Jeannie Siegman is leading the walk this week in a neighborhood adjacent to Paly Highschool. Here's her message:Our route will weave in and around the Southgate neighborhood in Palo Alto, a small “island” of homes immediately south of Palo Alto High, bordered by El Camino, Churchill and Alma.  It’s an “island” because only 3 of Southgate's 14 intersections allow cars in and out to the surrounding arterials.  

The land was once owned by Stanford. The first lots were laid out in the early 1920’s, and advertised as having “paved streets, sidewalks, curbs... and electric car service in front of the door, making it handy for commuting.”  Alcohol and poultry were banned from the neighborhood.

Points of interest include an 18-year remodel, a magnificent ~250 yr. old oak tree, the old haunt of Tennessee Ernie Ford, and the sites of two murders. The SOUTHGATE MAP on Canopy’s website may enable any tree nerds in our group to point out other notable specimens:  https://canopy.org/southgate/

Please park along Park Blvd.– next to Peers Park (1899 Park Blvd., Palo Alto) – and gather by the Park sign and building, which includes restrooms.  Avoid road closures by entering Park Blvd. at El Camino, or via Stanford Ave. also from El Camino.

Please arrive as early as 10 minutes before the 10 AM starting time for the usual introductions and prompt beginning of the walk. Weather should be mild.

Village Walkers, a Village Members only group, take turns leading walks in local neighborhoods or areas of interest. A longer and shorter walk are usually planned for the route to accommodate differing needs. Contact Ralph Cahn via call or text at (650) 245-0280 to be added to the Walkers email list, to receive descriptions and directions for each week's walk.