News Digest News Digest (January 14, 2004)

Antonio's Nut House under the microscope

A popular haunt for Stanford graduate students could be forced to limit its hours under an arrangement devised by the city's planning staff.

Antonio's Nut House would be forced to close at midnight during the week, and 2 a.m. on weekends, under the plan. Currently the bar is open until 3 a.m. every day.

The restriction, along with 12 other possible conditions to the bar's permit, will be vetted Wednesday night before the city's Planning and Transportation Commission, whose recommendation will go before the City Council at a later date.

In a letter to the city appealing the conditions, an attorney for owner Tony Montooth said that forcing him to execute the conditions could affect his ability to operate his business.

During an earlier public hearing, neighbors told of loud, drunken revelers upsetting their sleep, and urinating and defecating in their condominium complex. --Bill D'Agostino
East Palo Alto Council member arrested for striking wife

East Palo Alto City Councilman David Woods was arrested in his home last week, after allegedly striking his wife, according to police and county officials.

Police responded to a 7:30 p.m. call on Wednesday from his wife, whom Woods married six months ago, according to East Palo Alto Police Chief Wes Bowling.

A dispute between the two erupted over child care payments to Woods' former wife, according to San Mateo County Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

Woods' wife wanted to leave the room during the fight, but he wouldn't let her, Wagstaffe said. "He struck her and grabbed her by the neck," Wagstaffe said, noting that the wife suffered no physical injuries.

Woods, a real estate broker who was elected to the council in November of 2002, was charged today with two misdemeanors: spousal battery without injury and false imprisonment.

At least one of his children was home during the incident, Bowling said.

Woods posted $25,000 bail through a bails bondsman at mid-day, and was released. He was not able to be reached for comment and will be formally arraigned Feb. 10 at 9 a.m. in San Mateo County's Hall of Justice in Redwood City.

His colleagues on the council were stunned by the news

"I feel for the family," Councilman Duane Bay said. "I can't imagine the pressure they must all be under."

If Woods is convicted of the two misdemeanors, he could serve up to two years in county jail, but would not automatically be removed from the council. His fellow colleagues could forcibly remove him, though. --Bill D'Agostino

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