Category Archives: News

Nixle, The Free Public Safety Info Service

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In keeping with their great, ongoing work to stay on the cutting edge of technology, our Redwood City Police Department has embarked on another way to communicate with the community. They have just implemented an application called Nixle, and it provides for subscribers (free) to receive public safety info via text and email. When it comes to public safety, I think it’s fair to say that the more ways of communicating, the better. So this is a great new way to be informed. Please read below, and be sure to visit www.redwoodcity.org/police where you can read the full news release, and to see their other online services, including neighborhood crime maps.

The Redwood City Police Department today announced it is now using Nixle to send important and timely public safety information to residents. Nixle Connect allows the department to communicate with the public via text/SMS, e-mail, and Internet posts at no cost. Nixle will be used as the primary resource for distributing secure information to residents over the department’s web-based platforms.

Communications from the Redwood City Police will range from emergency alerts to routine day-to-day information including traffic advisories, missing persons reports, public safety announcements, press releases for high-profile cases, awards and recognition for department efforts, and other relevant information to the area.

VISIT THE REDWOOD CITY PAGE, POWERED BY NIXLE

Redwood City residents can sign up to receive free, real-time safety information by texting their zip code to 888777 or by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/police , or www.nixle.com . Once registered, users can customize the types of alerts they wish to receive via text, email, and online.

Free Your Chi: 7 Ways to Put the Spring Back in Your Step

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Here comes spring — time to kick it into gear, get out, and get going. Not feeling the juice? It’s likely you have at least a few things blocking your energy. Here are 7 ways to set it free:

1. Lighten Up

Of course we need food for fuel, yet digestion takes energy. Try smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day — keep your proteins lean and your fats light and healthy. Try a day or two of only smoothies using fruits, vegetables, low-fat yogurt and/or healthy protein powders such as whey, pea or rice — sweeten with liquid stevia. For the more adventurous, explore juice fasting for 3-7 days.

2. Go Green

Green food contains chlorophyll, which feeds our blood and gives us energy. Try a day or two of “green smoothies,” which are primarily fruit and leafy greens and taste surprisingly good (Google for ideas). Chlorophyll is also available as a minty liquid and in gelcaps.

3. Clean up relationships

Invest in those that are energizing and re-evaluate those that drain. Maybe it’s time to let the latter go. If that’s not realistic, think about how you can limit the drain — clear the air around a conflict, spend less time with those people, or ease the tension with shared group activities.

4. Move it!

Moving your body speeds up your metabolism and lifts your mood and energy. If you’re not an exerciser, start small and realistic. Walk around the block a few times. Park the car further from your destination and pick up your pace on the walk. Move a bit faster up those stairs. Jog in place for 3-5 minutes or do 20 jumping jacks first thing in the morning — repeat mid-day and before dinner. Move your body, and I guarantee you’ll want to move it more and more.

5. Boost your diet

Start with good hydration (clean water, fresh juice), healthy proteins (organic eggs, poultry, lean meats, fish and/or dairy), good fats (olive oil, fish oil, avocado, raw nuts and seeds) and unprocessed carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, sprouted grains). Then explore safe supplements or superfoods that can add some lift to your life: extra B vitamins, CoQ10, D-ribose, green food powders, berry powders, bee pollen, and/or adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola, ginseng, etc.

6. Get your zzz’s

Most of us need 7-9 hours of restful sleep for proper repair and rejuvenation. Last month’s Pilot had a great article on how to get a better night’s sleep by Darcie Ellyne (page 18). Check it out!

7. Balance your hormones

If you still can’t find the spring in your step, look into thyroid, adrenal, and/or sex hormone imbalance with your doctor. These problems are epidemic and often undiagnosed or mis-diagnosed. Deficient or unbalanced hormones can make you feel like you’ve fallen and just cannot get up.

 

Spring Forward!

— Lauren Picciani, MA, Health Educator & Coach

Travel Column: Two Hidden Gems in Australia and New Zealand

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Every vacation is highlighted be finding a location to relax and explore that suits you to perfection. South Pacific islands have a number of notable offerings, but none as ideal as Hayman, Great Barrier Reef. Hayman is Australia’s most celebrated private island with new Beach Villas, world-class dining, and a pampering spa offering Hayman’s signature Ocean Massage. Activities abound with sea kayaking safari’s, sailing, tennis as well wildlife and nature exploration — whales, green backed turtles, flying foxes and wallabies are some of the islands local residents. The Great Barrier Reef marine park running over 1,600 miles is a once in a lifetime adventure, seeing the reef both by air and by sea is a must.

Another tucked away treasure is Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Set on 6,000 acres of ocean-front land Kauri Cliffs is both a working farm and a luxury lodge of the highest caliber. As you drive through the gates, a private road winds alongside sheep-filled paddocks to a stunning lodge overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s a very secluded experience with only 22 awe inspiring suites. Dining is an exquisite affair in the main dining room, on the terrace, or at a barbeque on Pink Beach. Be sure to meander through the Kauri forest and hike the miles of trails. For golfers it is sheer perfection with challenging and quiet fairways overlooking the Cavalli Islands. If no day is perfect, one at Kauri Cliffs is about as close as you can get.

— Linda Margolin

To book contact Linda Margolin, Premier Aussie Specialist & New Zealand Specialist: Tel 650-591-9112 / /www.lindamargointravel.com

Young Pianists from Redwood Shores Studio Win 13 Awards

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Ten Young Pianists from the Redwood Shores Piano Studio of Concert Pianist Sujeeva Hapugalle were rewarded for their efforts with 13 Awards at the recent 2012 US Open Music Competition. These awards were for Solo Piano performance. The competition attracts enthusiastic participation from out of state and internationally, in some categories- from as far as China. In addition Leslie Jin, a past multiple First Prize Winner of the CMTANC competition, also won 2nd Place in the prestigious Bay-area Menuhin-Dowling Competition this year.

These Young Pianists were part of a student group who were presented by Sujeeva Hapugalle in her Studio project ‘Musical Bridges’ that raised $ 11K for the Music Program of RWS Elementary School by performing select public concerts also supported by their families, local patrons and business partners!.

Sujeeva and her Piano Studio looks forward to a continuing quest to support and enrich the musical environment and community of Redwood Shores by future performances!

Join Redwood City’s Annual Spring Cleanup Day

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Redwood City’s Annual Spring Cleanup Day will take place on Saturday April 28th, 2012 focusing on sprucing up Redwood Creek, historic Union Cemetery, Hoover School, Woodside Road, and more, plus some cleanup and restoration at Stulsaft Park. Even though Earth Day is April 22, it’s important to extend that great feeling of helping the environment – so the community is invited to join the fun on April 28 and take part in our very popular local cleanup! Sponsored by Redwood City and its Pride and Beautification Committee.

This is a great, easy, and fun project for kids, adults, and the whole family, and is perfect for doing your part in the spirit of Earth Day. And, this project meets community service requirements for many schools. Community members are invited to volunteer and show their pride in Redwood City!

Participants should meet at 8:30 am on Saturday April 28th at the City’s Public Works Services building, located at 1400 Broadway (near Broadway and Woodside Road). After a complimentary continental breakfast, clean-up teams will move out and descend on this year’s targeted areas. Then at noon, volunteers will meet for a special free BBQ lunch as a ‘thank you’ for participating in this annual fun project that helps the entire community, in honor of Earth Day and beautification of Redwood City.

On that same day, Recology San Mateo County is generously sponsoring the Great Compost Giveaway. Compost is an excellent addition to existing soil, and also makes a great groundcover to help with weed and erosion control. From 9 am to 3 pm on April 28th. Redwood City residents can come to the Public Works Services parking lot and load up with up to one cubic yard of free compost (equivalent to about three full garbage cans). A limited supply is available to be shared among Redwood City residents only, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Twice a year, Redwood City’s Pride and Beautification Committee holds these special volunteer cleanup days to focus efforts on beautifying a specific site or area, and to promote a year-round pride in Redwood City, by cleaning and beautifying school sites, the waterfront, parks, streets, and other areas. Visit www.redwoodcity.org/prideandbeautification for more info on this and other beautification projects. Please call 650-780-7300 for more information about the Spring Cleanup.

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 .

Application Deadline Extended for Four Redwood City Boards, Committees, & Commissions

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Redwood City announces that the application deadline for seats on four of its boards, commissions, or committees has been extended. The deadline for applications for the following seats is 5:00 p.m. on April 25th, 2012:

  • Library Board
  • Port Commission
  • Architectural Advisory Committee
  • Historic Resources Advisory Committee

Residents with a strong desire and willingness to work diligently on behalf of the community are encouraged to apply. More information and applications are available online at www.redwoodcity.org/clerks , or may be requested by calling 650-780-7220.

Serving on a board, commission, or committee is an important way to offer new perspectives and ideas, and contribute to the City’s discussions and decisions on a variety of substantial matters. Members of these boards serve an essential function in helping to manage the significant issues our community faces – and being appointed requires a commitment to carrying out the responsibilities of serving. Applicants’ ability to build consensus, their willingness to offer thoughtful, productive recommendations, and their motivation to be prepared, informed, and engaged in their board’s work are all critical factors contributing to being appointed to a board, commission, or committee.

Typical basic requirements are that applicants must have a strong interest in civic involvement, must be 18 years of age or older, and must be registered voter and resident of incorporated Redwood City. More information on the specific boards, commissions, and committees for which the City is recruiting can be found online at www.redwoodcity.org/clerks .

Marlin Park Playground Renovation Project Update

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We’re getting very close to initiating the Marlin Park Playground Renovation Project. The contractor has been selected and we are working on a timeline, finalizing orders and delivery dates for equipment, and gearing up.

Up-to-date information on the project’s development and contracting is stored on the Redwood City website at www.redwoodcity.org/marlinpark . Door hangers notifying residents who live within 400 feet of the park will be placed by the contractor within the next two weeks.

–Christopher Beth, Director, Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services

Redwood City Council to Consider Advisory Vote on Saltworks Proposal

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The Redwood City Council will consider placing an advisory vote on the November ballot, to gain the voters’ perspective on the proposed Saltworks development. At its April 9th meeting, under “Matters of Council Interests” the Mayor and City Council directed the City Manager to place the item on a future agenda for further discussion. The date for that discussion has not yet been scheduled.

The 1,400-acre site, located just off Highway 101 along Seaport Boulevard, has previously been used for salt production. The project applicant, DMB Associates, had previously submitted a proposal to the City. On November 4, 2011, the applicant informed the City that it intends to conduct internal review and evaluation of its submitted proposal. A revised proposal is expected to be submitted to the City and it will require further analysis and environmental review.

“This is an opportune time to explore various options in moving forward on this unprecedented project for the community of Redwood City,” said Mayor Alicia Aguirre “Prior to re-engaging in that process, the City Council may want to consider whether the revised project is of interest to the community and worthy of further exploration and analysis.”

More information on the Saltworks proposal is available on the City’s Web site at www.redwoodcity.org/saltworks .

Redwood City Considering Ban on Polystyrene Food Service Containers

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The City of Redwood City is considering a ban on polystyrene food service containers, to correspond with a similar prohibition implemented by San Mateo County last summer. On the City Council’s April 9th agenda is the introduction of an ordinance which would prohibit the use of polystyrene-based food containers. If approved by the Council, the item would then be subject to a public hearing, tentatively scheduled for May 7th. The City’s action would adopt the County’s ordinance, by reference.

The proposed ban would not be implemented until January 1, 2013, allowing plenty of time for businesses to learn about their options, and transition to non-polystyrene containers. However, businesses will be encouraged to voluntarily implement the ban prior to 2013, and those that do so would be recognized by the City Council as “early adopters” and leaders in helping to reduce the volume of this pollutant in our environment. Adopting an ordinance banning the use of polystyrene will also help the City meet certain conditions of its Municipal Regional (storm water) Permit, related to reductions in trash loading in the City’s storm drain system.

Banned items are single-use disposable products used in restaurants and the food service industry for serving and transporting prepared, ready-to-consume food and beverages including plates, bowls, trays, and hinged or lidded containers (“clamshells”), but excluding disposable packaging for unprepared food.

Polystyrene is often referred to by its Dow Chemical trademark “Styrofoam.” It is a petroleum-based, lightweight plastic material commonly used by retail food vendors for disposable take-out purposes. Polystyrene has been identified as an environmental pollutant in part because it is non-biodegradable and generally non-recyclable and non-reusable. Various state and federal agencies indicate that polystyrene persists in the environment indefinitely without breaking down and consequently is showing up on roads, waterways, and the ocean. In addition to San Mateo County, a number of other cities on the peninsula, including Burlingame, Half Moon Bay, Foster City, San Bruno, Pacifica, South San Francisco, and Millbrae, have implanted similar ordinances.

If approved by the City Council, San Mateo County would work with Redwood City to publicize the impending implementation, and assist in outreach and education to the affected businesses. While every opportunity will be provided for businesses to comply, San Mateo County’s Environmental Health Division would enforce the ordinance and may issue fines for violations, which would be earmarked for use to supplement outreach and education around polystyrene.

Redwood City Mayor Alicia Aguirre Selected as “2012 Woman of the Year” by California State Assemblyman Rich Gordon

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Redwood City is proud to announce that its Mayor, Alicia Aguirre, was recently selected by California State Assemblyman Rich Gordon as the “2012 Woman of the Year” for Assembly District 21.

“No one is more deserving of this recognition than Mayor Aguirre, and our entire community is very proud of her” said Redwood City Vice Mayor Jeff Gee. “Mayor Aguirre’s hallmark is her diligent work, her deep compassion, and her profound connection with every segment of our community, making her the ideal recipient of this honor.”

Assemblyman Rich Gordon will formally present Mayor Aguirre as District 21’s 2012 Woman of the Year at a ceremony on the Assembly Floor in the State Capitol on Monday, March 26. “The Bay Area at-large has benefited from Alicia’s tireless involvement in all dimensions of Redwood City,” said Assemblyman Gordon. “Her wit, intelligence, and sincere nature make her a stand-out public servant and community member.”

Mayor Aguirre, the City’s first Latina mayor, has served on the City Council of Redwood City for over six years, and has previously served on the Redwood City Elementary School Board. She is a professor at Cañada College, and is also active in the Redwood City Library Foundation, the Shelter Network, Hispanos Unidos, Redwood City International, the Redwood City – San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, the League of California Cities, and Youth Latino Leaders, among other organizations. This is her first term as Mayor of Redwood City.

The Woman of the Year event was started in 1987 as a celebration of the contributions to society made by remarkable women throughout California. In March of every year (Women’s History Month) Assemblymembers have the opportunity to nominate one woman each for the ceremony, for a total of 80 Women of the Year in the State of California.