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Schools

N E W S O F L O C A L S C H O O L S , S T U D E N T S , T E A C H E R S , A N D PA R E N T S

Hillview Principal Erik Burmeister signs sixth-grader Will Tinsley’s yearbook, center, while seventh-grader Vanessa Williams, right, and sixthgrader Alex Melara, left, wait for their books to be signed on the day before the school year ended. Below, a message from the principal. Photos by Michelle Le/The Almanac

Envisioning a

‘frontier of possibility’ Hillview’s principal blazed new trails during first year on the job

By Renee Batti Almanac News Editor

O

n a newly built campus, in a spacious new auditorium, at the start of a school year, a dynamic new principal took the microphone. It was September 2012, and parents of Hillview Middle School students had gathered for Back to School Night to hear what Principal Erik Burmeister envisioned for his first year at the school’s helm. After reviewing four of his top goals for the nine months ahead, he came to his final goal, which, he said, was at the heart of why he “eagerly accepted the opportunity” to lead the school:

“This year, we will begin to answer the question, ‘What will an excellent 21st century middle school education look like in 10 years?’ And instead of waiting 10 years to do it, we’re going to start it now, here, at Hillview ... .” The goal was based in part on confidence in the level of support and achievement of staff, parents, and students of the “now.” But looking to the future and to the everaccelerating pace of change in the world, Mr. Burmeister urged parents to consider: “There is a frontier of possibility that awaits our community.” Although change cannot be instantly assessed as successful — or not — the inno-

vations put in place at the school during the last year and that are at the ready to launch in August make it clear that empty words are not part of Mr. Burmeister’s lexicon. In January, he introduced an “acceleration” program to support kids who were performing below grade level in reading and math. Participation was voluntary; 30 students were supported in the reading program, and 30 in math, with a few of the students enrolled in both, according to Vice Principal Willy Haug.

Mr. Haug said the program has had “astonishing results.” In the math program, for example, “on average, students ... have made one year of academic growth in six months,” he said in an email. Beginning early in the school year the new principal gathered together a team of staff and parents to review and improve the school’s master schedule to accommodate a new approach to teaching and learning. The group was called the Design Team, and used concepts developed by Stanford University’s Design School, called “design thinking.” Applying design thinking concepts — a process beginning with empathy and moving through the brainstorming of possibilities, to the design and testing of prototypes, to the naming of a solution — the team came up with a master schedule that significantly changes the flow of school days at Hillview beginning in August. With the new schedule, there will be three days of 45-minute “direct instruction” periods, focusing on “foundational knowledge and skills,” Mr. Burmeister explained in an interview. The other two days will be broken into 90-minute segments, with the focus on “extended learning ... where students engage in the application of knowledge and skills.” Design thinking will be a key component in the longer classes, with stuContinued on next page

June 19, 2013NTheAlmanacOnline.comNThe AlmanacN13

EYE PROTECTION AT HOME Perhaps the most important statistics surrounding vision-robbing injuries is that 90 percent of them are preventable. By simply avoiding dangerous situations and/or wearing protective eyewear, it is possible to avert the vast majority of eye injuries. Beyond that, you may be surprised to learn that nearly half (44 percent) of eye injuries occur in the home. That is a larger percentage of eye injuries than occurs while playing sports (40 percent). Therefore, aside from properly insist-

ing that their children wear protective eyewear on the court and on the field, parents should wear eyewear that prevents injury at home. This means wearing protective goggles, glasses, and eye shields when mowing the lawn, swinging a hammer, and using caustic cleaning agents. Our most precious sense, sight plays a large part in our ability to perceive the world around us. Good protective eyewear should be light and fit comfortably, allow you to see clearly, and be adapted to your working position. Visit MENLO OPTICAL at 1166 University Drive, on the corner of Oak Grove Avenue and University Drive, to browse through a wide selection of stylish frames. If you haven’t been in to see us yet, we invite you to stop by and check out the many new varieties of eyewear available. For more information, please call 322-3900. P.S. Only half of individuals working around the house wear protective eyewear. Mark Schmidt is an American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners Certified Optician licensed by the Medical Board of California. He can be easily reached at Menlo Optical, 1166 University Drive, Menlo Park. 650-322-3900.

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dents focused on collaborative, project-based, creative projects that include design and debate, Mr. Burmeister said. “Design thinking is simply a great way to solve problems, whether it is a third world health care conundrum or a Menlo Park school schedule,” parent Anne Ballinger Morrissey said in an email last spring, when the new schedule was being announced. Ms. Morrissey was part of the Design Team that crafted the new schedule, and said it was “the direct result of input from all stakeholders — administration, faculty, parents and, most importantly, students. “It will certainly present change, but the overall school will simply be better. Our kids need to have skills to utilize what they learn in the core curriculum in order to succeed in their futures and the challenges presented by a rapidly changing world. The framework of design thinking will equip these kids for solving problems that we cannot predict today.” Teacher Michael Kaelin, who was also on the Design Team, did some pioneering work with design thinking at Hillview last term, applying the concepts in

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future will look like because of the rapid change brought about by technology, so ‘education needs to learn to adapt, and prepare students to be more adaptive.’ ERIK B URMEISTER, PRINCIPAL

a flex class of seventh-graders. He’s eager to “integrate the excellent feedback given by the students” as he plans classes for the new school year, he said. Under the new master schedule, he said in an email, extended learning days “will allow students the opportunity to develop their prototypes (in hands-on projects) in a way that seems much more authentic. As a teacher, straight-up pen/paper or even laptop testing is fine, but it isn’t always authentic. A new schedule provides opportunities to build more authentic real world assessments to determine what students have learned.” Designing change

Menlo Park City School District Superintendent Maurice Ghysels, a district leadership team and a handful of teachers attended a “boot camp” with the Stanford Design School last summer, and a partnership between the district and “d school” began soon after. It is now “growing and deepening,” Mr. Ghysels said. When Mr. Burmeister took his new position later that summer and attended a workshop that included design-thinking discussions, he saw the potential of using the concepts to redesign Hillview, said Allison Liner, the district’s chief learning officer. Mr. Burmeister said design thinking is a teaching and learning tool that helps kids develop the “soft skills” needed for the world they will live in as adults — skills such as creativity, innovation, and adaptation. “We must prepare kids for their future, not prepare them for our past,” he said. No one can see what their future will look like because of the rapid change brought about by technology, so “education needs to learn to adapt, and prepare students to be more adaptive.” Mr. Burmeister is calling the “redesigned” school Hillview 3.0. This school year, all eighth-graders were given iPads managed by the school, and next year — by January, he hopes — all Hillview students will have them. With iPads, students “can access information instantly. ... It then frees the child to move to the next level

of the task,” he said. Students are not able to download apps, and part of their training will be in “effectively evaluating what is a reliable source of information and what is unreliable. ... It’s our duty as a school to help teach them to be responsible users” of technological tools, he said. Mr. Burmeister came to Hillview from a post as principal of Union Middle School in San Jose. He had recently been named California Middle Grades Principal of the Year. “Can-do spirit”

In his first year at Hillview, Mr. Burmeister “has just exceeded expectation beyond measure,” Superintendent Ghysels said last week. “He has an ethos — a sense of energy and a can-do spirit.” Example: “He’s established strong relationships with his teachers, and has developed a lot of teacher leaders there,” Mr. Ghysels said. He’s also nurtured a strong team dynamic with the school’s vice principal; “Erik and Willy — one plus one equals four,” Mr. Ghysels said. An unexpected strength, he said, is Mr. Burmeister’s “passion and expertise in parent education.” The principal has organized parent education events, and plans many more next year; he does so “in a research-based, humorous and delightful way, where parents walk away hungry for more.” Parent Anne Morrissey said there’s “tremendous support for Erik Burmeister throughout the district.” A mother of two kids in the district, with one in private school, Ms. Morrissey sees Hillview as a “fantastic school” that’s only getting better. “Hillview will be in a class of its own in the next few years, and people from all over the country will be asking Erik, ‘How did you make this happen in a public school?’” A

On the cover Madeline Moya gets her turn at shaving Hillview Principal Erik Burmeister’s head in April — her reward for being one of the four top-ranking students in the school’s acceleration pilot program begun in January. Photo by Michelle Le

N E W S

Jerry Carlson resigns from Atherton council By Renee Batti

60 days of Mr. Carlson’s effecerry Carlson has made it offitive date of rescial: He will step down from ignation. the Atherton City Council No appointon July 1 after serving for seven ment can be and a half years. The council on made before June 19 will discuss whether to July 1, Mr. RodJerry Carlson appoint his successor or call for ericks said, but a special election. an open house Mr. Carlson, whose term may take place before that date. expires in December 2014, Mr. Carlson was appointed to announced in April he plans the council in January 2006 to to move out of town and resign replace Bill Conwell, who died from the council. He now in office the month before. He serves as vice mayor, and at the successfully stood for election Wednesday meeting, the coun- in November 2006, and was recil will appoint another council elected in 2010. member to fill that post. In April, he said that he and The council must decide by his wife, Shirley, were putting July 12 whether voters should their house on the market. choose Mr. CarlAlthough they plan son’s replacement to move from town, if the election is family-care matters The council to be consolidated make it likely that with the Nov. 5 elecwill continue may appoint a they tion, according to a to live on the Pensuccessor or insula, Mr. Carlson report by City Manager George Roderlet the voters told the Almanac. icks. Also on the choose. If the council June 19 agenda, the decides to appoint council will review a council member and vote on the instead, Mr. Roder2013-14 fiscal year icks said, there are two options: budget. The proposed general Independently agree on a can- fund budget ref lects revenues didate, and appoint that person; totaling $10.8 million, with or, host an open house, invit- $10.4 million in operational ing candidates to participate, spending. then conduct interviews before The meeting begins at 7 p.m. making an appointment. Under in the Council Chambers at 94 both options, the council must Ashfield Road, in the Town make the appointment within Center. Almanac News Editor

J

Robert W.F. Jones June 23, 1935 – June 7, 2013 Robert W.F. Jones died at his home in Menlo Park from complications associated with leukemia. Bob was predeceased by his mother Lura, father Tom and infant son Thomas. He is survived by his wife Ellen; children Marcus (Jean), Aïda and Lura; grandchildren Cassius, Griffin, Calvin, Nora, Leland and Annette. Bob’s early years were spent on the road: he was born in Columbia, South Carolina, moved to Hollywood as a toddler, then to New York City and eventually Westfield, New Jersey. During his stint in the Army they sent him to the North Pole. At this time his love of music blossomed and he became an accomplished guitar and piano player. After the Army, Bob graduated from Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. He then headed west to graduate school at Stanford where he supported himself by slinging burgers at the Oasis and betting on the horses at local race tracks. In 1960 he accepted a student teaching position at Menlo School. It was love at first tutelage: upon earning his Master’s Degree, Bob joined Menlo’s faculty and did not leave until his health forced him into retirement in 2000. At Menlo, Bob became the Dean of Studies while coaching Track, Football, Golf,

Wrestling, Basketball, among other sports; he taught a variety of subjects including Latin, English, Spanish and Creative Writing; and, for many years he led the Drama Club, the annual Ugly Man Contest and was the faculty advisor to the student paper. “Bob was and remains a legend in the Menlo community. Even today when graduates reminisce about what made their experience so memorable, Bob Jones tops the list. He was a brilliant teacher whose dedication to his students literally knew no bounds,” wrote Norm Colb, Menlo’s Head of School. Generations of young men and women were inf luenced by Mr. Jones. His erudition, love of learning, friendship, sport and family inspired all who met him. Bob was also a golfer, musician, avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan and dogged collector of pretty bad horror movies. “We live in an age that doesn’t believe in heroes and makes fun of people who do. Mr. Jones was my hero,” added Paul Guay, Menlo School class of 1975. Friends and family are invited to a memorial service on Saturday June 29th. Details will be posted on https://www.facebook. com/people/Robert-Jones/640378950 PA I D

O B I T UA RY

A

Rick Cary DeZur (“the Rock”)

Rick Cary DeZur (“the Rock”), born February 3, 1948 to Richard DeZur and Betty Hanks DeZur, died unexpectedly at this home in Saratoga, California on May 20, 2013. Rick was born in Illinois and move to Menlo Park, Ca. In 1955. Rick attended local schools, graduating in 1966 from Menlo Atherton High School, attended Arizona State University and later graduated from San Jose State. He loved sports

and was active in Menlo Park Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball as both player and coach who was much loved by his players. Rick is survived by his sister-in-law Colleen and two nephews, Ben and Nick, as well as a host of friends. He leaves behind a legacy of friendship and loyalty to those who knew him. A memorial service is being planned. Contact Bob Budelli ([email protected]) or Dave Crawford (ccc-drc@ comcast.net) for details. PA I D

O B I T U A RY

June 19, 2013NTheAlmanacOnline.comNThe AlmanacN15

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t’s been decades since they were swimming together as kids under the direction of Coach George French, but many of the swimmers on the Ladera Oaks Aquatic Club during the 1960s and 70s reunited Saturday, June 15, to reminisce and thank their childhood coach. About 100 of those swimmers whom French coached — some of whom went on to compete at national and Olympic levels — gathered for the reunion at the Alpine Inn in Portola Valley. “It is a dream come true to have this experience with so many great individuals,” French said. “All of these kids have been wonderful parents, successful professionals, leaders in their field and great examples.” From 1962 to 1981, French coached Ladera Oaks swimmers, including John Naber, who won four gold medals and one silver at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal. French left Ladera Oaks in 1981 to take a marketing and sales position for a construction company. Twenty years later, he was offered an assistant coaching position for a swimming team in Folsom, and eventually became the head coach of

the California Capital Aquatics swim team in Roseville, California. He retired in 2008. Wendover Brown, 59, who swam for the Ladera Oaks club starting at age 7, says she was the first swimmer that French took to the national and Olympic trials in 1968. She was 13, the minimum age required to compete. Under French’s coaching, she recalls having two practices a day, before and after school, and competing at high level tournaments on the weekends. Brown expressed her appreciation for French as not only a coach, but a life mentor. “This is a coach who touched and inspired many kids to better lives and greater contributions to society,” Brown said. “This reunion is a testament to a great coach and the value of sports in young people’s lives.” Olympic gold medalist Naber joined the Ladera Oaks team when he was 13. He is now 57. A 1977 graduate of the University of Southern California, Naber participated at a high athletic level since his time with French, but says he enjoyed his time at Ladera Oaks the most. “George was the only coach I ever had who took the time to get in the water with me,” Naber said. “He was a great teacher of

Photo by Lawrence Gerald

Coach George French speaking at the reunion on June 15.

technique and character.” At the reunion, French’s former students presented him with a 50-year-old Swiss movement stopwatch to commemorate his impact on their lives. “Today, all the stopwatches are digital and they have a lot of features and are accurate to the hundredth of the second — you can sync them with a starting gun,” Brown said. “In our day, 50 years ago, everyone used a regular Swiss movement stopwatch.” The watch is engraved with French’s full name on the front, and a message on the back that says, “Thank you for the golden times, Your Swimmers at Ladera Oaks.” A

Journalist Bill Workman dies at 77 A memorial service will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 1, at the Kings Mountain Community Center for William “Bill” Spears Workman Jr., an award-winning journalist and longtime Woodside resident. Mr. Workman died June 11 after a battle with prostate cancer. He was 77. Mr. Workman worked for the Boston Globe before moving west for a John S. Knight Fellowship at Stanford University in 1968-69. After graduation, he returned to the Globe, where he covered the Chappaquiddick incident in 1969, when a female passenger was killed after U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy drove his car off a bridge. He joined the San Francisco Chronicle in 1970. As a reporter, he covered many major news stories, including the Patty Hearst kidnapping in 1974 and the Chowchilla kidnappings in 1976. According to his wife, Marla Lowenthal, Mr. Workman made many television appearances on local news stations

during his coverage of the Billionaire Boys Club scandal. After years as a general reporter, Mr. Workman became Bill Workman the Peninsula bureau chief for the San Francisco Chronicle. For five years he wrote a column “Along the El Camino,” covering stories and people on the Peninsula. After retiring, he freelanced for Gentry magazine for almost a decade, and for San Jose Magazine. For many years, he served as president of the Peninsula Press Club. Mr. Workman was born in Malden, Massachusetts. He graduated from Malden High School in 1954 and joined the U.S. Army. After the Army, he studied journalism at Boston University and worked as a reporter for the Albany (New York) Knickerbocker News. In 2009, the Almanac printed “A bench on Kings Mountain”

by Marla Lowenthal. The article described Mr. Workman, who had a home in Kings Mountain, as an avid hiker. After suffering a stroke in 2005 and becoming wheelchair-bound, Mr. Workman knew he would never hike the trails again. In remembrance, he wanted to put a bench on Kings Mountain saying “Bill loves Marla and Marla loves Bill.” When the couple learned the bench would cost more than $3,000, they asked friends and family to chip in. And they did. More than 70 people came to the bench’s dedication that spring in 2009. “We wanted to share this story of love and friendship. We wanted to share our love with the community and give back by providing hikers with a place to sit and enjoy the splendor of San Mateo County’s redwoods,” the article concludes. Mr. Workman is survived by his wife, Marla Lowenthal; and son Joshua Workman of Fairfax.

June 19, 2013NTheAlmanacOnline.comNThe AlmanacN17

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Portola Valley panel issues report on affordable housing By Dave Boyce Almanac Staff Writer

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he Portola Valley Town Council now has community opinion to refer to as the town makes plans for housing that is affordable to people of low and moderate incomes, as required by state law. Of the four options available to the town — granny or in-law units, below-market-rate homes built in concert with new subdivisions, housing for employees on or near the grounds of commercial enterprises or institutions, and homes independent of any enterprise or institution — a committee of nine resident-volunteers endorsed the first three. In preparing the 11-page report, the committee members, who were appointed by the council, met six times over

three months as they looked into this complex and sometimes controversial topic. Subcommittees met separately and organized community meetings and researched related topics. Granny units — second units on a property— were the clear favorite, in part because residents prize the town’s rural character and structures that blend into the wooded open space that dominates the landscape. Second units give homeowners discretion in choosing designs consistent with that rural ethic. The report acknowledges the interests of people who work in town but cannot afford the sevenfigure price tag that comes with a home there. The recommendation: consider homes on sites where “housing is not the priContinued on next page

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Longtime Menlo School teacher and coach dies A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 29, for Robert W. F. Jones, who died June 7 at his home in Menlo Park from complications associated with leukemia. He was 77. For 40 years, Mr. Jones was associated with Menlo School, teaching Latin, English, Spanish and creative writing. He led the Drama Club for many years,

the annual Ugly Man contest, and was faculty adviser to the student paper. He also coached track, football, golf, wrestling, basketball, and other sports. His health forced him into retirement in 2000. “Bob was and remains a legend in the Menlo community,” wrote Norm Colb, newly retired as head of school at Menlo. “Even today,

when graduates reminisce about what made their experience so memorable, Bob Jones tops the list. He was a brilliant teacher whose dedication to his students literally knew no bounds.” Mr. Jones was born in Columbia, South Carolina, moved to Hollywood as a toddler, then to New York City, and, eventually, to Westfield, New Jersey.

Continued from previous page

multi-family zoning, a spokesman for the state Department of Housing and Community Development told the Almanac. A provision in the Blue Oaks subdivision set land aside in 1991 for eight small below-market homes, but they were never built. The site’s topography and the high cost of building in Portola Valley dimmed their chances among potential developers. The town sold the site in late 2012 for $2.88 million. The committee’s report does not favor moderate-income homes not affiliated with an existing commercial enterprise. Such projects, if they arise, should be preceded by “very, very public discussion,” Mr. Warr said. Passersby should not see “a discernible difference between the rest of the town and where the unaffiliated housing would be.” A pesticide clean-up issue led the council to allow to expire a

purchase contract for a former plant nursery for a small number of condos at 900 Portola Road. This proposal for unaffiliated homes drew vigorous opposition from nearby singlefamily homeowners. It was not long after that contract expired that the council opted for the Ad Hoc Affordable Housing Committee to consider the issue over three months and prepare a report. Former mayor Steve Toben chaired the committee. The other members were Carter Warr, Bud Eisberg, Judith Hasko, Susan Dworak, Wanda Ginner, Judith Murphy, Jon Myers, Andrew Pierce and Onnolee Trapp. Go to tinyurl.com/PV1002 to read the committee report and associated documents. Go to tinyurl.com/PV1004 to add your comments to the discussion.

mary use,” including agricultural or undeveloped land, such as the Hawthorn Estate at the corner of Portola and Alpine roads. The committee also favored assigning a percentage, typically 15 percent, of a new subdivision to below-market-rate homes. This program “needs more teeth so that the housing actually gets built,” committee member Carter Warr said. The Association of Bay Area Governments sets quotas for affordable housing. Under those quotas, between 2014 and 2022, Portola Valley should plan for 21 homes for very-low-income residents, 15 for low-income residents, and 15 for moderate incomes — $86,500 for an individual in San Mateo County, and $123,000 for a family of four. Granny units address much of the need, but state law requires

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During his stint in the U.S. Army, he was sent to the North Pole. After service, he graduated from Lafayette College. He then headed west to graduate school at Stanford University, where he earned a master’s degree and supported himself by working at the Oasis Beer Garden in Menlo Park and betting on the horses, say family members. He accepted

a teaching position at Menlo School in 1960. Mr. Jones was a golfer, accomplished guitarist and pianist, avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan, and “collector of bad horror movies,” say family members. He is survived by his wife Ellen, children Marcus, Aida and Lura; and six grandchildren. A son, Thomas, died in infancy.

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Big Time Tot Rock band. June 30, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway St., Redwood City.

Go to AlmanacNews.com/calendar to see more calendar listings

Special Events Windrider Film Forum hosts independent films and filmmakers in three-day film festival. Q&A’s with the filmmakers. Schedule available online. June 27-29, 7-10 p.m. $10 general; $5 seniors and students. Menlo Atherton Performing Arts Center, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. windriderbayarea.org Charged Particles Portola Vineyards’ third annual concert series begins with the jazz of Charged Particles, tastings of the vineyard’s Santa Cruz Mountains pinot, and a picnic (that attendees can bring). June 23, 5:30-7 p.m. $8 adults, $4 children, plus ticketing fee. Portola Vineyards, 850 Los Trancos Road, Portola Valley. www.eventbrite.com/ event/6067651509?ref=ebtnebtckt Menlo Park Library Teen Summer Reading Porgram (ages 12-18) runs June 10-August 16. Register online or at library. Read books, write reviews and enter weekly raffles for prizes. Library barbecue at noon June 21 at Burgess Park. Free. Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St., Menlo Park. Call 650330-2530. menloparklibrary.org/teen.html

Kids & Families ‘Kidchella’ Alison Faith Levy performs with

‘Paws for Tales’ On the fourth Saturday of each month, children ages 5 and up can sign up to read to a trained service dog. Through Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Atherton Library, 2 Dinkelspiel Station Lane, Atherton. Call 650-328-2422. ‘Reading Is So Delicious’ Storytime & Craft Woodside Library event features crafts, stories and snacks. Signup required. Ages 5 to 10; parents welcome to attend with child. June 22, 3-3:45 p.m. Free. Woodside Library, 3140 Woodside Road, Woodside.

Et Alia El Camino Youth Symphony gives preview performance of its Central Europe tour before it embarks on international tour. ECYS alumni and former concertmaster of SFYO, Yujin Ariza, perform Sibelius Violin “Concert in D Minor” and works by Shostakovich and Rossini. June 22, 7:30 p.m. $8/$15. MenloAtherton Performing Arts Center, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton. ecys.org Joan Steinau Lester, author of “Mama’s Child,” will be at Kepler’s. Book deals with relationship between a white mother and her biracial daughter. June 20, 7:30 p.m. Free. Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. Call 650-324-4321. www.keplers.com/?

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