The Palo Alto Story Project -- a new initiative aimed at gathering community members' stories, reminiscences and reflections about the city -- launched last weekend at the Palo Alto Festival of the Arts.
More than 50 short stories from local residents (plus two dogs) were videotaped.
In this initial installment of videos, Palo Verde neighborhood resident Julian Gomez recalls the time a plane crashed into his family's car; Midtown resident Geri McGilvray explains how the mural of Venice on her garage door came into being; Ron Kane tells how a friend's Palo Alto auto shop helped spur his passion for restored vehicles; and Jill Rakestraw reminisces about the time when kids could ride the bus to University Avenue for 10 cents.
Also, a compilation video features local children sharing why they love Palo Alto.
The initiative is a project of the Palo Alto Weekly and Palo Alto Online.
More Story Project videos will be posted at regular intervals on Palo Alto Online.
To contribute your own Palo Alto story at a future taping session, contact Karla Kane, editorial assistant, at 650-326-8210 or [email protected]
■ Palo Alto Story Project: Julian Gomez
■ Palo Alto Story Project: Geri McGilvray
■ Palo Alto Story Project: Ron Kane
■ Palo Alto Story Project: Jill Rakestraw
Comments
Old Palo Alto
on Aug 28, 2009 at 12:01 pm
on Aug 28, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Jocelyn, and all who put this together, I hope it was ok to respond to each interview..but I just think this was the coolest idea..and so well done. I guess I have a boring life, but seeing that guy from my small town was so ironic, and the stories so interesting. My stories would probably be a little shady for your production. I remember watching TV the morning the Zodiac called into that TV station, and how hitch hiking stopped cold. I wouldn't pick anyone up either. lol.
Palo Alto didn't have the wealth in the mid 60's, but it vibrated with the changes going on in our Country. It was filled with colorful characters, activists, and people caught up in a time when people were seeking answers to questions that still go unanswered. Thank you for putting all this together. I want more!! hee hee
Registered user
editor of the Palo Alto Weekly
on Aug 31, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Registered user
on Aug 31, 2009 at 5:23 pm
We welcome your comments, Ray. That's what Town Square is for -- a place for everyone to share their thoughts, ideas. Thanks for chiming in.