Atherton will have a few extra visitors in town on Thursday, April 4, as President Barack Obama is the guest of honor at two fundraisers: a brunch for 30 at the home of Liz Simons and Mark Heising and a luncheon for 200 at the home of Marcia and John Goldman.
The events, organized by the Democratic National Committee, are not for those with empty pockets. Brunch tickets are $32,400 per person (including a photo with the president) while luncheon tickets are a bit less steep starting at $1,000 per person for the lunch, $5,000 for lunch and a place in the photo line for one person or $7,500 for two people, $20,000 for a chance to be a co-chair of the reception and $32,400 to be event co-host.
The entrepreneurial sort can even get a free ticket to the brunch by convincing three others to buy one, or can get a free ticket to the lunch by raising $10,000.
Comments
Menlo Park: Stanford Hills
on Apr 2, 2013 at 10:05 pm
on Apr 2, 2013 at 10:05 pm
We'd all be better served if Mr. President would get back to his post and focus on real issues. He's proved to be little better than his predecessor.
Menlo Park: other
on Apr 3, 2013 at 8:09 am
on Apr 3, 2013 at 8:09 am
I would love to attend but have a CPUSA meeting in the Willows at the same time. The Democratic Party is making progress but it has not quite reached CP status.
Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park
on Apr 3, 2013 at 10:10 am
on Apr 3, 2013 at 10:10 am
Guy, MA: A little bitter still that the republicans best they could come up with was a 1 term governor from blue Massachusetts? The guy who ran away after 1 term, rather than be defeated running for his 2nd term? The best the republicans could come up with was a flipflopper you had to hold your nose for as you voted?
Still bitter because Mr 47% only got 47%, beat by 7 percent in a landslide similar to McCain? McCain, who chose a half term gov to be his mate?
Mostly bitter because the republicans have no candidates that can get over 47%? Or bitter because Perry and Santorum would have lost by 20%?
Or just still bitter because Obama is so much more popular than any recent republican?
Or bitter because he is remarkably popular in this area, your chosen home?
All those signs and bumper stickers to look at every day, after all these months, must hurt. A lot.
Time for a third party?
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Apr 3, 2013 at 12:29 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 12:29 pm
I understand the Almanac reporting that the president will be in town, but why is it providing links to Democrat fundraising pages, which is where people have to go to pay for admission to meet the president? This is a disgrace for a supposedly independent newspaper. The Almanac should remove those links immediately and issue an apology to its readers. If not, I encourage readers to refrain from sending financial contributions to the paper when it sends its annual letters soliciting support.
Editor's note: We commonly provide links to a website with more information about an event, and the website is usually run by the organizer or sponsor. In any event, at the risk of being inconsistent, we took these links down.
Atherton: other
on Apr 3, 2013 at 12:46 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 12:46 pm
I'd find it helpful if the locations of these events were disclosed so I would know where to avoid driving while these events are taking place (usually right by my kids' school at drop off or pick up)...or at the very least any street closures resulting from the events, if not actual addresses.
Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park
on Apr 3, 2013 at 12:49 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 12:49 pm
Did the above poster (almanac fundraising bs) object when the almanac did the same thing for republican candidates?
Is it typical right wing hypocrisy to point out the single time they've done it for dems?
You decide.
Web Link
Back in 2009:
Wednesday: Meg Whitman event in Atherton - Candidate for governor to be at Atherton councilman's house
by Andrea Gemmet - Almanac Staff
Meg Whitman, the former eBay CEO and California gubernatorial hopeful, is the featured attraction at a meet-and-greet in Atherton on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Ms. Whitman, an Atherton resident, recently declared her candidacy for the Republican primary in the 2010 governor's race. The event, hosted by The Rising Tide and SPARC, the South Peninsula Area Republican Coalition, begins at 6 p.m. and will be held at the home of Atherton Councilman Charles Marsala at 33 Emilie Ave.
Reservations to the event can be made online at The Rising Tide. (web link)
Menlo Park: The Willows
on Apr 3, 2013 at 12:49 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 12:49 pm
Totally agree that it's HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE for the Almanac to include links to these events. Please try to keep this publication at least marginally politically neutral.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Apr 3, 2013 at 12:58 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 12:58 pm
The President should be in Washington dealing with the numerous national and international concerns versus constantly attending fundraising events and wasting a lot of tax payer dollars for his benefit or that of the Democratic Party. His leadership has been weak and extreme and certainly has not brought about the positive changes people hoped for and expected. In summary, he has been a big disappointment to many who voted for him!!
Menlo Park: Fair Oaks
on Apr 3, 2013 at 1:13 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 1:13 pm
Hypocrites don't complain about republican links for Whitman, but do for Obama.
Other hypocrites won't vote for public financing of elections, them moan about pols raising money.
Unbelievable hubris.
Menlo Park: Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Park Triangle
on Apr 3, 2013 at 1:39 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 1:39 pm
A native wrote "he has been a big disappointment to many who voted for him!! " Too funny! Concern trolling for the Obama voter - what a guy!
Maybe that's why Obama won 51-47? Landslide victory - 332 to 206! Won by 5 million votes!
Since the elecction? ABC News/Washington Post Poll. March 20-24, 2013, registered voters. "Overall, do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of Barack Obama?"
Favorable 57%
Unfavorable 41%
Oh, my bad, I forgot you guys don't believe in math -- that's why your favorite guy Romney, with Rove and Dick Morris, kept predicting victory after all the numbers were obvious to a 3rd grade.
Keep reminding all us Obama voters how unhappy we are with not having the flipflopper in chief!
Too funny!
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Apr 3, 2013 at 1:50 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 1:50 pm
What time do the Giants play?
Menlo Park: Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Park Triangle
on Apr 3, 2013 at 2:03 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 2:03 pm
Giants have 160 games left (reg season.... )
Warriors play at 7:30, 8 games left, fighting for the 6 seed against Jeremy Lin's Rockets. With the Lakers and Jazz tied for 8th.
Good stuff. Jump on, boys and girls, with Curry, the Dubs have one of the top players in the league (well, one of the best not named LeBron.) Check out Steph's numbers since the allstar break: 25 points a game, 7 assists, 4 rebounds.
Let's go Dubs!
...............
For those who think the President should be working more... from the ultra conservative Wash Times, the right wing paper owned by Rev Moon (moonies.).
"President Obama in his first four years has taken 131 days, dividing his time between Hawaii, Martha’s Vineyard and, of course, Camp David, the official get away of U.S. presidents. At this rate, he could hit 262 days by the end of his eighth year, about average for modern presidents.
He certainly is not the king of vacation days. That honor falls to President George W. Bush, who racked up 1,020 vacation days in his eight years in office, including one five-week vacation, the most of any president in 36 years."
Bush 1,020 - Obama 262, yet Obama should "work harder". Gimmee a break.
Hypocrites.
Portola Valley: other
on Apr 3, 2013 at 2:07 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 2:07 pm
Obama traveled from Washington, D.C. to Atherton to be closer to the problems in North Korea.Once it's determined his presence isn't needed in North Korea he will go home.He's just doing his job.
Atherton: other
on Apr 3, 2013 at 2:54 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 2:54 pm
If you're in the local schools, check your email for traffic info. 2nd drop-off will problematic but school knows. Walk?
Menlo Park: Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Park Triangle
on Apr 3, 2013 at 2:55 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 2:55 pm
Matt -- it's obvious that you are taken with our current president. But let's compare him to himself and not the last republican candidate or previous president. He's been in office for more than 4 years now.
I wonder if you would acknowledge any of his shortcomings? And if so what would you say they are? And one more, should he be held responsible for any of the poor decisions he's made?
Once I had hope but not anymore.
Menlo Park: Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Park Triangle
on Apr 3, 2013 at 3:10 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Joe wrote "I wonder if you would acknowledge any of his shortcomings? "
I can list a lot of them, thanks, but I'm not going to be hypocritical like some of the above posters who think he's not working hard.
- Bush 1,020 - Obama 262, yet Obama should "work harder".
Nor I am going to be hypocritical and say that fundraising is bad, but not call for reform of election law, such a public financing of elections.
- otherwise, we accept congress members spending 2-4 hours PER DAY making fundraising calls.
Nor I am going to 'concern troll' on behalf of alleged Obama voters, and then not mention his favorability rating at 58%.
Would you like my list of Obama shortcomings? Let's start with his being a fan of the Bulls... lol
LGW!
btw: I'll compare Obama's work hours to ANY recent republican: Reagan the Asleep, Bush the 1st, and obviously Bush the Lessor. Want me to look up Nixon the crook, or Ike the infrastructure builder?
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Apr 3, 2013 at 3:34 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 3:34 pm
Thank you, Almanac, for taking the links down. If I had noticed them for Meg WHitman I would have had the same reaction. Posting links to political fundraisers implies endorsement. Directing donors to political fundraisers is vastly different from posting links to buy tickets to concerts, charity event, school performances, etc.
Menlo Park: other
on Apr 3, 2013 at 6:16 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 6:16 pm
Matty:
Infrastructure is a bad thing?
Menlo Park: Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Park Triangle
on Apr 3, 2013 at 7:03 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 7:03 pm
MV:
Infrastructure is a great thing. I loved Ike. Particularly his farewell (draft form)
2nd best republican president in the last 100 years.
The first? He cut welfare, cut every federal department from DoD to the EPA. Signed DOMA. Signed the telcom act of 96. Repealed glast steigal. Balanced budgets. Left a surplus. Well, 3 0f 6 ain't bad.
Like I said, best republican since Lincoln.
Menlo Park: other
on Apr 3, 2013 at 7:32 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 7:32 pm
Wasn't Glass-Steagal repealed by Clinton?
Menlo Park: Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Park Triangle
on Apr 3, 2013 at 8:18 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 8:18 pm
Clinton cut welfare, cut every federal department from DoD to the EPA. Signed DOMA. Signed the telcom act of 96. Repealed glast steigal. Balanced budgets. Left a surplus.
Overall, a great showing by a Republican.
After all, how many republicans have balanced the budget?
Wait, Clinton was a WHAAT?!!?
Menlo Park: Downtown
on Apr 3, 2013 at 9:14 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 9:14 pm
As long as he has California as a cash register, he will be back. Surprised he doesn't get is a quick tee time at Sharon Heights or one of the other golf spots.
Portola Valley: other
on Apr 3, 2013 at 9:19 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 9:19 pm
Regarding Presidential vacation days - a recent report stated that George W. Bush spent many days at the family ranch and Camp David working, and all those days were counted.
Obama's vacations are lavish, such as $5 million dollar trips, separate family trips, etc. Recently, there were four big trips in three months!
I agree - our President needs to stay in Washington, D.C. to focus on the serious issues at hand, address the needs of the middle class by creating jobs, balancing the budget, and stop spending time with the rich to have them open their wallets. Speaking of budgets, Obama has the worst record for having a budget done on time. He is not days late, he's weeks and even months late! Needs to learn how to prioritize.
Menlo Park: Menlo Oaks
on Apr 3, 2013 at 9:30 pm
on Apr 3, 2013 at 9:30 pm
Disapointed Democrat: What do you expect from a community organizer. He does not WANT TO STAY IN WASHINGTON! PURE AND SIMPLE. WANTS TO BURN THE CARBON FOOTPRINTS!!!
Menlo Park: Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Park Triangle
on Apr 4, 2013 at 10:06 am
on Apr 4, 2013 at 10:06 am
" a recent report stated that George W. Bush spent many days at the family ranch and Camp David working, and all those days were counted"
Of course, as President Obama's days in Hawaii and Camp David are counted.
And Bush took record numbers of days, more than any other President ever.
- Bush 1,020 - Obama 262 (projected,) yet it is Obama you whine and moan should "work harder".
Let's look at some of Bush's vacations, specifically, the longest presidential vacation in history:
On Aug 6, 2001, Bush was read his daily PDB to him by Condi: "Bin Ladin Determined To Strike in US"
Yet Bush stayed in Crawford, clearing brush for a photo op (want to see pictures?) but mostly doing NOTHING.
Bush was warned, after months of intelligence briefs (later described by intelligence communities as "hair on fire") on Aug 3, in no uncertain terms:
"Bin Ladin Determined To Strike in US"
And Bush stayed in Crawford for a month doing almost nothing: ABC World News Tonight, August 3, 2001, headline "President Bush [Was] to Spend Much of His Month-Long Vacation Enjoying Peace and Quiet of His 1600-acre Texas Ranch." Bush's vacation was to be "the longest of any president since Richard Nixon."
"... [would be doing] a little fishing on the ranch. I'm sure he'll have friends and family over to the ranch. He'll do a little policy. He'll keep up with events." (White House spokesman Ari Fleischer).
"... is no workaholic [like other Baby Boomers]. Reporters who covered him when he was governor of Texas grew familiar with his laid-back approach."
"... was religious about wanting to take time off." (Wayne Slater, Dallas Morning News).
Moran: "In Texas, the president will get a daily intelligence briefing, and he's planning one or two side trips a week just to keep in the public eye, but mostly, it seems, he'll do what most Americans do on vacation: nothing much."
Want to complain about President Obama? Okay, after he sits on his butt FOR A MONTH and allows the worst attack on US soil in history, you may complain.
Did you see our President Obama's speech in front of law enforcement yesterday, in Colorado?
Menlo Park: Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Park Triangle
on Apr 4, 2013 at 10:07 am
on Apr 4, 2013 at 10:07 am
"Bin Ladin Determined To Strike in US"
The greatest failure by any recent American president.
Just so Bush could stay on vacation for a month.
another community
on Apr 4, 2013 at 11:54 am
on Apr 4, 2013 at 11:54 am
I'm puzzled by all the traffic worries. The dates, times & locations have been announced. Where he landed, late, was announced & a number of the street closures have been announced. Unless it's a minimum day, how does it affect schools? I don't think it does. This is on the west side of ECR, which is helpful to know.
Numerous times, due to events at Stanford, I've been caught on campus w/massive traffic. A little creative on the spot planning got me out of it. The world continued to turn on its axis, as it is today. We will all be fine.
Menlo Park: Downtown
on Apr 4, 2013 at 11:59 am
on Apr 4, 2013 at 11:59 am
He could land at Moffet Field like others. Oh but then 101 would be backed up.
another community
on Apr 4, 2013 at 12:08 pm
on Apr 4, 2013 at 12:08 pm
Stan - there's no way they'll have a motorcade that long. He receives too many threats. He always lands quite close, which is better for him & better for traffic.
another community
on Apr 4, 2013 at 12:24 pm
on Apr 4, 2013 at 12:24 pm
The visit is underway, and didn't cause any traffic issues whatsoever.
The end of the world didn't happen...just another quiet day on the Peninsula.
Menlo Park: other
on Apr 4, 2013 at 8:22 pm
on Apr 4, 2013 at 8:22 pm
There were no problems on the peninsula because he helicoptered from San Francisco to the Circus Club. Short trip from there to Walsh Road.
Menlo Park: Downtown
on Apr 5, 2013 at 6:29 pm
on Apr 5, 2013 at 6:29 pm
When is the next tripfor the anointed one!
Menlo Park: Suburban Park/Lorelei Manor/Flood Park Triangle
on Apr 5, 2013 at 6:53 pm
on Apr 5, 2013 at 6:53 pm
well, "harriet", after his address to law enforcement in Colorado and the trip here, our duly re-elected President of the United States of America, arrived back at the White House (his home for another 4 years!) at 9:30 last night.
Today, President Obama hosted an Easter Prayer Breakfast; the Vice President also delivered remarks at the event in the East Room .
They followed that with the PDB (incidentally, not titled "bin Ladin Determined To Attack Within US", fwiw); the rest of the schedule was kept private.
Can I search for anything else for you this evening?
Want to see his birth certificate?
Menlo Park: Downtown
on Apr 6, 2013 at 10:40 am
on Apr 6, 2013 at 10:40 am
I consider it GOOD reporting to include links to more detail about any article topic.
As long as you include links regardless of political party, there is no partisanship.
If the link is purely about fundraising, that's one thing.
If there are more details about the event, purpose, attendeees, hosts, topics, anything, then it qualifies as extended news info. Keep the links please.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Apr 7, 2013 at 2:16 pm
on Apr 7, 2013 at 2:16 pm
Obama was right. Kamala Harris is sizzling hot! Get used to it.
Menlo Park: Stanford Weekend Acres
on Apr 7, 2013 at 3:53 pm
on Apr 7, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Kamala's not only hot but smart, rather, BRILLIANT and has such a bright future.
Get used to it, fellas...
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Apr 8, 2013 at 1:35 pm
on Apr 8, 2013 at 1:35 pm
Kamala wouldn't be where she is now without big help from one of her old boyfriends, Willie Brown. She was one of his many gf's & he always took good care of his ladyfriends, lining them up with good jobs & promo. I don't think Kamala has any problems or perception of "sexual harassment" from the Pres's remark.
Another Willie beneficary was Wendy Trinka who got paid (+free housing) as some sort of "caretaker" on Treasure island until she got too crazy & the Coast Guard or USN had to go "rescue" her from her own wild party ways one too many times.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Apr 8, 2013 at 1:56 pm
on Apr 8, 2013 at 1:56 pm
Downtowner doesn't think women can be successful without the patronage of a man. Of course, best to spread rumors without documenting their veracity.
Sad.
Must be awfully painful to walk through life trying to make excuses for women being stronger and more powerful than you.
another community
on Apr 8, 2013 at 4:46 pm
on Apr 8, 2013 at 4:46 pm
Downtowner --- your comments are bizarre and irresponsible, if not slanderous. You seem like a very bitter person.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Apr 8, 2013 at 8:21 pm
on Apr 8, 2013 at 8:21 pm
?? Many women are & have been very successful without male patronage. We all know many, including some ambassadors, congresswomen, and Secretaries of State, as well as political leaders in other countries & CEOs. Maybe Kamala would have been just as successful without Willie's help but we'll never know, will we? My point was that I doubt Kamala was offended by a compliment about her appearance, as well as her capabilities, as made by the President.
Undocumented? Hardly. Check out SF Chronicle archives. Would it be offensive it Willie B now called his old gf "good looking"? Don't think so.
Why do you think my comment is negative or slanderous? Are you new to Bay Area political happenings? Or is that you think the President's remark was offensive, which I clearly do not.
another community
on Apr 8, 2013 at 8:48 pm
on Apr 8, 2013 at 8:48 pm
I don't think Obama's comment was offensive at all...he made similar comments about brains and looks about men too.
However, I think your comments are just local gossip...not credible or even interesting.
But then, this story about Obama's quick visit LAST WEEK is still being run on this site in order to generate combative responses like yours --- so this is my last note to this site.
another community
on Apr 8, 2013 at 8:58 pm
on Apr 8, 2013 at 8:58 pm
I have to agree w/Downtowner to a degree. Willie was known to cultivate & groom many people & had a fondness for smart women. He was in charge of a powerful political machine & its results are still manifesting. Who knows if Ms. Harris would be where she is now w/out his patronage? I don't know - & it's not because she's not smart, competent & charismatic - she is. It also doesn't mean that she hasn't worked hard or that she's not good at her job or that she shouldn't be where she is. You can say this is gossip, but in actuality, it's common knowledge - depending how long you've been in the area & if you pay attention to local politics - & well documented. It would mean digging through public news archives. I grew up hearing, seeing & reading about Willie, but it's easy to forget who he groomed unless they're still in the spotlight.
I'm female, & I'm not bashing her at all, but I am a realist about the reach of political machines, even when their button-pusher is no longer in power.