High Street Neighborhood News


by Adelle Foley



Goodbye to Sam Roberts

' Not too long ago we marked the passing of Robert's Tires, a familiar landmark at High and MacArthur. Now we say goodbye to Samuel Rae Roberts Jr. Sam followed his grandfather and father, working at the family business. He loved gardening and was known for his kindness to the cats he rescued from the streets. He also liked to unearth remnants of the past, and he collected old signs and photos. His friend, Jerry Scheberies, has some of these on display in his used-car office at 4412 MacArthur.

From Adult Literacy to Utility Bill Busters

' Are utilities bills busting your budget? Do you know an adult who is interested in learning to read and write? Then check out the Melrose Branch Library's February programs. Bring your utility bill to the Branch at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 4. Utility Reform Network's Bill Busters program will help to demystify your bill and make your home more energy-efficient. On Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Second Start's James Morgan will bring his Adult Literacy Program to the Branch. Sign up for the Literacy program during the week, or just drop in on Tuesdays.

' Branch Manager Sandra Toscano wants the community to know that she is handling children's programs until a new Children's Librarian comes on board. The Branch is ready, willing and able to support the local schools. Teachers should call her at 535-5623 to schedule class visits.

Foothill/High Streetscape

' I checked in with CEDA project manager Kimani Rogers about the streetscape project to improve the look and safety of an area centering on Foothill and High Streets. Financed by Redevelopment funds, the designs have been presented at three community meetings. The project team is working to finalize the master plan with a technical review due in February. By springtime the drawings will be ready to view on the CEDA Web site. I was particularly interested in the proposals to calm traffic on High Street, including a median up High Street from Foothill beyond Ygnacio, and a bulbout and signage encouraging drivers to use Courtland/42nd Ave. on their way to Highway 880, relieving congestion on the lower end of High Street. I'll include the Web address when the drawings are posted, and we'll be watching the developments at Foothill and High as possible models for other portions of High Street.'

Don't Let Them Get You Down

On New Year's Eve someone rang in 2008 the wrong way by destroying five ceramic planter pots at Horace Mann School. The pots appeared empty but they contained bulbs. Students had used the pots to grow snow peas and cherry tomatoes and looked forward to another crop this year. Community activist Jeanne Nixon put out the word, and the neighbors responded with plastic pots, plants and soil to keep the garden growing.

Multicolored leaves

Piled neatly on a storm drain

Like a fluffy quilt

'Adelle Foley can be reached at jandafoley\@sbcglobal.net.