Short Takes Short Takes (December 14, 2005)

Menlo Park: Oozing vitality

The resurgence of Kepler's bookstore isn't just big news on the Peninsula. The story of the community that wouldn't let its bookstore die appeared in a recent Hightower report in the Austin Chronicle.

Jim Hightower, a prominent lefty columnist, says he measures a town's vitality by three things -- a vibrant farmers' market, a good local pub and an independent, community-based bookstore. Mr. Hightower said in his column that he had been to Kepler's for a book-signing event, couldn't vouch for the first two, but called Kepler's "a terrific, home-grown store."

If only Mr. Hightower had ventured next door to the BBC and down the street to the farmers' market, he'd know that Menlo Park is three-for-three.
If the suit fits ...

No stranger to a red suit is Portola Valley resident Bill Lane, who just completed his 52nd year of playing Santa Claus.

This year, as he often does when he's in Portola Valley, he arrived on a fire truck at the coffee shop in the Ladera shopping center, but in his career as St. Nick, he's ridden a horse and taken a helicopter as well. He's played Santa in Japan and Australia.

One boy once questioned him on the altitude he and his reindeer achieve and whether they're ever weightless. Not a problem, said Santa Lane, noting that he keeps relatively close to rooftops.
The less said ...

At the Portola Valley Christmas party, Town Council member-to-be Maryann Moise Derwin theoretically could have given a shorter speech, but only by eliminating one syllable. When introduced, she climbed the stage, said "Hello," and climbed back down again.
Dig deep

There's still time to donate toys, school supplies and clothes to Hurricane Katrina victims for the shipment leaving December 16. Contact Diane Eskenazi at PeaceBuilder07@aol.com or call 529-0999.

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