The most common reasons that a person can no longer live alone or that they have to move into a care facility is that they can no longer access their kitchen appliances for meal preparation or they can’t maneuver in the confines of their bathroom. Their poor balance or decreased mobility may also prevent them from accessing their own bedroom if it is on another level. The good news is that there are several adaptations that can be made to the home to allow many more years of independent living. With adjustable height counters, sinks, and cook tops to advances in appliances, the kitchen can be adapted for anyone to do meal prep. Bathroom tub/shower inserts can be done quickly and don’t require total demolition of the bathroom just to allow access the space with a walker or a wheelchair. Attractive chrome, bronze or brushed nickel grab bars match other fixtures in the bath and eliminate the institutional look so many people dread. Stair elevators, which provide access to another level of the house, can be installed even on stairs that have an angle. Finally, to greatly reduce the risk of falling in the dark, add vacancy/occupancy sensors to the light controls of the bathroom, the stairs and hall.
For a consultation on how to make your home a safe sanctuary for any person any age, call Jean Cary to schedule a universal design consultation.
How many colors did you eat today? March was National Nutrition Month, and the American Dietetic Association introduced the theme “Eat Right with Color.” Colorful foods are loaded with “phytonutrients,” or plant substances that can protect us against cancer, heart disease and other unhealthy effects of aging. The brighter and more intense the colors, the stronger the phytonutrients are in foods. Each color group provides us with different, important nutrients.
We’re fortunate to live in the Bay Area, where it’s easy to get a variety of fresh, colorful produce all year round. Fruits and vegetables that grow locally are usually picked ripe, and they have more color because they don’t have to be shipped long distances. I get my rainbow of produce by shopping at a farmers’ market and subscribing to Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). CSA enables you to purchase seasonal produce grown at a local farm. Visit www.localharvest.org for more information.
People who eat more fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet are likely to have a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including stroke, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure.
Here’s a sampling of what colorful foods that you can find in the local market today:
Go green: Green fruits and vegetables are colored by a natural plant pigment called “chlorophyll,” which contains nutrients “lutein” and “zeaxanthin” believed to help keep your eyes healthy and reduce risk of cataracts and age-related eyesight degeneration. “Indoles,” chemicals found in the cabbage family, may help protect against some types of cancer. Some good green options are Romanesco cauliflower, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, dinosaur kale, collards, rapini, kiwis and avocados.
Red rules: Red fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigments called “lycopene” or “anthocyanins.” Lycopene may reduce your risk of several types of cancer, especially prostate cancer, and it may slow the development of atherosclerosis. Anthocyanins can act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage and help keep our hearts healthy, too. Try painting your plate red with strawberries, blood oranges, ruby grapefruit, guavas and beets this week.
Bright news about orange and yellow: Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables are usually colored by natural plant pigments called “carotenoids.” Beta-carotene, a well-known carotenoid, is converted to vitamin A, which can help maintain healthy mucous membranes and healthy eyes. Carotenoid-rich foods may help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease, and benefit your immune system. Some orange and yellow citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant that may reduce the risk of cancers and heart disease. Add a splash of orange and yellow to your diet with carrots, winter squash, oranges, tangerines, and Meyer lemons.
White earns its colors: White fruits and vegetables are colored by pigments called “anthoxanthins,” which may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure and reduce the risk of stomach cancer and heart disease. Some white fruits and veggies are good sources of the mineral potassium, too. A few good white choices are parsnips, potatoes, onions, green garlic, crimini mushrooms and pears.
Try true blue (and purple): Blue and purple fruits and vegetables are colored by natural plant pigments called “anthocyanins,” which may act as powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage. They can help reduce the risk of cancer, stroke and heart disease, and have been associated with boosted memory function and healthy aging. Try adding more blue and purple to your plate with red cabbage, radicchio, purple cauliflower and purple potatoes.
When it comes to the produce you put on your plate, go local and diverse with an emphasis on colorful intensity. I hope you’ll use these tips to improve your diet and reap the health rewards offered by colorful fruits and vegetables.
— Darcie Ellyne, M.S., R.D., CDE
— The Palo Alto Medical Foundation and column editor Arian Dasmalchi provide this monthly column.
Somehow, this red wine has fallen from grace. And why is that, since it’s soft, gentle and enjoyable to drink? It doesn’t require cerebral discussions to appreciate it, and its attributes assure that it will seldom be astringent or overly tannic. As such, it’s an ideal wine for aspiring wine enthusiasts starting their journey into the savory delights of red wines. On the other hand, this wine is also favored by savvy wine consumers who seek a wine that has a reliable character, and one that pairs readily with a wide variety of meat and poultry recipes.
With one notable French exception, it typically makes no pretense or leap toward greatness. What you see and sniff is what you get, and “smooth” is the best adjective that describes it. As one friend said, “It tastes like a red wine should .” It hints at black fruit flavors and aromatics, and occasional smoky, toasty nuances. That profile is why it became the red wine of choice in the early 1990’s when the TV newsmagazine 60 Minutes announced red wine as the key variable in the French Paradox—why in spite of their seemingly unhealthy diet, the French seemed to have fewer cardiac issues than beer drinking, Cola-loving Americans.
Wines geeks know I speak of Merlot, the wine of choice for many years until most recently, when many consumers changed to Pinot Noir. Notwithstanding that, Merlot remains the primary grape underlying most wines produced in the Bordeaux appellations of Pomerol and St. Emilion. With their concentrated, fruit forward, low tannic profiles, these regions have been for years red hot, international best sellers. At release date, the finer ones sell in the three-digit range and become more costly as supplies diminish. Chateau Ptrus, one of the world’s most coveted wines is primarily, if not totally, made from Merlot. According to one Internet site, the 2000 Ptrus is currently fetching up to $5000 per bottle—yep, per bottle!
In addition to its Right Bank supremacy, Merlot is the primary blending grape used to counterbalance the harshness of the Cabernet Sauvignon in most Left Bank Grand Crus, and, as such, without Merlot, the fame of Bordeaux would be alternately defined. In the New World models, Merlot is typically made as a stand alone, varietally labeled wine, and is available from as low as $10 to $90 or more per bottle. And the good news is that there are numerous, attractive wines from well-known producers in the $12 to $20 range. Your local retailer should be able to advise what style and price is just right for you.
For the March Pilot I had hoped the rains would stop – but we’re still getting it! I know we need it but it almost seems like overkill now. As to other things, I had several phone calls about a Recology truck that deliberately ran over some geese. I asked them to please call the Recology office and tell them. Being taken aback by that “act” no one got the truck number. So should any of you see a similar act in the future, I was told, when I also called their office, they would like the truck number.
Otherwise, everything seems about the same – unfortunately – as even with the rain our speed limits are not being met and I am always surprised by the drivers who do not have their headlights on when the windshield wipers are on. That is a Department of Motor Vehicles law, as is still talking on a cell phone while driving. Nothing is supposed to be ‘hand-held’. Basically what it comes down to is anything that takes your attention away from your driving is illegal. I have to say that by their actions, I am always amazed that for many drivers it appears they do not have a legal right to drive. Besides, it puts the rest of us at risk. So, as you can see, most of the calls were stating what they had seen, and they were concerned. My comment is if you have a silver or light grey automobile please remember that in the rain they are hard to see, so it is of utmost concern that your headlights and tail lights be on.
Because of some major health and family problems this will most likely be my last article for the Pilot as I will be leaving this area by the end of April, to go over to south of Sacramento where my daughter lives. Since our Assembly Rep is Jerry Hill – a long time friend of mine – I’ve already told him I will be “following” all his actions so they will be a benefit to those here.
As I close this last article it is now pouring outside. I am taking it as a “sad farewell” for a long time pleasure, on my part on receiving your calls and then being able to relate them to others thru the Pilot and Carol Mertz.
Everyone, please take care of yourselves and remember to be thoughtful of others. That alone will always make you happy.
Have a good one and thank you all for the memories.
— Pat Dixon, the Swan Lady
(Note that Pat’s phone number for calls to contribute to “On My Soapbox” are usually included in The Pilot; the number has been omitted from the website version of this article. You can send a message to Pat by emailing with the words “For Swan Lady” in the subject line. )
In January, the City Council certified the Downtown Precise Plan – our revised and updated vision for downtown. Unfortunately, the initial Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was challenged in court, and the judge ruled that there were two areas requiring additional work – potential shadows, and more work was required on the historic structures section of the plan.
Two years later, I am pleased to report that we have a new plan for downtown. Staff and consultants have spent several hundred hours updating the plan, along with countless hours from our Historic Resources Advisory Committee, and the Planning Commission.
So why is downtown important – especially for those of us that live in Redwood Shores? I typed this question into my internet search engine and received over 14.3 million responses. Some of the answers included:
A sense of identity for a community
A social gathering space
A place where a community can assemble
Local businesses are part of a community’s quality of life
Downtown is part of a community’s history
Downtown is a neighborhood
The list goes on and on – for 14,295,000 other reasons.
Our vision for our downtown includes all of the above and more. The vision for downtown began over a decade ago with the appointment of a citizen task force. The initial thoughts of this citizen task force helped change our downtown. The foundation for this renaissance for downtown includes the new Courthouse Square and the retail/cinema complex (with the Old Spaghetti Factory opening later this year!). More recently, several new start-up technology companies have moved in.
The key to continuing the transformation of our downtown are residents that live in this new neighborhood. Hopefully, the new plan will attract new housing development and give each of us many more lifestyle choices.
What is Casino Royale? Casino Royale is the district wide School-Force Fundraiser.
Presenting: The 60ʼs, featuring live music of Beatles cover band Ticket2Ride.
Date: Friday, April 8, 7:30-11:30 at the Hotel Sofitel in Redwood Shores.
Availability: The ticket price is $55 if purchased by March 20th and $65 thereafter.
Come and socialize with parents and other community members while raising money for our schools. Itʼs also a chance to dress up and dance the night away!
Casino Royale is a community-wide poker tournament and live auction gala sponsored by School-Force, the Belmont-Redwood Shores Public Education Foundation. The purpose of the event is to create a Belmont-Redwood Shores community event that brings together people from both communities to raise money to fund valuable staff and programs at each of our seven schools. The auction features a wide variety of desirable items to bid on, contributed by both local businesses and community members. Plus there are exciting raffle prizes for Casino winners. Even if you donʼt attend the event, you can still help raise money for our schools by donating an item to the auction. If you are a business, donating an auction item gets you great visibility with a large community of area parents.
In order to make this event the huge success it is, donations and volunteers are needed! If you would like to help with any of the following, please contact:
Donations:
Michelle Kelley
Susan Meekins
Sponsorship:
Leslie Marks
Grete Fry
Volunteering:
Sarina Hamer
Casino Royale
Save the Date, April 8
What is Casino Royale? Casino Royale is the
district wide School-Force Fundraiser.
Presenting: The 60ʼs, featuring live music of
Beatles cover band Ticket2Ride
on Friday, April 8, 7:30-11:30 at the Hotel
Sofitel in Redwood Shores. The ticket price is
$55 if purchased by March 20th and $65
thereafter.
Come and socialize with parents and other
community members while raising money for our schools. Itʼs also a chance to dress up and dance
the night away!
Casino Royale is a community-wide poker tournament and live auction gala sponsored by School-
Force, the Belmont-Redwood Shores Public Education Foundation. The purpose of the event is to
create a Belmont-Redwood Shores community event that brings together people from both communi-
ties to raise money to fund valuable staff and programs at each of our seven schools. The auction
features a wide variety of desirable items to bid on, contributed by both local businesses and
community members. Plus there are exciting raffle prizes for Casino winners.
Even if you donʼt attend the event, you can still help raise money for our schools by donating an item
to the auction. If you are a business, donating an auction item gets you great visibility with a large
community of area parents.
In order to make this event the huge success it is, donations and volunteers are needed! If you would
like to help with any of the following, please contact:
Saturday, April 9th at 2:00 pm Marlin Park – Main Playground Area
The play features at Marlin Park are being replaced after many years of service. The project is part of the City’s Play Equipment Replacement Program, and it is time to renovate Marlin Park’s playgrounds.
If you have any questions, please contact the Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services at 780-7250.
I’m sure the entire community is aware of Redwood City’s serious budget difficulties. Skyrocketing pension and benefit costs; steady increases in operating expenses; flat revenues; a stagnant economy; and the necessity for significant reductions in expenditures. One result is a Redwood City organization with far fewer staff than we had ten years ago. Even while working to generate new revenues and improve efficiencies, we have to address the underlying structural problems with our budget to ensure we’re creating a sustainable fiscal foundation.
A big part of the solution is permanently reducing costs. Using “smoke and mirrors” (think: California) won’t provide long-term financial stability. Temporary fixes are just that – temporary. Using one-time funds, such as reserves or gifts, only delays the need for real fiscal reform.
If we were to use reserves to balance our budget, at the end of three years those funds would be exhausted and we’d still be facing a deficit in the following years. We’ve utilized reserves in the past – under specific circumstances to endure temporary revenue losses, to buy time as the financial tide turned. But today’s situation is different. The “new normal” of the fiscal environment requires significant, permanent structural change in our expenditures.
In the same manner, using bequeaths or other one-time funds for ongoing operations merely postpones the inevitable. Once those funds are gone, they’re gone – but our day to day services must continue.
Such use of reserves or one-time funds doesn’t provide for a solid, sustainable financial structure. It creates a short-term dependence that will unquestionably be followed by a collapse when the dollars run out and we’re left with providing services we can’t continue to fund. That path is simply not sustainable. A permanent reduction in expenditures is the only viable way to lay the foundation for a more prosperous future.
In fact, the use of reserves to support long-term ongoing operations is the kind of fiscal course that could lead to bankruptcy in cities like ours. It’s far more prudent to make the tough decisions now, in order to build for tomorrow. Every Redwood City department, at all levels, is making difficult choices right now. There are no easy answers, but in the long run it’s precisely those tough decisions that will lead toward fiscal stability.
I’m proud and gratified that the Police Officers Association, Police Sergeants Association, and Executive Management Team have made those tough decisions and come to agreements on concessions that will help our long-term finances. They are leading the way, and are good examples of the City moving in the right direction.
These difficult times illustrate the value of giving back to the community. This is the time to work together, get involved, find a passion and interest in the community, and take action: volunteer with a non-profit, help out with a league sports activity, help our Library, or a school, or service club – there are many volunteer opportunities online at www.redwoodcity.org/calendar (sort by “Volunteering”) and at www.redwoodcity.org/opportunities
The City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert (Bob) Bell to the position of City Manager. Bob has served in the interim position since November of 2010. Since serving in this role, Bob has demonstrated strong leadership by working with City’s labor groups and department head team in restructuring benefit and pension programs to reduce costs. Bob is also spearheading an organizational analysis to streamline and add efficiencies to government operations.
The City Council had initially embarked on recruitment for the City Manager position but as Bob served in the interim role it became clear that his leadership ability was producing the necessary results for the organization and community.
Mayor Ira stated, “The City Council, department head team, employees and community members have been very complimentary of Bob in the position of interim City Manager. The City Council decided it was in the best interests of the City to maintain stability with a leader who was already proving his effectiveness in leading and developing the organization in the right direction.”
Bob has been with Redwood City for over five years serving as the City’s Human Resources Director and was also in the rotational assignment of Assistant City Manager for over two years. Bob articulated a strong vision for the organization to the City Council based on principles of customer service, efficient service delivery, and responsiveness to community needs. He described it to the Council as “Government Best by Climate Test” and Bob is committed to leading an organization that is responsive and accountable. Prior to coming to Redwood City, Bob was the Human Resource Director for Burlingame. Bob has a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of San Francisco and he holds a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge. Bob was the 2005 recipient of the career leadership award from the League of California Cities.
Vice Mayor Aguirre summed up, “The Council is excited to have Bob as our next city manager and have him take the organization to the next level.”
While the tragic earthquake and resulting tsunami in Japan have not had a significant effect on the west coast or the interior shoreline of San Francisco Bay, this event serves as a blunt reminder to the Bay Area that a disaster can strike quickly, without warning, and with devastating consequences. The Redwood City Fire Department wants to remind our community that preparing one’s family and home for a possible disaster – earthquake, flood, or fire, for example – can make a life-or-death difference.
The Redwood City Fire Department offers information and tips for disaster preparedness on its web page located at www.redwoodcity.org/fire. In the event of a major disaster, homes, neighborhoods, or entire areas may be without basic services like water, gas, electricity, and telephones, or access to stores and other services for several hours or days. While public safety personnel will be on the scene after a disaster, they cannot reach everyone right away. Therefore, the best way to ensure the safety of family and home is to be well-prepared before disaster strikes.
The Fire Department encourages Redwood City residents and businesses to do their part to prepare for disaster – and offers these links to get started (all of these are also on the Fire Department’s website):
CodeRED – Redwood City’s emergency notification system
SMCAlert – San Mateo County’s emergency notification system
And, even though the tsunami resulting from the Japan earthquake has not significantly affected the waters here in the Bay Area, it’s important for anyone living near our coastline to have information about tsunamis.
Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and local business. Subscribe to Redwood City’s email newsletter and other City documents by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/egov .
