This change really offers me the opportunity to focus on next generation public policy initiatives we're going to be working on.

- Cindy Chavez, Class XII,
Executive Director,
Working Partnerships USA

From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (12.11.12) on Chavez' transfer of leadership as the CEO of the South Bay
AFL-CIO Labor Council to ALF Senior Fellow Ben Field. She will retain her role as
executive director of the independently funded social change organization
Working Partnerships USA.

We’ve had very good activity on the vacancy.

- Mark Ritchie, Class XIV,
President, Ritchie Commercial

From an article in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal (12.3.12) on the 85% lease occupancy rate of the Fairmont Office Tower in downtown San Jose, which is currently under sales contract with an LA-based investment firm for approximately $90 million.

The Cold Weather Program provides life-saving shelter to thousands during the winter months and is absolutely critical.

- Jennifer Niklaus, Class XXIV,
CEO, EHC LifeBuilders

From an article in Campbell Patch (11.26.12) on the opening of homeless shelter with the advent of cold and wet weather.

The donations by residents and businesses help foster positive change to make the Palo Alto area a better place for all.

- Bill Johnson, Class III,
Founder & Publisher, Palo Alto Weekly

From an article in the Palo Alto Weekly (11.9.12) announcing the launch of the 2012 Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund.

If there was a celebrity in government, he was it. He not only had a lot of wisdom, but a lot of wit. That set him apart.

- Judy Kleinberg, Class XIX,
Program Officer for San Jose and
Silicon Valley, John S. and James L.
Knight Foundation

From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.1.12) on the passing of ALF
Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.

Gary was the consummate "honest broker" in local and national politics. We will miss him greatly. He always had the best interests of his community and its citizens in mind. And in every encounter, you felt you were important to him. He had great values and extraordinary gifts.

- Kirk Hanson, Class IV,
Executive Director, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

From the Comments section of a Palo Alto Online article (10.31.12) on the passing of ALF Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.

When you have a win-at-any-costs mentality, the cost is far greater than you can imagine. You can walk away from dirty fights, and talk about the issues. I just think we need a new breed of people running for office who
do this.

- Judy Nadler, Class VIII,
Senior Fellow in Government Ethics, Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University

From an article in Cleveland.com (10.27.12) on how campaign mistruths have become the new norm.

The persistence and hard work of the FPPC has won a significant and lasting victory for transparency in the political process. We will continue in this matter and all others to ensure that the people of California know who is funding political activity in this state.

- Ann Ravel, Class XI,
Chairwoman, California Fair Political Practices Commission

From an article in the San Jose Mercury News (11.5.12) on the CA state Supreme Court's order that an AZ group reveal the funding source of an anonymous $11 million donation - the largest anonymous contribution to a ballot measure campaign in California history.

He had a wonderful mix of old-school values and 21st Century aspirations. He spent his career in the tech world, dealing with business around the world, but Palo Alto was his home, first and last. He was a hometown guy with worldwide sensibilities.

- Joe Simitian, Class X,
California State Senator

From a Palo Alto Online article (10.31.12) on the passing of ALF Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.

We will cherish the good humor and professional approach to all that Gary did in his life. He displayed such genuine pride in his home town. Gary could almost always find a way to help you know how Palo Alto would do something. He gave so much of himself to his city and our region. Silicon Valley has lost one of its most effective leaders.

- Cindy Chavez, Class XII & husband Mike Potter,
Executive Director, South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council & Manager, State & Local Government Affairs, Cisco Systems

From the Comments section of a Palo Alto Online article (10.31.12) on the passing of ALF Senior Fellow and former Palo Alto mayor Gary Fazzino.