For those keeping score at home, currently, there are numerous closed lights threads, two restricted lights threads, and this open one.

Again, bless the Almanac for providing an open environment for discussion. It is an asset to the community.

Thanks, anon. In response to Mr. Carpenter's request for "minutes" from a neighborhood coffee, there are none available right now. A group of families got together for a discussion on the issue of the lights at MA: the lawsuit, possible reasonable resolutions and next steps. I'm sure others are having the same conversations.

A group of moms will be taking our kids to the park this afternoon. There is a chance that the subject of the MA lights will come up, so we want to extend an invitation to Peter Carpenter. Please bring your own apple juice, but we'll provide the snacks. I'll bring a pencil and paper to take minutes.

A group of us are meeting at the mental health annex at Stanford Hospital tomorrow morning.

If we're not there, just start without us. I'm sure the staff will know what to do.

Thank you Pogo. As we all know, Peter Carpenter wants to be informed about all meetings! Make sure there is someone to take minutes and report back here. . . .

A day has come and gone - did everyone post the minutes of every interaction you had, publicly posted, for the good Mr Carpenter?

To summarize from the recently closed thread: Peter thought all meetings about lights should be open and results posted. Peter suddenly clammed up about the two groups he bragged about belonging to, as being relevant in the discussion. Mr "everything should be out in the public" would not share the links to the minutes of these organizations, despite repeated requests.

His recent posts on the restricted thread seems to echo the point of view of one at least one of these groups of which he claimed to a part. That also seems to minimize his statement about impartiality regarding lights.

Peter - thank you for clearing things up about where you stand. And what connections you are trying to hide.

As anonymous stated, a day has come and gone. And still most of the posts on this topic (the lights) are now off topic, stupid, and only intended to attack one person with whom the other posters obviously have separate issues with. I'm checking out of this dialog all together, but for you folks who rather than offer any constructive ideas just want to attack those who have done so, and who think its "ok" that state law has been compromised, you have managed to accomplish one thing. You changed my mind about the lights and PA system-I now do care one way or the other, and I hope the court issues a final ruling in favor of the neighbors, you people deserve to lose-lights out.

Sorry all. Have been busy, but here are the minutes from yesterday's park get together:

Playdate began at approx. 2:10 PM at Flood Park. In attendance were 6 moms and 9 kids. It was noted that Peter Carpenter was invited but did not show up. Apple juice, crackers and cheese sticks were given to the kids. Moms drank water. First discussion: Halloween plans, then short discussion on Thanksgiving plans. Next: COMMENT ON MA LIGHTS AND LAWSUIT. ONE MOM SAID IT WAS UNFORTUNATE THAT THE HIGH SCHOOL KIDS DIDN'T GET HOMECOMING AT THEIR SCHOOL. ANOTHER AGREED. Discussion cut short because one child had scraped knee. Discussion ensued as to whether or not Bactine or Neosporin was best. Next discussion was about flu shots, who had already gotten them and value of them. Playdate adjourned at 3:30. Next date TBD. Of note, however, all were told that we are now required to take minutes of each playdate and post them here.

After 15 years I am now ashamed to live in Atherton. Atherton is special not only because it features fine homes on large lots but because it is also part of a great extended community and intertwined with less advantaged citizens. In other words it is not a separate world like Hillsborough or a gated community like Blackhawk. These few Atherton residents who are mean spirited and dishonestly dealing with a cash strapped great public school are an example of everything wrong with this faltering country.....greedy special interests with a lack of common sense and decency, or worse...racists. Please move to Blackkhawk where you belong.