Short Takes Short Takes (February 23, 2005)

Can you say 'libel'?

Is there life after the City Council? Ask former Menlo Park councilman Paul Collacchi, who dropped by last Tuesday's meeting to offer his aid in demystifying some new and rather convoluted federal rules for building in flood zones.

But Mr. Collacchi has promised himself a vacation from city business, so he added that he'd be willing to help after his "six months' time free" -- which a distracted Almanac reporter wrote down as "six-month crime spree."

All was cleared up in an e-mail to the reporter the next day, in which Mr. Collacchi wrote cheerfully, "If instead I end up publicly confessing to any crimes, I promise to give you the scoop!"
Exploiting animals for money

Those savvy PR folks at the Peninsula Humane Society sure know how to raise people's hackles. The headline of the most recent press release is "Nudity. Real fur. Same-sex pairings."

And now that they've got your attention, shelter officials would like you to submit photos of your pet for an upcoming 2006 calendar at $10 a pop. The submission fee covers the cost of producing the calendar, so the sale price of $17 is pure gravy for PHS.

Proceeds will go to help the shelter's neediest animals, says spokesman Scott Delucchi. No wildlife shots, and only one entry per person by July 1, please. Details are available at PeninsulaHumaneSociety.org.

As for the sensationalistic headline, Short Takes would like PHS to know that two can play at that game.
Quote of the week

"If I was running for queen of the prom I'd probably win because I agree with everybody who spoke here tonight." -- Bill Conwell, Atherton's amiable mayor, at the February 16 council meeting.

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