Las Lomitas school board president resigns after wife makes vulgar comment about Kamala Harris

November 8, 2020 8:31 pm

BY DAVE PRICE
Daily Post Editor

The president of the Las Lomitas Elementary School District in Menlo Park resigned tonight from the school board after his wife used a vulgar word to describe Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in a social media posting.

Jon Venverloh, a former Google marketing executive who joined the school board in December 2018, said on social media tonight, “… given my wife’s social media posts, which expressed reprehensible views that I do not agree with, I know my continued service would be a distraction from the work that needs to be done in the district over the two years remaining in my term.”

Venverloh, in a phone conversation tonight, confirmed verbally that he was stepping down from the board.

Venverloh’s wife, Mehridith Philips Venverloh, was having a twitter conversation early this morning about Harris’s qualifications when she wrote, “All she needs to be qualified is a black (vulgar word)! No brain needed.”

This afternoon, she apologized on social media and blamed it on a medical situation.

“Some of you know I suffer from a debilitating neurological disease, and as a result I take various medications,” she wrote. “Over the past several days I have been weaning off of my meds to prepare for a hospitalization that is scheduled to start tomorrow. I believe that the change in my medication reduced my judgment between right and wrong when I made the posts.”

She continued, “There is no excuse for what I wrote, but I ask for your understanding that my state of mind was far from normal last night.”

Her husband, in announcing his resignation from the school board, distanced himself from his wife’s comment about Harris.

“Let me be clear: I did not make the remarks that have so upset the community. I was not present when they were made. I have never encouraged such thinking or opinions, and I don’t agree with them in any way whatsoever.”

On the phone this evening, Venverloh told the Post that while his wife wasn’t happy with the outcome of the presidential election, she wasn’t a racist and, in fact, is mentoring a young Hispanic girl in North Fair Oaks.

Venverloh said he decided to resign after the reaction he got on social media earlier in the day. “It appeared that many people were not willing to accept the apologies,” he said in an interview tonight. He felt the controversy would distract from the school board in its work.

John Earnhardt, another member of the school board, said that Venverloh was a “great colleague … very diligent as a board member and impactful for the district.”

Earnhardt said the controversy moved quickly today because it spread through electronic media and parents this year are more engaged in the district than in the past.

He said that before the pandemic, maybe eight to 15 people would attend school board meetings. But after the pandemic began, and the meetings moved the Zoom platform, attendance exploded to 150 people or more.

“There has been an active, passionate, engaged parent community,” Earnhardt said.

It wasn’t known how the board would fill Vanderloh’s vacancy. To fill a previous vacancy several years ago, the board asked qualified members of the community to submit applications and the board picked a replacement, Earnhardt said. Another possiblity is to hold a special elections, though they can be prohibitively expensive.

In last week’s election, voters elected Jason Morimoto and Jody Leng. They will join Earnhardt and Dana Nunn on the board.

Correction: An earlier version said Venverloh was a Google executive, but actually he no longer works for that company. This version of the story has been corrected.

 

184 Comments

  1. Truly shocking to hear such hurtful words associated with our community’s school board. That this is a ‘distraction’ is an understatement, how does one expect parents to drop their kids off at school without fearing what the family right behind them is thinking? This casts a pall over our community.

    I’d strongly urge the SB member’s spouse to reflect on the hurt they’ve caused, and for the couple to engage actively with social causes to promote the opposite of what she said. This would help rebuild faith in decision-making at the school board – faith that this statement has shaken.

  2. It’s really frustrating when physicians prescribe medications that have side effects like racism and ignorance. (Are you kidding me?)

    Newsflash: Kamala Harris is not a young Hispanic girl. What does that have to do with anything?

    There’s no room for racism here.

      • Disagree. The word is a derogatory word used for a woman’s genitalia. It doesn’t get worse than that, there is NO way to justify it. You, like the author of the disgraceful words, should look inside yourself and ask why you think it would ever be ok to speak like that about our VP-elect, or anyone for that matter. It’s time for a real reckoning here. Take your hate somewhere else. We won’t miss you.

      • In this day and time, given what has just happened nationally, I think your days of defending a narcissistic, bullying authoritarian dictator wannabe are over. How’s that for offensive language.

      • No it just as offensive as the language the tRump uses. 55% of white women support his behavior she’s just one of the more than 70 million of white women who walk lock step with racism. My question is what is her education or is she she using her white privilege to equate her intelligence!!

      • Here – I will correct your statement for you.

        “I will wager that it is no more offensive than much of the language SPOUTED BY Trump.”

      • YOU’RE DEFENDING THIS BEHAVIOR?
        HOW SICK DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO DEFEND IT WITH “WHATABOUTS BY THE OTHER SIDE”.
        IT’S UNACCEPTABLE NO MATTER WHAT PARTY ONE CLAIMS

    • She has a horrible neurologic disease – hate and racism?
      The meds were helping her suppress those feelings? Or at least keep them offline for the sake of her husbands political ambitions?

      I dunno really. I’m sure they’ll just chalk this all up to conservative bashing and be back ready to play (with publicist in tow) in about .36783 seconds.

    • Outrageous, I can’t believe after all this her husband feels that it is okay to bring up the comment about the Hispanic girl.
      How is the mentorship being allowed if the woman claims to be mentally incompetent?
      And really who is this woman? Someone that thinks is superior’ because of the color of her skin?

  4. There’s no room for racism here. You can mentor someone underprivileged, and you can still be racist. There is no other explanation for this. Yes, she exhibited bad judgment but c’mon, she has a history of posting racist things on her twitter

  5. I know them both personally. Jon is a good guy actually but his wife is/was super arrogant and would constantly brag about herself, even when we first met. TBH this what a lot of Atherton folks really feel but just don’t say.

  6. Not only has she been spewing racist things for years, she’s also a Covid denier and has ranted about how having to wear a mask while running errands in Atherton was oppressing her (https://patch.com/california/redwoodcity-woodside/it-s-time-end-shelter-place-order?fbclid=IwAR21yy5cIoMwk29ceQuja85pWI4wSL9uS9ttON3p2PQ6z2gXp_X7iC2E4wc). How was her husband even permitted to participate in decisions on safely opening schools when the family has been attending “open it up” rallies and protesting masks since spring?

    Truly fascinating that she’s been masquerading as a Christian. Well, bless your heart, Mehridith. Bless your heart.

  7. It was not one tweet, disrespectful and misogynist as that tweet was. Ms. Venverloh also tweeted, “The possibilities are endless for little girls who [word deleted — let’s keep it clean] their way to the top”. When initially emailed about the offensive tweets, her husband said that they were “private statements”. Because, you know, what we say in private isn’t at all what we actually think…(eyeroll emoji)

  8. There is no place for this kind of disgusting, misogynistic rhetoric. The irony of this is that it comes from a woman with *4* daughters. And to blame it on her medications is cowardly. I’m
    a physician. Racist misogyny isn’t actually a side effect of any medication. We teach our children the power and danger of social media, perhaps this family should step back and re-think their roles in this community. They are a poor example for our children.

  10. The lack of self awareness is simply stunning by both husband and wife. He decided to resign because “It appeared that many people were not willing to accept the apologies,”

    She made the comments because of medication. I have read all of the social media apologies, comments and replies, and there was nothing from either of them to express anything except sorrow that the comments were made public. Mehridith actually wrote that she is passionate about her beliefs and does not shy away from sharing those views.

    It’s the usual “I’m sorry that you were offended by what I said and if I could do it again I would have said it so you didn’t hear it” response that has become too common these days.

  11. Completely mortified by this woman, and so proud of my parent community for jumping in together to denounce racism, demand accountability, and urge resignation.

  12. She has been displaying ignorant, racist, homophobic comments for a very long time. Her apology is not sincere and neither is his. It sounds like John Earnhardt is just as complicit- he hasn’t condemned Venverloh’s actions at all, and instead has praised him for his time as a board member. There should be zero tolerance for racism, under all circumstances. In my opinion, Earnhardt should resign as well.

      • I concur with Dr. Martin Luther Ling:

        “The hottest place in Hell is reserved for those who remain neutral in times of great moral conflict.”

        “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

        “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.”

    • I know we’re trying our hardest to turn into a Monty Python mob, but pause and take a breath. John Earnhardt does not weigh more than a Duck, and should be spared.

  13. This woman is mentoring a child?! It seems the PADaily left out a significant part of the Tweet rant. Maybe this newspaper should print a follow-up with the multiple tweets accurately? Mehridith’s very insulting tweet also included:
    “The possibilities are endless for the little girls who (nasty word) their way to the top. What a powerful message!!! Yay team Gaga!“
    Note…she deleted her Twitter account with evidence, but there are several photos of her vial tweets circulating.

  14. 100% not surprised.
    Mehridith is always the meanest girl in the room, only this time she didn’t have a gaggle of over privileged white ladies with blonde highlights to giggle nervously and embolden her. As she does socially,

    She is also an anti-mask nut (ask her about her recent asthma) while simultaneously demanding an end to the lockdown. Twitter retains responses to her concerns about masks killing or injuring her. Lolz.

    And Jon. Never the sharpest tool, never an achiever really. but white guys born into power? he knows how to get along with the guys of power. Like most white guys do. And so he lands the job of privilege, starts getting political – and it’s all our fault he’s resigned like any narcissist would – see! How much he’d done, we ungrateful neighbors – If only we’d accepted their apologies for pitching this vitriol to the wrong audience .

    These people should not be making decisions impacting children, and especially children of color.

  15. 100% not surprised.
    Mehridith is always the meanest girl in the room, only this time she didn’t have a gaggle of over privileged white ladies with blonde highlights to giggle nervously and embolden her. As she does socially,

    She is also an anti-mask nut (ask her about her recent asthma) while simultaneously demanding an end to the lockdown. Twitter retains responses to her concerns about masks killing or injuring her. Lolz.

    And Jon. Never the sharpest tool, never an achiever really. but white guys born into power? he knows how to get along with the guys of power. Like most white guys do. And so he lands the job of privilege, starts getting political – and it’s all our fault he’s resigned like any narcissist would – see! How much he’d done, we ungrateful neighbors – If only we’d accepted their apologies for pitching this vitriol to the wrong audience .

    These people should not be making decisions impacting children, and especially children of color.

  16. “ On the phone this evening, Venverloh told the Post that while his wife wasn’t happy with the outcome of the presidential election, she wasn’t a racist and, in fact, is mentoring a young Hispanic girl in North Fair Oaks.”

    LOLOLOL Giving your housekeeper/nanny hand me downs for HER daughter, a “young Hispanic girl”, from your four daughters? Is not “mentoring”. Asinine insanity with these two.

    • It’s one thing to “mentor” North Fair Oaks children, etirely another to redistrict and permit North Fair Oaks children to attend Menlo Park school district. :/

  18. I totally agree that whole
    district has a bunch of Racists…made my daughter life and ourselves a living hell!!! The Superintendent Di polito did absolutely nothing!!! The vice Principal Mrs. Dineen, Adrienne Phillips along with Ms. Susie were bullies like some high school girls. Adrienne Phillips being a minority herself put my daughter AND OURSELVES in a very degrading and embarrassing situation which should have been my daughters most joyful moment on her graduation day. My poor daughter was In tears. Shame on all them.

    • First you are so mistaken> I myself Susie Shipley has never been racist nor a mean girl. Shame on you adding to a thread about another situation. Your daughter graduated last year. You need to delete my name from your statement or you will receive legal action from my attorney.

      • SUSIE SHIPLEY…KAREN…whatever your name is. You should resign as well for threatening to sue a parent that is speaking their truth about how THEIR child was mistreated and imo abused. It sounds like you’re pulling your priviledge card. Your comment is proof that you are exactly what the previous comments state ‘a mean girl (except you are a grown woman) and a bully’.
        CAMILLE
        FROM COLORADO

        • So, Camille from Colorado, you know that Susie Shipley is a “mean girl” from what you read here? Shame on you, you are EXACTLY what is wrong with America. No one knows the real story of the woman complaining and Susie Shipley via what they read here. Not defending anyone, just step back and back off.

      • Good luck finding her identity Sue. Threatening someone with legal action is such a KAREN move btw. Nobody cares about you that much to warrant the hassle.

        • Susie Shipley knows who the woman is and who her daughter is. Re-read Susie’s comments. If SS had never commented here, no one would have likely given it any other thought, but she opened that can of worms.

  19. I had a chance to review her twitter before it was ll deleted. This was not a one off event, she had a history of terrible awful commentary including Q anon conspiracies. I would encourage the Daily post and other journalists to keep digging and see how far this goes.
    I would love to know if she knows the DeVos family…

  20. This person should not be mentoring any Hispanics. This doesn’t mean she isn’t racist just because of this. She is probably encouraging the girl to become a day laborer or a maid instead of a lawyer, doctor or engineer…

  21. Husband John Venverloh was/is a Director of Salem media. Very interesting what kind d of human being he is…FAKE!!!! Don’t believe his lies that he does not stand behind his racist wife’s comments. Which he hides this group or not disclosed in his LinkedIn Bio.

    • Pathetic! Good riddance to him and KAREN! No place on this Earth for white supremacists. To all you KARENS out there: Medication and health issues don’t cause racism and bullying. It just means you’re a despicable fool.

  22. I would imagine that he resigned because he had not other choice, resign or be fired. He is as much to blame as his wife, he holds the same racist views let’s be honest here. This is not surprising to me racism is alive and well in the Peninsula and it hides in the most unlikely places. It has always been in our schools. Those of you who knew she had a habit of posting racist remarks and said nothing hold some blame also. Disgusting.

    • This strange person sounds unhinged and should have no involvement with children nor anything to do with them. This ‘mentorship’ needs to be looked into as well. Blaming this morally repugnant racism on ‘medication’ is both sad and pathetic. Shame on you!

  23. @JL, I totally agree with you that he is as much to blame as she is. This is very disgusting as I also agree that racism is alive and well in the Peninsula and all over, from Trump all the way down to all aspects of life. That is why it is so important for all (of all races and backgrounds) to have conversations on these problems and speak up when we do discover them, and then call them out as they are not not make excuses. Only if we do this on a mass scale can we slowly but surely cure much of the hidden racism that will always exsist.

  25. What his wife said was reprehensible. In this day and age, you certainly wouldn’t say to a man that he needs to keep his wife under control. These are two individual people who may have completely different mindsets. If he shares his spouse’s opinion then he should step down from the school board. If he does not, then it isn’t fair to force him to resign.

    • Nobody is asking him to “keep her under control.” But while we can’t police people’s racists thoughts, we can certainly show them they and their hateful views are not welcome if they out themselves. And when his spouse articulates such graphic, disgusting, and blatantly racist and misogynistic ideas in a public sphere about the VP-Elect, there’s no viable path for him not to be held accountable for that, given the position he holds in the community. If he were commissioner of the meter maids of unincorporated Menlo Park or something, it would be ok (though to be totally candid, it’s uncomfortable to think a person who spews profane, vitriolic hate speech at women of color would remain welcome in our community at all). But he is/was president of a public school district governance board, and in a position to make decisions that significantly impact the educational welfare of children. His response was also incredibly disappointing and ill-informed and he actually claimed she is not a racist b/c she ‘mentors a Hispanic girl’ and volunteers in the community – that defense alone shows very poor judgment on his part. In weighing the potential unfairness to him of assuming he shares her views against the potential harm to kids in the district if in fact he DOES share or even condone her views, the outcome is pretty clear.

      • I could not disagree more! A spouse cannot be held responsible for the behavior of their mate, they are both individuals and if he did not say it, he should not loose his job for it! This type of thing is why marriages in our country end so often in divorce! If my spouse does not think like I do, I must divorce him?

        • @Bella Dawn, not thinking alike is one thing, this matter is quite another. I like spy thrillers such as the bourne movies. I like sri lankan food. I think Sinbad’s standup comedy is funny. My wife doesn’t like any of these things, yet I see no reason to divorce. That said, knowing I’m not a racist mysoginist, if my wife were to reveal herself to be one on social media, I would venture a strong guess that our marriage would be rendered over.

      • Received Pronunciation (and I sincerely hope you can back up that accent claim):

        One, there are no parking meters out here in the sticks of unincorporated [West] Menlo Park, ergo also no meter maids.

        Two, although I won’t miss Mr. Venverloh on our local elementary school board of trustees, I object on bedrock principle to holding him to blame for the despicable utterances of his spouse. The name of that bedrock principle is “feminism”.

        In the bad old days, husbands were held accountable for their wives’ words and deeds, and expected to control them. Worse, they were given the means to do so. We stopped doing that, through the tireless work of many. Assigning, in 2020, moral fault to a husband for what his wife says is taking a huge step on that evil road we turned away from. So, let’s not.

        I assume Mr. Venverloh had reasons of his own for resigning, and frankly at this point don’t care about them. The important bit is that the Board of Trustees can now appoint an excellent replacement. The obvious choice would be Shamar Edwards, Menlo Park school principal and recent candidate for the Sequoia High School District Board. I trust that LLESD’s Board will not, instead, commit the bonehead error of scheduling a special election, at unjustifiable expense. Indeed, I voted for and backed candidate Jason Morimoto for LLESD’s Board in part because, having a finance background, near as I can tell, the only LLESD’s Board candidate ever to have one, I’m sure he’s smart enough not to make such mistakes.

        Rick Moen
        [email protected]
        (West Menlo Park)

      • One, we in the wilds of unincorporated [West] Menlo Park lack parking meters, ergo also meter maids.

        Two, though I won’t miss Mr. Venverloh on LLESD’s board of trustees, I object on bedrock principle to blaming him for some despicable utterances by his spouse. That principle is called “feminism”.

        In bad old days, husbands were held accountable for their wives’ words and deeds, and expected to control them. Worse, they were granted the means. We ceased doing that through tireless work by many. Assigning moral fault to a husband for what his wife says is taking a huge step on that evil road we turned away from. So, let’s not.

        I assume Mr. Venverloh had reasons for resigning, and frankly at this point don’t care about them. The important bit is that the Board of Trustees can now appoint an excellent replacement. The obvious choice would be Shamar Edwards, Menlo Park school principal and recent candidate for the Sequoia High School District Board. I trust that LLESD’s Board will not, instead, commit the bonehead error of scheduling a special election, at unjustifiable expense. Indeed, I voted for and backed candidate Jason Morimoto for LLESD’s Board in part because, having a finance background, near as I can tell, the only LLESD’s Board candidate ever to have one, I’m sure he’s smart enough not to make such mistakes.

        Rick Moen
        [email protected]
        (West Menlo Park)

  26. Privilege of the white…Mehridith Philips Venverloh blames her racism on drugs. Its time she and her husband do the work to understand white privilege and what it means to be anti-racist.

  27. I have known Jon and Mehridith both personally for 20 years. They are incredible people, they are not racists, msogynists, etc. What was said was vulgar, yes. And I understand if you would see this quote on its own, you could assume certain things. I’m not sure this is the first time vulgar comments have been made about politicians. But I would avoid the rush to judgement on this as a clear cut case of racism, it’s not. She has apologized. I am not sure of the context of the tweet or if it was a response to someone else. But I would hope that we would all avoid the self congratulatory self righteousness, as we have all said, done and thought vile things.

    • Maybe you have been as vile as Mehridith and/or as ineffective at dealing with it as her husband, but I have not. Your classic gaslighting of commenters and attempt to dilute her misogynistic and racist remarks is obvious.

      • Maren, It must be amazing to be so free of evil as all of you are. I must excuse myself then, there has never been an utterance or even a dream apparently of anything horrible from your mouths ever. Remarkable! Maybe it’s that it wasn’t kept online long enough to be recorded or maybe no one has paid enough attention. Or maybe I just stumbled upon an amazing enough group of people in the comment section of this online news article that have never hated, lied, or treated others badly! I’ll have to point other friends here to come and meet this truly blameless and all together good group of people. Amazing! If I can, please tell me generally how much you give percentage wise a year to charity? And how much time a month you give volunteering? Just want to make sure I can compare myself to your amazing levels of selflessness and goodness.

        • Oh Michael – please keep it up with excusing your friends. We enjoy your Trumptastic attempts to deflect and distract by blaming strangers on the internet for qualities and opinions you ascribe. Good luck to you!

        • Michael, I’m not sure how you can defend a person who tweeted such vulgar expressions about our 1st FEMALE VP as not racist or misogynistic! If she’s not racist/misogynistic why in the world would she use those words? Perhaps look at yourself in the mirror and ask what’s in your heart?

        • ” If I can, please tell me generally how much you give percentage wise a year to charity? And how much time a month you give volunteering? Just want to make sure I can compare myself to your amazing levels of selflessness and goodness.”

          This comment says EVERYTHING about the toxic, systemic racism and classism endemic to Las Lomitas School District. Everything. Let’s put Michael’s statement into fewer words: “They and I are better than the working class, because we donate and volunteer”.

          Hey Michael: congrats on having the wealth to enjoy tax breaks for donating to organizations and causes that want to take away my rights, oppress my lifestyle, and keep Tinsley kids on the other side of the 101?

    • disagree 1. she did not apologize, she made excuses. 2. not all of us have ” said, done and thought vile things.” 3. no assumptions needed to interpret Mehridith’s words as racist

    • She also made comments about Govenor Newson wasting money by putting it towards surgery for the LGBT community too – hateful women all around stop defending her

    • Um. I can confidently assure you there are plenty of us (hopefully most of us) who have never DREAMED, much less thought, or said, anything remotely this profane or racist against another human being, let alone an elected representative who serves her community. I don’t know what additional context you think would help make these remarks ok, but it’s worrying that you think that is even possible. And if you’re saying you think this is normal and ‘everybody does it’, that’s all the more disturbing. The fact that you are criticizing the *response* to this unacceptable behavior rather than the behavior itself is the icing on the cake. Maybe you and those ‘incredible people’ should go set up shop in some remote community where everyone looks and thinks just like you and your blighted views can’t harm others – everyone would be better off.

    • I’m sorry, Michael, but what you say is absolutely laughable, and you have embarrassed yourself. I don’t care if you’ve known them 20 years or 20 minutes. They are both indefensible, and totally classless right down to the way they have handled this. “Medication”? Please. If I recall correctly, Roseanne Barr tried a similar excuse snd no one was buying it.
      In the words of the great Maya Angelou, believe them when they tell you the first time.

    • Michael,

      With this one article, the Bay Area can clearly see this misogynistic hate-filled racist. In twenty years, you failed to witness same. Admitting your decades-long ignorance might be cathartic, but why combine it with a defense of the garbage words emanating from this hideous mind? No sale.

      While “not the first time vulgar comments have been made about politicians” is certainly true, we needn’t look far to find examples; Mehridith provides them. One needn’t look further than the comment section of this very Daily Post article for more of her vulgarity.

      The only “rush” here is to quickly dismiss the tired “the medicine made me do it” excuse. This attempt at shifting the blame is so poorly constructed that it is almost comical. Almost. An excuse whose reliance on the over-stigmatization of people struggling with mental illness isn’t funny. It is tired. Consequences to obviously terrible actions surely can come fast. That’s not a “rush to judgement.”

      Consider the struggles of those who are starting, stopping, and tapering off or on all manner of medication(s). There’s no alchemy at play here — the levels of hatred put on display can neither be created nor destroyed by medicine. Medicine might have impacted your “incredible” friend’s ability to hide the source of her vitriol.

      You say they’re both incredible people. I say your judgement has a blind spot. Assuming you don’t actually share these vile viewpoints, ask the people around you: how could you be so very wrong for so very long?

      Perhaps you will learn something about yourself.

    • She referred to the VP-elects “black p****y”, she said that she had prostituted (used the word starting w and rhymes with your) to the top. There is no context in which this isn’t unbelievably racist and misogynistic. She’s a Trump supporter, so these views are entirely consistent with her political affiliations. Goodbye and good riddance to this person and to those who defend and minimize her very public on the record comments.

    • They are very clearly NOT incredible people, and very clearly ARE racist and misogynistic. You unfortunately seem to fall in the same category. Please stop.

    • Are you sure you want to be an apologist for these two “incredible” people? The snarky false innocence of “I’m not sure this is the first time vulgar comments have been made about politicians is revealing.
      I’m sure “Mehridith” is aware that Twitter is a public forum. She thought her entitled position meant she could publicly spout whatever racist trash she wished to, just as she thought she shouldn’t have to wear a mask during a global pandemic.
      These are the Trump people: Christians devoid of Christian values.

    • @Michael only a racist would defend another racist. Jesus Christ no wonder Trump became the President!! Now you all are coming out of hiding!

  28. Disgusting. Her, her husband, the entire situation. I am so sick of young women of color having to be subjected to these awful rants from entitled white people and then being further dishonored with pathetic lame attempts to excuse the behavior claiming the excuses are an ‘apology.’ Those poor daughters – I hope they can see the world beyond their awful parents’ views and don’t end up like the spoiled, racist first family children. Let’s hope someone learns something from this awful couple along the line, since they clearly have zero capacity for learning.

  29. This is not racism. This is a opinion. This is a free country and we are all entitled to our own opinion. You are only responsible for your own opinion not others. It is not right that individuals can get fired for their spouses or families actions. We live in a free a country.

  30. Medication has nothing to do with racism or sexist words coming from a woman. Are you jealous or just an ugly individual who feels better when insulting others?

  31. If she’s truly apologetic, she would not put the blame on her meds. Drugs and alcohol usually paints a true picture of the abuser. Get off the drugs and provide some random acts of kindness to some black disadvantaged youths.

  32. Oh, the good ol “I have (insert your choice of ethnicity) friends! How could I possibly be a racist because I interact with people of color?! Oh dear me!” Give me a break lady. People always act like they’re shocked when their spouses behave the way they do in private happens to become public knowledge. We know you’re both disgusting people in private together.

  33. there was another tweet by Mehridith Venverloh, not mentioned in this article, calling Kamala Harris a word that begins with “W” and rhymes with “bore.” If you doubt the harm in this, just ask the women you know what age they were when they were first called this epithet. For me it was age 8, in 3rd grade.

    • She name-called Kamala Harris, who is a respected attorney, senator, and the future VPOTUS. WTF is Meredith???? This country needs another type of ethnic cleansing.

  34. Hate, racism, ignorance, vulgar, etc. Just plain disgusting! This has nothing to do with whatever medications she’s on! Mehridith, It’s time you and your husband pack your bags and head to Trump country! And BTW, what’s up with the stupid spelling of your name anyway?

    • That spelling is just ridiculous. I googled alternative spelling for the name ‘Meredith’ and that was not one of them. She appears to be from Michigan, so maybe that’s something whacky they do up there-no idea what the heck. I have seen her posts on NextDoor before this incident and I wondered to myself “why the hell does she spell her name that way?” I guess it bothers me because I have a relative named Meredith, as well as a few acquaintances who also spell it “meredith”

      • Elizabeth, on the other hand, everyone’s name spelling seems ridiculous somewhere, nei? E.g., one of my Dad’s sisters was named Bjorg, and his brother was named Reidar, but that was normal in Kristiansund where they were from, whereas “Elizabeth” might have seemed a bit eccentric. So, point is, mock not, lest ye be mocked.

        Also, of all the things to mock Mehridith for — in such a target-rich environment of mockables, seems at best a regrettable waste of derision potential, like mocking the Toddler-in-Chief over his comb-over.

  35. An opinion would be like saying I don’t think that person is qualified. It’s racist when you pointedly make those ugly remarks about a black woman. Meridith didn’t say “white p….! It horrifies me that she may be instilling these beliefs of hers in her daughters. I’ll never understand any so called Christian who is racist and hateful. Such hypocrisy. And to use the “Twinkie” defense…. my meds made me do it. Disgusting!

    • She is another religious zealot who hides out behind her “Christianity” to excuse all the horrible thoughts she actually has. She is as Christian as the orange turd in the White House.

  36. The title of this article is infuriating. The issue is not that she said something “vulgar”. It’s that she said something which was racist and sexist. The same thing when Donald Trump said “Grab them by the p****”. The issue wasn’t that he said something vulgar. The issue was that he was bragging about sexual assault

  37. The comments about this story are an example of the cancel culture — a “woke” mob whose goal is to extort compliance from ordinary people. The message here is — if you comply with our demands, we will refrain from confiscating your livelihood.

    When racists like Joe Biden spout off, these folks say nothing. Where was the outrage when Biden said:

    — “If you have a problem figuring out whether you’re for me or Trump, then you ain’t black.”

    — “You got the first mainstream African American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy. I mean, that’s a storybook, man.” (That’s in reference to President Obama.)

    — “Unlike the African-American community, with notable exceptions, the Latino community is an incredibly diverse community with incredibly diverse attitudes about different things.”

    — “In Delaware, the largest growth in population is Indian-Americans moving from India. You cannot go to a 7-Eleven or a Dunkin’ Donuts unless you have a slight Indian accent.”

    — In August 2019 at a campaign event in Iowa, Biden told supporters “poor kids are just as bright and talented as white kids.” He quickly corrected himself after some applause by adding: “Wealthy kids, black kids, Asian kids.”

    And we can’t forget how proud Biden was to have cooperated with pro-segregationist senators such as James Eastland of Mississippi and Herman Talmadge of Georgia.

    I dare one of you sanctimonious zealots to condemn your candidate, Joe Biden, for his racist comments over the years.

    • Because the Las Lomitas School District covers west Menlo Park and west Atherton, there aren’t students from Fair Oaks (unless they are part of the Tinsley program). To avoid having their children mix with the diverse student body at Menlo-Atherton High School, their teenagers attend Sacred Heart Prep.

  38. Harris graduated from Howard University, got her law degree at Hastings, worked for the DA, then was the DA, was elected AG, then elected Senator. Yeah, no brain on her. /s The vicious Racism and Sexism (from a woman no less) is appalling. Shame on Mehr. Wanting Trump for your own best interests is fine. But tearing down opponents with vulgarity and Ism’s does not belong in our community.

        • No issues with Melania dating, then marrying, an orange clown who is 24 years her senior. Age difference does not matter to me (when between consenting adults), but her character does. Melania is a grifter just like her piece of fecal-covered-diaper-husband. Melania and dRump are equally despicable, he is just more dangerous.

    • You forgot the part where she had a personal relationship with Willie Brown to get two appointments! Nepotism in government has got to be STOPPED!

  39. Taking one last look at these comments before trying to move towards some personal peace and light. The past four years have been exhausting. The work of understanding the damage that has been done will continue for so many of us. This story of this woman and family is one that I have had previous personal ties to, but plays out across the country in my opinion. How did we get so divided? How did the current administration support this false narrative that feeds into this racist and sexist spewing of hate. Some of us (me included) wholeheartedly celebrate these election results, but opinions like those expressed by Mehridith fester all across our nation and our so discouraging when looking at our chances for unity and movement toward “a more perfect union”. I agree, that Mehridith voiced what was in her soul and her excuses fall short…but we will be dealing with this systemically across the country. It feels righteous to ridicule and condemn one individual that has unexpectedly shown their cards, but I’m more concerned at those who have not. The silent racism is what pervades our country is daunting. There is a lot of work to be done. I hope this family is willing to get started on that journey and move past the excuses that are more PR moves than actual self ruction. They are way behind me on unpacking my white privilege and working toward understanding systemic racism, but I hope that for the sake of the family they find this scrutiny not only one of victimization, but as a time for soul searching as we all have a lot to do in our quest for true equality.

  40. Gaslighting. There is a difference between being perfect and being an outspoken (in public and yes twitter!) racist and ‘herrenmensch’.
    And there is a clear line between what’s a lie and verifiable facts.
    Liars!

  41. Of course, it was only due to her “medication.” Interestingly, when the rest of the world takes medication, people do not publicly send out racist remarks. Mehridith Venverloh is a disgrace to this community and her “apology” (i.e. blame-shifting) does not excuse her behavior at all.

  42. I am a homeowner in the Las Lomitas School District. This hate rose to the highest levels of the school system. Its time for a New Principal at Las Lomitas – one who can create an inclusive culture. I will inform my neighbors of this development. This hate was also implied on a national TV show and a large local investment firm based in Woodside is one of the few remaining businesses still advertising on that show. We can all do our small part locally to maintain a tolerant inclusive community.

  43. Back in October, Mehr blamed the LBGTQ community for California wildfires.

    Was she “off her meds” back there, too? Trans children attend our schools, and she is a vile reflection of that household.

  46. It’s not like Mehridith has Tourette’s. Chronic migraine and the very strong medications to deal with it might result in aphasia, but they don’t put words in your mouth and they don’t make you say racist things. The tweets showed no evidence of impairment (grammar, punctuation, spelling). They just showed who she really is.

  49. You may want to watch what you say. This is in no way true! I have never been racist nor have I have been a bully or mean girl. Remove your statement about me. This family obviously is mistaken or have their own issues. I will seek legal action if you bring up my name Susie Shipley.

    • I have no comment on the Meredith situation so please disregard my statement.. It was to a mother TC” who stated incorrect information about me.

      • Your silence speaks volumes Sue.

        “He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” Martin Luther King

  50. She (according to her own LinkedIn) is also a youth pastor and church educator and leader. So I guess she’s been busy teaching children to hate and be racist and misogynistic. I’m guessing those aren’t the teachings of Jesus she learned in church. Once again under the cloak of religious virtue…

  51. Thinking about all the times people who knew them well told me “they’re very religious.” Now we see how righteous she actually is.

  52. I certainly hope that she doesn’t have a daughter…..it would be sad to think that any girl today would be subjected to such a poor role model. And if a son? Jeez….way to go! Great job preparing a boy or young man to be an honorable champion of other human beings, especially women.
    The medication excuse is quite simply that, an excuse and a pathetic one at that. Regardless of one’s political leanings, there is no room for such hatred.
    I’m curious, does she have a law degree from Hastings?

    • She’s got 4 daughters! And, she has begged people to leave them out of it. Yikes, I feel for those girls, who will no-doubt suffer for this. But, maybe it will also save them from growing up to be like her…..?

        • Exactly! I am sure those girls have been indoctrinated into their parents’ views, and most kids are. Hope they can leave home after high school and open their eyes. Doubtful, but possible.

  53. There’s no question this woman’s tweet was horrible , vulgar racist etc. However , I wonder what good it does to keep crucifying her ? I think it’s pretty clear how the community feels. For a woman , a mother and wife to post such terrible words I think there’s likely something else going on in this woman’s life mentally , emotionally. Why would she do this to her herself and family ? I truly hope someone who knows this woman reaches out to her and offer her some help and guidance rather then just hating her publicly.

    • You can’t “help and guide” a grown woman to be respectful and honorable. She’s a grown white woman who’s received plenty of “help and guidance” in her privileged existence. Maybe public backlash will teach her a much-needed lesson about class and decency.

  54. Doesn’t seem like Mr and Mrs will be having drinks anymore at the Circus Club in the near future. Time to sell the ‘shack’ in Atherton and move-on with heads held high. How about a step-down move to Oakland where the Mrs’s comments will get some real attention!

  55. It really sad to see how a woman will use those kind of words toward another very well educated and accomplished woman. America it’s time to put our differences apart, be a little bit courteous, respectful,kind towards one another. Dont Let our political views take over our morals, values and common sense. THINK PEOPLE BEFORE POSTING STUFFS ON SOCIAL MEDIA, OUR POSTS TRAVEL FASTER THAN WE THINK. JUST SAYING!!! PEACE!!! GOD BLESS THIS GREAT COUNTRY!!!!❤❤❤❤

  56. Who talks like that about the first VP-elect?? This is Mehridith Venverloh without medication? Not a good look either honey.

  57. How about we start putting our money where our mouths are? Being an anti-racist doesn’t (just) mean jumping on the vitriol bandwagon when somebody says something hateful/racist/idiotic. It means combating systemic and structural racial and socioeconomic inequities, such as our inequitable school funding system and residential segregation. How about if we talk about sharing some of our property tax wealth with less-resourced school districts such as Ravenswood, or opening up our community to lower-income housing? Until we start really meaningful engaging in conversations about these kinds of things, we are all complicit in racism.

      • Please read some of the work of Ibram X. Kendi (e.g., How to Be an Antiracist, 2019) and what he has to say about people who say, as you do, “I am not a racist.”

  59. Sadly there is a lot of subtle racism in the Menlo Atherton Community. The white wealthy conservative families who live there put their kids in public schools till 5th grade where they volunteer on committees and donate loads of money then send them to local elite private schools for middle school and high school to avoid the diversity at Menlo Atherton High school and to keep them sheltered from the real world. This is community is notorious for it’s covert racism , and overtly conservative values. Outsiders aren’t welcome in this community, and the white caucasian women married to husbands who have made millions in tech stock options and claim that they have Chrisitan values are not to be believed. Menlo Park is not the community it once was, it’s has gotten worse over the last 10 years. Even their Church imploded due to controversy. Time to move out and move on! There are other communities in the valley that welcome diversity, and Menlo Park isn’t it. Schools have gone downhill, and the downtown is run down, and it is teaming with a racist conservative population.

  60. Whenever a husband gets in trouble for what a wife says, or visa versa, I always go back go the rule the Democrats/Media created for the Clintons. If Bill said or did something crazy, you can’t hold it against Hillary. And even though Bill treated her like a doormat, cheating on her very publicly, she was a liberated woman who deserved the support of all women. I think we should apply the Clinton rule to this case.

  61. Wow! Meredith is a friend of a friend and I had just “unfriended” and blocked her on social media last weekend due to anti mask nonsense.

    Give me a break I have numerous medical conditions and 2 brain tumors and take a slew of meds. NO excuse for this racism

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