Posted by Straight Talk, a resident of another community, on Aug 1, 2007 at 10:25 am

The Palo Alto Auxiliary, operator of the restaurant at Allied Arts for 75 years, had a successful business until Woodside Atherton closed the facility for remodeling, and made or caused changes that fatally restricted future business activities, not only for the restaurant, but also for all tenants. Loss of bus traffic, new usage restrictions on the property, and Woodside Atherton’s inability to attract new tenants that could generate foot traffic caused the problems now facing the property. The Palo Alto Auxiliary was prepared to continue operations until their lease was cancelled with minimum notice. Without a restaurant, the property is unlikely to be financially viable. Given the terms of the use permit, it is unlikely that any “for profit” group is likely to be successful or profitable. Thus the statement by the president of Woodside Atherton, that she is seeking a “more profitable” restaurant is disingenuous. More profitable for whom? Certainly not the hospital, which won’t receive the nearly $1 million donated by the Palo Alto Auxiliary since just 1997.

Posted by Angry, a resident of another community, on Aug 1, 2007 at 12:38 pm

The consistent portrayal of the Palo alto auxiliary as the source of the problems at the Allied arts guild has to stop.They are the victims of the persistent mis-management of Woodside Atherton, yet PAA is being made the scapegoat for WAA. STOP! PAA ran a successful business that anchored the Guild, handled their restaurant competently, and sent money to the hospital every year, until PAA was kicked out in February by WAA to make way for a 'profitable' restaurant. The WAA has created its own difficulties.Stop pointing fingers at others,ladies, and seek to resolve the issues by yourselves.Clean up your own mess.

Posted by Connie, a resident of the Menlo Park: South of Seminary/Vintage Oaks neighborhood, on Aug 2, 2007 at 11:58 am

I don't know how Ms. Perkins can blame the Palo Alto auxiliary for the current failures of the Allied Arts' owners, the Woodside Atherton auxiliary. At least the PA auxiliary was making money with its volunteers' efforts at the restaurant. The real test of the W-A auxiliary will be whether they finally get a viable restaurant in there -- and soon, like today. Those businesses are withering on the vine. And what a pity. The jewelry makers and clothiers are incredibly talented. It's a fantastic place to buy wearable art.