Short Takes Short Takes (July 14, 2004)

Super-size this sign

Atherton's sign ordinance usually nets the town a handsome assortment of real estate sawhorses, but last week it was a political billboard on Tuscaloosa Avenue that ran afoul of the law. The oversized "Impeach G. Bush for lying" plywood posting was taken down after police notified property owners it was in violation, but fliers supporting John Kerry were still tacked to utility poles, said Councilman Charles Marsala, who got embroiled in the issue after a reporter contacted him.

For the record, it's not a matter of political persuasion but of size -- signs on private property can be a maximum of 9 square feet, he said.

"Our police are very aware of freedom of speech rights," Mr. Marsala said.

A well-heeled crowd

There has been a rash of billionaire sightings in Woodside's Independence Hall this summer. Steve Jobs, chairman of Apple and Pixar, attended the recent Planning Commission meeting, and at the June 22 Town Council meeting, Siebel Systems CEO Tom Siebel and his wife sat through the meeting with Bob Bass (of the billionaire Bass Bros.) and his wife Anne sitting directly behind them.

Summertime reading for fun and profit

Expand your mind and earn fabulous prizes with the Woodside Library's summer reading program. Children who read or are read to for 20 minutes a day for six weeks by September 11 qualify for prizes, while teens have to read six books and write book reviews or draw illustrations by the deadline in order to receive $10 bookstore gift certificates. Call the library at 851-0147 for information.

Edited by Andrea Gemmet. Send ideas for items to agemmet@almanacnews.com.

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