| Midtown News Updates |
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MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
At the first MRA general meeting of 2009, and with a super majority voting "yes" from the survey, the following MRA officers were elected. Sheri Furman, Chair; Annette Ashton, Vice Chair; Karen Lawrence, Secretary; Sylvia Gartner, Treasurer.
Got Extra Shoes? Charlotte Reissmann, midtown resident, writes, "My daughter Alexandra Yesian is a Gunn High School junior. She has a charity called "Got Extra Shoes?" She has collected shoes around the neighbor hoods and from friends to donate locally to The Ecumenical Hunger Program & the Invision Program. See http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=8766.
So far 512 useable pairs of shoes have been collected and delivered. All kinds of shoes, including soccer shoes are welcome. Boys shoes are in especially short supply. We also pick up all over the greater Palo Alto area. For more info or to donate, call 852-3532 or gotextrashoes@Gmail.com.
WINTER LODGE: Registration for spring ice skating lessons at Winter Lodge begins Monday February 2 from 10:00 Am -1:00 PM. The classes run for 8 weeks from February 16 - April 11th. The classes include free practice time and rental skates for $128.00. Please visit http://www.winterlodge.com for more details or call 493-4566.
NEW MIDTOWN BUSINESS: Parenting Plus Child and Family Counseling in Midtown at 2875 Middlefield Rd. #8 next to Safeway. We are a counseling center that specializes in helping parents to find the right interventions with their children in bringing balance and harmony to their lives. We see parents, families and children at our center for therapy - all services under one roof. Cecilia Long, Marriage Family Therapist at 328-7587. See www.parentingpluscounseling.com to explain services & theoretical approach.
Altaire development offers tours and seminars: http://tinyurl.com/db8ayp
January 29: Interior Design Feng Shui from 2-3PM
February 7: Noon to 3 PM
Note: Check out website for location or call 966-8881.
Midtown resident, Ellin Klor, in the news: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_11551566?source=email
Kudos to Ellin for her bravery and lesson for all of us.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
TONIGHT: JANUARY 29: Comp Plan Amendment -- East Meadow Circle/Fabian Way Concept Plan: For more information contact Roland Rivera at 329-254, or roland.rivera@cityofpaloalto.org, or Click on the project website: http://www.paloaltocompplan2020.org.
TONIGHT: JANUARY 29: High Speed Rail Authority public scoping meeting to discuss the environmental review process for the San Francisco to San Jose section of the high speed train system. The alignment for the San Francisco to San Jose section will travel along the Caltrain rail right-of-way between San Francisco & San Jose. Future stations have been proposed for San Francisco, Millbrae, and San Jose, and potential station locations in Redwood City or Palo Alto will also be considered.
Comments can be submitted until 3/6 comments@hsr.ca.gov with subject line of "San Francisco to San Jose HST".
For more call (510) 587 - 8640, or visit www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov. Meeting will be held from 3 - 8 PM at Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Great America Meeting Rms.1&2, Santa Clara, CA.
Palo Alto Online article http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=10931&e=y
BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE FOR COMPOSTING: Applications will be accepted until Thursday February 5. See http://tinyurl.com/atefh3 for an application or contact the Clerk's Office at 329-2571.
CITY COUNCIL
FEBRUARY 2: Review and comment on the draft Traffic Study for the Stanford hospital and shopping center projects. Tentative 6 PM Meeting with Assemblyman Ruskin
FEBRUARY 9: TENTATIVE TOPICS: 6 PM Annual Meeting with Liz Kniss, 7 PM Meeting: Public Safety Building (direction on design and LEED certification), tentative land map for 200 San Antonio (45 unit town home), Review & Comment on Draft Sustainable Development Study for Stanford University
PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 12: Potential zoning changes to the Open Space (OS) zoning district and Zoning Ordinance re: Extended Stay Hotels and workshop for the California Avenue/Fry’s area plan.
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
Media Center is looking for entries to their contest - Greenlight Earth Day Film Festival: Want to be the next Al Gore? Want to be better than Al Gore? Then enter the Greenlight Earth Day Film Festival! Just make a video (less than 10 minutes) about a green issue that matters to you, and have a chance at over $2000 in prizes to Apple, Best Buy, and more! Entries are due March 27 and will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on April 16.
See their Greenlight website at http://tinyurl.com/aqux5t
FEBRUARY 1: Summer Opportunities Fair from 10 AM - 1 PM at the Menlo School, 50 Valparaiso, Atherton. FREE, programs for ages 8-18.
Meet directors from
* Overnight Camps - traditional, teens, specialty
* Trips - Wilderness, Worldwide touring
* Programs - sailing, ranch, arts, language, community service
Educational - College campuses USA & Abroad
For more call Judy Wiesen Student Camp & trip Advisors 415-454-5441 or 800-622-2347 or email judywiesen@aol.com.
FEBRUARY 3: Community Meeting on School Facilities Master Plan at 6 PM in the PALY Library http://www.paly.net/facilities/
FEBRUARY 7: Pruning with a Discerning Eye with Madeline Bakarich rom 9:30 - 11:30 AM at Gamble Garden 1431 Waverley Street. Fee: $25 members, $35 non-members. Properly done, pruning is subtle, logical, and transformational. This class covers pruning your own trees and shrubs and how to choose and oversee pruning by a professional. Includes basic rules of pruning, how to use your tools to get the best cuts, how to anticipate a pruning calendar, and how to enhance the beauty of the plant in its surrounding landscape.
FEBRUARY 22: Gamble Garden presents: Visiting the Gardens of Europe with Katsy Swan.
From 2:00 -4:00 PM at 1431 Waverley Street
Fee: $25 members, $35 non-members. http://www.gamblegarden.org
FEBRUARY 24: Healthy Eating in a Fast Food World. Presented by Lucile Packard Hospital. Lawrence Hammer, MD and Gretchen Flanagan, RD. will present startling information on what our children are eating and the associated health effects. Together, they will offer great tips and suggestions for healthy eating in today's often busy world. From 7 - 8:30 PM. For more information, call 724-3783.
OLD:
JANUARY 29: USGS monthly lecture: Exploring Mars: Geology, Climate Change and Prospects for Past Life.
Where: 345 Middlefield Road, Conference Room A, Bldg 3, Menlo Park.
For more, contact Amelia Barrales, abarrales2@usgs.gov or 329-5136
JANUARY 31: RED AND GREEN UNITE. Volunteer will distribute information packets to doorsteps on emergency & environmental issues.
FEBRUARY 1: Topaz Chamber Ensemble:4:00 -7:00 PM at All Saints' Church, 555 Waverley. FEE: $25 in advance; $30 at door.
FEBRUARY 2: Master plan for Gunn at 7:00 PM in the Gunn High School library.
FEBRUARY 7: Autism Spectrum Disorders Symposium at Stanford from 8 AM - 4 PM at Arrillaga Center (326 Galvez). For more and to register http://childpsychiary.stanford.edu or call 721-6327.
MARCH 4 :Breaking the Cycle of Bullying" at Ohlone on 3/4; El Carmelo School on 4/16; JLS on 4/7/09.
TIPS
PAPD Agent Dan Ryan sent this in the wake of recent burglaries: Encourage everyone to “harden their targets” by 1) making sure the doors are locked; 2) installing and using an alarm; and 3) get to know, and then look out for your neighbors. Don't be afraid to call police about any unusual or suspicious vehicles, parked in your neighbor’s driveway. Also, please call when you see unlicensed solicitors, or suspicious persons in your neighbor’s yard. Often, these burglars knock on a front door to see if anyone is home, before they try to open the door, or before walking around to the back yard, once they think the house is empty. Please have your members look out for these types of suspicious actions, and call 9-1-1 immediately. Thank you.
Lorna sent this: ABC Channel 7 in the San Francisco Bay area produced a video on Green@Home. These audits are available to renters as well. See http://tinyurl.com/cw66xc.
Infrared imaging also shows you where to conserve. To learn more about infrared imaging, please visit Lorna's website (right now viewable only using IE). http://www.infraredmagic.com
MEDIA CENTER UPDATE
The Media Center offers a variety of low-cost classes, including Studio and Field Production, Digital Editing, as well as a free and informative Orientation Session. See their website...too many to include here. Contact them for details at 494-8686 or see http://tinyurl.com/azkx4g.
You can watch programs over the Internet. Visit: http://www.communitymediacenter.net/watch/schedules/index.html
Program Highlights:
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
CRIME WATCH: BURGLARY IN MIDTOWN: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: A man robbed the Midtown Longs Drugs store yesterday using a rifle. No shots were fired and nobody was injured. The suspect fled and was not captured. At 7:44 PM, police received a 911 call reporting an armed robbery at the Longs Drugs store, located at 2701 Middlefield Road. The suspect entered the store, approached a cash register, and displayed a rifle that was concealed under his coat to a cashier. The suspect demanded money and was given an undisclosed amount of cash from the register. The suspect then walked out of the store and left in an unknown direction. The suspect was described as a white male adult, about 25-35 years old, with a full beard. The suspect was about 6 feet tall and weighed about 180 pounds. He was wearing a black knit cap, long black trench coat, and blue jeans. If you have any information, call the PAPD anonymous tip line at 329-2190.
THEFT IN GREENMEADOW. Can you provide information? On Saturday, 1/17 at approximately 3:50PM, my son saw two boys knock over his skateboard ramp on our driveway. They ran away laughing. At approximately, 4PM, we noticed the ramp had been stolen. This is a heavy ramp that was lifted quickly into a truck in broad daylight. A grand theft report was filed with PAPD. Our boys built this wood and steel quarterpipe ramp from a kit with their Dad. It was very popular with neighborhood kids and friends. I am offering a reward for information leading to the recovery of the ramp. Contact Ann Wilson at 856-8072 or wlsnannh@aol.com.
LAST CALL: Midtown Residents Association's, first general meeting of the year - January 27th at Friends Meeting Hall (957 Colorado) with the focus of Midtown Parks. Doors open at 6:45PM. Bathrooms at Seale, Election of MRA Officers, Plans for Greer. We also would like your feedback about needs for Midtown parks
Thanks to everyone who has taken the MRA 2009 survey so far. If you haven't done so, click on: http://tinyurl.com/dexg76
Midtown artist Martha Castillo: Clayprint workshop: February 7 (Future workshops on March 21, April 25).
FEE: $125, plus $10 materials fee for first time students.
Contact Martha at mail@marthacastillo.net. For more see http://www.marthacastillo.net/.
NEW MIDTOWN BUSINESS: Plus Child and Family Counseling in Midtown at 2875 Middlefield Rd. #8 next to Safeway. We are a counseling center that specializes in helping parents to find the right interventions with their children in bringing balance and harmony to their lives. We see parents, families and children at our center for therapy, with all services under one roof. See www.parentingpluscounseling.com which will further explain our services and theoretical approach.
Cecilia Long, Marriage Family Therapist at 328-7587.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
San Antonio Road work: For those of you who travel San Antonio Road, a reminder that the City is replacing medians, curbs, trees, and shrubs and will resurface the road over the next six months. Tree removal & construction work will occur between the hours of 9 AM - 4 PM. The initial work phase, 4 mo, will include removal of existing street trees & surface roots, repair & replacement of deteriorating concrete curb and gutter, installation of an irrigation system and new, more sustainable street trees and plant material. The replacement trees will include non-invasive deciduous and evergreen canopy trees for the medians and a screening hedge on the frontage road median. This phase of the work will be followed by the repair and resurfacing of asphalt road surface scheduled for fall 2009.
Joe Teresi, senior engineer Public works, writes "The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced today that the CPI for the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose did not increase for 2008 (see announcement at http://www.bls.gov/ro9/cpisanf.htm. This means that there will be no increase in the Storm Drainage Fee for FY 2009-10."
BLUE RIBBON TASK FORCE FOR COMPOSTING: Applications will be accepted until Thursday February 5. See http://tinyurl.com/atefh3 for an application or contact the Clerk's Office at 329-2571.
CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 26: Joint Meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission Regarding Review of Priorities at 6PM.
JANUARY 26: 7 PM Alma Plaza Site & Design request and Tentative Map.
FEBRUARY 2: Review and comment on the draft Traffic Study for the Stanford hospital and shopping center projects.
PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
JANUARY 28: Historic Covenants for Residential Zones, review Zoning Ordinance amendments to add incentives to encourage the provision of historic covenants for properties in exchange for allowing condominium subdivision of two parcels that otherwise would be prohibited from subdivision.
FEBRUARY 12: Potential zoning changes to the Open Space (OS) zoning district and Zoning Ordinance re: Extended Stay Hotels and workshop for the California Avenue/Fry’s area plan.
JANUARY 29: Comp Plan Amendment -- East Meadow Circle/Fabian Way Concept Plan:
For more information contact Roland Rivera at 329-254 or roland.rivera@cityofpaloalto.org or click on the project website: http://www.paloaltocompplan2020.org.
JANUARY 29: JANUARY 29: High Speed Rail Authority public scoping meeting to discuss the environmental review process for the San Francisco to San Jose section of the high speed train system. The alignment for the San Francisco to San Jose section will travel along the Caltrain rail right-of-way between San Francisco & San Jose. Future stations have been proposed for San Francisco, Millbrae, and San Jose, and potential station locations in Redwood City or Palo Alto will also be considered. Comments can be submitted until 3/6 (comments@hsr.ca.gov) with subject line of "San Francisco to San Jose HST". For more call (510) 587-8640, or visit www.cahighspeedrail.ca.gov.
Meeting will be held from 3 - 8 PM at Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Great America Meeting Rms.1&2, Santa Clara, CA.
See Palo Alto Online article.
Ming's restaurant is designing a new 4-story, 162 room hotel, conference center and gym, in addition to the restaurant, on its Embarcadero Road site. See Palo Alto Online article.
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
Klutz Store in College terrace is closing. After a nice long run in the neighborhood the store is closing its doors. They're selling everything at a discount. Not to worry, their books are still available at www.klutz.com.
JANUARY 25: Aerial photos of the Palo Alto region taken between 1946 and 1979 will be featured in a free public presentation by the Palo Alto Historical Association 2 PM at the Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road.
JANUARY 31: RED AND GREEN UNITE. Volunteers will deliver information packets to all doorsteps on emergency & environmental issues. If you have 2 hours to help out, come to the Mitchell Park or Rinconada Fire Station between 9 - 10 AM to receive packets and assignments; you will enjoy coffee and bagels during the frequent briefings. Volunteers provide an important service & will get some great exercise. The icing on the cake is a BBQ lunch sponsored by the Palo Alto Fire Fighters attended by our new city manager Jim Keene.
FEBRUARY 1: Topaz Chamber Ensemble presents: Sacred Sounds - music by St. Hildegard of Bingen, Vaughan Willliams, Bach, Britten and traditional Norwegian Hardenger fiddle tunes with Rodney Gehrke, Jim Kansau from 4:00 -7:00 PM at All Saints' Church, 555 Waverley. http://www.asaints.org/ FEE: $25 in advance; $30 at door; RSVP at 380-0961 or http://www.topazmusic.org. For more information contact Mimi Dye (mimidye@aol.com) at 380-0961.
FEBRUARY 2: Master plan that architects are working on for Gunn at 7:00 PM in the Gunn High School library The plan will show the idea of expanding within the existing footprint and creating more open space. The architects will describe the process he has gone through in collecting data and incorporating the information into the plan he will be presenting.
OLD:
JANUARY 24: Get your HAM license, Study Session, followed by Exam from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Los Altos, Magdalena Ave. FEE: $30.00.
For Questions contact Ross Peterson wb6zbu@rcn.com or 349-5349.
Register at baears.com.
JANUARY 25: Acterra film/discussion: "Consume This Movie!" - 7-9 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper Street. Donation $5.
JANUARY 29: USGS monthly lecture: Exploring Mars: Geology, Climate Change and Prospects for Past Life.
Where: 345 Middlefield Road, Conference Room A, Bldg 3, Menlo Park.
For more, contact Amelia Barrales, abarrales2@usgs.gov or 329-5136
FEBRUARY 7: Autism Spectrum Disorders Symposium at Stanford from 8 AM - 4 PM at Arrillaga Center (326 Galvez). For more and to register http://childpsychiary.stanford.edu or call 721-6327.
MARCH 4 :Breaking the Cycle of Bullying" at Ohlone on 3/4; El Carmelo School on 4/16; JLS on 4/7/09.
TIPS
Consumers can compare Hospitals. See Mercury article at http://tinyurl.com/bb7sfg
To access the database go to www.oshpd.ca.gov and click on What's New then click on AHRQ - Inpatient Mortality indicators.
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
SECOND CALL: Midtown Residents Association's, first general meeting of the year - January 27th at Friends Meeting Hall (957 Colorado) with the focus of Midtown Parks.
Thanks to everyone who has taken the MRA 2009 survey so far. If you haven't done so, click on: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=cDj4GLfbpW313_2bIiub6p7g_3d_3d
SHOP PALO ALTO: Language Studies Institute School Now Accepting Registrations. This language school at 350 Cambridge Ave offers many language courses, including Arabic, Chinese, English/ESL, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, and Spanish. Courses are available for adults, children or teenagers at all levels. They also give private lessons. To register for a new language course, please call them at 321-1867 or email them at inquiry@languagego.com. Currently they are offering a promotional price of $275 per adult student for group classes.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
The City's Storm Drain Utility is offering rebates to Palo Alto residents and businesses for installation of the following storm water runoff reduction measures: Rain barrels, Cisterns, Permeable pavement , Green roofs. One important aspect of "green" development is the inclusion of site design techniques that reduce storm water runoff and pollution. Some runoff reduction measures also help conserve water through the harvesting and reuse of rainwater.
For more, including eligibility requirements, application forms, and helpful design tips, see http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/stormwater or call 329-2151.
CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 19: Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 80th birthday at 2 PM at Palo Alto City Hall and King Plaza. More details to follow.
JANUARY 26: The City Council will consider the Alma Plaza Site & Design request and Tentative Map. Please mark your calendars and do everything possible to attend in person. This is the last time you will be able to make a difference on Alma Plaza - one of the 2 Midtown neighborhood commercial zones.
FEBRUARY 2: The City Council will review and comment on the draft Traffic Study for the Stanford hospital and shopping center projects
PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
JANUARY 21: Discussion of the Traffic Analysis for the Stanford University Medical Center and Stanford Shopping Center Projects.
JANUARY 28: Historic Covenants for Residential Zones, review Zoning Ordinance amendments to add incentives to encourage the provision of historic covenants for properties in exchange for allowing condominium subdivision of two parcels that otherwise would be prohibited from subdivision.
FEBRUARY 12: Potential zoning changes to the Open Space (OS) zoning district and Zoning Ordinance re: Extended Stay Hotels and workshop for the California Avenue/Fry’s area plan.
JANUARY 29: Comp Plan Amendment -- East Meadow Circle/Fabian Way Concept Plan:
The first Neighborhood Workshop will be held on January 29 from 7:00-9:00 PM at Palo Verde Elementary School Auditorium (3450 Louis Road). You are invited to share your thoughts about the future of the East Meadow Circle and Fabian Way area of Palo Alto! As part of the work to amend the Comprehensive Plan, guiding development throughout the city, this area is one of two receiving particular attention. The City of Palo Alto values your opinions, concerns, goals and vision for the future of this important area of Palo Alto.
For more information contact Roland Rivera at 329-254 or roland.rivera@cityofpaloalto.org or click on the project website: http://www.paloaltocompplan2020.org.
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
NATIONAL WEEK OF SERVICE: Join in on the National Weekend of Service. On Inauguration Day, President-elect Obama will call for a renewed commitment to national service to take on the challenges our country faces. To launch this, across the country people are organizing events for a National Weekend of Service on January 17-19th the Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. One local event is a food drive for the Second Harvest Food Bank. This year their food donations are down 30% and they are struggling to meet a growing need. Join in and help by collecting food from friends, neighbors, co-workers over the next week and then delivering the food on the 18th or 19th.
To join in this event go to http://www.usaservice.org and choose Find Events. Search by zip code and then choose the Second Harvest Food Bank - Food Collection Drive Event. There are two postings - one for those who want to deliver food on the 18th and one for delivery on the 19th. You can also find other local events on the website. Just a few hours of time can make a difference and make a change!
Current exhibit at the Museum of American Heritage (MOAH), Music to One's Ears: Musical instruments in the home, band and orchestra, is extended through March 29 due to popular demand. So please stop by and visit if you haven't seen it or come by if you would like to see it again!
Open Fri, Sat, & Sun from 11AM - 4PM, MOAH, 351 Homer Avenue
JANUARY 25: Acterra film and discussion: "Consume This Movie!" - Americans are finally beginning to challenge our culture of greed and materialism. Join us for a new film and discussion led by Cecile Andrews, author of "Slow is Beautiful" and "Circle of Simplicity," and Gene Brockhoff, Producer/Editor of "Consume This Movie." 7-9 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 1140 Cowper Street. Suggested donation $5.
This movie takes a critical look at social injustice, peak oil, resource depletion and our deep need to feel connected to each other through what we choose to consume.
JANUARY 27: Free Dental Screening at Avenidas from 10 AM - noon by Dr. James Huang. He will inspect your mouth to see if there are any oral or dental problems. You can ask questions and discuss any concerns at this time. It is a free screening, but please call 289-5400 for an appointment. (Please note that no treatment is given, no x-rays are taken, and this is not a cleaning, nor is it meant to take the place of an annual/bi-annual examination by the dentist.)
JANUARY 30: Darn That Coppertone Tan! Dermatologists from PAMF will be at Avenidas from 10-11 AM to conduct free skin cancer screenings. You remain fully clothed as they check sun-exposed skin only. Call 289-5400 to set your appointment.
FEBRAURY 7: Autism Spectrum Disorders Symposium at Stanford from 8 AM - 4 PM at Arrillaga Center (326 Galvez).
For more and to register, see http://childpsychiary.stanford.edu or call 721-6327. This conference will feature the latest findings on clinical care, education & basic science research.
Breaking the Cycle of Bullying" at Ohlone on 3/4; El Carmelo School on 4/16; JLS on 4/7/09.
More at www.info@paloaltopta.org.
OLD:
JANUARY 22: Café Scientifique Lecture on Alzheimer’s from 6:00 - 7:30 PM at SRI, Menlo Park in the Dining Room in the International Bld.
JANUARY 24: Get your HAM license, Study Session, followed by Exam from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Los Altos, Magdalena Ave. FEE: $30.00.
For Questions contact Ross Peterson wb6zbu@rcn.com or 349-5349.
Register at baears.com.
JANUARY 29: USGS monthly lecture: Exploring Mars: Geology, Climate Change and Prospects for Past Life.
Where: 345 Middlefield Road, Conference Room A, Bldg 3, Menlo Park.
For more, contact Amelia Barrales, abarrales2@usgs.gov or 329-5136
TIPS
Maureen writes: Another great resource for recycling electronic equipment: http://www.aslrecycling.com/greenspots.php
Trish adds: TVs are accepted at the landfill at no charge to residents.
See Elaine's list for information on:" The number of Housing approvals keeps going up: The updated list of Palo Alto housing -approved or built--since 1997 shows close to 4,000 residential units have been approved. http://elaineslist.blogspot.com/
Here's the same data with some explanation: http://elainesneighborspace.blogspot.com/
Margaret sends this virus warning on. She did check it out on the urban legend site. There is an email with the subject line "Obama Acceptance Speech" floating around with a Trojan horse attachment. Do not open for any reason. Delete immediately. The Trojan steals all passwords and user IDs. Check it out and there is more detail at http://www.snopes.com/computer/virus/obamaspeech.asp
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
SHOP MIDTOWN: Another new business, Homecare California sent in my owner & Midtown resident Lisa Hartwell. My husband I, who are Midtown residents recently opened a new business in Midtown. The name of the business is Homecare California and we provide Senior In home care and assistance. Our office is located at 2799 Middlefield Rd. upstairs. Our caregivers are available on hourly or live in basis. In addition to in home care, our caregivers will do hospital sitting and facilities. We are a Cahsah (California Association of Health Services at Home) certified organization. Our number is 324.2600.
Midtown Residents Association announces the first general meeting of the year for January 27th at Friends Meeting Hall (957 Colorado) with the focus of Midtown Parks. We will formally elect new officers, review plans for Seale Park bathrooms and have renderings for plans for Greer on hand for your comment. The nomination committee proposes the following slate of officers: Sheri Furman - Chair, Annette Ashton - Vice Chair, Karen Lawrence - Secretary, Sylvia Gartner - Treasurer.
Watch for a 2009 Midtown survey to be released in the next week. We want/need your feedback.
JANUARY 31: RED meets GREEN. Red is "emergency preparedness" and green "all things environmental"! Please note that on January 31 a team of individual will be dropping packets at your door step. The packets contain information on several of the top city priorities - emergency preparedness and environmental program (both are goals for MRA for 2009). There are details on how to become a Block Preparedness Coordinator, How to sign up to receive CANS (Community Alerting & Notification System) news other than on your home phone, Ideas on reducing your carbon footprint and How to get a free Green@Home Energy audit. Please check out the information inside!!!! If you would like to volunteer to help distribute packets to 200 households, or even just for your block, please contact redandgreen@Acterra.org. For those wonderful folks who volunteer, the Palo Alto Firefighters will host a BBQ after the drop.
MRA Traffic Pam Radin reports that comments on Oregon Expressway Improvements will be accepted until January 31 by email, mail, telephone, or fax. Email Expressways2008@CountyRoads.org; Phone (408) 494-2700; FAX (408) 298-3806. Download the draft document. The Proposed Oregon Expressway Plan includes a separate proposed plan to improve our Pedestrian Walkways. To download detailed pedestrian route maps that form the basis for the Draft 2008 Update Pedestrian Element. go to Pedestrian Route Maps.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
The city manager announces "Open City Hall." In an effort to support the Council’s priority of Civic Engagement, the City is launching a six month pilot-program aimed at highlighting residents’ positions on important City issues to be considered by the Council. The forum will give residents who are unable to attend Council meetings the opportunity to have their voices heard and to hear what fellow residents have to say about issues happening in our community starting today, January 8. The first topic is: "Should the City maintain composting in Palo Alto and study long-term composting solutions?" This will be on the council agenda Monday night. The forum is PaloAltoOpenCityHall.com. Check out the Weekly article.
CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 10: City Council retreat to review council procedures and policies & set priorities for 2009 at Lucie Stern with start at 8:30AM.
JANUARY 12: City Council will discuss Byxbee Park options for relocating the City’s composting operation, leaving it at the existing landfill site (Byxbee Park), or establishing a task force to review the alternatives and recommend a preferred approach. Comments accepted on the new "Open City Hall".
JANUARY 19: Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 80th birthday at 2 PM at Palo Alto City Hall and King Plaza. More details to follow.
JANUARY 26: The City Council will consider the Alma Plaza Site & Design request and Tentative Map. Please mark your calendars and do everything possible to attend in person. This is the last time you will be able to make a difference on Alma Plaza - one of the 2 Midtown neighborhood commercial zones.
FEBRUARY 2: The City Council will review and comment on the draft Traffic Study for the Stanford hospital and shopping center projects
PLANNING & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
JANUARY 14: Review the tentative subdivision map for a 45-unit town home development along San Antonio Road, at the old Hewlett Packard/Mayfield Mall site. Plus discussion of Stanford University’s “Sustainable Development Study,” a requirement of the 2000 General Use Permit with Santa Clara County.
JANUARY 21: Discussion of the Traffic Analysis for the Stanford University Medical Center and Stanford Shopping Center Projects.
JANUARY 28: Historic Covenants for Residential Zones, review Zoning Ordinance amendments to add incentives to encourage the provision of historic covenants for properties in exchange for allowing condominium subdivision of two parcels that otherwise would be prohibited from subdivision.
FEBRUARY 12: Potential zoning changes to the Open Space (OS) zoning district plus Zoning Ordinance re: Extended Stay Hotels Plus The first workshop for the California Avenue/Fry’s area plan.
Curtis Williams, Director Planning & Transportation Division, sends on the monthly summary of Planning and Transportation Division projects and activities.
Applications still being accepted for the Citizens Police Academy. Classes from February 25 - April 15, 2009 on Wednesday Evenings, 6:00 - 9:00 PM. The purpose of the academy is to foster better communication between citizens and police through education. The CPA will create a nucleus of well-informed citizens who possess greater insight into police practices and services. It is hoped that graduates of the CPA will share this new knowledge with other members of the community as the opportunity arises. Everyone benefits from enhancing citizen understanding of the roles and function of their police department. For more see http://tinyurl.com/8ozf5a.
Public Works request: To dispose of cut holiday trees, cut in 4-ft lengths, remove decorations, tinsel, tree stands and nails, set out on pick-up day with other recyclables. No flocked trees are accepted.
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
Send Acterra a nomination for their annual "Acterra Business Environmental Awards: Applications due Friday, January 30.
For more info and to download an application: http://www.acterra.org/bea/index.html
JANUARY 10: Common Ground Class on ROSE PRUNING AND CARE . FEE: $37. Encourage beautiful, profuse flowering with winter pruning and proper care. Learn about the very best soil and amendments for healthy, happy roses. Mulches also discussed. The class will go to a nearby garden for a demonstration and some hands-on pruning. YOU BRING: a snack, pruning sheers optional.
Location559 College Avenue.
www.commongroundinpaloalto.org
From 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM. Call 493-6072 to register.
JANUARY 10, 24: ACTERRA Habitat Restoration at Pearson Arastradero Preserve. 9 AM - 1 PM. For info and to register go to: http://www.acterra.org/programs/stewardship/get_involved.html#restoration
JANUARY 11: Slapstick & Screwballs at 3:00 PM at the Kehillah Jewish High School at 3900 Fabian Way. The years between the start of the Depression and World War II are generally thought of as the golden age of American films. Among them are the anarchic films of the Marx Brothers, screwball comedies like My Man Godfrey, Bringing Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story and the rueful, ironic films of directors like Billy Wilder and Ernst Lubitsch. Joyce Penn Moser will explore the reasons behind this burst of creativity: the end of vaudeville and the creation of sound; the national need for comic relief; the imposition of the Hayes Code of censorship, which unintentionally fostered brilliant dialogue as a way around the censors; and the influx of Jewish writers, directors, actors and musicians from Berlin and Vienna to Hollywood.
JANUARY 22: Café Scientifique Lecture on Alzheimer’s. Lennart Mucke, MD, Director, Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease Professor of Neurology & Neuroscience, UCSF, will discuss: What Will it Take to Defeat Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders on from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. The lecture will be held at SRI, Menlo Park (on the corner of Middlefield Road at Ringwood) in the Dining Room in the International Building. Entrances to Conference Center parking are next to the church on Ravenswood and at Ringwood and Middlefield.
Join Dr. Lennart Mucke for a discussion of the historical approaches to developing therapies for Alzheimer’s, what leading edge research is uncovering, as well as reasons for optimism in our ability to treat Alzheimer’s and other devastating neurological diseases.
JANUARY 24: Get your HAM license, Study Session, followed by Exam from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Los Altos, Magdalena Ave. FEE: $30.00.
For Questions contact Ross Peterson wb6zbu@rcn.com or 349-5349.
Register at baears.com.
JANUARY 29: USGS monthly lecture: Exploring Mars: Geology, Climate Change and Prospects for Past Life. During this intriguing discussion of recent data acquired from a polar lander, still-active surface rovers, and three orbital spacecraft, you'll be hearing how scientists are uncovering new clues about the Martian landscape, geology, and climatic conditions, and what these discoveries may mean with respect to possible past lifeforms being present on the "red planet".
Learn what scientists are finding, and what this new data might imply for the prospects of water having been present and the possibility of past and present life existing on Mars. Where: 345 Middlefield Road, Conference Room A, Bldg 3, Menlo Park. For more, contact Amelia Barrales, abarrales2@usgs.gov, or 329-5136
OLD:
JANUARY 10: Next CANOPY Tree walk in Southgate. Meet at Palo Alto High School parking lot at Churchill and Castilleja 10 am till noon.
JANUARY 15: Canopy 13th Mayor Tree Planting to honor outgoing Mayor Larry Klein. Time 4:30 - 5 PM. Planting will be at entrance to Clark Way close to main entrance of Classic Hyatt. This will be followed by the annual party and award ceremony at 5 PM at the University Auditorium at Classic Residence (620 San Hill Road) RSVP by January 7 to info@canopy.org or 964-6100.
TIPS
Dennis writes: For those interested in knowing more about stroke and its rehab from a highly unusual but professional source, read "My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Taylor, PhD. She was a Harvard brain researcher who gives an account from inside of her own nearly fatal stroke at age 37 from a congenital brain circulatory problem. She also recounts over the course of eight years the unusual steps that worked to restore her to nearly 100 percent of what she had before. Most stroke rehab falls far short of all that is possible, but it takes highly motivated, well-informed support. (She also used the experience to re-orient her life to a purpose that fit better with her life's work: understanding and healing schizophrenia. She now travels around urging people to donate the brains of their schizophrenic relatives for postmortem research. 1-800-brainbank.)
AIR ALERTS: Sent by Joy . You cannot burn wood on Spare the air days. Sign up for alerts at 800-430-1515 or at http://sparetheair.org.
To find out if there is a Spare the Air Alert call 877-4NOBURN. You can also complain about violators.
THE SILENT KILLER: CARBON MONOXIDE from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
Hundreds of people die accidently every year from carbon monoxide poisoning cause by malfunctioning or improperly used fuel-burning appliance. Infants, seniors & people with a history of heart or respiratory disease can be especially susceptible. EPA recommends:
KEEP PETS COZY & SAFE - From Daily reported by Lindsay Reynold, Peninsula Humane Society
With the winter chill in the air you will want to pay special attention to your companion animals. Consider these tips:
Bargain hunter sites: RetailMeNot.com CouponMom.com CouponCode.com
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
Second call: Thank to everyone who responded to this note in December. We are planning a coffee for the folks who applied for the Steering Committee. I will send out a note next week to schedule.
The Midtown Residents Steering Committee has a special request for you to consider: We would like you to consider applying to serve on the Steering Committee. This is a great way to make an important contribution to our neighborhood. It involves 1 meeting a month (11 months, plus participating on a committee - emergency preparedness, communications, traffic, zoning, parks, public art etc). If you're interested, just reply to this link, or if you know a friend or neighbor you think would be a good candidate, please cajole them into volunteering or tell us who we should contact!
NEWS ABOUT OUR FAMOUS MIDTOWN RESIDENTS:
** Geri Spieler, Midtown resident and investigative reporter, has just released her new book "Taking Aim at the President" - History you won't find anywhere else. It is really a remarkable read. I couldn't put it down and consumed it in one sitting. It is the true story of a country club mother and doctor's wife who came within inches of killing President Ford. The story about this psychotic woman is fascinating.
You will enjoy the history of the tumultuous events that happened in California during the Vietnam war. Geri's is holding a local reading at Books Inc. in Mountain View on Castro Street, Jan. 21 at 7:00 PM. For more about the book & to order see www.TakingAimAtThePresident.com.
** Vangi Uribe, Midtown resident and stroke survivor, made the cover of the Mercury Peninsula Section today. She was featured in an article about the American Heart Association awareness campaign on stroke. http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_11351922?nclick_check=1. The article describes Vangi's road to recovery with the help of loving and very supportive husband Matt Sorgenfrei. Pictures online. See tips below from past enews for recognition of signs and symptoms of stroke. Remember "Time is Brain". If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms - don't wait, call 911. If you arrive within the magic 3 hour window to a Stroke Center (Stanford, El Camino, Kaiser Redwood City), they can diagnose and possibly start to reverse the course of this devastating disease.
SHOP MIDTOWN: Is anyone missing a child's razor scooter from their porch or driveway in Midtown? I found one just sitting all by itself in the parking lot with no kids anywhere near it. E mail if it might be yours. annie@opalzoap.com. Also, Opal'z is a wonderful family crafts time and a good activity extra kids in town. It's fun for all ages, not expensive and a great way to spend time together. A useful craft project and you don't have to clean up the kitchen after. We'll be open through the end of the school vacation and after that with make-up classes, bath and body products classes and always available for birthday parties. www.opalzoap.com
NEW MERCHANTS: Daryl Savage writes in the Weekly column "Shop Talk" that Creme de Cafe coffee shop will re-open under new management. RickZ. See http://www.paloaltoonline.com/weekly/story.php?story_id=10134.
Also new exercise spot NoXcuses Fitness to be relocated from downtown to the old TravelSmith Store. See http://www.paloaltoonline.com/weekly/story.php?story_id=9682.
GREER PARK: We need your feedback. The variations proposed by the consultant can be found via Midtown Home page or on the city web site at http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/csd/news/details.asp?NewsID=109&TargetID=14.
Just reply to this link.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
There is a vacancy on the Palo Alto Planning & Transportation Commission position which was created by the resignation of Paula Sandas. The deadline for applications is 5:00 PM on January 5, 2009. Regular meetings are at 7:00 PM on the second and last Wednesdays of each month. Appointment information and application forms are available from the City Clerk's Office 329-2571) or may be obtained on the website at http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/clerk/planning.html.
CITY COUNCIL
JANUARY 5: Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor at 7PM. Council Chambers.
JANUARY 10: City Council retreat to discuss 2009 priorities at Lucie Stern; start 8:30AM.
JANUARY 26: NOTE CHANGED DATE. The City Council will consider the Tentative Map and the Site & Design Review of Alma Plaza.
CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY NEXT CLASS
Next class is Feb. 25 – April 15. Applications are being accepted and are downloadable from our website: www.papd.org (Community Involvement) or contact Susie Ord for more information: Susie.Ord@cityofpaloalto.org.
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
JANUARY 3: Pat Ryan's Celtic Junket, Mountain View, 8:00-10:30 PM. Tap your toes to lively jigs and reels, led by the exuberant Andrew Davis on violin. Let compelling Celtic ballads transport you as Doris Williams plays a beguiling lute. Pat Ryan plays five-string bass. Come to Dana Street Roasting Company, 744 West Dana Street, 650-390-9638, and enjoy expresso, sandwiches, salads, cakes, and pastries. See http://www.doriswilliams.com for more information. Call Caroline with questions at 322-6297.
JANUARY 6 and 27: ACTERRA Green@Home Training Tues, Jan 6 AND Jan 27 from 6:15 - 9:45 PM. To sign up or for more info contact Liz Muir at lizm@acterra.org or 962-9876 ext. 350.
JANUARY 10, 24: ACTERRA Habitat Restoration at Pearson Arastradero Preserve. 9 AM - 1 PM For info and to register go to: http://www.acterra.org/programs/stewardship/get_involved.html#restoration
JANUARY 29: USGS monthly lecture: Exploring Mars: Geology, Climate Change and Prospects for Past Life. During this intriguing discussion of recent data acquired from a polar lander, still-active surface rovers, and three orbital spacecraft, you'll be hearing how scientists are uncovering new clues about the Martian landscape, geology, and climatic conditions, and what these discoveries may mean with respect to possible past lifeforms being present on the "red planet".
Learn what scientists are finding, and what this new data might imply for the prospects of water having been present and the possibility of past and present life existing on Mars. Where: 345 Middlefield Road, Conference Room A, Bldg 3, Menlo Park. For more, contact Amelia Barrales, abarrales2@usgs.gov, or 329-5136
JANUARY 10: Next CANOPY Tree walk in Southgate. Meet at Palo Alto High School parking lot at Churchill and Castilleja 10 am till noon.
JANUARY 15: Canopy 13th Mayor Tree Planting to honor outgoing Mayor Larry Klein. Time 4:30 - 5 PM. Planting will be at entrance to Clark Way close to main entrance of Classic Hyatt. This will be followed by the annual party and award ceremony at 5 PM at the University Auditorium at Classic Residence (620 San Hill Road) RSVP by January 7 to info@canopy.org or 964-6100.
TIPS
Do you know these signs and symptoms of Stroke? See the Peninsula Stroke Association (PSA) web site about Stroke at http://www.psastroke.org/Stroke.html.
Medical treatment in the first 3 hours is critical to minimize the damage and maximize recovery. If you have stroke caused by a clot, you may be able to receive the clot-bursting drug t-PA. Please note that PSA is a local organization serving the Santa Clara and San Mateo counties with a mission "to reduce the incidence of stroke through education and to help alleviate stroke's devastating aftermath through programs to support survivors and caregivers."
Lori sends these 10 Ways to Protect Yourself Online from the Mercury on 11/12/07
Lori also sends this link: http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/index.cfm to a site that describes what is in your organic body care products.
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