Is there still the dead-zone just north of Sand Hill Road on 280? (I "remember" a dead-zone in Portola Valley and/or Woodside.)

For those of you outside Silicon Valley, yes, that Sand Hill Road. Interstate 280 is the best access (driving through/around Stanford is a pain).

That said, dead-zones can be convenient excuses.

I am agreeing with you, but I can see how my comment is unclear.