Short Takes Short Takes (June 22, 2005)

Shaking up the PV art scene

The recently closed Portola Valley Library may be thought unsuitable for library patrons, but arts patrons could be welcome there if the Town Council approves a request by local artists to relocate the town's art gallery in the space.

The current gallery shares a roof with the library. Relocating it would give the gallery more visibility and move it slightly farther away from the earthquake fault that runs beneath the building and that led the librarians to abandon ship.

"We'd like to stay there until the whole building turns into a pumpkin," said gallery spokeswoman Mary McCann.

Asked by the council about dangers to visitors, Ms. McCann replied: "People aren't standing in line to get in there." Asked about the building's permanent library shelving, she replied: "The pottery people can use those."
The environment needs you

Wanted: People with the motivation, time, and commitment to become environmental leaders in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Interested? The local environmental organization Acterra is giving you until July 5 to apply to its "Be the Change" program.

Acterra is looking for people with environmental awareness who want more training. "We envision someone in mid-career who has demonstrated competence and promise as a leader in their field and who is ready to move to the next level," said program director Kay O'Neill.

Participants will devote one weekday and one evening a month for 10 months to learn about leadership, environmental issues and creating change.

Eighteen of the Peninsula's key environmental leaders will advise the program and help its participants.

Tuition is $1,600 for the 10-month program; some scholarships are available. To apply, go to acterra.org and under Leadership, click on Be The Change. Or call Director Kay O'Neill at 962-9876, ext. 346; or e-mail kayo@acterra.org.

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