News Briefs News Briefs (June 22, 2005)

Rash of vehicle thefts in east Menlo Park Rash of vehicle thefts in east Menlo Park (June 22, 2005)

Fifteen incidents of vehicle tampering and petty thefts were reported in an east Menlo Park neighborhood on Sunday morning, June 12.

All episodes took place overnight on a cluster of streets near Bay Road, including Dunsmuir Way, Greenwood Place, Harmon Avenue, Hedge Road, Peggy Lane and Theresa Court, said Sgt. Mike Amaral of the Menlo Park Police Department.

Perpetrators entered only those vehicles with unlocked doors, said Sgt. Amaral. Some victims reported stolen cellular phones, loose change and cash, clothing, compact discs and a baby stroller.

Others found their vehicles' doors, trunks or glove compartments open, but reported that no theft occurred.

The Menlo Park Police Department does not know how many thieves were involved, and is currently investigating the incidents, Sgt. Amaral said.
PV council meets on budget, Town Center

The town budget for the 12-month period beginning July 1 will be up for discussion and approval at the Portola Valley Town Council meeting on Wednesday, June 22.

Also scheduled is an update by the architectural team on design plans for the Town Center master plan, and a presentation by the Portola Valley Community Fund, a group raising money for the Town Center project, estimated to cost $15 million.

The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. -- a half-hour earlier than usual -- at the Historic Schoolhouse at 765 Portola Road.
High school district to hold budget session

The governing board and district officials of the Sequoia Union High School District are holding a public study session to review the district's budget for the 12-month period beginning July 1. The hour-long session is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at the board conference room at 480 James Ave. in Redwood City.
Party, fundraiser set for Atherton tennis courts

The tennis courts at Atherton's Holbrook-Palmer Park turn 30 this year, and the Tennis Committee is throwing them a birthday party. Set for 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, at the park's Pavilion, the party is open to anyone in the community who is interested in tennis and the park's courts.

As the courts haven't been aging gracefully, the event is also a launch pad for a fundraising drive to refurbish the park's tennis facilities.

Ben Narasin, the Tennis Committee chairman, said the group will be seeking outside grants as well as donations.

For information about the event or joining the committee, call Mr. Narasin at 566-0056.
Westly announces he will run for governor

State Controller Steve Westly officially announced his plans to run for governor in 2006 via a statewide conference call from a house party in Arcadia, California, on June 18.

Mr. Westly, who lives in Atherton with his wife and two children, is a former eBay executive who characterizes himself as a political outsider who can break the partisan gridlock in Sacramento.
Ravenswood district superintendent resigns

After only one year, LaDawn Law has resigned as superintendent of the Ravenswood City School District in East Palo Alto. The Board of Education unanimously accepted her resignation June 15.

Ms. Law, 60, was hired as district superintendent a year ago, taking over for Floyd Gonella, who had been serving as interim superintendent since 2003 when former head administrator Charlie Mae Knight resigned in a flurry of conflict-of-interest legal battles.
Business seminars at Menlo library

Menlo Park Library is offering two free seminars for small business owners or those who want to start a small business. The presenter is Michael J. Genevro, consultant and instructor at Canada College.

On Sunday, June 26, from 1 to 3 p.m., Mr. Genevro will discuss "Getting started with your own business." On Tuesday, June 28, 7 to 9 p.m., he will talk about business planning.

The programs are offered as part of a small business grant from the California State Library. Both programs will be held in the library's downstairs meeting room.
Seats are open on Menlo commissions

Menlo Park residents who would like to help shape city policy by advising the City Council on housing, library and transportation issues now have several opportunities.

The city's Housing Commission has three openings, with two terms ending in July 2009 and one ending in September 2007. There's one vacancy on the Library Commission, for a term ending July 2009.

In addition, there are two openings on the Transportation Commission; those terms will also end July 2009.

Applications must be filed by 5:30 p.m. on July 20. For more information, call the City Clerk's office at 330-6620 or go to menlopark.org.

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