StreetWise StreetWise (January 19, 2005)

Is racism a problem in Palo Alto?
Question and interviews by Molly Tanenbaum. Photographs by Naomi Brookner. Asked on University Avenue in Palo Alto.

Ben Calvert
Systems administrator
Alma Street, Palo Alto
"Yes, there's this whole idea that we're all politically correct so we don't have to think about these things anymore. We've started ignoring each other's differences."

Bruce Munro
Lawyer
Washington Street, San Francisco
"No, I've been practicing law in Palo Alto for 35 years and I've never seen any."

April BaSaing
Business manager
Potrero Hill, San Francisco
"I think it could be more diverse but because of the economics of the area you're not going to have a diverse community - a nice mix of color. You have to be really conscious of it, you can't just have East Palo Alto. All the color is on the fringe."

Cordell Olive
Insurance agent
Promontory Point, Foster City
"It's all over the United States. Why wouldn't it be in Palo Alto?"

Janie Barman
Realtor
Buena Vista Avenue, Redwood City
"I'd have to say no. It doesn't get much more diverse than this area and Stanford University helps to keep it socially diverse."

Stacy Sudler
Social worker
Maple Street, Redwood City
"I think we're segregated definitely into East Palo Alto and Palo Alto. Everyone's scared to go to East Palo Alto."

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