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Palo Vol. XLI, Number 38 Q June 26, 2020
Alto Historic President
Hotel apartments to
revert to hotel
Page 8
w w w. P a l o A l t o O n l i n e.c o m
Opening up the world through fiction • page 33
Read up-to-the-minute news on PaloAltoOnline.com
QRacial Justice Hundreds rally in the streets for Juneteenth Page 5
QCommunity Cities see explosion of fireworks complaints Page 7
QEating Out Restaurants divided on indoor dining Page 39
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No one anticipated COVID-19, but our systems have allowed us to adapt while
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Our new infection control procedures include digital technology for triaging your
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We are ready for your emergency.
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1199 Welch Road • Stanford, CA 94304 900 Quarry Road Extension • Palo Alto, CA 94304
Page 2 • June 26, 2020 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com
®
Congratulationsto the Top Real Estate
Agents & Teams
in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties 2019
Organized
Agent/Team Key Team
Ranking Brokerage as Agent or Total Sales* Listing Sales Buyer Sales
Name Members
Team
Ken DeLeon
1 DeLeon Team DeLeon Realty, Inc. Team $811,146,401 $434,887,401 $376,259,000
Michael Repka
2 Stanley Lo Green Banker Realty Agent Stanley Lo $313,987,178 $213,720,178 $100,267,000
3 David Troyer Intero Real Estate Services Agent David Troyer $208,460,828 $193,079,380 $15,381,448
4 Judy Citron Compass Agent Judy Citron $203,714,900 $111,222,200 $92,492,700
Mary & Brent Mary Gullixson
5 Compass Team $192,910,000 $137,010,000 $55,900,000
Gullixson Brent Gullixson
6 Andy Tse Intero Real Estate Services Agent Andy Tse $184,183,716 $133,268,216 $50,915,500
7 David Lillo DPL Real Estate Agent David Lillo $158,687,788 $136,596,288 $22,091,500
8 Billy McNair Compass Agent Billy McNair $156,072,000 $90,242,000 $65,830,000
The Patty Dwyer
9 Compass Team Patty Dwyer $133,016,500 $79,211,500 $53,805,000
Group
10 Keri Nicholas Parc Agency Corporation Agent Keri Nicholas $120,052,700 $81,107,700 $38,945,000
11 The Hanna Group Real Estate 38 Team Zaid Hanna $117,255,116 $45,843,116 $71,412,000
Eric Boyenga
12 Boyenga Team Compass Team $114,778,950 $66,266,450 $48,512,500
Janelle Boyenga
13 Kathy Bridgman Compass Agent Kathy Bridgman $113,376,555 $97,966,555 $15,410,000
14 Recip. Team† "ÕÌvƂÀi>"vwVi Team Not Applicable $108,660,945 $17,680,000 $90,980,945
15 Juliana Lee JLee Realty Agent Juliana Lee $101,509,488 $31,343,600 $70,165,888
16 Jim Arbeed Coldwell Banker Realty Agent Jim Arbeed $99,692,276 $75,112,388 $24,579,888
17 Sternsmith Group Compass Agent Casey Sternsmith $99,409,000 $53,298,000 $46,111,000
Tom LeMieux
18 LeMieux Associates‡ Compass Team $99,328,000 $74,923,000 $ 24,405,000
Jennifer Bitter
19 Len Stone Group KW Peninsula Estates Team Len Stone $99,170,500 $60,761,500 $38,409,000
Keller Williams Realty - Dave Clark
20 Dave Clark Agent $97,507,500 $94,107,500 $3,400,000
Silicon Valley Troy Bambino
Although all DeLeon Palo Alto sellers work directly with Michael Repka, the DeLeon Team has far more resources and a more
robust staff than any independent contractor agent or small team. That, coupled with our innovative business model, creates
>Þ«iÀ>Ì>ivwViViÃÌ >Ì>ÜÕÃÌ`VÃ`iÀ>LÞÀiÛÕi>`vviÀÀiÃiÀÛViÃÌ >ÌÀ>`Ì>>}iÌð
Nevertheless, clients regularly choose between the DeLeon Team’s integrated model, and the traditional approach practiced
by most other agents and teams, so we believe a direct and transparent comparison is helpful.
Search criteria as compiled by BrokerMetrics® using MLS Data: January 1st, 2019 - December 31st, 2019, Santa Clara County and San Mateo County, Residential Property (Single Family Home,
Condominium, Townhouse, Manufactured Home, Floating Home, Duet Home, Multiple on Lot, Farm/Ranch, Other Residential, Double Wide Mobile Home, Duplex). †Recip is an amalgamation
of many out of the area agents ‡Tom LeMieux operates functionally as a team but splits the team sales amongst the members when reporting sales to the MLS. For purposes of accuracy, we have
/;9.5:10@41?-81?;2@415:05B50A-8919.1>?;2@41 1 51AD@1-9 &;@-8?-81?5:/8A01?.;@4@4185?@5:3?-81?-:0.AE1>?-81? ;;Ŋ %?-81?C1>15:/8A0105:@41>-:75:3?
Michael Repka | Managing Broker | DRE #01854880 | 650.900.7000 | michael@deleonrealty.com
DeLeon Realty,Inc. | www.deleonrealty.com | DRE #01903224
www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • June 26, 2020 • Page 3
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Page 4 • June 26, 2020 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com
line.com
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Upfront Local news, information and analysis
Largest housing project in years proposed
Sand Hill Property Company pitches 187-unit and The Fish Market, which is benefits. Lait underscored on Monday that
currently a parking lot. If it wins But while the “planned com- the city remains well short of its
development at Stanford Research Park approval, it would be the first munity” zone famously left open housing target.
by Gennady Sheyner project to advance under the city’s the question of what constitutes “We’re still not meeting the
“planned home zone,” a designa- a “public benefit,” the “planned goals of the council in the Com-
E
ager to spur the creation of development that would bring 187 tion that the council recently cre- home zone” offers a clear answer: prehensive Plan, and we’re only
more housing, members of apartments to the edge of Stan- ated to provide incentives to resi- housing. In February, the council barely meeting our above-market-
the Palo Alto City Council ford Research Park. dential developers. Modeled after authorized staff to use the zoning rate housing numbers that we’re
signaled their support Monday The development proposed by the “planned community” zone of tool to bring the city closer to its expected to make in order to meet
night for one of the most ambi- Sand Hill Property Company yesteryear, the new zone allows elusive goal of building more than the (Senate Bill) 35 standards that
tious projects that the city has would occupy 3300 El Camino developers to exceed land-use 300 units per year.
seen in many years: a mixed-use Real, just south of Hansen Way standards in exchange for public Planning Director Jonathan (continued on page 14)
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Video shows
arrest that
sparked suit
Man suffered
broken facial bone
by Gennady Sheyner
T
he Palo Alto Police Depart-
ment posted on June 19 vid-
eo footage of the July 10,
2019, arrest of Julio Arevalo, who
suffered a facial bone fracture
while being detained by an of-
ficer near the entrance to Happy
Donuts at 3916 El Camino Real.
The department released the
video on June 19, hours after this
news organization submitted a
Public Records Act request for
footage associated with the arrest
from police body cameras and the
police vehicles. The video was
Magali Gauthier
posted on YouTube, along with
surveillance video footage from
the doughnut shop.
Arevalo, who was 23 years
About 500 demonstrators march down Hamilton Avenue in downtown Palo Alto during a Juneteenth rally on June 19. old at the time of the arrest, is
one of two residents who have
national outrage over racial in- recently filed complaints against
RACIAL JUSTICE equality and police brutality, it the department, alleging exces-
won’t result in lasting change. sive force. In November, the City
Black residents speak to “Do not let a day like today
be your only method or action
Council approved a $572,500
settlement over the February
hundreds at Juneteenth rally when it comes to truly fighting
for our country. We are in a true
crisis,” said Brian Chancellor,
2018 arrest of Gustavo Alvarez at
Buena Vista Mobile Home Park.
The Santa Clara County District
‘It’s not the brutality. It’s the indignity that you suffer.’ who graduated from Palo Alto Attorney’s Office is now consid-
High School in 1987. “My chal- ering filing charges against one of
by Elena Kadvany
lenge to you is to do more. What the arresting officers, retired Sgt.
J
amal Harrison was so full one sentence repeated over and years after the Emancipation are you going to do after today, Wayne Benitez, who was seen in
of rage he couldn’t stand. over: “With every step forward, Proclamation was issued. and tomorrow, and the next day that video slamming an already
Kobi Johnsson said he a breath.” From teenagers to adults, the with your money and with your handcuffed Alvarez into the hood
felt like he couldn’t breathe as Eight Black community speakers illustrated generations opportunity?” of a car.
a Black student in Palo Alto members spoke in raw, heartfelt of subtle and overt racism on Johnsson and Makayla Miller, On Wednesday, Arevalo’s at-
schools. detail to a crowd of hundreds the streets of Palo Alto and in who both graduated from Paly torney Cody Salfen, who had
Michael Harrison described of masked people gathered at the city’s public schools. Sev- earlier this month, described also represented Alvarez, filed
the indignity of getting pulled King Plaza on Friday, June 19, eral expressed doubt about the a school system in which they a lawsuit in the U.S. District
over by the police again and to mark Juneteenth, the day in protests sweeping the country in felt like they had to prove them- Court, Northern District of Cali-
again in Palo Alto, his hometown. 1865 when enslaved African the wake of the death of George selves because of the color of fornia, alleging that the police
Elijah Steiner read a poem Americans in Texas learned Floyd at the hands of Minnesota department unfairly targeted
punctuated by the rhythm of they were free, more than two police, fearing that despite the (continued on page 11)
(continued on page 14)
www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • June 26, 2020 • Page 5
Upfront
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK
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Cottage for Rent EDITORIAL
Quiet 1 bedroom 1 bath Editor Jocelyn Dong (223-6514)
cottage in College Terrace,
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Sports Editor Rick Eymer (223-6516) I would’ve kept the housing.
Arts & Entertainment Editor Karla Kane (223-6517)
Home & Real Estate Editor
Heather Zimmerman (223-6515)
—Eric Filseth, Palo Alto councilman, on the
President Hotel apartments reverting to a hotel. See
Advertising deadline is Tuesday at noon. Express & Digital Editor Jamey Padojino
(223-6524) story on page 8.
To place an ad or get a quote, Staff Writers Sue Dremann (223-6518), Elena
Around Town
Kadvany (223-6519), Gennady Sheyner (223-6513)
call 650.223.6597 Chief Visual Journalist Magali Gauthier (223-6530)
Editorial Assistant/Intern Coordinator
or email digitalads@paweekly.com. Lloyd Lee (223-6526)
Contributors Chrissi Angeles, Mike Berry,
Carol Blitzer, Peter Canavese, Edward Gerard Fike, POWER OF THE POLL ... the day when the organization
Yoshi Kato, Chris Kenrick, Jack McKinnon, The coronavirus pandemic is was formed 100 years earlier.
Sheryl Nonnenberg, John Orr, Monica Schreiber, expected to significantly shake The organization also has
Jay Thorwaldson
up a highly anticipated event debuted a new tagline, “Inspiring
ADVERTISING less than four months away: Inclusion,” which it paired with
Vice President Sales & Marketing
We help you make Tom Zahiralis (223-6570)
Election Day. As the clock ticks,
government leaders are figuring
the new name to “express our
mission and the focus of all of
Multimedia Advertising Sales
sure insurance Tiffany Birch (223-6573), Elaine Clark (223-6572),
Connie Jo Cotton (223-6571)
out how to safely operate a
general election in the midst of a
our services,” CEO Bryan Neider
said during the livestream.
claims, payments, Real Estate Advertising Sales health crisis. For Palo Alto High Viewers of the virtual event were
Neal Fine (223-6583), Rosemary Lewkowitz School student Tara Kapoor, receptive to the rebranding, with
and questions are (223-6585) the answer lies in universal some calling it as “wonderful,”
Legal Advertising Alicia Santillan (223-6578) vote-by-mail. She laid out her
handled quickly. ADVERTISING SERVICES arguments in “Freedom Isn’t
“great” and “beautiful.” During a
Q&A period at the event, Neider
Advertising Services Manager Free: The Price to Preserve noted that the new name and
Kevin Legarda (223-6597) Democracy,” her entry in The tagline were a result of two
Sales & Production Coordinators New York Times’ seventh annual years of research. A video of the
Diane Martin (223-6584), Nico Navarrete (223-6582)
Student Editorial Contest. announcement can be found at
DESIGN “This is, indeed, a realistic goal youtu.be/3rYT78s7Aw8.
Design & Production Manager — five states have successfully
Kristin Brown (223-6562)
and repeatedly set an example SPREADING KNOWLEDGE ...
Senior Designers Linda Atilano, Paul Llewellyn
with almost all ballots cast by From imagining their dream
Designers Kevin Legnon, Amy Levine,
mail for years,” the 15-year-old
Serving the community for over 30 years! Douglas Young
student argued. “It’s high time
companies to breaking
down how to make a cold
BUSINESS we guaranteed the option for all
Assistant Business Manager
call, Palo Alto youth recently
Americans.” She was recognized
CHARLIE PORTER Gwen Fischer (223-6575)
as a runner-up on June 17, when
learned about the ABCs of
Business Associates Jennifer Lindberg (223-6542), entrepreneurship through the
the publication released its list
Farmers® Agency Suzanne Ogawa (223-6543) Paly Robotics Team. The
of winners. Kapoor contrasted
License # 0773991 ADMINISTRATION
the mishaps observed during
club’s business team gave
10 free lessons that wrapped
671-A Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park Courier Ruben Espinoza
Wisconsin’s primary with the
up late last week for students
650-327-1313 EMBARCADERO MEDIA success during Alaska’s primary,
from elementary to high
cporter2@farmersagent.com President William S. Johnson (223-6505) which canceled in-person
school. “When the quarantine
Vice President Michael I. Naar (223-6540) voting and sent out ballots to
Vice President & CFO Peter Beller (223-6545)
started, I knew I wanted to
eligible voters. The turnout
Vice President Sales & Marketing
do something to help my
doubled compared to the state’s
Tom Zahiralis (223-6570) community ... during this time
2016 primary. (Both primaries
Director, Information Technology & Webmaster of need, so I established Zoom
were held in April.) Kapoor
Frank A. Bravo (223-6551) workshops at Paly Robotics,”
acknowledged an estimated
Director of Marketing and Audience Paly freshman Caroline Zhang,
Development Emily Freeman (223-6560) $2 billion would be spent to
one of the team’s members,
Major Accounts Sales Manager make universal vote-by-mail
told the Weekly in an email.
Connie Jo Cotton (223-6571) a reality, but cited a March 21
opinion in the Times that stated “As a student, I oftentimes felt
Circulation Assistant Alicia Santillan
the amount is “a drop in the bored during the quarantine and
Computer System Associates Chris Planessi,
Mike Schmidt $1-trilllion-plus stimulus bucket wanted to learn something new.”
The Palo Alto Weekly (ISSN 0199-1159) is published every ... and it should be an essential She added that the workshops
Friday by Embarcadero Media, 450 Cambridge Ave., Palo
part of any coronavirus response allowed parents to relax while
Alto, CA 94306, (650) 326-8210. Periodicals postage paid at
Palo Alto, CA and additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a package.” The contest, which their children listened to the
newspaper of general circulation for Santa Clara County.
limited each piece to 450 words, lessons. The first workshop
The Palo Alto Weekly is delivered to homes in Palo Alto,
Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, East Palo Alto, to received a total of 7,318 entries challenged students to guess
faculty and staff households on the Stanford campus and
reviewed by 30 judges. Read the company behind a series
to portions of Los Altos Hills. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to Palo Alto Weekly, 450 Cambridge Ave., Palo Kapoor’s full editorial at nyti. of mission statements that
Alto, CA 94306. ©2020 by Embarcadero Media. All rights
ms/2N8r8vW. included Google, Nike and
reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly
prohibited. The Palo Alto Weekly is available on the Internet Hydro Flask. More advanced
via Palo Alto Online at: www.PaloAltoOnline.com material was found in the fifth
COMING TOGETHER ...
Our email addresses are: editor@paweekly.com, workshop, where the robotics
letters@paweekly.com, digitalads@paweekly.com,
Gatepath and Abilities United,
ads@paweekly.com two Peninsula nonprofits that club’s business team covered
Missed delivery or start/stop your paper? merged nearly a year ago to the do’s and don’ts of giving
Email circulation@paweekly.com. You may also subscribe a pitch. In a workshop survey,
online at PaloAltoOnline.com. Subscriptions are $120/yr. continue their mission of serving
people with disabilities, debuted 95.2% of participants reported
a new name on June 20. The they learned something new
organization will now be known and would recommend the
as AbilityPath, which “conveys series to a peer. The club’s
a path to an inclusive world business team also plans to
Become a where people of all abilities roll out a curriculum on art
Paid Subscriber for as low are fully accepted,” according and software next month. To
as $5 per month to a press release. The new view the entrepreneurship
name was announced during videos, visit youtube.com/user/
Sign up online at
a virtual event on YouTube on PalyRobotics. Q
www.PaloAltoOnline.com/join
Page 6 • June 26, 2020 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com
Upfront
COMMUNITY
Police try to quash fireworks spree
Residents unnerved by bigger, louder and more frequent explosions
by Sue Dremann
E
ach year around July 4, the There are also three or four neighbors calling dispatch or us-
skies above East Palo Alto group homes for veterans near ing the tip line to give us a precise
resident Maureen Larsson’s the Guislins. location so we can get to the site
neighborhood fill with the color- “I can’t imagine it’s good for more quickly,” he said.
ful bursts of large fireworks and them. I feel we need to address Fireworks are also being set off
the deafening booms of explod- it,” he said. in Menlo Park, and police there
ing mortars. The nightly sounds, The fireworks have already have seen an increase in com-
Sue Dremann
which can go on for weeks before ignited fires, such as a two-acre plaints about them — 195 since
the national holiday, can be heard blaze in an East Palo Alto field on March.
all over town. June 4 that threatened homes and It’s not just the Midpeninsula
“We’ve been here a long time apartments, according to Menlo that’s being plagued with people Boxes of used fireworks are piled up at the corner of Bell and
and every year it’s the same sadly Park firefighters. setting off pyrotechnics — it’s Lincoln streets in East Palo Alto on June 24.
destructive predictable thing: My Local police departments say happening across the country.
husband and I are disrupted and they are responding in force. New York has had a 426% in- but it could explain the signifi- diameter, are banned.
stressed by months of explosions. There are ongoing criminal in- crease in complaints about fire- cantly louder ‘booms’ that our Under California fireworks
We see at least one fire a year and vestigations, East Palo Alto po- works, he said, referencing news residents are reporting now, com- laws the possession or transport
hear about others caused by fire- lice Chief Albert Pardini said by reports. The same problems are pared to years past,” she said. of illegal explosive devices is a
works and know people whose email. occurring in Los Angeles and Pardini said information sug- misdemeanor subject to up to
property has been destroyed,” “The entire patrol division is other cities on the West Coast. gests people are traveling to other six months in county jail and a
Larsson said. working to locate and arrest in- And why is it happening? states where it is legal to purchase $1,000 fine. Possession of a large
“This year the fireworks prob- dividuals in possession of illegal “It is believed that because of fireworks. They are then illegally quantity of fireworks or explosive
lem has worsened. It’s still June fireworks in East Palo Alto. I have COVID-19: All firework shows transporting the fireworks back. devices can result in up to three
and the social media posts about several investigations in progress, are cancelled so people are mak- Nevada law allows bottle rock- years in state prison and a fine up
lost dogs and lost sleep are non- but I can’t reveal the details as ing their own shows,” Pardini ets, sky rockets, roman candles, to $50,000.
stop. Neighbors who’re grappling it would tip off the suspects,” he said. firecrackers, sparklers, missiles, Pardini said it’s hard to catch vi-
with COVID, financial challenges said. Palo Alto police also think aerial spinners, display shells olators because of the widespread
and work demands are even more “There seems to be a pattern there’s a supply issue at play this and other aerial items, accord- activity.
frazzled and there’s no relief,” she of behavior that people walk out year. ing to the American Pyrotechnics “We attempt to track the dis-
added. “People doing fireworks ... of their home, discharge a device “One hypothesis that we’ve Association. charges as they are occurring, but
don’t care how they impact their and then go back into their home. heard, which seems reasonable to California prohibits these and ... as my patrol officers hear or see
neighbors.” A few minutes later, a different us, is that due to cancellations of other items: Only so-called “safe the devices in the air, it is a chal-
Menlo Park residents and neighbor does the same thing, al- Fourth of July fireworks shows, and sane” fireworks such as lenge to determine which street
Palo Altans who live near East most as if they are trying to have a there may be an overabundance small items used on the ground they originated from,” he said.
Palo Alto say they are similarly competition to see who can make of professional-grade fireworks — including fountains, spinners Palo Alto police haven’t been
frustrated. the loudest noise or launch the available on illegal markets” Ja- and snap caps — are allowed in able to verify any reports of fire-
Beth Guislin counted 120 ex- biggest airborne device,” Pardini nine De la Vega, public affairs some counties. The “dangerous” works or gunshots going off in
plosions an hour on a recent night, said, noting that the activity is oc- manager for the Palo Alto Police fireworks, including bottle rock- Palo Alto.
her husband, John, said. It upsets curring throughout the city. Department, stated in an email. ets and sparklers larger than 10
her sleep and their dog is terrified. “Our biggest help has been “Note this is purely speculative, inches long or one-quarter inch in (continued on page 13)
EDUCATION
School board urges teachers to
prepare for ‘robust’ distance learning
Palo Alto Unified waits for county public health guidance
on reopening schools, expected by June 30
by Elena Kadvany
S
everal Palo Alto school on how instructional minutes our secondary schools to start
board members said Tues- will be calculated in the fall, an with and then understanding as Magali Gauthier
day that secondary schools issue that’s creating confusion quickly as possible how we can
should be prepared for remote in districts across California, he amend that with more in-person
learning in the fall, even as the said. education,” he said. “I think it’s
district would like elementary Palo Alto Unified is aiming really critical that we not expect The Gunn High School campus sits vacant in April after students
school students to return to cam- to release its plan for reopen- to, number one, do something as districtwide were forced to finish the school year at home due to
pus in person. ing schools by next Friday, July good as regular school, and two, the coronavirus pandemic. It remains unclear whether students will
“The only certainty I think we 3, Austin said. He described the take on a challenge that’s just too return to campus or continue with remote learning in the fall.
have is that some sort of distance reopening process, fraught with big for us to actually deliver on.”
learning option is going to be uncertainty, as choosing from a Board member Jennifer Di- for our students who are feeling reopening schools given the po-
necessary,” Board Vice President set of “imperfect options.” Brienza said the district should really isolated and stressed and tential health concerns.
Shounak Dharap said. “It’s pretty safe to say we’re not prioritize training all teachers on depressed and just disconnected “A few weeks ago, I would have
Their comments came as the going to have an answer that’s online learning this summer, es- from peers — any way we can get believed we could have had a hy-
district pressed pause on its re- going to satisfy all requests,” he pecially in the event that there’s them in some human interaction brid opening. I was even buying
opening plans and negotiations said. a second wave of the coronavirus I think is better than not,” Di- books for my classroom library
with the teachers union while it Board member Ken Dauber this fall and schools have to close Brienza said. ... but looking at the Santa Clara
waits for the Santa Clara County urged district staff to pursue a again. Board member Melissa Baten County Public Health Depart-
Public Health Department to simplified, “achievable” plan that But she emphasized the im- Caswell said the district is “ham- ment’s numbers today, I think that
release guidance for reopening they’ll be able to deliver on in the portance of providing in-person strung” by government and pub- reopening plan is fantasy or mad-
schools. Superintendent Don fall, including online-only in- connection for students’ social- lic health guidance, and she didn’t ness,” said Greene Middle School
Austin said the county has stated struction for the middle and high emotional as well as academic want to weigh in further until re- English teacher Kelly Zalatimo,
the guidance will be issued before schools. well-being. ceiving county direction. citing the fact that Santa Clara
June 30. “I would be comfortable — “If there are any safe ways Numerous parents and teachers County on Tuesday recorded its
The district is also hoping to not happy, but comfortable — that we can be in person, I can- spoke at the June 23 virtual board
get clarification from the state with an online-only option for not stress how important it is that meeting, many cautioning against (continued on page 10)
www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • June 26, 2020 • Page 7
Upfront
Not everyone was convinced not need another luxury hotel; we
by the legal arguments. Palo Alto need housing.”
Neighborhoods, an umbrella Councilwoman Lydia Kou sug-
group with residents from differ- gested that AJ Capital should
ent neighborhood organizations, have known that the hotel con-
submitted a letter challenging version may not be legal when it
staff’s conclusions about the proj- purchased the building in June
ect and its recommendation to ap- 2018. She noted that its advisers
prove it. The developer voluntarily included two former Palo Alto em-
opted to withdraw the building ployees, former city Planning Di-
from the residential market, de- rector Steve Emslie and Richard
spite being told by the city that a Hackmann, a management analyst
hotel project might not be legal, who worked in the City Manager’s
the letter states. Office.
“The city has no burden what- Kou also questioned the city’s
soever to then allow it a new use ability to enforce the hotel’s pro-
that’s profitable, including that of posed transportation program that
a hotel, if such a hotel isn’t legal,” promises to reduce solo commut-
the PAN letter states. ing by 45%.
Angela Dellaporta, who serves Councilwoman Liz Kniss was
on the North Ventura Coordinated the most enthusiastic about the
Area Plan Working Group, which hotel project, which includes seis-
Veronica Weber
is trying to craft a new vision for mic rehabilitation and restoration
a 60-acre section of the Ventura of the historic building.
neighborhood, was one of many “We’re dealing with a historic
residents who pointed out that the building in Palo Alto, a Birge
Pedestrians walk underneath the President Hotel sign. The building was sold in June 2018 and hotel project directly contradicts Clark, and one that I think can
apartment residents were forced to leave. the city’s housing goals. look absolutely amazing again,”
“If you actually do care about Kniss said, “It does not look
housing as you said, then please do amazing now.”
DEVELOPMENT not grant waivers that will actually Acknowledging the high level of
reduce housing in Palo Alto,” Del- public concern about the project,
Fearing a lawsuit, Palo Alto laporta told the council Tuesday.
Frank Flynn was one of more
the council also took the unusual
step of directing Stump to prepare
approves President Hotel project than 50 residents who submitted
letters protesting the conversion.
He wrote that if the council grants
a public memo explaining the
various legal rules that applied to
the council’s decision. The memo,
City’s move allows conversion of 75 apartments into 100 hotel rooms President Hotel’s request it would which was proposed by Mayor
by Gennady Sheyner be sending a strong and clear mes- Adrian Fine, will be published on
sage to any developer that “all you the city’s website.
I
n a dramatic about-face, the Lait had also maintained last year and cited the case Javidzad v. City need to do is threaten a lawsuit Fine stressed that the council
Palo Alto City Council agreed that the proposal violates numer- of Santa Monica, in which a court and you will get what you want has been “extraordinarily con-
on Tuesday night to approve ous city’s laws pertaining to park- ruled against the city’s effort to and that our laws and our zoning strained in this decision.”
the conversion of the iconic Presi- ing and zoning. prevent a conversion of a rental mean nothing.” “This has been a really sad and
dent Hotel on University Avenue In agreeing this week to reverse property. “You should not feel the pres- trying process for Palo Alto,” Fine
from an apartment complex to a course, the council followed the “There are many types of regu- sure to capitulate here and you said. Q
boutique hotel. lead of two attorneys: AJ Capital’s lations that cities have adopted to should stand for your principles Staff Writer Gennady Sheyner
By a 6-1 vote, with Council- lawyer David Lanferman, who ar- preserve rental housing, which is and the principles of the city you can be emailed at gsheyner@
woman Lydia Kou dissenting, gued in numerous letters that re- a valuable asset, (one) that many represent,” Flynn wrote. “We do paweekly.com.
the council gave the green light jecting the company’s hotel con- communities over many years have
to Chicago-based developer Ad- version would violate the state’s been seeing as something to sup-
venturous Journeys Capital Part-
ners to convert the building’s 75
apartments into 100 hotel rooms.
Ellis Act and lead to a lawsuit,
and City Attorney Molly Stump,
who concluded that the courts
port and try protect,” Stump said.
“We’ve seen various efforts by
cities struck down as imposing an
Public Agenda
The vote concludes a high-profile, would likely affirm Lanferman’s undue burden on property owners A preview of Palo Alto government meetings next week
two-year legal battle and clears position. Numerous council mem- under the Ellis Act.”
CITY COUNCIL ... The council is not scheduled to meet this week.
the way for a project that over the bers also said that they believe the She and City Manager Ed Shika-
past two years has galvanized in- city is legally boxed in because of da both emphasized that the city
BOARD OF EDUCATION ... The school board will hold twice-weekly
tense community opposition and a combination of laws that collec- is functioning in its quasi-judicial
special meetings to discuss reopening plans and hear COVID-19
prompted the eviction of the build- tively place an “undue burden” on capacity, more as a judge than as
updates. The virtual meetings will tentatively begin at 5 p.m. on
ing’s tenants. AJ Capital in its effort to leave the a legislative body. As such, it is
Tuesday, June 30, and 9 a.m. on Friday, July 3. The meetings will be
But even as they handed AJ rental business. “much more limited in the choices
broadcast on Cable TV Channel 28 and midpenmedia.org. Those
Capital a colossal and long-await- Because the Birge Clark-de- it can make,” Stump said.
wishing to participate by Zoom can do so by going to pausd.zoom.
ed victory, council members gen- signed building was constructed in “Council is not free to simply
us/j/97888498129 or dialing 669-900-6833 and using Meeting ID: 949
erally acknowledged that a new 1930 and is considered historical select the best outcome that it be-
9734 6242.
hotel wouldn’t have been their (it functioned as a hotel until 1968 lieves is in the interest of the com-
preferred use for the prominent before becoming an apartment munity,” Stump said.
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ... The commission plans to
building at 488 University Ave., building), the developer does not Faced with limited options, the
discuss the 2020 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan, hear a report
particularly given the city’s hous- have the option of demolishing the council accepted Stump’s guidance
on the Public Works Zero Waste Program and review the Cameron Park
ing shortage. For years, coun- building and constructing one that and approved, with reluctance, the
improvement project. The virtual meeting will tentatively begin at 7 p.m.
cil members and residents have complies with code. Because it is proposed hotel conversion. Coun-
on Tuesday, June 30. Those wishing to participate by Zoom can do so
stressed the importance of pre- a grandfathered non-complying cilman Eric Filseth spoke for most
by dialing 669-900-6833 and using Meeting ID: 960 1960 0106.
serving housing, particularly in building, it cannot switch from of his colleagues when he noted
the downtown area, which is well- residential to non-residential use that the AJ Capital project “takes
UTILITIES ADVISRY COMMISSION ... The commission plans to
served by public transit. without the waiver created by the us in the wrong direction” when
elect officers, discuss the demand side management report for fiscal
To underscore this point, the 2018 law. Nor can the building be it comes to housing but suggested
year 2019, discuss progress in implementing programs to facilitate
council passed last year a law converted from a rental property that Ellis Act makes it hard for him
electric vehicle adoption, consider a recommendation to amend the
specifically forbidding “grandfa- to a condominium complex be- to oppose the project.
city’s Carbon Neutral Plan and Electric Utility Reserves Management
thered” residential buildings like cause a local law bars such con- “That said, I do like seeing this
Practices. The virtual meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday,
President Hotel, which were built versions unless the city’s vacancy building get restored and I do be-
July 1. Those wishing to participate by Zoom can do so by dialing 669-
before the current development rate goes above 3%, Stump said. lieve AJ Capital will do a proper
900-6833 and using Meeting ID: 949 9734 6242.
standards were adopted, from be- Lanferman argued in a letter that job of it and I appreciate that,” Fils-
ing converted to non-residential applying the new law to preclude eth said. “And while the hotel envi-
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD ... The board plans to discuss
use. As part of its vote on Tues- the conversion of President Hotel ronment in Palo Alto is very com-
proposed façade improvements to 4260 El Camino Real. The virtual
day, the council approved a waiver would impose an “extreme and petitive, for what it’s worth, I think
meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1. Those wishing
allowing AJ Capital to get around prohibitive price on the owner’s this one has a legitimate shot of one
to participate by Zoom can do so by dialing 669-900-6833 and using
this law. exercise of Ellis Act rights as to day being the best hotel in town.
meeting ID: 994 1478 7737.
City Planning Director Jonathan the Hotel President.” Stump agreed But I would’ve kept the housing.”
Page 8 • June 26, 2020 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com
Upfront
News Digest
Commissioner resigns over Foothills delay
FREE
COVID-19
A member of the Parks and Recreation Commission who has led
the effort to open Foothills Park to non-residents announced his
resignation Tuesday, a day after the City Council decided not to
take up the politically charged topic until after its summer break.
In his resignation letter to Mayor Adrian Fine, Ryan McCauley
criticized the council for ignoring the recommendations of both its
TESTING
Parks and Recreation Commission and its Human Relations Com-
mission, which had both recommended that the council repeal a
law that makes it illegal for residents outside of Palo Alto to enter
the nature preserve unless they are accompanied by a resident.
The council was scheduled to consider it on Tuesday but voted
on Monday to postpone its discussion until after its summer break,
citing a heavy workload on its June 22 and June 23 agendas.
While the topic of Foothills Park access has been a political hot
potato in Palo Alto for decades, calls to abolish the ban on non-
residents have grown louder over the past few weeks, as calls for
social justice and racial equality have grown both in the community
and elsewhere in the nation. The city’s Human Relations Commis-
sion earlier this month urged the council to expand Foothills Park
access as part of a broader strategy to promote equality.
The decision to postpone the item also drew instant rebukes from
residents, including retired Judge LaDoris Cordell, a former city
councilwoman who submitted a letter threatening a lawsuit if the
council doesn’t immediately agree to stop enforcing its ban on
non-residents. Q
—Gennady Sheyner
Downtown opens streets to dining
Emboldened by its recent success on California Avenue, the Palo
Alto City Council moved Tuesday night to dramatically expand op-
portunities for outdoor dining elsewhere in the city, including on
University Avenue.
In its final action before a monthlong break, the council voted
unanimously to approve a package of resolutions and ordinances that
collectively relax existing rules pertaining to outdoor alcohol con-
sumption, encourage the creation of parklets and allow the conver-
sions of parking lots into outdoor shops and dining areas. The move Free COVID-19 testing funded by the
comes two weeks after the city closed California Avenue to traffic to
facilitate outdoor dining — a decision that has received overwhelm-
ingly positive reviews from businesses and residents.
El Camino Healthcare District is now
The most dramatic proposal that the council approved calls for
closing University Avenue to traffic to make room for outdoor tables.
The experiment will begin this Friday morning and conclude on
available for those who live, work or
Sunday night. If successful, it will continue through the shutdown
and potentially be expanded to closing downtown’s main commercial go to school within the District.*
strip for seven days a week.
“There haven’t been very many joys in the last couple of months,
but it’s been one of them,” Councilwoman Alison Cormack said. Q
—Gennady Sheyner
County on COVID ‘watchlist’
Call 650-940-7022 and select
Santa Clara County had its highest number of COVID-19 cases
ever recorded for a single day on Tuesday, raising concerns about the Option #4 to schedule your free test.
trajectory of the virus and causing the state to issue a notification that
the county is on a “watchlist” because of the increase.
The county had its second-highest single-day count — 122 —
recorded on Tuesday, county Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody told the
For more information on testing
county Board of Supervisors on June 23.
The rise in cases is part of a trend that the Public Health Depart- and locations, go to
ment has seen over two weeks. New hospitalizations also appear to
be trending upward, Cody added.
Seventy-two people were hospitalized as of Thursday; over the past
elcaminohealth.org/covid19testing
month, that number has ranged from 38 to 75 patients, according to
the county.
Cody received word during the board meeting that the county is
now on the state “watchlist,” dashing hope for the time being that the
county can petition the state to allow additional reopening.
“It’s a worrisome sign. It reflects widespread testing but also an
increase in cases because the virus continues to spread,” she said.
She said health experts don’t have a way to measure the percentage
attributable to increased testing versus the increase in actual cases.
The county has run pop-up testing clinics over the past several weeks
and opened new testing facilities in the southern part of the county.
“If hospitalizations rise and stay consistently up, that’s an indica-
tion that rise in reported cases represents rise in actual incidence,
not just in (testing),” she said in an email to this news organization. Q
—Sue Dremann *The District's cities include most of Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills; a large
portion of Sunnyvale, and small sections of Cupertino, Santa Clara and Palo Alto.
LET’S DISCUSS: Read the latest local news headlines and talk
about the issues at Town Square at PaloAltoOnline.com/square
www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • June 26, 2020 • Page 9
Upfront
CITY HALL
Palo Alto to cut more than 70 city jobs
City sees biggest budget reduction in decades
by Gennady Sheyner
P
alo Alto concluded one “This is a tough budget; there’s 521. The two sides failed to reach
of its most brutal budget no question about it,” Vice Mayor a deal for cost reductions, which
seasons in recent memo- Tom DuBois said. “I think we means that the union will suffer
ry on Monday night, when the defunded every department this the bulk of the layoffs but will
City Council approved more year. ... It’s not something any of retain the 3% raises that its work-
than $40 million in cuts and us wanted to do.” ers are set to receive in December
agreed to eliminate more than That said, the city’s public safe- under its contract.
70 city jobs. ty departments won’t see most of Margaret Adkins, SEIU chap-
Responding to plummeting rev- their cuts just yet. Even though the ter chair, said the union had of-
enues as a result of the economic budget reduces the staffing levels fered $3 million in savings but
shutdown, the council concluded in the police and fire departments the city rejected its offer. She did
a process that began in early May by a total of 32 positions, some not specify on Monday night how
and that left just about every- of these cuts won’t kick in until the money was to be saved but la-
one disappointed in one way or the end of 2020 because of the mented the lack of a compromise.
another. concessions that Palo Alto’s po- The city’s failure to get conces-
“This is not a budget that makes lice and fire unions had agreed to sions from the SEIU employees
Veronica Weber
anybody happy,” Councilman accept. All sworn personnel will also cut into management’s ne-
Eric Filseth said near the conclu- forego the 3% cost-of-living ad- gotiation with the roughly 200
sion of the meeting. “Everyone’s justments they are entitled to in employees in the “management
been hurt by this.” their contracts. There will also be and professionals” group, the The City Council has agreed to cut $3.26 million from planning
The budget represents a $41.8 a special overtime rate for police only labor group that is not rep- and transportation, including the elimination of the city’s shuttle
million reduction from the cur- dispatchers that will reduce costs, resented by a union. Normally, program, as part of sweeping budget reductions that slash spending
rent year and includes $4.9 mil- as well as a flexible staffing mod- these employees receive salary by $41.8 million in fiscal year 2021, which begins July 1.
lion in cuts from community ser- el in the Fire Department. adjustments similar to those ne-
vices and libraries, $7.3 million These cost reductions will allow gotiated by the SEIU. Now, with reducing productions at the Chil- to the budget.
from public safety and $3.26 mil- the Police and Fire departments the SEIU negotiations failing to dren’s Theatre and exhibitions at Tanaka reiterated on Monday
lion from planning and transpor- to defer the budget cuts until Sep- bear fruit, the management group the Palo Alto Art Center, cutting his prior arguments the city has
tation, including the elimination tember and the end of 2020, re- is backing off its earlier offer to hours at libraries, paring back on too many managers and too many
of the city’s shuttle program. The spectively. They create what staff accept 15% in salary cuts, which park maintenance and decreasing employees devoted to areas like
general fund includes $197 mil- is calling an “attrition ramp” by would have been realized by 26 capital spending. public relations and recruiting. He
lion in expenditures and reduces allowing the two departments to days of furloughs. This will now Some residents argued that the also lamented the city’s failure to
staffing levels by 74 full-time proactively encourage veterans to be reduced to 13 days, according city should find further savings negotiate salary reductions with
positions. retire rather than lay off recently to Kiely Nose, the city’s chief fi- in the Police Department. Ro- its largest labor union.
The budget leaves the city with recruited staff members. nancial officer. hin Ghosh criticized the council “We’re giving raises. It’s just
960 employees on the payroll in The city’s labor negotiators had “Without any sort of agreement for making only “delicate” cuts mind-boggling,” Tanaka said.
the coming year, dropping the far less success in its dealings with our largest labor workforce, to the police and said the city The council also left open the
staffing level to under 1,000 for with the roughly 600 employees implementing something like that should do more to address “police possibility of restoring some of
the first time in at least two de- represented by Service Employ- seemed impractical and infea- militarization.” the positions that are being cut lat-
cades, according to city staff. ees International Union, Local sible,” Nose said. “There are places we can find er in the year. The budget includes
The council voted 5-2, with funding for programs that actu- a $744,000 fund for COVID-19
council members Lydia Kou and ally benefit the community,” related expenditures, money that
CityView
Greg Tanaka dissenting, to ap- Ghosh said. the city can tap into later to re-
prove the budget for fiscal year Others suggested that the city store shuttle services, boost fund-
2021, which begins on July 1. reduce its capital budget to pre- ing for recreation programs and
Kou and Tanaka have complained serve community services. Jer- pay for any unexpected services
A round-up of Palo Alto government action this week about the cuts to community ser- emy Erman noted the fact that associated with the pandemic or
vices and argued throughout the city is budgeting $400,000 the economic recovery.
the budget process that the city to replace the seats in the Lucie Mayor Adrian Fine was one
City Council (June 22) should save money by delaying Stern Theatre even as it plans to of several council members who
Budget: The council approved its Fiscal Year 2021 budget and utility rates. Yes:
Cormack, DuBois, Filseth, Fine, Kniss No: Kou, Tanaka major capital projects, such as cut $700,000 in the Children’s thanked the city’s labor force,
Sand Hill: The council held a pre-screening session on a proposal from Sand the proposed bike bridge over Theatre budget. The seats are still particularly those workers who
Hill Property Company to build a two-story office building and a five-story U.S. Highway 101 and the recon- functional, he said, and they’ve are facing layoffs.
residential complex with 187 apartments at 3300 El Camino Real. Action: None
struction of the Mitchell Park fire been getting much less use than “None of us wanted to see this
station. expected in recent months because happen, but we’re dealing with
City Council (June 23) The council vote concluded of social-distancing mandates. some really hard situations,” Fine
President Hotel: The council approved the conversion of the President Hotel
building at 488 University Ave. from a residential complex to a hotel. Yes: an exercise that City Manager But after more than a month of said. Q
Cormack, DuBois, Filseth, Fine, Kniss, Tanaka No: Kou Ed Shikada described as manag- public hearings over more than 30 Staff Writer Gennady Sheyner
Cubberley: The council approved a new lease with the Palo Alto Unified School ing “a multi-point balancing act hours, the council refrained from can be emailed at gsheyner@
District for space at Cubberley Community Center. Yes: Unanimous
Dining: The council passed a series of rules to relax restrictions for outdoor of bad choices.” This includes making any last-minute changes paweekly.com.
dining and authorized the city to close University Avenue to traffic between
July 26 and July 28, with the option of closing it seven days a week. Yes:
Unanimous
Schools Teachers spoke to the difficul-
ties of both in-person and distance
adopted the 2020-21 budget. They
also waived their two-meeting
Board of Education (June 23) (continued from page 7)
learning, including navigating so- rule and set aside $355,000 from
2020-21 budget: The board adopted the district’s 2020-21 budget. Yes:
Unanimous cial distancing requirements with the Strong Schools Bond reserve
Cubberley upgrades: The board approved a transfer of $355,000 from the second highest daily total of new young children and the challeng- to upgrade two classroom wings
Strong Schools Bond Measure A reserve to fund upgrades of the A and coronavirus cases in more than es of connecting with students at Cubberley Community Center
B wings at Cubberley Community Center to prepare for student use. Yes: two months, with 122 cases. online. to prepare them for use by the
Unanimous
Tower Building: The board approved a schematic design for the renovation of Others, meanwhile, supported “I agree with every teacher who start of the school year.
Palo Alto High School’s Tower Building. Yes: Unanimous the option of in-person instruction expressed the challenges associat- The June 23 meeting was the
School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs): The board accepted the PK- in the fall, particularly for work- ed with reopening either in person final regular school board meet-
12 School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs) for the 2020-21 school year. ing parents. or through distance,” Austin said. ing of the school year, but board
Yes: Unanimous
“I don’t think the bar should “Nobody is trying to discount or members will continue to hold
be zero risk,” parent Kathleen in any way diminish those reali- special meetings on Tuesday
Planning and Transportation Commission Tarlow said. “This extended stay- ties. This is hard. ... In my career, evenings and Friday mornings to
(June 24) at-home time has really been a nothing even resembles this in discuss reopening plans and other
Sustainability: The commission discussed the city’s goals and key actions
relating to the 2020 Sustainability and Climate Action Plan . Action: None strain on families. For working complexity and duration of the COVID-19 updates. Q
parents who don’t have child care challenge.” Staff Writer Elena Kadvany
LET’S DISCUSS: Read the latest local news headlines and talk at home it has been really, really In other business Tuesday, can be emailed at ekadvany@
about the issues at Town Square at PaloAltoOnline.com/square difficult.” board members unanimously paweekly.com.
Page 10 • June 26, 2020 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.comUpfront
Juneteenth Harrison said.
Harrison, a lifelong Palo Alto
(continued from page 5)
resident who graduated from
Paly in 1991, read from a report
their skin. Johnsson said many of he wrote as an Addison Elemen-
his Black friends ended up leaving tary School fifth-grader titled “My
the Palo Alto school district due Heritage in Slavery.” He recalled
to mistreatment. the first time he was called a ra-
“Parents choose to move here, to cial slur as a young boy. He de-
Palo Alto, because of the schools. scribed not being let into a party
... And yet they watch as their kids in high school because of his race
are told both directly and indirect- — and the anguish of returning to
ly that they aren’t smart enough the same house years later as an
for higher-level classes, (that) they adult with his son trick-or-treating
can’t challenge themselves — they on Halloween. He recalled being
shouldn’t challenge themselves,” pulled over by a police officer af-
Johnsson said. “They came to ter leaving Greene Middle School,
Palo Alto because of the schools where he coached basketball.
and they end up leaving the district “I’ve been pulled out of my car
because of the schools. literally because I fit the descrip-
“Because in these schools,” he tion of a hit-and-run (suspect) —
said, “Black students can’t breathe. put up against a tree, hands behind
I can’t breathe.” my head as people stared. What
Magali Gauthier
Miller, president of Paly’s Black people don’t understand ... it’s not
Scholars United, said the club the brutality,” he said. “It’s the in-
was both a blessing and a curse. It dignity that you suffer.”
helped her find her place on cam- He and his brother Jamal said
pus and taught her she “was capa- they had mixed feelings about Cleo Goodwin, right, leads a chant alongside 500 demonstrators marching through downtown Palo Alto
ble of doing so much more than the speaking at the rally, which was during a Juneteenth event on June 19.
bare minimum.” But it also high- organized by a group of Palo Alto
lighted prejudice and discrimina- community members. The ground-
tion at Paly, she said. swell of support for the Black Lives
“For too long I thought this Matter movement feels “trendy”
was the norm,” Miller said. “I and “hollow,” they said.
always thought that being Black “I cannot say that I’m hopeful
in a school full of white was the because history has shown me
problem but it’s deeper than that. something different,” Harrison
It’s the disproportionate amount said.
of privilege that allows for those Several speakers urged the
with it to follow the straight path crowd to take concrete action to
that was paved for them by those address police violence, including
without it.” registering to vote and writing to
Several speakers emphasized their state senators to end quali-
education as key to reform, includ- fied immunity, which protects
ing teaching the significance of police officers from civil lawsuits.
holidays like Juneteenth and other An impromptu speaker recom-
events related to the history of slav- mended people watch “13th,” the
ery in America. 2016 documentary that traces the
“We need to demand that educa- history of racial inequality in the
tion works for us,” Johnsson said. United States from slavery to mass
A school can change its flags — incarceration, and “When They
or its name, like Palo Alto Unified See Us,” a TV series about five
did after Johnsson, then a 13-year- Black teenagers falsely accused of
old seventh-grader, wrote a book and imprisoned for rape in 1989.
Magali Gauthier
report about David Starr Jordan’s Lettie McGuire said her family
advocacy of eugenics — “but if was one of the few Black families
you don’t change the curriculum, if in Palo Alto when they moved to
you don’t change the teachers and
the books, it’s the same,” Michael (continued on page 13) Demonstrators walk past a couple dining at Rooh in downtown Palo Alto on June 19.
Magali Gauthier
Magali Gauthier
Michael Harrison tells a story of when he was pulled over by a police officer along
Middlefield Road years ago. He said after turning into a residential street and
stopping his vehicle, he looked in his rear view mirror and witnessed the police officer
approaching Harrison’s vehicle with his hand on his gun. Harrison said a white
woman came to check to see what was happening. Harrison said he wonders if he Letitia Burton, a retired teacher who worked at Palo Alto High School for 28 years,
could have become a statistic that day. sings “We Are” by Ysaye Barnwell at the Juneteenth rally in King Plaza.
www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • June 26, 2020 • Page 11You can also read
