Short Takes Short Takes (June 09, 2004)

Here a big cat, there a big cat

Following the Palo Alto police department's shooting of a treed mountain lion, it seems as if the burly felines are being spotted everywhere -- even in Atherton. However, Atherton residents and officials are taking a more low-key approach to the town's resident lion. Residents recently got recorded telephone messages about two mountain lion sightings in the west-of-Alameda neighborhood near the Bear Gulch Reservoir.

Atherton police Chief Bob Brennan said sightings are nothing new for the area, and no reason for concern. The town has a resident expert on Fletcher Drive who keeps an eye on a big cat that frequents the area, Chief Brennan said.

"Ours is up in the hills living very well on the local deer population," Chief Brennan said. "He hasn't seemed to be bothering anybody."

Mountain lions generally try to avoid contact with people, he said.

Running for new wheels

The energetic Karen Arimoto-Peterson, Woodside Elementary School's eighth-grade adviser, dedicated her annual Maureen Lap-athon this month to the school's night custodian, Jesus Garcia. His car was stolen from the school parking lot May 18 and he needs wheels to commute from his home in Hayward. Karen and her students decided to run laps after school June 1 to raise funds to help buy Mr. Garcia a used car.

So far, she says students, teachers and parents have raised over $4,000 to replace Mr. Garcia's car. The sheriff's association and Woodside Recreation Committee also pitched in.

To contribute, call the school office at 851-1571.

Leave your wheels

Caltrain is celebrating the return of weekend service this weekend, June 12 and 13, with free train rides and the town of Atherton is celebrating by offering free parking at its historic station. Trains run northbound to San Francisco hourly on Saturdays beginning at 6:37 a.m. and at 7:37 a.m. on Sundays. Southbound trains stop at Atherton beginning at 7:56 a.m. on weekends. For a full schedule, go to www.caltrain.com.

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