This summary provides the key details from the document in 3 sentences: The document discusses a new high for the Dow Jones Industrial Average, as it surpassed its previous record set in 2007. It also discusses plans for Caltrain and high-speed rail to finalize a new agreement that will keep the rail project primarily within Caltrain's existing two-track corridor. Additionally, the document reports that the prime suspect in a 2010 killing was sentenced to 4 years in prison for possessing weapons in his jail cell while awaiting trial for the murder.

1. AN IRISH COFFEE
FOR A GRAY DAY
HUGO CHAVEZ DEAD CIFINTOURNAMENT
IS FULL SWING
VENEZUELA’S PRESIDENT DIES,OFFICIALS CALL FOR UNITY
FOOD PAGE 17 WORLD PAGE 27 SPORTS PAGE 11
Leading local news coverage on the Peninsula
Wednesday • March 6, 2013 • Vol XII, Edition 172 www.smdailyjournal.com
Murder suspect sentenced for jailhouse weapons
Judge refuses request to withdraw plea of man accused of killing activist
By Michelle Durand Gregory Leon brief remarks to the court against bation sentencing report to “cast Elarms was in custody at the time
DAILY JOURNAL STAFF Elarms’ sen- the advice of his attorney, Elarms him in a negative light.” he committed the other but said he
tence came after said a recalculation of his earned Parsons found neither a good would not use the murder allega-
The prime suspect in the 2010 Judge Craig custody credit was “what I’m bas- cause, even questioning exactly tions in doling out sentencing.
killing of an East Palo Alto activist Parsons denied ing my decision on.” In the formal what Elarms meant by the first basis The weapons charges are “serious
whose improper police confession the 60-year-old motion, Elarms also claims he was because the convictions do not crimes” and probation is not war-
led to the murder case’s dismissal Pittsburg man’s not advised the pleas could be used count as strike. Parsons said the ranted,” Parsons said.
was sentenced yesterday to four years request to with- against him and that his defense original homicide case and current Elarms has roughly 10 months
in prison for having three shanks in draw his no con- attorney said his dismissed homi- weapons charges are “inseparable”
his jail cell while awaiting trial. Gregory Elarms test plea. In cide case could be used in the pro- because the one explains why See ELARMS, Page 19
Dow surges
to new high
Great Recession losses erased
with Tuesday close of 14,253.77
By Bernard Condon Inside is too high, eco-
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS nomic growth
too sluggish,
NEW YORK — The stock market but stocks are
is back. anticipating
Five and a half years after the start improvement.”
of a frightening drop that erased $11 The new
trillion from stock portfolios and Dow surges to record record sug-
...and keeps going gests that
made investors despair of ever get-
ting their money back, the Dow See page 10 investors who
Jones industrial average has did not panic
regained all the losses suffered dur- and sell their stocks in the 2008-
BILL SILVERFARB/DAILY JOURNAL ing the Great Recession and reached 2009 financial crisis have fully
Work continues on the Amelia,a 63-unit residential complex,at the Bay Meadows phase 2 development in San a new high. The blue-chip index recovered. Those who have reinvest-
Mateo.Sales will start for pre-qualified buyers starting March 16. rose 125.95 points Tuesday and ed dividends or added to their hold-
closed at 14,253.77, topping the pre- ings have done even better. Since
Bay Meadows homes almost on market vious record of 14,164.53 on Oct. 9,
2007, by 89.24 points.
“It signals that things are getting
back to normal,” says Nicolas Colas,
bottoming at 6,547.05 on March 9,
2009, the Dow has risen 7,706.72
points or 118 percent.
The Dow record does not include
Welcome center to be opened for pre-qualified buyers chief market strategist at ConvergEx
By Bill Silverfarb Group, a brokerage. “Unemployment See DOW, Page 27
DAILY JOURNAL STAFF
Progress at the Bay Meadows
development in San Mateo is mov-
Caltrain,high-speed rail set
ing along quickly as the developers
are set to open a welcome center
next Saturday followed by the first
to finalize new agreement
phase of a sales release for those Train ridership trends upward for 30 straight months
who have already pre-qualified. By Bill Silverfarb The board’s action will terminate
Last month, developers DAILY JOURNAL STAFF two old agreements made in 2004
Stockbridge and Wilson Meany and 2009 that embraced the full
hosted a private preview of the proj- The Peninsula Joint Powers Board buildout of the system, with early
ect with about 500 in attendance. is expected to finalize a new agree- designs showing a project primarily
Those who toured the site were on a four-track aerial viaduct
ment with the California High-Speed
given a glimpse of two major proj- between San Jose and San
Rail Authority Thursday that scraps
ects under construction, one a 63- Francisco.
home neighborhood of two- and early plans for a four-track project on
the Peninsula in favor of the “blend- While the board’s vote will
three-bedroom townhomes called embrace the blended system, legis-
Amelia, developed by TRI Pointe ed system” that will keep the overall
project primarily within Caltrain’s lation introduced last month by state
See HOMES, Page 19 existing two-track corridor. See RAIL, Page 19

2. THE DAILY JOURNAL DATEBOOK Wednesday • March 6, 2013 19
ELARMS
remaining incarceration a state appellate had become his enemy.
Calendar court will overturn the murder case dis-
missal so they can refile charges in the
fatal shooting of David Lewis in the park-
Lewis uttered the name “Greg” before
dying but police made no arrests until
contacted by Elarms six months after the
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 call 523-0804. Continued from page 1 ing garage of the Hillsdale Shopping
Skype: Online Video Conferencing. shooting. During the murder trial in
10:30 a.m. Belmont Library, 1110 Just B et ween Friends B ab y, Kids Center. Elarms was in custody awaiting November, Judge Stephen Hall ruled
Alameda de las Pulgas,Belmont.Learn and Maternity Consignment Sale. 9 left to serve in the county jail after trial in that case when jail staff reported Elarms’ police confession inadmissible
how to open a free account, set up a.m.to 6 p.m.San Mateo Event Center, deducting the credit earned while in cus-
equipment and software,make simple 1346 Saratoga Drive,San Mateo.Shop finding three shanks in his cell during because San Mateo police did not
conference calls over the Internet, for bargains on more than 35,000 tody at the county jail and a state mental February 2011 searches. Prosecutors filed Mirandize him or respond to his numer-
create and maintain a contact list and items including gently used kids hospital where he was briefly committed
use other provided features. Free. For clothing,toys,furniture and more.Free those charges in November after the mur- ous requests for a lawyer.
more information contact admission, paid parking. For more as incompetent. Questions over just how der case was dismissed largely as a way Elarms’ prosecution was on hold for
conrad@smcl.org. information visit much time Elarms earned led to Parsons to keep him in custody while the murder the better part of a year while he was hos-
www.sanmateo.jbfsale.com or call releasing Elarms in early February on his
Computer Coach. 10:30 a.m.Belmont (415) 710-3973. ruling appeal is pending. Elarms pleaded pitalized in a state mental facility before
Library, 1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, own recognizance pending sentencing. no contest in January to possessing the being found fit for trial.
Belmont.Computer class for adults on Needlepoint Exper ts at Luv2Stitch. Parsons believed that Elarms had enough
Wednesday mornings. Open to all. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Luv2stich, 747 weapons — a spork, a toothbrush and two In asking for his client to receive time
Free. For more information visit Bermuda Drive, San Mateo, in the or near enough credit earned. However, pencils strapped together and sharpened served, McDougall said Elarms was trou-
http://www.smcl.org/content/belmon Fiesta Garden Shopping Center. just last week, Parsons called Elarms to a point.
t. Inspired stitching instruction from ble-free for almost 20 years before his
Susan Portra.For more information call back into custody after saying he was Elarms greased the floor of his cell with
344-5200. incorrectly informed about the amount of arrest in Lewis’ death and had no discipli-
Basic D isast er C lass. 6:30 p.m. to 9 eggs and lotion to “gain an advantage”
p.m. Skyline College, 3300 College credit by defense attorney Jonathan nary problems at the Maguire
Drive, San Bruno. Free. Please wear Peninsula Youth Thea ter Presen ts over the correctional officers he planned Correctional Center prior to being com-
comfortable shoes and clothing. For ‘Fiddler on the R oof.’ 9:30 a.m. and McDougall. to attack, said prosecutor Ivan
more information call 616-7096. 7:30 p.m. 500 Castro St., Mountain On Tuesday, Parsons clarified he did mitted. With more than three years of
View. $20 adults, $16 seniors and Nightengale. credit, “Mr. Elarms has served a sufficient
Wha t’s G oing on with M y C hild ’s children 12 and under, $10 weekday not mean to suggest McDougall steered In the original case, Elarms is
Brain? 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. 177 Bovet shows and $7 per ticket for groups of him wrong intentionally but that all attor- sentence,” McDougall said.
Road, Suite 150, San Mateo. 10 or more.For more information and accused of following Lewis from San But Nightengale disagreed, asking
Information session on what’s behind to order tickets call 903-6000. neys and the Probation Department came Mateo Medical Center, where he was
child behavior. For more information up with different miscalculations. Parsons to consider the homicide case as
email Dr. Katherine McDermont at Step Into Spring. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. an outreach worker, to the San Mateo proof of Elarms’ danger to the communi-
Municipal Services Building,33 Arroyo
“It was basically a mistake all the way shopping center’s parking garage and
drmcd@theneurolink.com. ty. Nightengale said Elarms also mini-
Drive,South San Francisco.Soroptimist around but I wasn’t implying anybody shooting him once in the torso. The
First Wednesday Book Group. 7 p.m. International of North San Mateo was misrepresenting anything,” Parsons mized his culpability in the weapons
Belmont Library,1110 Alameda de las County will hold a fundraiser that will men reportedly knew each other from case, stating in the probation report that it
Pulgas, Belmont. Join us for a include a silent auction, music, said. childhood but Elarms believed Lewis
discussion of the short story collection exhibitors, food, drinks, games and Prosecutors hope during Elarms’ is only “petty crime.”
‘The Love of a Good Woman’ by Alice more. Tickets can be purchased
Munro.For more information call 591- through club members or at the door.
RAIL
8286. $25 per adult. For more information committed a total of $705 million for the City today and will vote on the new mem-
go to Caltrain electrification project. orandum of understanding before the JPB
Careers in Aviation Panel. 7 p.m.San www.soroptimistnorthsanmateocoun
Carlos Flight Center,655 Skyway Road, ty.org. While Caltrain electrification is expect- votes on it Thursday.
No.215,San Carlos.Free.An interactive ed to be completed by 2019, high-speed The JPB will take the vote as it also
discussion with women aviation San C ar los C hildr en’s Thea ter Continued from page 1 rail trains are not expected to access the
professionals, including an air traffic Presents ‘The U-u-ugly Duck ling.’ 7 hears that Caltrain ridership has trended
controller,airport manager,mechanic, p.m. Mustang Hall, Central Middle corridor until 2029 at the earliest. upward for 30 straight months.
corporate pilot, flight instructor and School, 828 Chestnut St., San Carlos. Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, will clarify, The new agreement the board considers Caltrain’s average weekday ridership in
more. For more information go to $12 in advance at
www.sancarlosflightcenter.com. www.sancarloschildrenstheater.com if approved, that funds from Proposition Thursday, however, takes out a condition January exceeded last year’s totals for the
or $15 at the door. For more 1A, the high-speed bond measure that Caltrain remains in “regular opera-
Astronomy from the Stratosphere: information call 594-2730. approved by voters in 2008, will be used same month by 9 percent although it fell
NASA’s SOFIA Mission. 7 p.m.to 8:30 tion” to just “operational” while the short of October’s numbers, the best
p.m. Smithwick Theatre, Foothill Movie Night. 7 p.m. San Carlos Flight solely to implement a rail system along blended system is developed, meaning its
College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Center,655 Skyway Road,No.215,San the San Francisco to San Jose segment month ever for the commuter rail line.
Altos Hills. Dr. Dana Backman will Carlos.Free.A social gathering to enjoy current schedule may be reduced as con- The agency’s average weekday rider-
food, refreshments and an aviation-
that primarily consists of a two-track struction takes place.
introduce the international scientific ship in January was 45,111, up nearly
facility Stratospheric Observatory for related movie. For more information blended system. The blended system will greatly reduce
Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). Free go to www.sancarlosflightcenter.com. Senate Bill 557 also closes potential 4,000 passengers a day compared to
admission. For more information call impacts to properties along the corridor
‘Wonder ful Town.’ 7:30 p.m. Crystal loopholes to make sure that funds cannot January 2012, according to a staff report
949-7888. but about nine miles of passing tracks will
Springs Upland School, 400 Uplands be transferred from the Peninsula seg- have to be constructed somewhere to the JPB will hear Thursday.
BigCar Tolefree and The Hipnotics. Road, Hillsborough. Tells the Farebox revenue is also up by 13.6 per-
adventures and misadventures of two ment to other segments of the high-speed allow high-speed trains unimpeded
7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Club Fox, 2209
Broadway,Redwood City.$5.For more sisters who move from their project. It also clarifies that the $1.1 bil- access between San Francisco and San cent for January from $4.6 million in
information go to comfortable hometown in Ohio to lion appropriated by the state Legislature 2012 to about $5.2 million in 2013,
www.rwcbluesjam.com. New York City to fulfill their dreams. Jose.
For tickets visit https://www.csus.org last year will include $600 million for The new agreement, based on the according to the staff report.
The M oun tain top P revie w. 8 p.m. or call 342-4668. Caltrain electrification. authority’s 2012 Business Plan, will take
Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Combined with an additional appropri-
Road, Palo Alto. Previews:Wednesday Woodside High Scho ol pr esen ts effect immediately upon approval by both The Peninsula Joint Powers Board
March 6 to Friday March 8. Press ‘Legally Blonde, the Musical.’ 8 p.m. ation of $105 million for Caltrain’s parties. meets 10 a.m., Thursday, 1250 San
Opening: Saturday March 9. Closes: Woodside High School, 199 Churchill advanced signaling system, the state has
Sunday April 7. Tuesdays and Ave.,Woodside.For more information The HSR board meets in Redwood Carlos Ave., San Carlos.
Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m.Thursdays and or to purchase tickets go to
Fridays: 8 p.m. Saturdays: 2 p.m. and 8 http://www.whsdramaboosters.com/r
HOMES
p.m. Sundays: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $23 nrnORrnrnCall or call 367-9750. people will be living there soon and “I am thrilled to see Bay Meadows is
(student)-$73; savings available for hopefully working there, too,” Matthews set to begin the sales of homes. It is
students, educators and seniors. For Pear Theatr e Presen ts: ‘The A pple
information or to order tickets call Never Falls .’ 8 p.m. Pear Avenue said. another sign of the improving economy.
(650) 463-1960 or go to Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave., Mountain Starting today, approved, pre-qualified These homes will add to badly needed
theatreworks.org. View. Tickets are $10-$30. The world Continued from page 1 registrants will have the opportunity to inventory for new homeowners in our
premiere of this play written by Paul
THURSDAY, MARCH 7 Bracerman will run from Feb. 22 until meet personally with Amelia and community,” Mayor David Lim wrote
Link i n g HR Func tions to March 10, with performances every Homes, and the other a 93-unit project
Or ganiza tional G oals . 7:30 a.m. to Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 8 Landsdowne sales teams. March 13 is the the Daily Journal in an email yesterday.
9:30 a.m.Sequoia,1850 Gateway Drive, p.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m. For called Landsdowne that will have two-, final day to submit pre-qualification Phase 1 of the Bay Meadows project
Suite 600, San Mateo. $35 general more information and to purchase three- and four-bedroom townhomes applications to participate in the first was officially completed in 2011 with the
admission, free for NCHRA members. tickets call 254-1148.
Northern California Human resources
developed by Shea Homes. phase sales release March 16, when the construction of the new Kaiser Medical
Association helps you discover the Comed y C lub Nigh t. 8 p.m. The The private Nueva School will also welcome center opens between noon to 4 Center and includes housing, office and
secret to thinking, talking and acting Dragon Theater, 2120 Broadway, open a high school campus on the prop-
Redwood City. Comedians Daniel p.m. retail space.
like a business leader. For more
information go to www.nchra.org. Dugar and Rodger Lizaola will erty. Pricing for both Amelia and In phase 2, there will be five buildings
perform. Tickets are $30 and include San Mateo Councilman Jack Matthews Landsdowne will also be announced of Class A office space for rent, ranging
Peninsula Youth Thea ter Presen ts two drinks. For more information go
‘Fiddler on the R oof.’ 9:30 a.m. 500 to www.premiercomedyclub.com. was part of the citizen’s advisory com- today. from 95,000 square feet to 185,000
Castro St., Mountain View. $20 adults, mittee that helped develop the master When completed, Bay Meadows will square feet. The development sits
SATURDAY, MARCH 9
$16 seniors and children 12 and under,
Peninsula and S outh B ay A utism plan for the area and was on the Planning be the largest transit-oriented develop- between the Hillsdale and Hayward Park
$10 weekday shows and $7 per ticket
for groups of 10 or more. For more Resource Fair. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Notre Commission when phase 2 was approved ment in the state. Caltrain stations.
information and to order tickets call Dame de Namur University, 1500 in 2005.
903-6000. Ralston Ave., Belmont. Free, mini
workshops $25 each. For more Some who stood against
Just B et ween Friends B ab y, Kids information go to demolishing the old horse race
www.wingslaerningcenter.org.
and M ater nit y Consignmen t S ale. track stood in opposition to the
Noon to 9 p.m. San Mateo Event
Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Just B et ween Friends B ab y, Kids new development for years.
Mateo. Shop for bargains on over and Maternity Consignment S ale. 9 “It is going to be a high-qual-
35,000 items including gently used a.m.to 3 p.m.San Mateo Event Center,
kids clothing,toys,furniture and more. 1346 Saratoga Drive,San Mateo.Shop ity neighborhood and hopefully
$3. For more information call (415) for bargains on more than 35,000 the community as a whole will
items including gently used kids
710-3973.
clothing,toys,furniture and more.Fifty embrace it,” Matthews told the
‘Wonder ful Town.’ 7:30 p.m. Crystal percent off sale. $3. For more Daily Journal.
Springs Upland School, 400 Uplands information call (415) 710-3973. Amelia will be the first
Road, Hillsborough. Tells the neighborhood in the much-
adventures and misadventures of two Overeaters Anonymous Newcomers
sisters who move from their Day. 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Kaiser anticipated master-planned
Permanente, 1150 Veterans Blvd.,
comfortable hometown in Ohio to
Cypress Room,Redwood City.Free.For community in phase 2 of the
New York City to fulfill their dreams.
For tickets visit https://www.csus.org more information call 328-2936 or go development.
or call 342-4668. to www.oamidpeninsula.org. The project will also feature
Pear Theatr e Presen ts: ‘The Apple Ukulele S tor y time. 10:30 a.m. office buildings, a traditional
Never Falls .’ 8 p.m. Pear Avenue Belmont Library,1110 Alameda de las town square, 12-acre park and
Pulgas, Belmont. Join Kayla and her
Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave., Mountain
ukulele for some fun books and songs retail.
View. Tickets are $10-$30. The world
premiere of this play written by Paul for all ages. For more information call The final development will
Bracerman will run from Feb. 22 until 591-8286. include 1,116 residential units,
March 10, with performances every up to 1.5 million rentable
Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 8 Op en H ouse . 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. San
p.m. and every Sunday at 2 p.m. For Carlos Flight Center,655 Skyway Road, square feet of office space and
No.215,San Carlos.Free. Gather at the
more information and to purchase
airport, meet women pilots, approximately 90,000 square
tickets call 254-1148.
participate in fun activities and feet of retail space. It will also
FRIDAY, MARCH 8 experience something new. Lunch is feature onsite amenities such as
Free Tax P repar ation. Mondays, included when you RSVP. For more
Wednesdays and Fridays from Jan. 14 information go to health care, child care, financial
to April 5. 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to www.sancarlosflightcenter.com. services and dry cleaning.
4 p.m. Samaritan House, 4031 Pacific
For more events visit
“It will be a whole new com-
Blvd., San Mateo. To make an
appointment or for more information smdailyjournal.com, click Calendar. munity. I’m happy to see that