News digest News digest (July 28, 2004)

Breakthrough in stem cell research at Stanford

For the first time, researchers at Stanford University have used stem cells to replace stroke-damaged brain cells in rats, leading to optimism that the new cells can begin functioning to replace the damaged cells.

The breakthrough gives hope that similar replacement of damaged cells can one day be done in people.

The discovery was published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Science.

"We're not saying that we can treat patients immediately, but it's a big step forward," said Dr. Gary Steinberg, a neurosurgeon who who was part of the research group. "This gives us considerable optimism for these

The use of stem cells in research is the subject of Proposition 71 on the November California ballot, which would make more stem cells available for research and ease a federally-mandated limitation on their availability in California. --Don Kazak
Canopy announces new executive director

Canopy: Trees for Palo Alto, a nonprofit organization that promotes and protects the cityšs urban forest, named Catherine Martineau as executive director.

She succeeds Howell Lovell, Jr., who served in that role for the past five years.

A Menlo Park resident, Martineau has extensive professional experience in both the financial industry and management consulting, along with personal interests in community service, education and the environment.

Palo Alto cyclist found dead Palo Alto cyclist found dead (July 28, 2004)

Richard Michael Norgren of Palo Alto was found unconscious near his bicycle on Old La Honda Road in Woodside Saturday afternoon. Paramedics took him to Stanford Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Norgren, 51, was in cardiac arrest during the trip to the hospital, said Woodside Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Don Romero. "My gut-level suspicion is that this guy had a heart attack while riding."

Other cyclists found Norgren and called for help. Old La Honda Road, although very steep, is a favorite among bicyclists.

-- David Boyce
Decision delayed on open space

The decision on the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District annexing San Mateo County coastal areas will be delayed until Aug. 5, a judge ruled Friday.

The district is attempting to annex 220 square miles and is fighting a legal challenge. Opponents of the annexation submitted signatures of 5,340 voters, more than the required one-quarter of registered voters needed to trigger an election.

But the county election department said that 1,757 of those signatures of voters were invalid, meaning the opponents didn't reach the threshold needed for an election.

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Carl W. Hom will hear arguments Aug. 5, the day before the deadline to place the matter on the Nov. 2 ballot.

-- Don Kazak
More swastika vandalism found

Palo Alto police found a swastika written in lipstick on the back of a park sign at Eleanor Pardee Park last week. It was the third act of vandalism in a week involving swastikas.

"We think it may be youthful vandalism, but we are treating it as a hate crime," said Lt. Bob Beacom.

The three incidents have been on picnic tables at Greenmeadow Park, then on a mailbox at Channing and Melville avenues, and now at Eleanor Pardee Park, next to Duveneck Elementary School.

Police don't have anything thus far to link the three acts of vandalism together.

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