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.

Neighborhood Watch

RSCA wants to thank Ken Faljean, Captain Ed Hernandez and Captain Eric Staziak for attending and putting on our safety meeting on August 16, 2011.

We also want to thank the various members of the Shores community that took the time to come out for the meeting. It’s people working together for a safe neighborhood that makes us such a great community to live in. For those who were not able to attend, please review the Neighborhood Watch notice below for information about the program — informational packets about Neighborhood Watch are available upon request, so please email us if you are interested.

 


 

 

To combat crime in communities everywhere, cities are banding together to fight crime through Neighborhood Watch programs. Unfortunately, there are still a large number of areas left unprotected. If yours is one of them, here are some guidelines will help you to organize your own Neighborhood Watch. It usually takes up to a month to get started, and here are some ways you might start:

Define the Neighborhood

Determine the area your Watch group will cover. Keep in mind that the bigger the area, the bigger the group will be. That means you will need a larger space for meetings, more materials for flyers, more time to organize, etc.

Secure a Meeting Spot

If your Watch only covers your street, meetings can probably be held in a private home. If your area is much bigger, you may need to obtain permission to use a school or church in the area.

Identify Crime In Your Area

No area is completely free of crime and knowing just what crimes you are up against will greatly improve the chances of a successful Watch. The Memphis Police Department Crime Mapper will allow you to view crime activity in a given area searchable by zip code or address. After viewing these statistics, be sure to print them out as they will help you in creating your Watch group.

Get Help From Law Enforcement

Contact your neighborhood’s police precinct and ask for the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator. The coordinator will set up times to host two Neighborhood Watch meetings and give you tips on organizing your group. The Memphis Police Department Precinct phone numbers are:

Recruit Neighbors

The most effective way to get others involved is to convince them that there is a real need for a Watch. Many people erroneously believe that they live in a safe neighborhood. Using your data on crime for your location, you can effectively convince your neighbors to participate.

Stay Active

Set up a yearly meeting to receive new tips and updates from the police department. Throughout the year, touch base with your neighbors and encourage them to remain active. While it takes diligence and hard work to bring it all together, organizing a Neighborhood Watch can be a very effective way to reduce crime and make a difference in your community.

Tips: Delegate the responsibility of this task, utilize law enforcement, and stay informed on crime in the area.

 

What you need is a neighborhood without this program, a church, school or a home to hold meetings, some willing neighbors to assist you, and a printer and paper to print flyers and other informative materials.

The benefits are many of a Neighborhood Watch are many — beyond preventing crime and reducing fear, Neighborhood Watch (NW) builds pride, forges bonds among block residents – by really getting to know and look out for neighbors, improves citizen-police relations, and can address other block issues and concerns like child safety, youth development, senior citizen welfare, and quality-of-life.

President’s Memo: September 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 less than 4,000 votes. It’s easy to see with those numbers that voters in Redwood Shores can have a significant impact on the outcome of races that affect us — IF WE VOTE!

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. It’s clear that every Shores vote counts and makes a difference!

And don’t forget to join us on Sept.13 and meet the candidates for Redwood City Council. With five candidates for just four open Council seats, this should be both an interesting and informative evening.

Then VOTE on November 3rd !

 

More on the Canada Geese Problem

In early August I met again with state & federal wildlife officials, and we are also working closely with Redwood City staff.

We have two goals. One is to contain the movement of the geese and – hopefully – reduce their feeding/pooping area within the Shores. Second is to begin to reduce the numbers of resident Canada geese here instead of tolerating continually increasing numbers. Here’s a brief outline of what we are trying to do:

  1. Work with US & CA wildlife officials to be sure we have “validated” information about what we can and can’t do (now in process).
  2. Work with the City on a coordinated & “officially recommended actions” plan to present to BOTH the business & residential communities (next few months).
  3. Identify “hot spots” that might need special attention or additional measures.
  4. Provide information to the business property owners/managers on the problem & the recommended actions. This is information we expect they will pass along to their tenants and employees in order to reduce as much as possible any complaints about what we will be asking the community to do (target date ~ January 2012… next breeding season is March-June`12).
  5. Meet as needed with business property owners & managers to inform and solicit their support (no later than mid January 2012). We will also seek assistance from our local Chamber of Commerce and the Shores Business Center Association.

You should know that U.S. Fish & Wildlife and CA Dept. of Fish & Game are being especially helpful. Since we don’t want to simply move the problem from one area to another, we are going to need cooperation from all of the business property owners/managers and their 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, and there seems to be an almost consensus interest in finding some way to begin to reduce the numbers of geese and the excrement they leave all over the Shores.

 

Our Logo Art

Have you ever looked at our logo and wondered what it’s all about? The background is an abstraction of the waves on the waterways in and around the Shores. The birds represent the pair of swans (names ??) that used to habit our lagoons. The male (name) of this pair was killed in an act of vandalism in (year?). The female (name) can still be seen swimming along in our interior waterways.

 

RSCA Can Always Use Your Help

RSCA is entirely a volunteer organization, and we need more help. The list of things that we could be doing – things we would like to be doing – continues to grow. .

If you have areas of specific interest in the Shores that YOU would like to see improved, and you have 1-2 hours a week to work with RSCA, let’s talk about how we might help each other. RSCA can provide support and a platform for action that you might not have as a single individual. We can find a way to use just about any skills you might have that you could volunteer for 1-2 hours a week.

Right now one specific area of interest is the (ugly) entrance to the Shores coming off Hwy.101 at Holly/Redwood Shores Pky. (It’s just not as nice as the impression you get coming into the Shores off of the Ralston exit.) Coming off the Holly exit, CalTrans, the City of San Carlos, San Mateo County, and Redwood City all own some of the property between Hwy.101 and the “beginning’ of the Shores at Twin Dolphin Drive. We need at least one person who would be willing work with these agencies to look into what might be done to “clean up” this area as CalTrans is planning new work on the Holly/101 interchange.

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.

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