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Briefs: Trial set for BBC assaults

A busboy and a cook at the British Bankers Club will stand trial for four counts of sexual assault on Monday, Dec. 6, in San Mateo County Superior Court.

Moises Rojas, 26, and Juan Gustavo Robles-Alejo, 30, allegedly assaulted two women at the club on June 9, according to the district attorney's office.

The women went to an upstairs room to sleep after becoming intoxicated, and reportedly awoke to find Mr. Robles-Alejo fondling them while Mr. Rojas kept a lookout. The district attorney's office said the incident was caught by the club's security cameras.

Downtown plan update

Members of the Menlo Park Downtown Alliance, a group of local business and property owners, told the city they're concerned that the draft environmental impact report and fiscal impact analysis of the proposed downtown specific plan could be publicly released in early December, when most people are preoccupied with holiday celebrations.

Nancy Couperus, founding member of the organization, listed several components of the plan that the alliance thinks needs closer scrutiny, including eliminated parking in the plaza behind Trader Joe's, a lot used by farmers' market shoppers on Sundays, and the partial closure of Chestnut Street, which may interfere with vendor traffic.

City seeks planning commissioner

With Kirsten Keith elected to the City Council, Menlo Park's Planning Commission has a seat to fill.

The city is now accepting applications; the deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 8. The newly appointed commissioner's term will last until April 30, 2012.

Applications are available on the city's website. Residents can also obtain copies by e-mailing City Clerk Margaret Roberts at msroberts@menlopark.org, or at the Civic Center 701 Laurel St. For more information, call 330-6620.

Online Pharmaca wellness seminar

Pharmaca, Menlo Park's newest pharmacy, will host a free, hour-long webinar on Thursday, Nov. 18, that will offer tips on staying healthy during the holidays. Dr. Bradly Jacobs will host.

Register at cc.readytalk.com

Twisted Christmas

If the grocery store decorations didn't give it away, the holiday season is now in full swing. The Menlo Park Chorus will hold its free winter concert, titled "Twisted Christmas," at 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, in the Menlo Park Library at 800 Alma St.

Why the concert title? According to the flier, "The Menlo Park Chorus will perform seasonal songs that you know, but not like you've ever heard them sung before."

April McNeely will serve as musical director, and John Iosefa as accompanist.

Free van service is available for Menlo Park seniors and people with disabilities. Call 330-2512 or e-mail rlroth@menlopark.org for more information.