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Menlo Park briefs: Police chief, Allied Arts sidewalks on agenda

by Sandy Brundage

After last week's selection of mayor and vice mayor, the reshuffling of Menlo Park City Council duties continues on Tuesday, Dec. 11, with the appointments of members to various regional boards and advisory bodies.

They'll also consider whether to extend Interim Police Chief Lee Violett's contract beyond January to allow for a smooth transition when a new chief is appointed by February. Chief Violett stepped in after Bryan Roberts left Menlo Park in July after serving as chief for 23 months. The city has considered both internal and external candidates as replacements, according to City Manager Alex McIntyre. One applicant, Cmdr. Lacey Burt, decided to retire as of Dec. 1.

The Dec. 11 council meeting starts with a study session at 6 p.m. in the council chambers on regional transportation policies, including whether a Metropolitan Transportation Commission resolution should include an exemption on sidewalks for the Allied Arts neighborhood. Residents have protested the idea of building sidewalks along their low-traffic streets.

The regular meeting follows at 7 p.m., also in council chambers at the Civic Center at 701 Laurel St.

Go to tinyurl.com/agxzp5j to review the agenda.

Wednesday: Plastic

Watch "Bag It!", a documentary about the impact of plastic bags on the environment, and learn more about Menlo Park's proposed ban on single-use plastic bags at an informational meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on Oct. 23 to certify the environmental impact report (EIR) and adopt an ordinance eliminating the use of plastic bags by retailers, except for restaurants and produce sellers. The ordinance would add a 10 cent fee for paper bags through the end of 2014, then hike the fee to 25 cents per paper bag.

Menlo Park, along with 24 other cities along the Peninsula, may opt to go along with the ban. The City Council plans to vote on the ordinance in January.

The informational meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. in the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center at 701 Laurel St.

Teen assaulted

A 16-year-old boy was walking near Newbridge Street and Carlton Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3, when two teens approached and demanded his property, according to Menlo Park police. Punching his face, the suspects fled empty-handed after turning out the boy's pockets.

The duo evaded a search of the area, police said. They were described as two black teenagers, one wearing a black long-sleeved T-shirt over a red shirt, and the other a gray hooded sweatshirt and black-and-white checkered scarf.

Police ask that anyone with information about this case to call them at 330-6300 or the anonymous tip line at 330-6395.

Students show photos

Jim Vanides, a Menlo Park resident and community volunteer, alerted the Almanac to an exhibit of photography by 13 East Palo Alto students.

Working with volunteers from Hewlett Packard and Citizen Schools, the Cesar Chavez Academy students participated in a 10-week apprenticeship to create "The Power of Photography: Images that Matter." Their work will be on display on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church at 1425 Bay Road in East Palo Alto.

Go to tinyurl.com/cd5gwc3 to view the photos online or order copies. Net proceeds from sales will support future Citizen Schools apprenticeships at schools serving disadvantaged students, according to Mr. Vanides.

Blankets for veterans

People are invited to drop off new blankets for veterans on Saturday, Dec. 15, in the parking lot next to Trader Joe's at 720 Menlo Ave. in Menlo Park from 2 to 3:30 p.m., according to Councilman Ray Mueller, who said he's running the drive with the help of State Sen. Jerry Hill and Supervisor-elect Warren Slocum. The blankets will be delivered to veterans at the Veterans Affairs hospitals in Menlo Park and Palo Alto.