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Menlo briefs: Council may vote on downtown plan Tuesday

by Sandy Brundage

There's only one item of regular business on the Menlo Park City Council agenda for Tuesday, Oct. 4: the downtown/El Camino Real specific plan. The council is expected to vote on whether to approve the draft plan.

If past discussions are any indication, expect passions to run high during public comment, followed by council debate continuing past midnight.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. in council chambers at the Civic Center at 701 Laurel St.

Facebook wants fries with that

Facebook's quirky additions to its new Menlo Park headquarters at 1601 Willow Road continue. The social networking giant has asked the city for permission to build a roadhouse-style "BBQ House" and a "Burger Shack" with a drive-in diner motif on the 57-acre campus.

They're also hoping to add two security checkpoints, possibly to avoid drive-by dining.

Geron taps new CEO

Geron, a biopharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, has selected a new CEO. Dr. John Scarlett arrives with at least 20 years' experience in the biotech world, most recently as president and CEO of Proteolix, according to a biography posted on the Geron website. He replaces David Greenwood, who filled in as interim president and chief financial officer starting in February; Mr. Greenwood will remain in position until the transition is finished by the end of the year.

Chamber mixer

Members of the Menlo Park Chamber of Commerce will gather and make merry at the Three Great Lights Masonic Lodge on Wednesday, Oct. 12, for the monthly mixer.

The lodge is at 651 Roble Ave. and the party starts at 5:30 p.m. Bring a business card to enter a drawing for prizes donated by Chamber members.

'Save Every Slave Freedom Walk'

Menlo-Atherton High School's Save Every Slave Club will host a Freedom Walk at Burgess Park at701 Laurel St. in Menlo Park on Saturday, Oct. 15.

Led by high school seniors Sydney Young and Elizabeth Sherwin, the club strives to raise awareness of human trafficking and fair trade issues. Organizations scheduled to attend include the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition, Trade as One, International Justice Mission, Freedom House, and Not for Sale. Lutticken's will provide a free lunch.

Visit freedom-walk.eventbrite.com to register online. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for students and $30 for adults, and team members will receive a reduced price of $15 and $25, respectively. Participants registering online get a complimentary bag bearing the Save Every Slave logo.

Email saveeveryslave@gmail.com or visit saveeveryslave.webs.com for more information.