City Update from Councilperson Gee

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

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.

Join Our Email List

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.

Our Privacy Policy:

Your information is for use only by Redwood Shores Community Association in contacting you. We do not share, sell, or provide our contact list to any other person or organization.

OktobeRun Half Marathon and 5K

On October 15, 2011, Redwood City will host the 1st Annual OktobeRun Half Marathon and 5K. This will be one of the first half marathons on the Peninsula in years. The half marathon course is flat, scenic, and mostly off-road, perfect for a personal record. Beginning a block from historic Courthouse Square in downtown Redwood City, runners travel off road and join the Bay Trail by the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge to Redwood Shores and back. The 5K course follows the first part of the longer course and is mostly on city streets.

Weather is likely to be perfect for runners. Situated midway between San Francisco and San Jose, our location next to San Francisco Bay keeps our climate moderate and comfortable year round. The average high temperature in October is 73 and the average low is 49.

After the race, runners and their families can stay for a full day of food, drink, and live entertainment at the Peninsula Oktoberfest celebration at Courthouse Square. Early registrants can even get a discount on Oktoberfest tickets.

All proceeds from the race and festival will go to the Redwood City Education Foundation. The RCEF has been working since 1983 to advance and enrich educational opportunities for the 9,200 students of the Redwood City School District.

Make a donation today! While we welcome donations of any amount, we offer a special benefit to families who are able to donate $100 or more in addition to the race fee. You will qualify for a Family Sponsorship which includes a listing on the commemorative race T-Shirt, as well as acknowledgement in a year-end full-page thank you ad in local media. More information can be found at: www.oktoberrun.com

Musical Bridges

Musical Bridges on October 16 promises two concerts that will take you on an inspiring  journey of music , from great classical masterpieces to jazz , film theme music and even some rock’n roll music ! Do join in for a wonderful afternoon of music by some award winning and all together, acclaimed and a passionate group of young pianists at the Windroom in Foster City Community Center .

Performing Young Pianists are from the Studio of Concert Pianist, Sujeeva Hapugalle, who strives to nurture the talents and engage her students in diverse meaningful  and rewarding performance platforms and projects.. This time , they are simply thrilled to perform to celebrate and further contribute to their project — Musical Bridges 1 — ‘Bridging the passion and excellence of youth music to serve our community” .

At the enthusiastic suggestion of parent Patrick Gannon, (from a musically passionate family) — to help RWSE School , Sujeeva lost no time in designing together , a host of musical and sponsorship activities to raise funds, with a goal of 9k and hopefully, 10 k by October . The Gift of a Boston Upright Piano and Further Contributions to the music program of RWS Elementary School, helping Community Music was the rewarding result. The wonderful collective efforts of students , their families — local business sponsors and many supporters — have brought together, the founding vision of Music Bridges to help the growth of Education, Performing Arts and Community building via music . The older students steered a successful leadership program of securing Business sponsorships . Through a couple of summer months , MB  sparked, creative and other talents of a great group of students and parents !

Sujeeva Hapugalle, believes that Excellence of Music , in her experience, has certainly proven to be a Bridge to reach , connect and make differences to communities in simplest and profound ways . Introducing and actively help channel these opportunities to young students and encouraging ,music making and study as part  of life and a culture, apart from striving for excellence at formal events ,has been a delight. Amongst the students are are high ranking First and Special prize winners at International , State and County competitions. Searching ,studying, and communicating in performance ,  the ‘real essence’ of the “music and composer’s intent” ‘behind the notes’, have made these young musician’s performances reach the hearts of their audiences !

Sherman Clay Piano Co who made generous contributions says, ‘We are excited and proud to help Sujeeva and her Studio ,via Musical Bridges ,to bring music into schools..”

Cherie Ho , Principal of RWSES expresses .”RWSE School is extremely appreciative of this concert and celebration to recognize the musical talents of our community youth.  We are inspired by the depth and breadth of performance from students who demonstrate their passion for piano. In addition, this performance will benefit our own music programs with the gift of a piano for our new school. It will also enhance the music programs for Peninsula Youth Symphony, the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District’s choral and instrumental program and the Choir program. We are so grateful to the families for their support ,the gracious and generous contributions from patrons and the vision of Sujeeva Hapugall.”

Donna Marie Baldwin, Realtor — who was delighted to support this community music project …”What a musical and magical gift …” As a Mother and Grandmother, I love children. I am passionate about the educational opportunities being available to them and thank the amazing Teachers that enter their lives and this Universe.”

Make a Difference Day

Initiated in 1990, this is a national day is for devoted to helping others by doing volunteer work in the community. The activity can be almost anything. Millions of Americans participate in community improvement projects. It takes the form of cleanup, fixup, painting, and repair in poorer neighborhoods, parks and municipal facilities. It doesn’t matter what project you take on. It doesn’t matter whether you help a non-profit organization, the community, your town, nursing home, a church, a food kitchen, or any other group in need. What matters is that you participate.

Make a commitment to help others for just one day. Make a difference on Make a Difference Day!

Make a Difference Day

When: The Fourth Saturday in October

Did You Know? Each year on Make a Difference Day, ex-President Jimmie Carter gets out his hammer and saw, and helps to build or rebuild housing in underprivileged areas. There is not better example of people helping others than this!

Disaster Preparedness Open House

Water. Power. Food. Are You Prepared to be Without … for 7 days?

Redwood City Fire Department personnel, CERT volunteers, and Shores neighbors are giving their time to help Shores families prepare for what we hope will never happen. Come learn the simple steps you can take to prepare your family to survive a disaster. Mark your calendar now!

Disaster Preparedness Open House

Saturday, November 5

2:00 – 3:30 pm

Redwood Shores Library

Bridge and Marine Parkway

 

Due to many requests, this is a repeat of a Disaster Prep Open House held on April 30th. If you need further information call 650-832-1132 or email

Redwood Shores E-Recycling

Take advantage of this FREE opportunity to clean house!

On Saturday, September 10, RSCA is pleased to sponsor E-waste recycling. Goodwill Industries returns to the Shores and will be accepting donations from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM!

Where: Redwood Shores Public Library – Parking Lot

399 Marine Parkway @ Bridge Parkway

Help reduce e-waste and other disposables. Goodwill will accept:

  • Consumer electronics
  • Clothing
  • Books, CD’s, & videotapes
  • Boots and shoes
  • Kitchenware and small appliances
  • Bicycles

* Sorry, but NO large appliances, toys, mattresses, sofas, snow skis, auto parts, or large furniture.

Too many consumer electronics are disposed of improperly. Help keep them out of landfill! This is a great opportunity to clear out computers, stereos, televisions, outdated phones and more… properly and safely. Goodwill will take almost anything in good, clean, working condition. As a guideline, if you would give it to a friend or hand it down to a relative, it is perfect for Goodwill. For further information please call 415-575-2116.

Water Efficient Landscape Classes

The City of Redwood City and the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) are presenting a series of FREE Water Efficient Landscape Classes for the community. There are over 20 classes offered throughout the peninsula, south bay, and east bay, with two of them in Redwood City. Attend one, attend all, or any number you’d like!

These classes offer interesting and useful classroom lectures and/or hands-on workshops across a wide range of water efficient landscaping practices for your yard, including sustainable landscaping, use of California native and drought tolerant plants, creating healthy soil, understanding water conservation, alternatives to lawn, habitat gardening, edible landscaping, parent/child gardening workshop, water efficient irrigation practices, and hardscape design.

 

The two Redwood City workshops are:

  • “Hardscape Design” – Saturday, September 17th, 2011, 9 am to noon. Participants will learn about permeable surfaces and their water conserving benefits. This hands-on workshop will teach how to design and install pathways and patios using decomposed granite, gravel, flagstone and pavers. Instruction provided by Lyngso Garden Materials. Location: Lyngso Garden Materials, 19 Seaport Boulevard.
  • “Graywater for Landscape Irrigation” – Saturday, October 22, 9 am to noon. Graywater is water from the shower, clothes washer and bathroom sink that is re-used for landscape irrigation. Participants will find out how graywater systems might work for their households. Instruction provided by Deva Luna. Location: Redwood City Public Works Services, 1400 Broadway

 

Registration is required – call (650) 349-3000 or email . For more information about water conservation in Redwood City, visit www.redwoodcity.org/conservation

There are lots of other great water efficient landscape workshops and classes scheduled through October – the complete schedule and much more information on water wise gardening for your home is online at http://bawsca.org/water-conservation/residential-water-conservation-programs/residential-outdoor/.

Redwood City Presents the Annual Salsa Festival!

The Fourth Annual Redwood City Salsa Festival is Saturday, September 24th from noon to 8 pm in Downtown Redwood City. This wildly popular event guarantees a fun-filled day of tongue-tingling salsa, exciting activities, music and entertainment, food, beverages, and a wonderful time for the entire family! And it’s an opportunity for amateur and professional salsa chefs to compete for fun, prizes, and Salsa Glory in the City’s mouth-watering and exciting Salsa Tasting & Competition.

Everyone will enjoy four music stages including featuring Latin Jazz, Latin Rock, and Salsa, plus DJ Salsa music. The entertainment will fire up Redwood City with music and dancing (including free Salsa lessons) all day long! Adults can enjoy tequila tasting and microbrew tasting, and everyone will love the free, exciting hands-on art projects and special family area with carnival rides, along with community and civic booths. This family festival also hosts our famous Art on the Square, where artists and artisans exhibit their inspirational work, transforming the streets surrounding Courthouse Square into a beautiful outdoor gallery. And of course there are many nearby restaurants offering their delicious fares throughout the day.

Much of the event takes place on Broadway between Middlefield and Hamilton, at Courthouse Square, and on beautiful Theatre Way with its retail shops and restaurants complete with outdoor dining. Theatre Way and parts of Broadway will be pedestrian-only, making this a walkable family-friendly event not to miss! Redwood City’s Caltrain station is just a short walk from all the action, making it simple to get there without a car. Go to www.redwoodcity.org/events for the entire schedule of great activities at the Fourth Annual Redwood City Salsa Festival, presented by Chavez Supermarkets, and sponsored by Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services, Xfinity, Telemundo 48, La Raza 93.3, and the Redwood City Downtown Business Group.

CALL FOR ENTRIES – Salsa Tasting Competition

Teams can enter the salsa challenge as individuals, or businesses. Choose either Mild or Hot category. Festival goers will be able to purchase a tasting kit in order to cast their vote for the “People’s Choice Award.” Salsa will be judged by a qualified panel of judges based on aroma, consistency, color, appropriate heat level, taste and after-taste. This panel will also judge each team booth for Best Decorated. Deadline for entries is August 26, 2011 (entries must be postmarked by this date). Fees are $75.00 for professionals and $50.00 for amateur teams. Space is limited, first come, first served.

Please print & fill out the entry form at www.redwoodcity.org/events/salsafest_entries.html

and mail it along with check made out to Redwood City Salsa Tasting Competition, 1400 Roosevelt Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94061. For more information please call or email Lucas Wilder 650.780.7340 or

Contestants must bring all equipment necessary for making their salsa. The Salsa, including prep work, must be done on-site at the event. Canned ingredients are acceptable including tomatoes, tomato sauce, chilies, onions, garlic, salt, lime, and various spices, however all ingredients must be mixed together on-site. Pre-made or pre-mixed salsa will be disqualified from the competition.