Christmas Lights

I recently helped to judge RSCA’s annual “Light Up the Shores” Christmas Lights competition.  This involved the pleasant task of touring the Shores with other RSCA Board members and reviewing the efforts of fellow Shores residents to brighten up their neighborhoods during this coldest, darkest time of year.  The results were impressive – you can see pictures of some outstanding displays and the addresses of the winners elsewhere in this Pilot and at RSCA.ORG.  It was difficult, but we picked two winners and named a number of honorable mentions to recognize those who went the extra mile in decorating their homes.  The displays ranged from the traditional (thousands of white lights and winter wonderland themes), to the whimsical (huge, illuminated inflatable snow men and penguins in the front yard), to technically impressive (a 30 foot tall Christmas tree and a yard full of lighted displays blinking in time with songs broadcast by radio) and just plain awesome (a towering, lighted tree shining out over the water for all to see from Marine Parkway and beyond).  At two of the homes, the proud homeowners were dressed like Santa and were handing out candy canes.  That’s attention to detail!

I’d also like to laud the residents of Davit Lane between Cringle and Marlin, nearly all of whom put up lights, and many of whom did such a spectacular job that three properties there received honorable mentions.  This is a great example of what neighbors can accomplish when they work together towards a common goal.

Of course, it’s not just the winners who deserve our appreciation.  We were happy to see scores of decorated homes throughout the Shores, and the RSCA Board wants to thank every one of those residents for Lighting Up the Shores.  Please join them next year.

New Year’s Notes

I’d like to call your attention to some Shores events and issues of interest in the New Year.  Number one is our levees.  The city is working to upgrade the levees that ring the Shores and we will post status updates on the project at RSCA.ORG.  As you are probably aware, if the levees aren’t certified by fall 2010 Redwood Shores will be declared a flood zone, which will hurt property values.  This is an issue to pay attention to, and we will continue to do just that on your behalf.

On a happier note, our new elementary school, officially named “Redwood Shores Elementary School,” will welcome its first group of students in September 2010.  I recently toured the school with other community members and was impressed.  We can all be proud of the accomplishment of building this school, which will provide a great learning environment for our kids and be an asset to all of Redwood Shores.

Finally, plan on attending RSCA’s annual meeting, which will be on February 10, 2010 at the Redwood Shores Branch Library.  We’ve planned a full agenda with reports from City and School representatives on these and other important issues.

Submittd by Doug Crisman, RSCA President