text:
Town Square
Look to Burlingame for more sizzle in downtown Pleasanton
Original post made by Jeb Bing, editor of the Pleasanton Weekly, on Oct 22, 2008
The culprits, they say, are property owners who charge rents that are simply too high during these troubling business times and let stores close without offering more reasonable rental agreements.
If you walk along Main Street, or even outside of downtown at the nearby Raley's Shopping Center and Rose Pavilion, you'll see what I mean. Empty storefronts and weathered "For Lease" signs are everywhere.
Last Sunday, I had breakfast at Copenhagen, a popular eatery in downtown Burlingame that's a favorite stop when I have to drop someone off at the San Francisco airport. At 10 a.m., both last Sunday and on many previous visits, Burlingame Avenue is filled with pedestrians. This is partly because the Burlingame Chamber of Commerce sponsors the city's Farmers Market on Sunday mornings, but also because all the retail stores are open. Even at mid-morning on a Sunday, the many off-street parking lots the city provides were filled. I found a spot behind Pottery Barn and walked through the store where I counted 12 customers shopping and out onto Burlingame Avenue where numerous locally-owned and operated stores as well as several other chains were doing a brisk business.
Burlingame has done a good job of keeping high-rises out of its downtown, although tall commercial and apartment buildings dot the skyline. It's also developed a retail model that seems to be working, with enough of the Ann Taylor Loft and J. Crew-type stores to attract shoppers of all ages while also boosting pedestrian traffic for the smaller retailers.
Pleasanton could do the same without damaging its historic downtown look and feel. Craig Scharton, when he was executive director of the PDA and helped draft the Downtown Specific Plan which is still in play, suggested asking Williams-Sonoma, Crate & Barrel and Gap Jr. to open downtown stores, but he was shouted down by smaller store owners who felt threatened. They believed then and probably still do and with good reason, that larger stores would pay higher rents, eventually driving them out of business when their leases renew.
But that's already happening. Comerica will soon open a branch bank in the newly-restored Kolln building at Main and Division, paying $4.50 a square foot or more, well beyond what Powell Sweet Shop (which is also in Burlingame) could afford. With chains such as Tully's, Round Table Pizza and others, and Bank of America leasing out premium space in its reduced-service banking facility, rents are holding at rates the smaller family-owned shops are having trouble paying, and certainly too high these days to attract many new retailers.
This is where the city government, through the office of the Economic Development Director Pamela Ott, can lend a hand. The PDA does a good job of sponsoring downtown events, such as Concerts in the Park, and monitoring business activity. As a tax-supported and organization, where all downtown property owners and merchants must be dues-paying members, it answers to everyone downtown and lacks the power to force major change in the retail mix or to offer needed incentives to bring new businesses to the downtown.
It's been unable to provide the teeth needed to develop tax incentives and force property owners to offer lower rents, at least on a short-term basis, to attract new retailers. Unlike Livermore, Pleasanton has no redevelopment district to bring improvement money to its downtown, an idea rejected by Pleasanton in the 1980s. Unlike Dublin, Pleasanton doesn't have major developers agreeing to help finance downtown development as part of their approval agreements for multi-million-dollar apartment, condo and housing projects elsewhere. But Ott and a forward-thinking City Manager, Nelson Fialho and city staff have good ideas for boosting downtown business, such as rebuilding the Domus building into a two-to-three story complex with underground parking, retail-only on the first floor and apartments or condos on the top, similar to what Dublin has been doing.
There's also no rule that an historic downtown must close itself to chains. This doesn't mean bringing Neiman Marcus to our downtown, but a Gap Jr. or Restoration Hardware could help. Again, with a more pro-active City Council to support city staff in reaching out to these retailers, downtown merchants large and small could see pedestrian traffic and sales looking much like Burlingame's with parking lots full and customers waiting in line at cash registers.
It will take a more global view of retailing to compete successfully with our neighbors while also keeping the integrity and historic value of downtown Pleasanton.
a resident of Downtown
on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:37 am
This raises a lot of really good points. Downtown retailers want someone to take care of them but without them having to change anything. They want the PDA to kidnap customers, put them on the bus, and then drop them off in our downtown to buy stuff. That's just not going to happen.
This is partly the landlords problem not just because of high rents, but also because there's just not much diversity downtown. If you're going shopping for things, how many banks and nail salons do you really need in your shopping area? In tough economic times, no one wants to shop somewhere just because the area is "cute," they want an area they can spend a few hours in and get everything done.
The overall mediocrity of most of the restaurants downtown only add to it. Pleasanton residents eat there because they're used to the food, but there's no major reason for someone to come from out of the area just to eat here.
What do you do when you're done eating? You pretty much go home. Even the PDA's own website lists shops that are open after 5, which is pretty much everyone. How about shops that are open after 7? The list gets significantly smaller and much more disappointing.
If shop owners want help, they're going to have to help themselves. They're going to have to change their habits, and not just for a few weeks to see how it goes, they need to do it for 6 months to a year so people can start learning that Downtown Pleasanton is a place to be.
There's so much great potential down there, it's a beautiful place and the people that work at the stores are really nice, but they're going to have to do business differently or go out of business, which will just leave another opening for a nail salon.
a resident of Mohr Park
on Oct 22, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I would like our Farmer's Market to be on Sunday. Saturday is a busy day, and I don't have time to go down there just for the market. Sunday is much more relaxed and a day that I would actually remember the Farmer's Market.
I'm not interested in spa's, nail shops, or shops that sell overpriced house decorations. I go to Main St. for Towne Center Books and occasionally for a toy for a birthday party at Doodlebug.
I've been disappointed by Baci, where I had a chicken Cesaer salad that was awful. I went to Rising Loafer recently, and was very surprised that they had stopped serving breakfast. You close at 3pm and you actually stop serving breakfast earlier as well? What a primadonna. I gave up on that place because I'm not going to be calculating whether they're still open and whether they're also still serving breakfast.
Vin's is so far down I tend to forget about it.
New York Pizza is horrible. I used to occasionally go to Domus but that's closed. I went to Coffee Beans and Bistro until the rudeness of the last owners stopped me.
I'm not going to walk through the gauntlet of smokers at Tully's when I can go to Starbucks which is closer and less smoky.
Coldstone Creamery? What is that stuff? If I don't recognize any natural ingredients in something, I don't eat it.
I liked that little bakery next to Coldstone, but that's gone. They made a good cappucino.
High Tech Burrito has good food, but there's no comfort level in that place if you want to eat in.
The food at Stacey's is hit or miss.
I do like Pans on Fire for hostess gifts and cooking classes.
Saavy Seconds was interesting to look through once, but I don't have the time to hunt through racks.
I got good fresh raviolit at the Wine Steward once, but I tend to forget about that.
Basically, I use Towne Center Books and Pans on Fire. I feel like everything in between is spa stuff and overpriced touristy stuff.
a resident of Val Vista
on Oct 22, 2008 at 1:56 pm
The downtown is just a place I go to once every 3 months. It really doesnt appeal to me as a father with little kids. Its too stuffy and doesnt have a lot of choices.
I run down to the farmers market, when I remember we have one. I actually shop more in Dublin than P-town, just do to the fact of 'get in and out'. It is just so easy to jump over 580 and run down Dublin Blvd than fighting for parking downtown.
a resident of Downtown
on Oct 22, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Clearly you either want to help the downtown or point out its flaws, since this is the second time that you have written about the lack of success there in recent weeks.
You make several good points in my opinion.
1. No more banks, nail salons or botox labs on Main Street.
2. Get a first floor/Main St retail only ordinance in place.
3. How about asking the Pleasanton chamber to sponsor something for the downtown merchants -- rather than catering only to the large companies with the larger dues assessments? Why can't we have a Saturday market and maybe a Wednesday market?
4. Get Pamela Ott's office to put up some money -- perhaps fund a bus from local area hotels to downtown for shopping.
5. The CVB seems to want to increase business, how about funding a brochure targeted to wine country/golfing visitors that encourages local shopping and dining? Maybe put a slick book in hotels rooms as you can find in all other wine regions.
The writer who commented about businesses staying open longer for many months has the right idea. The PDA website lists shops that are committed to staying open late -- how many times have you walked downtown and seen those same shops closed during hours they agreed to be open? It does not take many times for a customer to just stay home and give up. A few years ago one group of merchants made a big deal about being open late on Wednesdays. Something like 17 shops if I recall. After dinner downtown my husband and I strolled all of Main Street and found 1 of the 17 that was open. Not a good sign.
We need reasonable parking downtown. Even Hayward has built a downtown parking garage. When the Firehouse center is completed it will be a nightmare for visitors and downtown residents to park during events. How does the city plan to fix that?
The PDA is the only organization committed to the merchants but even they cannot seem to do enough to please the merchants. The PDA does not close the streets 20 times per year (as stated in a previous thread). The city however, does close the street for parades, opening of the fair, etc. How does that help the merchants when the only purpose for being downtown is to set up your gear on the sidewalk and watch a parade? At lease when the PDA closes the streets it is to bring people to "shop". As Timithoy T said, the PDA cannot hold customers at gunpoint and force them to buy.
Speaking of buying -- have you made any purchases downtown lately? We all have to think of the local merchants when doing our shopping. It is not enough to browse and then go online to try to find it cheaper. If you don't spend money downtown then you have no right to complain when downtown dies. And that goes for the city management and elected officials as well. I cannot remember ever seeing any of them pulling out their wallets to help save the downtown merchants.
The greedy landlords may well get their due if the economy continues to falter. Eventually the small stores will go away and people will decide to go without the lipo/botox/mani/pedi routine. With the exception of one "community" bank that did not make stupid loans, the banks may all be gone if credit stays so tight. For those merchants who have steadfastly resisted name stores and a retail only ordinance, good luck in your futures. Wherever they may be, just not likely in retail on Main Street.
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Oct 22, 2008 at 5:46 pm
I think Jeb has some good ideas in looking at what works for downtowns in other cities. In Paso Robles and Murphys, small winery tasting rooms occupy retail space. I think they have too many in each case but a couple on our Main St. might add to our wine valley attraction. Antique stores are a draw in other towns like Cambria but I think every one of ours has been driven out.
Another example is farther away in Saratoga Springs, NY. We were there a few years ago and I was very impressed with the downtown area especially considering that the population is half that of Pleasanton. We ate in some small but fabulous restaurants and stayed in a hotel at the far end of the main street that was big enough to have some conference facilities yet still be only 4 or 5 stories. We were there during the 6 week long horse race season with the track walking distance from downtown (yes, think of our fairgrounds track.)I think every room in the city was booked the weekend we were there and downtown businesses were hopping!
The races were a big party atmosphere with large groups and families in attendance bringing their picnic food with them (think 1st Weds). I think with some long-range planning, a similar series of events could be arranged here in connection with the fairgrounds. Especially since Bay Meadows recently closed. That empty lot across from the library could be a possible hotel location that would be convenient to the fairgrounds as well as downtown.
During other times of the year, the natural mineral springs are a tourist draw there while we have the Livermore wine region here instead. The downtown there did have a couple of national chain stores like Eddie Bauer or The Gap. The rest were all small, local businesses including many spas (hey, we already have those!) After we drove from Albany airport, we parked the car and walked everywhere. It is a great destination getaway town but could be a wonderful example for Pleasanton in many ways.
a resident of Downtown
on Oct 22, 2008 at 7:54 pm
A couple of facts,
I have been a merchant in downtown (on Main Street) since 1999. Merchants have never been asked to approve or disapprove of anyone coming to town, big box, small box or otherwise. My business modo is focus on your customer and not your competition! I have not once in 9 years been approached by any member of the city council, planning commission, or mayors office asking me _anything_ about my business.
The PDA is _not_ committed in any way to grow business. They are an organization who's primary focus is coordinating set up, maintanence, and cleanup of downtown street closure events. Every business downtown is forced to pay an annual fee (based on sales) to the P.D.A. whether you participate or benefit in any way from the Downtown events.
I've posted before that the street closures happen to hurt my business in two ways. 1. They stop my regular customers from coming (can't park), and 2. They allow vendors to "rent" very inexpensive spaces on Main Street (more money for the P.D.A.), and the only "benefit" to my store is everyone uses the bathrooms.
I personally am not complaining and did not go into business with the notion that anyone would magically draw people and make my business sucessful. I just thought it important to clear up a couple of points.
a resident of Downtown
on Oct 22, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Thanks for your comments, it makes some things more clear.
As a resident of downtown (my choice, I formerly lived in a "neighborhood" not a downtown) I am thrilled to have things to do. I have a different view of the PDA than yours. The PDA puts on events that draw me, draw my friends, and draw my money to downtown. The primary events for us are the wine strolls. We so enjoy those that we frequently host out of town overnight guests who come just for that reason. Our two guest rooms are already spoken for by friends wanting to attend the July event next summer. We also attend the Magical evening, with or without kids, it is a great kick-off to the holidays.
The PDA runs the concerts in the park which we faithfully attend. I know that some restaurants are opposed to these as they feel that people would otherwise eat out on those Fridays if the concerts did not happen. Nonsense. The people who attend the concerts would otherwise stay home with their families, the concerts do not take patrons away from the restaurants. A family with a picnic dinner and a bunch of kids who partakes of the concert would not otherwise have a fancy dinner out in downtown Pleasanton on that night.
You have a point about vendors getting cheap booth space. Maybe that could be addressed with the PDA or the city. Does not seem fair that the merchants who pay the PDA fees should subsidize the one time vendors. Somehow it does not surprise me that no one from the city asks your opinion, they care little for what their constituents want.
I wish you the best of luck in your business, clearly you have a plan and it is working for you.
a resident of Birdland
on Oct 22, 2008 at 9:57 pm
I've been reading the comments and have been mulling over what type of stores/businesses would bring me downtown more often, cause me to make the downtown a destination on its own, or cause me to look for parking and stop, when I'm already driving through Main St. on my way to somewhere else in town. I do think that some novelty stores would be a good draw: perhaps an "old-fashioned sit-down table-service ice cream parlor" would be in keeping with the Gay Nineties Pizza and history of Pleasanton... a good family destination, especially if they keep the cost of small fun sundaes around $5.00. A coffee shop which stays open until 10:00 on weeknights (oh my gosh - how urban!) would be a draw for book groups, church(?) meetings and date nights on a budget. An old-fashioned candy store, the kind that they have in Virginia City would be perfect with the "boardwalks" downtown and they are quite profitable for the owners -- those candies by the piece or the 1/4 pound are pricey but fun for all.
How about a walk-up window for hot dogs and sodas, with some festive outdoor seating? Instead of old, tired, dusty trash/antiques, how about an international, "green" shop which brings in items from developing countries, along the lines of the UNESCO Childrens' shop in Berkeley? I think people here would find that interesting and shop there, especially with their kids. Good lessons and nice presents for friends and families.
How about brainstorming together and putting some ideas forward to the Downtown Association and the City Council, rather than just moping about vacant storefronts (sorry, Jeb included!) Maybe a contest or a poll to see what is desired and what the community might support. I'm not pessimistic; there are a LOT of bright folks here in town. Let's just get on it.
a resident of Mohr Park
on Oct 22, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Just a thought, and I've mentioned it before, but . . . maybe, instead of spending so much money, time and effort trying to influence local politics and politicians, the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce should start actively working with its members, merchants, the Downtown Association, and downtown building owner's to reduce rents to an affordable level. If they didn't have to cover an exorbitant overhead, more diverse, interesting businesses might be drawn to (or have stayed in) Pleasanton, be able to charge reasonable prices, and attract downtown shoppers. Frankly, with all the banks and restaurants, it's just not that interesting anymore to walkabout and shop downtown. The only time it is interesting is when something is going on that brings in a selection of eclectic booths and requires the closure of Main St. - something the downtown merchants don't seem to love.
a resident of another community
on Oct 23, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Hey Pleasanton,
Glad to see that you are all still so passionate about your downtown. I had a great dinner at Blue Agave a few weeks ago. Downtown looked very busy for a Wednesday evening. I bourgh some community leaders from another city to show them what success looks like!
some of the goals of a successful downtown are:
To be the central gathering place for the community, the downtown reflects the true character of a community.
Foot traffic is the key. Have businesses and activites that increase foot traffic (1st Wednesday, first floor retail ordinance).
Downtown revitalization is never done. Changing rents, changing economics, changing technologies...all of this means that individual businesses and the organizations with the global perspective (PDA/City) need to be ever vigilant. Which, by the look of this article, you are.
I always favor local businesses over chains. My point in that meeting was, a few chains will not kill downtown. The SLO merchants fought the Gap and then said the Gap increased their sales. It was just informational.
I love downtown Pleasanton. My picture of Main Street is hanging in my office, so I see you every day.
Craig Scharton
If you are even in Fresno please give me a call or visit my website at www.cvbi.org to see what I'm up to now.
a resident of Downtown
on Oct 23, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Thanks Craig! It feels better to think that someone from the outside sees Pleasanton favorably.
My thoughts about this forum:
How about if people will post things they would like to see downtown as Brainstorming did? No one should expect the city or the PDA to magically make these ideas take place, it is just a place to start.
I agree that a "green" store would be a great concept. And a coffee place with outside seating and ***no Harleys***, unless the riders agree to muffle the sound. I avoid Tully's at all times for that reason. There was rumored to be an old time candy store trying to open in the Koln's building, rents were way too high. Hello Chamber, how about a little help on that front? Even though we are talking about a small store with only a few employees (read: low dues to the chamber). A walk-up food window with associated seating might be fun. And maybe even a few food/wine/music places that would stay open late. (Noise complainer on St. Mary, move from downtown if you don't want to hear it.) It would sure be nice to get the building done where the Cuban restaurant was supposed to go.
A couple of name stores would bring business downtown, maybe the city business development people could work on that. And lastly, who knows how to get an ordinance passed for first floor retail only? Getting that past the few people who own most of the downtown property won't be easy but if they have no one to pay rent they may see the value of working with the retailers. If, as Merchant says, the merchants are in favor if this then the only obstacle is the landlords.
We recently spent a long weekend in another wine region (not Napa!) and dropped many hundreds of dollars on lodging, food and wine. We found all of the information about this region and the surrounding cities from publications put out by their chamber. We had so much fun we are already planning the next outing. I have never seen any publication from our chamber like that. The PDA has some good things but they can only do so much. We have a full sized chamber and the Tri Valley CVB -- downtown Pleasanton should get far more help from those organizations if it is to continue to thrive. Pleasanton is far more than just the mall and the golf courses.
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Oct 23, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Interting comments by some above regarding "brainstorming" etc... Unfortunately no one including the City, or PDA, or the Chamber has the power to tell property owners what they can and cannot do with their property provided they are within the law. The incentive for property owners is to get the highest rent possible. What may be misunderstood is that most properties on Main Street have been owned by the some folks for a _very_ long time (definately prior to the revamping and reconfiguration of our current Main Street). When is the last time anyone can tell me they've seen a "For Sale" sign on any property downtown? I can't remember the last time personally. You can assume based on the lack of turnover in sales that most owners own their property at a very low basis cost, and rents have only gone up since they've purchased. They have collected fairly high rents for some time now, and can afford based on these lower costs of purchase to let the building sit empty waiting for a tennant who is willing to afford whatever they believe is the current market rate.
I will defend the Chamber for a moment. 1. The Chamber is only involved in city politics as it pertains to having "pro business" candidates in office who are willing to commit to learning about, understanding and supporting efforts to improve the business climate in Pleasanton. 2. I know for a fact they tried very hard to convince Bud Cornett (owner of Koln Hardware Bldg.) to consider some other options (shop, restaurant, etc....), but in the end unfortunately a Bank was the only tennant willing/able to justify paying $4.50 per foot to lease the building.
My suggestion would be to have the city try to come up with a plan to ultimately buy real estate downtown and therefore they could have some level of control. I doubt seriously though in this economy that any property owner is likely to sell at depressed prices. Again I do not see a single "For Sale" sign anywhere on Main Street or Downtown for that matter.
BTW, I agree it is GREAT to see Craig Sharton still cares about Pleasanton, and as he said he is bringing community leader HERE to show them what sucess looks like! Maybe the glass really is "half full"!
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Oct 23, 2008 at 4:33 pm
First word should have been "interesting"! Pretty bad when you mis-spell the FIRST word in your post ;-)
a resident of Pleasanton Meadows
on Oct 23, 2008 at 4:56 pm
this is all the fault of the incumbent mayor and city council! they are failing a primary responsibility to the community.
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 23, 2008 at 5:02 pm
That's funny. I thought it was the economy.
a resident of Downtown
on Oct 23, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Since Jennifer wants to springboard from Pleasanton to become queen of the universe does that not make it her responsibility? OK, just kidding, sort of.
a resident of Pleasanton Heights
on Oct 23, 2008 at 9:50 pm
This whole thread is simply a pocket book issue. Supply wanted services and goods at the right price and the demand will be there. City government and the PDA simply screw things up to a large extent. Upscale ambiance can garner only a limited price premium. Merchant's point about downtown closures losing sales for the established businesses answers a question I always had about that. The closures always appeared to me to benefit the street vendors at the expense of the established merchants. Confirmed!
a resident of Pleasanton Heights
on Oct 23, 2008 at 10:11 pm
This line sticks in my mind as a stupid comment:
" If you don't spend money downtown then you have no right to complain when downtown dies. "
How else can you vote when "downtown" is over-priced? You have an absolute right to complain AND to not spend your money.
a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows
on Oct 23, 2008 at 10:27 pm
My guess is that rents are high because this is Pleasanton. Owners can seem to wait out the economic downturn. Just look at the foreclosure and median housing price data in Dublin and Livermore compared with Pleasanton to see what I mean.
There used to be an ice cream parlor where Quizno's is now. It didn't last too long. I think everyone likes going to Meadowlark Dairy. I noticed a sign for a future yogurt and gelato place on Division behind Kolln.
a resident of Foothill Place
on Oct 25, 2008 at 8:30 pm
I remember that ice cream parlor - it was terrible. We went there and the menu was really thin and the staff was not good.
We need a real old-fashioned ice cream parlor like the one in downtown Walnut Creek or downtown Castro Valley. Those places are packed all the time - there is even an old-fashioned candy store in the back of the Castro Valley ice cream shop.
All we need is someone to open it - there certainly are enough vacant spots to choose from...
I was in Walnut Creek last night and it was packed - tons of shoppers, people eating out, etc... It can happen - it just needs good planning and downtown owners willing to cooperate with the vision.
a resident of Country Fair
on Oct 27, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Downtown is boring---banks and restaurants. A small nice movie theater or maybe developing---uh-oh, bad word----the creek area by the hotel like San Luis Obispo might be nice. I feel for the other businesses that are located in the 26=28 square miles of Pleasanton---they deserve "support" too. They have struggles as well. I started going to Livermore a little more often now. Not so many snooty stuffed shirts.
a resident of Vintage Hills
on Oct 29, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Major redevelopment and modernization are needed downtown.
Attract major retailers that provide scale and therefore value.
High density housing would support economic activity as well.
The council and the PDA do not have the will to make such changes at
the moment. Perhaps the elected officials that promote a "vibrant downtown"
can show some leadership. Partner with developers to build a destination instead
maintaining a sleepy downtown.
a resident of Harvest Park Middle School
on Nov 1, 2008 at 11:42 pm
Sounds like some of you want a new face to the look of downtown. When the major retailers come in, along come the major prices, unless you are looking for Big Lots or the Dollar Store and thrift shops. When the buildings are updated along come higher rents, as in Koln Bldg.
The PDA does want a vibrant downtown and is always on the lookout for something new and interesting to fill the retail spaces. In this economy there are not too many who are willing to take a chance.
Jeb Bing is always trying to stir up negativity about downtown.Resist his negativity and say something nice. There are many people who love downtown. Does he need to be reminded that his salary is paid in part by some of those businesses in the downtown buying ad space in the Weekly? Maybe he should look for something positive to write about. Spread some happiness for a change.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Nov 5, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Pleasanton's downtown should continue to retain its unique character and part of what makes that interesting and unique (beyond the obvious architecture and preservation of the history) is the smaller retail shops that have always made up its character. When I was young we had a full line of service related "mom & pop" businesses downtown. My family purchased a television set from Frank's Appliance and even got it repaired there a few times, we were regulars at the shoe repair shop (now a clothing boutique) across from Kolln Hardware (where my father got all of his home improvement needs met). I worked at the old grocery store (which eventually became the now defunct Domus). As nostalgic as this may first appear, memory is selective and I also remember the "uglier" side of Main St. We had five gas stations (an Exxon where Tully's plaza now rests); Chevron across from Rose Hotel (which was the old St. Vincent De Paul) and further down the street at Main & Old Stanley there were two more gas stations. Now there is only one, the very historic Pleasanton Gas (or whatever name they have this week - seems to change constantly). I cannot even count all of the bars/saloons we had in those years. So, my point is that times change and some of that change is good some of it bad. If too many large retailers (national chain type stores) came into the downtown area I would no longer frequent it and it would definitely impact (negatively) the smaller retail shops. But perhaps the solution is one of a mix-used nature whereby we did consider additional living opportunities (residential) along with ground floor retail shops - we could have an anchor or two (which might be larger stores to attract more folks) but keep this to strict limits. If we allow the "market" to simply dictate we will surely be losers. The PDA could and should become more active in its efforts to both preserve our wonderful downtown character in addition to finding creative methods of attracting new retail merchants (hopefully no more day spas and banks). For those that think Jeb is negative - how so? Simply pointing out what is not working and offering up solutions for consideration makes a lot of sense to me. Or should we all stay quiet and "just hope for the best"?
a resident of Birdland
on Nov 5, 2008 at 2:27 pm
I have always been an advocate of adding some chain stores to our downtown such as Ann Taylor Loft, Crate & Barrel. The downtown needs to include in its retail mix a store that is a destination spot.
Jeb writes in his article that the Burlingame merchants are all open during the Farmers Market. One problem with our downtown is that the merchants do not have standard hours, such as the mall. Many are not open on Friday and Saturday evenings when there is much foot traffic. Perhaps if the merchants were open when most of the people are downtown they would be more successful. This is something the PDA, Chamber of Commerce or the city cannot control.
The idea of converting Domus to a three story retail/commercial property is a good idea. But, I wonder has anyone talked to the landlord? Property owners have rights and they make the ultimate decision regarding their property. Probably the owners of the Domus property have owned the property for a long time and maybe are not inclined to deal with the high cost of renovations. Or maybe they don't want to deal with hardships caused by the over complicated permitting process of the City of Pleasanton.
The Pleasanton downtown needs to remain economically vital. In order to make this happen the merchants, land owners, PDA, Chamber of Commerce and the city need to work together. The PDA was created to promote the economic vitality and hometown character of downtown Pleasanton. They encourage first floor retail. They actively market the downtown via print ads, special events, etc. Their website is full of opportunities for PDA members. I would encourage all PDA members to take advantage of all the opportunities offered by their website.
a resident of Pleasanton Heights
on Nov 12, 2008 at 10:31 am
Maybe we can get a petition going to force the downtown property owners to reduce their rent. After all, we just petitioned away the property rights of the Lin's, why not every property owner. Then we can dictate what you can sell your house for in the future as well. That way we can provide affordable housing to one and all at your expense. Then maybe the Weekly can afford to move back downtown.
a resident of Highland Oaks
on Nov 13, 2008 at 9:40 pm
One word about downtown: Boring. Pleasanton is full of yuppies (me included). We want Pottery Barn, Williams and Sonoma, Peet's, J. Crew, and Anthropologie. Check out downtown San Luis Obispo for a great example of a merchant and pedestrian friendly downtown.
a resident of Carlton Oaks
on Nov 22, 2008 at 6:39 pm
As a previous 7 year owner of a business on Main Street, I was continually frustrated with the City's and the PDA"s reluctance to consider chain businesses on Main Street. I never felt it a threat but rather would have welcomed the idea. I saw it as a way to increase visibility of the downtown businesses and a way to increase foot traffic by making Pleasanton more of a destination. Case in point...4th Street Berkeley. Burlingame, 3rd Street in Sam Mateo, Los Gatos. Why can't we as a City consider such a business model. I have my ideas why which I will not go into here. What we have now, or don't have, is not working. What does it take to realize this and commit some resources, PROGRESSIVE planning and change in mindset to fix it? On another subject, Livermore is eating our lunch. How many are willing to admit this?
a resident of Downtown
on Nov 28, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Claire-Ruma is still missed by many in town.
a resident of Pleasanton Heights
on Dec 3, 2008 at 12:20 pm
I think what downtown needs is for the city to buy a building in Hacienda or Bernal Business Park instead of building a new building downtown. Convert the end of Main St into a retail complex which would include chain stores. Then we would have enough stores downtown to attract shoppers and at the same time probably save 50% on what the city would spend to build. We all know how gov't contracting is a license to steal.
a resident of Mission Park
on Dec 29, 2008 at 8:00 pm
It's not only the rents that the merchants look at but the terms of the leases, are they NNN (the tenant pays all expenses, including greatly increased taxes upon sale, Prop 13). Most landlords aren't too greedy in the Downtown. The last thing they want is a failed business, lack of rent, and then the building needs new improvements that delay a new business opening. The last building that sold was 520 Main St, where Accentuals was last. It sold for just over a million dollars or $500/ft, roughly. Can't change the taxes. We do need a stimulus plan and the City has some advertising started. More to come (I saw the City Council meeting where this was announced on Channel 29). Most merchants can run reports through subscription services and come up with a decision in minutes if it is even worth their time to send their people to look. Unfortunately, they have their criteria, and the downtown doesn't meet it. Neither does Livermore or most of Dublin. Walnut Creek has a draw with more money in the vicinity. As for the Domus building, building an underground garage sounds great, however we have a high water table, so I don't know if it could work. The existing building used to be a grocery store and it backs up in the rain. New City imposed fire and sewer regulations are adding to the cost of doing business in Pleasanton, and benefitting the patrons with greater safety. Livermore Valley Winegrowers would like a tasting room, however they can't find a small enough or big enough site, and they don't have much money. It seems that we have seen a lot of restaurants change hands lately. For some of the newer people, it used to be that in order to open a bank in Pleasanton, you first had to have one on Main Street. It has come to bite us. It's interesting that with all the redevelopment incentives in Livermore, they still can't get the national, regional, or many new retail space leased. If we limit the Downtown to retail only on the first floor, that would open up more spots for lease. It's going to be a rough year for the Downtown.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Jan 9, 2009 at 11:02 am
Agree with most posts, we don't go to downtown Pleasanton that much anymore. There's not enough variety of stores. Also, I don't have any place to take my 3 yr old son beside the Farmer Market.
We need more fun and interesting stores beside spa and salons.
What other stores can make this downtown a fun place to go?
a resident of Del Prado
on Jan 13, 2009 at 11:45 am
While it's nice to have a history and a "Historical Downtown" theme..... it's time for a change as it's not working anymore. Being appreciated and liked, perhaps for the historical feel it's not bringing in New Money, nope. We need new customers to be drawn to the downtown on a regular basis as the community can spend only so much. There needs to be compromise and a Chain that has a built in clientele is what is needed and desired by many newcomers that is willing to spend, spend, spend! Until then we may whittle the time away thinking about the past and it will turn out perhaps, to be a ghost town. (a little much I know, but hey we need a wake up call) A chain will bring more people, that's a fact. They will shop, eat, prowl around and check out those shops unique and interesting enough to pull at their attention. We have a spotty retail, and need more variety in retail. What's popular? Who are the big sellers? What are those that are more successful than Pleasanton doing? Those are questions that should have been asked a long time ago (perhaps too much talk) and now it's time to act. I love Pleasanton and have lived here for only 4-5 years now. It's not the historical value that drew me or makes me stay, it's the safety factory, the trees, the people smile easily when passing them on the street.... It is Pleasant in Pleasanton but I worry more and more that not enough is being done in this community that I know can afford to do more.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Feb 4, 2009 at 7:08 am
I agree with the writer who said Livermore is eating Pleasanton's lunch. Pamela Ott is "Girl Friday" to the City Manager--she was someone's "friend" and got her job, I believe, without neccessary qualifications. She smiles, act energetic but...Cities are in competition for business. Go Dublin go... I recently saw Dublin's State of the City and saw a enthusistic young Mayor talk about the spirit of partnership, working with business, both new and existing, streamlining business permitting systems, etc., etc. Pleasanton, well yak, yak, yak and guess what--we lose. We need that kind of mind thought and ACTION that Dublin is doing! Pleasanton is getting "old and gray" and yes "yuppie". I pass through Downtown once in awhile as there is not much there for me. Pleasanton PDA and Chamber are "stuck", as is our city government. This community is about "Me, me, me--not WE. We are stuck in paralysis--oh yeah, a FireHouse Theater--and that novelty will wear off too. New blood, new ideas and an "opening of eyes" is needed badly but we are not at that "tipping point" yet---it's coming.


text:
Into the Wild with Zoo Experts
Classic Escapes • Nairobi, Kenya
Escape Kit
- A Ten-Day Kenyan Safari for One Guest, Including:
- Round-Trip Airfare via Ethiopian Airlines from Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC, to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya
- Round-Trip Ground Transport among Airport, Hotels, and Sightseeing Destinations
- Seven Nights of Luxury Accommodations with Breakfast in Nairobi and All Meals on Safari
- Wildlife Viewing from Minibus Accompanied by Professional Naturalist and Zoo Escort
Wildlife doesn't seem so wild behind plexiglass. Meet the king of the jungle outside the zoo with this week's Escape to Kenya.
Return to the pride lands on a Classic Escapes safari for one guest.* You'll travel with an expert from the Philadelphia Zoo May 14 to 24 ($3,196); Woodland Park Zoo September 6 to 15 ($3,997); Fort Worth Zoo September 8 to 17 ($3,997); Zoo Atlanta September 19 to 28 ($3,997); Brevard Zoo October 10 to 19 ($3,898); North Carolina Zoo Society November 7 to 16 ($3,496); or Utah's Hogle Zoo November 14 to 23 ($3,496).
Your ten-day expedition includes round-trip airfare via Ethiopian Airlines from Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC, to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, plus all ground transportation among the airport, hotels, and sightseeing destinations. You'll enjoy seven nights of luxury accommodations—not to mention breakfast in Nairobi and all meals on safari.
Get a taste of royal treatment on your first night in Nairobi's Safari Park Hotel & Casino, a five-star property fit for those at the top of the food chain. The following day, you'll travel to the Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserves.
A professional naturalist and a zoo curator will be your advisors, while experienced guides drive the minibus and introduce you to rare and endangered species you won't find elsewhere. "Samburu National Reserve showcases arid specialists such as the Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich," says BBC Travel. For two nights, you'll sleep in a luxurious en suite tent at Ashnil Samburu Camp.
Continue your tour of the realm by ascending the slopes of Mount Kenya. You'll spend the night at Serena Mountain Lodge, where colobus and Sykes's monkeys will visit your veranda in hopes of snatching a morsel. A watering hole and salt lick on the property attract herds of elephant and buffalo, which you can observe from the lodge's viewing deck or the strategically placed photo-hide just yards away from the animals.
In the morning, move on to visit your subjects in Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for the millions of flamingos that flock to its waters. Look hard and you might glimpse napping leopards camouflaged in the acacia trees, then retire to Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge to watch the sun set over the pink-plumed lake.
At last, arrive in the heart of the pride lands—The Maasai Mara National Reserve—to behold awe-inspiring scenes of the savanna. Each year from July through October, millions of wildebeest and other hoofed mammals cross these perilous grasslands on The Great Migration.
"Classic Kenya, archetypal Africa. It includes a world-famous savanna teeming with predators and prey," says National Geographic. "In residence are lions, cheetahs, elephants, antelopes, black rhinos, and other supporting-cast animals."
Though outnumbered, the big cats are the true monarchs of the Maasai Mara, fittingly called the Kingdom of Lions. Spend two nights in one of Ashnil Mara Camp's lavish tents, complete with walk-in closets.
With this week's Kenyan safari, go beyond the concrete enclosures to see the animal kingdom as nature intended.
For additional information, view Classic Escapes's full itinerary.
*Prices based on double occupancy. Add $895 for single occupancy. Prices do not include $525 in resort fees, park entrance fees, and taxes to be paid at the time of booking.
"There is something about safari life that makes you forget all your sorrows and feel as if you had drunk half a bottle of champagne—bubbling over with heartfelt gratitude for being alive."-- Karen Blixen, Author of 'Out of Africa'
escapes 30-day promise
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the fine print
- Vouchers may not be combined to extend stay
- Reservations must be confirmed by April 1, 2012
- Merchant cancellation/re-scheduling policy applies; voucher subject to forfeiture
- $525 in resort and park fees will be collected at time of booking
- Fuel surcharges and airline taxes are included
- Air transportation can be included from other airports for an additional fee
- All pricing is based on double occupancy; single occupancy supplement is $895 per person, and will be charged at the time of booking
- Voucher includes round-trip ground transport among airport, hotels, and sightseeing destinations, seven-night luxury accommodations with breakfast in Nairobi and all meals on safari, and a wildlife viewing from minibus accompanied by a professional Naturalist and Zoo Escort
- Zoo escort and professional naturalist is provided on trips with 15 or more travelers
- All deal components must be redeemed during one stay
- Other conditions apply • PAID AND PROMOTIONAL VALUES EXPIRES ON November 23, 2012 • PAID VALUE DOES NOT EXPIRE • PAID VALUE EXPIRES ON November 23, 2017 • PROMOTIONAL VALUE EXPIRES ON November 23, 2012 • Enjoy By November 23, 2012
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Lotus uses a glass engine to test combustion patterns.
More accurately, it is an engine with a single glass cylinder and piston that lets engineers see what is happening inside the motor as fuel is squirted in, is ignited by a spark, the piston is fired down the bore and spent gases are forced out on the upstroke.
Lotus is involved in engine research for a variety of clients and says this is the most efficient way to examine the process.
Laser diagnostic techniques are used to view and measure what's going on because the 5000rpm maximum running speed is too fast to monitor accurately with the naked eye.


text:
Pulaski Technical College will kick-off Black History month with an observance of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Tuesday, Jan. 29.
A memorial display of artwork, books, videos and photos will be exhibited from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the first-floor foyer of the Campus Center.
A program of remembrance will take place from 12-1 p.m., featuring the Rev. Cecil Gibson who will present Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech. Other guest speakers include Jerelyn Duncan, interim director of the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, and Pulaski Technical College students. Beata Lovelace, instructor of computer information systems, will provide special music.
All students, faculty and staff are invited to attend.
The observance ushers in Black History month, celebrated throughout the month of February.
Pulaski Technical College


text:
Hey guys,
I have the following gear for sale:
MSR Dragonfly stove and accessories + 20 fl. oz / .59 liters liquid fuel bottle - R1200
Saltic Eso Uk. 4 Eur. 37 Very good condition - R300
Evolv Talons Uk. 9 Worn twice (way too tight for me) - R600
Black Diamond harness (don't know the name, but similar to the momentum AL buckle harness) - R250
Based in Cape Town.
Lemme know if interested
gear 4 sale
Do you have gear to sell? Looking for gear? Wanted & For Sale. Post it here.
Pictures will help you sell your gear faster.
Pictures will help you sell your gear faster.
7 posts • Page 1 of 1
Re: gear 4 sale
Hey just wondering what size shoe are you cos im a nine would they be too tight for me?
- Posts: 724
- Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2007 1:59 pm
Re: gear 4 sale
I got the stove thanks!
How can I pay you?
How can I pay you?
Re: gear 4 sale
Sent you guys PM's
Re: gear 4 sale
Dragonfly sold.
Re: gear 4 sale
I'm interested in the harness. I'm also in CTN. Can I meet you somewhere to have a look?
I'm interested in the harness. I'm also in CTN. Can I meet you somewhere to have a look?
Re: gear 4 sale
Are the shoes still available? Regards Shaun 0827773440
7 posts • Page 1 of 1
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text:
i've just been intrigued by the saleen sport truck, superchared version. maybe i'll get myself one of these one day.i think this is now the car i want above all other cars now. www.saleen.com then pick the truck. its awesome.not sure if it's offered in 4x4 or AWD or not. i wonder if this will be better than the coming lightning.which btw i saw someone in my school with. its said SVT f150. it looked like an 03 or 04.
Lately I've been a bit turned off by the whole sport truck idea, maybe the gas prices are getting to me
"If one does not fail at times, then one has not challenged himself" Ferdinand Porsche
nice they made the F150 look cool.
--------------------I'm working on a scifi-adventure webcomic!
Alex, did you computer design this rendition of the CTX?
I traced a photo of it.I made that a couple years ago.
--------------------I'm working on a scifi-adventure webcomic!
Quote:Lately I've been a bit turned off by the whole sport truck idea, maybe the gas prices are getting to me
I think it looks cool I want to see performance figures though. The S/C version will start in the 40,000's which will only be worth it IF its faster than my truck. Looking at it I already see more room for improvement. Looks lke the throttle body is a bit restriced.....
Quote:which btw i saw someone in my school with. its said SVT f150. it looked like an 03 or 04.
450 hp and the speedo only goes to 120?that's so lame. if it has a stick or autostick and AWD (or a transfer case) and what you just said is not true of the s/c version, then i want one.
Quote: i guess a truck is a type of car that you have to buy with the notion that gas is going to run you a bunch.
Theres not a damn thing lame about burring the needle way past the end of the speedo
it's a truck. whats there to expect. what do you think it's real top speed is? 145-160 or so?I used Photoshop on it. and man it looks good in Deep blue Deep Green and Black.
--------------------I'm working on a scifi-adventure webcomic!
im crying i want one lol
I can't believe you guys have never seen one of these before on the internet...
yea i have seen them befor around on Saleens website. Any thing Stevie puts he mofo'in name on is golden and fast as a Ted Bundy on a dead chick. Good Work Steve Saleen


text:
Town Square
Unraveling history's mysteries, building community memory
Original post made by Jay Thorwaldson, editor emeritus, on Jun 21, 2006
Speaking to nearly 120 longtime Palo Altans -- including many present and former civic leaders -- at the annual dinner of the Palo Alto Historical Association, I outlined some local mysteries of history -- stuff I've heard rumors about but to which I never have been able to get a definitive answer.
I also announced a $10,000 grant from Hewlett Packard Corporation to fund the beginning of a "community memory enhancement" project I first thought about in 1980 -- long before technology was ready for it. My own schedule and the busy schedules of others in town with whom I talked about it have prevented it taking form in recent years.
But now's the time to begin, and with the HP grant -- more will be needed from other sources later, of course -- to help pay for clerical, organizing and some writing assistance, perhaps now we can begin compiling a truly detailed account of the past half century in Palo Alto and surrounding communities in the Midpeninsula.
The idea is simply to use the power of the Internet -- the most powerful communications tool in history this side of the invention of the printing press in the 1500s and, arguably perhaps, the telephone in the late 1800s.
Starting with some core documents and a timeline, people in the community could build a searchable, linkable database that would instantly tell people what "government by referendum" meant as a description of local politics in the late 1950s and early 1960s, or what a "residentialist" is, or who really saved the foothills and started the local environmental movement.
That way there will be fewer mysteries of history that leave new City Council and city staff members vulnerable to getting tangled up in the roots and tendrils of old issues about which they have no clear notion.
My first example of a community mystery is a rumor I initially picked up when I was covering Palo Alto for the former Palo Alto Times back in the late 1960s and 1970s. That rumor was that when the sprawling subdivisions were being proposed to replace the open fields and dairy farms of south Palo Alto the city staff recommended requiring the developers to bring in several feet of fill to bring it up above flood levels, say three or four feet.
The second part of the rumor is that developer Joseph Eichler went down and berated the council about that expensive proposition, and the condition was removed. I have no idea if any of that's true, and it would take some detailed detective work to go back through council minutes of a half century ago to find out, if it was even included in the minutes at the time.
Had it been done, I noted, the $28 million in flood damage in early 1998 might have been, say, about $28. But the rumor never included what mountain would have had to disappear to raise all of south Palo Alto above flood levels. Maybe they should have just required four-foot-high foundations for all the houses.
I'm most interested initially in aspects of history that current leaders SHOULD know about. Had city officials been more aware of the intensity of the battle in 1965 to create the city's Park Dedication Ordinance, perhaps the blowup of two or three years ago about swapping park lands at Rinconada Park, Terman Park and Mitchell Park could have been handled with more delicate diplomacy and avoided a blow-up.
But that's not a true "mystery." The history is there. But it's hard to access.
The Weekly published a great Centennial History of Palo Alto's first 100 years in 1994. Earlier, former PA Times journalist Ward ("Dode") Winslow (who was my boss for a time on the Editorial Pages), compiled a great history-of-Palo-Alto book, to which former Mayor Gary Fazzino and I contributed an early version of the chapter on city politics and I drafted a chapter on the history of health care.
But books by definition have limited space, and we're in a new era -- the Age of Googling -- in which people expect near-instant access to information. And they should have such access.
Any newcomer to city and school issues deserves -- no, needs -- to know what went before if they have any sensibility to community traditions or if they want to avoid potential land mines that can blow up in their faces, embarrass them and often frustrate what they are trying to accomplish.
For those who have been participants in slices of local history, this is an opportunity to share recollections, challenge (civilly, please) the remembrances of others and help build a community memory -- one of the most valuable of human legacies.
It could become the ultimate memory-enhancement exercise.
Comments (10)
a resident of Stanford
on Jun 23, 2006 at 7:15 am
Wouldn't something like a Palo Alto History Wiki be a good application here if you are inviting others to write and share memories. You could be onto something here Jay -- communities building collective memories on the Internet. Hopefully, historical societies would fill in the history that goes further back than those who are still with us.
a resident of Midtown
on Jul 6, 2006 at 5:05 pm
Go to the older sections of San Jose or Sacramento, or the real new construction along the Russian River, and you see houses built with the first floor above the expected flood level. The last flooding in San Jose, these were the houses that were not ruined, except where rooms had ben added on the ground level. On the Russian River, they had several floods within months. Many houses flooded the first time were ruined again before rehab had been complete, so the law was changed.
a resident of Crescent Park
on Sep 11, 2006 at 10:47 pm
I have often thought that a timeline chronology of the "big issues" of Palo Alto would be interesting. For example, remember the "Eruv"? The black mamba? The parrots evicted from the church eves?
a resident of College Terrace
on Jul 6, 2007 at 12:34 am
This is already being done. Check out www.paloaltohistory.com
It looks like far from a complete history, but quite a few articles!
a resident of East Palo Alto
on Aug 29, 2007 at 5:03 pm
When it comes to history in East Palo Alto, I remember the simple times, the good life as a child growing up in East Palo Alto in the 50's and early 60's...at great book to read on a child in this era would be adding the edition of Beech Street...The Summer of '59... A summary of this book has been posted in the book section and if you check it out...you will see it is gathering the most interest. The book also has pictures from this era. I believe history comes in more than community news...it also comes from one's personal story and recollections of long ago...whether it be told through the eyes as a child...or an adult...
a resident of Charleston Meadows
on Sep 12, 2007 at 4:02 pm
Where can I find that chapter about the History of Palo Alto politics that would give some wisdom about avoiding the historical traps you mentioned?
a resident of another community
on May 5, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Jay: Good to see you are still on the job and coverring the Palo Alto Beat.
Jack Garner, PAPD Captain
Circa 1967-79
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 27, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Wow, this blog has come out of the archives, Jay.
Still, I think you started something. We have at least one thread here going on over a year with PA memories. There have been others. I hope someone is documenting them.
And, yes, I remember the escape of the black mamba. I had a kindergartner at the time in Palo Verde. First they prevented the kids from going out at lunch and recess and then they roped off one particular area for some time. I don't know what the outcome was, but even she remembers it (she is in college now).
The eruv was also an old story that came back to life.
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on May 27, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Maybe a new Wikipedia form could be created, a Wikipedia community timeline. Wikipedia has a ton of good stuff about Palo Alto, but not yet organized on a timeline.
I've been around not quite 50 years, but a couple of my neighbors and a few friends have a great deal of Palo Alto history I am going to encourage them to prepare to share.
Great idea, Jay, and thanks to HP for lighting yet another path for a worthwhile project.
a resident of St. Claire Gardens
on Apr 26, 2009 at 10:40 am
Mr. Thornwaldson, this sounds great. As someone who grew up in Palo Alto I think it would be a wonderful tool. I would suggest that it would be important to create a program and system which would be accessible to all ages of Palo Altans -- while many older residents might have insights and puzzle-pieces to our collective history which could never be uncovered through archives and records, younger Palo Altans could bring some depth to the current issues facing the town's youth. I myself grew up here in the 1980s and '90s, and certainly my view and knowledge of the city derives from that era. I hope that this proposed online forum/archive becomes a reality as it would be an irreplacable asset to bring cohesion and strength to our community through an understanding of who we are and where we have been to get here.
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One more week to vote!
Don't forget to cast your ballot online. Voting ends May 29th. Stay tuned for the results in the July 21st issue of the Palo Alto Weekly.


text:
Meet Brad Johnston, printmaking alumnus and art handler for New York-based company
Brad Johnston uses etching and lithography to create prints, usually in black-and-white with subtle color highlights. His prints bring elements of folk art into the fine arts, drawing heavily on characters and settings from ancient mythology. Brad intends for these mythological elements of his work to make his prints seem like snapshots of stories taking place in another world, a world he describes as "kind of whimsical, kind of scary."
"What I really love about story and mythology is that it has the power to transform us psychologically," says Brad. "The history of myth is basically the psychological history of a people, group, culture or clan. And these days, I think we are lacking in overarching mythology. I want my work to help fill in this gap."
Brad has been creating art since he can remember. He discovered his passion for printmaking as an undergraduate student in Indiana, where he began creating art on presses. Later he did his own woodcuts, hand-carving the negative space for each print out of a block of wood. After graduating, he spent two years working for a pharmaceutical company, but, dissatisfied in his job, he did a one-eighty: he got married and moved to Hawaii to teach music and literature to elementary and middle school children. Once there, he realized that working in the arts clicked with his personality and he decided to explore the fine arts further in graduate school.
He remembered looking into SCAD while he was in high school, and after reading about the printmaking program, he applied as a graduate student. Immediately after he was accepted, he and his wife left their Hawaii home and moved to the city. "I'd never even been to Atlanta," Brad says. He has had no trouble adjusting, however; since his move, he has integrated himself completely into the city's art and gallery scene. At SCAD Atlanta, he finds himself constantly exploring new artistic ideas and ideals. "It's a place that has fostered growth in me," says Brad. "It's just a place where I've been able to open up, and I think that's really allowed me to be myself as an artist."
Over the course of his graduate studies, Brad experimented with printmaking techniques to broaden his skill set, taking advantage of SCAD's equipment to explore different methods. "The facilities in printmaking especially are fantastic; the best print shop I've ever seen," Brad says. "There are so many different things to offer here that I can't do them all."
Between projects, Brad has found the time to display his artwork in several shows and galleries. Just two months after coming to SCAD, Brad showed his work in SCAD's annual Open Studio event, which a prominent Atlanta art critic attended. When she saw his work, she stopped to offer in-depth commentary on the pieces he was showing. Brad describes hearing the positive feedback as "one of my formative experiences. It was really encouraging."
Most recently, Brad showed his work at Studioplex, an Atlanta gallery space, and is working on a new exhibition, which will consist of prints on giant panels. Brad is considering using the enormous prints to create a structured space that viewers can walk through. "I love just a print in a frame," Brad says. "But the art I enjoy is not always just fine art in a frame. It is interactive."
Since graduation, Brad has been working as an art handler for New York-based company James Bourlet. In this position, Brad works with private collectors and larger clients like Sotheby's in the artwork acquisition process. He plans to eventually return to teaching in the arts while he goes on creating new work to show and sell. He hopes to continue developing his own voice as an artist and storyteller while helping the next generation of artists to find theirs.


text:
"11th-Floor near KaDeWe" !!! - in BERLIN
Size39 m²
Floor No.11(with elevator)
- Family/child friendly
- Kitchen
- Parking available
- Elevator in building
- Balcony/terrace
- Smoking allowed
- Internet/WiFi
Accommodation summary
|Lietzenburger Straße, 10789 Berlin, Germany
|Property type
|Property ID
The Apartment -- one of our four quite attractive Apartments - is located on the 11th Floor of a modern 17-Story High-Rise-Building, with a great View over the Roofs of Berlin from its large Balcony.
Here is a Quotation from one of our Guests:
"An extraordinary Combination of a central and exciting Location, - AND - relaxing Greens and numerous Trees, - something to be found very rarely !!" -- To be seen nearby, - from the balcony, or a few steps away from the Apartment, - is the world-renowned "KaDeWe" -Department-Store, or "Department-Store of the West".
It is located directly adjacent to the Wittenbergplatz.
In the center of the Wittenbergplatz, a historic Underground-Subway Station can be admired - 100 years old !!! - (built 1911-13), from where Trains can be taken to every possible Sight-Seeing-Treasure of Berlin and its Surroundings, be it a Museum, a Monument, or a Concert Hall.
-- The Castle "Sanssouci" in Potsdam? (in 30 Minutes from the Zoo) !!!
Around the Wittenbergplatz, there are also numerous Cafes and Restaurants, which are placing quite a number of Tables and Chairs outside in front of their Establishments
On sunny or pleasant days, hundreds of Tourists -- OF ALL NATIONALITIES !!! -- can be seen sitting there, enjoying their Dinners or just having a great Drink.
Also, in the immediate area, a number of Supermarkets can be found, one of which, with the name of "KAISERS", open until midnight, is also located at the Wittenbergplatz.
When visiting the KaDeWe-Dept.- Store, the experienced Tourist will take the Elevator immediately to the 7th Floor, because he knows that there, a Buffet is expecting him,
-- of the most distinguished Quality and Taste !
Only a few steps away from the Entrance to the KaDeWe, Sightseeing- Busses are leaving frequently, inviting the Tourist to enjoy a Tour through Berlin.
Looking west, or down the Tauentzienstrasse, one can see the "Gedächtniskirche" or Memorial Church. Just before the Church on the right hand side is the "EUROPA-CENTER", with the "IRISH PUB" located right inside of it ! There, a Live Band is playing every single Night of the Week !!!
And let's not forget the large Water-Clock located in the Main-Hall, together with a number of interesting Cafes and Restaurants, and some quite exciting Stores.
To get to the Apartment, one enters the Building from the Street by going through two electronic-operated Doors,.leading the Guest to two modern Elevators, which will take him to the 11th Floor, - in no time at all.
When entering the Apartment, one immediately is taken in by its attractive and also friendly Ambience.
This was achieved through the Selection and Arrangement of its Furniture, as can be seen on the Photos.
Pick-up per car from Train-station Berlin-Hauptbahnhof for 20€.
We are looking forward to welcoming you here in Berlin. Thank you very much !
House rulesPlease note:
SMOKING IS ALLOWED, - only on the Balcony !
The Price for the 3rd and 4th Guest is €10,- each per Night, - in Addition !
Secured Parking is available at €10,- per Night !
|Weekly rate for up to 2 guests
|Price for > 2 guests
|R 152 ZAR per guest/night extra
|Maximum nights
|3 weeks
|Check-in after
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews of this property
Great location, everything was clean and very friendly and helpful host. We felt very comfortable! Thank you!
Super Lage, alles sauber und sehr freundlicher und hilfsbereiter Gastgeber. Wir haben uns sehr wohl gefühlt! Vielen Dank!
Super location of the apartment, in a modern high-rise. All in apartment available, it takes super nice landlord, happy again.
Super Lage der Wohnung, in einem modernem Hochhaus. Alles in Wohnung vorhanden, was man braucht, Super netter Vermieter, gerne wieder.
The apartment is centrally located, walking distance to the Kurfürstendamm and the subway. The interior of the apartment is very nice, clean and well maintained. The furnishings are comfortable (Internet / Wi-Fi, LCD TV, radio ect.) And provides everything you need. Our host was very nice and gave us good advice on attractions and nightlife of Berlin. We can recommend the apartment very much.
Die Wohnung ist zentral gelegen, wenige Gehminuten zum Kurfürstendamm und zur U-Bahn.
Die Einrichtung der Wohnung ist sehr schön, sauber und gepflegt.
Die Ausstattung ist komfortabel (Internet/WLAN, LCD TV, Radio ect.) und bietet alles was man so braucht.
Unser Gastgeber war sehr nett und gab uns gute Ratschläge über Sehenswertes und das Nachtleben von Berlin.
Wir können die Wohnung sehr empfehlen.
A very nice appartment with a great location and placed close to an U-bahn.
The appartment was well quipped,clean and nice.
The owner was very friendly and informative regarding general questions about the area and other nice things to known when you are a tourist.
We can definetely recommend a stay in the appartment.
Very nice, friendly Gastgeber.Wunderschöne, cozy apartment in central Berlin, which I will definitely book again.
Sehr netter,freundlicher Gastgeber.Wunderschöne, gemütliche Ferienwohnung in zentraler Lage von Berlin, die ich auf jeden Fall wieder buchen werde.
We highly recommend this holiday apartment.Bernd is the perfect host! He met us at the train station, gave us a very fun and informative tour of the apartment's neighborhood then respected our privacy while we enjoyed all that Berlin has to offer. It is true, this apartment is an easy walk to famous Kadewe, which we could see from our balcony! An Ubahn station is right there at the store as well. There are grocery stores, very cool donner-kabob type eatery, wine/beer/soda store and currywurst stands.....all within quick walks.
This apartment was clean and well appointed. It felt bigger than a studio to us. Updated kitchen, wifi, flat screen tv and, although we were right smack in the center of Berlin, we were not disturbed by big city traffic noises!
At the end of our stay Bernd kindly drove us to the train station and waited until we were safely on our way! We feel we had excellent value for cost and would recommend our host to friends.
A very nice visit to Berlin we will be remembered. Hotel was built in Berlin, subway nearby, flat overlooking Berlin Best everything. Delighted again.
Ein sehr schöner Berlinbesuch bleibt uns in Erinnerung.
Unterkunft mitten in Berlin, U-Bahn in der Nähe, Wohnung mit Blick über Berlin alles Bestens.
Machen wir gerne wieder.
The owners were super nice and friendly. We've got great ideas about shopping, dining, etc.. The apartment is beautifully decorated and super clean. We would not hesitate to go there again.
Die Vermieter waren super nett und freundlich. Wir haben gute tipps bekommen über Einkaufsmöglichkeiten, Restaurants etc. . Die Wohnung ist schön eingerichtet und super sauber.
Wir würden jederzeit wieder dort hin gehen.
Very nice place with wonderful hosts Ausblick.Unser Mr. Kaiski was very friendly and bribed with good Ratschlägen.Alles in all a very successful holiday, because we will definitely repeat.
Sehr schöne Unterkunft mit herrlichen Ausblick.Unser Gastgeber Herr Kaiski war sehr freundlich und bestach mit guten Ratschlägen.Alles in allen ein sehr gelungener Urlaub ,denn wir auf jeden Fall wiederholen werden.
We had a very nice experience: a warm, sunny apartment that has everything you need and in which one has immediately felt comfortable. Location and views are also great. The hosts are very friendly and reliable. We will gladly return!
Wir hatten hier einen sehr schönen Aufenthalt: eine freundliche, helle Wohnung, die alles bietet, was man braucht und in der man sich gleich wohlgefühlt hat. Lage und Aussicht sind ebenfalls spitze. Die Gastgeber sind sehr freundlich und zuverlässig. Wir kommen gerne wieder!
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text:
Article 1 – Name and Registered Agent
Section 1. The name of this corporation shall be Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library. Hereafter referred to as "Friends."
Section 2. The registered address of the organization shall be 7770 Croaker Road, Williamsburg, Virginia 23188.
Article 2 – Purpose
Section 1. The purpose of this organization is to create public interest in and greater use of the Williamsburg Regional Library, to provide financial support to the Library, and to sponsor cultural and related programs. The intention is to supplement and encourage the work of Library staff as a library support organization.
Article 3 – Membership
Section 1. Membership in this organization shall be open to all individuals, organizations, businesses, and clubs, who support the purpose of the organization.
Section 2. Each organization or individual member shall be entitled to one vote at any membership meeting.
Article 4 – Directors
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall consist of not fewer than five (5) and not more than eleven (11) members. The Director of the Williamsburg Regional Library and the Chair of the Board of Trustees shall serve as ex-officio members of the Board. Only Board members may vote on any item before the Board. After January 1, 2011 only one member of a household may be a member of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. Directors shall be elected by the membership at the Annual Meeting prior to their term of office. Terms of office for Directors shall be for four (4) years. A member may serve for up to two consecutive four year terms. Following their service as Board members, Directors will progress to membership in the Advisory Council.
Section 3. Appointments shall be made to fill vacancies for un-expired terms by the Board. However, a member appointed to fill the un-expired term of another member may at the end of that term be elected to two full four-year terms of the member's own.
Section 4. The duties of the Board of Directors include:
A. To review and approve a budget for the Friends.
B. To oversee expenditures of Friends funds.
C. To establish and review Friends policies.
D. To attend Board meetings regularly.
E. To become familiar with Library services and programs.
Section 5. It shall be the responsibility of the Board members to attend meetings of the Board. More than two (2) unexcused absences from Board meetings in a year's time will be cause for removal from the Board.
Section 6. Members of the Board shall conform to the basic principles of civil behavior with regard to Board activities. Members may be removed from the Board for conduct unbecoming a Board Member.
Section 7. A quorum at any Board meeting shall be a majority of the Board.
Article 5 – Officers
Section 1. The officers of the Friends shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. `
Section 2. Officers shall be nominated by the Nominating Committee. The nominations shall be submitted to the membership at least two weeks prior to the annual meeting at which they shall be elected. Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the annual meeting with the consent of the nominee.
Section 3. Officers shall be elected by a majority vote of those members in good standing at the annual meeting. The term of office shall be for two (2) years and shall begin on the first day of January following the annual meeting.
Section 4. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the Board until the next regular election.
Section 5. The officers shall have the usual duties and authorities customarily exercised by officers of a non-profit organization.
Article 6 – Meetings
Section 1. The Board of Directors shall meet on a regular basis, at least six (6) times a year in one of the Williamsburg Regional Library locations. A yearly schedule of proposed meeting times and dates for the coming year shall be set at the October meeting of the Board of Directors.
Section 2. The annual meeting shall be held on a date to be determined by the Board near the end of the fiscal year. Members shall be notified in writing at least two weeks prior to the date of the meeting. The President is responsible for coordinating all activities associated with the annual meeting.
Section 3. A special meeting of the Friends may be called at any time by the Board.
Section 4. Only those members in good standing shall be allowed to vote at any meeting.
Section 5. A quorum at an annual meeting shall be the number of members in attendance.
Section 6. Proceedings of all meetings shall be governed by Roberts Rules of Order-Revised (newest edition for small groups). Any rule therein may be suspended for any length of time by a three-fourths vote of Directors present.
Section 7. The minimum content of the agenda at regular meetings shall include:
A. Call to order
B. Minutes of previous meeting
C. Treasurer's Report
D. Committee Reports
E. Library Director's Report
F. Other
G. Adjournment
Article 7 – Committees
Section 1. The following shall serve as standing committees of the Board of Directors:
A. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall be chaired by the Past President. Nominating Committee members are selected by the chair of the committee to receive recommendations from the Board of Directors, review credentials of candidates and prepare a slate of nominees for presentation at the annual meeting for election or for any time a vacancy occurs on the Board of Directors.
B. Semi-Annual Book Sale Committee. The Semi-Annual Book Sale Committee chair is appointed by the Board of Directors to organize the Friends semi-annual book sales. Committee members are selected by the chair of the committee. This committee coordinates closely with appropriate Library staff and the Book Nook Committee Chairs.
C. Book Nook Committee– Williamsburg Library. The Book Nook Committee chair is appointed by the Board of Directors to coordinate the overall operation of the Williamsburg Library Book Nook. Members of this committee are selected by the chair of the committee.
D. Book Nook Committee – James City County Library. The Book Nook Committee chair is appointed by the Board of Directors to coordinate the overall operation of the James City County Library Book Nook. Members of this committee are selected by the chair of the committee.
E. Publicity Committee. The Publicity Committee chair is appointed by the Board of Directors to coordinate Friends publicity. Committee members are selected by the chair of the committee.
F. Membership Committee. The Membership Committee chair is appointed by the Board of Directors to coordinate Friends membership activities. Committee members are selected by the chair of the committee.
G. With the exception of the Chair of the Nominating Committee, Committee chairs may come from Friends membership.
Section 2. Advisory Council. There shall be a standing Advisory Council to the Board of Directors. This Council shall consist of former members of the Board and other interested persons appointed by the Board of Directors. The Advisory Council serves to make recommendations and/or provide information and materials to the Board of Directors. Members of the Advisory Council shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Advisory Council's chair is appointed for a three year term by the Board of Directors and may serve two terms. The Advisory Council shall meet at least once a year and will report to Friends membership at the Annual Meeting. Ex-officio members of the Advisory Council shall include the President of the Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library Board and the Library Director.
Section 3. Other committees may be appointed by the President as needed to conduct the business of the Board. No such committee will continue in existence beyond the end of the fiscal year in which it was appointed, unless by a vote of the Board at its November meeting.
Article 8 – Dues
Section 1. Dues shall be paid annually and are good for one year's membership from date of payment. The membership contribution schedule and categories shall be set by the Board.
Article 9 – Fiscal Year
Section 1. The fiscal year shall be from January 1 to December 31.
Article 10 – Fiscal Affairs
Section 1. All financial transactions shall be approved by the Treasurer.
Section 2. Non-budgeted expenditures shall be approved by the Board of Directors.
Section 3. The Treasurer or Fiscal Agent representative shall sign all checks. In the absence of the Treasurer, the President or Vice-President may sign checks.
Article 11 - Indemnification
Section 1.The Friends shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (including an action or suit by or in the right of the Friends to procure a judgment in its favor) by reason of the fact that he/she is or was a Director or officer of the Friends, or is/was serving at the request of the Friends as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against judgments, fines amounts paid in settlement, and expenses (including attorney's fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him/her in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he/she acted in good faith and in the manner he/she reasonably believed to be in favor or not opposed to the best interests of the Friends. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order or settlement shall not itself create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in the manner he/she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Friends.
Section 2.Notwithstanding the provision of Section 1 of this ARTICLE X, no indemnification shall be made in violation of any provision of the Internal Revenue Code or in an action or suit by or in the right of the Friends to procure a judgment in its favor in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been finally adjudged to be liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of his duty to the Friends, unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnification.
Section 3.To the extent that any such person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in section 1 and section 2 of this ARTICLE X, or in defense of any claim or matter therein, he/she shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorney's fees) actually and reasonable incurred by him/her in connection therewith.
Section 4.Any indemnification under section 1 and section 2 of this ARTICLE X (unless ordered by court) shall be made by the Friends only as authorized in the specific case, upon a determination that indemnification of any such person is proper in the circumstances because he/she has met all applicable standard of conduct set forth in such sections 1 and 2. Such determination shall be made either (I) by the Board of Directors by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (II) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested Directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion. If the determination is to be made by the Board of Directors, it may rely, as to all questions of law, on the advice of independent counsel.
Section 5.Expenses incurred in defending an action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, administrative or investigative, may be paid by the Friends in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding as authorized in the manner provided in section 4 of this ARTICLE X, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such amount unless it shall ultimately be determined that he/she is entitled to be indemnified by the Friends as authorized in this ARTICLE X.
Section 6.For the purposes of this ARTICLE X, every reference to Director or officer shall include former Directors or officers, and their respective heirs, executors and administrators. The right of indemnification hereby provided shall not be exclusive of any other rights to which any Director or officer may be entitled, including any rights under policies of insurance that may be purchased and maintained by the Friends or others, with respect to claims, issues or matters in relation to which the Friends would not have the power to indemnify such Directors or officer under the provisions of this ARTICLE X.
Article 12 – Disposition of Assets upon Dissolution
Section 1. If the Friends are terminated or dissolved, all assets belonging to the Friends will be transferred to the Williamsburg Regional Library to be disposed of as recommended by the Library Board of Trustees; however, if the named recipient is not then in existence or is no longer a qualified distributee or is unwilling or unable to accept the distribution, the assets of the Friends shall be distributed to a fund, foundation, or corporation organized exclusively for purposes specified in Section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Article 13 – Amendments
Section 1. Amendments to these By-Laws may be made at any meeting of the general membership by a two-thirds vote of those present and in good standing. Notification in writing of the proposed amendments shall be printed in any publication going to Friends members at least two weeks prior to the meeting at which voting will take place.
(Adopted December 10, 1999; Amended October 4, 2002; Amended October 10, 2003; Amended October 30, 2009)


text: I am in my 2nd year of beekeeping and enjoying it - need lots of help, though. I am an organic grower of herbs and perennials and we raise our own food on our small farm. I am coordinating a Beekeeping Intern program through our bee club, so hoping to gain ideas and help with beekeeping, swarms, and the internship!