Every couple of years, the City conducts a satisfaction survey of our residents. In November 2010, over 400 residents were surveyed on the phone, and asked a number of questions related to our Quality of Life in Redwood City. This is not just a one time, survey — by repeating the survey on a regular basis, we are able to track and review results.

What the 2010 Satisfaction survey revealed is that over 90% of our residents feel very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the overall quality of life in Redwood City. These results were particularly high in Redwood Shores. Other notable categories that received high marks from Redwood Shores residents included our satisfaction with city services, and public safety.

And how can we not be satisfied here in Redwood Shores? We have a great library that was supported by our community, a new school, books for both the new school library and the library, levees that are now certifiable, restored bay wetlands at no direct tax payer expense, and a community that enjoys the opportunities to be outside! The weedwhacker makes its annual visit to the lagoons, and last year, for the first time, parts of the lagoon were dredged. For those that continue to say “Redwood City does not pay attention to the Shores” — Not True! Building on the foundation that Councilmember Foust laid when she was first elected, I can assure you that Redwood Shores is part of Redwood City.

As life happens in its own way, things do happen that we need to address. Last year we had the sewer line break at Lighthouse Cove. Several homes suffered damaged and several gallons of sewage spilled into the lagoon. Our city staff responded wonderfully, and many cities on the Peninsula offered their help. Marilyn Harang, the Interim Director of Public Works Services led our response Team, and Evan Boyd, our new Director of Public Works Services arrived in time for all of the post-event paperwork.

Evan and his staff are working hard to make sure that street lights and signals are working properly out here n the Shores. During repairs, they have discovered crushed conduits, broken fixtures, and in some cases, missing copper wiring — probably removed by those seeking its recycling value. I can assure you that functioning traffic signals and street lights are receiving attention from Evan and his staff.

Another area of the Shores that is also receiving attention is Marlin Park. Chris Beth, our Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services and his Team are working with our residents on plans for the renovation of Marlin Park. They are looking for your ideas about what you want our “new” Marlin Park to be.

Justin Ezell, Superintendent, is working with an additional 15 HOA’s that want to use recycled water for landscape irrigation. As the President of my HOA, I can attest that the financial savings of recycled water are definitely positive. We are not using recycled water where children can come into regular contact with it, and our landscape has not suffered.

The challenge ahead for all of us is “what do we need to do to maintain the Quality of Life we enjoy in Redwood Shores”. In partnership with our staff, department heads, executive Team and labor groups, we are working hard towards achieving financial sustainability for our City. But what about our greatest asset in the Shores — our lagoons? The GID fund is basically gone, and we will have on-going maintenance and repair needs for our lagoons (e.g., dredging) and for maintenance of the levees. How do we fund these improvements and others?

There are a number of choices that need to be made on these issues and others. Whatever choices are made, all of us need to be informed. I ask that you stay engaged and involved, and let me know what’s on your mind.

— Jeff Gee, Redwood City Councilperson