Long-Awaited Duveneck Exhibit Opens, and More

1.  Touching Lives: The Duvenecks of Hidden Villa

The Los Altos History Museum opens its new exhibit Thursday afternoon, one that promises to be a winner.  Touching Lives: The Duvenecks of Hidden Villa, traces Josephine and Frank Duveneck from a privileged life in Boston to Palo Alto and their discovery of Hidden Villa in Los Altos Hills. Hidden Villa became their family home and a gathering place they shared with friends and others less fortunate. Today, Hidden Villa is a 1600-acre wilderness preserve and working farm. You can check this column again Friday for information about events at Hidden Villa this weekend.

The Los Altos History Museum exhibit chronicles the Duvenecks and their nurturing of Hidden Villa, the setting for the first interracial summer camp in the United States. The exhibit focuses on their work to help Japanese Americans forced into relocation camps, American Indians who had no voice, and blacks who needed acceptance and housing after World War II. There’s much more, but you can see it for yourself by visiting the exhibit Thursday or attending the opening reception Sunday from 2-5 p.m. 

The Los Altos History Museum is at 51 S. San Antonio Rd. The museum is open Thursdays through Sundays from noon-4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call  650-948-9427. 

2.  Pluto Had it Coming

Astronomer Michael Brown from the California Institute of Technology will give a non-technical, illustrated talk on, "How I Killed Pluto and Why It Had it Coming!" as part of the Silicon Valley Astronomy Lectures at 7 p.m Wednesday in Smithwick Theater at Foothill College.

The controversial "demotion" of Pluto was mainly the result of discoveries by a team of astronomers led by Brown. In this talk, he will share the inside story of how he discovered "other Plutos" out there beyond Neptune, including Eris, larger than Pluto, which he named for the goddess of discord. Brown will sign copies of his book after the lecture.

Brown is professor of planetary astronomy at the California Institute of Technology and specializes in the discovery and study of bodies at the edge of the solar system. No background in science will be required for this talk. Seating is first come, first served. The talk is free and open to the public. Southwick Theater is on the Foothill College campus at El Monte Road and Freeway 280. For more information, call the series hotline at 650-949-7888

 3.  Getting Beyond Race, a Lecture Tonight

Former University of California regent Ward Connerly speaks Wednesday at the South Peninsula Area Republican Coalition meeting. An equal-opportunity advocate, Connerly will speak on “America’s Promise Realized: Getting Beyond Race” at the Republican group's annual dinner meeting, set for 6 p.m. at Fremont Hills Country Club in Los Altos Hills. Connerly is a former UC Regent and chairman of the American Civil Rights Coalition, a national nonprofit that opposes racial and gender preferences. Cost of the dinner  is $35 for members and $45 for nonmembers. Fremont Hills Country Club is at 12889 Viscaino Place in Los Altos Hills. For more information or reservations, call 650-917-9125 or go to the South Peninsula Area Republican Coalition website.

4.  City of Los Altos Bicycle Pedestrian Committee Meets Tonight

The City of Los Altos Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee will hold its meeting Wednesday at  7 p.m. at the . The Committee advises the Los Altos Traffic Commission on bicycle and pedestrian issues, recommends updates to the city's Bicycle Transportation Plan, and identifies and prioritizes projects that will improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and access within Los Altos. The  is at 97 Hillview Ave. For more information, visit the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee website

5. Hike with Docents from the Mid Peninsula Open Space District

The Mid Peninsula Open Space District offers a docent-led walk Thursday, called "Winter Woods and Wine Wandering." Join docents for a moderately paced, 4.5-mile hike along the Orchard Loop and Zinfandel Trails with nature exploration around the (hopefully) newt-filled seasonal pond. You’ll discuss the area’s rich local history and interesting lore. Bring a lunch to enjoy along the banks of Stevens Creek. After the hike exploration, wine tasting on your own is an option at the Picchetti Winery. 

This hike leaves from the Picchetti Ranch Preserve parking lot. From the intersection of Interstate 280 and Foothill Expressway, go 3.5 miles southwest (toward the mountains) on Foothill Boulevard/Stevens Canyon Road. Turn right on Montebello Road. The preserve is a half mile up Montebello Road on the left. For more information about this hike and other activities, call 650-691-1200 or e-mail  info@openspace.org. You can also learn more on the at The Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District website.