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It’s time to speak out about Dale Pfau’s toxic comments
I am writing this statement because, as a friend wrote me, “all we need for tyranny to occur is for good (wo)men to stay silent.”
During The Almanac’s Portola Valley Town Council election forum on Sept. 29, disparaging comments about several women were cited from candidate Dale Pfau’s emails. These emails became public record because of the lawsuit brought by Lloyd “Rusty” Day et al. against the town and the volunteer Wildfire Preparedness Committee (WPC).
I was upset to learn Dale Pfau is skeptical of anything I say. But I was not surprised. When I first joined the WPC, four former or then-current female volunteers individually warned me that “Dale doesn’t work well with strong women.” Now, we can add three more to that list.
So, while I was embarrassed, I was glad that Mayor Craig Hughes revealed what was in the public record. For people who care about the character of our leadership, we now know Town Council candidate Dale Pfau from his own intentional toxic words.
The other Town Council candidates have been silent on Dale Pfau’s emails. Craig Taylor has adopted a campaign of civility. In declining to discuss this openly, the candidates and Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) members give tacit approval of his behavior.
I ask that everyone talk about Dale Pfau’s toxicity. We can’t normalize his behavior and make it acceptable. We are so much better than that.
Our town needs thoughtful, respectful leadership.
I take issue with Dale Pfau’s claim that WPC members “hijacked its charter.” In March, the WPC voted to move evacuation to the EPC, so that the WPC could focus on wildfire mitigation.
Dale Pfau disagreed because evacuation would extend EPC meetings beyond one hour, which was unacceptable because his EPC members “have real jobs.” Most WPC members were offended, especially also at that time, the EPC was all male.
Subsequently, the EPC concluded that evacuation planning historically rested with them, and they accepted responsibility for the traffic study, where it has not lost a step.
In Portola Valley, residents, volunteers and town staff are passionate about what they do. We all care. The town’s leadership has helped me to be productive and promote wildfire preparedness, and I am grateful for the Town Council and staff. I am also very grateful to have volunteered with some badass women who are now my friends.
MJ Lee
Meadowood Drive, Portola Valley
Support Anna Eshoo for Congress this November
I listened to the debate between City Council member Kumar and Congresswoman Eshoo. I was struck by the number of times Mr. Kumar claimed he would be able to accomplish things that Congresswoman Eshoo has been diligently and effectively chipping away at for years.
For example, Mr. Kumar claims if he is elected he will achieve Medicare for All. I support Medicare for All. But I also remember how difficult and challenging it was to make the historic gains we achieved with the Affordable Care Act.
I was outside the congressional chamber with a group from Planned Parenthood when the house passed the ACA. Congresswoman Eshoo came out to meet with us, and we all took a moment to reflect on what had been achieved — coverage for 31 million previously uninsured Americans; children being able to remain on their parents’ plan until age 26; no exclusion for preexisting conditions (which included intimate partner violence); gender equity in rates; and a guarantee of no cost, no co-pay access to all FDA approved methods of contraception. Transformational, lifesaving, historic.
Progress is made through hard work and persistence. Don’t be fooled by people telling you it’s easy if only you elect them. Vote for Anna Eshoo.
Karen Grove
Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park
Hufty for Portola Valley, Lubin for Woodside
It is disturbing that the Viewpoint opinion articles, endorsing certain Portola Valley and Woodside council members, have been written by an anonymous, editorial board. Who is on this editorial board?
Long time residents Dr. Mary Hufty, of Portola Valley, and Steve Lubin, of Woodside, have demonstrated a deep understanding of the histories, policies, and environmental issues of their towns. For those who don’t want to see the further ‘Athertonization’ of Portola Valley or Woodside, may I suggest voting for Hufty or Lubin rather than the candidates picked by an anonymous, editorial board.
Chris Romano
Woodside
Editors note: The Almanac’s editorial board consists of Publisher and CEO Bill Johnson, Editor Andrea Gemmet and Assistant Editor Kevin Forestieri.
Like your 10% inflation?
Thank Anna Eshoo. She’s the one who voted for the extra $6 trillion in spending the past several years.
Chris: For those of us “not in the know”, what is your definition of:
“‘Athertonization’ of Portola Valley or Woodside”
Thanks!
Vote Rishi. It’s time for change. Our district has punched way below its belt class for too long. From an innovation and economic perspective, this is one of the most influential districts in the country! Our representative is not. Far from it.
When was the last time Anna was on TV? What Silicon Valley causes has she fought for and won victories? What legislation has she actually authored herself (don’t be fooled by the misleading “Anna is on it” mailers)? Why was the only social media post that she put out after the 2016 election an invitation to the inauguration? Ugh. Out of touch, to say the least. Why was her statement about taking pharma money so awful? Why does she even take PAC money?
“Loyal rank and file member” is not what the heart of Silicon Valley should be sending to DC. Our district should be sending a leader to Congress that could be a senator, a cabinet member, etc. some day. Please. We can do better.
As long as I can remember Steve Lublin has never really understood the Town of Woodside nor has he ever really given the Town any solid working ideas or input. Most of his ideas were far fetched at best.
Dave Tanner Past Town of Woodside Council-member and Mayor
Walter:
In case you are unaware the inflation we are experiencing is happening world wide. It’s not isolated to the US as the republicans would have us believe
Mr. Tanner’s (He/Him) lowbrow comments about Steve Lubin are fabricated. Steve Lubin has done a tremendous job with many aspects for the Town of Woodside without monetary gain.
Mr. Tanner (He/Him) who is listed and hired as the Robert’s Agent to plan out their parking structure, sure gets naughty points for not taking into account the ‘safe routes to schools trail’.
The District 2 candidate that will keep the kids safe and out of traffic without kickbacks, is Steve Lubin!