Author Archives: RSCA

A Room For Mom

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When your parents or older friends and relatives are visiting (or moving in with you), you can make several modifications to your home’s interior to make everyone more comfortable. Changes in visual acuity, upper body strength and balance can make negotiating stairs, getting up from a soft chair or sofa, and getting in and out of bathtub or showers difficult for older adults. These are all places for potential falls. Let’s examine three areas of the home where quick upgrades will yield the most benefits.

Guest Room:

A separate space for your guests that’s away from the bustle of your household will give everyone more privacy. Provide a comfortable upholstered chair for reading with good lighting, because reading in bed can be uncomfortable for many people. The chair should have a firm seat cushion and arms to make it easier to get out of. A storage ottoman on wheels can do multiple duty as a place to put bed linens, set a suitcase, sit on to dress and to prop up feet on while reading. Check to see if the window coverings are due for a cleaning or replacement. Dust-collecting fabric drapes and mini-blinds can be replaced with cordless shades or shutters to decrease allergens in the room. A hard floor surface rather than carpet makes it easier to negotiate with a walker or to roll a wheelchair. Placing a large area rug under the bed that extends about 30″ around the bed’s perimeter makes a cozy spot for bare feet to land first thing in the morning.

Bathroom:

Changes here can benefit the entire family. Replace your toilet with a “comfort height” toilet with an elongated seat. These toilets’ seats are about 19″ high and much easier to use as hips stiffen with age. These toilets come in low flow and dual flush models from Kohler and Toto. Grab bars can be installed without replacing the tile when you use the Securemount Anchor series from Moen. These should be placed for ease of entering and exiting the shower and the bath tub. A grab bar near the toilet can also be used as a towel rack. Install an occupancy sensor in the bath that will turn the light on when someone enters the room and turn off the light when motion is no longer detected. Using wireless remote controls for a shade on a window above the tub prevents the awkward stretching for a cord.

Main Living Areas:

Install motion detectors at the top and bottom of the stair landings which will turn on lights to illuminate the stairs as someone enters that space. Individual battery operated LED lights can be mounted on the sides of the stair wall near the tread level for only about $10 each. These lights can be controlled wirelessly by the motion detector to avoid electrical work that cuts into the drywall. Provide comfortable seating for all ages with firm seat and back cushions on upholstered furniture. An upholstery shop will replace a sofa seat cushion for about $75. Consider replacing a worn occasional chair with a motorized recliner. They are available in many design styles and fabrics to coordinate with your current furnishings and have the advantage of infinite positioning for different height individuals. If your beige walls and neutral furnishings look dated, you may want to use a new color scheme to breathe life into your rooms. Non-allergenic paint like Benjamin Moore Aura will dry in two hours and not smell like you just painted when the guests arrive. Enjoy your guests, knowing the improvements you’ve made will be enjoyed by the entire household for years to come.

 

— Jean Cary, Jean Cary Interiors

To find the solutions to your home dilemmas, give Jean a call: of (650) 593-9622

From the The Palo Alto Medical Foundation — Newborn Screening Saves Young Lives

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All new parents should be aware of the importance of the newborn screening test—a simple, routine way to protect your child from potentially life-threatening illness. This blood test can detect diseases that would otherwise not be apparent—in time for them to be treated.

To understand the newborn screening test, it’s important to look at its history. The test was initially developed to prevent mental retardation by promptly treating a rare disease called phenylketonuria (PKU).

In 1934, Dr. Asbjorn Folling first recognized PKU—a defect or deficiency in the enzyme that processes phenylalanine. Without an effective enzyme, the buildup of phenylalanine damages the developing nervous system—causing mental retardation and seizures. Doctors could treat infants with this disease by limiting their intake of phenylalanine, a substance found in proteins such as standard infant formula and breast milk. The problem was that the infants were healthy at birth and had no signs of the disease, so doctors and parents didn’t know which children to treat with this restricted diet. Dr. Robert Guthrie solved this problem by developing a simple test, using a drop of blood on filter paper, to test newborns for this disease. This was the birth of the newborn screening test.

The newborn screening test has expanded significantly, but it still follows the same principle and is conducted similarly. Newborn screens vary by state. In California, blood samples are tested for the following diseases:

  • Metabolic diseases (including PKU) that makes the body unable to use certain parts of food for energy, growth or repair
  • Endocrine diseases that cause the body to make too much or too little of a hormone, which can affect growth and development
  • Hemoglobin diseases, which cause anemia by affecting the type or amount of hemoglobin in the red blood cells
  • Cystic fibrosis, a common chronic lung disease in children

As medicine and genetic research advances, we’re able to identify more genetic diseases. As new tests become available, each new test must undergo a rigorous ethical discussion in order to be included in the newborn screen. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has suggested three key principles for inclusion in newborn screening:

  1. Identification of the condition must provide a clear benefit to the child.
  2. A system must be in place to confirm the diagnosis.
  3. Treatment and follow up must be available for affected newborns.

For example, early identification of PKU can result in effective treatment and prevent mental retardation, clearly providing a benefit to the child. A test can confirm PKU and specialty care does exist.

On the other hand, we have a test for Huntington’s disease, but we have no effective treatment to alter the course of the disease. Therefore, choosing whether or not to test for Huntington’s disease is complex and made on an individual basis considering the potential psychological responses, the possibility for stigma or discrimination, and balancing this against the reduction of uncertainty in knowing whether one carries the gene. For these reasons Huntington’s disease does not meet the IOM standards and is not included on the newborn screening test.

Each state’s newborn screening program periodically reviews screening recommendations as new testing and new treatments become available. At that time these programs consider new additions and the possibility of eliminating certain tests.

To do a newborn screening test, a health care professional simply collects a few drops of blood from a baby’s heel and sends this sample to the newborn screening lab. Parents are notified if a child needs further evaluation, but it’s important to remember that requiring further screening doesn’t necessarily mean that a child has a disease or is sick.

All parents should be aware of the newborn screening test—a simple blood test that can save a child’s life.

— By Natasha Leman, M.D.

Joining “Friends of the Library” Reaps Community Rewards

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Let’s take a quick poll of Shores residents — how many of you are members of the Friends of the Redwood City Public Library? Only a few? Ok, how many have ever heard of the Friends of the Library? A few more … Finally, how many of you enjoyed, or would enjoy, the many wonderful free programs that the Friends provide for kids, adults, and families?

The Friends is a non-profit group of volunteers who raise funds for one reason only: to benefit the community using Redwood City’s four libraries, by making significant gifts to expand Library programs. The Friends provide a truly remarkable range of services, for example:

  • Programs for kids and adults featuring books, films, and music
  • Career and technology education and assistance programs
  • The famous Dad & Me Programs
  • Family Night and Saturday activities
  • KinderCard program to provide kindergartners with Library cards
  • Literacy programs
  • Parenting workshops and cultural arts programs
  • Online tutor assistance
  • Children’s summer reading programs
  • …and the list goes on and on!

Funds are raised through their great bookstore located at the Downtown Library, and through memberships in the Friends of the Library, which start at just $10. Take a look at the Friends website at www.redwoodcity.org/library/friends_of_the_library.html — the more members there are, the more great programs like those listed above for kids, youth, adults, and families can be provided, and the more benefit to the Redwood Shores residents and our entire community.

I invite everyone in Redwood Shores to join the Friends of the Redwood City Library today. And of course visit the Redwood Shores Library at 399 Marine Parkway, and go online at www.redwoodcity.org/library to learn about everything we do.

— By Dave Genesy, Redwood City Library Director

From Lynn’s Kitchen

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AUTUMN FOOTBALL FARE

October brings our best weather to the SF Bay Area, as any good Californian knows. The days are usually bright and sunny, and then our wonderful fog creeps under the Golden Gate Bridge and brings cooling relief to the many microclimates adjacent to the Bay. It’s great hiking or cycling weather, or for visiting with friends and watching Saturday college football and Sunday NFL games.

This is a great chili recipe that is easy to make, fragrant while simmering away, and yummy as a good mid afternoon or early evening lunch or dinner.

 

Beef Chili with Sour Cream and Cheddar Biscuits

(Serves 6)

  • 2 large onions, chopped (about 3 cups)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 carrots, small dice
  • 3 pounds boneless beef chuck, ground coarse or 3 pounds ground beef
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 tablespoon crumbled dry oregano
  • Dried red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce or 2 cups fresh tomato sauce or tomato puree
  • 1 1/4 cups beef broth
  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 3/4 cups or 1 19-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 green bell peppers, chopped

In a large pot (I used a 5-quart, and just fit it all), heat the oil over moderately low heat and cook the onions in it for 5 to 10 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and carrots and cook for one minute more. Raise the heat to medium and add the beef, stirring and breaking up any lumps until it is no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano and pepper flakes and cook for another minute. Add the tomato sauce, broth and vinegar and simmer the chili, covered, for 35 to 40 minutes (if you used ground beef) or 50 to 60 minutes (if you used coarse chuck). Add the kidney beans, bell peppers, salt (I used 2 teaspoons to get the seasoning right for my tastes) and pepper to taste and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, until the bell peppers are tender.

 

Sour Cream and Cheddar Biscuits

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
  • 1/4 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 cup sour cream

Preheat oven to 425°F. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Either cut the butter pieces into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or rub them in with your fingertips until well-combined. Stir in the cheddar and sour cream until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Pat it out to a 1/2-inch thickness on a very well-floured counter and use a 3 1/2-inch biscuit cutter to cut six rounds. Bake on an ungreased (or parchment-lined, if your baking sheets are as “weathered” as mine are) for 15 to 17 minutes, until golden on top.

— Lynn Kathleen Adams
— RSCA Board Member since 1994

Redwood City Recognized as “Playful City USA” by Nationwide Non-Profit Group, KaBOOM!

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Redwood City is proud to announce that it has earned national recognition as a 2011 Playful City USA, presented by nationwide non-profit park and play advocate, KaBOOM! This is a national awards program honoring cities and towns determined to prioritize play and ensure that children are healthy by providing the time and space for play. This year, KaBOOM! designated 151 cities across the country, including Redwood City, as a Playful City USA community, for each city’s efforts to increase play opportunities for children.

Redwood City was recognized by KaBOOM! for its devotion to children’s athletics, recreation, and providing opportunities for play, as well as for making a commitment to play and physical activity toward increasing the quantity and quality of play in our community. All of the 2011 award-winning Playful City USA communities serve as role models for other communities and prove that enhancing children’s well-being by increasing the opportunity for play is an attainable goal for every community, even in difficult budget times.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is important to healthy brain development and allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Today’s children spend less time playing outside than any previous generations in part because only 20-percent live within walking distance of a park or playground. This Play Deficit is having profound consequences for kids physically as well as mentally and socially because children need a place to play every day in order to be active and healthy.

A key platform in combating the Play Deficit is Playful City USA, a national program advocating for local policies that increase play opportunities for children. KaBOOM!, the national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play, created Playful City USA in 2007 to help local governments address the Play Deficit by ensuring their children have the time and space they need to play. Redwood City was selected in 2010 and 2011 for its outstanding dedication to play, and its efforts to provide safe and enriching places for kids to play by creating joint-use agreements with local schools. The city is able to offer after-school programming and increase access to other recreational facilities.

More information about KaBOOM! is available at www.kaboom.org/playfulcityusa

Sandpiper Spotlight: October 2011

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The school year has started off well! We enjoyed a wonderful Back-to-School night on September 8 and are now gearing up for several exciting activities.

This year, our first walking school bus will take place on October 5, International Walk to School Day. Neighborhood liaisons will be in place to help groups of students and parents who walk or ride their bikes and scooters to school. We are trying our best to “keep it green” at Sandpiper School.

The Sandpiper PTA presents “Under the Harvest Moon: Food, Fun & Friends” on Saturday, November 5, at Domenico Winery in San Carlos. This annual fundraiser features a Silent Auction of items and baskets made by the individual classes along with Teacher Gifts of Time and other generous donations by the Sandpiper and Redwood Shores community.The Live Auction, buffet dinner catered by Eatz Catering and dancing are highlights that will make the evening a night to remember! The funds raised by this event will benefit the school and children directly as the Sandpiper PTA provides classroom and student materials, field trip costs, technology, PE equipment, visual arts programs, student assemblies and more.

For more information on donations, sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets to the event, please contact Lisa Eliopoulos at

RWS Student Helen Ye Wins Awards in International Tournaments

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It was an exciting summer for Helen Ye, a 5th grader at Redwood Shores Elementary School. Helen participated in three major junior national and international badminton tournaments this summer and won rewards from all of the events. She was qualified to represent USA and compete in the 20th Pan Am Junior Badminton Championship held in Kingston Jamaica. It is a very special experience for Helen to represent her own country and compete on foreign ground. In Jamaica, Helen joined with over 500 young players from 17 countries and made many new friends. Helen won 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals in the U11 events. Mostly recently, Helen competed at 2011 California Junior International Badminton Championship where she won 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medals.

Badminton is an Olympic sport that is gaining popularity in US. Helen started playing badminton nearly two years ago purely as a recreation sport. She quickly discovered a new world in badminton and developed a growing passion for it. She now trains regularly at Bay Badminton Club in Burlingame. Helen learned the technique that helped her to build up speed, endurance, flexibility and accuracy. More importantly, the training programs instill self confidence, determination and disciplines in the players to face various challenges. These core skills are not only crucial for the sports but also for life.

Helen is looking forward to further improve her badminton game and bring up the awareness of the sport in the Bay Area.

Wine Appreciation

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When I was growing up, one of the breakfast rituals that my brothers and I performed virtually every morning was reading the back of the cereal boxes while we slurped and crunched our way through Rice Krispies, Quaker Oats, and our enduring favorite Wheaties.  We were convinced, of course, that our daily bowlful of the Breakfast of Champions would develop us into major league baseball talent like Stan Musial, Joe DiMaggio or other athletes whose images were emblazoned on the front of Wheaties.

“But what have cereal boxes to do with wine,” you ask?  Well, it seems the same old habit is reappearing—at least an adult variation of it.  But it’s not the back of cereal boxes I’m perusing these days; it’s the back label of wine bottles.  I still browse the front labels, for I’m always fascinated by the photos, drawings and artwork that are designed to trigger a “feel good” buying impulse.  However, today’s pontification is about the typically unexplored and underappreciated back label, which often contains voluntary but nonetheless vital information about a winery and its wines.

Some back labels inform us that the winery is family owned and operated.  That’s important to me since I’m an entrepreneurial type, and I always like to support the risk takers.  Others refer to the wine being estate grown (from their own property) and bottled.  That’s important to me since I can rely on a continuity of type and style.  Still others are telling us about their sustainable and/or organic winegrowing programs that hint at our environmental benefits.

Other labels specify winemaking methods and their effect on the wine’s style.  A well known Sauvignon Blanc indicates that it “Combines both cold tank and barrel fermentation to create a wine that delivers intense fruit with a hint of oak.”  That describes it perfectly, and you now know about two fermentations and how they affect flavor and taste.  For those into winespeak tasting descriptors, many labels state evocative fruit, flower and other metaphors, which allow you to compare your palate to the winemaker’s.

If you find yourself really savoring an imported wine, be sure to scan for the importer or distributor’s name on the back label.  They generally have a regional area of expertise and/or a portfolio of wine producers that they represent.  An Internet search of their web site will detail other wines and producers you may wish to explore.  For domestic winegrowers, their Internet site is typically on the back label, and virtually anything about them can be found there.  One of the bonuses of visiting their web site is discovering details about specific wines

In closing, I have always considered a wine’s back label to be a producer’s silent salesperson, a quick search for further details, and the last information stopping point before taking the bottle to the check out stand.  If you already know and understand what is on the front label, browsing the back label can only increase your chances of making an informed purchase.


– Tom Barras

www.TomBarrasWineCommentary.blogspot.com/

City Update from Councilperson Gee

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With summer over and Halloween coming soon, I wanted to take a few moments to highlight a number of events, happenings and decisions on the City.

Earlier this year, the City adopted the Downtown Precise Plan (DTPP). Combined with last year’s adoption of the General Plan, both documents set a vision for the future of our City and the downtown. The vision continues the “Renaissance” of Redwood City. In addition to establishing a vision for our City, the General Plan and the DTPP provide clarity and certainty for developers, builders, and new business owners on what they need to do to develop a project.

One of our goals is to promote housing downtown. There are a number of housing projects in the planning stages: Mels’ Bowl on El Camino Real is planned for 141 units of rental housing; the former Dodge site at Veterans/Whipple is another site that is planned for rental housing. Other projects include 333 Main Street, 132 units or rental housing, including affordable housing, and 201 Marshall Street, 116 units of housing. All of these projects could be under construction next year.

As housing and residents arrive, so do new businesses. Sakura Teppanyaki and Sushi is a new “benihana” style restaurant that opened a couple of months ago. Sakura has quickly developed a devoted and regular clientele; The Old Spaghetti Factory will be opening in a few weeks, as will Papa John’s Pizza. Coming to Sequoia Station is Pier 1 Imports (opening in early 2012), and Barone’s Wood Fire Pizza (next to Young’s Ice Cream).

On a much quieter front, a number of new tech businesses have moved-in, or started in Redwood City. These employers enjoy the access to CalTrain, the wide-variety of dining and entertainment opportunities for staff, and soon, nearby housing.

Finally, congratulations to Eric and Lori Lochtefeld, the owners of the Fox Theatre. Last month, they celebrated their one-year anniversary with their 100th event at the Fox. Where else could you hear the music of Michael Jackson (Foreverland was the featured band for the Friday night concert), followed by the music of Chicago (the Chicago Transit Authority was the opening act for the evening at the Fox), and then concluding with the music of Neil Diamond (Super Diamond). All of this in Redwood City!

— Jeff Gee, Redwood City Councilperson

President’s Memo: October 2011

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Get Registered and VOTE !!

There are over 8,000 residents of voting age in Redwood Shores. In recent years the winners of Redwood City elections have won with totals of around 4,000 votes. With those numbers you can clearly see that voters in Redwood Shores can have a significant impact on the outcome of local races that affect us — IF WE VOTE!

This year there is no Presidential race to attract everyone’s attention, nor are there local races for the Senate or House of Representatives. There are also no controversial local propositions to get everyone out to vote and the open School Board positions are being filled without a contested election due to a lack of candidates. So, why bother to vote?

There are five candidates for the four open City Council seats in Redwood City. Four of the candidates are incumbent Council Members hoping to retain their seats. These races may not grab the headlines like a big national election, but our City Council deals with issues that impact our community far more than most national issues. How will essential City services be maintained when the City is facing declining revenues? Are we going to be able to maintain adequate police and fire presence in Redwood Shores? Voters will decide whether to keep the current Council intact or whether new blood is needed.

(If you are eligible, make sure you are registered to vote. You can check your voter status at shapethefuture.org. There are links under “Voter Registration” that let you check your registration and, if you’re NOT registered, provide a guide to getting registered.)

Again, 8,000 potential voters in Redwood Shores with winners in local elections receiving 4,000-5,000 votes. And elected official do look at voter turnout as a measure of community interest or apathy. So every Shores vote counts and makes a difference!

Get informed, get registered, then VOTE on November 8th !

Waterfowl Being Killed in Our Lagoons!

In mid September several sets of bird wings were found on the shores of our interior waterways. It appears that someone is killing the birds, cutting off the wings, and taking the carcasses (possible for food). This taking of ANY waterfowl in the Shores is illegal and IT MUST STOP!

If you see anyone that appears to be trying to catch any of our birds, CALL 911 immediately.

Update on the “Other” Goose Problem

Here’s a brief update of where we are in developing that plan to deal with filth left by our resident geese:

At the first of September a draft document was provided to US & CA wildlife officials for their comments and suggestions about what we can and can not, should and should not do. We received their comments & suggestions rather quickly, and that input has been incorporated into a second draft that will go back to US Fish & Wildlife and CA Dept. of Fish & Game this week. We expect to have their final comments before you get this issue of the PILOT.

Starting in early October we will be working with the City on a coordinated & “recommended actions” plan to present to BOTH the business & residential communities. Part of this will be to identify “hot spots” that might need special attention or additional measures.

Again, we are seeing two courses of action. One is to find ways to contain the movement of the geese and – hopefully – reduce their feeding/excreting area within the Shores. Second is to begin to find ways to humanely reduce the population of resident Canada geese here instead of tolerating continually increasing numbers of these no-longer-migrating waterfowl. (And, NO, killing them is not an option!)

Our target is to have this information available by the end of this year if at all possible. (The next breeding season for Canada geese is March-June`12.) We are going to need cooperation not only from our residents and HOAs but also from all of the business property owners & managers, their business tenants, and employees of our Shores businesses. At this point we don’t expect the solutions to be particularly burdensome to either businesses or the residential HOAs.

Yes, we have received a few (but just a very few) comments suggesting that we learn to “tolerate” the “inconvenience” of all this filth on our sidewalks, lawns, and in our parks. But almost all of the comments have been supportive (and we di appreciate the feedback). There seems to be a near consensus interest in finding some way to humanely deal with the excrement these geese leave all over the Shores.

Coming in November

The November issue of the PILOT will be focused entirely on personal preparations you should make for dealing with an emergency caused by a large seismic event or other disaster.

We need to recognize the fact that in such an emergency the Shores will be isolated from most fire, police, and rescue services. This may not be desirable, but it is the reality.

This issue of the PILOT will be focused on things YOU can do to get your household prepared.

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With over 5,400 residents and 700 business in the Shores, we use our email list to keep you informed about our community events during the year. If you would like to be on our email list, simply click on the “Join Our Email List” button in the Feedback section of RSCA.org to sign up.

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