Around Town: Supervisor Joe Simitian releases schedule for sidewalk office hours at farmers markets

In the latest column, read news about upcoming opportunities to chat with Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian at locals farmers markets and a production of “Schoolhouse Rock Live!” featuring middle schoolers from three schools.

OFF TO THE FARMERS MARKET … Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian has released his schedule for sidewalk office hours this spring. Through mid-June, he’ll be visiting farmers markets across District 5, which includes Palo Alto, to have face-to-face conversations with his constituents on local issues.

The tradition of sidewalk office hours goes back two decades when Simitian began serving in the state Assembly.

This year’s schedule includes stops on April 23 at the Mountain View Farmers’ Market from 10-11 a.m. and the California Avenue Farmers Market in Palo Alto from noon to 1 p.m. (He’ll return to those same locations at different times on June 4); the Downtown Los Altos Farmers’ Market from 5-6 p.m. on May 4; and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market at West Valley Community College from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on May 13; There also are office hours planned at the farmers markets in Cupertino, Los Gatos, San Jose, through June 11.

Those interested in speaking with Simitian don’t need to schedule an appointment. Simply show up and talk to him about whatever issues are on your mind. For more information and the full schedule, visit district5.sccgov.org/5th-district/sidewalk-office-hours.

THE RETURN OF ‘SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK!’ … Palo Alto’s three public middle schools are coming together this weekend at Gunn High School to put on “Schoolhouse Rock Live!,” a musical based on the classic educational cartoon series.

Students from Fletcher, Greene and Jane Lathrop Stanford middle schools will be performing the show for their peers and the community at Gunn’s Spangenberg Theatre.

“For three days … students from each PAUSD middle school are bringing a pop-culture phenomenon to the musical stage,” Palo Alto Unified Superintendent Don Austin wrote in his weekly newsletter on April 14. “The well-known Schoolhouse Rock Live! excites learning for all ages.” “Schoolhouse Rock!” was originally a series of short animated videos meant to teach children about topics on subjects including math, grammar, American government and science though catchy songs.

“Schoolhouse Rock Live!” is a musical adaptation that follows a teacher who is nervous for the first day of class and watches “Schoolhouse Rock!” to relax. The teacher finds that the characters come alive and help prepare him to teach his students. The musical incorporates classic tunes from “Schoolhouse Rock!”

Palo Alto middle schoolers kicked off their weekend of performances at 7 p.m. on April 21. Additional shows are set for 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on April 22; and 2 p.m. on April 23. Tickets are available for purchase at the door and will cost $5 for students and $10 for adults.