Category Archives: News

President’s Memo: June 2012

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Membership Reminder

If you haven’t yet joined RSCA for 2012 you probably received a reminder in the mail recently. If by chance you didn’t receive your reminder, or if you misplaced it, just fill in the information on the form at the bottom of this page, and mail it to us along with your check.

Your $35 membership supports most of our community events like Eggstravaganza, the Halloween Walk, community meetings, and other Shores activities.

Be a member, and help us keep the Shores a GREAT place to live and work.

Meet RWC’s Police Chief on October 9th

Redwood City’s new Chief of Police, J.R. Gamez, will be joining us on Tuesday, October 9th for a conversation with the Shores community about our law enforcement concerns.

GET THIS DATE ON YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

Tuesday, October 9th, 6:30pm at the RWS Library.

Chief Gamez is an avid listener, and this will be a great opportunity to exchange information and have a dialog about issues that may seem unique to the Shores.

BIG Changes in our Summer Concerts!

In response to your many comments and suggestions, we are making some big changes this year in our summer Sounds of the Shores concerts in Marlin Park.

First, all our concerts this year will be on SUNDAY afternoons. Second, we’ve moved the time up an hour to 5-7pm. This will hopefully keep us in the warm part of the afternoons before the sun starts to go down and the evenings starts to cool off. We believe these changes allow more people to attend and in a more enjoyable (i.e., “warmer”) time of the day.

We are trying to arrange a few other new things for our summer concerts. If you are on our email list we’ll let you know what’s happening about a week before each concert. If you want to be on our list, go to RSCA.org, on the web and under the “Feedback” tab, just click on the yellow “Join our email list” button.

Be a VOTER !

By the time you receive this month’s PILOT we are just past this year’s primary elections. But many expect a record number of voters to be a part of the national, state, and local elections this fall, Nov.6th.

Shores residents are among the most civic-minded people in this local area. Being a voter is one of the most basic ways each of us exercise our most fundamental right to express our opinions about the politics of our nation, our state, and our local governance.

Being a voter also increases the importance of the Shores with local government officials. They look closely at how many eligible voters actually vote, and the higher that percentage the more influence we have as a community.

 

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.

— Harris Rogers, RSCA President

Redwood City Sewer Work

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Each year, the City of Redwood City implements projects as part of its Sanitary Sewer Improvement Program. These projects are designed to improve safety, provide maintenance, and enhance operational efficiency and reliability of the community’s sewer infrastructure and service.

This year, the City expects to have its contractor start work on improving or refurbishing 14 pump stations in Redwood Shores. The work will take place from June through August of this year, and the City wanted to be sure that the Redwood Shores community members are well aware of the work that’ll be going on.

Sewer service will not be interrupted during of the construction period, and access to driveways and properties will be maintained at all times for residents, businesses, and emergency services.

The City is requiring the contractor to minimize the impact of construction activity in the neighborhoods. However, as with any construction project of this scope, some inconveniences are unavoidable. Please expect periodic lane closures, detours, some dust, and temporary parking restrictions during construction (look for “No Parking” signs). All motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists are asked to be particularly cautious when near a construction area.

Regular working hours for the project will be between 8 am and 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. If necessary, and depending upon actual field conditions, work may be performed at other hours during holidays, off peak hours, at night, or on weekends as directed and approved by the City Engineer. The City will notify any neighbors who may be impacted by any changes in the work hours.

The City wishes to thank the Redwood Shores community members for their patience during this work. The end result of this work will be a more stable, reliable, safe, and efficient sewer system. Residents may feel free to contact Jimmy Tan of the City’s Community Development Department at (650) 780-7397 if there are questions or concerns regarding the construction.

Free Compost!

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Redwood City residents can now pick up free compost at the Shoreway Environmental Center at 333 Shoreway Road in San Carlos, courtesy of South Bay Recycling (Shoreway Transfer Station & Recycling Center).

Just go to the scale house through Gate 1, provide proof of residency (a utility bill or ID card), and you’ll be provided with up to two empty paper bags for the compost. Each bag holds about 3 cubic feet. From there, you’ll be directed to the Transfer Station to get the compost. It’s self-serve – you fill the bags yourself (they do provide shovels). There is a limit of two bags per visit, and it’s for residents only – not for commercial use.

Visit the South Bay Recycling website for hours of operation and other info. More information on these and other services is available at www.rethinkwaste.org .

Climate Corps Bay Area

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Climate Corps Bay Area is looking for 30 passionate, committed individuals who want a unique opportunity to work on community climate change projects in the SF Bay Area. Applications are currently being accepted for service starting in September. To learn more or apply visit www.climatecorps-bayarea.org

Climate Corps members have the opportunity to spend 10 months learning cutting edge, and valuable skills while helping Bay Area communities reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Benefits of participation include:

  • Access to highly skilled community leaders
  • In-depth emissions reduction experience
  • Networking with other emerging leaders
  • Contribute to important community change
  • Stipend, health care, and educational award
  • Participation in AmeriCorps – the largest Community Service Program in the country.

— Susan Wright

Resource Conservation Specialist

County of San Mateo, Department of Public Works

(650) 599-1403

www.smcenergywatch.com

Presidential Primary Election — Earn a Hundred Bucks!

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This is a unique opportunity to contribute to our democracy and make a difference. We’re looking for some good people to fill some important Election Day jobs.

For more information:

(650) 286-2810 • www.shapethefuture.org

Position – Election Officers

Hours – 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Duties – Serve as a member of a Precinct Board that is staffed with a team who ensure the integrity of the election process at an assigned precinct.

Money – $100/day; a $25 training stipend

Training – Procedures Class (3 hours for first time Election Officers)

 

Sign up online at www.shapethefuture.org

 

— Office of Mark Church, Chief Elections Officer & Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder

Report from the ACTIONS in Redwood Shores

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Sports in Action

Sports in Action, tennis for K-8, takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at Preserve Park courts (Wed at 1, 2, 3, 4 pm; Mon at 3, 4 pm; Fri at 3, 4 pm). The two coaches are certified by the U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), each played competitively in high school and college. Twelve children can be accommodated each hour. We are doubling capacity by adding 4-5 pm on Wednesdays and 3-4 and 4-5 pm on Mondays and Fridays. We are excited that the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) has certified our courts for USTA sanctioned matches.

 

Comments from our tennis students:

Caleb Ahn (grade 5) explained to us how the class works. There are warm ups, games, rallies and tennis matches. One of the games is called “jail” in which the Coach passes the ball, someone hits it, forehand or backhand. If they miss, they go to “jail”. That means they are on the coaches side and if they catch a ball they will go back into the game. Also Caleb told us, there are two teachers one for the younger students and one for the upper level students. He recommends tennis for committed students.

Emna Sellami (4 grade) after warm up we do tennis and divide into two groups. “We play “around the world” with cones setup at different places on the tennis court.” Then they practice forehand or backhand volleys. Emna started tennis last year and she has been doing it ever since. She said it is a lot of fun and you can learn a lot. She has friends from school, friends from aftercare (CCLC) and neighborhood friends who attend with her. Emna says the teachers are really nice even the substitutes and that if you get tired and sweaty it’s still a lot of fun.

Sammy Wong (4th grade ) thinks “tennis is fun, the coaches are nice and you learn a lot of stuff”. She says they do a warm up in class and practice foot work moving tennis balls from one cone to another. She urges other students to try it because it’s fun and you compete in little games like rallies. Two summers ago she had attended a summer camp for tennis, so when her mother asked her if she would wanted to take tennis lessons she was willing to try it.

Claire Crowder (2 grade) Claire says in tennis you move around a lot and on cold days it warms you up. She likes being outdoors. Therefore, when she thinks of her tennis lesson she says, “Oh, tennis! It’s outdoors!” and is pleased to go. Claire is also a swimmer and does a lot of gymnastics. She thinks it’s important to participate in other sports “because they all help each other”.

Clara encourages other students to attend because “you learn a lot of things especially the techniques for forehand and backhand and its fun”.

 

USTA is also sponsoring CLUB USA / USTA Ten and Under Play Day. On June 2nd CLUB USA and USTA will co-host a terrific tennis event for children 10 years and under. No experience is necessary. USTA will donate free tennis rackets to the first ten children who register online. Every registered child will receive a free one year membership in the USTA. CLUB USA will provide two hours of free coaching and its professional photographer will take photos from 1:45 to 3:15 pm.

Contact

 

Music in Action

Music in Action will start with concert pianist Alex Davis performing and teaching pre school kids on Yamaha keyboard (not the grand piano) at Redwood Shores Library (Wed between 11 and 2 pm). Contact

 

Look for ACTION from The PILOT every month for details on valuable learning opportunities for 94650 kids.

— Carol Ford

Fashion Forward: Amaze with Accessories

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“The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” Clairee in Steel Magnolias.

This may or may not be true, but it’s still one of my favorite quotes. Regardless, one of the easiest ways to update your wardrobe each season is with accessories. Here’s how you can make your Spring/Summer wardrobe “pop” with some key accessories:

SHOES – flats, loafers, espadrilles, wedges, peep-toes, platforms – there truly is something for everyone this season. Whether you like a floral pattern, color block, metallic, lace detailing, neutrals, brights or pastels, even transparent – you can find them all. Metallics and animal prints tend to endure as footwear trends, along with classic espadrilles and ballet flats. Find one (or two) that capture your imagination and they will up-to-date your look instantly.

HANDBAGS are also an easy wardrobe update. Again, there are so many choices: brights, pastels, neutrals, color-blocked, plus the prints (florals, tribals, animal prints). Don’t forget canvas and straw for your more casual looks.

BANGLES are still wildly popular this year. Combine them in varying widths, colors, and textures, or go for one dynamic statement bracelet. Experiment – spring/summer fashion is all about having some fun!

HATS AND HEADWEAR are all the rage (thanks to last summer’s Royal wedding, in large part.) Consider a wide-brimmed straw hat tied with a colorful scarf or maybe just the scarf itself, tied turban or headband style. Speaking of headbands – how about a bejeweled or feathered one?

Are you ready to explore accessories? Give me a call if you’re ready to jump in!

— Adena DiTonno

Adena is owner of adenaDesigns, a fashion and wardrobe consultancy in Redwood Shores.

From Lynn’s Kitchen

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MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

One of my dear friends usually hosts a Women’s Tea for our group of girlfriends every May, in honor of Mother’s Day. Many of our Mom’s are no longer with us, or are geographically distant and so we do not have the opportunity to be with them on their Special Day. Since she lives in a large flat in San Francisco, the weather in May is typically misty and/or foggy, so a large roaring fire is always ablaze in their living room. Furniture has been rearranged for several cozy sitting and dining areas, with small tables dressed in beautiful vintage tablecloths and napkins, china tea cups (of course), luncheon plates, and family heirloom silverware. Upon arriving, guests are greeted with a chilled glass of champagne punch, lightly flavored with fresh verbena leaves. It’s always a surprise to discover what new and delicious tea sandwiches she has made, or what fruits and pastries will be served for dessert.

Several of us were just down in Palm Springs for our annual trek to the desert for sunshine and relaxation, and we decided to make a dessert that we had wanted to try for several years. I remember seeing the special little coeur a la crème white porcelain molds at Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table many times, but never took the time to purchase them. Well, we didn’t have the proper molds, but that did not stop us from whipping up one of the loveliest desserts of all time. It would be perfect for a spectacular finish to a Mother’s Day Brunch! It’s very easy to make – just needs to sit overnight – and is luscious served with this Red Raspberry & Grand Marnier Sauce! Try it – you will not be disappointed!

 

Coeur a la Crème with Raspberry & Grand Marnier Sauce

  • 12 ounces Cream Cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 ¼ Cups Confectioners’ Sugar
  • 2 ½ Cups Cold Heavy Cream
  • 2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
  • ¼ teaspoon Grated Lemon Zest
  • Seeds scraped from 1 Vanilla Bean
  • Raspberry and Grand Marnier Sauce (recipe follows)
  • 2 Half Pints Red Raspberries

Place the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on high speed for 2 minutes. Scrape down the beater and bowl with a rubber spatula and change the beater for the whisk attachment. With the mixer on low speed, add the heavy cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and vanilla bean seeds and beat on high speed until the mixture is very thick, like whipped cream.

Line a 7 inch sieve with cheesecloth so the ends drape over the sides and suspend it over a bowl, making certain that there is space between the bottom of the sieve and bottom of the bowl so that the liquid can drain from the cheese/cream mixture. Pour the cream mixture into the cheesecloth, fold the ends over the top, and refrigerate overnight.

 

Raspberry and Grand Marnier Sauce

  • 1 Half-Pint Fresh Red Raspberries
  • ½ Cup Sugar
  • ¼ Cup Cold Water
  • 1 Cup Seedless Red Raspberry Jam
  • 2 Tablespoons Orange-Flavored Liqueur (Grand Marnier is recommended although we used Cointreau in Palm Springs)

Place raspberries, sugar, and ¼ Cup Water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour the cooked raspberries, the jam and orange liqueur into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blades and process until smooth. Chill. (You can make this the evening before serving.)

To serve, discard any liquid that has collected in the bowl with the sieve on top. Unmold the cream onto a decorative plate, and drizzle Raspberry and Grand Marnier Sauce around the base. Serve with fresh red raspberries and extra sauce. Enjoy!

— Lynn Kathleen Adams
— RSCA Board Member since 1994

Softening The Glare of the Summer Sun

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Do the windows in your home allow so much sunlight into the interior that some of the rooms have an unpleasant glare? Are there high decorative windows and skylights that allow the sunlight to directly hit your flooring and furnishings? Ultra-violet (UV) rays can cause color changes in art, fabrics, paint and wood in just three months. Fix the problem now before the damage occurs. Luminette® and Silhouette® window shades from Hunter Douglas will preserve the view while blocking 99% of the UV rays. Another alternative is to apply tinted window film to the problem windows for about $13 per square foot. Window film can also be applied on a custom made window (stained glass) to prevent the glass from shattering in case of an earthquake. I often recommend window film on the sidelights of a front door as physical deterrent to burglary.

Consider upgrading from mini-blinds and cheap vertical blinds. These blinds are installed in many new homes, but after five years the vanes bend, the cords break, and they become a nuisance to clean. Dangling drapery and shade cords become a dangerous attraction to children and pets. Investing in shades or shutters with lifetime warranties are a smart option. If your house includes children or pets you should consider the many shades available with cordless adjustments or with wireless remote controls. How wonderful it is to punch a button and have a whole wall of shades raise or lower! If you have tall windows or an unsightly view, installing top down bottom up shades will allow the light to come in the top of the window and still provide privacy to the occupants of the room. Vignette® fabric Roman shades roll up into a 4” head rail to completely clear the glass and create an updated look for sliders and large windows.

 

— Jean Cary, Jean Cary Interiors

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

Situations Requiring a Veterinarian’s Care

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Last month I wrote about emergency situations requiring a veterinarians’ care. This month I want to give you the reminder of Shock — this is a life threatening emergency. Shock can be due to injury, infection, poisoning and trauma. Cats are particularly susceptible to shock.

  • Respiratory distress – this could be caused by choking on an object, asthma, or other conditions.
  • Inability to walk – This can be due to a spinal or neurological problem.
  • Bloat – If you suspect bloat run don’t walk to your vets (or to the nearest emergency vet)! If your pet is at a high risk for bloat, talk to your vet before there is a problem and learn what actions you can take.
  • Unconscious – Even if your animal regains consciousness, they still need to be seen by your vet.

If your animal experiences any of the conditions listed, you need to get them to the vet immediately.

However, I want to reiterate what I said in last month’s column. Just because your fur kid may not be exhibiting one of the symptoms above (or one of the symptoms listed in last month’s column) does not mean you should ignore any other signs or symptoms you notice. If you feel something just doesn’t seem right with Fido or Fluffy, you need to take them to the vet. Listen to that nagging little (or big!) voice in your head and make that appointment with your vet.


–Jan Brown

Jan is the Owner of Jan’s Pet Sitting and is a Pet Tech Pet First Aid Instructor.