vacancies at the top of their organizations — a trend that is driving intense competition for talent and higher salaries for new hires. Palo Alto is part of a group of cities that is going through a transition at its most senior level. Just last spring, the city managers of Cupertino, Fremont and San Mateo announced their plans to retire in July, September and December, respectively. John Maltbie, county manager at San Mateo County, is also stepping down later this year. And last August, in perhaps the most extreme example of the trend, the city of Santa Clara lured away Sunnyvale’s then-City Manager Deanna Santana with a compensation package that included a base salary of $372,886 (roughly $100,000 above what she made in Sunnyvale) and a monthly housing allowance of $3,750. Shikada will receive a base salary of $356,000, with a total compensation package to include an $18,500 contribution to

housing; placing a total moratorium on jobs until they build enough housing or requiring companies and cities that bring more jobs to create more housing; replacing homes that are under rent control if they are demolished one by one and allowing the same families the first rights to move in; and having legal and other services related to housing, specifically for non-English speakers who need help with affordable-housing applications. Many programs require applying online but because of the digital divide, some don’t have access to computers or know how to navigate the websites. The housing compact is likely to pursue provisions to: • Protect renters through

Lalo Perez But his departure is, in some ways, unplanned. In March 2015, Perez was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer, an experience that he told the Weekly gave him “a new perspective on life.” He had surgery and missed about two months of work. But he said he ended up feeling “very blessed” in that the cancer appeared to be encapsulated in one kidney, which was removed. He also realized that after years of grueling budget meetings, he would like to spend more time with his daughter, who is now 15. On July 6, one day after his retirement and one hour after taking in a World Cup soccer match, Perez discussed with the Weekly his time at City Hall: What was your workday like when you began your career at City Hall? I began in Revenue Collections and, as part of that, (continued on page 13)

(continued on page 13)

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Upfront

Departures (continued from page 11)

“On the incubator end, there is really a dearth of people between 25 and 35 coming in. So you are trying to hire about five top people in a hard economy, and also in a situation where there’s not a lot of people coming through the pipeline. “Apparently, city government doesn’t have the same sheen it once did.”

or the council, Shikada’s appointment represents both a fresh start and a sense of continuity, which Councilman Tom DuBois said is particularly important as the city moves ahead with the various recruiting efforts. Potential recruits want to know who will be in charge of the organization before they commit, said DuBois, who serves on the Council Appointed Officers Committee. “With Jim retiring, if Ed had left and we were doing a city manager search, it would have

Perez (continued from page 11)

I was involved in managing the city’s investment portfolio. That was a lot of fun. I was dealing with a lot of money and I had to deal with New York, so I would get up at 6 a.m. to buy securities, and I’d get this adrenaline rush. Then later, when I worked as budget analyst, (then Finance Director) Carl Yeats saw something in me and said I can be budget manager and, later, assistant director. I remember when he said that to me, I was thinking, ‘Is he talking to someone behind me?’ But he gave me a chance. ... It’s been quite a steadiness at ASD (Administrative Services Department). Since 1988, we’ve only had three directors: Emily Harrison, Carl Yeats and myself. In 2009, the city was facing tough conflict with its largest union, the SEIU, over a new contract, which included pension reforms that the employees opposed. Things got pretty tense and the union even had a one-day strike. What was it like going through that process? It was actually in some ways a heartwarming experience. You obviously got to hear about the challenges that the employees were having, with no salary increases for several years. But what helped me was, having come up through the ranks and having been here for a while, people were listening to me and they understood what I was saying. The vast majority of the comments I received were, ‘You’re doing your job. We’ll bounce back.’ I did get a few notso-kind emails, but at the end of

been very difficult to fill other positions because people want to know who their boss is going to be,” DuBois told the Weekly. “With both Jim and Ed here until December, we’re in very good position to recruit. I hope the public understands it — it’s a very positive thing.” Continuity at the top does not, however, guarantee that recruiting will be easy. Perez noted that one of the assistant director positions in the Administrative Services Department has been vacant since 2016, when City Hall veteran Joe Saccio retired. The city is still trying to find a replacement, Perez said. (There is a candidate in another Peninsula city that the city is trying to recruit, but it’s not final yet, he said.) The hot market isn’t limited to City Hall’s senior executives. The Palo Alto Police Department still has about 14 vacancies and its recent efforts — which include 10 recruitment events, a $25,000 hiring bonus (one of the highest in the state) and, most recently, a $5,000 raise for all

positions — have netted only two new hires. Meanwhile, 11 officers have left for other agencies in the past two years, with five going to Santa Clara. In discussing the Police Department’s staffing challenge, a recent report from the Human Resources Department points to an “industry-wide wave of retirements of baby boomers who are exiting their police careers,” a trend that coincides with a regional and national shortage of police applicants. Perez noted that Palo Alto presents other challenges for new recruits. Housing costs in the city are even higher than elsewhere in the Bay Area, which often creates the need for long commutes. The city’s pension reforms, which were instituted in the aftermath of the 2008 recession, have created a new tie with lower payments — a move that may be fiscally prudent but that makes it harder to attract people with experience, Perez said. “People don’t want to take a reduction in pensions, especially later in their careers, which

the day, the majority of employees understood my position and the decisions I was facing. It was extremely challenging, there was never a recession like that during my time here.

to expand its dark-fiber network). It’s challenging, but at the same time, this job gave you opportunities.

What was the hardest part of that? Probably, the most difficult thing is laying off a person. When they tell you, ‘How do I tell my wife and kids?’ it hits you hard. We had to do about four or five layoffs. The vast majority of the positions we eliminated were kept vacant. Another challenge around that time was the business-license tax, which the city tried to institute to pay for infrastructure but which the voters rejected. Why do you think that effort didn’t succeed? We were navigating uncharted waters in a very challenging economic time. It wasn’t pleasant, but it was quite a learning experience. The business community was very upset and rightly so. But unfortunately, we were in a bind ourselves, and we had to try something. The problem was timing. But I still believe everyone should contribute toward the services that the city provides — residents and the commercial sector — and I saw that as a way for them to contribute in that manner. What was it about the job that kept you in Palo Alto all these years? The diversity of projects has made it fun. I’ve never flown a plane, but I got to work on a business plan for the airport and issue an RFP for Fiber to the Premise (the city’s effort

What about the other side of it? What’s the most challenging and frustrating thing? We always talk about “The Palo Alto Way.” We really like to discuss an issue in an extreme manner. On our budget, we’ve been used to doing five to seven committee meetings, plus a City Council meeting or two. Surrounding agencies do it in one or two nights at most. The amount of discussion you have to have on an issue teaches you to have patience and that can be challenging for someone new coming into the agency. It’s a shock for them to do things “The Palo Alto Way.” You know it will happen to someone and you try to warn them, but they can’t really get it until they get hit by it. Just look at the public safety building. We’ve been talking about it for 20 years. What does it feel it like to leave after all these years? It’s a bittersweet emotion. A part of me feels glad that I’ve had this opportunity, but a part of me feels sad because there’s just so many things that we can still continue to work on — including all the infrastructure work that needs to be done. So what’s next for you? Once I get a little rest, I will think about ways how I can ‘pass it forward,’ probably through teaching. I’d like to try to engage the younger generation to think about local government. Q —Gennady Sheyner

is when you’re about to get your pension,” Perez said. Like others, Perez said he has seen competition for talent intensify in recent years, with cities “stealing from each other.” One way to deal with the trend, he said, is to devote more time to training young talent and promoting from within. It certainly helps that with Perez and Sartor both retiring this month, the city has two experienced replacements — and potential candidates — to serve in the interim. Assistant Public Works Director Brad Eggleston, who has worked in every division of

Public Works and who is now shepherding forward the city’s infrastructure plan, was tapped to replace Sartor while recruitment is underway. Kiely Nose, director of Office of Management and Budget, will meanwhile take over for Perez as the interim director of the Administrative Services Department, Keene announced on June 25. Keene also said that he and Shikada will discuss what to do about the chief financial officer position over the summer. Q Staff Writer Gennady Sheyner can be e-mailed at gsheyner@paweekly.com.

Patricia Carol Davis (née Eber) December 13, 1934 – July 8, 2018 Patricia Eber was born December 13, 1934 to Gerda and Kenneth Eber in South Bend, Indiana. She was the eighth of what would be nine children. Her family moved to Detroit where she attended elementary through high school, graduating from Denby High School in 1953. Following her graduation from Denby, Patricia began working as a secretary for a local insurance agency. It would turn out to be the training for the field in which she would spend the remainder of her career in the insurance business. In 1964 Patricia left Michigan and settled in Palo Alto, California, where she met and married Raymond Davis in 1968. She worked almost her entire career at the James Morgan Agency, from which she eventually retired. Pat’s grandchildren were very proud of her volunteer work for the homeless and disadvantaged, as a volunteer and board member of Another Way. Pat and Ray enjoyed traveling and took many lengthy trips, at first in a tent, eventually in an RV and later opting for the comfort of hotels. In later years, Patricia expanded her journeys to include adventures throughout the United States, Alaska and Hawaii and abroad. She particularly enjoyed ocean cruising, with various relatives and friends. Patricia helped organize and attended extended family reunions every four years and mini-reunions with her siblings in the in-between years. She had a quick wit, a good sense of humor, and loved to be in the thick of the fun and shenanigans. She maintained close relationships with her siblings, their spouses, nieces, nephews, and even great and great-great nieces and nephews. A diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease later in her life, led to several health issues and in 2016 it necessitated leaving her Palo Alto home of forty-eight years for a senior living facility in San Leandro where she could be in close proximity to family. A broken hip slowed her down, but she was in good enough health late in 2017 to attend the much-anticipated wedding of her granddaughter, Erica. Patricia failed to overcome her last health crisis and was placed in hospice care shortly after the Fourth of July holiday. Patricia died Sunday, July 8th surrounded by her daughter Rosanna Davis, son-in-law Craig Schuler, grandson Patrick Lennen and her lifelong friend Marlene Ballard. Patricia is also survived by granddaughter Erica Wray, sister Beverly Tosch, sisters-in-law Laudra Eber and Loretta Eber, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceded in death by longtime companion Richard Thompson. PAID

OBITUARY

www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 13

Transitions

Pulse

Births, marriages and deaths

Scott Kleckner Scott Kleckner died suddenly on July 10 after several days of struggling with flu-like symptoms complicated by Type 1 diabetes. He was 24 and living in Washington, D.C., where he had just graduated from George Washington University. He was working in a variety of roles at the Momofuku CCDC restaurant and had a great relationship with his coworkers.

He had recently returned home to the Bay Area to attend his brother’s wedding, where he spoke eloquently. He was born and raised in Palo Alto as the youngest in a family of five. From a young age, he was independent. His favorite word and default answer was

Leonard Petersen January 6, 1936 – July 10, 2018 Leonard Severn Petersen passed away at his home in Atherton, Calif., from cancer on July 10, 2018. Leonard was born Jan. 6, 1936, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital to Leonard Sr. and Estelle Petersen. He attended Santa Maria High School, where he ran track and served as a Junior Statesman of America. It was then that he met his future business partner, Phil Olson, for the very first time. Leonard’s cousin, Marcia, recalled that in high school he was popular, energized by people, fun to be around and usually the life of the party. Leonard was mechanical by nature and worked on hot rods, aided by his father’s auto parts store. He spent many of his Saturday’s drag racing. In 1956, Leonard married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Pabst, and they had four children. He graduated from Stanford University in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and worked at Ampex for nine years before opening his business, Petersen Precision Engineering in Redwood City, Calif. Leonard never fully retired and has continued to be a problem-solver for the past 52 years. He created practical solutions to problems and lived very much in the present. In 1987, Leonard remarried to Cathie Merchant. Their families bonded over many wonderful pets including two Rottweilers, Avy and King, and their Maltipoos, Chauncey and Benny. Leonard and Cathie enjoyed traveling together, taking cruises to Tahiti, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, and the Mediterranean and Baltic seas. For the past 11 years, they split time between Atherton and Rancho Mirage, Calif., where they enjoyed their time at both Thunderbird and Sunrise country clubs. Leonard’s extroverted personality was well known as he participated in daily poker and gin games at Thunderbird’s men’s locker room. He would want to thank all of them for their services and friendships. Leonard was an enthusiastic cook, a passionate sports fan and enjoyed people from all walks of life. He loved having a good time and wanted everyone around him to have a good time. Leonard didn’t like to toss anything out before taking on the challenge to fix it and was curious by nature. He restored cars and motorcycles, most notably his 1928 Packard, a 1911 Cadillac Horseless Carriage and a 1914 Harley Davidson. Leonard is survived by his wife Cathie, daughter Elaine and husband Gary, son Neal and wife Aman, son Fred and wife Monika, son Doug, stepdaughter Shannon and grandchildren Keith, Daniel, Greg, Melissa, Abby and Rumi. A celebration of life in Leonard’s honor will be held Saturday, July 21, at 11 a.m. at Redwood Chapel in Redwood City for friends and family; if desired, a donation can be made to the amazing Mission Hospice and Home Care, 1760 S. Amphlett Blvd., No. 300, San Mateo, CA, 94402. PAID

OBITUARY

“no.” Despite that, he went on to join Troop 57, become an Eagle Scout, and lead the troop as the senior patrol leader. He loved the wilderness and led several expeditions into the woods and snow. At Palo Alto High School, he became the editor of Verde magazine and developed a strong interest in history and politics. After graduation, he enrolled at George Washington University, where he majored in political science. At the Kappa Sigma fraternity, he made many lasting friendships with young men from across the country. He became disillusioned with politics but found a home at Momofuku. There he developed an interest in the restaurant business and started training to become a restaurant manager. He loved getting to know different people. He is survived by his parents, Jim and Jennifer Kleckner; and siblings, Reid and Denise Kleckner. His memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 24, 2 p.m. in the Scout Fire Circle at the Lucie Stern Community Center. The family is suggesting donations in his memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) or the Pacific Skyline Council (pacsky.org/Support/ SupportScouting). Q

Marion Greenberg Weinberger Marion Greenberg Weinberger, a resident of Palo Alto for 65 years, died on Nov. 2, 2017. She was 91. She was born in Chicago in 1925, where she was raised by her Russian immigrant parents with her two older brothers and sister. She

attended high school in Chicago and later completed two years of junior college. She moved to Palo Alto in 1952, where she raised her two children with her first husband, Edward L. Weinberger. She managed billing for the department of ophthalmology at the Stanford Medical Center for several decades. She was also one of the founding members of Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos. She volunteered at various community organizations including the Cardiac Therapy Foundation, Theatreworks, Avenidas, Partners in Action at Stanford and Hi-Cap of Santa Clara County. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the Stanford University Athletic Department and attended football and basketball games. She also enjoyed going to lectures and music events with her friends. She is survived by her husband Bernard Greenberg and his family; her daughter Kathy Weinberger and son-in-law Jim Friedlander of Mystic, Connecticut; “adopted daughter” Tamara Galanter; granddaughter Rachael Friedlander and her husband Jack Burke of Washington, D.C; grandson Adam Weinberger of Sante Fe, New Mexico; and her two great-grandsons. Her memorial service will be held Sunday, July 22, 11 a.m. at the Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills. Memorial donations may be made to Avenidas or Palo Alto Public Library. Q

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A weekly compendium of vital statistics

POLICE CALLS Palo Alto

July 11-July 17 Violence related Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Child abuse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Dependent adult abuse . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Domestic violence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Sex crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Theft related Commercial burglaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Grand theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Internet scam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Petty theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Residential burglaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Shoplifting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Vehicle related Attempted auto burglary. . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Auto burglary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Auto theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Driving w/ a suspended license . . . . . . 7 Hit and run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Misc traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Vehicle accident/minor injury . . . . . . . . 4 Vehicle accident/property damage. . . 10 Vehicle impound . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Vehicle tow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Alcohol or drug related Drinking in public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Driving under the influence . . . . . . . . . . 2 Drunk in public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Possession of drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Possession of paraphernalia . . . . . . . . 1 Under influence of drugs . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Miscellaneous Animal call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Found property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Lost property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Misc penal code violation . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Missing person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Other/misc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Outside assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Possession of stolen property . . . . . . . 1 Psychiatric subject . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Suspicious circumstances . . . . . . . . . . 2 Trespassing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Unattended death. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Vandalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Warrant/other agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Menlo Park

July 11-July 17

Violence related Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Theft related Grand theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Petty theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Residential burglaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Vehicle related Driving w/ a suspended license . . . . . . 4 Hit and run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Reckless driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Vehicle accident/major injury . . . . . . . . 1 Vehicle accident/no injury. . . . . . . . . . . 1 Vehicle accident/property damage. . . . 1 Vehicle tow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Alcohol or drug related Drunk in public . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Possession of drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Possession of paraphernalia . . . . . . . . 1 Sale of drugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Miscellaneous CPS referral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Coroner case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Disturbance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Found property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Indecent exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Info case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Located missing person . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Missing person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Other/misc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Outside assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Psychiatric hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Suspicious circumstances . . . . . . . . . . 1 Vandalism . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Warrant arrest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

VIOLENT CRIMES Palo Alto

El Camino Real, 7/3, 1 p.m.; sex crime/ misc. Alma Street, 7/10, 9:10 p.m.; battery/ simple. San Antonio Road, 7/12, 1:30 p.m.; dependent adult abuse/finance. Homer Avenue, 7/12, 4:48 p.m.; child abuse/neglect. East Charleston Road, 7/14, 10:26 p.m.; domestic violence/battery.

Menlo Park

Pierce Road, 7/11, 1:26 p.m.; battery.

Page 14 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

Arts & Entertainment A weekly guide to music, theater, art, culture, books and more, edited by Karla Kane

Grace Goheen

Theater on an

epic scale

For its 20th anniversary, SRT celebrates legendary women by Karla Kane

ecuba is a fallen woman. Seeking vengeance after the death of her children, she’s a former queen turned slave, following a disastrous war. Helen is a famous beauty; the “face that launched a thousand ships” that caused that very conflict. In Stanford Repertory Theater’s new production of “Hecuba/Helen,” the two legendary ladies are played by one actor. “Hecuba/Helen” consists of two plays by Euripides, a mashup of ancient Greek masterpieces adapted by SRT Artistic Director Rush Rehm and actor Courtney Walsh, who plays the titular characters. The production is part of SRT’s 20th-anniversary festival, titled “Nevertheless They Persisted,” which connects the world of classic Greek drama to the current #MeToo movement by showcasing work with a focus on strong female characters. “I was really intrigued by the idea of juxtaposing two epic female characters and finding their reflections in each other,” said Walsh, who has worked with Rehm and SRT on numerous projects for more than a decade and brings her two dogs, Winnie and Daisy, along to most rehearsals, where they serve as unofficial mascots and therapy pets when the cast needs stress relief. Evoking the iconic tragedy and comedy theater masks, promotional materials for “Hecuba/Helen” depict Walsh looking downtrodden and sorrowful on the “Hecuba” half and glamorous and smiling on the “Helen” side. Though Hecuba and Helen are in some ways opposites, Walsh has found parallels in their characters. “They’re both women who are vastly underestimated by the people around them,” she said. “Hecuba is supposed to be this defeated queen who has no power in the world anymore, but when her children are killed

she finds the resources to exact her own revenge, even as a slave with no status.” Helen, looked upon as either a victim with a pretty face but little brain or a femme fatale, “ends up being the one with the smarts and the nerve to figure out how to get her and her husband, who’s supposed to be the hero, back home. So they rise to their occasions in really different ways,” she said. Euripides’ original “Hecuba” ends with the protagonist being transformed into an animal. In SRT’s version, she is transformed into Helen. Putting the two stories together with the same actor playing the leads “throws interesting shadows on both characters, both plays, the whole history of the Trojan War and the whole way that you want to understand the female experience of that,” Rehm said. Though both plays share the same author, they differ in style. Calling “Hecuba” a “very dark, straight-up espresso shot of Greek tragedy,” Walsh said she’s taken inspiration from “The Handmaid’s Tale” for her first character. For “Helen,” which has a more lyrical feel and more comic moments, Walsh has been watching movie star Ava Gardner in her 1950s films. Walsh and Rehm hope potential audience members won’t be turned off by any misconceptions about classic drama born from unpleasant high-school assignments. “There’s such an explosion again in superhero movies and if you like that, this would be of interest because this is the same epic scale,” Walsh said. Far from being a dry or long-winded, the production is “epic in scale, not epic in length,” Rehm noted, as the total running time is under two hours and features live, original music, dance and vivid visual design. “It’s why you should get off the couch and

come to the theater. You can’t create that on film. It’s uniquely theatrical,” Walsh said, calling the production more akin to a concert or a church service than a film or television show. “There aren’t many things we do in our lives anymore that bring us together in a room with a bunch of strangers experiencing the same story but in different ways, potentially, in the presence of the people delivering the story.” In the ancient world, theater was performed in open-air amphitheaters, lit by the sun, with the sights and sounds of the natural world ever present. Though “Hecuba/Helen” will be performed in the black-box theater at Roble Gym, Rehm said he and his team have tried to bring a sense of the outdoor experience inside, with projections of the sky and the sea. They hope the design “gives the audience a sense of the bigger story, of how this stuff is moving across the universe, in a way,” he said. “There are extraordinary ways in which the play speaks beyond the little story of the people.” In addition to “Hecuba/Helen,” the festival also features a free Monday-night film series, which includes work by Greek director Michael Cacoyannis and German director Margarethe von Trotta, an all-day symposium on depictions of the Trojan War in art and literature and a summer-long Stanford Continuing Studies course on Euripides. Rehm, a Stanford professor of classics and theater, is an expert on Greek tragedy. “He writes books on it, he teaches it ... It’s an amazing training opportunity for anybody in the cast who works with him,” Walsh said. After their Stanford run, he and Walsh will be taking the show back to its roots in Athens, Greece, where they will present it with a Greek cast. By calling the festival “Nevertheless They Persisted” (a paraphrase of “Nevertheless, she persisted,” which has become a feminist slogan after it was applied to Senator Elizabeth Warren), SRT is clearly making some connections to today’s political climate, including the #MeToo movement, gender inequality, resistance and the ethics of war and nationalism. But it’s not a straightforward allegory. Rather, it’s a lens through which

Grace Goheen

Above: The chorus is an essential component of Greek theater. SRT’s chorus includes (left to right) Regan Lavin, Emma Rothenberg, Gianna Clark, Amber Levine and Brenna McCulloch. Right: Courtney Walsh, shown here at rehearsal, portrays the legenday beauty Helen of Sparta as well as the Trojan queen Hecuba.

Doug Nolan rehearses his role of Theoclymenus in “Hecuba/Helen. to consider issues that have been present in society for millenia. Euripides himself was writing about a mythic past, distant from his present. The definition of a classic, Rehm said, is “something that keeps passing down the problem. It doesn’t solve it, it gives you another angle.” “The heroics are not clear cut,” Walsh added. “It’s really complicated and everybody has a point of view that’s valid and worth protecting, at least to them, so it’s great fodder for conversation.” Q Arts & Entertainment Editor Karla Kane can be emailed at kkane@paweekly.com. What: “Hecuba/Helen.” Where: Roble Studio Theater, 375 Santa Teresa St., Stanford. When: July 26-Aug. 19; Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Cost: $15-25. Info: For tickets and information on the entire “Nevertheless They Persisted” festival, go to stanfordreptheater.com.

www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 15

THEATER REVIEW

Hard ‘Truths’ TheatreWorks production celebrates an all-American role model by Karla Kane o start its 49th season, The- when faced with the unjustified atreWorks Silicon Valley has curfew law and then evacuation chosen a one-man play of and internment of Japanese-Amergreat power and current relevance. icans following the United States’ Jeanne Sakata’s “Hold These entry into World War II, steadfastly Truths” is based on the true story resisted. In the play we hear about his fairof Gordon Hirabayashi, an American man of Japanese ancestry who, ly happy, if hardscrabble, childhood

on a Washington farm where he encounters racism regularly but nevertheless believes wholeheartedly in the rights granted to him by virtue of being an American. We see his time as an enthusiastic college student in Seattle, where he makes friends from diverse backgrounds, joins the Quakers and rises in leadership positions across campus. Once Japan attacks Pearl Harbor in 1941, he witnesses casual racism give way to paranoia and hysteria and sees he and his family’s freedoms swiftly stripped away. Japanese families are forced to sell their property, businesses and possessions at cutthroat rates and are then inhumanely herded into crowded, remote encampments. A firm believer in the U.S. constitution, Hirabayashi stands up for his rights as an American citizen through jail time and all the way to the Supreme Court, where he loses his case. A conscientious objector and pacifist, the real Hirabayashi went on to a distinguished academic career and remained a human-rights activist in retirement. In 1987, his criminal conviction was finally overturned, thanks to evidence that the military had no justifiable reason to enact its anti-Japanese policies and kept that information from the Supreme Court justices. In 2012, he was posthumously granted the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Clearly, it’s an important story about a shameful (and sometimes overlooked) period of U.S. history and Hirabayashi was a person of great principle worthy of honor and remembrance. In order to make his story a compelling piece of live theater, though, the writing, cast and crew has to bring it to life and prevent it from slipping into dry, didactic territory. TheatreWorks’ production (the regional premiere of Sakata’s play) resoundingly succeeds. A lot of that success rests on the shoulders of the show’s sole cast member, Joel de la Fuente, who portrays not only Hirabayashi but also numerous other characters whom he encounters over the course of the story, including Hirabayashi’s Japanese immigrant parents, his school friends, and various lawyers, judges, sheriffs and military

Kevin Berne

Arts & Entertainment

Joel de la Fuente stars in the regional premiere of Jeanne Sakata’s “Hold These Truths,” inspired by the life of Gordon Hirabayashi. personnel. Running about 90 minutes with no intermission, the show must be taxing to perform and de la Fuente is top rate. He transforms from young, idealistic Hirabayashi to somewhat jaded but still idealistic older Hirabayashi and back again, and into all the minor characters smoothly (and he was unflappable even when faced with a persistently pesky flying insect on opening night). He infuses Hirabayashi with immense charm, and the combination of his likeability and Sakata’s straight-forward but well-written script (based on her own interviews with Hirabayashi himself, plus extensive research) allows for a surprising amount of funny moments to break up what is obviously a serious story. Directed by Lisa Rothe, the production’s set-up is deceptively simple, with scenic designer Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams’ set consisting of three moveable chairs, a suitcase, a suspended light and a window. Kudos to lighting designer Cat Tate Starmer, who manages to evoke changes in scene and mood with effective lighting shifts. Though Sakata first debuted this show (then under the name “Dawn’s Light”) back in 2007, it’s easy to see why it’s taken on more poignant relevance in the Trump era, when the U.S. seems dangerously close to again restricting the rights of people based on their ethnic heritage in the name of national security. But “Hold These Truths” is also being performed in Palo Alto at an interesting and

relevant time for the city, when the internment and sacrifice of local Japanese-Americans has been a topic of recent discussion. Last spring, a suggestion to rename a Palo Alto middle school after Fred Yamamoto, a Palo Altan who was sent to an internment camp and later died in combat during voluntary U.S. Army service with an all Japanese-American regiment, failed due to objections over the fact that he shares a surname with an unrelated Imperial Japanese Navy admiral. The debate sowed discord in the community, proving that the wounds still run deep. Gordon Hirabayashi is wonderful example of someone who strove for his entire life to live up to the American ideals he believed in, despite being repeatedly violated by the very nation that was purportedly built upon those ideals. To paraphrase Hirabayashi toward the play’s end, he tried to live as though what ought to be, is. He makes a fantastic hero for the #Resist movement and his story should be known to all. Catching a performance of “Hold These Truths” is a great place to start. Q Arts & Entertainment Editor Karla Kane can be emailed at kkane@paweekly.com. What: “Hold These Truths.” Where: Lucie Stern Theater, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. When: Through Aug. 5; see online for detailed schedule. Cost: $35-$75. Info: Go to theatreworks.org

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Page 16 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

Lic. #1030398

Eating Out A pork ribs Smoker Bowl with rice and green beans at Alice’s Smokehouse.

by Dale F. Bentson Photos by Adam Pardee

Co-owner Robert Edwards prepares an angus brisket smoker sandwich at Alice’s Smokehouse.

lice’s Smokehouse in Mountain View can’t compete with Austin’s famed Franklin Barbeque or Memphis’ Central BBQ — barbecue is a culinary religion in the South. Aficionados queue up for hours outside their favorite barbecue joints, where locomotive-size smokers are stoked around the clock with a half-dozen different types of wood. What Alice’s does have, though, is fork-tender smoked meats, some of which are slow-cooked overnight, infusing them with just the right amount of hickory smoke. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, a franchise operator out of Texas, closed at the Shoreline Boulevard space last fall. It reopened in February as Alice’s Smokehouse, an upgraded version of its predecessor. Owners Alice Kao and husband Robert Edwards are both software engineers who hail from the aerospace industry. Edwards is still engaged in aerospace while Kao runs the restaurant. Edwards’ family roots are in Kentucky. He tapped into old family recipes for both cooking technique and concocting sauces. Edwards said he created a classic Memphis-style sauce with tomato paste, vinegar and mustard. Memphis-style sauces are thinner than Texas sauces and have a sweet-sour tang. He said the sauce was a little too thin for local tastes, so he thickened it while retaining the classic Memphis-style flavor. He’s working on a new, spicier sauce that incorporates habanero chili peppers — a decidedly West Coast addition.

The owners smoke their meats with hickory, a medium-strength smoking wood, which is great for pork and stands up to beef. Smoking meat is an art. Home chefs often over-smoke, but barbecue is supposed to be about the meat, not the smoke. Alice’s has mastered the art. The meats had an initial tease of smoke on the palate then the complex meat flavors took center stage. The menu offered what I expected: ribs, brisket, sausage links and poultry. Unexpected were the delicious Smoker Bowls — four choices of meat, poultry or fish over a base of rice or mac and cheese, and choice of vegetable ($9.95 to $13.95.) I chose pulled pork with rice and fried cauliflower ($9.95.) It was plenty to eat and I could add as much sauce as I wanted. The pork was tender and moist with that hint of smokiness — and who knew quick-fried cauliflower could be so good? Speaking of sides, the mac and cheese was just what I had hoped: hot and stringy with a strong taste of real cheese. The barbecue beans were thick with the sweetness of brown sugar or molasses. The coleslaw was crisp and not overburdened with mayonnaise. Other sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, and smoked corn. All sides are available in 5-ounce, pint, quart and party tray sizes ($3 to $36.) The hot link sandwich ($9.95) used a soft bun piled high with sausage, onions and all the accoutrements. The side of fried onions ($2) made for a tempting, though not particularly health-conscious, meal. Eat-in or takeout, meats were sold by the quarter, half and full pound ($4.50 to $20.) The brisket and

pulled pork were juicy, savory, tender and not mushy. The chicken was fine and the turkey was surprisingly good — moist and delicate with just the right balance of smokiness. The pork ribs were fall-off-thebone tender, with a salty, smoky bark on the outside and just enough fat to imbue flavor that melded nicely with the smoke. Ribs are available as a quarter, half or full rack (three, six or 12 ribs, respectively, $7.95 to $28.95). If possible, leave room for the homemade sweet potato pie ($3.50 slice, $19 whole pie). Think of it as off-season pumpkin pie: same spices, creamier texture. Alice’s Smokehouse isn’t competing with the great barbecue meccas in Austin, Memphis and Kansas City, but it’s not trying to. Alice’s has its own version of delicious smoky, savory, saucy barbecue, and you won’t have to wait in line for three hours. Q Freelance writer Dale Bentson can be emailed at dfbentson@ gmail.com. Alice’s Smokehouse, 570 N. Shoreline Blvd., Suite F, Mountain View; 650-933-4939; AlicesSmokehouse.com Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations

Credit cards Lot parking Alcohol: beer and wine Corkage

Takeout Children

Outdoor dining: yes (two tables)

Noise level: moderate Happy hour: Monday-Saturday, 4-6 p.m. Bathroom Cleanliness: very good

www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 17

Regina Carter & Xavier Davis: Duos and Quartet

JULY 21

Dinkelspiel Auditorium

7/22 Bria Skonberg 7/25 Jazz Brazil: Anat Cohen/Romero Lubambo/Vitor Gonçalves 7/28 Dena DeRose Trio with Anat Cohen and Jimmy Heath

f so u ni

jaz

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in ol

stanfordjazz.org

Charles McPherson Quintet Yosvany Terry Afro-Cuban Sextet Taylor Eigsti Trio and Friends Andrea Motis Quintet with Wycliffe Gordon

7/29 7/30 7/31 8/4

Come Learn Inside Tips On Making Your Move Easier. You’ll be surprised, amazed, and encouraged once you see how to handle the steps of making your move. Down sizing is right sizing, and with Cindy Hofen, owner and senior relocation specialist with Managing Moves & More, showing you the way, it’s actually smart sizing. Cindy will offer tips, suggestions, and insights about making the move to our premier senior living community. See why life here is living well. Space is limited, please reserve early. Tours available after the seminar.

WHAT

RSVP

Smart Sizing Seminar Cindy Hofen Moving Specialist

$0/5"$5 "ESJFOOF ,PIMFS 650.838.4004

WHEN

WHERE

Wednesday, August 1 10:00am—12:00pm Refreshments Valet Parking Available

Webster House 401 Webster Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 covia.org/webster-house

A not-for-profit community owned and operated by Covia. License No. 430700382 COA #108 EPLG751-02C 8/16

Pocket Opera ~ Presents ~

W.A. Mozart’s

The Marriage of Figaro Sunday, July 22, 5:30 p.m. Oshman Family JCC 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto

Semi-staged & costumed with chamber orchestra More information and tickets:

www.PocketOpera.org 415.972.8930

Page 18 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

Movies

Denzel returns as Lyftdriver-turned-assassin

‘Equalizer 2’ is equal parts corny and violent 00 (Century 16 & 20) kindly Lyft driver toolIn a marketplace with OPENINGS ing around Boston, Mcdwindling opportunities outside of genre films, the “Taken” Call runs into trouble enough to franchise proved that an aging se- keep him busy locally, but as the rious actor like Liam Neeson could film’s opening sequence demonbe repurposed by sticking a gun in strates, he’ll go as far as Turkey to his hand, assigning him a “special recover a kidnapped child. McCall remains a fastidious set of skills” and sending him on a mission of vigilante justice. And brute who times his beatdowns on so it should come as little surprise his digital watch, an unintentional that Denzel Washington has made symbol of how the “Equalizer” the first sequel of his career, re- films smugly relish violence. When teaming with director Antoine someone questions one of his acts of goodness, McCall explains, “AnyFuqua for “The Equalizer 2.” Fuqua directed Washington to a one could do it, but nobody does.” Best Actor Oscar in 2001’s “Train- Soon, McCall must avenge someone ing Day,” and while the “Equal- not so random, a task that finds him izer” films don’t offer that kind seeking help from old kill-team coof juicy material, it’s clear enough horts like Dave York (Pedro Pascal that each man feels in good hands of “Game of Thrones”). By implication, this vigilante with the other. Washington reprises his role as Robert McCall, an thriller suggests intriguing quesex-CIA agent who faked his death tions about the moral and ethical and went underground but just imperatives of justice, and where can’t help himself from being a lines should be drawn. In practice, supreme do-gooder wherever and whenever he sees injustice. Now a (continued on next page)

MOVIES NOW SHOWING Ant-Man and the Wasp (PG-13) +++ Century 16: Fri. - Sun. Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot (R) Aquarius Theatre: Fri. - Sun. The Equalizer 2 (R) ++ Century 16: Fri. - Sun. Century 20: Fri. - Sun. The First Purge (R) Century 16: Fri. - Sun. Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (PG) ++ Century 16: Fri. - Sun. Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Incredibles 2 (PG) ++1/2 Century 16: Fri. - Sun. Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (PG-13) ++1/2 Century 16: Fri. - Sun. Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Leave No Trace (PG) Aquarius Theatre: Fri. - Sun. Mamma Mia! Here we Go Again (PG-13) Century 16: Fri. - Sun. Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (Not Rated) Century 16: Saturday Century 20: Saturday Ocean’s 8 (PG-13) Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Queen Christina (1933) (Not Rated) Stanford Theatre: Fri. - Sun. RBG (PG) Palo Alto Square: Fri. - Sun. Roman Holiday (1953) (Not Rated) Stanford Theatre: Fri. - Sun. The Sandlot (1993) (PG) Century 16: Sunday Century 20: Sunday Sicario: Day of the Soldado (R) +++ Century 16: Fri. - Sun. Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Skyscraper (PG-13) Century 16: Fri. - Sun. Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Sorry to Bother You (R) Century 16: Fri. - Sun. Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Three Identical Strangers (PG-13) Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Guild Theatre: Fri. - Sun. Uncle Drew (PG-13) Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Unfriended: Dark Web (R) Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Won’t You be my Neighbor? (PG-13) Century 20: Fri. - Sun. Palo Alto Square: Fri. - Sun.

Aquarius: 430 Emerson St., Palo Alto (For recorded listings: 327-3241) tinyurl.com/Aquariuspa Century Cinema 16: 1500 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View tinyurl.com/Century16 Century 20 Downtown: 825 Middlefield Road, Redwood City tinyurl.com/Century20 CineArts at Palo Alto Square: 3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (For information: 493-0128) tinyurl.com/Pasquare Guild: 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park (For recorded listings: 566-8367) tinyurl.com/Guildmp Stanford Theatre: 221 University Ave., Palo Alto (For recorded listings: 324-3700) Stanfordtheatre.org Find trailers, star ratings and reviews on the web at PaloAltoOnline.com/movies + Skip it ++ Some redeeming qualities +++ A good bet ++++ Outstanding

Movies (continued from previous page)

“The Equalizer” answers these questions with an Old Testament zeal: evil must be smited by selfappointed good men. There’s one example of positive virtue signaling: McCall remains

a voracious reader, and the first book spotted in his hands is TaNehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me,” a reflection on the social and institutional threats to African-Americans throughout our history. Coates’ book has thematic relevance here, partly

in looking askance at institutions like “The Agency” and more directly by teeing up one of the film’s corny subplots, McCall’s paternal mentoring of an otherwise wayward black youth (Ashton Sanders of “Moonlight”). Each of the silly neighborhood

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subplots could come from a weekly episode of the 1980s CBS TV series but the best aspects of “The Equalizer 2” are cinematic in scale: a standout stunt sequence involving a truly dangerous backseat driver, a ghost-town climax that evokes a Western showdown,

and Washington himself, whose subtleties elevate the dopey material to Threat Level Watchable. Rated R for brutal violence throughout, language and some drug content. Two hours, 1 minute. — Peter Canavese

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www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 19

Book Talk

LIFE AND DEATH IN THE ER... Stanford alumnus Dr. Paul Seward, one of the first doctors to specialize in emergency medicine, will debut his memoir “Patient Care: Death and Life in the Emergency Room,” at 7 p.m., July 20 at Books Inc. in Palo Alto. Seward leads readers through suspenseful diagnoses and the difficult work of caring for strangers by recalling remarkable cases — and people — from a career launched in the first days of the ER. Seward shows that physicians must be more than technicians of the body; they must be restorers of the human. He highlights the essential role of nurses and other colleagues, including a pharmacist whose story is hard to forget. Books Inc. is located at 74 Town & Country Village. For more information, go to booksinc.net. OLYMPIC MUSLIM-AMERICAN FENCER... Bronze Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad, the first MuslimAmerican woman in hijab to compete for the United States in the Olympic Games, will share how she overcame obstacles and racism on the way to following her dream on July 30 at Kepler’s Books. Muhammad, who recently released her new book “Proud,” was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. She serves as a sports ambassador for the U.S. State Department, cofounded Athletes for Impact and the clothing company Louella, and inspired the first hijabi Barbie in her likeness. Raised by a police officer and an elementary school teacher in New Jersey with five siblings, Muhammad sought out sports as a means to fund college — and fencing was one of the only sports in which she could participate in modest dress. Kepler’s is located at 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Admission is $10 youth; $20 adults. For more information, go to keplers. org. ‘MERMAID’ LESSONS... Children’s authors JoAnne Wetzel (“Mermaid School”) and Tim McCanna (“Bitty Bot’s Big Beach Getaway”) will discuss how to write a picture book and how they both decided to give their latest books an undersea setting during a special presentation at 7 p.m., July 30 at Kepler’s Books. JoAnne Stewart Wetzel is the author of two children’s books on theater, “Onstage/Backstage” and “Playing Juliet.” Her first picture book, “The Christmas Box,” was named a Noteworthy Book for Children by the Bank Street College of Education. Tim McCanna is also the author of and “Watersong,” which was a 2017 New York Public Library Best Book for Kids and National Council of Teachers of English Notable Poetry Book. His 2018 picture books include “Jack B. Ninja,” “Bitty Bot’s Big Beach Getaway,” “So Many Sounds,” and “Boing!” Kepler’s is located at 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. To RSVP, go to keplers.org.

Title Pages A monthly section on local books and authors

Deep dive into summer reading Water and the outdoors are central themes in new children’s releases

by Debbie Duncan

t’s hot, it’s summer, and so it makes sense that water seems to be the common theme of this season’s new books for young readers. From educational books about land and water forms, to rhymes about mermaids, to a robot that builds sandcastles at the beach, readers from ages 3 to 12 will most likely find something that interests them from the summer reading list below. Many of these new novels, which encourage outdoor observation and play, are by and about immigrants and people of color. Read, enjoy, share! “Water Land: Land and Water Forms Around the World,” written and illustrated by Christy Hale; $18; Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press; ages 3-6. Award-winning Palo Alto author/illustrator Christy Hale based her newest book on Montessori teachings about land and water forms, illustrating a dozen of these forms with clever diecuts that flow from one twopage spread to the next. A lake becomes an island, a strait an isthmus, a gulf a peninsula, and so forth. Next, the forms are defined in language a young child can understand. Then a fold-out map of the world points out examples. That is followed by a legend that lists even more islands, lakes, capes, bays, and the like. There is much to appreciate and learn from this ingenious and inviting concept book. “Mermaid School,” by JoAnne Stewart Wetzel/illustrated by Julianna Swaney; $18; Knopf; ages 3-7. Kids love mermaids. Kids love rhyme. Put mermaids and rhyme together in a sea of playful watercolors, and you have the winning new picture book by Palo Alto author JoAnne Stewart Wetzel. Mermaid School’s teacher is Miss Marina, and students include Shelly, Pearl, Marlin, Gill, Finn, Squirt and Coral. They “sing the A-B-Seas” and listen to a fantasy “Of boys and girls who have no tails/ And can’t breathe undersea.”

Page 20 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

The school day tale is followed by a Mermaid School Handbook. All this clever wordplay has appeal for the adult reader — which is good, because “Mermaid School” is one of those books that stands up to multiple readings. “Saturday is Swimming Day,” written and illustrated by Hyewon Yum; $17; Candlewick Press; ages 4-6. Swim lessons bring on stomachaches for one reluctant swim student in a strawberry bathing suit. A patient instructor helps the girl get through the first two weeks with minimal fuss. When the little one eventually gets into the pool with her teacher, she discovers that warm water actually makes her stomach feel better. Soon she’s floating and kicking and pretending to be a starfish. “And no stomachache!” This is a sweet story many families will relate to, illustrated with summery watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations and a cast of many colors. “How to Code a Sandcastle,” by Josh Funk/illustrated by Sara Palacios, with a forward by Girls Who Code founder, Reshma Saujani; $17; Viking Books for Young Readers; ages 4-8. This perfect book for Silicon Valley kids stars a girl named Pearl and her robot, Pascal, and the challenges of building and maintaining a sandcastle at the beach. Pearl solves the problem by using coding techniques to break the task into easier, manageable steps. Core computer coding concepts of sequence, loop, and if-then-else are succinctly explained. “There’s No Base Like Home,” by Jessica Mendoza and Alana Mendoza Dusan/illustrated by Ruth McNally Barshaw; $19; Tu Books/Lee & Low; ages 8-12. Here is a fast-paced middlegrade novel written by a Stanford alumna/gold medal-winning Olympic softball player/

ESPN Sunday Night Baseball analyst and her younger sister, who also played Division 1 softball. Their protagonist, 12-yearold Soph ia G a r c ia, is crushed when she doesn’t make it onto the softball team her stellar older sister won championships for. She’s not even sure she wants to join a new team when offered the opportunity. Fortunately Sophia changes her mind, and plays a season she never could have imagined. Challenges away from the field — hard-working parents who can’t be home or at her games as much as she’d like, friendships old and new, middle school, and a large, Mexican extended family — keep Sophia’s life interesting, if a little messy. Softball players will especially appreciate the tips these expert authors toss into Sophia’s story. “Front Desk,” by Kelly Yang; $17; Arthur Levine/Scholastic; ages 8-12. “Front Desk” is an important and unique book about the contemporary immigrant experience. Mia Tang may be only 10 years old, but she manages the front desk of a motel down the st r e e t from Disneyland while her parents clean rooms. Her family hides other immigrants from loan sharks and the tyrant who owns the motel. Sometimes the free lunch Mia gets at school is the only decent meal she eats all day. Not surprisingly, she’s teased for her bad English and the cheap floral pants she wears instead of jeans. Yet Mia is a fighter and a survivor. She stands up to racism. Her family grows to include the longterm motel guests, or “weeklies.” She finds one good friend, Lupe, who is an immigrant from Mexico. And she has a plan to get her and her parents out of the cycle of poverty, off what Lupe calls the “bad roller coaster.” “Front Desk” has fillips of humor (really!) and plenty of heart, and makes an excellent family read-aloud.

“The Parker Inheritance,” by Varian Johnson; $17; Arthur Levine/Scholastic; ages 8-12. Candice, 12, is facing a “horrible summer” in Lambert, South Carolina, away from her home in Atlanta when she finds a letter in her deceased grandmother’s attic. It’s about a puzzle for which her grandmother was fired for trying to solve 10 years earlier. (She did have a public tennis court dug up.) The letter sets Candice and a neighbor boy, Brandon, off on a quest to find a treasure that adults past and present were unable to locate. While following clues, they discover a love story, an ugly history of racism and secrets affecting both of their families and the town. The reader learns more about the past and the characters involved from chapters set in an earlier time. Still, it’s Candice and Brandon’s ingenuity and resourcefulness that propel them to the big prize. “The Parker Inheritance” is a 2018 Boston Globe-Horn Book honor book. “Be Prepared,” written and illustrated by Vera Brosgol; $13; First Second; ages 10-14. Poor Vera. She’s a Russian immigrant whose single mom can’t afford anything American kids have and Vera wants, especially summer camp. Then Vera learns about a church camp just for Russian kids. After a year of a nt ic ipat ion, Vera and her younger brother are dropped off for two weeks in the Connecticut woods. Camp is not, however, the fun and games Vera had hoped for — it has mean kids, pesky insects, and gross outhouses. (There are enough poop gags in this graphic novel to keep kids giggling while cringing.) Candy isn’t allowed. Vera gets bitten by a chipmunk and is sure she’s going to die of rabies. And then she learns she has to stay for two more weeks! Yet the extension gives Vera time to find a friend and a purpose, and achieve one sweet victory. Q Debbie Duncan is a Stanford writer and author of books for children and adults.

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www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 21

2018

oly local merchants! It’s Best of 2018, and a new team of businesses has risen above the ranks to protect Palo Alto’s character and charm from FIERCE outside forces threatening to take over small communities around the world. WHO ARE THESE SUPERHEROES? C’mon, chances are you’ve met them while dining out, shopping, training at the gym, relaxing at the spa or

Best Veterinarian

Adobe Animal Hospital Indu duct cted ed:: 2018 2 18 20 Inducted:

merely walking through downtown. These are our local retailers, service providers and restaurants who have used their incredible STRENGTH and extraordinary powers to go above and beyond the status quo and SHATTER the notion of “business as usual.” By casting 23,043 votes in 84 categories, Weekly readers set in motion a series of events that have taken these businesses from the shadows and into the

pages of this week’s issue, where they are being celebrated as Palo Alto’s newest superheroes. Read their origin stories inside to find out which stylists are a force for follicles, where to go to get Superman’s abs of steel and what menu will make your taste buds go KAPOW! Also, discover which stand-out businesses have won their categories five in years in row and have been inducted into our Hall of Fame. Q

Hall of Famers

Best Bookstore Book’s Inc. In ndu uct cted ed:: 2018 2018 Inducted:

Best California Cuisine

Best Sushi/Japanese Restaurant Fuki Sushi Inducted: 2016

Best Bagels

Best Bakery

Prolific Oven Inducted: 2017

Best Salad

Ca afi Calafia Cala f a Ca Cafe fe & Ma Market Go-Go Mark rket et a G o-Go oGo Inducted: Indu In d ct cted ed:: 2018 2018

Izzy’s Brooklyn Bagels Iz Inducted: 2018

Sprout Cafe Inducted: 2016

Best Value Motel

Best Breakfast Joanie’s Cafe Inducted: 2017

Best Stationery Store

Creeks Creekside Cree ksid ide e In Inn n Indu In duct cted ed:: 2016 2016 Inducted:

Best Shoe Store Footwear F Fo otwe ot wear ar E Etc. tc. tc Inducted: Indu ducted ed: 2018 2018

Best Massage

Village Stationers Inducted: 2016

Best Spa

Massage Therapy Center Ma Inducted: 2016

Watercourse Way Inducted: 2016

Best Gym

Best Yoga Studio

Oshman Family JCC Inducted: 2016

Yoga Source Inducted: 2017

* Businesses Busi Busines nesses ses are a e inducted ar in cte indu cted d into in the Hall of Fame after topping their categories for five years running. in

Best of Palo Alto contributors Editor: Linda Taaffe Lead Designers: Paul Llewellyn, Kristin Brown Writ Wr Writers: Josh Code, Jocelyn Dong, Sue Dremann, Elena Kadvany, Karla Kane, Christine Lee, Elizabeth Lorenz, Tara Madhav, Alicia Mies, Jamey Padojino, Gennady Sheyner

Page 22 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

SERVING OUR COMMUNITY PALO ALTO FAMILY YMCA • SINCE 1893

VISIT US ANY TIME AND

TRY THE Y FOR FREE

THANK YOU FOR VOTING PALO ALTO FAMILY YMCA BEST GYM & BEST PERSONAL TRAINERS in Palo Alto • Programming for the whole family • Result-oriented personal training • Over 200 Group Exercise classes

PALO ALTO FAMILY YMCA 3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto, CA Call 650-856-9622 www.ymcasv.org/paloalto www.PaloAltoOnline.com •Visit Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 23

Best of Palo Alto

Services

Fusion

Tamarine 546 University Ave., Palo Alto

Auto Care

Indian

Dave’s Auto Repair 830 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto

Darbar Indian Cuisine 29 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto

Chiropractor

Stanford Chiropractic Center 489 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Day Spa/Spa

LaBelle Day Spas & Salons 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto 855 El Camino Real, #95, Palo Alto

Dentist

Christine Hansen, DDS & Associates 416 Waverley St., Suite A, Palo Alto

Dry Cleaners

Charleston Cleaners and Alterations 3900 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Fitness Classes

The Bar Method Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, Suite 151, Palo Alto

Framing

Great American Framing Company 3866 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Gym

Palo Alto Family YMCA, Ross Road 3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto

Hair Salon

Hair International 232 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto

Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel 2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto

Manicure/Pedicure

LaBelle Day Spas & Salons 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, #95, Palo Alto

Massage

Watercourse Way 165 Channing Ave., Palo Alto

Men’s Haircut

Hair International 232 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto

Orthodontist

Dr. Larry Morrill 1000 Welch Road, Suite 201, Palo Alto

Personal Trainer

Palo Alto Family YMCA 3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto

Plumber

Palo Alto Plumbing, Heating & Air / Dahl Plumbing 716 San Antonio Road, Unit F, Palo Alto

Shoe Repair

The Cobblery 410 California Ave., Palo Alto

Veterinarian

Mid-Peninsula Animal Hospital 1125 Merrill St., Menlo Park

Yoga

Italian

Bookstore Kepler’s Books 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park

Boutique/Gift Store Shady Lane 325 Sharon Park Drive, Sharon Heights Shopping Center, Menlo Park

Eyewear Lux Eyewear 1805 El Camino Real #100, Palo Alto

Flower Shop Barron Park Florist 3876 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Hardware Store Hassett Ace Hardware 875 Alma St., Palo Alto

Jewelry Store Shady Lane 325 Sharon Park Drive, Sharon Heights Shopping Center, Menlo Park

Nursery/Garden Supply SummerWinds 725 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto

Pet Store Pet Food Express 3910 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Shoe Store The Cobblery 410 California Ave., Palo Alto

Sporting Goods & Apparel ZombieRunner 429 California Ave, Palo Alto

Stationery Store Letter Perfect 384 University Ave., Palo Alto

Food & Drink Bagels

House of Bagels 2190 W. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto

Bakery/Desserts

Douce France Town & County Village, 855 El Camino Real #104, Palo Alto

BBQ

Retail

Breakfast

Bike Shop

Mike’s Bikes 4233 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Grocery Store

Evvia Estiatorio 420 Emerson St., Palo Alto

Happy Hour

Palo Alto Sol 408 California Ave., Palo Alto

Steam 209 University Ave., Palo Alto Piazza’s Fine Foods 3922 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto Calave 299 California Ave., Palo Alto

Ice Cream/Gelato

Tin Pot Creamery Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #121, Palo Alto

Hobee’s 4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Bubble Tea

New Restaurant

Protégé 250 California Ave., Palo Alto

Outdoor Dining

New Food/Drink Establishment

Evvia Estiatorio 420 Emerson St., Palo Alto

Pizza

Evvia Estiatorio 420 Emerson St., Palo Alto

Produce

The Fish Market 3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Salad

La Bodeguita del Medio 463 California Ave., Palo Alto

Takeout

The Old Pro 541 Ramona St., Palo Alto

Palo Alto Creamery Fountain & Grill 566 Emerson St., Palo Alto Tuts Bakery & Cafe 535 Bryant St., Palo Alto

Terún 448 California Ave., Palo Alto California Avenue Farmers’ Market California Avenue, Palo Alto Sweetgreen 581 Ramona St. #120, Palo Alto

Yogurt

Restaurants Ambiance

La Bodeguita del Medio 463 California Ave., Palo Alto

Bar/Lounge

Calave 299 California Ave., Palo Alto

California Cuisine

Saint Michael’s Alley 140 Homer Ave, Palo Alto

Chinese

Chef Chu’s 1067 N. San Antonio Road

Coffee House

Philz Coffee 101 Forest Ave., Palo Alto 3191 Middlefield Road

Dining with Kids

Palo Alto Creamery Fountain & Grill 566 Emerson St., Palo Alto

Burgers

French

Zola 447 California Ave., Palo Alto

* Top vote-getters from 23,043 votes cast by Weekly readers

Page 24 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

Mexican

Caffe Riace 200 Sheridan Ave #102, Palo Alto

Teaspoon Palo Alto 2675 Middlefield Road, Suite C, Palo Alto The Counter 369 California Ave., Palo Alto

Mediterranean

Milkshake

Fraiche Yogurt 200 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto

Leaf & Petal 439 California Ave., Palo Alto

Meal Under $20

Dim Sum

Ambassador Toys Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #33, Palo Alto

Women’s Apparel

Latin American

La Bodeguita del Medio 463 California Ave., Palo Alto Asian Box Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #21, Palo Alto

Toy Store

Armadillo Willy’s 1031 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos

Beauty Supply

Deli/Sandwiches

Driftwood Sandwiches & Deli Market 3450 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Asian Box Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #21, Palo Alto

Turbo 26 Studio 240 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto

Peninsula Beauty 250 University Ave., Palo Alto (recently replaced by Blue Mercury cosmetics)

Burrito

Sancho’s Taqueria 491 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto; 2723 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

iTalico 341 California Ave., Palo Alto

Restaurant to Splurge Romantic Seafood

Solo Dining

Sports Bar Steak

Sundance the Steakhouse 1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto

Sunday Brunch

Mayfield Bakery & Cafe Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #110, Palo Alto

Sushi/Japanese

Sushi House Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #158, Palo Alto

Thai

Indochine 2710 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Vegetarian/Vegan

LYFE Kitchen 167 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto

Arts & Entertainment Live Entertainment

Palo Alto Children’s Theatre 305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

Nightlife

Nola 535 Ramona St., Palo Alto

Wi-Fi Hot Spot

Palo Alto Library Various locations, Palo Alto

Auto Care CHUG! SPUTTER! SPUT! CHUG! Is your Batmobile on the fritz? Does your Turtle Van need a tune up? Dave’s Auto Repair can put the ZOOOM! back in your vehicle. Founded in 2008, this shop has the super powers to restore your mobile machine to optimal condition. Dave’s focuses on boosting your fuel efficiency; offers EcoPower engine oil; and recycles all used fluid, parts and new-parts packaging. Their work will have you saying, “Cowabunga, dude!” 830 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto, 650-376-6077; davesauto830.com. • Runner-up: Barron Park Shell

Alto, 650-326-3290; info@ christinehansendds.com • Runner-up: Dr. Douglas Arakawa

Dry Cleaner YIKES! Got a stain on your Spidey gloves? Need to alter your

cat suit? Want to get rid of some wrinkles in your favorite crimefighter’s cape? WHOOSH over to Charleston Cleaners and Alterations in Palo Alto and let the staff unleash its dry-cleaning powers. If you want some extra cleaning power, know Charleston Cleaners uses an environmentally friendly hydrocarbon solvent. Since 1985, this family-owned business has starched, altered, pressed and dry

cleaned garments for generations of loyal customers who have recognized it as a favorite year after year. 3900 Middlefield Road, Unit F, Palo Alto, 650-424-1113; charlestoncleaners.info. • Runner-up: AJ’s Green Cleaners

Fitness Classes Jealous of Superman’s abs of steel? Want a physique that

resembles Wonder Woman’s buff bod? Wish no longer! Run on over to The Bar Method to realize the potential of your superhuman strength. The studio’s “signature method” predominantly involves using your own body weight, the ballet barre and a few basic props to attain firm, lean and sculpted muscles. Lauded by customers on (continued on page 26)

Chiropractors The team at Stanford Chiropractic Center is the ultimate bone manipulators. The center uses a whole-body approach to help with pain relief, prevention and overall health. So whether you need pain relief due to injury or a specific condition or just want to improve your daily health so you can go about your superhero business, the center can help you achieve your wellness goals. 489 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-326-7000; stanfordchiropractic.com • Runner-up: Ideal Health Chiropractic

Day Spa/Spa

Dentists Christine Hansen, DDS and Associates regularly fight villainous tooth ailments while pampering patients. This dental practice offers private consultation rooms, blankets and your favorite music, as well as expert advice on how to solve your dental problems and what preventative or corrective procedures they can perform to ensure a healthy smile. Even dental-phobes say they enjoy going here and actually look forward to their next visit. 416 Waverley St. Suite A, Palo

Charleston Cleaners and Alterations Christine E. Hansen, DDS

Thank you to our readers for voting us Best Bakery again!

Roberta R. Jurash, DDS Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

Best of MOUNTAIN

THE VOICE

After hours of fighting crime, superheroes like to give their bodies a dose of TLC at LaBelle Day Spa & Salons, where they can unwind with a much-needed facial, massage or body exfoliation, among other services, to help rejuvenate their muscles to battle the next nemeses that cross their paths. If you’re heading to an evening soirée with Bruce Wayne, LaBelle also offers hair styling, manicures, pedicures, grooming services and more. The top-notch service from experienced technicians has kept customers coming back for years. 36 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-326-8522; Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, #95, Palo Alto, 650-327-6964; labelledayspas.com • Runners-up: Day Spa/Immersion Spa | Spa/Skin Spirit

Stanford Chiropractic Center

VIEW

2018

Thank you for voting us “Best Dentist” in Palo Alto 5 years in a row!!

Exquisite Cakes & Tarts weddings & special occasions

Handmade Valrhona Chocolates wedding favors & gifts

209 Castro St, Mountain View 650.864.9999

19379 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino 408.886.3333

www.alexanderspatisserie.com

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL - $189 INCLUDES COMPLETE DENTAL EXAM, X-RAYS, ORAL CANCER SCREENING, INTRA-ORAL & EXTRA-ORAL PHOTOS, GUM EVALUATION, DIAGNOSTICS CASTS, INITIAL CLEANING AND WHITENING. Christine Hansen, DDS 416 Waverley St., #A, Palo Alto, CA 94301 www.christinehansendds.com

(650) 326-3290

www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 25

Best of Palo Alto (continued from page 25)

Yelp as encouraging and “amazingly nice,” instructors customize exercises for clients of all ages and body types and make modifications for pregnant women and people with injuries. From leg and seat work at the barre to core exercises on the floor, The Bar

Method offers a killer full-body workout in a chic boutique fitness studio. Like He-Man, you’ll be shouting “I have the power!” in no time. Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, #151, Palo Alto, 650-329-8875; barmethod.com • Runner-up: Palo Alto Family YMCA, Ross Road

Framing You’ve recently scored that rare 1951 “Superman and the Mole Men” original movie poster. You sure don’t want to tack it to the wall. Great American Framing Company uses only museum-quality materials to display customers’ fine artworks, vintage posters, photos, prized documents and family heirlooms. James Brady and Jamil Khayrulin, business partners at the shop since 2003, bring decades of skill as master craftsmen. From canvas to paper, needlepoint to three-dimensional art, they will construct the best quality frame to complement and preserve each piece. They also specialize in art installation, custom mirrors and table-top tranquility hearths. Special note: Great American Framing has moved to a new location and is now in Barron Park. 3866 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-327-4521; greatamericanframing.com • Runner-up: Accent Arts

Yeah, we know it’s hard taking the first step to fulfill that New Year’s resolution you made back in January, but you don’t need superhuman strength to open this gym’s door. Swimming, youth sports, group exercise, recreational sports, personal training and camaraderie await. 3412 Ross Road, Palo Alto, 650-856-9622; ymcasv.org/ paloalto/ • Runner-up: CrossFit Palo Alto

Hair Salon The stylists at Hair International are a follicle force to be reckoned with. They have enough hair power to tame even Wolverine’s beastly bangs. The staff at this Stanford salon is a diverse team of stylists from around the world experienced in working with all hair types: curly, coarse, silky, straight, blonde, black, brown or red. The salon carefully

Gym

The Bar Method

Page 26 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

OK, so you have the body of a 98-pound weakling or The Blob. No worries. Palo Alto Family YMCA, Ross Road can help you attain your fitness goals. Whether seeking the physique of the Green Arrow or a cardio workout, this Y and its trainers can get you there.

Great American Framing Company

matches each client with the most appropriate stylist who will provide the best cut, color and style for a particular hair type. The salon’s focus on quality and diversity has garnered top praises year after year. 232 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-324-2007; hairintl.com. • Runner-up: LaBelle Day Spas & Salons

Hotel You don’t have to be a Saudi prince or reserve the entire hotel to feel like a superhero at the Four Seasons Hotel in East Palo Alto. The five-star hotel provides every guest the highest standards of luxury and personalized service. From the rooftop pool and romantic dinners at its Quattro restaurant to private massages and facials at the spa, the hotel is the

perfect escape for those who want to feel pampered. 2050 University Ave., East Palo Alto, 650-566-1200; fourseasons.com/siliconvalley • Runner-up: Creekside Inn

Manicure/Pedicure LaBelle Day Spas & Salons See Day Spa/Spa • Runner-up: La Jolie Nail Spa

Massage

Orthodontists Larry Morrill, DDS and Associates are always prepared to battle against misaligned teeth. Whether it’s your 11-year-old’s overbite, your daughter’s crowded mouth or that crooked front tooth you’ve always wanted fixed, this team of orthodontists can take care of it. From retainers to full orthodontia, Morrill’s expertise is incomparable. Patients call him a “magician”

capable of giving virtually anyone a “Colgate smile.” After this office’s expert care and attention to specific needs, you will be ready to take on the world with a straight, beautiful smile — cape optional. 1000 Welch Road, Suite 201, Palo Alto, 650-322-2817 • Runner-up: Midpeninsula Orthodontics/Stacey Quo (continued on page 28)

After a tough day of crime fighting, scaling windows, flying, turning invisible and hulking out, it’s important to give your mind and body some relaxation and care. Watercourse Way has it covered with its range of spa services, including deep-tissue, prenatal, hot-stone and couples massages. Combine that with a plunge into one of the soothing tubs or a luxurious facial and let all your world-saving worries drift away for the moment. 165 Channing Ave., Palo Alto, 650-462-2000; watercourseway.com • Runner-up: LaBelle Day Spas & Salons

Men’s Haircut Hair International See Hair Salon • Runner-up: Campus Barber Shop

Palo Alto Family YMCA, Ross Road

Hair International

Wines from around the world, cool craft beer and delicious bites.

Thank you Palo Alto for Voting Us BEST HAPPY HOUR & BEST BAR/LOUNGE 2018

OPEN L AT E

Happy hour everyday, 4-6 p.m.

299 CALIFORNIA AVE. STE. 115, PALO ALTO, CA 94306

(650) 521-0443

W W W. C A L AV E . C O M www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 27

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT CELEBRATING 47 YEARS!

Best of Palo Alto (continued from page 27)

Personal Trainers Palo Alto Family YMCA, Ross Road See Gym • Runner-up: Equinox

Plumbers Your water pipe has gone KABOOM! and there’s a flood all over the bathroom floor. Guests are coming for the weekend. Who ya gonna call? Palo Alto Plumbing Heating and Air/Dahl Plumbing. With wrench in hand and biceps of steel, they’ll wrangle those rusty pipes and restore order to your universe. Unsung heroes, Palo Alto Plumbing will be there when you need them, come rain, shine, sleet or hail. They can attack those moldy villains in your airconditioning filter or make your home feel safe, warm and cozy once again. 716 San Antonio Road, Unit F, Palo Alto, 650-856-3400; paloaltoplumbing.net. • Runner-up: He-Man Plumbing

Watercourse Way

2018

VIEW

2018

ERS’ CH

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THE VOICE

Best of MOUNTAIN

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Shoe Repair

2018

BEST CHINESE RESTAURANT -Palo Alto Weekly, -Mountain View Voice -The Almanac (Menlo Park)

Some superheroes fly. For the rest, comfortable shoes are a must! Thankfully, The Cobblery on California Avenue is here to make sure your boots are intact, your heels don’t wobble and your top butt-kicking loafers are perfectly polished and ready to do serious damage. The charming familyrun shop has been serving the area since 1940 and is currently operated by fourthgeneration owners Jessica Roth and Stephanee Oberhauser. In addition to being the city’s top shoe repairer, The Cobblery also mends and finishes leather goods, belts and bags and sells men’s and women’s footwear. 410 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650323-0409; thecobblery.com • Runner-up: Midtown Shoe Repair

Veterinarian Mid-Peninsula Animal Hospital has been caring for furry guardians of our galaxy for more than five decades. The hospital — a known leader in modern medical technology and leading-edge care — offers emergency services, internal medicine, surgery, reproduction consultation, as well as concierge services ranging from house

“...A LANDMARK OF BAY AREA DINING” -Metro Newspaper

“...PACE-SETTING GOURMET CHINESE FOOD” -Zagat Guide LUNCH & DINNER • BANQUET COCKTAILS • GOURMET FOOD TO GO

1067 N. San Antonio Road at El Camino, Los Altos 650.948.2696 www.chefchu.com Page 28 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

Mid-Peninsula Animal Hospital

calls and medication delivery to taxi cab transport. It also facilitates adoptions of homeless cats who often hang out in the lobby to greet visitors. You’re sure to be a hero if you bring one home! 1125 Merrill St., Menlo Park, 650-3255671; midpen.com • Runner-up: Animal Hospital of Palo Alto

Yoga Trade in those capes and tights for a loose-fitted shirt and yoga pants — Turbo 26 Studio is going to give you a workout that’ll have you posing in stretches that Spiderman would applaud. No need to book your spot in advance — anyone is welcome to drop in for a 26-minute class that starts every half-hour all day, in addition to hourlong classes. The Stanford Shopping Center location opened last fall and plans are underway to expand the business into a fitness franchise operation. 240 Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto, 650-325-2626; turbo26studio.com • Runner-up: Blossom Birth

Beauty Supply

Boutique/Gift Store

Peninsula Beauty has all the tools you need to look like your favorite Marvel superhero — or DC villainess. This shop satisfies any beauty buff with its substantial line of all things cosmetic: nail polish, hair dye, lipstick, hairspray, eye shadow, pomade, oh, and even some face masks. It’s easy to find a powerful product that will leap to the rescue of damaged hair or a skin cream that will help stop wrinkles in their tracks. Maybe you’ll discover a new sunscreen that will protect your face from UV rays’ forces of evil and save the day! From conditioner to skin care to candles, this store has everything for those trying to up their self-care game. A little tip: If you visit on your birthday month, you get a free bottle of nail polish. Peninsula Beauty has a location at 642 San Antonio Road in Mountain View. The Palo Alto store at 250 University Ave. is now a Blue Mercury cosmetics store; peninsulabeauty.com • Runner-up: LaBelle Day Spas & Salons

Shady Lane See Jewelry Store • Runners-up: Boutique/Leaf & Petal | Gift Store/Ladera Garden & Gifts

Bike Shop Sure, the Batmobile is kind of cool, but is it eco-friendly? Portable? A good way to get fresh air and exercise? To cruise the city streets and rolling hills of the Peninsula in style, you need a bicycle, and readers have chosen Mike’s Bikes as the best place to nab one. With a big selection of brands and types, including road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes and kids’ bikes, plus a skilled staff to offer tune-ups, Mike’s Bikes will have you cycling like a pro in no time. 4233 W. Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-858-7700; mikesbikes.com • Runner-up: Palo Alto Bicycles

Book Store Kepler’s Books has been a mainstay of the Peninsula’s literary scene for decades, and now it appears it has expanded its reach well beyond Menlo Park and into galaxies far away. This year, Lonely Planet included the shop on its list of “bookstores worth traveling for.” According to Praveen Madan, CEO of Kepler’s Books and a member of the Kepler’s Literary Foundation, the Kepler’s known to the community is two community organizations: Kepler’s the bookstore, a for-profit enterprise, and the Kepler’s Literary Foundation, a nonprofit headed by Jean Forstner that hosts hundreds of free and ticketed events each year in the community — many of which happen inside the bookstore. 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, 650-324-4321; keplers.com. • Runners-up: Bell’s Books

Eyewear You may not have X-ray vision, but why not give your eyes the glasses they deserve? Lux

Eyewear is your one-stop shop for all things vision related — from eye checkups to lens replacement. Knowledgeable opticians are available on site to give you the facts on a variety of eyewear options, including luxury brands like Salt and Tom Ford. Need your frames in a flash? Lux’s in-house optical lab can process prescriptions in as little as two hours. Tell them Clark Kent sent you.

1805 El Camino Real #100, Palo Alto, 650-324-3937; luxpaloalto.com. • Runner-up: Lisa Berkowitz Optometry

Flower Shop Who’s your hero? Buy them flowers to thank them for fighting the evil in your life. Whether you’re in the market for a modest bouquet, a prom corsage or even a potted bird of paradise plant, Barron Park Florist offers a variety of arrangements for any occasion. Located on El Camino Real, this quaint flower shop expanded into the Barron Park Market in 2004, where it’s known for its quality plants and flower arrangements. Pretty flowers aren’t all you’ll get here, though — Barron Park Florist is commonly lauded for its friendly service by satisfied Yelp reviewers. 3876 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-493-2700. • Runner-up: Mills Florist

Hardware Store

Shady Lane

They might not wear capes or leap tall buildings in a single bound, but employees at Hassett ACE Hardware in Palo Alto likely have the supplies to scale — or build — any edifice. From rope to hardware, tools and garden supplies to barbecues, Hassett has it all — and much more. Hassett’s

friendly staff will special order what customers need, match that hard-to-find paint color and find the oddball-sized screw or nail. Family-owned since 1957, Hassett is a Palo Alto institution and a true partner with the community. Hassett also has stores in Belmont, Half Moon Bay, Redwood City, San Jose and San Mateo. 875 Alma St., Palo Alto, 650327-7222; hassetthardware.com • Runner-up: Barron Park Supply Co Inc.

Jewelry Store Wonder Woman’s bracelets repel bullets; the Green Lantern wears a ring that gives him superpowers. Why not find your own personal and empowering piece of jewelry? From handcarved Zuni necklaces and luminescent art glass to troll beads, Menlo Park’s Shady Lane has one-of-akind pieces for that special someone or fantastic you. Don’t forget those scarves, specimen rocks and crystals. 325 Sharon Park Drive, Sharon Heights Shopping Center, Menlo Park, 650-321-1099; shadylanegallery.com • Runner-up: Gleim the Jeweler

Nursery/Garden Supplies Tired of hiding out in your Bat Cave waiting for your next

Thanks to Our Customers for Voting DAVE’S AUTO REPAIR

(continued on page 30)

2018

Best Auto Repair Shop For 2018 2017

830 E. Charleston Road (at Fabian Way) Palo Alto

(650) 328-6537 www.davesauto830.com

2016

2012

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTS ONLINE! www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 29

Best of Palo Alto (continued from page 29)

mission? Maybe it’s time to step outside and smell the flowers. SummerWinds has everything you’ll need to get your garden fix, including compost, potting mix, outdoor decor and tools like trowels and gloves to bare-root fruit trees, native grasses, veggie plants and flower hats will make your garden POP! 725 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, 650-493-5136; summerwindsnursery.com. • Runner-up: Barron Park Florist

Pet Store Your furry sidekick may never be able to run at the speed of light, but he might be able to pull off a back flip that will earn him a treat from Pet Food Express. With high-quality food, toys, grooming tools, bedding and a self-service bath facility, this store is like the Wakanda of pet product marts. The California-based chain also facilitates adoption and rescue events. The Middlefield Road location has a community veterinary clinic, which offers vaccinations, pet micro-chipping, standard blood testing, prescription flea and tick control and more every Saturday from 1:30-3 p.m.

3910 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-856-6666; petfoodexpress.com • Runner-up: The Pet Place

Shoe Store The Cobblery See Services: Shoe Repair • Runner-up: Footwear Etc.

Sporting Goods & Apparel Feeling like Flash? Speed by this popular California Avenue gem for a coffee and stick around for the shoes, the shirt, the visor and everything else you need to become the master of the trail. With its friendly and knowledgeable staff, its fine selection of running wares and its reputation for the best latte on the block, ZombieRunner has earned a cult following from runners and coffeeguzzlers alike. 429 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-325-2048; zombierunner. com • Runner-up: Palo Alto Bicycles

Stationery Store From the outside, it might look tiny, but Letter Perfect, is still “saving the world one greeting at a time,” as its motto states. This downtown Palo Alto icon with its white facade, small-pane windows and gold lettering, has made personalized customer service its trademark. The store offers

greeting cards and stationery for all needs, from modest to lavish. A Letter Perfect card and wrappings can make someone feel special. And since the pen is mightier than the sword, it offers a fine selection of personal journals and writing instruments. But that’s not all. The store offers numerous toys, games, leather goods and other special gifts. Letter Perfect has been a Best Of winner throughout the years. 384 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-321-3700; letterperfect.com/ • Runner-up: Stanford Bookstore

Toy Store Whether you’re looking to be the next Superman or Wonder Woman, chances are you’ll be able to find what you need at Ambassador Toys. Filled floor to ceiling with boxes of puzzles, games, kits and even a train table, this toy store is chockfull of classic toys and new choices from a variety of different countries. Board books, picture books and non-fiction books about nature line the bookshelves, and collectible character dolls stand protected in a glass case while stuffed Folkmanis puppets sit ready to and tried out. This store offers myriad toys, books, games and arts and crafts for babies through middle schoolers. Customers say plainly that this place has “stuff kids will love.”

Leaf & Petal Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #33, Palo Alto, 650-324-8697; ambassadortoys.com • Runner-up: Cheeky Monkey Toys

Women’s Apparel You don’t have to be a superhero to have your own signature look. With high-quality brand-name clothing, artisan jewelry and modern

shoes, Leaf & Petal has been helping customers find outfits and accessories that express their style since 1976. Praised by customers on Yelp as “friendly” and “a delight,” it’s no surprise that the Leaf & Petal is Palo Alto’s favorite women’s boutique. 439 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-329-8070; lpetal.com • Runner-up: Gitane (continued on page 32)

Thank you, Palo Alto! 20

Voted

Best Bakery/Desserts! 855 El Camino Real, #104 Town & Country Village, Palo Alto

650-322-3601 Page 30 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

Voted Best Italian Restaurant!

2018

Please join us on August 7th, as we celebrate iTalico’s 2 year anniversary! 341 S. CALIFORNIA AVE, PALO ALTO • 650.437.9616 • WWW.ITALICORESTAURANT.COM

Thank you Palo Alto Weekly readers for voting us Best Pizza! 2018

w w w .t e r u n p i z z a .c o m 448 S. California Avenue Palo Alto www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 31

Thank You for Voting Us Best Plumbers! BBQ

Bagels 2011

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Family Owned and Operated • Senior Discounts Available For All of Your Plumbing and Heating Needs

Tucked away in Edgewood Plaza, the House of Bagels is the perfect pit stop for a crime fighter on the move. This popular, New York-inspired establishment features all the bagel basics — the savory spreads, the soft lox, the mouth-watering deli sandwiches — along with cookies, pastries and other baked goods. But the star of the show is the bagel itself. Firm on the outside and warm on the inside, a bagel from this shop is the epitome of a superhero snack. 2190 W. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, 650-322-5189; houseofbagels.com • Runner-up: Posh Bagel

in the Alsace region of France over half a century ago. Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #104, Palo Alto, 650-322-3601; cafedoucefrance.com. • Runner-up: Coupa Cafe

Bakery/Desserts

650.856.3400 www.PaloAltoPlumbing.net License #797913

Douce France is the ultimate power every superhero needs when battling the villainous sweet tooth cravings. The French bakery’s stunning array of desserts — from bite-sized strawberry tarts to delicate eclairs — are packed with enough flavor to give you an energy blast that will have you saving humanity. All baked goods are made from fresh ingredients and follow recipes that originated

Douce France

hot power yoga 26 minute stackable classes

Thank you Palo Alto for voting us Best Yoga Studio. We have the best yogis on the planet! Come sweat with us. www.turbo26studio.com

Stanford Shopping Center | find us between Pressed Juicery & Mc Donald's

Page 32 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

The Texas-inspired grub at Armadillo Willy’s has the power to lure barbecue fans back for more over and over again. The ribs, brisket and nearly everything else on the menu is cooked over an oakwood fire at this locally owned BBQ joint, which got its start in Los Altos in 1983. The menu offers traditional items like pinto (continued on page 36)

BEST OF

2018

VOTED “BEST HAIR SALON”AND “BEST MEN’S SALON” FOR TWELVE YEARS IN A ROW!

Thank You Again Palo Alto! Precision haircutting Highlights, lowlights, color and ombre coloring, Balayage highlighting Agave Healing Oil Formaldehyde-free Keratin Smoothing Treatment Prom, weddings and special occasion styling Blowdry styling, long-hair curls Spa, manicures & pedicures No appointment necessary Mention this ad to our Hair International receptionist and receive a FREE travel-size Goldwell Kerasilk Intense Luster Mask, as a special “Best of” gift!

GOLDWELL 232 Stanford Shopping Center | Palo Alto, CA 94304 Located next to Pressed Juicery between Bloomingdale & Macy’s

650. 324.2007 www.hairintl.com | hairintlpaloalto@gmail.com

HA TH NEW LF IS Y MA EA RA R: TH ON

Palo Alto Weekly

Moonlight Run & Walk At Palo Alto Baylands

A benefit event for local non-profits supporting kids & families

Friday, Sept. 21, 2018 Presented by City of Palo Alto

NEW COURSE!

5K Run & Walk

10K Run

NEW THIS YEAR!

Half Marathon

INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION: PaloAltoOnline.com/moonlight_run CORPORATE SPONSORS: www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 33

Page 34 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 35

Best of Palo Alto (continued from page 32)

CUBAN INSPIRED CUISINE & COCKTAILS SINCE 1997

THANK YOU PALO ALTO!

beans and hand-cut fries, as well as more adventurous options, like jalapeño-cheese sausage and a trademark spicy peanut coleslaw. 1031 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, 650-941-2922; armadillowillys.com • Runner-up: L&L Hawaiian BBQ

Breakfast 2018

BEST OF

Voted Best Ambiance, Best Latin American Cuisine and Best Solo Dining Hall of Fame for Best Bar

463 S. CALIFORNIA AVENUE PALO ALTO | 650-326-7762 WWW.LABODEGUITA.COM

It’s the most important meal of the day, even for superheroes! Longtime breakfast spot Hobee’s has everything heroes need to get ready for blasting their way through obstacles either villainous or ginormous (or both!), from get-up-and-go energy-blend smoothies to a mega-stack of honey whole-wheat pancakes to the aptly named “Super” veggie scramble. And for a real kickstarter, have a cuppa Hobee’s eye-popping cinnamon-orange tea. You know what they say: You gotta fuel up before you suit up. 4224 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-856-6124; hobees.com Runner-up: Coupa Cafe

Armadillo Willy’s in Palo Alto, captivating bobacrazed enthusiasts of all ages. You will find them at the Midtown storefront pampering their taste buds at most hours of the day. The beverage shop offers a variety of mouth-watering specialty drink flavors — from toasted marshmallow to virgin mojito — made with all-natural golden cane sugar. While Teaspoon is known for its teas, hot summer days may call for one of the store’s signature snow desserts, with flavors like banana and taro.

Bubble Tea Despite having opened just last year, Teaspoon Palo Alto has quickly become a mighty power

2675 Middlefield Road, Suite C, Palo Alto, 650- 272-6734; teaspoonlife.com • Runner-up: T4

Burgers Much like superheroes, no two burgers at The Counter are the same. The popular joint on California Avenue puts a premium on letting you custom-build your burger down to the last detail. And it gives you plenty of building blocks to design your masterpiece. Should you go for the

Authentic New York Style Bage ls!

Thank You for voting us Best Bagel store in Mountain View & Palo Alto!

All Boiled & B in a Brick o aked ven

he House of Bagels in Mountain View insists on keeping with tradition, using the original New York style process developed in 1968 by the Chassey family. We use that same process in our store today!

Best of MOUNTAIN

VIEW

2018

VIEW

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Best of MOUNTAIN

THE VOICE

E THE VOIC

fIN sUNtTo Be A O

THE VOICE

We cater events large and small!

VIEW

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1712 Miramonte Ave. #D Mtn. View

650.694.4888 www.houseofbagelsonline.com Page 36 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

2014

Happy Hour

traditional one-third pounder on brioche or a Bison burger? Feeling like chicken with Dijon honey or care to go meat-free with the “Impossible” burger? Care to throw in some carrot strings or marinated artichokes? How about smoked bacon and fried onion strings? The possibilities are endless and, in most cases, glorious. 369 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-321-3900; thecounter.com • Runner-up: Gott’s Roadside

Patrons of Calave have a superpower: making wine disappear before your very eyes. The California Avenue wine bar again took home the award for best happy hour, with $2 off all wine (including housemade sangria) and beer by the glass and select bar bites every day from 4-6 p.m. The owners envision Calave as a “prohibition meets modern day” wine bar, complete with an interesting, international wine list and booze-friendly food like truffle popcorn, cheese flights, sous vide tri tip and a sandwich stuffed with caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese and peanut butter. 299 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-521-0443; calave.com • Runner-up: Antonio’s Nut House

Burrito The burritos at Sancho’s Taqueria soar off tables and into mouths so quickly you might mistake one for a bird or a plane. Don’t be fooled, though — the variety of burrito options at Sancho’s are well worth savoring. At this burrito joint, the sky’s the limit when it comes to portions and ingredients. Choose from 12 different kinds of burritos with eight different meat options, as well as vegetarian fare. Whether your tortilla is stuffed with French fries or fish, it’s hard to go wrong at Sancho’s. 491 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-322 8226; sanchostaqueria. com • Runner-up: LuLu’s

Deli/Sandwiches Is that sandwich you packed for lunch looking a little dubious? Toss it and let Driftwood Sandwiches & Deli Market save the day! Delicious deli cuts stacked on top of variegated fixings and spreads will give you a sandwich so tall you’ll need superhuman jaw strength to fit it all in your mouth. Happy customers come from all over the Bay Area to enjoy the sandwiches from this oldstyle, family-owned deli. 3450 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-493-4162; driftwooddeliandmarket.com. • Runner-up: Village Cheese House

Ice Cream/Gelato

Tin Pot Creamery old-world charm (founder John Piazza immigrated from Sicily in 1933) and the convenience and amenities of modern supermarkets, Piazza’s Fine Foods has been the Supers of the grocery scene since 1979. The still-family-owned store has a commitment to organic seasonal produce and natural foods and patrons love its scrumptious deli, perfect for a picnic in nearby Mitchell Park (try

the grilled Portabello mushroom sandwich on focaccia with basil aioli, provolone cheese, lettuce and tomato). Charleston Shopping Center, 3922 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-325-5933; piazzasfinefoods.com • Runner-up: Sigona’s Farmers Market

Family owned and operated in Palo Alto since 1940

Grocery Store The Piazza brothers might not fly above the suburban skyline wearing a giant “P” on their chests, but that doesn’t mean this family’s market is anything less than Incredible. With its blend of

Milkshake Feast your bionic eyes on the frosty milkshakes at Palo Alto Creamery Fountain & Grill in downtown Palo Alto. This vintage diner has been serving shakes since 1923. Everything here is made from scratch, including the 20-plus milkshake flavors on the menu, which are all served the old-fashioned way in metal mixing cups. Like the sign says, “Anytime is a good time for shakes.” 566 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650-323-3131; paloaltocreamery.com. • Runner-up: Peninsula Creamery

New Food/Drink A real-life soccer superhero is behind Tuts Bakery & Cafe in downtown Palo Alto: Hakan Sukur, a star in the Turkish sports world who fled his native country several years ago. Tuts opened in 2017 and has quickly become a favorite in Palo Alto. Tuts serves baked goods, soups and (continued on page 38)

The Freshest Fish, The Finest Seafood, The Fish Market

Thanks for Naming Us

Best Seafood 9 Times. The Fish Market 650/493-8862 Palo Alto, CA

Dim Sum You don’t need to teleport to ancient China like Sorcerer Supreme Doctor Strange when you’re in the mood for classic dim sum; you just need to know how to get to Steam. Inspired by the ancient tea houses along the Silk Road that served bite-sized dumplings to weary travelers, the modern-day restaurant on University Avenue specializes in making a variety of steamed dumplings made fresh in the open kitchen, as well as plenty of other familiar Chinese dishes, such as kung pao chicken and walnut prawns. 209 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-322-1888; steampaloalto.com • Runner-up: Tai Pan

When Mr. Freeze and Iceman want to chill, they head over to Tin Pot Creamery to put a deep freeze over their taste buds. What started as an ice cream of the month club has now expanded to several storefronts, where locals and tourists can often be found standing in line for the shop’s famous thick, creamy organic ice cream. The menu includes classic flavors as well as more innovative ones like salted butterscotch and sweet cream with honey balsamic

swirl. Ingredients are locally sourced. Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #121, Palo Alto, 650-327-1715; tinpotcreamery.com • Runner-up: Rick’s Ice Cream

2018

Thank you for voting us Best shoe repair and Best spot to buy shoes

The Fish Market 408/246-3474 Santa Clara, CA

The Fish Market Top Of The Market 650/349-3474 San Mateo, CA

The Fish Market 408/269-3474 69 3474 San Jose Jose, e, CA

410 California Ave., Palo Alto 650.323.0409 | thecobblery.com We offer a full service shoe and leather repair shop Mon-Sat 9:00-6:00 • Sun 9:00-4:00

TheFishMarket.com 0ALO !LTO s 3ANTA #LARA s $EL -AR s 3AN -ATEO s 3AN $IEGO s 3AN *OSE www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 37

Best of Palo Alto (continued from page 37)

sandwiches with Middle Eastern flair, such as the menemen (Turkish scrambled eggs with tomato and peppers), a panini with sliced soujouk (a dry, spicy sausage) and a salad with crispy halloumi cheese. 535 Bryant St., Palo Alto, 650384-6733; tutsbakery.com • Runner-up: Kali Greek Kitchen

Pizza Craving authentic Italian pizza but can’t fly like Superman to the boot of Europe? Look no farther than Terún, which offers a slice of Italy in Palo Alto. Diners can’t go wrong with the classic Margherita, but the Schiacciata and Tricolore, which both have burrata, are clear crowd favorites. The restaurant’s secret to success could very well be in the thin crust, simple toppings or the wood-fired oven. Before you book your reservation (dinner service can be busy, even on weekdays) heed this warning: These pies have the ability to steal “a pizza” your heart. 448 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-600-8310; terunpizza.com • Runner-up: Pizza Delfina

Terún

Sweetgreen Produce

The vendors at the California Avenue Farmers’ Market are guardians of the produce galaxy. The blockslong Sunday market consistently brings some of the region’s best in-season fruit and vegetables, as well as dairy and meat products, pastries, prepared foods and live music. The market

is open all year, rain or shine, on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. California Avenue at El Camino Real, Palo Alto; uvfm. org/palo-alto-sundays • Runner-up: Sigona’s Farmers Market

Salad It takes a superhero effort to source the lettuce, vegetables,

fruit, meat and other toppings for Sweetgreen’s farm-to-table salads. The national salad chain combines a fast-casual service concept with seasonal dining. The menu changes five times each year, with the supplying farmers and vendors posted on a list inside the downtown restaurant. Diners can take their pick from signature salads and seasonal combinations

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2018

Thank You for Voting Us

Best Frame Shop from James & Jamil

L E G E N DA RY. THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

Best Steak 1921 EL CAMINO REAL, PALO ALTO 650.321.6798 | sundancethesteakhouse.com

Page 38 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

3866 El Camino Real in Palo Alto’s lovely Barron Park. WITH ONSITE PARKING!!! www.greatamericanframing.com

650-327-4521

or customize their own. Sweetgreen, 581 Ramona St., Palo Alto, 415-212-7385; sweetgreen.com • Runner-up: Pluto’s

Take Out Asian Box See Restaurants: Meal Under $20 • Runner-up: Oren’s Hummus

Yogurt Chocolate? Mango? Vegan? You can have it all at Fraiche Yogurt, where the team’s ultimate mission is “to satisfy ANY craving!” This yogurt shop makes everything from scratch with its very own small-scale dairy plant — pasteurizing its own milk and culturing yogurts. Whether you want your yogurt frozen or Greek, you can be sure you’re getting real homemade yogurt, full of nutrients and probiotics. Fraiche also offers oatmeal bowls, smoothies, breakfast items and Sightglass coffee. If you’re looking for something savory, Fraiche also serves avocado toast, quinoa salad and other healthy options for a light lunch or an afternoon pick-me-up, so superheroes like you can continue powering through the day. 200 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-838-9819; fraiche. strikingly.com • Runner-up: Yogurtland

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Calave See Food & Drink: Happy Hour • Runner-up: Antonio’s Nut House

California Cuisine Folk superheroes Grace Slick and Joan Baez were among the first patrons of Saint Michael’s Alley when it opened in 1959. Originally a coffee house with a bohemian vibe, the longtime Palo Alto restaurant has since developed a refined, upscale ambiance in its Homer Avenue dining room and Emerson Street annex. Local ingredients from sea scallops to avocado encapsulate a high-quality menu rooted in California cuisine. And don’t hesitate to bring your canine sidekick with you — Saint Michael’s is dog-friendly and provides a water bowl to every four-legged guest upon arrival. 140 Homer Ave., Palo Alto, 650-326-2530; stmikes.com. • Runner-up: Mayfield Bakery & Cafe

Chinese Following a motto of “treat every day like it is grand opening day,” Chef Chu’s has won over readers with its homemade potstickers and annual Chinese New Year festivities. Serena Williams, Steve Young, Justin Bieber and John F. Kenedy Jr. are among the many real-life superheroes to have dined at Chef Chu’s since its opening in 1970. The Beijing duck, cooked in an cast iron Chinese oven, is popular among patrons.

Coffeehouse You don’t need to get bitten by a radioactive spider to feel quick and nimble. Just chug a cup of Philz Coffee, the silky brew that keeps Palo Alto’s creative juices flowing. Each Philz blend comes with its own distinct flavor — the hint of caramel in the Tesora, the toffee in Ether, the cardamom in the Tantalizing Turkish — and each goes down smooth, leaving your senses tingling. 101 Forest Ave., Palo Alto, 650-3212161 |3191 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-251-9798; philzcoffee.com • Runner-up: Coupa Cafe

Dining with Kids Palo Alto Creamery Fountain & Grill See Food & Drink: Milkshake • Runner-up: Hobee’s

French Guillaume Bienaime’s Zola has charmed Palo Alto diners since its opening in 2014. The small, seasonal French restaurant is Bienaime’s modern take on a classic French bistro. Current dishes include roasted button mushrooms with “escargot butter,” rillettes de saumon and short rib “bourguignon.” Fun fact: The restaurant is named for Bienaime’s own hero, French author Émile Zola. 565 Bryant St., Palo Alto, 650-5210651; zolapaloalto.com • Runner-up: Douce France

2018

WHAT AN HONOR TO BE VOTED BEST DAY SPA! BEST SKINCARE! BEST MANICURE/PEDICURE!

THANK YOU!

Fusion While Marvel Comics featured two Spider-Man supervillians by the name of “Fusion,” in the Palo Alto universe, “fusion” means only one thing: the super-elegant and super-delicious cuisine of Tamarine restaurant. Cool and sophisticated, Tamarine’s upscale South Asian dishes elevate taste to a whole new level. Wok-fired garlic noodles marry egg noodles with garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, black pepper and fresh cilantro, while the Kerala-spiced chicken features a creamy tomato sauce and (continued on page 40)

Stanford 36 Stanford Shopping Center Stanford, CA 94304 650-326-8522

La Bodeguita del Medio

ERS’ CH

E OIC

Bar/Lounge

1067 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, 650-948-2696; chefchu.com • Runner-up: Mandarin Roots

READ

Ambiance The Cuban-influenced menu at La Bodeguita del Medio will make your taste buds go KAPOW! The California Avenue restaurant offers robust meat dishes, fresh seafood, flavorful vegetarian entrees and specialty cocktails. Inspired by the legendary La Bodeguita in Havana, the Palo Alto restaurant offers neighborhood hospitality combined with a vibrant Cuban influence. The dining room is colorful; the bar serves an extensive selection of wine and rum in a warm setting for socializing; and the patio provides an outdoor setting to enjoy the restaurant’s selection of cigars. 463 California Avenue, Palo Alto, 650-326-7762; labodeguita.com. • Runner-up: Evvia Estiatorio

Palo Alto 95 Town & Country Village Palo Alto, CA 94301 650-327-6964

www.LaBelleDaySpas.com www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 39

Best of Palo Alto (continued from page 39)

fluffy, deep-fried Bhatura bread. Tamarine’s delectable dishes are sure to create a nuclear reaction (dare we say “fusion?”) of flavor in your mouth. 546 University Ave., Palo Alto, 650-325-8500; tamarinerestaurant.com • Runner-up: Mandarin Roots

Indian Mild-mannered Bruce Banner turns into the Hulk when he’s angry, but how about when he’s only hangry? He’d do well to fill up on good food, and lots of it, to turn that frown upside down. According to Palo Alto Weekly readers, nowhere does Indian quite like Darbar, the unassuming fixture on Lytton Avenue in downtown Palo Alto that’s been serving up a lunch buffet of biryani, curries, tandoori, samosas and wickedly good naan for years. There’s even more on the menu for dinner. So no matter what state of mind you’re in, head on over: Your inner monster will be sated, and you’ll leave with a smile. 29 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto, 650321-6688; digi-net.ws/cus1163/ • Runner-up: Zareen’s

Italian

Mediterranean

You won’t need X-Ray vision to find iTalico among the row of restaurants along California Avenue. This pasta-centric eatery, with its wall of stacked wine bottles, stylish courtyard seating, sophisticated dining room and ItalianCalifornia cuisine, is a standout. The excellent service and fluffy gnocchi are among its hallmarks. So whether you’re there for a quiet dinner for two or part of a large celebration, iTalico’s octopus carpaccio is sure to make you say “Oh my stars and garters!” 341 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-473-9616; italicorestaurant. com. • Runner-up: Il Fornaio

If you want your stomach to feel like a winner in between intergalactic showdowns, head over to Evvia Estiatorio where the tongtoting kitchen staff is famous for whipping up a Greek feast that’s so deliciously powerful, it can even stop Shazam in his tracks. The Michelin Guide has dubbed the restaurant’s modern Greek menu the “best Hellenic fare in the entire Bay Area.” Its specialties include everything from lamb chops served straight from the mesquite grill to grilled octopus with lemon juice and olive oil to sea bass, served whole. 420 Emerson St., Palo Alto, 650-326-0983; evvia.net • Runner-up: Oren’s Hummus

Latin American

Mexican

La Bodeguita del Medio See Ambiance • Runner-up: Coconuts

Meal Under $20 Crime, as they say, doesn’t pay. Neither, for the most part, does crime-fighting. For those superheroes who don’t have Bruce Wayne’s wealth or Tony Stark’s stock portfolio, there’s Asian Box, where diners don’t need to break the bank to get a fresh and scrumptious meal. Inspired by Vietnamese street food, Asian Box offers diners comforting staples like pho and curry chicken, as well as more

iTalico eclectic options such as caramel catfish and garlic-and-soy-glazed beef. Pick up one of their “signature boxes” or customize your own by choosing a base, protein, toppings and sauce. Even after

all that, you’ll still probably have some change left over for a drink. Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real #21, Palo Alto, 650-391-9305; asianbox.com • Runner-up: Coupa Cafe

Robin: Holy frijoles, Batman! We got a message from the Riddler! Batman: What’s it say, Robin? Robin: “Riddle me this: What’s the best Mexican restaurant in Palo Alto?” He says he’s going to flood the city with a tsunami of salsa in 10 minutes if we don’t give the right answer! Batman: Don’t worry, Boy Wonder. I know just the place: Palo Alto Sol. Excellent cuisine, authentically prepared: enchiladas tradicionales, rajas Poblanas, burritos de Sonora and more, plus free chips and salsa. And did I mention the killer mixed

E X TR AORDINARY E YE WE AR COLLECTIONS WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT OUR COLLECTION OF EXTRAORDINARY AND DISTINCTIVE EYEWEAR CREATED BY THE MOST TALENTED DESIGNERS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE.

Thank You Palo Alto for Your Support in Voting Us

Best Eyewear!

2014

Page 40 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

2010

2011

2012

2015

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2018

1805 El Camino Real Palo Alto 650.324.3937 www.luxpaloalto.com

drinks? Robin: Holy guacamole, I didn’t know you knew so much about Mexican food! Batman: Heh. That’s why I’m Batman, and you, little Robin, are my sidekick. 408 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-328-8840 • Runner-up: Reposado

New Restaurant Not all superheros wear capes. In less than three months, the owners of Protégé have made a name for themselves in Palo Alto, taking home best new restaurant in this year’s Best Of competition. Co-owners Dennis Kelly and Anthony Secviar, a former sommelier and chef, respectively, from the three-Michelin-star The French Laundry in Yountville, envisioned a neighborhood restaurant that would serve high-caliber but approachable food, from pillowy ricotta dumplings and brick chicken to a playful dessert cart piled high with pastry chef Eddie Lopez’s chocolate chip cookies, pies and canelés. Protégé is also a training ground for the next generation of culinary superheroes: The restaurant’s name reflects the owners’ commitment to mentoring other chefs. 250 California Ave., Palo Alto, 650-494-4181; protegepaloalto. com • Runner-up: Taverna

Outdoor Dining It’s hard to enter the outdoor patio at Caffe Riace and not feel like a Roman hero of ancient times. Life-size statues of Roman gods, giant clay pots, a fountain and other ancient-looking Mediterranean artifacts surround this Sicilian-inspired outdoor dining space. Located on Sheridan Avenue, Caffe Riace offers a menu based on the staples of Italian cuisine, namely pasta and meat dishes. 200 Sheridan Ave #102, Palo Alto, 650-328-0407; cafferiace. com. • Runner-up: La Bodeguita del Medio

on-trend ahi poke in spicy sesame marinade, and a fish crostini trio of smoked salmon, trout, albacore with artichoke tapenade. The Fish Market has four Bay Area locations as well as Farallon Fisheries, its own local processing and distribution facility. 3150 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-493-9188; thefishmarket.com. • Runner-up: The Sea by Alexander’s Steakhouse

Solo Dining La Bodeguita del Medio See Ambiance • Coupa Cafe

Sports Bar Even hard-traveling heroes like the Green Lantern and the Green Arrow know that The Old Pro is the best place to watch the big game on the big screen. Instantly recognizable by its pennant-covered interior walls, this sports bar is known for its happy hour deals and booze-friendly menu, which includes garlic-Parmesan tater tots and cook-em-yourself s’mores. It’s an ideal spot for game day get-togethers or a night out with friends. And if the big game isn’t exciting enough, you can even take a ride on the famous mechanical bull, if you’re feeling lucky. 541 Ramona St., Palo Alto,

650-326-1446; oldpropa.com. • Runner-up: The Counter

Steak Rumor has it that Batman, the Dark Knight, grills steaks to relax. So it stands to reason that Bruce Wayne, wealthy American playboy/philanthropist and a certain someone’s alter ego, would appreciate the finest steak that Palo Alto has to offer. Enter: Sundance the Steakhouse. Opened in 1974, this steak-lover’s lair serves specially aged prime-graded steak, to-die-for slow-roasted prime rib and the freshest catches from the sea, like New England sea scallops, Scottish salmon, Australian lobster and Chilean sea bass. When it comes to a heroic approach to dining, Sundance’s motto says it all: “Fearless in our fish, bold in our beef.” 1921 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650-312-6798; sundancethesteakhouse.com • Runner-up: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Sunday Brunch When the extraterrestrial Wonder Twins want to enjoy Sunday brunch, they head over to Mayfield Bakery & Cafe, which offers an out-of-this-world menu in a sleek dining room meant for lingering over French toast or steelcut oatmeal with buttered rum

Thank You Voters

raisins. Based on California-inspired cuisine, the menu is simple and rustic. Chef Mark Sullivan (of the Michelin-starred The Village Pub in Woodside and Spruce in San Francisco) and his culinary team create comforting dishes that are inspired by the season. Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, 650853-9200; mayfieldbakery.com. • Runner-up: St. Michael’s Alley

Sushi/Japanese Armed with rice bowls and traditional bento boxes, Sushi House has transformed the local sushi scene with its authentic Japanese menu served in a fastcasual setting or as takeout for hard-traveling heroes on the go. Located in Town & Country Village, the restaurant serves everything from traditional sushi rolls to chirashi fish-and-rice bowls to chicken and salmon teriyaki, yakitori and udon noodles served with tempura. 855 El Camino Real, Town & Country Village #158, Palo Alto, 650-321-3453; sushihousepaloalto.com • Runner-up: Kanpai

Thai Superheroes are discovered every day. Take Indochine for example, this year’s Best of Palo Alto choice for Thai restaurant.

With dynamic dishes like sweet basil glazed pork ribs and purple curry chicken, eggplant khee moo and Thai silver noodles salad, Indochine in Midtown Palo Alto banishes the villains of bland flavor and boring presentation. Imaginative and deep flavor profiles give diners the kapow! that they’re looking for: powerful combinations of spicy and umami, salty and sweet. 2710 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-853-1238; IndochineThai.com • Runner-up: Thaiphoon

Vegetarian/Vegan Though it’s not exclusively vegan or even vegetarian, LYFE Kitchen is nevertheless a tasty place to grab a bite for those to whom animal products are Kryptonite. LYFE specializes in healthy, organicand-sustainable-leaning takes on comforting classics. Think blackbean burgers on ciabatta, quinoa crunch bowls and veggie tacos. A separate breakfast-and-brunch menu includes blueberry pancakes, a veggie wrap and the option to make any item on the morning menu dairy- and/or egg-free. 167 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, 650-325-5933; lyfekitchen.com/ location/ca/palo-alto/ • Runner-up: True Food Kitchen (continued on page 42)

“A burger, a bull, beer & a ball game — yeah, baby!”

Restaurant to Splurge Evvia Estiatorio See Mediterranean • Runner-up: Saint Michael’s Alley

Romantic Dining Evvia Estiatorio See Mediterranean • Runner-up: La Bodeguita del Medio

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Seafood The Fish Market is the place Aquaman (king of the oceans) would go if he felt homesick in Palo Alto. For the rest of us, it’s the goto spot for yummy seafood. The El Camino Real mainstay serves up traditional fare that would satisfy the hardiest of sea-faring souls — fish and chips, cioppino and clam chowder — as well as dishes for the edgier palate. Think misoyaki-glazed Alaskan king salmon,

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2018

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

“BEST SPORTS BAR” See you at… 541 Ramona Ave, Palo Alto • 650.326.1446 • www.oldpropa.com www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 41

BEST OF

Thank you for voting us into the Hall of Fame!

Nightlife

Kosher | Catering | Vegan | Treats | Bagels

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Nola might be the closest you’ll come to harnessing the power to teleport. Those who enter the doors to this downtown Palo Alto restaurant will find themselves transported to dazzling New Orleans for a party that will send them dancing down Bourbon Street. The two-level courtyardstyle interior filled with eccentric art and generous staff make for a lively dining experience. Whether you’re coming in for happy hour, dinner or a late-night bite, the vibrant menus are filled with Southern indulgences including spicy jambalaya and bread pudding. For those feeling extra daring, they can take on the ultimate challenge of ordering the infamous “bug juice” with pineapple, vanilla bean and brown sugar mixed with fruit juices and a rum float. So grab those Mardi Gras beads and get lost in the lure of this downtown establishment. 535 Ramona St., Palo Alto, 650-328-2722; nolas.com • Runner-up: Calave

Live Entertainment Want to be a superhero to your kids this summer? Grab your

though it’s designed for youth, the long-running theater’s reputation for high quality means that grown-ups, too, should leave well-entertained. 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, 650-463-4930; bit.ly/ PAchildrenstheater • Runner-up: Bing Concert Hall, Stanford

Wi-Fi Hot Spot

Nola cape and take them over to see a show at Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, this year’s winner for best live entertainment. In addition to its beloved outdoor Summer Hot Dog Season, the theater puts on a variety of kid-centric shows throughout the year on its main and playhouse stages. And

A high-tech city like Palo Alto probably has no shortage of places where the Wi-Fi is faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive, but it’s the Palo Alto Library that emerges as the hero of Wi-Fi hot spots. Bring your wireless device, hop on the free network (no password or library account needed) and away you go! Where else can you study, work or simply scroll your social media feeds for free while also checking out great books, music and movies and special events for kids and adults? It’s the perfect blend of old-fashioned and up-to-date. City library locations are listed at cityofpaloalto.org/gov/ depts/lib/default.asp. • Runner-up: Philz Coffee

2018

Voted “ e r o t S y r e c o r G “Best

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www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • July 20, 2018 • Page 43

Home&Real Estate

OPEN HOME GUIDE 60 Also online at PaloAltoOnline.com

A weekly guide to home, garden and real estate news, edited by Elizabeth Lorenz

Home Front

Easy-care flowers can become a part of your garden by Elizabeth Lorenz

Feverfew

Nicotiana

iz Calhoun’s Los Altos yard is part hot sun and part shade, but that hasn’t stopped her from filling every inch, including the driveway, with low- or no-water easy-to-grow flowers. No picky pansies or wilted impatiens in sight. She appreciates natives, allowing a buckwheat bush to grow wide and tall (nearly 8 feet across by about 6 feet tall) with its delicate whitish gray flowers. She also knows when plants flower and what colors to add to areas of her garden that are too green. Calhoun, a master gardener with the University of California, said making your garden colorful with blooms is deceptively simple. You can have a rainbow of colors, textures and shapes, flowers that climb, clump or spread. The biggest obstacle to growing flowers in our area, Calhoun said, is the clay soil. The soil itself is nutritious enough, she said; it’s just hard to plant in because it doesn’t drain well. “Clay is packed tight, so tight it’s waterproof,” she said. The best thing you can do to fix that, she said, is to add lava rock or pumice, which you can buy in bags at nurseries or large hardware stores. Adding the pumice opens up the clay,

Page 44 • July 20, 2018 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com

Peruvian Lily allowing water to flow to roots better, she said. Another important thing with flowers is to figure out if they need sun or shade. Just because the tag says “partial sun,” that doesn’t mean a plant can handle full, bright, reflected sun from a pool cover, for example. Calhoun has a 14-page spreadsheet with information on her flowers’ likes and dislikes. If they have dry leaves, they need less sun. If they seem anemic they probably need more sun. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to flowers, so pick and choose by what you want to see more of. Calhoun has several milkweed plants with small bright orange flowers to attract monarch butterflies. Calhoun recommends morning glories, but make sure not to plant the perennial version or it will take over your yard, she warned. Sunflowers are easy and bright, as are coneflowers and day lilies. Many plants will flower several times a year, in spring and again in summer and fall, and then their blooms will need to be cut back. Cutting back can often spark new growth, she said, and allowing the flowers to go to seed will let the plants spread. Include plants with fragrance (many are

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