Publisher - The Spectrum Magazine - Redwood City's Monthly ...

The Spectrum . Redwood City's Monthly Magazine 

Redwood City's Monthly Magazine 

May 2005 

Vol 1, No. 9 

Steve Penna 

Publisher 

spectrumpenna@yahoo.com 

Valerie Harris 

Contributing Writer 

spectrumtext@yahoo.com 

Judy Buchan 


Redexcom@earthlink.net 

Melanie Meyers 


Nick Mukhar, Kathleen Ehat 

Student Writers 

spectrumtext@yahoo.com 

Dale McKee, Damaris Divito 

Graphics and Layout 

DJ Design 

Advertising Graphic Art 

James R. Kaspar 

Special Assignment Photography 

Hello Redwood City, and welcome to the ninth edition of The 

Spectrum Magazine! We are especially We say that every 

month but this month we have a little of everything for you. 

First, we want to thank our readers for visiting our website: 

www.spectrummagazine.net – and voting in our Monthly Poll. 

After fixing our technical problems, we got 214 residents (not counting 

duplicate votes) responding to how they were voting on the 

Parcel Tax - Measure V. 64 %Yes and 36% saying No. You will see 

in Steve Penna’s column “As I Was Saying” ...how we compared to 

the actual results. 

Visit – www.spectrummagazine.net – to see what this month’s 

Monthly Poll is and let your voice be heard! We will report the poll 

results in next month’s issue. 

Last month, we received several emails, phone calls and letters about 

Penna’s column comments regarding the day laborer situation and 

the effect that it is having on our community. Several questioned why 

he did not talk about the supply-and-demand factor. Supply-anddemand 

suggests that if there were no demand for day laborer 

services, they would not be there. Therefore, the fault rests with the 

businesses that are using their services. We hear you all, and that issue 

will be addressed in the coming months. 

Our business profile this month is on Encore Performance Catering. 

The owner, Dave Hyman, is an involved business leader who believes 

that providing quality service on a business level meshes with contributing 

to the community he makes a living in. As you will read, it 

is a great combination. 

We have two youth profiles this month that will impress you after 

reading about the contributions they are making to our community 

and themselves. 

It is all about photographs, and we have plenty of them this month. 

Look into their eyes and see their stories. 

We encourage our readers to support our business advertisers by 

using their services when you can. They are the real reason you are 

reading community news this and every month. If you are inclined to 

do so, we also encourage you to subscribe to our publication by filling 

out the form below. You can have The Spectrum delivered by 

mail to your home each month for only $30 per year, seniors $24. 

Until next month, we hope you will all be good community minded 

residents and enjoy Redwood City! 

Table of Contents 

Inside the Spectrum . . . . . . . . . . . .4 

Teachers Who Care . . . . . . . . . . .5-6 

Cultural Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 

Community News . . . . . . . . . .17, 20 

Business Spotlight: Encore Catering . . .8 

“As I Was Saying” by Steve Penna . . 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9, 23 

Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 

Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 

Cover Story “To Serve & Protect,” 14, 15 

Youth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12, 19 

Social Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 

“A Minute With...” . . . . . . . . . . . .26 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

The Spectrum, PO Box 862, 

Redwood City, CA 94064. 

Advertising/Subscription telephone: 

(650) 368-2434. 

E-mail: spectrumtext@yahoo.com 

Published the third week of each month. 

Periodical rates paid at Redwood City, 

California. 

Subscription rate: $30 per year, $24 for 

seniors. Not responsible for the return of 

unsolicited material. 

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Mail this form to: The Spectrum Magazine P.O. Box 862, Redwood City, CA 94064


Inside The Spectrum: 

Our cover photo shoot 

After securing visitor passes, they were all guided to the second floor where Bolanos’s 

office is located. His office has a friendly atmosphere with photos and sentimental 

keepsakes surrounding his desk and conference table, which gives the impression 

Bolanos is not only working for our community but is an active participant as well. 

As we began the shoot, the conversation was flowing. Bolanos teased Penna about his 

ability to acquire parking tickets, Kaspar and Balanos shared stories about mutual 

friend - former Palo Alto Police Chief Dennis Durkin, and Divito tried to lighten the 

mood with her cheerleading while fighting off a virus that kept her home from work 

for two days. 

We quickly learned that Bolanos would be a tough shoot because he is genuinely modest 

and therefore not a poser - he is natural. We then went outside to catch him in the 

setting of the front walkway entrance and got a good shot of him, which is on our 

cover. 

Spectrum photographer James R. Kaspar and cover subject Redwood City Poice Chief Carlos G. Bolanos 

Photo by Steve Penna 

Redwood City Police Chief Carlos Bolanos has been high on our list of potential cover 

subjects. When Publisher Steve Penna arranged this month’s photo shoot for Thursday 

May 12 at 2:30 p.m., he did so trying to conceal to Bolanos that he would be our cover 

subject. He just told him, “we are doing something on you but have not decided just 

what.” Besides, once we get into the production of The Spectrum anything can change 

and we would never promise anyone they would be on the cover. 

The Spectrum’s special assignment photographer James R. Kaspar arrived after Penna 

at the Police Station on Maple Street, with Stylist Damaris Divito closely behind. 

Although Bolanos is a well-known and recognized figure in our community, and is 

accessible to his community, many don’t get the opportunity to actually sit down with 

him and discover who he really is. Bolanos impresses us as someone who is competent, 

strong in his convictions and believes that he is here to Protect and Serve the community 

he calls home. 

If one wonders why the Redwood City Police Department is well respected throughout 

San Mateo County and known as a department that is efficient and effective, one 

needs to look no further then its leader Carlos Bolanos to figure out why. We commend 

him for that and feel our readers will feel the same way after reading about him.


Teachers Who Care: 

Lupe and Gil Guzman 

by Judy Buchan - contributing writer 

Patrons of Redwood City’s Powerhouse Gym who wonder why a collection box for 

donated books is part of the gym’s decor need only ask fellow gym member Gil 

Guzman and his sister Lupe. The brother and sister teaching duo at Taft School are the 

second year of their book drive. 

Lupe explained that the book drive began when she met her former high school counselor 

and asked for help with potential projects at Taft. The counselor formed a advocacy 

group that worked on securing book donations. “We got nearly 1,000 books 

donated last year,” Lupe said. 

But this is a book drive with a twist. Instead of giving the books away to students, the 

books were first sold for $0.25-$1.00 at Taft’s community fair in last June. 

“And the kids loved it!” brother Gil added. “The books are not free. A quarter is a lot 

of money to these kids, and we want them to think about what they want to do with 

their money. It gives them a sense of responsiblity.” Parents and kids were also excited 

to purchase books at a school event this past March, where a classroom was transformed 

into a bookstore. 

Funds from last year’s book sales enabled Taft students to participate in a field trip to 

Chabot Observatory; similar events are planned with proceeds from future book sales. 

But it’s more than books for Lupe and Gil. It’s memories of their past, perceptions of 

the neighborhood that they believe need to be changed and a few realities that need 

work. 

Lupe and Gil were born in Mexico, and came to the United States when she was four 

years old and he was two. Both have experienced the frustration of racial barriers during 

their school years. Gil remembers vividly how he was placed in an English as a 

Second Language class even though he was fluent in English. Lupe battled to be admitted 

to college prep classes in her high school, finally transferring to another school to 

get the classes she wanted. 

The longstanding stereotype of East Redwood City is another concern for both. Taft 

families are “hardworking people,” Gil said. The idea of the “East Side” is purely a 

“negative,” according to Lupe. “I want people to know this is a safe, happy place,” 

Lupe said. “We need to come together as a community to deal with all the issues,” she 

continued. 

Gil is in his fourth year at Taft, teaching second grade transition classes. Lupe is in her 

third year, teaching third grade transition. “Transition” simply means working with the 

students as they transition to the English language. Most of their classes are equally 

split between using English and Spanish. Language arts for Lupe takes about one and 

one-half hours a day, in English. 

According the Taft School Accountability Report Card, during the 2003-2004 school 

year, 85.4% of the school’s 561 students were Hispanic; 5.5% were Caucasian; 4.6% 

included other groups such as American Indian, Asian, Filipino, and African American; 

and 4.5% were Pacific Islander. 

Taft is also the primary school for students who are classified as “Bilingual 

Newcomers.” These students are bused from other schools in the district. Special 

Education classes are also a focus at Taft. 

Ask about student turnover, and both teachers agree that the high cost of living in the 

Bay Area is a major factor. Both Lupe and Gil have lost seven students to turnover - 

whether it be to families who return to Mexico or families who must leave the 

Peninsula to another community in California. 

Gil and Lupe are very concerned about the impact from the recent property tax election. 

The defeat of Measure V means the loss of seven to eight teachers, the library 

cut to one-half time, and the probable elimination of school resource staff. In addition, 

Lupe expects her current class size of 16 students will jump to 29 students next 

year. “And there’s no place to put them,” she sighed as she looked around her classrom. 

Desite the frustrations, both young teachers are excited about the Taft Community 

Fair, set for June 12, noon-6 p.m., on the lawn area at the school. This is a communi 

(continued on page 6)


And there’s more promise in the future, with the long-range plan for Taft to become a 

community school. That means that vital community services, including medical, dental, 

mental health, and after school programs 

would be located on campus. “After school 

programs are postitive for kid,” Lupe said. 

“They come together in a safe place to learn.” 

Donations for the book drive are much needed 

and gratefully accepted. Books of any type 

are welcome, especially books in Spanish. 

Guided reading materials are also needed. 

Lupe and Gil will pick up donations, or they 

may be dropped off at the school. Reach them 

at Taft, 650-369-2589, or by email (Lupe 

Guzman, lguzman@rcsd.k12.ca.us, Gil 

Guzman, gguzman@rcsd.k12.ca.us). 

(continued from page 5) 

ty, they explained, where folks are “scared to seek help.” Representatives from the 

medical and chiropractic fields will be in attendance, along with police officers and firefighters. 

The interaction between the neighbors and police and fire is critical to building 

trust, Lupe and Gil said. Besides, kids love to climb on fire engines and turn on 

sirens in patrol cars. The City’s Police Activities League, headquartered on the Taft 

campus, will also be represented at the fair. And, of course, there’s the book sale. 

“Come to the fair and see what it’s really like here,” Lupe said.


CULTURAL EVENTS 

SAN MATEO COUNTY HISTORY MUSEUM 

The museum is located in the Old Courthouse with its historic dome. Its collections 

include horse-drawn carriages, models, railroads from Caltrans and the 

Ocean Shore Railroad, relics from San Mateo’s past, and lithographic art dating 

from 1875. 

EXHIBITS — OPENING — “Fleeting Fashions,’’ May 22 through Sept. 9. An exhibit 

of 19th- and 20th-century costumes and accessories from the museum’s collection. 

Most of the costumes are from Peninsula residents. 

“Judge Louis B. Dematteis: An Italian-American Story,’’ ongoing. An exhibit of 

photographs, video and legal memorabilia telling a story of his life. In the Lower 

Rotunda and Hallways. 

“Walter Moore Badge Collection,’’ ongoing. On display is the collection of over 

300 badges of one of San Mateo County’s most famous lawmen, Walter Moore, 

including rare badges like Ocean Shore Railroad and the town of Lawndale. 

Moore began with the police department at the age of 28 as the constable of 

Tunitas Creek. Other historical pieces belonging to the Sheriff’s Department will 

also be on display. 

“Charles Parsons’ Ships of the World,’’ ongoing. An exhibit of meticulous miniature 

recreations of 18 ships of historical note by Charles Parsons including the 

San Carlos, the first ship to enter San Francisco Bay. “Horse and Buggy Days,’’ 

ongoing. The six carriages on display reflect the variety of vehicles used by 

upper-class residents of the county. 

“Journey to Work,’’ ongoing. The story of commuter transportation on the 

Peninsula, why this history was unique in a variety of ways and how this history 

helped to shape the built environment of the San Francisco Peninsula. 

“The Lure of the Coast: 65 Years of Surfing in San Mateo County,’’ ongoing. San 

Mateo County is the home of Maverick’s off the coast of Half Moon Bay, one of 

the premier surfing locations on the planet. The museum’s new exhibit is a history 

of the sport of surfing, its practitioners and their equipment. The exhibit 

also shows developments in equipment technology and display artifacts representing 

seven decades of surfing.” 

Historical Lithographs from the Robert Desky Collection,’’ ongoing. An exhibit of 

hand-painted lithographs depicting noted sites throughout San Mateo County 

from the 1870s, including hotels, private homes and government buildings. In 

the Rotunda and First Floor Halls. “Nature’s Bounty,’’ ongoing. Featuring murals 

of how people used the local natural resources during California’s early history. 

SPECIAL EVENT — “From Vision to Realty,’’ May 21, 2 p.m. Members of the 

Foster City Historical Society will discuss the planning and development of one 

of the newest cities on the Peninsula, as recounted in the new book “Images of 

America: Foster City.’’ $4 general; $2 seniors and students; free children ages 

5 and under. Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

777 Hamilton St., Redwood City. (650) 299-0104, (650) 359-1462 or www.sanmateocountyhistory.com. 

CHILD ADVOCATES’ “3RD ANNUAL BIRDHOUSE BASH’’ 

On May 21, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. the annual spring fundraiser for Child Advocates, a nonprofit 

organization helping find homes for abused and neglected children, will be held in 

the gardens of a historic home in Los Altos. The event features an auction of over 100 

handcrafted birdhouses created by local artists, as well as unique garden and decorative 

art such as outdoor sculptures and fountains. There will also be hors d’oeuvres, speakers 

and entertainment. $60 general; $20 children ages 3 to 14; free for children under 

age 3. 210 Alta Vista Ave., Los Altos. (408) 573-5674 or www.cadvocates.org. 

WESTERN DAY TO CELEBRATE RANCH’S ANNY 

CELEBRATING B.O.K.RANCH’s 20 th ANNIVERSARY OF PROVIDING THERAPEUTIC 

HORSEBACK RIDING TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. 

WHEN: SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2005, 11A.M TILL 5P.M 

WHERE: 1815 CORDILLERAS RD., REDWOOD CITY 

STUDENT HORSEBACK RIDING DEMONSTRATIONS, DOG AGILITY AND SHEEP HERDING 

DEMONSTRATIONS, CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES AND SILENT AUCTION 

MUSIC BY SIDESADDLE AND COMPANY 

APPEARANCES BY ARTIST/DESIGNER LAUREL BURCH AND JERRY MERTENS AND NFL 

ALUMNI FRIENDS 

$45.00 PER PERSON - CHILDREN UNDER 10 FREE WITH AN ADULT - INCLUDES FOOD 

AND SOFT DRINKS PROVIDED BY CANYON INN 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 650-366-2265or E-MAIL - bokranch@aol.com or visit 

their WEBSITE - www.bokranch.com 

LOCAL CHARITIES TO RECEIVE $33,000 AT ROTARY EVENT 

Nearly $33,000 will be distributed by the Peninsula Sunrise Rotary Club of Redwood 

City/Menlo Park to local and international non-profit agencies on May 24. The event will 

occur at 7:30 a.m. in front of City Hall in Redwood City. All recipient groups will have their 

representatives present to accept the checks. Proceeds from the Rotary Club’s recent 

“Irish Night” fund raising event is the source for these charitable gifts. The Peninsula 

Sunrise Rotary club meets each Tuesday morning at 7:30 a.m. at the Waterfront 

Restaurant at Pete’s Harbor, 1 Uccelli Boulevard in Redwood City. For more information 

about the charitable distribution event on May 24, or about club meetings, contact club 

president, Lorianna Kastrop, 368-7143. 

REDWOOD CITY WOMEN’S CLUB 

will meet on June 2 at 149 Clinton St., RC. Social 11:30 am, lunch ($10.00) at noon, 

followed by meeting. Guests welcome. Information: 363-1266 

THE CENTER FOR SENIORS TO CONGREGATE 

The Veterans Memorial Senior Center was established in 1982 and offers a variety of 

health and wellness programs that celebrate community connections. 

A team of professional staff and volunteers provide services in a warm and friendly 

atmosphere. Recreational, educational, expressive arts, and health and wellness classes 

provide the opportunities to make friendships and support healthy lifestyles. 

The programs also include traditional senior services, such as nutritious home-style 

lunches, transportation, and outreach programs to assist the elderly who are at home. 

“Seniors in our community are helping to redefine the way we view aging. Older adults 

come to us for Tai Chi classes, computer classes, and volunteer jobs,” said Linda Griffith, 

Manager of the Community Services Department. “They appreciate the health and wellness 

programs we offer and the opportunity to give back to their community through volunteerism.” 

To learn more about the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, call 780-7270, or visit their 

website at www.redwoodcity.org. 

The Veterans Memorial Senior Center is located at 1455 Madison Avenue, Redwood City. 

Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department provides 

recreational facilities and activities for all ages and interests, 

and supplies building and custodial services for City 

buildings. Redwood City Parks also operates the 

Veterans Memorial Senior Center and the Fair Oaks 

Community Center, providing social, educational, and 

cultural activities, as well as information, referral, and 

counseling services to persons living in Redwood City 

and neighboring communities. 

Redwood City Parks is more than you think! Its website is 

located at www.redwoodcity.org/parks. 

Visit Redwood City’s website at www.redwoodcity.org for 

information about the City and its services, the community, 

recreation programs, education, City government, 

and local business.


Encore! Encore! 

Dave Hyman leaves them wanting more! 

By: Melanie Meyers 


After 18 years as the owner of Redwood City's Encore Performance Catering, 

Dave Hyman has had his share of stories. One such story is the time he catered 

a wedding while on a boat in San Francisco Bay, where several pieces of his 

equipment fell overboard. The next day he went back suited up in his scuba gear and 

retrieved every piece from the floor of the bay. Presently as the lead chef of Encore 

Performance Catering, Hyman remains someone who can get the job done when it 

matters most. Confirmation of this can be found within abundant testimonials from 

the company's collection of cards sent by past clients. Hyman continues to practice the 

art of cooking and creating new ideas from valuable sources such as cooking subscriptions, 

client suggestions and from kitchen experiments. 

Hyman's dream to 

own a restaurant business 

came at the age of 

16 working as a bus 

boy at Nick's restaurant 

in Pacifica. 

Hyman's other childhood 

dream was to 

travel the world. After 

working in the restaurant 

business through 

his high school years 

he served four years in 

the U.S. Navy and 

became a member of 

the U.S. Navy Seal 

elite. Subsequent to 

serving in the Navy, 

Hyman returned to 

the restaurant business. 

"For four years I 

was learning how to 

do things that are off the wall totally unrelated to catering but it has helped in the discipline 

and the stamina to do this job. It's paid off in that sense and opened a lot of 

doors for me.", said Hyman. 

One example where 

Hyman truly tries to go the 

extra mile for his clients is 

in dealing with funeralrelated 

arrangements. 

Hyman bases his efforts on 

his own experiences after 

his father died. This has 

allowed him to take a 

unique service and sensitivity-oriented 

approach that 

allows the family to concentrate 

on celebrating the life of their loved one instead of focusing on arrangements. 

Hyman helps take pressure off by coordinating multiple vendors such as florists, etc. 

and providing a one-stop solution. Additionally, he pays special attention to the family 

and their needs. He solicits information about their loved one in order to produce 

catering that specifically celebrates that person's life. He has become so adept at this 

that one family referred to him as moving among them during the event as if he were 

a member of the family. Their note goes on to say "You took one huge worry off the 

shoulders of our Mom…She couldn't have been more pleased with the outcome." 

Hyman calls this service "Celebration of Life" to emphasize the celebratory and positive 

nature of his approach. One of the best features of this service is Hyman's ability 

to put together a full solution with just 48 hours notice in many cases. 

Hyman also has a strong sense of community and participates in many communityoriented 

events. He participates in the City Trees program helping to plant and 

maintain greenery around the area and works with other local organizations such as the 

Peninsula Sunrise Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and Rebuild Together. He participates 

in the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury. Additionally, Hyman is proud of 

the fact that his business products are nearly 100% recyclable, and, they contribute 

their leftovers to Saint Anthony's Dining Room in Redwood City. 

Encore Performance Catering emphasizes performance through use of fresh, high 

quality ingredients and perfect presentation. Many of the cards he has received reflect 

this and contain lavish words of praise for his food and his service, such as one client 

who writes "…I appreciated how well you handled all the details…[We received] many 

positive comments on the food." Encore reflects his focus on winning repeat business 

through performance. Many of his clients come back time after time because they are 

so happy with his consistent results. 

One way in which Hyman achieves his personalized service is by asking his clients to 

schedule time to sit down and talk specifically about the food and their event. This 

allows him to get a sense of their personality, their desires, the theme and ambience 

they are seeking, and, ways in which he can help them achieve their vision of the 

perfect event. Hyman recognizes that it's not just delicious food, but, food that 

enhances and accentuates the special occasion that keeps his clients coming back for 

more. 

Encore Performance Catering is located at 2992 Spring Street, Unit C, Redwood City, 

94063. Their website is available at http://www.epcatering.com, and their phone 

number is 650-365-3731. 

Hyman's menu goes on for 8 pages of mouthwatering suggestions for everything from 

Continental Breakfasts to Formal Dinners. Despite an entire page devoted just to 

warm appetizers, these are 

mere suggestions and 

Hyman is quick to offer 

additional possibilities to fit 

any occasion.


As I was saying... 

By 

Steve Penna 

Publisher 

It’s only May but the Redwood City Council race 

in November is already shaping up to be one of 

the most competitive in years. All four 

incumbents – Mayor Jeff Ira, Jim Hartnett, Diane 

Howard and appointed councilwoman Alicia 

Aguirre are all running for re-election. In a normal 

election, there would be few if no candidates running 

against them – but this is a unique year. With 

the status quo all supporting failed Measure Q and 

Measure V, it is seen as a opportunity to either gain 

control of the Council by running a slate or sneak in 

as an individual candidate wanting to make a 

change. 

Aguirre is vulnerable – the last two appointed council 

members Fernando Vega and Ian Bain did not win reelection 

the following year, and although she is well 

known in the education circles she needs to attract 

support from the business and senior communities 

to win. 

Of the persons that applied to be appointed in 

January, Paul Sanfilipo, Mark Martinho, Jim 

Thompson and Hilary Paulson, have all expressed 

interest in running. Sanfilipo and Martinho are 

undecided and Paulson and Thompson will run. 

The group that defeated the Marina Shores project – 

Measure Q - Housing Not High-rises is actively interviewing 

candidates to support (they will support only 

3) and will play an important role in this election. I am 

sure they will support Paulson since she is a member 

,and Mayor Ira seems to have captured their attention. 

But as far as the other incumbents don’t look for 

them to support any of them. They differ on the 

issues this group feels is important - Cargill Salt 

expansion, affordable housing, the downtown plan 

and the water supply issue. 

To the disappointment of many, community leader 

Janet Borgens will not be running, Her camp feels it 

will be very expensive campaign and that the timing 

is not right for her to step up. Too bad, many feel she 

was a shoo-in. 

* * * * 

I am hearing that once Sheriff Don Horsley leaves his 

position in 2006 and Under Sheriff Greg Monks is 

elected, Redwood City Police Chief Carlos Bolanos 

will take Monks position. It is no secret that Monks 

(Continued on page 23)


Redwood City businesses here to serve 

you from Emerald Hills to the Flatlands! 

The Spectrum staff has been out looking for the best restaurants, financial institutions, home 

and auto care providers, and many more businesses in Redwood City. We like businesses that 

not only provide quality service but also take an active role in our community by donating their 

services and/or time. We have found some great ones for you. Here is our Best of the Best 

selections. 

Lewis Carpet Cleaners: 1.800.23.LEWIS - Rick Lewis, Founder, Lewis Carpet & 

Upholstery Cleaners, started his business in 1985 out of his home using a small portable 

machine. Today, Lewis successfully operates and manages an office/warehouse of six 

employees and has five working vans with future plans for expansion and growth. Lewis 

moved his business from San Mateo to Redwood City in 1995. The Lewis family works, 

lives and resides in Redwood City and have truly made this town their home. They are committed 

to the vision and success of our community, and with relentless effort will continue 

to support the community devoting time, efforts, energy and services today and in the 

future. Lewis has built his company on a foundation of integrity, loyalty and communication. 

Call and ask about their Spectrum special. You can get 100 sq. ft. of carpet cleaning 

for absolutely nothing $0.00. Call today! 

Edward Jones: 702 Marshall Street #515 - For decades, Edward Jones believed in building 

relationships through face-to-face interaction, and adhering to a strategy of recommending 

quality investments that have proven themselves over time. They understand that this 

approach might be considered unfashionable. But if it means helping their clients achieve 

their goals, whether for retirement, education, or just financial security, it’s an approach they 

plan to stick to. So does Investment Representative David Amann who manages their 

Redwood City office. 

City Pub: 2623 Broadway – Talk about Redwood City flare – this pub favorite offers a wide 

range of items on its menu including: Starters & Soups, Burgers & Sandwiches, Pastas & 

Entrees, and of course 24 Beers on tap, Beverages & Wine. City Pub also has a Kids menu 

and serves Breakfast on Saturday and Sundays from 11: a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They offer daily 

specials and feature Fish and Chips on Friday’s. You will enjoy the outdoor front patio once 

the warm weather begins. 

First National Bank: 700 El Camino Real - In the ever-merging world of the banking 

industry, it’s hard to find places where the consumer or small business owner’s voice still 

matters. Independent banks and small local banking chains, which would take the time to 

listen, are slowly becoming a thing of the past. Luckily this is not the case at First National 

Bank of Northern California, according to Brian Palter. Palter is the branch manager of the 

Redwood City location, which is currently housed at 700 El Camino Real. “When we have 

a new client and do right by them,” said Palter, “they tell others.” Doing right by a client, 

whether old or new, requires taking extra steps in situations which nationwide chains might 

not do. Give Brian a call and see what he means! 

OK Maguey: 2616 Broadway –Redwood City’s newest and best Mexican restaurant has a 

full dinner menu of reasonably priced selections that will keep you coming back for more. 

They now featuring a lunch menu starting at $5.95 and up, and they also feature live music 

every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening to enhance your eating experience. The outdoor 

patio is great for those warm night. 

Bluefin Sushi & Teriyaki Grill: 2327 Broadway –Whether you dine in or take out you will 

find out their sashimi, Nigiri sushi, donburi, and bento dishes are irresistible! No MSG/No 

chemical additives added. Low in Cholesterol. Low in Calories. Low in Sodium. Their sushi 

is made fresh daily by experienced sushi chefs which has made this restaurant a favorite 

Downtown eating spot, this restaurant is a must try! 

Mulligan’s Pub & Grill: 2650 Broadway – Mulligan’s is a favorite spot for anyone wanting 

quality large portion meals and we mean LARGE! at reasonable prices. They feature 

Burgers, Salads, and Gourmet Pizzas and also have 24 Beers on tap, a full bar and Live 

Music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. They also have an upstairs area to accommodate 

large and small private parties, so if you are planning a get together with a small or 

large group, call Jerry at 650.364 5600 and he will make sure you are taken care of! Check 

out and use their coupons in this month’s Spectrum. 

American Capital Financial: 2317 Broadway #200 – Treat yourself to the ultimate gift – 

a new home! They make it easy for you to bid on a house by having your pre-approval letter 

with you. These friendly professionals have the right home loan for you and your family! 

Competitive Rates: They work quickly to get you the best rates and explore all the 

options that fit your needs. Fast Pre-Approvals: They can have your pre-approval ready for 

you in 48 hours or less. So when do you want to close? 

Re:Juvenate Skin Care: 805 Veterans Blvd., Suite 140 - Treat yourself, you deserve it! 

RE:JUVENATE’s medical staff is experienced in all of the known non-surgical aesthetic 

procedures including: Thermage, Botox, Restalyne, sclerotherapy, laser treatments for hair, 

vein, brown spot removal and skin resurfacing, medical microdermabrasion and skin peels. 

Their aim is to assist you in choosing the very best options that will find you smiling each 

and every time you look in the mirror. You can have a complimentary consultation by calling 

650.261.0500 and mentioning The Spectrum Magazine. Yes, you do! 

Canyon Inn – 587 Canyon Road – You will find everything at this Redwood City favorite. 

Although owner Tim Harrison offers tasty Burgers – try the “Hacksaw” double cheeseburger, 

he also has Sandwiches - Steak Sandwich with melted Swiss, sautéed mushrooms, 

grilled onions and fries, Deli sandwiches – various meats are served hot or cold on your 

choice of bread and cheese, with lettuce, tomato, and onions, to fill you up. They also have 

specials like Fish and Chips, Raviolis, Spaghetti, Lasagna, and a variety of Quesadillas. If 

you use their coupon in this month’s Spectrum, you can get 10% off all meals - now that’s 

an offer you can not pass up! 

1-800-DRY-CLEAN: Taking your time to drop off dry cleaning at an out of the way business 

is just another errand that takes you away form your family, friends and life pleasures. 

1-800-DRY-CLEAN solves that problem by offering door to door pick up and return delivery 

service at reasonable prices. What more could you ask for? More quality time for you! 

You have to try this service – you will love it. 

Redwood General Tire: 1630 Broadway –Whether you are looking for a new set of tires, 

or need to tune your vehicle, this Redwood City institution has been providing quality vehicle 

services since 1957. Redwood General Tire was founded on the premise that good customer 

service, quality products at fair prices will succeed in the marketplace. They continue 

to follow this philosophy today and expect it to guide them into a successful future. 

Many of their satisfied customers have been with them since their founding and continue 

to do business with them today. They proudly serve the third generation of many of their 

first Redwood City customers. 

Warren Street Chiropractic: 520 Warren Street - Warren Street Chiropractic Wellness and 

Injury Center was formally Lease Chiropractic Offices, owned and operated by Dr. Timothy 

H. Lease, D.C. Dr. Lease is beginning his 21st year of practice and has a very broad patient 

base. He sees patients from infants to folks in their 90’s. Cases range from Work Injury 

cases (Workers Compensation cases), Personal Injury (car accidents, slip and falls, bicycle 

and pedestrian accidents), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantar Fascitis, Headaches, Neck Pain, 

Back Pain, Low Back Pain, Leg and Arm pain. He has a working network of other Doctors 

and Therapists so that if and when the need arises he is able to refer for second opinions 

and or other therapy if appropriate. They have 6 spacious exam rooms, one of which is a 

massage room.


How Good an Investment is 

Your Home? 

By David Amann 

Special to the Spectrum 

Most people agree that home ownership is a good thing. But is a home really an 

“investment?” In a way, it is. But keep this in mind: Your home, by itself, is almost certainly 

not the type of investment that’s going to help you meet your long-term goals, 

such as a comfortable retirement. 

Many people think that because they put so much money into their homes, they are 

bound to be handsomely rewarded in the future. And it is true that, over a long period 

of time, home prices generally rise. But this appreciation has not come close to that of 

some financial assets, such as stocks. Stock prices will certainly fluctuate in the short 

term, but housing prices can do the same. In some parts of the country, home values 

have fallen for several years in a row before recovering. (Keep in mind, though, that 

past performance does not assure future results. Stocks are subject to risks, including 

the potential loss of principal invested.) 

Still, if you live in a house for many years, the chances are pretty good that you will end 

up making a profit when you sell. And if you’ve owned and lived in your home for at 

least two years within the five years preceding its sale, you can exclude up to $250,000 

in capital gains, or $500,000 if you’re married and filing a joint return. 

Of course,after you sell your home,you’ll have to live somewhere,so some of your profit will need to go toward 

a new residence.But if you “downsize,”you could end up with a nice sum of money.Will it be enough to finance 

your retirement,help pay for your children’s (or grandchildren’s) college education and meet whatever other goals 

you have? Probably not. And that’s why you’ll still need to build a diversified 

portfolio containing high-quality stocks, bonds and other securities. 

Using your home to generate cash 

Even if you can’t count on your home meeting all your long-term financial goals, you 

can use the equity in your home to help boost your cash flow. Consequently, you may 

be able to avoid tapping into your long-term investments, so you can continue making 

progress toward your important objectives. 

Here are two of the most common ways to get money out of your home: 

Home equity loan - You can generally get this type of loan at a competitive rate, and 

the interest may be tax-deductible. (To make sure of the tax deductibility, though, you’ll 

want to consult with your tax adviser.) You can use the loan for virtually any purpose 

you choose, but keep in mind that you’re pledging your house as collateral - so you have 

to be sure you can afford the loan payments. 

Reverse mortgage - If you’ve paid off your home, you might want to think about taking 

out a reverse mortgage. This is a special kind of loan that enables you to convert 

your home equity into cash, either through a line of credit or installment payments. 

Essentially, you’re selling back part ownership of your home to your lender. Reverse 

mortgage programs are not suitable for everyone, however, so make sure you know 

what’s involved before you sign on the dotted line. 

Use your home wisely 

Through careful planning, you can incorporate your home into your overall financial 

and investment strategies. So, use this asset wisely - it can pay off for you in a variety 

of ways. 

Editor’s note: David Amann is one of the Redwood City community members who 

will be contributing to The Spectrum. If you have any questions regarding investments 

please send them to: spectrumtext@yahoo.com or The Spectrum Magazine – P.O. Box 

862 – Redwood City – California – 94064.


Freshman Student Athlete Making 

Name for Himself at Woodside 

By: Nick Mukhar 

Student Writer 

As the end of the school year draws closer and graduation approaches, seniors try to 

leave a lasting impression on their school. For freshman John Bordy of Woodside High 

School, his impression is already being made. In addition to being a 4.0 student 

throughout his first year of high school, Bordy has been playing key roles for the 

Wildcats varsity baseball and water polo teams. While on the water polo junior varsity 

team, Bordy played tournaments with the varsity squad, and has been the starting second 

baseman for the varsity baseball team the entire season. 

while playing the game. He plans to pursue both sports for as long as he can but still 

remains realistic about his goals for the future. 

“If I happen to go pro, in either sport, then great, but it is not something I am 

depending on. If it happens it happens.” Bordy has already been making plans for what 

he wants to do after high school. His first choice for college is California State 

University at Long Beach and he plans to track a career in sports medicine. Until then, 

he plans to continue having fun playing high school sports and working hard in the 

classroom in order to get to where he wants to go. While his athleticism has set him 

apart from most players his age, he is still a freshman trying to enjoy the next four years 

of high school. 

“I just want to have fun during high school and see what happens after that.” 

Editor’s note: Nick Mukhar is a Senior at Woodside High School. He is one of the 

student writers for The Spectrum this year and will be writing articles about sports each 

month. 

“I just try and stay focused and work hard at everything I do,” said Bordy. Playing 

Varsity sports as a freshman can be a little bit intimidating, but so far Bordy has not 

back down from the challenge 

. 

“I do not pay much attention to the age difference. I like playing on varsity because it 

gives me a bigger challenge to try and overcome.” When asked how he balances his 

time between school and sports Bordy had a simple answer. 

“I just go to class everyday. After that I 

go to baseball and just come home, 

have some dinner, and do my homework 

everyday.” While baseball has 

been a part of his routine for most of 

his life, water polo is a new experience 

for him as this is his first year playing. 

However, it may be the sport that 

comes most naturally to him. 

“My grandfather was in the Olympics 

for water polo,” he said. “I decided that 

I should try to play it also and I really 

like doing it and feel comfortable when 

I’m playing.” As for baseball, Bordy has 

been playing ever since he was five 

years old and credits many of his 

coaches for the success he has had 

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The Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL) held its first annual Motorcycle Poker Run and brought 

135-140 motorcycles together to raise several thousand dollars. Sponsors of the event were: Redwood 

General Tire, Pirelli Tire, Continental Tire, The Old Pro in Palo Alto and DPR Construction. Doug 

Woods and Renee Ursino helped make the event a success. (Photos continued on page 16)

Police Chief Carlos Bolanos has been at the helm of the Redwood City Police 

Department for over ten years, after taking over in December of 1994, when an opening 

was published in the trade papers. 

Chief Bolanos was born and raised in San Francisco, attended San Francisco public 

schools, went to City College of San Francisco after high school, and got his Associate 

of Science Degree in Criminology. 

To Serve a 

By Valerie Harris 

Special to the Spectrum 

Bolanos chose to become a police officer because: “I wanted to, first and foremost, 

do something where I could truly make a difference in people’s lives and make their 

lives better. I wanted to do a job that was exciting. And I wanted to play a personal 

role in taking some individuals, who make our society unsafe, off the street.” 

Bolanos started his police career in 1979 in Palo Alto, and stayed with the department 

for 12 years. He started as a patrol officer, worked his way up to detective, then served 

as a field training officer, and was member of the SWAT team. Bolanos was then promoted 

to Police Agent, a quasi-supervisory position, a two-stripe position in the police 

organizations. He was promoted to sergeant, and then police lieutenant. When he left 

in 1991, Bolanos was a Police Captain. 

Bolanos recounted a big case while he was Palo Alto Property Crimes (Burglary) 

Detective: “As a detective, I worked undercover in a fencing operation in the 

early1980’s in East Palo Alto. I worked undercover to sell this person merchandise that 

they believed to be stolen. We subsequently served a very large search warrant on multiple 

areas, and recovered a lot of stolen property. We found weapons, and big machine 

guns. The suspect’s name was Rogge.” This was a huge story at the time. 

When asked if he had ever experienced a hostage situation while on the SWAT Team, 

Bolanos stated: “SWAT mainly conducted high-risk searches for subjects, where you 

systematically search large or complex areas or buildings, and look for subjects who 

may be secreted inside these areas. The hostage-taking SWAT situations that are 

shown on television are pretty rare.” 

While he was a police officer in Palo Alto, Bolanos completed his undergraduate 

degree, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Economics at the University of San 

Francisco. He then graduated from the P.O.S.T. (California Commission Peace Officer 

Standards and Training) Command College in San Marcos, California. This is a twoyear 

graduate program designed for police executives. 

During this period with the Palo Alto Police Department, Bolanos lived in San Bruno, 

and then moved back to San Francisco. 

Bolanos then transferred down to Salinas for three years. In Salinas, he was the 

Captain in charge of all field operations, which is the largest division in any Police 

Department. Bolanos described the job: “It’s all the uniformed personnel. It was a 

lot of responsibility. Salinas has always and continues to be a very challenging place to 

police because of its high level of violent crime. The city itself has always had scarce 

financial resources. It was a good learning experience for me, coming from Palo Alto, 

which had a very low crime and a tremendous amount of resources. Salinas was quite 

the opposite. It gave me a good balance to the experience I had gained as a law 

enforcement officer in Palo Alto.” 

Bolanos continued: “The violent crimes in Salinas were mostly homicides. Redwood 

City is around 80,000 people. At that time, Salinas was around 130,000 people. It’s 

since grown to about 140,000 to 150,000 people. Salinas would average out to about 

23 homicides a year. Whereas in Redwood City we average one to two homicides a 

year, for a community that’s very similar. Most of our crime in Salinas was gang-related. 

Salinas has a tremendous gang problem and historically has been an area where 

there are a lot of gangs. Salinas is over 50% Hispanic, with a significant farm-worker 

population. Whenever you have a significant lower socioeconomic population, the parents 

typically have to work one to two jobs, and they are not around to provide the 

supervision for their children.” 

As a captain, Bolanos knew the next step was Police Chief. There were no promotion 

opportunities in Salinas, then Redwood City opened up. Job openings are posted in 

professional publications, and the chief in Redwood City was going to retire, so 

Bolanos applied. He went through the process with 60-plus applicants, and landed the 

job. Bolanos took over as Police Chief in December 1994, and moved to Redwood 

City in 1995. He has been a Redwood City resident ever since. 

Redwood City was a nice improvement weather-wise from Salinas. “The misconception 

about Salinas is that I thought when I moved down there, I’d buy a pool, because 

it would be hot. It’s not. Salinas’ weather is very closely linked to San Francisco in similarities. 

In the summer it’s cold and foggy. It’s very close to Monterey.” Bolanos contends 

that Redwood City’s slogan about the weather is true: “I love Redwood City. The 

weather is gorgeous. The slogan is absolutely true.“ 

In 2002, City Manager Ed Everett appointed Bolanos as a Fire Chief for one year. For 

Bolanos, it was a very tough year, work wise. It was also great experience. “I got to 

work really closely with the Fire Department and it gave me a great appreciation of the 

work that these guys do,” Bolanos stated. 

After Bolanos took over as Police Chief, he saw the need to institute a Police Activities 

League (PAL) program. “Redwood City also has a community that is very diverse. 

There are youth in the community that can use activities that would keep them out of

nd Protect 

All Photos by James R. Kaspar 

When asked to describe the most compelling 

case in Redwood City, Bolanos 

did not focus on a case you would find 

on “Unsolved Mysteries.” Instead, 

Bolanos recalled the 1996 case of little 

9-year-old Bertha Valencia, a child who 

was stabbed repeatedly by a neighbor, 

26-year-old Eric Umali, in an apartment 

complex on Broadway. The neighbor 

was a registered sex offender, a story 

that’s all too familiar. But little Bertha 

had not been molested, just brutally 

stabbed. 

Bolanos described the case: “This was 

a case that really marshaled the police 

force. I was impressed at how my 

organization came together and did 

their job in a professional way, but also 

in a compassionate way. They made 

sure that the little girl recovered, that 

she knew that the police department 

was behind her, collecting money and 

gifts for her; really adopting her for a 

period of time as she struggled to 

recover from her wounds.” 

Umali was convicted of attempted murder in 1997. In 1998 he was sentenced to 21 1/2 

years in state prison. 

But it was the pride in his officers, banding together to champion the cause of the little 

girl, that shows how much Bolanos truly cares about his community. 

trouble and would keep them out of harm’s way. My experiences with PAL in Salinas, 

having been a coach and been a member of their board, was that PAL really was a 

home for many of their kids during that time when they are most vulnerable to either 

engaging in inappropriate behavior or being victims of it; that’s the time between 

when they get out of school and when their parents get home. When I got to 

Redwood City, I recognized that they did not have a PAL program. So I picked a very 

energetic officer, and we started PAL.” 

Bolanos continued: “Basically, we provided sports leagues, trips, activities, subsequent 

programs to where we now have our own building. It would have never happened 

without the support of the city. The entire community really got behind it. 

The Redwood City Elementary School District partnered with us in identifying space 

near Taft School. Without the support of the City Council, the City Manager, and 

some major donors, it would have never happened. It’s truly been a community partnership. 

I worked with two members of my staff, Captain Scott Warner and Barbara 

Bonilla. They were the two that really spearheaded the program.” 

“The department used to be involved in the PYC – the Police Youth Center, many 

years before I got here, but that was no longer in existence, and I thought that the 

department was missing an opportunity to develop a relationship with the youth in 

our community. I thought PAL would be the perfect bridge for that. PAL was in 

existence when I was a kid. And, having worked in Salinas’ PAL, I saw how effective 

they were.When I came to Redwood City, I saw that we did not have a PAL, I thought 

that there was a tremendous opportunity for us to get to know the youth in our 

community, and have them get to know us,” said Bolanos. 

When asked about crime statistics in Redwood City over the past 11 years, Bolanos 

stated: “Crime has been consistently low to moderate. Thanks to some of the work 

done by city staff and City Council, some of the areas that used to cause the organization 

trouble in terms of policing, have been eradicated. For example, Rollison Road 

used to have an alley, and it also had decrepit apartments, with tremendous gang activities 

and lots of violence. This area has since changed thanks to Habitat for 

Humanity.” 

As for current concerns, Bolanos stated: “The biggest issues facing Redwood City 

from a law enforcement perspective are determining where we will get the resources to 

provide the level of presence and support that we want to have downtown as the 

theater opens and the Courthouse Plaza gets renovated. We want to establish a strong 

presence in advance of the anticipated numbers of people that will be downtown and 

we want to make it a safe environment for all. Gangs and drugs continue to be an issue 

in our community and the Department continues to work collaboratively with our law 

enforcement partners to develop strategies to address them.” 

Bolanos is currently attending California State University East Bay, where he is wrapping 

up a Masters in Public Administration. Bolanos only needs three classes to finish, 

and will complete his degree early next year. 

“I am eligible to retire, and I will be maxed out in my retirement in four years, when I 

turn 50. At that time, I will certainly want to do other work. I don’t aspire to run for 

office. I have tremendous respect for politicians, I respect their dedication and devotion, 

but I think you really have to put yourself out there, and that’s not really me. I 

have no intention of ever running for office. The only elected position I would be 

interested in is the Sheriff of San Mateo County, but my friend Greg Monks is running 

for that office, and I plan on helping him win the election,” Bolanos stated. 

Bolanos is married; his wife, Kim, and he have three children. 

“It’s hard to know if the PAL program had an effect on reduction of crime, because 

you don’t know what the crime rate would have been without the program. But what 

we do know, is that many of the youth that we coached through the years, are now 

young adults, and I still encounter them throughout the community. They have fond 

memories of PAL. When they were in the PAL program, we know that they were 

not engaged in any negative activities,” he said.


(Photos continued from page 13 - 

Redwood City Police Activities 

League Motorcycle Poker Run)


COMMUNITY NEWS 

REDWOOD CITY PARCEL TAX DEFEATED 

A Redwood City parcel tax measure that would fund school programs did not pass, 

according to election results posted on the San Mateo County Web site . Measure V, 

the "Funding for Classroom Education Excellence Act of 2005," would have instituted 

a per-parcel tax for school programs that would infuse the Redwood City 

Elementary School District with an estimated $3.3 million in new annual revenue. The 

measure required a two-thirds majority in order to pass but only received 61.63 percent 

of the vote - about 5 points shy of the 66.67 percent it needed to pass. 

POODLES' PROGRESS IN REDWOOD CITY 

The Peninsula Humane Society and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 

reward has doubled to $1000 for information about the person responsible for packing 

five severely neglected poodles into two boxes and abandoning them. The puppies 

were discovered on May 2, according to society spokesman Scott Delucchi. While the 

Humane Society reports that it euthanized a male animal because of the extreme pain 

he was in, four females have been medically cleared and their temperaments assessed. 

The poodles are now up for adoption and will be ready for a new home after undergoing 

spaying and the extensive dental work that resulted from their poor diets. "We've 

received dozens of calls from concerned residents and potentially interested adopters,'' 

Delucchi said. Delucchi asks those interested in adopting the poodles to complete an 

adoption profile available on the Web at http://www.phs-spca.org and to include a 

100- to 250-word statement explaining why their home would be good. The Humane 

Society hopes to find one home for all four poodles or two homes to accept the dogs 

in pairs. Boxes containing the poodles were found dumped in front of the Pets in Need 

adoption building at 873 Fifth Ave. in Redwood City, Delucchi reported. The Humane 

Society reported that the dogs, which are between the ages of 8 and 10, were neglected. 

All of the animals needed veterinarian care and grooming. The four female dogs 

were in need medication for their eyes and ears, according to Delucchi. One of the 

females will probably need an eye removed. Anyone with information about the incident 

is asked to contact (650) 340-7022 ext. 320. 

ATTEMPTED MURDER IN REDWOOD CITY 

A man accused of choking his former girlfriend, choking the woman's 13-year-old 

sister and later stabbing the victims' male friend multiple times pleaded not guilty in 

San Mateo County Superior Court. Christopher Sartor, 21, is charged with attempted 

murder, battery upon a cohabitant and assault with a deadly weapon for the events of 

Feb. 11 in Redwood City. At a preliminary hearing in April, all three alleged victims testified 

about the attack. According to testimony, Sartor was visiting his ex-girlfriend and 

her sister at their home on East Bayshore Road when he and the young woman began 

to argue. Sartor allegedly choked the woman, then -- when the younger sister attempted 

to intervene -- attacked the child as well. Sartor abruptly became apologetic, tearful 

and left the scene. The sisters called a male friend, Jason Bailey, for protection. Sartor 

allegedly returned to the property and stabbed Bailey multiple times, including three 

times in his left arm, once above his left hip and once through his rib cage, injuring his 

diaphragm. Bailey underwent two surgeries and endures ongoing pain on the left side 

of this body, he testified at the preliminary hearing. Sartor and his defense attorney 

Michael Hroziencik appeared today before Superior Court Judge Stephen Hall. He is 

scheduled to return to court for a pretrial conference on June 27 at 1:30 p.m. A jury 

trial is scheduled for July 25 at 8:45 a.m. 

CONSTRUCTION THEFTS IN REDWOOD CITY 

Two people are in custody in connection with a string of residential construction 

site burglaries, the Redwood City Police Department reported. Power saws, drills and 

portable construction equipment have been reported missing in the construction site 

burglaries over the past two months. On April 21, Redwood City Police detectives 

developed information about the crimes that led them to an apartment in the 200 block 

of Vera Avenue in Redwood City. Police determined that the apartment's residents, 

Jorge Acosta Morales, 25, and Veronica Lopez, 27, were on probation and both had 

outstanding felony arrest warrants. Neither resident was in the apartment at the time 

of the search, which yielded a large quantity of high-end construction equipment valued 

at approximately $20,000. Four victims already have identified property seized 

from the residence. Police detectives learned that both Morales and Lopez had gone 

into hiding to avoid arrest, and that Lopez was hiding at a home in Hayward. Lopez 

was arrested at the Hayward residence without incident. Police then learned that 

Morales was in the Belmont area. He was taken into custody without incident. 

SEAT AVAILABLE ON HOUSING AND HUMAN CONCERNS COMMITTEE 

The City of Redwood City announces an opportunity to fill a vacancy on the City's 

Housing and Human Concerns Committee. Members of the community are invited to 

offer their interest, experience, and enthusiasm for the benefit of their City by applying 

for this appointment. The selected applicant will serve the remainder of the unexpired 

term, until May, 2008. Applications are available by calling the City Clerk's office, 

or online at www.redwoodcity.org/clerks. The objective of the Housing and Human 

Concerns Committee is to advocate for the improvement of the quality of life of 

Redwood City citizens and to assure that human considerations, as set forth in the 

General Plan, are given adequate consideration in physical and economic decision making. 

Applicants' basic requirements are that they have an interest in civic and community 

improvement, are 18 years of age or older, are a United States citizen, and are a 

resident of incorporated Redwood City. The deadline for submitting applications is 

May 27th 2005. 

TEAR THE OLD THING DOWN 

Please save the date to join Redwood City, San Mateo County, and the Redwood City 

Redevelopment Agency to kick off the beginning of the project to bring back the old 

courthouse façade and open up the area for the upcoming courthouse square public 

plaza. Also involved are the San Mateo County Historical Society & San Mateo County 

History Museum, DPR Construction, the Downtown Business Group, and DES 

Architects. Wednesday, May 25th, 10:30 am, on Broadway in front of the old annex 

building (across the street from the Fox Theater). 

17TH ANNUAL MAYOR'S BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS UNDERWAY 

Redwood City residents, non-profit organizations, and businesses are showing their 

civic pride by applying for a Mayor 's Beautification Award. Individuals, homeowners 

associations, apartment complexes, businesses, non-profits, and others are invited to 

participate. Applications are available by calling 770-7300, or by visiting City Hall ( 

1017 Middlefield Road). The application is also available online at 

www.redwoodcity.org, where applicants can fill it in, print it, and send it in. The deadline 

for entries is June 30, 2005, and judging will be completed by the end of July. These 

awards help foster civic pride in our community, beautify our entire City, and, of 

course, recognize people and organizations for their work to make Redwood City a better, 

more attractive place to live and work. The program is sponsored by the City 's 

Pride and Beautification Committee, and encourages attractive structural and landscaping 

improvements in our community. Single- or multi-family residences, apartment 

complexes, home owners associations, and non-profit or commercial properties are eligible. 

A panel of volunteer judges will prescreen the entries, and the final selection 

process will include a site visit to the top entries. Categories include best architectural 

design, remodel, historical restoration; most beautiful garden or landscape; best compatible 

building and garden or landscape; and more. If an entry doesn't exactly fit into 

one of the categories, you can create your own! Call 780-7300 for information on the 

Mayor's Beautification Awards. 

MERGE HEALTH CARE DISTRICTS 

The Sequoia Healthcare District is meeting the needs of residents and should merge 

with the Peninsula Health Care District, according to a report released by the San 

Mateo County Civil Grand Jury. 

The grand jury determined the district continues to represent and serve the health 

care interests of the residents. It also found that losing the direct responsibility for 

owning 

(continued on page 20)


Tips for Buying Your First Home 

By Marianne Zanone Rush 

The steady rise in Redwood City housing prices has been great news for those of us 

who own homes, but for first-time buyers suffering from sticker shock, reports of double-digit 

price appreciation only add to their growing anxiety over being able to afford 

a home. 

The median sales price in the Bay Area jumped to $704,000 in March, up 13.8 percent 

from the year before, according to the California Association of Realtors. Home prices 

have soared so fast in the Bay Area that many homeowners couldn't afford to buy their 

own home if they had to today. So what chance do the 40 percent of buyers have who 

are trying to break into the housing market for the first time? 

While buying in the ultra-pricey Bay Area housing market will never be easy, there are 

some things you can do to at least increase the odds that they'll soon have a place they 

can truly call home. Here are a few suggestions I have for first-time buyers: 

Review your budget 

If you don't have a budget, begin by jotting down all of your necessary monthly 

expenses in one column and your optional expenses in another. Although you 

shouldn't do away with everything from the second column, if you're serious about 

getting into your own home it's time to be much more cautious about where you spend 

your money. You'd be surprised at how much you can save each month when you try, 

and that savings can go toward your monthly mortgage payment. 

Boost your savings 

Saving for the down payment is the hardest part for most first-time buyers. If you 

aren't already doing so, start putting a fixed amount of money aside from every paycheck 

right now. The money can go into bonds, CDs, money market funds, or any 

relatively conservative investment you like. After you have examined your budget you 

may even have more money than you thought. Put all or most of that "new-found" 

money into your "down-payment account." And as you pay off other debts, like a car 

or college loan, put the money you would have paid into your down-payment account. 

you're considering. Often, costs for comparable homes are much lower in cities further 

away from San Francisco or Silicon Valley, and there are many nice communities from 

which to choose. 

Do your homework 

It's important to really scout out a city and neighborhoods within that city. Is the area 

well maintained? Is it safe? Has there been a lot of turnover of homeowners? Have 

prices appreciated as fast as the Bay Area average? Are the schools good? First-time 

buyers can be overwhelmed with research, but a good real estate agent can provide 

much needed help in cutting through the maze of information and steering you to the 

best area for your money. 

Stretch yourself (within reason) 

Mortgage payments can seem quite daunting at first, but over time your income will 

rise and the payments won't seem so big after all. It's important to also factor in the tax 

advantages of a home, which can bring your real after-tax cost down to what you may 

be paying for rent right now. Homeowners receive tax deductions for interest paid on 

the loan and for property taxes. Plus many home equity loans are deductible. 

Think of your home as an investment 

Over the years, Bay Area housing has proven to be an outstanding investment with 

returns outpacing the stock market and many other investment vehicles. Many longtime 

homeowners have ended up cashing in the equity in their homes to fund their 

retirement. Although it's never easy to jump into the housing market, now is the best 

time. Interest rates are at 40-year lows, giving you more buying power than you've had 

in many years. And with prices continuing to rise, it behooves first-time buyers to take 

the plunge as soon as possible. You'll be glad you did. 

A Bay Area real estate veteran with nearly two decades of experience, Marianne 

Zanone Rush is Manager of Coldwell Banker Northern California's Redwood City 

office, incorporating a team of 75+ real estate professionals. She can be reached by 

calling 650-474-3600 or via e-mail at mrush@cbnorcal.com. 

Get help with down payments 

The usual recommendation for first-time buyers is to look to parents or other family 

members to help come up with the steep down payment. While that's still good advice, 

there are other places to turn if you don't have the traditional 20 percent down. Buyers 

can tap into their own 401(k) account or your Roth IRA without incurring penalties or 

taxes. But strict tax rules do apply, so talk with your tax advisor. Additionally, some 

cities and states offer down payment assistance programs with grants for low- and 

moderate-income housing. 

Think creatively when shopping for a loan 

You don't necessarily have to come up with a 20 percent down payment anymore. 

Many lenders offer first-time buyers loan products that require just 5 or 10 percent 

down, and there are even a few 100% loan programs available. But keep in mind that 

the less you put down, the higher the rate usually will be. Moreover, you'll probably be 

required to pay for private mortgage insurance. PMI varies in cost depending on the 

size of the loan, the lender and the down payment percentage, but a rule of thumb is 

about one-half percent of the loan value, or $2,000 a year on a $400,000 loan. 

Consider adjustable-rate loans 

With interest rates at historic lows, most people buying homes or refinancing their 

existing mortgages are going with fixed-rate loans. But it's not necessarily the right 

choice for everyone, especially first-time buyers. You should consider how long you 

expect to be in your first home. If you don't expect to stay there for a long time, you 

can save quite a bit of money with an adjustable rate. Some adjustable-rate products 

include fixed rates for the first three to five years - about as long as many homeowners 

stay in their first home. 

Location, location, location 

Location is still the #1, #2 and #3 rule of real estate. The Bay Area is a big region and 

prices vary significantly from the $704,000 median depending on which county or city


Christy Lynch to lead Sequoia 

student body 

By Katherine Ehat 

Student Writer 

At the end of last month, Sequoia High School students went to the polls and voted 

for their new Student Body leaders. New Class Presidents were elected as well as ASB 

(Associated Student Body) officers. The new Student Body President elected by the 

students is Junior Christy Lynch. 

Christy is a 17-year-old Junior who has attended Sequoia since her freshman year. She 

attended Roy Cloud and Northstar Academy for her elementary and middle school 

years. 

believe that by responding to the concerns of the students, the general atmosphere 

around campus will be greatly affected.” Christy is very excited to begin her duties next 

year and looks forward to working directly with the students. In response to the concerns 

of the students, Christy says she “will try to find the most positive solution to 

address the problems. Also I would hope that if students had problems with anything 

that they would tell me directly. I’d like to deal with things personally”. 

Christy has set high standards for what a leader should provide for their school. “I 

think they (leaders) need to set an example for the rest of the school, and to show spirit 

and respect to everyone on campus. As leaders, people look up to them, and they 

need to think about that before they act.” Christy’s friendly personality and quick smile 

should be a bonus for her in her new job! 

Editor’s note: Katherine Ehat is a Junior at Sequoia High School. She is one of the 

student writers for The Spectrum this year. 

At Sequoia Christy has participated in several sports, including volleyball, soccer and 

water polo. She has been active in her church youth group and traveled with that group 

on three mission trips to Mexico. Christy has been in advanced classes at Sequoia and 

is currently enrolled in the Leadership class. 

By being in Leadership and participating as a co-commissioner of Activities, Christy 

has already been involved with the ASB program at Sequoia and has been gaining valuable 

experience. This experience will provide a good background for her new job as 

President. It has actually been the lack of school spirit at Sequoia that has inspired 

Christy. This year Christy has been the MC at the spirit rallies and she feels that there 

is so much that could be done around campus to improve the enthusiasm at school. 

“I think that the students are concerned with basic things around campus”, Christy 

says, “like food service, class schedules, the parking crisis and raising school spirit. I 

Christy Lynch (left0 pictured with Spectrum writer Katherine Ehat 

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(continued from page 17) 

and operating the Sequoia Hospital has not diminished the value provided. 

"In fact, separation has allowed for the redirection of resources to additional and 

complementary services that support both residents of the [district] and the county," 

according to the report. 

The report recommends the district immediately pursue merging with the Peninsula 

Health Care District via a joint powers agreement or reorganization, structured to serve 

the health care needs of the entire county. 

The reports also recommends implementing a working investment plan for use of 

large, accumulated strategic reserves by June 30, 2005. 

This plan should encompass the health care needs of both the county and the district. 

It also recommends employing a financial advisor, telling residents they are being taxed 

for the district and creating child day care facilities for health care professionals. 

ALLEGED REDWOOD CITY ARSONIST SENT TO NAPA STATE 

A Redwood City man accused of setting his own home ablaze on New Year's Day 

will live at Napa State Hospital until he regains competency, Superior Court Judge 

Craig Parsons said. The court found Antonio Paul Nicolosi, 32, not competent in April 

after two court-appointed doctors opined that Nicolosi was unable to stand trial. 

Criminal proceedings remain suspended against the defendant, who is charged with 

felony arson that burned an inhabited structure and arson with great bodily injury, with 

the enhancement that a firefighter suffered great bodily injury. Nicolosi faces an additional 

enhancement because the alleged crimes were committed while he was on bail 

with felony drug charges pending. He was arrested as he allegedly ran from the scene 

of the fire at 321 Palomar Drive in unincorporated Redwood City. Firefighters 

responded to the home near Edgewood Road and Alameda De Las Pulgas about 11:41 

a.m. after a neighbor reported seeing flames coming from the house window and the 

resident running away. The three-alarm fire, which was contained by 1 p.m., caused an 

estimated $750,000 in damage to the $1.5 million home. A fire captain sustained second-degree 

burns while fighting the blaze, according to the San Mateo County district 

attorney's office. The prosecution alleged that Nicolosi, angered over a difficult 

divorce, wanted to ensure his wife received nothing from the home. Nicolosi was the 

subject of several contacts with Sheriff's deputies over domestic and other issues in the 

year leading up to the crime, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office. 

EX COUNCILWOMAN NAMED TO BCDC BY SCHWARZENEGGER 

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger briefly announced that four Bay Area residents have 

been appointed to the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development 

Commission. 

San Carlos resident and former Redwood City councilwoman Colleen Jordan, a consultant 

and member of Hewins Financial Advisors LLC, was appointed along with 

Piedmont resident Stan Moy, who is the owner of FMG Architects. 

San Francisco resident Anne Halsted was appointed to the position of vice chair, 

the governor's office reports. Halsted has served on the commission since 2001 and is 

currently acting chair. 

Larry Goldzband, of Lafayette, was also appointed to 

the commission. Goldzband is currently manager of the 

charitable contributions for Pacific Gas and Electric Co. 

All of the positions require Senate confirmation. 

Advertise with 

the Spectrum 

650.368.2434

East Side/West Side - it's all relative 

by W.M.B. Riggen 

While reading the newspaper the day after the school parcel tax election, I was 

most dismayed to come across the opinion of a school district employee who 

worked on what turned out to be a losing campaign. 

This person, a teacher, expressed concern about the loss of school resource 

personnel who led intervention programs that allow youngsters to receive extra 

help in reading and mathematics. She related how important the intervention 

programs were when she taught in schools on the "East Side." 

I for one have put up with this "East Side/West Side" nonsense for more years 

than I care to recall at this moment. Having spent some years living east of El 

Camino Real, I can assure those of you who live west of the great dividing line 

that East Side residents are real people with hopes and dreams, who want the 

best for themselves and their families just like you. 

Although I now live in a townhome on the West Side, I have not forgotten my 

hardworking East Side neighbors. Did we have difficult times? Yes, of course. 

Were there pockets of problems in our neighborhoods? Absolutely. Did we work 

together to overcome those problems? You bet we did. 

And did we put up with being looked down on by West Side residents? 

Unfortunately, yes. 

So, take some advice from one who has just about seen it all. Don't get caught 

in the trap of judging your fellow citizens on where they live rather than who 

they are and what they can contribute to the community. 

Let's bury this "East Side/West Side" attitude for good. 

The Spectrum . Redwood City's Monthly Magazine


Get Off the Guilt Trip and 

Get Out the Chocolate: 

Redwood City’s Goddess of 

Happiness 

by Judy Buchan 

contributing writer 

Suicide bombers notwithstanding, there’s precious little future in being a martyr. 

So rather than choose to be miserable and let life overcome you, Redwood City’s 

Debbie Gisonni suggests that you choose to be happy. “Happiness is a choice that 

anyone can make, anytime, anywhere,” Debbie said. Get real and connect with what 

Debbie called your inner power to work through everyday issues. 

Easier said than done? The Goddess of Happiness knows otherwise. 

At the height of the dot-com revolution in the 1990s, Debbie found herself moving 

up the corporate ladder in the world of high-tech magazine publishing as she developed 

Internet Week, one of the many publications of that era. “I was a high-power 

control freak,” she laughed as she thought back to that time in her life. 

But when all seems to be going well is when personal tragedy can take its toll. 

Unexpectedly, Debbie lost four members of her family from 1990-1994. In succession, 

her mother struggled with the hope and despair of living with a brain tumor 

for ten years before passing away; her father died of multiple myeloma; her aunt 

died from breast cancer, and her younger sister committed suicide. 

“The physical and emotional toll it took on me was deafening,” Debbie recalled. 

“And I never really grieved,” she added. Tending to her family’s affairs and managing 

her busy career were a recipe for distraction, so she wouldn’t give herself the time to 

feel the pain of loss. Gradually she learned 

to draw on her own inner strength and 

recognized that while she wasn’t in control 

of every aspect of her life, she still could 

be happy. 

By 1998, she realized that “I wanted to do 

something that would actually help other 

people, particularly women in business. I 

knew it was time for women to regain 

their power, and I knew I had a story to 

tell.” 

At the height of her 15-year executive 

career (and wisely before the dot-com 

bust), Debbie decided “it was a good time 

to jump out” of the corporate world. She 

started her own media and consulting 

company, Real Life Lessons¨, LLC, with a 

mission of “inspiring people to be happy 

and prosperous through positive changes 

life, work, and home.” 

Vita’s Will: Real Life Lessons about Life Death & Moving On, was the first chapter in her 

story, that came to print in 2000. Dealing head on with the loss of her family members, 

Debbie’s book described how her strategies for coping, spirituality, humor 

helped her stay sane through the dark times of her life. She included 44 “real life lessons” 

as well as “nightly chats with God” to help her readers with their own struggles. 

“I went through all the anger, 

sadness, and guilt and came 

out at the other end,” Debbie 

said, noting that a “lighter, 

happier version” of herself 

emerged. 

Debbie became The Goddess 

of Happiness, tapping into 

the power to be happy no 

matter where life led her. That 

power to be happy became 

the subject of her current 

book, The Goddess of Happiness: 

A Down-to-Earth Guide for 

Heavenly Balance and Bliss. Debbie explained that the book has 44 specific themes, 

such as “Let Your Passion Flow,” “Rise Above Fear,” and “Find The Balance.” Each 

chapter also includes space for personal journaling and affirmation. Affirmations are 

presented for the reader to think about the chapter theme, then “take it, say it, and 

feel it.” 

Readers can also take the book’s quiz which encourages readers to find “where your 

mindset is at this very moment,” and to recognize that happiness should be shared 

with others. 

To be happier, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being need to be nurtured. 

Physical activities can include exercise activities and leisure pursuits such as gardening, 

dance, and the like. “Stay away from things that don’t make you feel good,” 

Debbie said. Spiritual well-being, she explained, is not presented in a religious context 

in the book. Rather, “we need to quiet our mind and connect with our inner self.” 

Emotional well-being understands that although there will be dog days in our lives, 

we do have the inner power to rise above them. 

That’s all well and good, but what about working women and the stress from trying 

to balance career and family? “We live by the to-do list,” Debbie responded. “We forget 

to play. Try to find something outside of your normal routine; find something 

that’s fun for yourself.” 

Guilt and self-loathing also play roles in perpetuating unhappiness. People need to 

move on and “not live in the past,” Debbie said. “And it’s difficult for people to like 

themselves. You can’t give love to others if you don’t like yourself first,” she added. 

An important technique, she explained, is to “look in the mirror and find something 

you love about yourself.” 

When asked what she wanted to share with the people of Redwood City, Debbie 

replied, “I really believe that the purposes of our lives here on earth are to enjoy life 

and be happy. I figure I have to do one thing to bring joy - spread happiness to other 

people. Besides, it’s all energy. Stay in the moment, don’t worry.” 

Debbie is a contributing author to If Women Ruled the World, How to Create the World 

We Want to Live In. Her “Goddess of Happiness” column appears monthly on 

iVillage.com, and her articles have appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, Simplycity, 

Living in Balance, Nonprofit World, among others. She has also been a guest on numerous 

radio and TV shows across the country, and has been featured in books and periodicals 

including Sell Yourself Without Selling Your Soul, The San Jose Mercury News, The 

Dallas Morning News, and Better Homes & Gardens. Check her web site, www.reallifelessons.com, 

for more information. 

A former Bronx, New York, resident, Debbie and her husband came to Redwood 

City in the early 1990s. She loves the city, and enjoys dining at downtown restaurants. 

The two most important passions in her life are her husband and dogs. 

Come meet The Goddess of Happiness in Barnes & Noble in San Mateo on June 11 

at 3 p.m. Debbie will be there for her book signing “and chocolate, of course!”


(Continued from page 9) 

and Bolanos are close friends and would make a great team. Question is – after 

all these years would Bolanos take a back seat under anyone? Let’s wait and 

see. 

* * * * 

Redwood City’s City Manager Ed Everett was shocked to receive the resignation 

of Human Resources Director Maria Pena. She will be leaving her position at the 

end of May and I am hearing that right behind her could be Patrick Alvarez, her 

number two person. What’s up with that? 

* * * * 

What could have made the Community Service Officers and City Dispatchers 

want out of the SEIU union and join the Police Officers Association? Your guess 

is as good as mine, but should that happen, it would make them one of the most 

powerful organizations in the city. 

* * * * 

Spotted here and there: Sheriff Horsley at Siciliano Restaurant, Council members 

Howard, Barbara Pierce and Aguirre and Community College Board member 

Pat Milnavich all (not attending together) enjoying music at the Fox Theater 

and San Mateo County District Attorney James Fox having lunch at Vino Santo 

Bistro. 

* * * * 

The Suisha House Japanese Bistro restaurant on Broadway recently repainted 

their building after going through the necessary hoops with the Architectural 

Review Committee. Sometime this month, a City Building Inspector visited the 

restaurant and told them that the City had received two complaints about the 

new paint scheme and that they had to repaint it. And you thought there was no 

code enforcement in our Downtown area. See what happens when you complain? 

* * * * 

The food and atmosphere were great and everyone is high spirits as the 

Redwood City Chamber of Commerce held its monthly Business Connections at 

The Acorn restaurant in Menlo Park. Attending were: Port Executive Director 

Mike Giari, business leaders, Cherly Angelas, Brian Palter, Denise Lewis, Keith 

Kadera, Realtor Chris Hurchanik, and Julie Mooney from Canada College. 

* * * * 

It was the somberest – is that a word? - election night party I have ever attended. 

There were elected officials, school board members, superintendents, 

teachers, business owners, parents and all were stunned as they watched the 

Redwood City School District’s Parcel Tax, Measure V go down in defeat - (2/3 

Vote Required) Votes YES 9,721 61.63% NO 6,052 38.37%. Total Ballots Cast 

(of 44,672 Registered Voters) 15,773 35.31% - thus sacrificing class size reductions, 

more than 80 faculty and staff members given pick slips, music programs 

and tutors for low achieving students. 

There was once a time that if you had, among others, former Mayors Brent 

Britchgi, Dani Gasparini, Hartnett, Howard, councilwoman Pierce, Roland 

Giannini, Redwood Elementary Superintendent Ron Crates, School Board members 

Chris Bohl, Dennis McBride, Maria Slocum, Sequoia Superintendent Pat 

Gemma, Board trustees Loraine Rumley and Don Gibson, all attending a party 

and supporting a campaign it would guarantee a victory. But the tide is a changing 

in Redwood City. 

* * * * 

Redwood City School District officials are planning to survey our community to 

see why the parcel tax, failed. Let me spare you the effort and let you know now. 

First, mail in ballots – that was the single most destructive factor in this campaign. 

Why give people the opportunity to say no and not have to take time and 

visit the polls to do so? Wrong choice! Second, business assessments – business 

owners were not happy with the possibility of paying up to $1,500 a year 

and let their customers know it. It will be passed on to us – the consumer. Not 

good to hear. Third, the campaign itself - was lackluster and did not show our 

community any indication that there was an immediate need for homeowners to 

fork over $85 a year. Only some 35% of those receiving ballots even bothered to 

mail them in and the postage was paid for. Fourth, Senior citizens – were confused 

that they would have to request to be exempt from the tax, they needed 

to know they would be exempt from the tax! Fifth, and maybe the most important 

is the fact that property owners are currently being taxed by two elementary 

school bonds and two high school bonds. Maybe they just thought enough is 

enough? 

The big question is – will they try again in this November’s election when the 

Sequoia Union High School District and the Community College District are 

planning to go to voters also? Maybe those two will hold off and let them try, 

after all they are in more need of the monies. 

* * * * 

And what about political consultant Ed McGovern? His public affairs organization 

ran the million dollar campaign to pass the Marina Shores project - Measure 

Q - and was defeated by a group spending less then $35,000. This election 

there were virtually no dollars spent and it also went down in defeat. It will be 

interesting to see if he is tapped to run any of the Council or school campaigns 

in the future. 

* * * * 

On the other end of the spectrum – no pun intended - Libertarian and member 

of the Sequoia Health Care District board Jack Hickey saw the defeat as people 

supporting his agenda. Although he did not spend any monies, he prepared the 

ballot statements against the parcel tax and wrote several letters in local publications 

stating why the tax should not be supported – Is that all it takes? 

* * * * 

Could disgraced former Redwood City schoolteacher Rebecca Boicelli or her 

attorney be reading The Spectrum? A few months back I predicted that she 

would try and plea bargain her way out from facing up to six years in prison and 

feeling the wrath of Deputy District Attorney Elizabeth Raffaelli. Lo and behold, 

it is happening (if not by the time you read this, soon). The trial is scheduled to 

begin on June 27 if the plea bargain is not accepted at a May 19 hearing. 

Boicelli was charged after a DNA paternity text showed that the father of her 

baby was a former student. I guess they learned that it is better to compromise 

and spend 1.5 years in prison and not have to face Raffaelli. Wise choice. 

* * * * 

There are changes abodes in our Downtown area. At City Center Plaza – 

D’asaro is being remodeled into a Nola’s restaurant (there is one in Palo Alto), 

same owner Greg St. Claire. St. Regal Jewelers and two other businesses are 

moving from Broadway to Main Street and new businesses will fill the vacant 

spots as the Cinema project nears completion. The County Square project will 

be starting its demolition towards the end of the month making way for a 

much-needed gathering area downtown. Pete’s Coffee will occupy the former 

site of Hair It Is! on the 2600 block of Broadway while the Beauty Supply Shop 

will move to where Honkee Noodle restaurant was and the two spaces in the 

middle will be turned into a yet to be determined restaurant. 

* * * * 

Taking time out from dealing with STAR testing, the resent rise in gang activity, 

under funding for staff and programs and graduations coming up, Sequoia High 

Principal Morgan Marchbanks and Superintendent Gemma addressed the City 

Council recently and urged them to deny a request from the Secrets Adult 

Bookstore to give them an additional six months to find a new location. The 

bookstore must relocate after the council passed an ordinance in July 2000 that 

banned such businesses within 1,000 feet of the school. They were given five 

years to do so but need a few months more and the council reluctantly agreed. 

With so many vital issues facing the school district and its students many wondered 

why they choose that issue to make such a fuss over. I guess you have to 

pick your battles no matter how trivial they seem. 

* * * * 

I bet that is one grand opening they will not be attending? Does that mean no 

cheerleaders? 

As I was saying . . .


PICTURES AROUND TOWN 

Former Mayor Dick Claire shares a few memories with former 

student and parent Vicki Constantino. The two were also at the 

Measure V gathering. 

Councilman Jim Hartnett and Roland Gianinni wait for results at 

the Measure V election night gathering at the Little Fox theater. 

This Postal worker got an excellent view of a youth being arrested 

at Sequoia Station after a gang related fight. 

Little Taylor Ferrario takes a drinking break from helping his mom 

celebrate her birthday. 

The lively Redwood City teachers joined thousands of their 

peers from throughout San Mateo County and tried to send a 

message to our Governor about school funding.


MAIN GALLERY TO FEATURE 

PHOTOGRAPHER’S WORKS 

Contact: 

Jeff Carlick 

Publicist 

650-366-8055 

captaineos@earthlink.net 

Ginni Savalli 

650-906-0112 

Charles Anselmo 

415-407-3870 

Redwood City – Photographers Charles Anselmo documents the passage of oncemighty 

structures, while Ginni Savalli shows how a simple garment is more than it 

seems. 

The two photographers will present their new works at The Main Gallery from May 

25 to June 26 with an artist reception on Saturday, June 4 from 4-7 p.m. The gallery 

is located at 1018 Main Street. 

In the wake of several photographic excursions exploring social documentary themes 

in Havana, Cuba, Anselmo has turned primarily to his native California to capture 

several sites under a common theme. 

“Deconstructions” takes viewers to the unseen places that discreetly exist in the dark 

margins of a populous state, places whose tenancy in the landscape tends to be 

extinguished by ceaseless redevelopment. 

Many of the images stem from the familiarities of architecture and habitat; beneath 

this is a subtext of loss which pervades the sites. Most of them have since been 

demolished or otherwise rendered inaccessible as inconvenient icons of a past time. 

From an abandoned dynamite plant to a military jail at the closed Fort Ord Army 

base, from the vacant warehouses in San Francisco to the Cypress Freeway teardown, 

these color photographs are intimate portrayals of forgotten places and architectural 

ghosts dismissed by a changing human landscape. The photographer moves easily 

amongst this industrial archaeology, discovering a wealth of broken forms and saturated 

colors. Some images lean to abstracted patterns as materials are deconstructed 

and taken back by the land, becoming a compressed record of time. 

Primarily through the development of large digital prints from film, Anselmo has 

shown work in solo shows and juried group shows for several years. He teaches photography 

privately and gives presentations and critiques at the Palo Alto Art Center, 

and is an exhibiting member of The Main Gallery in Redwood City. 

Savalli’s “The Shawl: Common Thread,” is an ongoing project which combines the 

human form and a universally recognized garment to explore connections common 

to all of us. 

Here is how Savalli describes her photographic project: “The project’s original intent 

was to tie together numerous models (and body types) with a simple, easily recognized 

garment. In the process, universal themes and emotions started to emerge. 

For example, several images evoke religious overtones while others reveal 

bodyscapes that demonstrate strength of character. “ 

The artwork of Bay Area photographer Ginni Savalli is rooted in classic darkroom 

techniques, some dating back over 100 years. She handcrafts each image using 

unique toning techniques to create one-of-a-kind fine art prints. Her photographic 

projects include landscapes, waterscapes, human figure studies, and social issue 

themes. 

Caption information: 

Closed SF Warehouse, archival inkjet photograph 33x27 by Charles Anelsmo. 

Back #1, Toned Silver Gelatin, 24x20 by Ginni Savalli

What is your main goal as 

President? 

To connect Canada College 

with the community and let 

them know what a great 

resource we are for them. 

One word to describe the 

budget effecting Community 

Colleges this year? 

Stable 

Who is your closest political 

ally? 

Assemblyman Ira Ruskin 

Who is the elected politician 

that is the furthest from your 

agenda? 

Congresswoman Anna Eshoo 

Favorite movie? 

Fantasia 

Song? 

“I believe I can fly” by R. Kelley 

Television show? 

Law and Order 

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

Being on the Frisbee lawn at Canada 


A Minute With... Rosa Perez 

Rosa was born in San Francisco and moved to San Mateo County as a child. At age 25, 

she became the youngest dean ever appointed in California. She has been President at 

Canada College since 1999. She lives in Redwood City with her partner Elizabeth and 

her two children Olivia and Emery. 

on a sunny day with my family who have 

immigrated here. 

Which living person do you most 

admire? 

Dani Gasparini – amazing, giving person! 

Which living person do you most 

despise? 

I cannot answer that. 

Madonna or Britney? 

Madonna, of course. 

Who are your heroes in real life? 

Author Gloria Andalzva and Lupe 

Valdez who was the first 

woman Latino Sheriff. 

What is your treasured position? 

A portrait I have in my home 

of a Vietnamese woman. 

Which talent would you 

most like to have? 

Singing 

Something no one knows 

about you? 

Played first chair cello with 

the San Francisco Youth 

Sympathy. 

If you were to die and come 

back as a person or thing, what do you 

think it would be? 

A Jaguar 

What do you consider your greatest 

achievement? 

Personal – My two children 

Professional – The Nursing program at 

Canada. 

What is the love of your life? 

My partner Elizabeth and the San 

Francisco Giants.

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