HOOP TO STAY . . . After months of suspense, the Palo Alto Community Services Department has decided to let the basketball hoop at Johnson Park stay. A new sign has been posted noting that the court's hours are from sunrise to sunset, and telling players to respect neighbors by watching their language and keeping the noise down. City staff has recommended a formal change to the city parks ordinance. Last May, the city removed the hoop because of numerous complaints from neighbors about loud noise and other problems. On Nov. 2 the city held a public meeting to discuss the court's fate, and decided to reinstall the hoop and backboard, which was done on Nov. 20. So far, the city hasn't received any specific complaints since the basketball hoop was reinstalled. "From discussions with members of the basketball community, there is clearly a need in the area for a place where adults can play a high-energy, and often vocal, game of informal outdoor basketball," wrote Community Services Director Paul Thiltgen to the Council. Other alternatives to Johnson Park for basketball games are also being explored, he said.
OFF THE SHELVES . . . Responding to complaints from Native American students and advocates, the Stanford Bookstore removed merchandise from its shelves last week that depicted an image of a Native American. The sweaters and T-shirts had an embroidery of an Indian in a full feather bonnet with a canoe and oars. The words "Stanford Heritage" were also printed on the design. Native American students complained that the image was just as hurtful as the old Indian mascot, banned more than 20 years ago. According to the Stanford Daily, a bookstore manager said the Indian was meant to commemorate the Ohlone Indians who lived on what is now Stanford land. But Native American students said the image didn't look like an Ohlone Indian, and there was nothing that referred to that in the design.
HONORED VOLUNTEER . . . Palo Alto resident Judy Kleinberg, who spearheaded the "Safer Summer" program last year to give teens more evening activities, has won the Merit Award in this year's California Park and Recreation Society competition. Safer Summer '95 provided approximately 2,400 teens with safe, free recreation and social opportunities from sports and fitness programs to music and socializing in local cafes. Kleinberg originated the "Safer Summer" concept and personally recruited businesses and organizations to participate. She is now the executive director of Kids in Common, a children and families collaborative. The award was presented to her in San Diego last month.
NAMES AND NOTES . . . Paly High graduate David Kaefer, a research analyst for Godbe Research & Analysis, was named a "Rising Star of Politics" by Campaigns & Elections magazine. Kaefer has worked on the U.S. Senate campaigns of Tom Campbell and John Seymour . . . The Peninsula Open Space Trust has elected Palo Alto resident Christy Holloway president of the board of directors . . . Duveneck student Nicola Hart received an honorable mention in the December 1995 Cricket League writing competition. Her name appears in the March 1996 issue of Cricket magazine.
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