Atherton: State initiatives, politics top town meeting Atherton: State initiatives, politics top town meeting (May 25, 2005)

** Charles Marsala to give "state of the town" talk.

By Andrea Gemmet

Almanac Staff Writer

State politics will top the bill Thursday night at the annual Atherton town meeting, hosted by the Atherton Civic Interest League.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. on May 26 at Jennings Pavilion in Holbrook-Palmer Park.

Duf Sundheim, chair of the California Republican Party, will speak about major state initiatives proposed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Bill Whelan, a fellow at the Hoover Institution, plans to present a strategic overview of the California political situation.

Vice Mayor Charles Marsala said he'll discuss quality of life issues that hit closer to home. He plans to liven up the annual "state of the town" talk with a Power Point presentation on such topics as: recent changes in the town's construction and development rules; an overview of projects funded by the town's parcel tax; and an analysis of recent crime statistics.
Good neighbor

Bob Franceschini, a past president of the Atherton Civic Interest League, is this year's winner of the Gen Merrill Good Neighbor award, which will be presented at the town meeting.

Mr. Franceschini, a retired Coors West beer distributor and longtime Atherton resident, was chosen for his many years of civic involvement, said ACIL director Sam Goodman.

Mr. Franceschini was a member of the Sequoia Hospital Foundation from 1992 to 2001, co-founder of the Redwood City Sequoia awards for civic-minded high school students, and a member of the YMCA's board of directors for 1992-93.

Mr. Marsala said Mr. Franceschini could always be counted on to contribute to local fundraisers and events, from the town's Jazz in the Meadow to charity golf tournaments.

"He's been a very giving individual," said Mr. Marsala.
INFORMATION

The Atherton town meeting will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 26, at Jennings Pavilion in Holbrook-Palmer Park at 150 Watkins Ave. All Atherton residents are invited.

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