| Midtown News Updates |
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MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
SAVE THESE DATES: Please note that Midtown Residents invites you and your neighbors to these events. Since not everyone in Midtown receives enews, we would be most pleased if you share with your neighbors.
Friends Meeting Annual Harvest Festival September 27 Friends Nursery School Rummage Sale on October 4
MIDTOWN MERCHANTS - October Fest at Midtown Centre on October 18 from 11 AM to 4 PM
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
League of Woman Voters sponsor a number of events for the ballot propositions and various candidates.
See www.lwvpaloalto.org/calendar.html.
OCTOBER 1: Palo Alto and South San Mateo County Branches of the League in conjunction with the Midpeninsula Community Media Center will present an evening of debate on two controversial state initiatives - for voters who demand more content than what gets splashed on the glossies soon to fill our mail.
Debate #1: Prop 11 - Redistricting 7:30 - 8:15 PM
Debate #2: Prop 7 - Renewable Energy Mandates 8:30 - 9:15 PM
Where: Media Center TV Studio / 900 San Antonio Rd (near Charleston).
Both initiatives are unusual in that they pit frequent allies against each other. Come, get informed so you can vote with confidence! Come to both or one. In addition to these debates, the LWV and the Media Center have teamed up on a number of candidate forums detailed at: http://www.communitymediacenter.net/elections_Nov_2008.html.
For more email Elliot Margolies elliot@midpenmedia.org.
Questions about Measure N? Here's Where to Find Answers before You Vote! Residents are raising lots good questions about Measure N, the library bond initiative on the November ballot. The bond committee has a website with a wealth of information, including a comprehensive list of FAQs (a compendium of facts and details about the initiative). In addition, the Palo Alto Weekly has published four other opinion pieces about the libraries this year. They can be found in reverse chronological order at the following page of the campaign website (please scroll down to see them all).
http://www.betterlibrariesforpaloalto.com/news.php
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
SEPTEMBER 27: Common Ground Classes :
WINTER COMPOST CROPS and DIET with John Jeavons from 10:30 - 12:30+ FEE: $27
AND ECONOMIC MINI-FARMING With John Jeavons from 2:00 - 4:00+. FEE: $27
Please register now by calling 493-6072.
SEPTEMBER 28 - Pre-Election Community Forum to Learn about California Proposition 5: Beth Am will host a pre-election forum on Proposition 5, a ballot measure that would expand funding, treatment and oversight for nonviolent drug offenders. Speakers include Steven Manley, San Jose Superior Court Judge, and Jane Marcus, Women of Reform Judaism Board Member. Time: 1:30 PM.
Congregation Beth Am Sanctuary. 26790 Arastradero Road in Los Altos Hills.
For further information, please contact Steve Beitler at 328-7517.
SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 5: Great Glass Pumpkin Patch at Palo Alto Art Center: See glorious glass pumpkins once again this year at the 13 Annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch, held at the Palo Art Center. Sale Dates & Times: October 4 - 5, 2008, Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. For more information, please see http://www.greatglasspumpkinpatch.com
OCTOBER 2 - Artistry of Succulents in Containers with Linda Roark at Gamble Garden. Succulents are the new water-wise darlings of the plant world; create your own to take home. Learn all the whats and hows on from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Linda will talk about different types of succulents, choosing containers, proper care, and assembling a garden. Each person will take home a container garden assembled under Linda's instruction, choosing from among a variety of succulents provided by Gamble. This is a hands-on class. Participants should be prepared to work outside at a table with their hands in soil.
Location: The Carriage House. FEE: $40 members, $50 non-members (or Join Now!).
To register: online http://www.gamblegarden.org 329-1356 x 201 or contact admin@gamblegarden.org
OCTOBER 4: Green@Home Webinar: Is Solar Right for this home?
Sponsored by Acterra. Sat. from10-11 AM and Oct 9 7:30-8:30 PM
To sign up contact Liz Muir 962-9876 ext.350 or greenathome@acterra.org.
OCTOBER 15: This Palo Alto PTA Council invites you to join them for Video Highlights from the "SOS-Stressed Out Students" Keynote Event Sept. 26 at Stanford University.
Featuring David Elkind, Author of The Hurried Child and "The Power of Play", and Dr. Ken Ginsberg, author of "A Parent's Guide to Build in Resilence in Children and Teens", and Denise Clark Pope, author of "Doing School: How We are Creating a Generation of Stressed Out, Materialistic, and Miseducated Students", and Dr. Madeline Levine, author of "The Price of Privilege: How Parental Pressure and Material Advantage Are Creating a Generation of Disconnected and Unhappy Kids".
After the video highlights, join other parents & educators for a live follow-up discussion-everyone welcome!
FREE from 7:00-9 PM, with a Pre-Event Reception at 6:30 PM.
Location JLS Middle School Cafetorium, 480 East Meadow Road.
More Info at www.paloaltopta.org.
OCTOBER 15 - Native Plant Sale at Hidden Villa from 10 AM - 3 PM:
Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road (2 miles west of Foothill College in Los Altos Hills).
The Santa Clara Valley chapter of California Native Plant Society is holding their fall Native Plant Sale. The Acterra Native Plant Nursery will again be participating in this event. In addition to dozens of species of great native plants, you will be able to shop for seeds, bulbs, posters, and cards at the sale.
Free Parking available. Payment may be made by cash or check only. Please bring a box for your plants.
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Lois sends this on: GREAT NEWS! The film STEALING AMERICA: Vote by Vote by OSCAR-nominated, EMMY-winning film maker Dorothy Fadiman, IS NOW AVAILABLE ON DVD ($5 a copy/$50 a dozen). Narrated by Peter Coyote, STEALING AMERICA presents a gripping narrative about our current electoral crisis in America. The facts are compelling and meticulously accurate. (See quotes from the media below.) The film, which reveals the vulnerability of our democracy, ends with a call to action. ORDER YOURS NOW and SEND COPIES TO EVERYONE EVERYWHERE. At $5 each, you can keep one for your personal use, and send others to the media, your elected officials -- local, state, and federal - people you know who teach at high schools or universities, to your relatives and friends all over the country! We invite you to use it for private screenings, as a resource within your community, and/or as a fundraiser for your organization!
View the trailer: www.StealingAmericaTheMovie.org
To order by PayPal (up to 9 copies) go to: http://concentric.org/dgcCart/order.html
To order DVDs by check (or to order more than 9), write to info@concentric.org. See the Take Action website: www.StealingAmericaTheMovie.org/GetActive
Early last summer, a statewide drought was declared in California - this came after two straight years of below-average rainfall, low snow melt runoff, and the driest spring on record for the Northern California areas that supply most of the state's water. Mandatory water rationing is a real possibility in the near future. The more water you save, the more you benefit our community, our environment, and our future water supply. Here are some tips to save 10 gallons of water a day!
Indoor Use
* Run the dishwasher only when full 2 gallons
* Not leave water running while rinsing dishes 5 gallons
* Turn off water while brushing teeth (twice daily) 8 gallons
* Shorten showers by 2 minutes (once daily) 5 gallons
* Fill the bathtub half full while bathing 18 gallons
* Not use the toilet as a wastebasket (once daily) 1.6 gallons
* Wash only full loads of clothes 15 gallons
* Fix a leaky faucet 15 gallons
* Fix a leaky toilet 30 gallons
* Install aerators with flow restrictors on kitchen/bathroom faucets (3) 14 gallons
* Purchase a new, more efficient clothes washer -- 10 gallons – rebates available
* Replace old, non-efficient toilet with new low-flush toilet (4 flushes daily) 8 gallons - rebates available
Outdoor Use
* Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks (twice weekly) 22 gallons
* Water yard before 6 AM or after 8 PM 20 gallons
* Reduce overwatering by reducing irrigation cycles by 2 minutes (5 irrigation stations, watering three times weekly) 80 gallons
* Reduce overwatering by eliminating one irrigation cycle per week 30 gallons
* Adjust sprinklers to reduce overspray onto sidewalks, driveways, etc. 30 gallons
* Repair pipe leak or broken sprinkler head (1) 20 gallons
* Add mulch (2"-3") around trees and plants (1,000 sq. ft.) 25 gallons
* Install water-efficient drip irrigation system 20 gallons
* Install a "smart irrigation controller" that adjusts for temperature and precipitation 40 gallons
* Not leave hose running while washing my car (10 minutes, once a week) 18 gallons
* Replace part of my lawn or water-intensive plants with native or California Friendly plants (1,000 sq. ft) 40 gallons
* Repair any leaks around pool or spa pumps (1) 20 gallons
* Repair any leaking hose bibs 20 gallons
* Install a pool cover to reduce evaporation 30 gallons
* Install spa cover to reduce evaporation
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
Due to the 4 recent crimes near Midtown, I am repeating the tips sent earlier.
Please take special caution when going out.
SAVE THESE DATES: Please note that Midtown Residents invites you and your neighbors to these events. Since not everyone in Midtown receives enews, we would be most pleased if you share with your neighbors.
** Friends Meeting has their annual Harvest Festival the last Saturday in September
** Friends Nursery School has their Rummage Sale on October 4th
** MIDTOWN MERCHANTS - October Fest at Midtown Centre on October 18 from 11AM to 4 PM
SEPTEMBER 21: Fifth Annual St Mark's Community Carnival (600 Colorado) 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM (Starting immediately after the 10:00 AM service). Barbecue lunch, games, music, bouncy house, cake walk, and children's “marathon” to raise money for CDC's malaria nets. See displays of the church's activities and services. 326-3800. Fr. Matt McDermott
Palo Alto Friends Nursery School, a play-based partial cooperative, has been serving families with young children for 52 years. Focusing on a strong partnership with parents, the professional and caring staff encourages children to use their imagination, and to explore their innate sense of wonder of science and nature, and creativity through art and music. Through this nurturing environment, children gain increased confidence in their own abilities, learn how to solve problems, and become more aware of others in their world.
The school currently has openings in the Tues/Thurs. Afternoon class for children who will be 3 by December 2nd, and in the MWF Afternoon class for children who will be 4 years of age.
For enrollment information, please call Annette at 856-6152, or visit the website at: www.pafns.org
A good time was had by all at the MRA Annual Ice Cream & Issues Social. Our new city manager Jim Keene and Council members Pat Burt, Yiaweh Yeh were on hand to scoop ice cream and discuss issues. While Mayor Larry Klein & Council member Sid Espinosa assisted in helping award prizes from MRA and the Midtown Merchants.
Please patronize our contributing merchants - Butterfly Life (one month membership), Skin and Body by Christine (gift certificate), Indochine (3 Dinner Gift Cards), Mike's Cafe (gift certificate), Cafe Sophia (2 Coffee Cards), Opal'z (gift certificate), Edward Jones Financial Services(Gift Book), Midtown Shoe Repair (sports bag), My Gym (Gift Certificate), Winter Lodge (12 tickets for free admission with skates included), MRA Business Chair Bill Burns (Behind the scenes private tour at AT&T Park good for up to 10 people), MRA Emergency prep Chair, Annette Ashton (The Club) and MRA (School book pack).
See more Social Pix on the MRA Website - www.midtownresidents.org.
Congratulations to Midtown artist Martha Castillo who won third place in University's Art UAOpen 2008, mixed media category for her "Moon Gate #2" She is currently exhibiting her work though September at La Tartine Bakery & Restaurant (830 Middlefield in Redwood City). Martha will be holding a holiday boutique in her studio on November 22 & 23rd.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
Vacancy on Architectural Review Board for 2 three year terms. Application forms and appointment information are available in the City Clerk's Office - contact Beth D. Minor at 329-2379. Deadline to apply is September 25 at 5:30PM if the incumbents do not re-apply.
Citizens Police Academy: Oct 1 - Nov 19; Weds from 6-9 PM. Contact: Susie Ord at 329-2632. http://www.papd.org.
League of Woman Voters sponsor a number of events for the ballot propositions and various candidates. See www.lwvpaloalto.org/calendar.html
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
NOTE: Cal Avenue Farmers market will not be held this Sunday due to the "To Life!" Festival (www.paloaltojcc.org/tolife - see below). But you can get your farmers’ market fix on Saturday morning at the Downtown Palo Alto Farmers’ Market, every Saturday morning from 8:00 AM until noon through December 13. Behind the Hamilton Avenue Post Office.
More info: http://www.pafarmersmarket.org
SEPTEMBER 20: Acterra sponsors California Coastal Cleanup Day 2008 The San Francisquito Watershed Project is hosting a site for this year's California Coastal Cleanup Day, in Palo Alto at Woodland Ave. and Manhattan Ave., near University and 101 from 9 AM - noon. You'll be helping us remove trash and debris from the creek bed and creek bank. You'll also be helping us preserve a beautiful piece of the San Francisquito Watershed. Bring old clothes, some sturdy shoes, & they'll provide the rest.
http://www.cleanacreek.org for more details or contact Arnie Thompson at arniet@acterra.org.
SEPTEMBER 21: Green@Home Volunteer Training Sept 21 AND Sept. 28 from 1:00 - 4:30 PM at the Menlo Park Library at 800 Alma Street or Sept 24 AND Oct. 1 from 6:30 - 9:30 PM at the Acterra Office (3921 East Bayshore Rd).
For more information, Liz Muir at 962-9876 ext.350 or greenathome@acterra.org.
SEPTEMBER 25: Quelling anxiety through meditation: Philippe Goldin, PhD., presents new brain imaging data on the science of bringing yourself back to the here and now at the Stanford Blood Center at 3373 Hillview Avenue from 7-9 PM. FREE with complimentary espressos & cookies.
For more, see http://bloodcenter.stanford.edu/news/Scientifique.html or call John Williams at 723-7265.
SEPTEMBER 27: Acterra sponsors Habitat Restoration at Pearson Arastradero Preserve from 9 AM - 1 PM. For info and to register go to: www.acterra.org/arastradero/events.html
SEPTEMBER 28: Friends of the Library sponsor an Ice Cream Social at Mitchell Park Library from 1-5PM. Free ice cream, games and activities.
OCTOBER 11: Canopy walk in Palo Verde. Meet at 10 AM at the entrance to the Palo Verde Elementary School (3450 Louis Rd). Walk will be led by Ted Kipping who has been involved with the selection and planting of San Francisco's trees for 40 years. He will educate attendees on the interesting variety of trees in the Palo Verde neighborhood.
OCTOBER 11; Tom Brokaw at Stanford Maples Pavilion. Join Tom and a Distinguished panel as they discuss "Wanted: Courage, Compassion, and Character. Leadership for the 21th Century" Fee: $10. Ticket Office 725-2787 or www.stanford.edu/roundtable.
OCTOBER 23: What better way to celebrate an exhibit about musical instruments than with a musical performance? The Left Bank/Rive Gauche Trio will entertain you with a "musical lecture" about the music the group plays and its experiences in selecting and creating music for its audiences. The performers’ specialties are French cafe-style music of the 1920s - 1940s, Spanish and Gypsy songs, and other favorites. The evening will include Left Bank Trio’s favorite musical selections as well as some thoughts about creativity, collaboration and inspiration in music-making. The music is light hearted and upbeat and we know you will enjoy the experience.
More information about the group is available at www.leftbanktrio.com. MOAH (Museum of American Heritage- 351 Homer) at 7 PM. FREE for MOAH members $5 for non-members. www.moah.org
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Green Building: Amazing collection of links and resources for anyone considering how to make their homes more energy efficient or to "green" their remodeling project: http://www.mimi.com/mra/green/green.htm.
A Greener Oil Change from Walt Hays: A regular oil change can improve your car's fuel economy and minimize its air pollution and global warming emissions. But what about the environmental impact of that oil change if it is not done right? According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 200 million gallons of used motor oil are improperly disposed of in the United States each year. The oil from just one oil change can contaminate one million gallons of water-a year's supply for 50 people. If you are a do-it-yourself oil changer, the EPA has provided the following guidelines to ensure the process is as clean as possible:
MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
If you would like to share an idea, comment or concern with our steering committee or you want to volunteer to help make good things happen in our neighborhood, please respond to this email or send an email to Chair Peggy Kenny at peggywrites@yahoo.com. We will do our best to reply in timely fashion and to take you up on offers to help! Together we can make a difference.
Help us reach all the households in Midtown with these updates! Ask your neighbors if they subscribe, and if not, forward this message and encourage them to send an email with their contact information to MidtownNews@att.net.
Membership and Donations: Anyone residing in Midtown is automatically a member of the Midtown Residents Association. We rely on voluntary donations to fund all activities -- suggested amount is $10 per household. Make checks out to MRA. If you'd like to donate, you can do so at the Ice Cream Social, via the website, or you can mail your check to: Sylvia Gartner, MRA Treasurer, 824 Moreno Street, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Membership fees will go up slightly to $15 in 2009 due to the increased cost of printing and stamps..
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
SAVE THESE DATES: Please note that Midtown Residents invites you and your neighbors to these events. Since not everyone in Midtown receives enews, we would be most pleased if you share with your neighbors.
** MIDTOWN RESIDENTS ICE CREAM SOCIAL September 14 from 1:00 PM at Hoover Park
** Friends Meeting has their annual Harvest Festival the last Saturday in September
** Friends Nursery School has their Rummage Sale on October 4th
** MIDTOWN MERCHANTS - October Fest at Midtown Centre on October 18 from 11AM to 4 PM
LAST CALL: THIS WEEKEND: MIDTOWN ICE CREAM SOCIAL on September 14th from 1-4 PM at Hoover Par.
AWESOME NEWS: JIM KEENE our new city manager will be in attendance - scooping ice cream - Come and meet him!!!
PLUS: Palo Alto Firefighters will be serving their award winning chili.....with shaved ice.
Food also will include Ice cream and Pop Corn! Bring the kids!!!
Music at 1:40 PM by the Celtic Rose, Kids will have opportunity to decorate grab bags! Free Books from Friends of the Library.
Booths with information on the library proposal, going green, Storm Drains, City rebates, fire tips, Stanford Hospital/ME Center plans, great conversation, ice cream.
Prizes from Midtown Merchants - Midtown Shoe Repair, Christine Skin and Body treatment, Opal'z, Sophia's, Indochine, gift bag from Carla Cumpston, My Gym and Butterfly Life… a few more in progress.
WINTER LODGE: Fall ice skating class registration at Winter Lodge begins Tuesday, September 16th at 9:30 AM. The fall classes begin September 29th and run 8 weeks. Please visit our website for more information http://www.winterlodge.com
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
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/
Latest update of Planning and Transportation Division projects and activities.
http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/pln/news/details.asp?NewsID=613&TargetID=85
Excerpts follow
A Canopy representative attended the Midtown Residents Association meeting at Emerson School last Thursday, August 28th to learn about Santa Clara County's plans to improve traffic flow on Oregon Expressway. It is Canopy's strong recommendation to the County that trees not be removed as a part of this project. The trees on Middlefield create a shaded, livable environment for pedestrians and cyclists and provide numerous environmental and social benefits for our community. We appreciate that the County has responded to the feedback of area residents and are hopeful that the traffic issues will be resolved without the removal of mature trees.
Vacancy on Architectural Review Board for 2 three year terms. Application forms and appointment information are available in the City Clerk's Office - contact Beth D. Minor at 329-2379. Deadline to apply is September 25 at 5:30PM if the incumbents do not re-apply.
Citizens Police Academy: Oct 1 - Nov 19; Weds from 6-9 PM. Contact: Susie Ord at 329-2632. http://www.papd.org.
SEPTEMBER 13/14: Friends of the Library Book sale. See the shelves at http://www.friendspaloaltolib.org/bookshelves.aspx
OCTOBER 25: World-renowned Japanese kimono designer, Nobuaki Tomita, will present Kimono and Nature, an informative and entertaining lecture/demonstration showcasing the art of Japanese kimono at both 4 PM and 7:30 PM, at the Palo Alto Art Center. Following the lectures and demonstrations, the four kimono Tomita has specially created will be exhibited at Palo Alto City Hall from October 28 - November 14, 2008.
FREE but seating is limited; call for reservations at 329-2366.
EDITORIAL NOTE: A bit long but fascinating:
"The City of Palo Alto’s environmental activism was a key source of inspiration for Tomita’s kimono artwork. Tomita chose to look for a similar town in Japan, committed to its ecological roots, and discovered Toyooka. Located approximately 100 kilometers from Kobe City and two hours from Kyoto, Toyooka is a symbol of a society in which nature and people coexist. Through a dedication to remove pesticides and artificial fertilizers from the rice fields, Toyooka has restored the only habitat in Japan for the Oriental White Stork, Japan’s national symbol that was driven to extinction in the 1980’s. Working with the finest artisans in Kyoto, Japan, Tomita has created a spiritual and meaningful kimono based on the motif of the Oriental White Stork and the four changing seasons. In addition, Tomita has incorporated the natural beauty of Palo Alto by producing a natural dye derived from the bark of El Palo Alto for the obi, the uppermost sash on the kimono. According to Tomita, "I am thrilled to have an opportunity to create a kimono set for the City of Palo Alto and to bring the traditions of Japanese culture together with Palo Alto's timely and timeless environmental sensibility."
Council agenda Monday 15th includes study session at 6PM on Wildland Fire Management Plan, regular session includes Alma Street affordable housing. The appeal and Variance request for 278 University, Discussion of BART Sales Tax Measure.
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
SEPTEMBER 14: Environmental Volunteers marks the beginning of restoration and construction of our new EcoCenter, a community resource for environmental education at the Palo Alto Baylands. 1- 2 PM, Behind the Duck Pond, Palo Alto Baylands.
SEPTEMBER 19: At Avenidas 3 to 5 PM, Join Menlo Park high school student Nora Ng-Quinn as she works on her Girl Scouts Gold Award Project, making plastic yarn and crocheting long lasting grocery bags. FREE, to register call 289-5400. Bring your own hook, scissors and some of those pesky bags.
SEPTEMBER 25 Total Brain Fitness. Even if you attended her last session, you'll learn new information at this Total Brain Fitness Update Forum, which will run on September 25, October 23 and December 4 from 1:30 to 3 PM. All three sessions for only $10. This is a Palo Alto Adult School class that takes place at Avenidas. To register, please call Palo Alto Adult School at 329-3752 or register online at www.paadultschool.org.
SEPTEMBER 25: 7th Annual World's Largest Ice Cream Social at participating Cold Stone Creamery locations nationwide, a special night to join together and share the simple pleasures of life with a FREE ice cream and family fun. On September 25th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, guests will be treated to a 3 oz. serving of Jack or Emily's Creation. All donations will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/promotions.html
SEPTEMBER 26 DEADLINE: GOT A HERO? The Media Center is sponsoring its third annual “Local Heroes Award” program. They are soliciting nominations from community; six winners will be selected. They will share their stories in interviews that will air on the local cable channels and on the Internet. We are looking for people who meet the following criteria:
1. have contributed "over and above" to the community, overcome a significant hardship or attained an important goal
2. are somewhat "unsung" or not usually in the limelight
3. have a really compelling story to tell
To nominate someone email lupita@midpenmedia.org. Include your name & contact information, The name & contact information of the person you are nominating, and a brief description of why your nominee should be selected. Questions, call 494.8686 ext. 36.
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Elaine grows our vocabulary with this definition. Snarky - not a new word, but useful to describe quips or comments containing sarcastic or satirical witticisms intended as blunt irony; snide.
A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
If you would like to share an idea, comment or concern with our steering committee or you want to volunteer to help make good things happen in our neighborhood, please respond to this email or send an email to Chair Peggy Kenny at peggywrites@yahoo.com. We will do our best to reply in timely fashion and to take you up on offers to help! Together we can make a difference.
Help us reach all the households in Midtown with these updates! Ask your neighbors if they subscribe, and if not, forward this message and encourage them to send an email with their contact information to MidtownNews@att.net.
Membership and Donations: Anyone residing in Midtown is automatically a member of the Midtown Residents Association. We rely on voluntary donations to fund all activities -- suggested amount is $10 per household. Make checks out to MRA. If you'd like to donate, you can do so at the Ice Cream Social, via the website, or you can mail your check to: Sylvia Gartner, MRA Treasurer, 824 Moreno Street, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Membership fees will go up slightly to $15 in 2009 due to the increased cost of printing and stamps..
MIDTOWN BUSINESS/NEIGHBOR NEWS
SAVE THESE DATES: Please note that Midtown Residents invites you and your neighbors to these events. Since not everyone in Midtown receives enews, we would be most pleased if you share with your neighbors.
** MIDTOWN RESIDENTS ICE CREAM SOCIAL September 14 from 1:00 PM at Hoover Park
** Friends Meeting has their annual Harvest Festival the last Saturday in September
** Friends Nursery School has their Rummage Sale on October 4th
** MIDTOWN MERCHANTS - October Fest at Midtown Centre on October 18 from 11AM to 4 PM
MIDTOWN ICE CREAM SOCIAL on September 14th from 1-4 PM at Hoover Par.
AWESOME NEWS: JIM KEENE our new city manager will be in attendance - scooping ice cream - Come and meet him!!!
PLUS: Palo Alto Firefighters will be serving their award winning chili.....with shaved ice.
Food also will include Ice cream and Pop Corn! Bring the kids!!!
Music at 1:40 PM by the Celtic Rose, Kids will have opportunity to decorate grab bags! Free Books from Friends of the
Library. Booths with information on the library proposal, going green, Storm Drains, City rebates, fire tips, Stanford Hospital/ME Center plans, great conversation, ice cream.
Prizes from Midtown Merchants - Midtown Shoe Repair, Christine Skin and Body treatment, Opal'z, Sophia's, Indochine, gift bag from Carla Cumpston, My Gym and Butterfly Life.. a few more in progress
Art for Well Being presents Amazing Painting by Michele Troutman. Reception on September 13 from 2:00 - 5:00 PM at the Emerson Center Gallery; 2800 West Bayshore Road.
Please R.S.V.P. to Judy Gittelsohn at 776 8297. www.artforwellbeings.org.
In 2005 at age 29, holding a brush for the first time, Michele began painting under the direction of Midtown artist Judy Gittelsohn and has leaped through learning curves that take most of us a life time. The schedule for fall classes now available. Contact Judy, as above, for details.
CITY/COUNTY/SCHOOL EVENTS/NOTES
Joe Kott sends news on one topic of his doctoral dissertation work.
To see the PowerPoint presentation given at the Annual Meeting of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, click on http://www.slideshare.net/joekott/ite-2008-pp2-presentation. The presentation was part of a panel of talks on "context sensitive" street design.
SEPTEMBER 8: City Council welcomes new city manager Jim Keene. Study session on 488 West Charleston Road at 7PM. Public Hearings on TEFRA on Keys School.
SEPTEMBER 19: Next meeting of CEAP (Community Environmental Action Partnership) from 4-6 PM Stanford, Building Y2E2 472 Ortega. For more 496-5912 or www.pa-ceap.org
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Palo Alto Resources 101: Family Resources Ambassadors: Participants meet once a month for 6 months, October thru March. Meetings are the first Thursdays at Cubberley. To apply, contact Erwin Gonzales at 329-2221 or erwin.gonzales@cityofpaloalto.org.
SEPTEMBER 10: Planning & Transportation Commission will discuss hold a public hearing on Byxbee Park Composting and Proposal for the Ming's Site at its 7:00 PM meeting. Recent news stories on this subject are found at http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=9080 and http://www.paloaltodailynews.com/article/2008-8-27-pa-compost.
Citizens Police Academy: Oct 1 - Nov 19; Weds from 6-9 PM. Contact: Susie Ord susie.ord@cityofpaloalto.org. 329-2632. http://www.papd.org.
LOCAL EVENTS/NEWS
SEPTEMBER 9: League of Women Voters of Palo Alto meeting to discuss redistricting. Lucie Stern Center from 7-9 PM. Speakers include Linda Craig, LWV of California Program Director and Norman Kline, Silicon Valley Common Cause Organizer. For more information, email Phyllis Cassel at phycassel@aol.com.
SEPTEMBER 17: "Autumn in the Garden" from 10 AM till Noon. Our gardens will soon be winding down and getting ready to rest, do you know what they need? Ed Holm will teach us how to do a fall clean up while readying our gardens for winter vegetables and planning for a stunning display of flowering winter annuals and spring bulbs. Ed will answer your questions about fall mulching, division of perennials, containers for winter color, and any other concerns. Gamble Garden Carriage House. FEE: $25 members, $35 non-members
SEPTEMBER 17: Living well with Chronic Conditions: Designed at Stanford University School of Medicine and is presented by Aging Adult Services Stanford Hospital and Clinics. You will learn how to manage stress and pain, communicate with family/friends/physicians, manage medications and develop decision making and problem solving skills. Classes begin Wednesday, September 17 and run every Wednesday through October 29, 2008 from 2-4 PM at the Stanford Health Library, Stanford Shopping Center. FEE: $25/person and includes the book "Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions" and the relaxation CD "Time for Healing." For registrations or questions, contact Candace Mindigo at 725-4137 or cmindigo@stanfordmed.org.
SEPTEMBER 23: The Santa Clara County Creeks Coalition will be doing a presentation on a community campaign to restore our local creeks to be Living Streams. "Living Streams" means streams thriving with fish, birds, and plants like used to live here in abundance and means streams where residents have a chance to enjoy the streams that run through or near their neighborhoods. Come here about the history of this movement, how it would benefit the community, and what people can do to help! Cubberley Community Center from 7:15-8:15 PM. http://www.sccreeks.org
SEPTEMBER 24: The Financial Facts That Every Woman Should Know" will be presented at Avenidas from 5:15-7 PM. Susanna Tang, BS, MBA, Financial Advisor, Citi Smith Barney, will provide a framework to help you and your household sidestep potential financial pitfalls that can arise as you navigate your career, family issues, and retirement. FREE.
SEPTEMBER 25: USGS Monthly lecture: The 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake was not the Bay Area's "Big One" but a repeat of the destructive 1868 Hayward earthquake may qualify! Building 3, Conference room A, 7 PM.
* The next large Hayward Fault earthquake will effect the entire San Francisco Bay Area - Are You Prepared?
* The Hayward Fault is the most urbanized active fault in the Bay Area. The fault crosses multiple freeways, major water pipelines, and BART runs parallel to and crosses the fault.
* A large earthquake on the Hayward Fault could impact more than 5 million people with $1.5 trillion in property damage.
* October 21st marks the 140th anniversary of the last large earthquake
http://online.wr.usgs.gov/calendar/2008/sep08flyer.pdf
OCTOBER 1: "Regaining Your Balance" You'll learn the steps you should consider taking to help you meet the financial challenges you face during difficult life transitions such as divorce, family illness, and widowhood. Call 289-5436 for information. from 5:15-7 PM at Avenidas. FREE.
OCTOBER 4: Avenidas' 2nd Annual Community Engagement Conference from 9 AM-12:45 PM and learn the various ways to unleash your talents for the betterment of your community. For only $15, you'll enjoy a continental breakfast, keynote speaker, and your choice of breakout sessions, along with the chance to talk with a variety of non-profit organizations about their work. For more information and to register, visit www.avenidas.org or call 289-5445.
OLD
*** SEPTEMBER 6: Growing Cut Flowers at Common Ground from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. 559 College Avenue, 493-6072 http://www.commongroundinpaloalto.org
*** SEPTEMBER 6: Docent-Led Night Hike Long Ridge Open Space with Acterra from 5:15-10:30 PM. Fee $35. RSVP to Alexi Miller 962-9876 ext.308 or email alexim@acterra.org
*** SEPTEMBER 9: Acterra + Palo Alto Adult Education offer "Low Carbon Lifestyle" Class -Class meets on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00 PM for four sessions (every other week) $48 fee includes the reader. Sign up at http://www.paadultschool.org.
*** SEPTEMBER 9: Peter Drekmeier will present "From the Tuolumne to the Tap to the Technology and Society Committee, noon -1PM at the Hangen Szechuan Restaurant, 134 Castro St. in Mountain View.
*** SEPTEMBER 12: 24th Annual Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk
*** SEPTEMBER 12: Twilight Hikes at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve with Acterra at 6:30PM. Please RSVP at arastradero@acterra.org
*** SEPTEMBER 13: Canopy Tree walk in Crescent Park from 10 AM - noon. Meet at the corner of University and Lincoln Ave.
*** SEPTEMBER 14: Women's International League for Peace and Freedom "Can we have trustworthy elections? "Unitarian Church, 505 E. Charleston Rd..Talk starts at 4 PM. Potluck High Tea -3 PM.
*** SEPTEMBER 16: Edgewood Plaza Overview at the Palo Alto Art Center Auditorium
*** SEPTEMBER 18: "Getting your Act Together Before You Have To" - Palo Alto Auxiliary presents Dr Margaret Deanesly. Holbrook Palmer Park pavilion, 150 Watkins Avenue. FEE: $65 includes box lunch. Contact Gerry Nelson 325-9692.
*** SEPTEMBER 21: Blossom Family Picnic, Mitchell Park 11:00 AM -2:00 PM, http://www.blossombirth.org, blossom@blossombirth.org
*** SEPTEMBER 21:Jewish Community Center To Life! A Jewish Cultural Street Festival on Cal Avenue.
*** OCTOBER 25: Palo Alto Philharmonic Orchestra Season Opens. See www.paphil.org, for more details & to buy tix
*** SEPTEMBER 30- OCTOBER 21- Ham Radio 4-Night License Class in Menlo Park. For info Ken Dueker: kdueker@powerflare.com.
OCTOBER 28: Emergency Radio Training For info Ken Dueker: kdueker@powerflare.com
** OCTOBER 30: "Solution to the Omnivore's dilemma" with Christopher Gardner, a PhD nutritional scientist from Stanford Prevention Research Center. 6 PM at Stanford Arrillaga Center, 326 Galvez (Corner of Campus Drive). FREE. To RSVP call 498-7826.
TIPS
Lorna Fear writes: We have Google to thank for showing how to get around on foot as well as by motor vehicle. Pedestrians can now find the most direct and flat route for trips up to 6.2 miles long. The system knows that one-way streets do not apply. In its present beta form, it may not know about pedestrian bridges, roads without sidewalks, or dangerous intersections. Want to find the walking route in an area where you've driven and would feel comfortable on foot? Go for it!
http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2008/07/pound-pavement.html
She also advises on long lasting fruits and veggies. See http://www.clientdirect.net/news/default.asp?PUB=17597&AID=2199558
Finally should you keep or keep your gas guzzler?
http://www.clientdirect.net/news/default.asp?PUB=17597&AID=2199559
A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
If you would like to share an idea, comment or concern with our steering committee or you want to volunteer to help make good things happen in our neighborhood, please respond to this email or send an email to Chair Peggy Kenny at peggywrites@yahoo.com. We will do our best to reply in timely fashion and to take you up on offers to help! Together we can make a difference.
* Help us reach all the households in Midtown with these updates! Ask your neighbors if they subscribe, and if not, forward this message and encourage them to send an email with their contact information to MidtownNews@att.net.
* We're also still looking for more Block Preparedness Coordinators who can help our neighborhood be more prepared when an emergency or natural disaster strikes. Find out more at the Midtown Ice Social on September 14th or just hit reply and let us know of your interest.
* Membership and Donations: Anyone residing in Midtown is automatically a member of the Midtown Residents Association. We rely on voluntary donations to fund all activities -- suggested amount is $10 per household. Make checks out to MRA. If you'd like to donate, you can do so at the Ice Cream Social, via the website, or you can mail your check to: Sylvia Gartner, MRA Treasurer, 824 Moreno Street, Palo Alto, CA 94303.
Membership fees will go up slightly to $15 in 2009 due to the increased cost of printing and stamps..
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