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Volume 48, Number 39, Published on 09/25/1995

News

Out of the closet

Second-hand rose: thrift shop clothes all the rage in Los Altos

Judge grants continuance in case involving alleged police beating

Hugo Hauser, charged with assaulting a Los Altos police officer during a routine traffic stop and who then accused the officer of using excessive force, appeared in court Thursday on criminal charges of assaulting a police officer.

Pit bull attack, injuries, trigger police hearing

When Gwen Francis, 38, moved to Los Altos four months ago, she thought this would be a safe place to live.

Trash talk at City Council: a vote to add mixed-paper recycling and raise rates

The Los Altos City Council members did some trash talking at their Sept. 19 meeting.

El Camino officials offer insights into changing, volatile world of health care

Dr. Richard Wheat, former El Camino Hospital board member, who moderated a Sept. 16 health care forum, told the audience, "Stand-alone hospitals are dead dodos. Every hospital is in some form of merger agreement. The next few years will bring a huge upheaval in medical care and you should know what is involved."

Accident victim pursues claim against LAH

Los Altos Hills resident Sheryl Cochran claims to have lost control of her car March 23 while driving on muddy Page Mill Road in Los Altos Hills. Her car struck a telephone pole.

No answers coming from district in coach controversy

Bob Bowers wants to know why his contract to coach varsity baseball at Los Altos High School wasn't renewed.

Three council candidate forums scheduled Three scheduled forums within the next month may offer voters a glimpse into the perspectives of six candidates vying for three open Los Altos City Council seats.

The League of Women Voters, Los Altos-Mountain view area, and the local branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) are co-sponsoring the next forum, scheduled for 7:30-9:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Los Altos City Hall, 1 N. San Antonio Road.

City gives green light to Grant Road traffic signal

The Los Altos City Council has given a green light to parents who wanted a traffic signal at the intersection of Grant Road and Oak Avenue.

Parc Regent groundbreaking

Comment

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

When I first saw him at the Butler's Pantry Tearoom, Frank Faye was a tall awkward young man who didn't seem very sure of himself. One might have dismissed him with a glance. But when Frank sang, he was transformed. He had an operatic voice, a tenor's voice although his upper range wasn't developed yet. The voice was huge, the tones rich beyond belief, the notes so sweet they brought tears to listener's eyes. Frank had been given a gift few mortals enjoy.

COMMENT

The Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District's decision not to re-hire 7-year baseball coach Bob Bowers has precipitated a storm of controversy that shows no signs of letting up.

People

Eugene Blum

An electrician for Kellogg USA Inc. he is survived by companion Esther Valdez of San Jose and sons Wolfgang Blum of Mountain View and Peter Blum of Pine Grove and a sister Helen Hohne of Germany.

Longtime resident, prolific historical artist

Anna Knapp Fitz, a 74-year Los Altos resident and acclaimed artist and author whose works recorded several decades of city history, died at her home, Sept. 16. She was 82.

James Alan Lang

An engineer for 45 years, he is survived by his wife Joanne Lang of Los Altos, and children Mary Stuart Lang of Massachusetts, Lindsey Bishop Lang of Maryland and stepfather of Eric Norris, Kevin Norris and Aline Baeck.

John F. Holt

He retired as Lt. Colonel from the U.S. Marine Corp. in 1961 after 22 years of service and retired from Merrill Lynch as an account executive in 1977. He is survived by his wife Marjorie Holt and his children Stephen, Richard, Marilyn Peston and Jacqueline Clark and seven grand children and one great grand daughter.

Tina Granucci

A homemaker for 64 years and a member of St. Simon's Catholic Church she is survived by her children Anita Fitzsimmons of Los Altos and Ernest Granucci of Palo Alto.

Elvis A. Krajicek

A production control manager at Ratheon Corp., she is survived by her husband Joseph Krajicek of Palo Alto, and children, Theresa Haider of Irvine, Thomas Krajicek of Nevada, Rose Frietas of Visalia, Patricia Casey of San Jose and Daniel Krajicek of Sunnyvale.

Marilyn Starks

A secretary with Gilfix and Associates, she is survived by her children, Christine Duignan of Mountain View, Todd Starks of Los Angeles and Jacque Adams of Fort Benning, Ga.

Claude W. Hawkins Sr.

A printer with Cuneo Press and a veteran of World War I, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Los Altos.

Community

Fall projects scheduled for regional MROSD volunteers

The District depends on volunteers to provide assistance in many ways. The Preserve Partners program needs volunteers on the third Saturday of the month for trail maintenance, removing exotic plants, and other projects to restore areas to their natural condition.

Peninsula Symphony plans high tea benefit

The benefit event features a flower arranging demonstration by Bonnie Chome, instructor at West Valley College, flower arrangement exhibits by auxiliary members, a boutique of tea related items, a raffle, a tea and refreshments.

Library enthusiast in her element as new commissioner

For Los Altos resident Fran Vella, the library is her second home.

Morning Forum opens new season with talk on live theater

The Morning Forum of Los Altos opened its 46th season Sept. 19 with its capacity crowd filling the church pews. The first speaker for the 1995 fall program explained the shows San Jose Repertory Theatre will present this year and asked support for their programs.

Community Briefs

at United Methodist

Fall festival features diverse, entertaining children's programs

Organizers say the focal point of the Celebrate Los Altos Arts and Wine Festival Oct. 7-8 is a "Children's Alley" that will offer kids of all ages a variety of entertainment options.

Chamber cooks up western hoedown for downtown Los Altos

The Los Altos Chamber of Commerce has gone country with the highlight event of this year's fall art and wine festival Oct. 7-8.

Dance classes still available through Los Altos recreation

Two new classes for the winter schedule are country western line dance classes and couples workshops and a new series of ballroom dance classes.

Book review

Special to the Town Crier

LAH Council approves handicap ramp for Heritage House

The town of Los Altos Hills is in the process of making its buildings compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Town staff designed and the council approved a handicap ramp access for the Heritage House in back of the building, with construction costs totaling $7,800.

Los Altos resident sells her first historical novel

The first book, "White Wind" is set in the early 1800s in the Black Hills area of what is now known as South Dakota. Golden Eagle, a Sioux warrior, and Sarah, the adopted daughter of a trapper meet as the book progresses.

Federated Woman's Club holds annual benefit

The festival will include a buffet luncheon, wine, cards, a country kitchen, silent auction, white elephant sale, door prizes and a raffle.

Music For Minors offers workshops

On Oct. 7, award-winning songwriter and performer Charlotte Diamond will conduct a workshop from 2 p.m. to 3:30p.m. at the Los Altos United Methodist Church (corner of Foothill Expressway and El Monte Avenue). Talented, energetic, and witty, Charlotte presents songs that promote vocabulary, include foreign languages, feature science and social studies, and enhance self-esteem.

Mining and Rock exhibit on display at Rancho Shopping Center

The Peninsula Gem & Geology Society, in cooperation with the Santa Clara Miners Association, will bring the annual event to Rancho to educate and entertain the public.

25 years ago in the Town Crier

Corbett had been active in civic affairs for several years. He first come into prominence in 1967-68 when he sued the town in an attempt to block sewers in the hills.

LAH council chambers to feature local artist

Gorski's focus of the exhibit will highlight her glimpses of Los Altos Hills scenes in black-and-white, colored, and sepia creations.

Schools

Locals advance in Merit Scholarship competition

To become a finalist a student must meet high academic standards in college preperatory course work, have SAT I: Reasoning Test scores that confirm their earlier PSAT/NMSQT performance, and be endorsed and recommended by their respective principals. The student and a school official must complete a scholarship application listing the students accomplishments and goals, both in school and in the community.

Foothill College Speakers Forum to feature Kuralt, Foley and Thatcher

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees has approved a $130,000 allocation for a list of speakers from the Washington Speakers Bureau.

MV-LA foundation sets $200,000 goal this year

Mountain View-Los Altos High School Foundation members are having their annual phon-a-thon today and Thursday in the hopes of raising their target of $200,000, said Robyn Fay, the foundation administrative director.

Volunteer crossing guard gets commendation

Cornelius received a commendation at the Los Altos City Council meeting Sept. 19 for her service as a participant in the Volunteers Enriching Government Action program.

High school facilities committee striving to keep project within budget

Committee members Hugh Bikle, David Boyd, Bob Grimm, Sid Hubbard and David Jury discussed the best way to track constructions costs against the project's budget. "As a committee, we want to make sure this project is on target and costs are appropriate and not over budget," said COC Chair Bob Grimm.

Interactive college planning service debuts on Internet through Los Altos company

The first interactive college planning service on the Interact, CollegeAssist, debuted Tuesday at http://www.edworks.com.

School Briefs

offer previews of shows

Sports

Sports shorts

LANCERS REUNITED: Former St. Francis High volleyballers Stacy Evans, Liz Jones and Megan O'Brien are teammates once again - at Villanova University in Pennsylvania.

Youth soccer

Town Crier Staff Report

Prep roundup

Town Crier Sports Editor

Scoreboard

GIRLS TENNIS

Business & Real Estate

Take stock, readers: Your table is ready

All stocks selected from the different exchanges had a local flavor. Either the chairman, president, chief executive officer or chief finance officer resided in Los Altos or Los Altos Hills.

Newest is best? Don't count on it

Special to the Town Crier

Business Briefs

EV fund-raiserCornish & Carey opened its doors, telephones and parking to the Environmental Volunteers for a two-day, fall fund-raising phone-a-thon. "Giving back to the community - the same community that accepted us and helped us grow," was the fund-raising theme.

Lots to talk about when it comes to changes in Los Altos business community

The Fourth Street Library Grille has just opened, but diners appear to be flocking here as if the new hamburger restaurant was a well-established eatery. I must say, the seating arrangement is comfortable and spacious, and the food is good.

Weekly Special

Taking the bite out of winter utility bills

"There are a few basic home improvements that help save on winter utility bills," said Robert Patterson of Pella Sales Company, the Los Altos distributor of Pella Windows and Doors. "Advances in window manufacturing technology, for example, decrease the amount of energy lost through the window. In fact, the right combination of windows can potentially reduce utility costs by 25 to 30 percent."

Antiques

Most customers get their first impression of a store as soon as they enter through the door. At one store in Mountain View the door itself makes the first impression.

Legendary Los Altos Hills architecture and landscaping

Special to the Town Crier

Tree maintenance increases growth rate, property value

Aside from the obvious aesthetic value, mature trees provide shade during warm months, which helps keep a home cool naturally and drives down the cost of air conditioning. Likewise, trees provide a wind break during winter and help keep a home warm.

From the mouths of The Maids: fall cleaning lasts longer

Special to the Town Crier

An interior decorator's shopping haven

Whether rugs, drapes or blinds, Interiors & Textiles has it

Briefs

A new videotape for senior homeowners introduces "HouseMoney," a reverse mortgage plan that provides monthly income based on the equity of the home.