Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Around the block

GARDEN SWAP ... Too many zucchinis, but not enough tomatoes? Local gardeners may come to Common Ground Education Center, 559 College Ave., Palo Alto, on Saturday, Aug. 21, from 11 a.m. to noon to trade food, flowers and herbs from their gardens. Eggs, honey, fruits and vegetables may be traded in this "free" backyard farmers market. The community swap is supported by Acterra, Barron Park Green Team, Barron Park Garden Network, Barron Park Association, Slow Food South Bay, Transition Palo Alto and Common Ground. Information: 650-328-2723.

EDGEWOOD RETURNS ... Preliminary plans for redevelopment of the Edgewood Plaza shopping center will come before the Palo Alto Planning and Transportation Commission on Sept. 1, including a request to rezone the property to Planned Community (PC). Zoning of the Embarcadero Road property is currently Neighborhood Commercial (CN). The new zoning would allow for denser development that includes 10 single-family homes and the renovation of three Eichler retail buildings. The redevelopment would include a small "pocket" park as part of a required "public benefit." An article about the new Edgewood plan is posted at www.PaloAltoOnline.com.

SQUIRRELS AND RATS — OH MY ... "Is it just me, or does it seem like we have more rodents now than we did 10 years ago?," a Crescent Park resident recently asked other neighbors via e-mail. Neighbors agreed that rodents seem to be on the rise. Some said the voracious squirrels and rats are gobbling up all the peaches, plums, cherries or figs on trees this year. Russ Parman, acting district manager for the Santa Clara County Vector Control District, said his office has no evidence of a county-wide population explosion among rodents. Since 2003, the number of calls the district has received regarding roof rats has declined by roughly 50 percent, he said. The district offers free home and yard inspections. Where there are reports of high populations of roof rats, the district can set up a baiting program. Residents with concerns can call 408-918-4770 or visit www.sccvector.org.

Send announcements of neighborhood events, meetings and news to Sue Dremann, Neighborhoods editor, at sdremann@paweekly.com. Or talk about your neighborhood news on Town Square at www.PaloAltoOnline.com.