Community Update
by Will Beckett, BPA President
Donkey News
by Susan Carsen -- Donkey Volunteer
Zoning & Land Use
by Maryanne Welton, ZALU Chair
Barron Park History
by Doug Graham, Barron Park Historian
20th Birthday for Eric's Trains
By Linda Lui
Traffic Safety
by Carolyn Spitz
Seniors' Update
by Mary Jane Leon - Committee Chair
The summer is coming to a close and school has begun. Neighborhood activity is picking up with a proposal for a variance for a private school on property zoned multi-family near Briones park. The expanded FREE bus service has begun, servicing Gunn and JLStanford and extending cross-town service to a full day.
Not to say there wasn't activity over the summer. Mary Jane Leon has been working with the Seniors committee with many meetings and lots of activity to pull together seniors with common interests and concerns. Maryanne Welton (ZALU chair) has been finishing up her home replacement project, as well as meeting with people involved with the school proposal mentioned above (see ZALU article, page 3). She has been very active preparing for the start of school at Barron Park Elementary.
Board News
Don Anderson, will be working with activities at Gunn and Briones and
focusing on traffic issues related to Gunn and the neighborhood. The
Neighborhood Safety Committee is being reformed after a two year
break.
Ed Gaines has agreed to pull together a group that will begin working
on safety issues in the neighborhood beginning with the current
emergency water concerns related to the Hetch Hetchy water supply.
They will begin regular meetings and are looking to expand the
committee with anyone with similar interests around disaster
preparedness and community safety.
al Fresco
Occupying the old Fresco, then Willow Street Cafe location, al Fresco
is here! Locally owned and operated by Charles Alley and his partner
and Exec. Chef, Romeo Sembrano, it offers a wide selection of new
dishes, and some of the favorites Fresco served (red pepper soup, for
instance). Alley recently moved to Barron Park from the Midtown area
because he wanted to be close to his business and for his kids to be
close to Gunn where they attend school. He does a lot of good things
for the community, including donations to West Bay Opera and the
Electric Auto Association. It is important to point out that all
restaurants in the Bay Area are going through a very difficult time
due to the slowdown of the economy. al Fresco (see ad on the back
page) and Senor Taco will attend the Electric Car Rally at Stanford
that I coordinate every September and hopefully that will help boost
their business. Please remember to frequent all our local businesses
so they can weather these difficult times.
Barron Park Elementary School Garden Plans
With the completion of construction at Barron Park Elementary School
scheduled for the end of the year, the community is encouraged to
take part in creating plans for a new garden and gathering spot at
the school's entry. Once the temporary portable classrooms are
removed, the front area under the redwood trees will be redesigned to
create a welcoming invitation to the school grounds. Community
members are invited to help develop plans by attending a neighborhood
meeting on Sunday, October 28, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the school's
multipurpose room. Refreshments will be provided. Questions? Call
principal Cathy Howard. (Just a reminder that Oct. 28 is the first
day of daylight savings time.)
Street Safety
Finally, let me do my annual reminder about traffic safety. Please be
aware that we all need to share the streets with cars, bikes, and
pedestrians alike. Obey traffic laws and most of all, be aware of
activities on the street and keep them safe and comfortable for all
of us. Think of others around you and default to less risky behavior
(the first rains will be coming soon). --Please see the excellent
article by Carolyn Spitz on pg. 6.
On Saturday, July 14, more than a dozen volunteer donkey-handlers and their families learned that Niner and Perry are equus assinus — donkeys — rather than equus caballus which is the Latin for horses. They learned that Niner and Perry are "jacks" which is what male donkeys are called. Females are jennets. During a relaxed seminar for the handlers in the donkey pasture, veterinarian Dr. Gary Hanes of Briarwood Equine Clinic in Woodside demonstrated some aspects of regular equine health care as he gave the donkeys their yearly vaccinations — donkeys require the same kind of health care as horses. First, though, he provided information both interesting and charming about these special Barron Park residents. In addition to learning the difference between a jack and a jennet, the group learned that a mule is a cross between a jack and a female horse. A cross between a jennet and a horse stallion is called a hinny. For all practical purposes, mules are sterile and so cannot reproduce themselves. A "burro" is the term for a mid-sized wild donkey.
With good care, donkeys can live between 25 and 40 years. Donkeys with the dorsal strip down the back and over the shoulders, as both Niner and Perry have, are often referred to as "Jerusalem" donkeys. Donkeys are herd animals and form close attachments. A lone donkey is most likely to be a very lonely donkey. Dr. Hanes' own donkey has a goat as it's constant companion.
Donkey's hooves are shaped differently than those of horses and generally they do not need shoes. However they do need regular hoof care and should have their hooves trimmed at least 4 times a year. Farrier Clyde Farmer, a Barron Park native, also joined the group that morning, allowing the handlers to see how the hooves are trimmed and learn what problems to be on the lookout for in regards to the donkey's feet.
Dr. Hanes showed how to tell that both Perry and Niner are in need of a little diet, and demonstrated the measured amount of hay they should be getting at meal times. The "boys" are currently getting a lower calorie feed, and as always the many visitors to the donkey pasture are asked to not give them any treats — no matter how loudly they may bray for a hand-out. The handlers enjoyed a picnic in Bol Park following the seminar.
Participants heard again — or for the first time for newcomers — the chronicle of Bol Park, the donkey pasture, and the various donkeys who came before Perry and Niner as recounted by long-time residents Edith and Leland Smith. Conversation turned briefly to financial concerns regarding future care of Perry and Niner, and any donkeys who may come to Barron Park in the future.
Support for Perry and Niner comes completely from the generosity of their neighbors and the community. The donkeys receive no tax dollars, no government funds, no funds from the City of Palo Alto, no grants from any animal welfare or humane organization. They are a part of the neighborhood simply because people who live here care about them and care about continuing this unique opportunity. In return, Perry and Niner provide warmth and joy to those who walk by their pasture; a rural equine experience for suburban children and adults who visit them on Sundays in Bol Park; an opportunity for humane education for children in Barron Park Schools; and a general reaffirmation for all of us of our connection to the natural world.
General farrier and veterinary expenses for the donkeys total about $1,000 a year. Food costs about $600 a year. Funds for the donkeys are managed by Acterra (formerly the Peninsula Conservation Center Foundation), which acts as fiscal agent for the Donkey Project, providing insurance and handling donations and financial affairs. Fees for these administrative services totaled about $200 this past year. All of these expenses are funded solely through donations.
Contributions are generated from an annual appeal in the Barron Park Association newsletter, sale of the donkey t-shirts at the Bol Park May Fete, and cash put in the Donkeys' Jar on their regular Sunday morning outings in Bol Park. Donkey handlers are grateful for the support of the donkeys' friends who made contributions over the past year totaling almost $2,000. If no unexpected expenses arise, this will allow a few hundred dollars to be added to assets saved in the Donkey Project Fund for emergencies; however, a sudden illness or other emergency arising with one of the donkeys could quickly drain down this sum. There is no guarantee that donations will continue to flow into the account to ensure sufficient funds in the future. All those who care about Perry and Niner seek to guarantee their proper ongoing care and shelter, as well as to ensure that assets will be available for health concerns as the donkeys age. For this reason, it is imperative that more assets be added to the donkeys' fund than are being spent for their general care on an annual basis. The handlers hope that those generous neighbors who have contributed in the past will consider increasing their support this year, and that those who have not yet made a contribution to the donkeys will consider doing so now. At least one Barron Park resident has indicated that the donkeys will be included in her will, an opportunity that others may wish to consider as well.
Tax deductible contributions for the donkeys' care may be sent to:
The Palo Alto Donkey Project
ACTERRA (Action for a Sustainable Earth)
3921 East Bayshore Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303
For further information about making a contribution on behalf of the donkeys, please call Edith Smith at 493-9386. If you would like information about how to become one of the volunteer donkey handlers, please call Don Anderson at 494-8672.
And don't forget to say "hi" to Perry and Niner when you pass by their pasture. Please remember though — Dr. Hanes insists they're on a diet!
The project showing the most action in Barron Park is the new school proposed by the Children's International School on Clemo Street. They have begun the process for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to build a new school on the 1.7-acre orchard across the street from Briones Park. This private, non-profit school for grades kindergarten through 8th grade, currently located at Cubberley, would have a maximum of 135 to 150 students. The lot is currently zoned RM-30, which allows multi-family housing. If the school is unsuccessful in obtaining the CUP, a residential developer will most likely build a large housing project on the property. It has previously been suggested as a possible location for a public library or community center, but it is unlikely the City could afford the price either the school or developer could pay for the site. Housing advocates are reluctant to see multifamily housing sites used for other purposes.
The BPA sponsored a neighborhood meeting on September 6 to present the archi-tect's conceptual plans for the project and get community input. About 20 neighbors attended, as well as representatives from the City Planning Department. The major concerns they voiced were the impact of additional traffic on the existing congestion and access for the fire department, neighbors, and school families. Neighbors from the Green Acres I and II subdivisions were surprised they hadn't heard about the project before and want to be involved as the project goes through the City's approval process. Preserving the site for multifamily housing, possibly affordable housing, was also mentioned. At a previous neighborhood meeting on May 8, people were also concerned about parking, size and height of the buildings, and use of the park by the school.
The school and their architects will prepare plans that address traffic, noise, and compatibility with adjacent residential uses. They have begun work with a traffic engineer and arborist. Their reports will become part of the application for the Conditional Use Permit, which the school intends to submit in October. Various City departments will evaluate the project and hold a public hearing so all interested parties can respond to the proposal. Watch the BPA news email list for further information about public meetings concerning this project.
The status of most of the projects mentioned in the most recent newsletter has not changed much:
South El Camino Real Design Study: The planning study looking at transportation, urban design, land use and economic factors that affect development along El Camino is underway. A draft of new design guidelines that help create a pedestrian-oriented, neighborhood-serving retail district will be available soon. These guidelines will impact the look and feel of all new and renovated structures along El Camino as well as the public areas, sidewalks and plantings.
Old Blockbuster Site: A nine-unit condominium project is proposed for the site of the old Blockbuster Video store on the corner of El Camino and Vista. Preliminary review by the Planning Department and Architectural Review Board recommended design changes to encourage a more pedestrian-friendly street frontage. Revised plans have not yet been submitted. Subdivision at 797 Matadero: City Planning staff informed the property owners that their plans to subdivide a large parcel on Matadero into five single family house lots would not likely be approved. Revised plans have not been submitted.
If you are interested in zoning and land use issues, any of the projects listed above, or want to participate on our committee, you can contact me at 493-3035 or email.
(part ONE of a SIX-part article)
Jose Pena: Our First Landowner
Before Any Landowners -- The Puichon
At the time of the first Spanish exploration of the San Francisco Bay
Area in 1769, the land we now call Barron Park was occupied by people
we call Puichon, The Puichon were a tribe-let included in the group
of Native Americans known to the Spanish as the Ohlone. There was a
village or campsite on the Southeast bank of Matadero Creek in the
upper part of the present-day donkey pasture and probably extending
upstream under the Veteran's Administration Hospital property.
The quiet isolation of the Puichon was first disturbed by the exploring expedition of Gaspar de Portola, who "discovered" San Francisco Bay. Portola's men camped near a giant redwood tree on the banks of San Francisquito Creek from November 6 to 11, 1769. They ranged throughout the Santa Clara Valley, certainly riding through what is now South Palo Alto. Were the Puichon then living at the site in Barron Park? If so, were they visited by Portola's men? We can only speculate, as there is no record of a visit to any "rancheria", as they called the Native American settlements, in our area.
The Appearance of Our Land
We do know a little bit about the appearance of the land in 1769.
Roble Ridge was lightly wooded with well-spaced Valley Oaks and a few
Live Oaks, as was most of Gunn High School and the Alta Mesa Cemetery
grounds. Another oak woodland extended from the vicinity of Matadero
and Whitsell Streets east through the Magnolia Drive and Military Way
neighborhoods to Los Robles Avenue. The courses of both Barron and
Matadero Creeks were densely lined with Valley Oak and Coast Live
Oak, along with occasional Buckeye, California Laurel and Poison Oak.
Both creeks flowed approximately where they do today, but were
probably not cut so deeply. There were probably seasonal marshes west
and south of the slightly higher ground along present-day El Camino
Real. The area around Chimalus Avenue may have been covered with a
light growth of Chamise or Chaparral ("Chimiles"). Most of the rest
of the area, from El Centro Avenue east to Encina Grande, Maybell and
Greenacres I and II, was covered with grassland interspersed with
clumps of oaks.
Santa Clara Mission
In the decade following the Portola expedition, Spanish explorations
of the area became frequent, culminating in the founding of Santa
Clara Mission on January 12, 1777. This marked the beginning of the
end of the Puichon way of life and the start of the mission period.
Within a few years of the mission's founding, the Native Americans of
the Santa Clara Valley had been gathered in to the mission community
and converted from hunter-gatherers to European-type agricultural
workers. The population dropped precipitously as European diseases
and cultural demoralization took their toll. By the early decades of
the nineteenth century, the missions had become industrial-style
cattle rancho businesses producing hides and tallow for semi-legal
trading with "Boston" ships. Our land was incorporated into Mission
Santa Clara's grazing area, and may have been designated partly for
sheepherding. The Barron Park area acquired it's first road,
Arastradero, which was a logging haul road from the redwood groves of
Portola Valley and Woodside to Mission Santa Clara and the Pueblo of
San Jose.
The few Spanish settlers in California took advantage of Mexican independence from Spain in 1821 to lobby Mexico City for secularization of the missions. During secularization in the 1830s, the mission businesses were ended and the Native Americans freed from clerical control and granted small plots of the mission farm land to support themselves. After a series of abortive "revolutions" against arbitrary rule by governors sent from Mexico City, the Californios--Mexican citizens, some of whom had married Native Americans--won a greater degree of control over the province and the governors began making large land grants to their political supporters. The Californios were granted large swaths of the mission grazing lands to start ranchos.
Don Jose Pena
It was at this time that Don Jose Pena appears in our history. Pena
was an artilleryman at the Presidio of San Francisco who retired from
active military service and moved to Santa Clara. Phyllis Filiberti
Butler, author of "Old Santa Clara Valley" describes him as "one of
the most ambitious, intelligent men of California's Mexican period.
Fully aware of the value of land, he petitioned for seven land
grants. Though he took possession of only two of these, he left his
unique mark up and down Alta California. As lieutenant of artillery,
elector, teacher, commissary and acting administrator, he served at
San Diego, Monterey, San Francisco, and his last years at Santa
Clara."
In 1840, Governor Alvarado granted him an eight room adobe house at Mission Santa Clara with 100 varas of surrounding land. He was a teacher of Santa Clara's "Book School"--forerunner of Santa Clara University. After secularization he kept the account books and was in charge of the storehouses. His house still stands, preserved as "The Pena Adobe" at 3260 The Alameda in Santa Clara.
Rancho Santa Rita
Earlier, in 1822, Pena had petitioned Mission Santa Clara for permission
to occupy two square leagues or about 4,400 acres of the mission
grazing lands in South Palo Alto. His request was granted, but
nothing is known of Pena's use of the land for the next 20 years.
After secularization and the Californios takeover of the provincial government, Pena moved to obtain title to the mission land. In 1841, he applied for the land he had been using and was granted 8,500 acres by Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado. Pena was then 64 years old and was teaching school in the small community at Santa Clara. He named his property Rancho Rincon de San Francisquito ("The ranch in the bend of the Little Saint Francis"), but it was generally known as Rancho Santa Rita. It had at least three structures on it. There was a wood house on the south side of Lagunita Drive on the Stanford campus. It also had a herdsman's hut located near the San Antonio Road overpass at Alma. This is the same general location where Secundino Robles later built his renowned two-story adobe ranch house. The third structure was the "Corral de Lleguas" (mares) north of San Antonio or Lleguas Creek (now Adobe Creek), possibly in the vicinity of Middlefield Road. Pena enjoyed ownership of the rancho for only six years before selling it in 1847 to Don Secundino Robles and his brother Teodoro for $3,500, or about 40 cents an acre. He died in 1852.
The story of the Robles family will be told in the next article of this six-part series on the early landowners of Barron Park, to appear in the Winter issue of this newsletter.
[Editor's note: photos only appear in the paper editon of this newsletter]
Barron Park Garden Railway just celebrated twenty years of operation on August 28, 2001. The G-gauge model fills the backyard of Operator Eric Struck's home at 748 Kendall Avenue and includes nine locomotives and over a hundred freight and passenger cars, all tucked away beneath a tarp protecting the setup from leaves from the canopy of large trees overhead. The backyard railway opened in 1981 with one locomotive and three cars and was later featured on Bay Area Backroads. Eric is a member of the Bay Area Garden Railway Society, whose annual meeting in March and board meetings every other month keep him in touch with other model train enthusiasts.
The Railway is open Saturdays from 12-4:30 pm, Sundays 11-5 pm (except the third Sunday of the month), and some holidays. It closes late November through April. Eric welcomes appointments for school groups. There is no charge but donations are appreciated. Call (650)493-7367 for more information. [see on-line photos at ]
Is Going to School Just a "Walk in the Park?"
Fall is in the air and school is back in session. Streets are filled
with students of all ages on foot or on bikes, scooters, and
skateboards. The kids are getting great exercise and helping keep the
air clean but their safety on the way to and from school is not
something we can take for granted. This is an excellent time to look
at what we each can do to help make Barron Park safer for our young
residents.
A quick tour of Barron Park can show many hazards to those moving on their own power. Here are a few:
Lunches Are a Hit
As planned, the Barron Park Seniors got together for lunch June ll.
Twenty-six of us crowded together in Hobee's little back room, and
had a rousing time. Food was good, service a little slow but Fabian
did his best. Volume was so high we all had to yell to carry on
conversations. We didn't let that stop us at all--just went ahead and
yelled.
Our August get together was a picnic at Juana Briones Park on the 16th. We met near the picnic tables under the redwood trees. Everyone brought a sandwich, and the Barron Park Association provided desert. The weather was perfect, the turnout was good, and everyone seemed to enjoy being outside on such a lovely day. No yelling necessary, since we had room to spread out.
The next social outing will be another lunch, probably in early October. If you would like to join us, phone Julie or Mary Jane (phone numbers at the end of this column), so we can let you know time, date, and location. We would also like to hear your suggestions for restaurants. By October we can't expect the weather to be good enough for another picnic.
Services for Seniors
The Seniors Committee of the Barron Park Association continues to
offer services for seniors. If you would like to find out more, let
us hear from you. We could
All this advice comes from a lovely poster headlined "How to Build Community." If you want to read the whole poster, come to the next Seniors lunch. We will bring it along.
Community works at many levels: our block, our neighborhood--Barron Park, our city-- Palo Alto.
We know there are many seniors out there who have energy to spare and time on their hands. If you are one of the active ones, consider giving some of yourself to the Partners in Caring program, either in Barron Park or in the larger community of Palo Alto.
Partners in Caring
Partners in Caring, sponsored by Avenidas, matches active partners
with older adults who need a bit of assistance in daily living.
Volunteers are needed now. Each volunteer in this program phones or
visits their partner regularly and helps with some of the daily
activities that can become difficult as we age. They may provide
shopping assistance, transportation, friendly visiting, meal
preparation, or respite to weary families caring for a loved one.
Volunteers usually form a long-term, one-on-one relationship with
their partner.
A very small time commitment can make a world of difference to an oldster in your community. If you are interested in this program, phone Mary Jane Leon at 493-5248. Let us hear from you.
3450 El Camino Real
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (near Creekside Inn)
(650) 493-4162
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