Short Takes Short Takes (April 28, 2004)

Woodside knows right from wrong

Woodside is among eight California cities listed on the Institute for Local Self Government's Ethics Code Hall of Fame, Mayor Paul Goeld noted recently. Woodside received the metaphorical pat on its ethical back for adopting an updated "value-based" code of ethics.

"How much did it cost to get on the list?" quipped Councilman Pete Sinclair.

From page to stage

Seeing the movie version of a favorite book is often a dismal disappointment. But seeing a creative theatrical adaptation can add a new depth of understanding.

At least, that's the hope of Belle Haven Elementary School teachers and Belle Haven Library staff, who are taking a group of about 90 seventh-graders to see a Peninsula Youth Theatre production of "Holes" on May 11.

The students recently read the popular book about a boy at a juvenile detention center, and the theater group donated 50 tickets, outreach librarian Roberta Roth said. A grant from the East Palo Alto Kids Foundation paid for the remaining tickets.

The theatrical outing seemed especially apt, as many of the children had gotten public speaking experience by reading aloud from the book in class, Ms. Roth said. And, she added, "Who knows how many of the students have seen live theater?"

All the world's a stage

A production of "Little Shop of Horrors" is being performed in the off-off-off-Broadway venue of Menlo-Atherton High School's J-building April 29-30 and May 1 at 8 p.m. The campy musical, with its unlikely lovers, man-eating plant from outer space, and unspeakably bad dentistry, is rife with Menlo Park residents, all members of the Menlo-Atherton International Thespian Society.

Short Takes is edited by Andrea Gemmet. Send ideas for items to agemmet@almanacnews.com.

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