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Last week I stepped into Bistro Vida on Santa Cruz, where owner Ali El Safy and I continued our usual jesting and banter. I’ve known Ali at least 20 years. 
Ali and Bistro Vida have taken great advantage of the new outdoor pads. During recent warmer days it was an oasis for us to drop anchor at dusk on the couches for some refreshment.
Ali and I have a habit of gently insulting or kidding each other. For example, seeing an imaginary cockroach on the desert tray in response to learning that there are no tables available. Ali came to the US from Egypt 25 years ago with no funds (so he says). I’ve followed as Ali steered his son Zane into the best schools in our area. But today he proudly proclaimed that Zane was accepted as a transfer student into Cornell, in Computer Science. Well done, Ali. This is what it’s about.
Great job proud papa we love the story and we love vida
Wonderful news happy holiday and merry christmas to you and your son
Stu, you should not make this story a one-off. I’m sure there are many such stories in Menlo Park, and not only on
Santa Cruz. It is one of the exemplary virtues in the US for people to come here from elsewhere, often as struggling emigres, and make their lives (and often the lives of others) a success. (My parents were such a story 70 years ago.)
Menlo Park, like many other Peninsula towns, are melting pots in the great American tradition. You, Stu Soffer, are eminently qualified to capture these stories in Menlo Park, and we all need to read them, especially in these trying times. Thanks for doing this story.
Martin Engel: Thank you for your feedback and encouragement.
Indeed you’re right; this was not intended to limit the good news where it’s due.
I’m open to suggestions for additional stories.
Excellent school I went to Cornell and my parents came here from Romania and work very hard for me and my sisters
Godbless America