Short Takes Short Takes (April 27, 2005)

Snappy banter

The Atherton City Council was in rare form last week, with members teasing Mayor Bill Conwell and Councilman Charles Marsala for their near-identical suits and Councilman Jim Janz's deadpan introduction to his report on the battle to keep Caltrain service at the Atherton station: "I'll start with the good news first. There is no good news."

But the capper came when Councilman Alan Carlson admitted to changing his mind on an agenda item.

"Bravo," said Councilwoman Kathy McKeithen. "I convinced you."

"No, I have an open mind, that's all," countered Mr. Carlson. "I'm known for having an open mind."

"I've been here five years and I haven't seen it," retorted Ms. McKeithen.
It must be nice

A two-hour parking limit isn't enough for Menlo Park City Councilwoman Lee Duboc, who suggested at last week's meeting that downtown limits should be boosted to three hours.

Although the possibility wouldn't be considered any time soon, Ms. Duboc was already shaping arguments in its favor.

The nature of the Santa Cruz Avenue area is changing, with more "personal services" such as hairstyling and manicures being provided, she said. And these things take time.

(Cut to Almanac reporter bashing her head on her desk at the prospect of having three free hours to go to the spa.)
Oooh! Shiny!

The Woodside Town Council kicked off its April 12 meeting by decamping from Independence Hall and heading outside to admire the pair of gleaming new Harley motorcycles that make up the San Mateo County Sheriff Office's new Woodside and Portola Valley traffic unit. At least one council member appeared to be taking very careful note of the advanced radar capabilities that deputies will be using to nab speeders.

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