| Midtown News Updates |
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MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
Take the 2010 MRA Survey. It is till open; we hope to get feedback from more Midtown folks. See See http://www.mimi.com/mra
NEXT MRA General Meeting will be Tuesday April 13, place TBD. "The City Budget Process and Your Input " with City Manager Jim Keene.
Power Outage follow-up: For those who didn't see the letter from our City Manager see City's website: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=1505&TargetID=268.
For "Neighborhood lessons" learned see http://www.paneighborhoods.org/. Look for the yellow "new" icon.
MIDTOWN Business News: Shop Midtown:
** FEBRUARY 26: MyGym Midtown - Parents Night Out.:from 5:30-8:30 PM. For Children 20 months to 9 years old; What: Games, pizza. FEE: $30 for members, $40 for non members; 50% off siblings CASH ONLY. Reserve a spot: 330-1760
** March 11 – April 15: Butterfly Life announces: WEIGHT LOSS & STRESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP: Thursdays, March 11 – April 15 -- 7: 7:00 – 8:00PM; $99 (special introductory rate!) -- 6 sessions: Join Jim Ayers for a special six-week workshop on stress management and weight loss based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Learn how to do simple Wu Ming Qigong energy movements, reduce stress and eat for healing. As you learn how to tap into your body's innate healing intelligence, you can lose weight, manage stress, sharpen intuition, feel great and get a new outlook on life! Developed by Dr Nan Lu, OMD, the Dragon's Way® is a program that has helped thousands of people lose weight and improve numerous health problems (for more, see www.tcmworld.org). This will be held at Butterfly Life, Women's Fitness Center, Midtown Center; 2695 Middlefield Road; 566-0100. To register send an email to jameswayers@gmail.com or call Jim for questions 0-224-4388
** Parenting Plus Child and Family Counseling announces Bay Area Family & Parent Counseling, Inc. has joined them at their present location of 2875 Middlefield Rd, Suite 8. Andrea Gardinier, MA, MFT will provide the new services. She will be providing services as a Parenting Coordinator, Co-Parent Counselor, and Mediator. Their combined efforts will provide an “under one roof “ approach for families of separation and divorce. From psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and play/art therapy for children, divorce mediation, and parenting plans. This team of professionals will be there to guide as you navigate through these turbulent times. For more information, visit www.parentingpluscounseling.com or www.bayareaparentingservices.com.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
VACANCY ON THE LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Appointment information and application forms are available in the City Clerk's Office, 329-2571 or may be obtained on the website at http://www.cityofpaloalto.org. Deadline for receipt of applications in the City Clerk's Office is 5:30 PM, Monday, March 8.
City Council Agenda
MARCH 1: State of the City. Mayor Burt will outline the State of the City and his priorities for the coming year in an address to the community. The presentation will be at the regular Council time, 7:00 PM, in the City Council Chambers. All are invited and light refreshments will be served in the lobby afterward.
Planning & Transportation Commission
March 3: Joint Council/Planing & Transportation Commission study session Regarding Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Housing Element Status at 7PM at Council Chambers. The Council and Commission will discuss the status of the Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element updates. Please visit the link http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/knowzone/agendas/council.asp for details about the meeting
March 10, 2010: 805 Los Trancos Road Site and Design & Open Space Zone District - Max. House Size and Basement Regulations
OTHER FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS WITH TENTATIVE DATES:
3/15 Annual Joint City Council/PTC Study Session
3/24 Discussion of Housing Element, 2500 Embarcadero Road
3/31 Review of Transportation Element Programs and Policies for the Comp. Plan, Fairmeadow Single Story Overlay Proposal
4/28 North Cal. Ave Safe Routes to School/Traffic Calming Project
5/12 Cal. Ave. Streetscape Improvements Phase II
ARB - Architectural Review Board
MARCH 3: Review Illuminated Wall Signs & facade improvements at Midtown Longs/CVR at 8:30AM Council Chambers; ALSO California Avenue Streetscape Changes - Phase II
MARCH 3: PAUSD: Palo Alto H.S. Facilities Steering Committee Mtg. School projects in programming are the technology infrastructure upgrade, new theater and stadium field renovation. The meetings will be conducted by Deems Lewis McKinley Architecture. The meeting will be held at the Palo Alto High School Library on March 3 at 3:15PM. FOR MORE INFORMATION: contact Tom Hodges, Strong Schools Bond Program Director, 329.3972 or thodges@pausd.org.
MARCH 6 & 9: New Palo Alto Recycling and Composting Ordinance - public meetings to review the Ordinance Outline. Background: Nearly 43% of our ‘garbage’ is actually recyclable. By simply placing items in the appropriate containers, we can further our community goals of Zero Waste by 2021 and 15% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. To address this important issue, the City is creating a new Recycling and Composting Ordinance to restrict recyclables and compostables from the garbage. Public Meetings - Residential: Saturday, March 6 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. at Lucie Stern, Ballroom. Tuesday, March 9 from 7 - 8:30 p.m at Lucie Stern, Community Room. More information about the ordinance is available at www.cityofpaloalto.org/zerowaste or call 496-5910.
MARCH 11: The third in our series of forums related to Planning for Sustainable Development, in conjunction with the ongoing Comprehensive Plan update, to occur on Thursday, March 11th at 4:00 PM in the Council Chambers (see flyer at: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=18893). Jeffrey Tumlin is a principal of Nelson/Nygaard Transportation Consultants, an expert in multi-modal transportation planning, and was instrumental in the development of Stanford's Office of Transportation Programs' innovative transportation management strategies. In his presentation, Mr. Tumlin will present several suggestions for how cities can better address traffic studies, environmental review, and transportation and parking management.
MARCH 18: Community Meeting on the Library and Community Center Bonds: The Library Facility Projects website has been updated with the latest floor plans for the new Mitchell Park Library and Community Center that will begin construction this July. The former auditorium at the Cubberley Community Center is undergoing renovation to serve as a temporary library. It will open shortly after the current library closes and the furniture, shelving, and books at Mitchell Park are moved into the temporary library. Meeting will be at Cubberley from 7-8:30 PM. Group 4 Architecture and City staff will be there to share information and answer your questions. The infrastructure upgrade to the College Terrace Library and adjoining childcare center is right on schedule. If you take a look at the January 2010 project status report by Nova Partners, Inc., you'll see that a number of infrastructure upgrades are now underway. This historic building will be protected with the addition of a sprinkler system and seismic upgrades. And, an improved HVAC system – with air conditioning – will make the building more comfortable for all.
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
GAMBLE GARDEN EVENTS: click here for more information: http://www.gamblegarden.org/
Stanford Continuing Studies: Registration now open. Classes start March 29. See http://continuingstudies.stanford.edu/.
Palo Alto Weekly Photo contest - Enter by April 2 at 5:30PM. Entry forms and rules at www.PaloAltoOnline.com or call 223-6508 or photocontest@paweekly.com.
The Hometown Video Awards honors and promotes community media and local cable programs that are first distributed on Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) access cable television channels. Awards are presented to creative programs that address community needs, develop diverse community involvement, challenge conventional commercial television formats, and move viewers to experience television in a different way. Hometown is local cable's largest video awards.
With the exception of Website entries, all entries must have had their first airing on a Public, Educational or Governmental access channel between Jan 1st and Dec 31st, 2009. Visit www.alliancecm.org for an entry form and complete details. Entries may be given to Media Center Programming Director Becky Sanders and must be received by her prior to the entry deadline. Entries must be received by the sponsoring organization, the Alliance for Community Media, in Olympia, Washington, no later than the March 27 deadline.
Acterra's rainwater harvesting workshop's date has been changed to "(REVISED DATE) Saturday, March 13, noon - 3:00 PM " It will be held in Menlo Park at a private residence along San Francisquito Creek in Menlo Park. Address & directions given on registration. Fee: $30 general public, $20 Acterra members. Contact: Arnie Thompson, 962.9876 x310, arniet@acterra.org. Websites: http://acterra.org/programs/stewardship/get_involved.html#workshops, http://www.acterra.org/stewardship
FEBRUARY 26-28 Daffodil Daydreams at Filoli call 35-=8300 x 507 or tours@fiolo.org or www.filoli.org for a full program and registration. Fee $15 adults, $12 seniors, $5 students. Free for under 4 years.
COMMON GROUND CLASSES: See more great upcoming classes at the Common Ground website. www.commongroundinpaloalto.org, 493.6072, 559 College Avenue
FEBRUARY 27: Grow BioIntensive from 10:30 AM - 12:30+PM . GROW BIOINTENSIVE is a whole-system approach to gardening and farming that builds soil fertility in a relatively short time, so that fertilizer inputs (other than compost) become unnecessary, or almost so, thereby making the garden and farm as sustainable as possible. Learn the principles of double-digging, composting and soil-building, intensive planting, companion planting, carbon farming (compost crops), calorie farming, and open-pollinated seeds. FEE: $31, To register call 493-6072 or http://introgrowbio.eventbrite.com/.
FEBRUARY 27: COMPANION PLANTING from 2:00 - 4:00+PM Discover how to enhance your garden's health and productivity while attracting a beneficial insect population. Learn how to make efficient use of your garden space and the plants' natural properties by using methods that have been used for centuries.FEE: $31, To register call 493-6072 or http://companionplant.eventbrite.com/.
FEBRUARY 28: "Tango, Swing and More! An Evening of Couples Dancing" at the JCC in the Cultural Arts Hall from 7 PM to 8 PM, free tango lesson; 8 PM to 12 AM, dance party. Dance the night away! Tangonero, a new Argentine Tango band based in San Francisco, will perform tangos, waltzes, foxtrots, and swing for your dancing enjoyment. Tangonero specializes in classic tango - a genre that fuses intense passion with quiet tenderness, alternating sharp percussive rhythms with slow nostalgic melodies. It squeezes your heart to tears and then sets your feet to dancing! Bring your favorite food to share and enjoy a potluck with new friends and old. FEE: $12 Center Members, $15 Non-Members. Cost includes wine & light refreshments. Register at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/90012. For more contact, info@paloaltojcc.org or 233-8700.
MARCH 4: "MusiCA Band" at the JCC in the Cultural Arts Hall from 7:30pm-9:30 PM. With their unique, authentic sound and great passion for Israeli music, MusiCA Band's high energy shows have taken the San Francisco Bay Area by storm. MusiCA plays live covers of famous Israeli songs as well as original music, from slow melodies to fierce rock and everywhere in between. Don't miss these talented musicians who are bringing a fresh wave of Israeli rock music to Bay Area Israeli/Jewish events. For more information, contact Katie Chapin, at 223-8622 or kchapin@paloaltojcc.org. FEE: $10 Center Members & Students, $15 Non-Members. Register at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/92349.
MARCH 6: Avenidas Housing Conference from 8:30 AM - 3 PM. For info & to register see www.avenidas.org or call 289-5445 MARCH 6: Opera San Jose Ensemble at the JCC in the Cultural Arts Hall from 8:00 - 10:00 PM. Enjoy a night of opera! This wonderful collection of Silicon Valley opera stars consists of current and former soloists of Opera San Jose, a professional, regional opera company that specializes in showcasing the finest young professional singers in the nation. The ensemble will perform arias and songs by Bizet, Puccini, Tchaikovski and Rachmaninov. For more, contact Katie Chapin at 223-8622 or kchapin@paloaltojcc.org. FEE: $15 Center Members, $20 Non-Members. Register at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/84590.
MARCH 7: Media Center honors Local Heros: Come to a screening & reception in the Studio from 4-6 PM. This kicks off a week of televised screenings honoring these citizens who have had such a positive impact on our community. The screening and reception is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to kadams@midpenmedia.org. This year's winners of the Media Center's annual Local Heroes award are:
CURTIS HAGGINS, Dean of Students at Midpeninsula High
LEIF ERICKSON, Executive Director of Youth Community Service
CAROL SAAL, responsible for fund-raising for the new Jewish Community Center
McKAY DAINES, former Gunn High student who created support network for survivors of teen suicides
BOB HOOVER, long-time youth mentor in East Palo Alto and currently coordinator for Parole Re-Entry Program at Free at Last
GARY RIEKES, creator and director of the Riekes Center in Menlo Park
The Local Heroes series is produced by Media Center's Louise Pencavel.
MARCH 10: Springtime Flower Arranging with Carmen Pekelsma at Gamble Garden from 9 - 11:30 AM. FEE: $55 member, $70 non-member. There is magic in the word Spring. It brings forth visions of flowering trees, gray clouds scudding across blue skies, bulbs & delicate green foliage emerging from the wet earth. Carmen Pekelsma will teach a springtime flower arranging class using flowers, greens, and blossoming branches,available in our gardens at this vibrant time of the year. This is a hands-on class, so bring clippers, & an apron if you plan on attending the Garden Fresh Luncheon in the main house after the class. Arrangements can be held in the locked Carriage House while you lunch with a friend. Register online for this class.
OLD
Upcoming Workshops on Saving Water in your Landscape: City sponsored.
-- March 27, 2010: Irrigation Design and Maintenance from 9:00 AM- noon; Instructor Lori Palmquist; Cubberley Community Center - Room H-6
-- April 17, 2010: Designing Water Efficient Landscaping from 1:30 - 4:30 PM; Instructor Patricia Evans; City of Palo Alto City Hall - Council Chambers
-- May 22, 2010: New Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Elements – Calculations and Standards from 9:00 AM -noon; Instructor - Chris Todd; Cubberley Community Center - Room H-6
FEBRUARY 28: "Gardens of the Heart’s Delight" at Gamble Garden Carriage House from 2:00 to 4:30 PM (time includes reception). Fee: $30 members, $40 non-members (or Join Now!). See gamblegarden.org.
FEBRUARY 28 & March 7, 14, 21, 28: Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits:Ages 10 and up; Fee: $75 members/$85 non-members Time 10:00 AM - noon (4/5 sessions). Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) at 351 Homer Avenue. For more information or to register please contact 321-1004 or visit www.moah.org/education.
MARCH 13: Concert "Mistaken Identity:Mis-attributed Works" at First Lutheran at 600 Homer. Fee $25 general, $20 student/senior, discount if purchased in advance. Call 888/sdg-song or go to www.sdgloria.org.
MARCH 21 Botanical Patterns on English Transferware at Gamble Garden from 2:00 -4:30 PM. . FEE: $30 member, $40 non-member. See http://www.gamblegarden.org. For more email admin@gamblegarden.org or call 329-1356 x201.
MARCH 16: "ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE: Preparing Palo Alto for Inevitable Impacts" from 7-9 PM at Lucie Stern. FREE: Sponsor: Community Environmental Action Partnership (CEAP); Questions? pa.ceap@hotmail.com or 424-9633.
JULY 5-9: An environmentally-themed summer day-camp for children in grades 1- 6 will be offered by the YMCA. Topics include: renewable energy, waste management, the meaning & benefits of 'going green', natural resources conservation & protection. For information, contact the YMCA at 856-9622. Online registration begins on January 25. http://www.paloaltofamilyymca.org
TIPS
GREENTIPs: Keeping Tabs on Your Energy Hogs
Using monthly electric bills to keep track of your energy use can prove frustrating since appliances consume different amounts of energy at different times and the bill comes weeks after the electricity is consumed. However, a growing number of devices allow homeowners to track their electricity use in real time. According to an Oxford University study (see the Related Resources), this type of direct feedback on energy use typically helps homeowners reduce their energy consumption-and costs-by 5 to 15 percent.
Whole-house meters. This type of device connects either to your home's circuit breaker box or electric utility meter, and wirelessly transmits data to a portable digital console. The console displays both your current electricity usage and the related cost based on your utility rate (which you program into the console). This information allows you to measure how your consumption changes throughout the day, such as when your refrigerator's compressor turns on or when you turn your television off. Whole-house meters vary in price from approximately $100 to $200 depending on their features. Some can measure consumption at two different rates (if your utility's rate changes based on time of day or total usage), while others can factor in the effect of home energy systems such as rooftop solar panels that offset conventional electricity use.
Plug-in meters. These devices are a less expensive but somewhat more limited option for tracking the energy consumption of individual appliances. You simply plug the meter into an outlet and plug an appliance into the meter, which displays the appliance's electricity usage as it operates.
For as little as $30, these gadgets allow you to measure how much electricity an appliance uses in various power settings, including standby mode (when the appliance continues to draw power even though it is turned off). You can also measure consumption over time, which can be helpful for appliances such as refrigerators that draw varying amounts of electricity during the day. One drawback of plug-in meters is that they cannot measure the contribution of "hard-wired" appliances such as central air conditioners, water heaters, or wall/ceiling light fixtures, which can represent up to 40 percent of home electricity usage. (See the Related Resources for a list of appliance consumption figures.)
Related Resources
Oxford University (UK)-The Effectiveness of Feedback on Energy Consumption (pdf)
Green Building Advisor-Home Dashboards Help Reduce Energy Use
Energy Savers Blog-You Can't Manage Energy Use That You Don't Measure
Energy Information Administration-Residential Electricity Consumption by End Use
George adds: The most effective way to save electricity is to turn off the lights when you leave a room. Use your washer/dryer during the weekends of after 6:00PM.
Help with Household Chores? The realtor Volunteer Service Program will spend May 3-7 helping homeowners or renters with tasks - from planing spring flowers to washing windows to flipping mattresses. They will focus on activities that help folks stay in their homes. Deadline for applying is Feb 26. Call 408-200-0100 or go to www.silvar.org to download an application.
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
Take the 2010 MRA Survey. See http://www.mimi.com/mra.
Many folks asked about food safety with a power outage. See this site from the Red Cross for tips. http://tinyurl.com/ye9bfa9
Next Series of trainings for Block Preparedness Coordinators will be on Wed March 24th at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation at 6PM.
Has anyone found a jacket on this past Sunday on the sidewalk of Colorado ave between Louis and Middlefield or the parking lot around CVS? IF so, please contact Jack at jhmwen@hotmail.com.
FEBRUARY 26: MyGym Midtown - Parents Night Out.:from 5:30-8:30 PM. For Children 20 months to 9 years old;
What: Games, pizza. FEE: $30 for members, $40 for non members; 50% off siblings CASH ONLY.
Reserve a spot : 330-1760.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
City Manager James Keene announced that the city will soon begin releasing reports pertaining to council agendas on Wednesday nights -- a day earlier than currently so that residents will have all day Thursday and Friday to pick up city reports. Thanks to some of our new council members for working on this.
VACANCY ON THE LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMISSION:
Appointment information and application forms are available in the City Clerk's Office, 329-2571 or may be obtained on the website at http://www.cityofpaloalto.org. Deadline for receipt of applications in the City Clerk's Office is 5:30 PM, Monday, March 8.
Become a Certified Bicycle Safety Instructor!
Education is a key component of Palo Alto’s traffic safety program, with a variety of offerings. Classes are available to parents, elementary and middle school students through the schools and through the city’s Recreation Department. In our schools, these classes provide the foundation for safe cycling which has allowed us to buck the national trend and establish unprecedented levels of bike commuting by students. In our neighborhoods, bicyclists of all ages benefit from bike safety education. Additional instructors are needed to continue this highly successful program. League of American Bicyclists certification as a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) is required. A seminar will be given for prospective instructors in June. Ideal candidates for the seminar are experienced, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic bicyclists. They must have some understanding of derailleur gearing systems and how they work. Candidates must be able to change a rear flat and maintain their own bicycle. Before attending the LCI Certification Seminar, applicants must become a member of the League ($35/year) and must have completed a Smart Cycling Traffic Skills 101 course (9-hours divided between classroom and on bike) and receive a score of 85% or better on the written exam and 90% or better for their on-bike score. After these prerequisites, certification as a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) requires successful completion of a 23-hour seminar conducted by a League Coach (LC). [League Coaches are experienced LCIs who have completed an apprenticeship under other League Coaches.] For more information, please contact Penny Ellson at 856-0736 or pellson@pacbell.net.
PUBLIC MEETING ON THE CALIFORNIA AVENUE STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, PHASE II was cancelled due to the Power Outage and will be re-scheduled.
City Council Agenda
FEBRUARY 22: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=18867
Starting at 7:45PM: Adoption of a Resolution Confirming the City Manager/Director of Emergency Services’ Proclamation of Existence of a Local Emergency, Request for Direction to (1) Prepare Response to Google’s Fiber for Communities Request for Information; and (2) Discontinue Work for the Submission of a Federal Stimulus Grant Application Under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Broadband Technology Opportunities Program; Joint Study Session with the Architectural Review Board (ARB) to Discuss Palo Alto ARB Issues
NOTE: THIS SOUND S LIKE A LATE START. IF I HEAR MORE I WILL SEND OUT A NOTE.
Planning & Transportation Commission FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS WITH TENTATIVE DATES
February 24: Study Session to provide early input on the City’s Capital Improvement Program, Review of the Comprehensive Plan Natural Environment Element Policies and Programs
March 3: Joint Council/Planning & Transportation Commission study session Regarding Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Housing Element Status at 7PM at Council Chambers. The Council and Commission will discuss the status of the Comprehensive Plan and Housing Element updates.
March 10, 2010: 805 Los Trancos Road Site and Design & Open Space Zone District - Max. House Size and Basement Regulations
OTHER FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS WITH TENTATIVE DATES:
3/15 Annual Joint City Council/PTC Study Session
3/24 Discussion of Housing Element, 2500 Embarcadero Road
3/31 Review of Transportation Element Programs and Policies for the Comp. Plan, Fairmeadow Single Story Overlay Proposal
4/28 North Cal. Ave Safe Routes to School/Traffic Calming Project
5/12 Cal. Ave. Streetscape Improvements Phase II
MARCH 18: Community Meeting on the Library and Community Center Bond Projects.
The
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
Acterra is seeking a special volunteer and/or intern to assist with urban ecology classes and their planning process.
FEBRUARY 20: "Beginning (Again) in the Garden" with Hazel White at Gamble Garden in the Carriage House: from 10:00 AM to noon. Fee: $30 members, $40 non-members (or Join Now!), Class is limited to 25.
Why do you garden, and what will keep you gardening excitedly throughout the year? Exploring childhood memories, our experience of place (sunlight, paths, shelter, view, variety, etc.) and the role of activity (growing food, building plant collections, taking care of land) in the creation of personal meaning, this workshop will ensure you will garden passionately all season long. Come with writing materials to plan your garden for 2010 and discover the heart of why you garden. Weather permitting; we will go out into the garden. See gamblegarden.org
FEBRUARY 20: Common Ground Workshop "Fruit Tree Varieties" with Nancy Garrrison from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Learn which varieties of peaches, nectarines, plums, pluots, apricots, apples and pears are the delight of connoisseurs. Be introduced to the best of the best-tasting deciduous fruits that grow in this area and learn where to source your own plants. Nancy has been conducting and attending fruit tastings for the last 26 years in her diverse home fruit garden and in research facilities around the state. She has collaborated with Andy's Orchard and Dave Wilson Nursery and oversees the rare fruit plantings at Prusch Farm Park. FEE: $31. To register 493-6072.
FEBRUARY 25: Lecture with Author Noah Alper, 'Business Mensch' at the JCC in the Cultural Arts Hall from 7 - 9 PM. lper writes about the power of integrating life experience and spirituality into one's path as an entrepreneur. Due to his own success,Noah's New York Bagels was sold for $100 million seven years after its creation. "Business Mensch" is a quick-reading business memoir with both personal and spiritual advice on how to be a "business mensch" (an "honorable, decent person"). He suggests having a little chutzpah, treating both employees and customers right, and taking time off when necessary. This book is about achieving financial success while remaining loyal to timeless values. Co-sponsored by the Commonwealth Club of California and the Harvard Club of Silicon Valley. FEE: $10 JCC members & students, $15 non-members. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/85241
FEBRUARY 27: Acterra workshop: Rainwater Harvesting and Rainbarrel Building Workshop from 12:00 - 3:00 PM in Menlo Park at a private residence along San Francisquito Creek in Menlo Park. Address & directions given on registration. Join them for a fun and informative hands-on rainwater harvesting workshop. they will design and construct a multi-barrel system for collecting rainwater from the roof of a creekside private residence. Topics will include but not necessarily be limited to: a) building a raised platform for the barrels for convenience and/or increased water pressure , b) assembling multiple barrels in a series, c) modifying a downspout, d) setting up the overflow pipe, e) mosquito abatement and f) earthquake safety. Fee: $30 general public, $20 Acterra members. Contact: Arnie Thompson, 962.9876 x310, arniet@acterra.org.
Websites:
http://acterra.org/programs/stewardship/get_involved.html#workshops
http://www.acterra.org/stewardship
FEBRUARY 28: "Gardens of the Heart’s Delight" with Katsy Swan at Gamble Garden Carriage House from 2:00 to 4:30 PM (time includes reception). Gardens are places of magical dreams. There are collector’s gardens, princely gardens, whimsical gardens, painterly gardens, secret gardens. Join Katsy as she takes us on a tour of personal gardens that reflect the heart’s desire of their creators.
Fee: $30 members, $40 non-members (or Join Now!). See gamblegarden.org.
MARCH 13: Concert at First Lutheran, 600 Homer Ave. (Homer & Webster) at 5PM. "Mistaken Identity: misattributed works." Soli Deo Gloria with Orchestra Gloria performs a concert of Baroque choral music that will leave the audience guessing. Find out who really wrote these pieces and why it's been kept a secret for years as Artistic Director Allen H Simon conducts this first-ever "Who done it" concert. "Everybody thought we knew who wrote these beautiful pieces, but it turns out we were mistaken." Some are just accidental; other outright frauds. What motivated J-B Weckerlin to write a fake piece in the 1800s and claim it was by Orlando di Lasso? Why did the respected Bach-Gesellschaft think that Kuhnau's cantata Uns ist ein Kind geboren was by Bach? Who really wrote the "Pergolesi" Magnificat? Should we tell the children that their favorite Bach song "Bist du bei mir" was actually composed by Gottfried Stölzel? Find out which pieces fooled publishers (and sometimes scholars) for years. FEE: $25 (general), $20 (student/senior); discount for advance purchase. Call 888/SDG-SONG or order on line at www.sdgloria.org.
OLD
Upcoming Workshops on Saving Water in your Landscape: City sponsored.
-- March 27, 2010: Irrigation Design and Maintenance from 9:00 AM- noon; Instructor Lori Palmquist; Cubberley Community Center - Room H-6
-- April 17, 2010: Designing Water Efficient Landscaping from 1:30 - 4:30 PM; Instructor Patricia Evans; City of Palo Alto City Hall - Council Chambers
-- May 22, 2010: New Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Elements – Calculations and Standards from 9:00 AM -noon; Instructor - Chris Todd; Cubberley Community Center - Room H-6
FEBRUARY 20: Juana Run: A fun family & competitive road race with events for all ages. Register online at www.JuanaRun.org. Email to juanarun@aol.com. 8K at 8:30 AM, 1 mile at 11:10 Am. Kids races 1/2 and 1/4 mile (grade PK-5) 10:00 AM approx every 10 minutes. Fee: 8K race before 1/25-$25. $30 before 2/10; $35 race day. 1-mile race - $15 before 1/25; $20 before 2/10; $25 race day. Kids races $10, $13, $15 per dates above. Price includes T-shirt, kids finisher ribbon, raffle, food, drink.
FEBRUARY 25: USGS Monthly lecture at 7:00PM - ARkSTORM - A Scenario of a Massive West Coast Storm with Dale Cox, To watch the lecture, see http://media.wr.usgs.gov/live.
FEBRUARY 28 & March 7, 14, 21, 28: Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits:Ages 10 and up; Fee: $75 members/$85 non-members Time 10:00 AM - noon (4/5 sessions). Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) at 351 Homer Avenue. For more information or to register please contact 321-1004 or visit www.moah.org/education.
MARCH 21 Botanical Patterns on English Transferware at Gamble Garden from 2:00 -4:30 PM. . FEE: $30 member, $40 non-member. See http://www.gamblegarden.org. For more email admin@gamblegarden.org or call 329-1356 x201.
MARCH 16: "ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE: Preparing Palo Alto for Inevitable Impacts" from 7-9 PM at Lucie Stern. FREE: Sponsor: Community Environmental Action Partnership (CEAP); Questions? pa.ceap@hotmail.com or 424-9633.
JULY 5-9: An environmentally-themed summer day-camp for children in grades 1- 6 will be offered by the YMCA. Topics include: renewable energy, waste management, the meaning & benefits of 'going green', natural resources conservation & protection. For information, contact the YMCA at 856-9622. Online registration begins on January 25. http://www.paloaltofamilyymca.org
TIPS
From University South news: FTC update on "Do Not Call" The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has issued two reports on its program to stop unwanted telephone solicitations. [January 4, 2010] http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2010/01/donotcall.shtm. More than 191 million numbers have been registered. Robocall recipients can complain even though their number is not registered. For more information https://www.donotcall.gov/.
Also from University South: Household uses for hair spray:
- Remove ink stains from washable clothing and skin. Spray the ink-stained area and blot with a clean cloth. Wash as usual.
- Protect the freshly polished finish of brass or copper. Once you have cleaned copper or brass, add a protective coating of hair spray to slow down the tarnishing process.
- Spray a housefly that's buzzing around you.
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
Can anyone can help an 8 year old local girl who desperately needs a bone marrow match in order to receive a possibly life saving transplant. The girl is of Chinese and Japanese descent so probably Asians are more likely to have the DNA that she can accept. Go to www.helpfornatalie.com for more information.
We are getting close, on TUESDAY, Feb 16 , I personally invite you to the FIRST Midtown General meeting of the year on traffic! Traffic is something like the weather – everybody talks about it, but nobody can do anything about it. Or can they? To find out, come to the next Midtown Residents Association meeting on Tuesday, February 16. Speakers will include those most likely to do something about traffic in Palo Alto:
Local Midtown Artist: Geri McGilvray will show thirty paintings in various media in a one-woman show at the Norton Gallery, Pacific Art League, 668 Ramona St. for the month of March. The retrospective show is themed "Through The Eyes of a Woman". Join her at the reception on Friday, Mar. 5, from 6:00-9:00 PM. Doug Jones, Mountain View multi-instrumentalist, will provide classic and original music. See her work at www.Geriart.net. Contact her at Geri@thegrid.net. Geri will teach a FREE drawing class at the Gallery on March 17th from 1:00 - 3:30PM .
Midtown Clayprint artist Martha Castillo invites you to celebrate the end of tax season with a clayprint workshop on April 17th. For more contact Martha at 493.7763 or mail@marthacastillo.net. See http://www.marthacastillo.net/.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
Palo Alto Police now accept anonymous tips by text via TipNow. Send information to paloalto@tipnow.org; the service will encrypt the sender's email address or cell and remove any identifying information before sending to police. This is best used for suspicious activity that isn't an emergency or for crimes under investigation.
FEBRUARY 16: Comprehensive Plan Speaker Series: The second forum in the Comprehensive Plan Speaker Series is scheduled for February 16 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The featured speaker will be William Fulton, a highly regarded expert on California and national planning trends, and author of “Guide to California Planning,” the authoritative summary of state planning and environmental issues and regulations. He is the publisher of the monthly California Planning and Development Report, and is experienced as a professional journalist and planner, planning commissioner, and city council member, as well as a frequent presenter at national and statewide events. More information about the session will be released by mid-January. On November 10, 2009, the City sponsored its initial presentation in a speaker series related to the Comprehensive Plan update. The session was titled “Implementing SB 375: What Local Governments Need to Know” and focused on the role local governments will play in helping the state implement new laws regarding climate change. A third forum is tentatively scheduled for March 11, 2010 and will feature Jeffrey Tumlin of Nelson/Nygaard Transportation Consultants discussing new approaches to traffic analysis and transportation planning.
City Council Agenda
FEBRUARY 15: No council due to President's Day Holiday
MARCH 8: TENTATIVE Council/Planning & Transportation Commission study session
Planning & Transportation Commission FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS WITH TENTATIVE DATES
** Joint PTC/Council Study Session (3/8)
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
FEBRUARY 11: Discovery Channel special on the Haiti earthquake at 9PM featuring USGS scientists Carol Prentice & Ross Stein in Menlo Park, CA. DISCOVERY CHANNEL AND SCIENCE CHANNEL TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE THAT ROCKED HAITI LAST MONTH. Premieres Thursday, February 11 at 9PM ET/PT The magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010 was the strongest to hit the island in over two centuries. Discovery Channel & Science Channel explore Haiti in the aftermath of the tragic quake, whether it could have been avoided, and what we can learn scientifically from the tragedy. The special delves deep into the key questions that scientists are racing to answer: Why did the quake happen now? Could it have been predicted? And when and where might the next "big one" strike? Geologist Roger Bilham of the University of Colorado travels to Haiti to explore the enormous forces that caused this disaster. Eric Calais, Paul Mann, Carol Prentice, Ross Stein and Roger Bilham contributed to this special feature. See http://press.discovery.com/us/dsc/press-releases/2010/discovery-channel-takes-closer-look-at-Haiti for more information.
Midpeninsula Media Center: You can join a new video-making community project, no experience or equipment necessary. The Midpeninsula Community Media Center is launching “Zoom In”, a video workshop and production collaborative. A low-cost, fast-track course will give you all the basics you need to shoot videos, edit, and publish them on the web. Whether you want to pull your camcorder out of the closet, or borrow one from the Media Center, you will be able to put your learning into practice, and then enjoy the public screenings and community feedback. It’s also an opportunity to create videos about Midtown people, places, or issues. Alternatively, you can take an idea from a dynamic list of public requests. Mentors and other team members will help you progress. The cost for about sixteen hours of training is only $100 and for an extra $50 you can have access to Media Center camera equipment for six months. The workshops will be offered every other month. For more information call Becky Sanders at 494-8686 x 11, or go to the Media Center’s web site at www.Midpenmedia.org/Zoomin.
FEBRUARY 20: Caryll-Lynn writes: Deborah's Palm is finally open at 555 Lytton Ave. Come, 'tour the house' & general business plus fun projects from 10AM - NOON. Deborah's Palm is a non profit organization providing holistic wellness and support to all women, in times of crisis, need or daily life challenges. In one place, our innovative approach offers professional counseling, education, resources and community building activities. The origin of the name: Deborah was a judge,prophetess and a powerful woman in ancient Israel. People gathered to seek her advise. Known for her wisdom, she would sit beneath a palm tree to guide and confer with all who would come to her. We hope to emulate the spirit of this historical example by imparting wisdom and comfort to all who come through our doors. It's a place for women of all ages to find understanding & friendships w/life's challenges through carefully selected activities, classes, support-groups & referrals. For more: www.deboahspalm.org and www.paloaltoonline.com/weekly/story_print.php?story_id=8973. RSVP: info@deborahspalm.com, or call 473-0665. Caryll adds "I can tell you after a year of behind the scenes effort working w/a small core group of volunteers at DP, I am already blessed and rewarded beyond my dreams. This is and will continue to be a magical place for women. Come feel the magic..."
FEBRUARY 25: USGS Monthly lecture at 7:00PM - ARkSTORM - A Scenario of a Massive West Coast Storm with Dale Cox, USGS Multi-Hazards project manager. Looking at a scientifically plausible scenario for a massive winter storm striking the West Coast, the size of which hasn't been seen in California since the devastating winter storms of 1861. This scenario storm, that's spawned from a series of "Atmospheric River" events, slams into the West Coast with hurricane force over a period of several weeks creating floods, landslides, and erosion hazards impacting life and property along its path. Come and learn about the possibility of experiencing storms of this magnitude, which are expected to become more frequent and intense as a result of projected changing climate conditions. More information: online.wr.usgs.gov/calendar. To watch the lecture live go to: http://media.wr.usgs.gov/live.
MARCH 16: "ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE: Preparing Palo Alto for Inevitable Impacts" from 7-9 PM at Lucie Stern. FREE: Climate change is happening. We must do everything possible to minimize its severity by reducing our use of fossil fuels, but we also should begin preparing ourselves for the changes ahead. In Palo Alto we can expect an increased risk of flooding, water shortages and wildfires in our foothills. How can we prepare for these impacts? Former Mayor Peter Drekmeier will identify some of the challenges ahead and measures we can take to reduce the local impacts of climate change. Following the talk, attendees will divide into small groups to discuss the issues. Sponsor: Community Environmental Action Partnership (CEAP); Questions? pa.ceap@hotmail.com or 424-9633.
Upcoming Workshops on Saving Water in your Landscape: City sponsored.
-- March 27, 2010: Irrigation Design and Maintenance from 9:00 AM- noon; Instructor Lori Palmquist; Cubberley Community Center - Room H-6
-- April 17, 2010: Designing Water Efficient Landscaping from 1:30 - 4:30 PM; Instructor Patricia Evans; City of Palo Alto City Hall - Council Chambers
-- May 22, 2010: New Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Elements – Calculations and Standards from 9:00 AM -noon; Instructor - Chris Todd; Cubberley Community Center - Room H-6
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FEBRUARY 12-15: KlezCalifornia YIDDISH CULTURE FESTIVAL on Presidents' Day Weekend (February 12-15), at Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St. See the full program and register now at www.klezcalifornia.org. Questions? Contact us at info@klezcalifornia.org or 415.789.7679.
FEBRUARY 13: CANOPY WORKSHOPS: Restoring Older Fruit Trees with David Muffly. FEE: $35. To register contact Sharon@canopy.org, and for directions and details. FUTURE workshop: March 5: Structural Pruning
FEBRUARY 13-14: Friends of the PA Library Monthly Used Book Sale, NW corner of Cubberley Center. For the latest information go to http://www.friendspaloaltolib.org Saturday: Bargain and Children's Room 10 AM - 4 PM; Main Room 11 AM - 4 PM, Outdoor $1.00 sale - 9 AM; Sunday: All Rooms 11 AM - 4 PM
FEBRUARY 16: Midpeninsula Professional Alliance presents: Sales Effectiveness for the Non-Sales Professional from 7:30-9:00 AM at Scotts, Town & Country. FEE: $17.95 for full breakfast with advance payment and RSVP.
For more see https://www.123signup.com/register?id=mfgcf or contact Tom at tom@serviceforprofit.com.
FEBRUARY 17: Stanford Historical Society talk on the history of sandstone by Charles Junkerman, Associate Provost & Dean of Continuing Studies at Stanford. 5:15 - 6:30 PM at Room 2 in Building 200 in the Main Quad.
Please check our web page at http://histsoc.stanford.edu or email stanfordhist@stanford.edu for program updates.
FEBRUARY 17: Morrison Institute at Stanford lectures. For Morrison Institute Winter Colloquium information call 723-7518 or email morrisoninstitute@stanford.edu. Lectures at Stanford University, Herrin Hall, Room T-175, 4:15–5:30 PM.
2/17 - China's One Child Policy and Its Looming Demographic Crisis
2/14 - Race and Evolution: An Old Battle in a New Era
3/3 - Variation in Age-Specific Mortality and Reproduction in a Natural Population.
FEBRUARY 20: Juana Run: A fun family & competitive road race with events for all ages. A complimentary pancake breakfast for all 8K participants immediately follows race. Start Juana Briones Elementary School; parking at Gunn High School. Race Hotline 599-33434. Register online at www.JuanaRun.org. Email to juanarun@aol.com. 8K at 8:30 AM, 1 mile at 11:10 Am. Kids races 1/2 and 1/4 mile (grade PK-5) 10:00 AM approx every 10 minutes. Fee: 8K race before 1/25-$25. $30 before 2/10; $35 race day. 1-mile race - $15 before 1/25; $20 before 2/10; $25 race day. Kids races $10, $13, $15 per dates above. Price includes T-shirt, kids finisher ribbon, raffle, food, drink.
FEBRUARY 20: Gamble Garden ~ Beginning (Again) in the Garden with Hazel White from 10:00 AM- noon. FEE: $30 member, $40 non-member. Register at http://www.gamblegarden.org.
FEBRUARY 28 & March 7, 14, 21, 28: Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits:Ages 10 and up; Fee: $75 members/$85 non-members Time 10:00 AM - noon (4/5 sessions). Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) at 351 Homer Avenue. For more information or to register please contact 321-1004 or visit www.moah.org/education.
MARCH 21 Botanical Patterns on English Transferware at Gamble Garden from 2:00 -4:30 PM. . FEE: $30 member, $40 non-member. See http://www.gamblegarden.org. For more email admin@gamblegarden.org or call 329-1356 x201.
JULY 5-9: An environmentally-themed summer day-camp for children in grades 1- 6 will be offered by the YMCA. Topics include: renewable energy, waste management, the meaning & benefits of 'going green', natural resources conservation & protection. For information, contact the YMCA at 856-9622. Online registration begins on January 25. http://www.paloaltofamilyymca.org
TIPS
Triangle of Life: Ljan sends us a link to the official Red Cross response to the triangle of Life concept for emergency preparedness. Summary "Recently it has been brought to my attention that an email from Doug Copp, titled "Triangle of Life," is making its rounds again on the Internet. "Drop, Cover, and Hold On" is CORRECT, accurate, and APPROPRIATE for use in the United States for Earthquake safety. Mr. Copp's assertions in his message that everyone is always crushed if they get under something is incorrect." American Red Cross response at: www2.bpaonline.org/emergencyprep/arc-on-doug-copp.html.
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
We are getting close, on TUESDAY, Feb 16 , I personally invite you to the FIRST Midtown General meeting of the year on traffic! Traffic is something like the weather – everybody talks about it, but nobody can do anything about it. Or can they? To find out, come to the next Midtown Residents Association meeting on Tuesday, February 16. Speakers will include those most likely to do something about traffic in Palo Alto:
One of the Council key priorities for 2010 is emergency preparedness. As we are constantly reminded by events here and abroad, there is an ongoing need for all of us to prepare for earthquake and other natural disaster. Please note the article in today's Weekly on this important topic at http://www.paloaltoonline.com/weekly/story.php?story_id=12397 For those folks who want to get informed and learn more, there are two choices coming up
1) TRAINING AS BLOCK PREPAREDNESS COORDINATOR THIS SATURDAY February 6. In a major disaster, our neighborhood will need Block Preparedness Coordinators (BPC) on each block as the critical link with the city's emergency responders in the first few days. Find out how you can help in the first 2010 short training session to join the BPC team, organized by the City of Palo Alto and Palo Alto Neighborhoods (PAN).
Saturday, FEBRUARY 6 at the Cubberly Campus of Foothill - Room IA - Foothill Auditorium. RSVP to EPVounteers@PANeighborhoods.org. Map of the campus at http://www.foothill.edu/mid/map.php.
10:00 AM Introduction
10:45 AM Communications
11:40 AM Disaster Assessment
2) BECOME A DISASTER SERVICE VOLUNTEER FOR THE CITY. SIGN UP NOW FOR PANDA TRAINING STARTING FEBRUARY 17 Volunteers to assist with the City's disaster services will also be needed. Get the training you need at the next series of PANDA classes, which runs from February 17 through March 18, with either morning or evening sessions to choose from. To enroll, please contact the Office of Emergency Services at 617-3197 or by email at PANDA@cityofpaloalto.org.
For more information: go to http://www.cityofpaloalto.org, choose the Emergency Information tab on the left, then scroll down and click on "PANDA."BECOME A DISASTER SERVICE WORKER FOR THE CITY:
Marsha writes: My gardener is looking for additional clients. He is competent, reliable and very responsible. Never misses work, even in the rain. Please contact Marsha at happypuddings@gmail.com.
Local Midtown Artist: Geri McGilvray will show thirty paintings in various media in a one-woman show at the Norton Gallery, Pacific Art League, 668 Ramona St. for the month of March. The retrospective show is themed "Through The Eyes of a Woman". Join her at the reception on Friday, Mar. 5, from 6:00-9:00 PM. Doug Jones, Mountain View multi-instrumentalist, will provide classic and original music. See her work at www.Geriart.net. Contact her at Geri@thegrid.net. Geri will teach a FREE drawing class at the Gallery on March 17th from 1:00 - 3:30PM.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
Curtis Williams, Director of Planning and Community Environment sends his monthly update on Projects and Activities. See http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/pln/news/details.asp?NewsID=613&TargetID=85.
Joy writes: If you know of anyone (18 or older) who is interested in a temporary job working for the US Census Bureau, have them phone 1-866-861-2010 (toll free) to sign up to take the free employment test. (It is a 30-minute test, but it can take 2 hours or so of your time to sit through the whole process. The test consists of 28 multiple choice questions) To get a copy of a practice test, Google "Census practice test". Tests are being scheduled now to about Feb. 12, and are being offered at a number of local test sites, including Cubberley and Lucy Stern. But the opportunity to take the test may end very soon. Census questionnaires are scheduled to be delivered to households in March. The Census Bureau will be hiring Census Takers (enumerators) to visit households that did not return a questionnaire by mail in May-July. Census Takers will generally work in their own local community. (And the Census Bureau is looking for more applicants from the Palo Alto and Stanford area). Enumerators in the SF Bay Area earn about $22 per hour. (You are paid for training, and enumerators get reimbursed for mileage). Hours are flexible (so you can work around another job or school), but a Census Taker usually should try to visit a residence when people tend to be home. The Census Bureau recently opened a local office in Mountain View near the Caltrain station for the 2010 census (they call it the Palo Alto office, even though it's in MV), so the local census office is located pretty close by. The current word on the hiring time frame for enumerators (Census Takers) is that the Census Bureau will be hiring around mid-March for training and work in April. Testing in Santa Clara County is ending soon, so anyone interested in taking the test should sign up ASAP.
New Statewide Landscape Standards Now in Effect in Palo Alto: State law has been amended to require all cities to adopt more stringent water use requirements for landscaping. Residents/businesses in Palo Alto seeking permits that include new or upgraded landscaping are currently required by state law and an ordinance developed by the state’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) to meet the new water efficiency regulations. This new requirement went into effect on January 1, 2010. The Ordinance requires each applicant who is installing new or upgrading current landscaping to submit a Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet with water budget calculations and information about hydrozones, or how much water each part of the yard needs. Final permit approval requires the submission of an irrigation schedule, a schedule of landscape and irrigation maintenance, a landscape irrigation audit report and a soil management report to the City. All automated irrigation systems must be controlled by a weather–based or evapotranspiration (ET) system. The City of Palo Alto is working on a streamlined and easier to use local ordinance that will be as least as effective as the DWR model to update the City’s existing water efficient landscape ordinance, adopted in 1993. City staff will present a new, streamlined version of the DWR Model Ordinance to the Utilities Advisory Commission in April and to the City Council as soon as possible thereafter. This local ordinance will include water efficiency measures for new or renovated residential landscapes in addition to the City’s existing commercial landscape regulations. Once adopted, the landscape efficiency requirements will be incorporated into the City’s existing Green Building program permit application process. In the interim, the DWR Model Ordinance is automatically in effect, and it will remain so unless and until the City Council approves an updated Palo Alto specific ordinance. For further questions regarding the DWR Model Ordinance or the City’s proposed local version, contact the City’s Water Conservation Specialist at 329-2417 or read http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/utl/news/details.asp?NewsID=1488&TargetID=235.
Santa Clara County is having a contest for National Poetry Month in April. Residents are asked to create poems that celebrate a variety of experiences available in the Valley. 30 poems will be selected to be read at a meeting in April. You can submit up to 3 poems . Deadline February 28. Many odd rules as no email submissions. Get the rules at http://nilspeterson-poet.wordpress.com.
FEBRUARY 6: Help the City of Palo Alto Develop Its New Palo Alto Recycling and Composting Ordinance. Nearly 43% of our garbage is actually recyclable. By simply placing items in the appropriate containers, we can further our community goals of Zero Waste by 2021 and 15% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. To address this important issue, the City is creating a new Recycling and Composting Ordinance. You are invited to attend public meetings to develop the specifics of the new ordinance. Wednesday, February 3, at 7 - 8:30 PM at Art Center Auditorium & Saturday, February 6 at 10 - 11:30 AM at Art Center Auditorium, 1313 Newell Road. For more, www.cityofpaloalto.org/zerowaste or call 496-5910
FEBRUARY 9: Are you concerned about what High Speed Rail will look like in our city? Do you want to see what designs they are considering? Preview the Alternatives Analysis for the High Speed Rail Project on Tuesday, February 9th from 3:30 - 6:00 PM in Council Chambers . Representatives from the California High Speed Rail Authority will present a preview of the design alternatives that are being studied for the high speed train that is planned on the CalTrain right of way. Engineers will be there to answer technical questions. There will be a period for public comment and each speaker will have 2 minutes. This meeting will be video taped and made available on the city's website for those who can't attend. The Alternatives Analysis will officially be presented to the Board of Directors for the High Speed Rail Authority on March 4th. From that point on, the public will have 30 days to provide any official comments to the alternatives presented. We are hoping that the deadline for comments will be extended - but we are not sure, so please plan ahead. It is very important that citizens get involved in the process and offer their feedback. If you do not comment, under the law your silence means you agree with the plans put forth 100%. Please note, if you have comments for the High Speed Rail Authority, you will need to turn those in writing in order for them to be part of the official record. If you'd like additional information about this presentation, please contact Steve Emslie, Deputy City Manager at steve.emslie@cityofpaloalto.org or 329-2354. For more information, please see the City's website at: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/living/news/details.asp?NewsID=1223&TargetID=4.
See the conceptual video by the Authority at http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov/gallery.asp?s=alma-street.
Other sources of information:
* Official California High Speed Rail website: http://www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov
* Peninsula Cities Consortium: www.peninsularail.com
* CARRD - Californians Advocating Responsible Rail Design: www.calhsr.com
FEBRUARY 9: The third workshop for the California Avenue Concept Plan is coming up! It will be held this Tuesday, February 2nd from 7 to 9 PM at Lucie Stern Community Center at 1305 Middlefield Road. The Concept Plan is part of a project to amend the City's Comprehensive Plan. At this workshop, participants will review the alternatives for the California Avenue Concept Plan area and provide feedback on them. The Planning and Transportation Commission will review these alternatives and feedback from this workshop and select a Preferred Alternative this Spring. For more information, please visit the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Amendment website http://www.paloaltocompplan2020.org. The City's web site (end of the message) has information from the two previous workshops, plus supplementary materials. However, most of these materials have many photos in them, making them large and slow to download (so be prepared for delays in viewing). The Concept Plan covers not just the California Avenue business district, but most of the properties all the way through Fry's (map on the City's web site).
City Council Agenda
Palo Alto's Open City Hall forum for the Feb 8 Council Meeting on Streetscape at El Camino & Stanford.
February 1: 7:30PM or as soon as possible - Joint study session with Human Relations Commission (HRC) Members Concerning Palo Alto Human Relations Issues. 8:30PM or as soon as possible: Public hearing on Ordinance for "Definition of Private Streets", Monthly Update on City Activities Related to High Speed Rail Project; and Public Hearing: Consider the Approval of Water Supply Assessment to Stanford Medical Center Facilities Renewal and Replacement Project
FEBRUARY 8: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=18771 Action on 1) Destination Palo Alto Metrics, Direction to Staff to Pursue Transition to Participation in the San Mateo County Tourism Business Improvement District 2) Design for El Camino Real/Stanford Avenue Intersection Improvements and Streetscape Project, and 3) Water Supply Assessment to Stanford Medical Center
FEBRUARY 15: No council due to President's Day Holiday
MARCH 8: TENTATIVE Council/Planing & Transportation Commission study session
Planning & Transportation Commission FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS WITH TENTATIVE DATES
** East Meadow Circle Concept Plan (2/10)
** Joint PTC/Council Study Session (3/8)
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
Volunteers needed: English-in-Action seeks people to converse in English one hour a week with Stanford's international students, scholars or spouses. Contact eia@ccisstanfordu.org or phone: 327-7412 or 498-5252.
Upcoming Workshops on Saving Water in your Landscape: City sponsored
March 27, 2010: Irrigation Design and Maintenance from 9:00 AM- noon; Instructor Lori Palmquist; Cubberley Community Center - Room H-6
April 17, 2010: Designing Water Efficient Landscaping from 1:30 - 4:30 PM; Instructor Patricia Evans; City of Palo Alto City Hall - Council Chambers
May 22, 2010: New Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Elements – Calculations and Standards from 9:00 AM -noon; Instructor - Chris Todd; Cubberley Community Center - Room H-6
FEBRUARY 6: Saturday morning. Dedication at El Palo Alto Park at 9 AM of El Camino Real bell" to mark the site of the historic El Palo Alto, the city's namesake tree. In addition to being the most important living landmark on the peninsula, the El Camino Tree was selected for its’ historical significance as the site of Portola’s campsite and as his wayfaring landmark. See: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=15618
FEBRUARY 6: Common Ground Class: "SPROUTS ARE GOOD" with Jody Main and Nancy Jamello from 10:30 - 12:30 FEE: $31 + $10 materials fee, To register call 493-6072 or http://sproutsaregood.eventbrite.com/
FEBRUARY 10: Morrison Institute at Stanford has some interesting lectures. For Morrison Institute Winter Colloquium information call 723-7518 or email morrisoninstitute@stanford.edu.
Lectures are held at Stanford University, Herrin Hall, Room T-175, 4:15–5:30 PM.
2/10 - Recent Human Evolution as Revealed by Neanderthal Genome
2/17 - China's One Child Policy and Its Looming Demographic Crisis
2/14 - Race and Evolution: An Old Battle in a New Era
3/3 - Variation in Age-Specific Mortality and Reproduction in a Natural Population.
FEBRUARY 16: Midpeninsula Professional Alliance presents: Sales Effectiveness for the Non-Sales Professional from 7:30-9:00 AM at Scotts, Town & Country. FEE: $17.95 for full breakfast with advance payment and RSVP.
For more see https://www.123signup.com/register?id=mfgcf or contact Tom at tom@serviceforprofit.com.
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FEBRUARY 6: NEXT CANOPY TREE WALK: 2nd Saturday of every month from 10AM-12PM, rain or shine. Feb. 13: Old Palo Alto; March 13: Junior Museum & Zoo; April 10: Gamble Garden; May 8: Main Library & Art Center; June 12: Greenmeadow.
FEBRUARY 6: Gamble Garden - Aesthetic Pruning in Early Spring with Chris Ingram from 9:30-11:30 AM. FEE: $25 member, $35 non-member. Register at http://www.gamblegarden.org or call 329-1356 x201.
FEBRUARY 6, 13, 20, 27: Quilting for Beginners.- Heritage Arts class at the Museum of American Heritage (MOAH). Time 1 - 3 PM. FEE: $65 Members/$75 Non-Members. For more information or to register please contact 321-1004 or visit www.moah.org/education. Location: 351 Homer Avenue.
FEBRUARY 7: Zalmen Mlotek in Concert at the JCC: from 7:00 - 9:00PM in the Albert and Janet Schultz Cultural Arts Hall FEE: $20 - $30 in advance; $25 - $35 at the door, space permitting. See http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/77382
FEBRUARY 10: Valentine's Day Luncheon at Gamble Garden from noon until 2PM. FEE: $20 members, $25 non-members.
FEBRUARY 12-15: KlezCalifornia YIDDISH CULTURE FESTIVALon Presidents' Day Weekend (February 12-15), at Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St. See the full program and register now at www.klezcalifornia.org. Questions? Contact us at info@klezcalifornia.org or 415.789.7679.
FEBRUARY 13: CANOPY WORKSHOPS: Restoring Older Fruit Trees with David Muffly. FEE: $35. To register contact Sharon@canopy.org, and for directions and details. FUTURE workshop: March 5: Structural Pruning
FEBRUARY 13-14: Friends of the PA Library Monthly Used Book Sale, NW corner of Cubberley Center. For the latest information go to http://www.friendspaloaltolib.org.
Saturday: Bargain and Children's Room 10 AM - 4 PM; Main Room 11 AM - 4 PM, Outdoor $1.00 sale - 9 AM
Sunday: All Rooms 11 AM - 4 PM
FEBRUARY 17: Stanford Historical Society talk on the history of sandstone by Charles Junkerman, Associate Provost & Dean of Continuing Studies at Stanford. 5:15 - 6:30 PM at Room 2 in Building 200 in the Main Quad.
Please check our web page at http://histsoc.stanford.edu or email stanfordhist@stanford.edu for program updates.
FEBRUARY 20: Juana Run: A fun family & competitive road race with events for all ages. A complimentary pancake breakfast for all 8K participants immediately follows race. Start Juana Briones Elementary School; parking at Gunn High School. Race Hotline 599-33434. Register online at www.JuanaRun.org. Email to juanarun@aol.com. 8K at 8:30 AM, 1 mile at 11:10 Am. Kids races 1/2 and 1/4 mile (grade PK-5) 10:00 AM approx every 10 minutes. Fee: 8K race before 1/25-$25. $30 before 2/10; $35 race day. 1-mile race - $15 before 1/25; $20 before 2/10; $25 race day. Kids races $10, $13, $15 per dates above. Price includes T-shirt, kids finisher ribbon, raffle, food, drink.
FEBRUARY 20: Gamble Garden ~ Beginning (Again) in the Garden with Hazel White from 10:00 AM- noon. FEE: $30 member, $40 non-member. Register at http://www.gamblegarden.org.
FEBRUARY 28 & March 7, 14, 21, 28: Solid State Electronics & Integrated Circuits:Ages 10 and up; Fee: $75 members/$85 non-members Time 10:00 AM - noon (4/5 sessions). Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) at 351 Homer Avenue. For more information or to register please contact 321-1004 or visit www.moah.org/education.
MARCH 21 Botanical Patterns on English Transferware at Gamble Garden from 2:00 -4:30 PM. . FEE: $30 member, $40 non-member. See http://www.gamblegarden.org. For more email admin@gamblegarden.org or call 329-1356 x201.
JULY 5-9: An environmentally-themed summer day-camp for children in grades 1- 6 will be offered by the YMCA. Topics include: renewable energy, waste management, the meaning & benefits of 'going green', natural resources conservation & protection. For information, contact the YMCA at 856-9622. Online registration begins on January 25. http://www.paloaltofamilyymca.org
TIPS
MRA Chair Sheri adds this tip: You can track flights across our area http://sjc.webtrak-lochard.com/template/index.html, a flight tracking page sponsored by San Jose airport. It provides information with 10 minute delays as well as historical tracking over several days.
From the San Jose Mercury: Take a look at http://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com "a great distraction site loaded with more reasons to love a map than you thought possible."
George send us another interesting tidbit: "I thought you might find the following article from snopes.com (urban legend site) interesting: It concerns the requirement to move over when a law enforcement officer is stopped beside the road for any reason. The California law was enacted first in 2006 but stiffened on Jan. 1, 2010. It’s 2/3 of the way down the topic. http://www.snopes.com/politics/traffic/moveover.asp
Dick wrote: "The new law that states if any emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, if you are able, you are to move into the next lane or slow down to 20 miles below the posted Speed limit .The cost of a ticket was $754, with 3 points on your license and a mandatory court appearance. It is true (see details at www.snopes.com/politics/traffic/moveover.asp). It states that except two states, all the other US states (even Canada ) enacted similar kind of law."
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