Also in this issue: - The Spectrum Magazine
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<strong>Also</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>this</strong> <strong>issue</strong>:<br />
Can rivals become respectable<br />
work mates?<br />
Election time and a new fire chief?<br />
In “As I Was Say<strong>in</strong>g…”<br />
Ed Everett<br />
Danc<strong>in</strong>g through life<br />
and out of City Hall<br />
Will Redwood City become a<br />
“sanctuary city”?
Redwood City Industrial Saltworks<br />
At its peak more than 350,000 tons of salt were<br />
harvested at the Industrial Saltworks site.<br />
Community Input Pours <strong>in</strong>to Saltworks Team<br />
Have you had an opportunity to express your thoughts and suggestions<br />
for future uses for the two-square mile Redwood City Industrial<br />
Saltworks site?<br />
Redwood City residents offer thoughts to the<br />
Saltworks team at a recent open house.<br />
Nearly 6,000 Redwood City residents so far have offered their thoughts<br />
about future plans for the site. We’d love to hear from you too!<br />
After 100 years, <strong>in</strong>dustrial salt harvest<strong>in</strong>g operations will soon w<strong>in</strong>d<br />
down at the two-square mile Industrial Saltworks site. We are seek<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>put from the community about future uses for <strong>this</strong> large <strong>in</strong>dustrial site.<br />
REDWOOD CITY INDUSTRIAL SALTWORKS, LLC<br />
P.O. Box 5036 · 1700 Seaport Blvd, Suite 200<br />
Redwood City, CA 94063<br />
Phone: 650.366.0500 | <strong>in</strong>fo@RCSaltworks.com | www.RCSaltworks.com<br />
`CIP39296 <strong>Spectrum</strong>Ad_august.<strong>in</strong>dd 1<br />
8/22/07 10:56:48 AM
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong>.AUG.07<br />
Steve Penna<br />
Owner and Publisher<br />
penna@spectrummagaz<strong>in</strong>e.net<br />
Anne Callery<br />
Copy Editor<br />
writers@spectrummagaz<strong>in</strong>e.net<br />
Judy Buchan<br />
Contribut<strong>in</strong>g Writer<br />
writers@spectrummagaz<strong>in</strong>e.net<br />
Valerie Harris<br />
Contribut<strong>in</strong>g Writer<br />
writers@spectrummagaz<strong>in</strong>e.net<br />
James Massey<br />
Graphic Designer<br />
DJ Design, Dale McKee<br />
Advertis<strong>in</strong>g Graphic Art<br />
James R. Kaspar<br />
Cover/Cover Story Photography<br />
Table of Contents<br />
Inside <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> – 4<br />
Cañada College, Dest<strong>in</strong>ation for Actors – 5<br />
Redwood City PAL Receives $500,00 Grant – 5<br />
“As I Was Say<strong>in</strong>g...” – 6<br />
‘Top Model’ Hopefuls L<strong>in</strong>e Up – 7<br />
Thousands Take Part <strong>in</strong> Bicycle Tour – 7<br />
Rivals Become Friends – 8<br />
Community Interest – 11<br />
As summer activities w<strong>in</strong>d down and many <strong>in</strong> our community return to their regular lives as the kids go<br />
back to school, we welcome you to <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong>’s August <strong>issue</strong>.<br />
In our cover story, Valerie Harris profiles City Manager Ed Everett. Everett is retir<strong>in</strong>g after serv<strong>in</strong>g our<br />
community for 15 years. Dur<strong>in</strong>g that time he has been <strong>in</strong>strumental <strong>in</strong> guid<strong>in</strong>g a great deal of change <strong>in</strong><br />
Redwood City. What will the future hold for him as he leaves? Does he have any regrets? You are about<br />
to f<strong>in</strong>d out.<br />
<strong>The</strong> November City Council race is just one of the topics Publisher Steve Penna will touch upon <strong>in</strong> his<br />
column, “As I Was Say<strong>in</strong>g….” Are you ready to be enlightened?<br />
Many people have rivals as they are grow<strong>in</strong>g up. But how many of us end up work<strong>in</strong>g with and actually<br />
respect<strong>in</strong>g ours? Contribut<strong>in</strong>g writer Dale McKee has the story of two Redwood City police officers who<br />
have done just that.<br />
Contribut<strong>in</strong>g writer Judy Buchan writes about the touchy <strong>issue</strong> of mak<strong>in</strong>g Redwood City <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
“sanctuary city.” <strong>The</strong> <strong>issue</strong> is dest<strong>in</strong>ed to become a major one <strong>in</strong> <strong>this</strong> November’s election, and some of<br />
the comments by current council members might surprise you.<br />
We also have cultural events, community and senior activities, f<strong>in</strong>ancial advice, news briefs, sports news<br />
and the story of why many saw a group of “Red Hats” <strong>in</strong> the downtown area recently.<br />
We encourage you to support community news by fill<strong>in</strong>g out our subscription form on page 13 so <strong>The</strong><br />
<strong>Spectrum</strong> will reach you directly every month. We also would like to thank our loyal advertisers for<br />
support<strong>in</strong>g community news, and we encourage you to support them by patroniz<strong>in</strong>g their bus<strong>in</strong>esses<br />
when you can.<br />
If you have a story idea, please contact us at 650-368-2434 or <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e, P.O. Box 862,<br />
Redwood City, CA 94064. You can also send comments and view copies of past <strong>issue</strong>s by visit<strong>in</strong>g our<br />
Web site at www.spectrummagaz<strong>in</strong>e.net.<br />
Until next month, thanks for read<strong>in</strong>g <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong>, and we hope you cont<strong>in</strong>ue to enjoy summer <strong>in</strong> the<br />
city — Redwood City style!<br />
Ed Everett on the Move – 16<br />
Nonprofits <strong>in</strong> Action – 19<br />
News Briefs – 20<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ance – 22<br />
Sanctuary City Debate – 24<br />
Bikers, Skaters Work Out Park Problems – 25<br />
Red Hat Society – 26<br />
Bodybuilder Files $5 Million Claim – 26<br />
Shop Redwood City – 27<br />
Cultural Events – 28<br />
A M<strong>in</strong>ute With Patricia Howe – 30<br />
Canada Soccer <strong>in</strong> the Hunt – 30<br />
.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>.AUG.07
Inside <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> : Our Cover Photo Shoot<br />
Publisher Steve Penna called our cover subject, Redwood City City Manager Ed Everett, and set up the<br />
<strong>in</strong>terview and photo shoot for Monday, Aug. 13, at 9 a.m. <strong>in</strong> Everett’s office at City Hall.<br />
Our special correspondent writer Valerie Harris showed up first, to <strong>in</strong>terview Everett until the photo<br />
shoot was to beg<strong>in</strong>. Cover Story Photographer James Kaspar arrived shortly after 10 a.m., followed<br />
by Penna. As the <strong>in</strong>terview cont<strong>in</strong>ued, Kaspar took several photos while Penna chimed <strong>in</strong> on the<br />
<strong>in</strong>terview and took cell phone calls.<br />
Everett’s office, at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Middlefield Road, is spacious and sunlit. It is<br />
decorated with family photographs and keepsakes, lend<strong>in</strong>g a very personal touch. <strong>The</strong> four all seemed<br />
connected <strong>in</strong> some way.<br />
Everett and Penna, of course, have crossed paths many times over the years and throughout the<br />
shoot displayed a true lik<strong>in</strong>g for one another, smil<strong>in</strong>g and even shar<strong>in</strong>g a hug. In fact, the entire shoot<br />
was very lighthearted and full of laughter. Kaspar had worked with Everett’s partner, Mary Welch at<br />
the county offices before they both retired, so that was one topic of discussion.<br />
After about 30 m<strong>in</strong>utes, the group left City Hall and headed toward the Arthur Murray Dance Studio<br />
on Broadway, where Everett and Welch have been tak<strong>in</strong>g dance lessons — thus our “danc<strong>in</strong>g out of<br />
City Hall” theme. <strong>The</strong> group was greeted by studio owner Alice Louise and her assistant, Reg<strong>in</strong>a Van<br />
Brunt, and the danc<strong>in</strong>g began.<br />
It was a complete pleasure watch<strong>in</strong>g Everett and Louise dance for our cameras, and it led to<br />
reflection on his many accomplishments over the years and how comfortable he feels with himself.<br />
<strong>The</strong> entire shoot lasted about an hour and a half, and everyone exchanged pleasantries as they left to<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ue their busy days.<br />
Everett, like all CEOs, is both liked and disliked for his decisions and views of what our community<br />
should look like and how it should function. Dur<strong>in</strong>g his watch, we have seen downtown revitalization,<br />
new facilities <strong>in</strong> Redwood Shores, City Center Plaza, various hous<strong>in</strong>g projects and, maybe best of all,<br />
balanced budgets.<br />
We salute Everett for his dedication to Redwood City, watch<strong>in</strong>g it cont<strong>in</strong>ue to blossom <strong>in</strong>to not only<br />
the Pen<strong>in</strong>sula’s county seat but also one hell of a great community. Good luck, Ed. You will be missed!<br />
www.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>Magaz<strong>in</strong>e.net
Cañada College Cont<strong>in</strong>ues on Course to Become a Dest<strong>in</strong>ation for Actors, <strong>The</strong>ater Technicians<br />
K<br />
atie Townsend-Mer<strong>in</strong>o, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Cañada College, has put the pieces <strong>in</strong><br />
place to make the college’s <strong>The</strong>ater Arts Department a dest<strong>in</strong>ation for actors and theater technicians.<br />
This summer, Townsend-Mer<strong>in</strong>o hired veteran theater arts professor Anna Budd to lead the department<br />
and worked <strong>in</strong>ternally to have Mike Walsh return to the <strong>The</strong>ater Arts Department as events coord<strong>in</strong>ator.<br />
Walsh had been work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the college’s Learn<strong>in</strong>g Center.<br />
Budd arrives at the college from the College of the Siskiyous <strong>in</strong> Shasta, where she had been teach<strong>in</strong>g<br />
drama. She is an accomplished playwright and performer; she also has expertise <strong>in</strong> choreographed stage<br />
combat and plans to <strong>in</strong>troduce it <strong>in</strong>to future productions.<br />
“<strong>The</strong>re’s no reason Cañada College can’t have one of the premier <strong>The</strong>ater Arts Departments <strong>in</strong> the Bay<br />
Area,” she said. “We have a state-of-the-art theater, support of the college, and Mike Walsh’s technical<br />
expertise.”<br />
Walsh, a veteran of Bay Area theater, started teach<strong>in</strong>g drama at the college <strong>in</strong> 1978. He will provide support<br />
by produc<strong>in</strong>g scenery and light<strong>in</strong>g and <strong>in</strong> the spr<strong>in</strong>g he will teach a course focused on the beh<strong>in</strong>d-thescenes<br />
technical aspects that are an essential element of any top-notch theater production.<br />
“I’m very excited about my role,” Walsh said. “Our goal is to make the <strong>The</strong>ater Arts Department a dest<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
program for students.”<br />
Townsend-Mer<strong>in</strong>o said the vision goes well beyond produc<strong>in</strong>g plays with community college actors. This<br />
summer, the college offered a four-day act<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tensive program <strong>in</strong> association with <strong>The</strong>aterWorks that<br />
quickly filled with students.<br />
“We want to offer young actors exposure to established, semi-professional actors who can expla<strong>in</strong> act<strong>in</strong>g<br />
techniques, the technical aspects, and the bus<strong>in</strong>ess side of theater,” Townsend-Mer<strong>in</strong>o said.<br />
Cañada College President Tom Mohr said the program is important not only for the college but also the<br />
San Mateo County Community College District. “It’s the only community college act<strong>in</strong>g program <strong>in</strong> the<br />
county. Katie has developed a bluepr<strong>in</strong>t for mov<strong>in</strong>g the program forward and I can see the pieces com<strong>in</strong>g<br />
together.<br />
Supporters of the Cañada College <strong>The</strong>ater Arts Department are organiz<strong>in</strong>g a fundraiser to be held<br />
Thursday, Sept. 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Redwood City Women’s Club, 149 Cl<strong>in</strong>ton Street. Tickets<br />
are $20 and <strong>in</strong>clude w<strong>in</strong>e, hors d’oeuvres, and enterta<strong>in</strong>ment by the theater arts students. <strong>The</strong> event is be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sponsored by Steve Penna and <strong>Spectrum</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e and Capital Mortgage Lend<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
“I am very excited about the direction of the program,” said Lourdes Car<strong>in</strong>i, a Redwood City bus<strong>in</strong>esswoman<br />
who has supported the program <strong>in</strong> the past by organiz<strong>in</strong>g the annual fundraiser. Katie and Tom have<br />
shown a commitment to the program and I th<strong>in</strong>k the pieces they’ve put <strong>in</strong> place <strong>this</strong> summer will truly make<br />
the college a dest<strong>in</strong>ation for young actors.”<br />
For ticket <strong>in</strong>formation call Lourdes Car<strong>in</strong>i at 650-362-2700.<br />
Redwood City Police Activities League<br />
Receives $500,000 Grant<br />
T<br />
he Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL) is thrilled to announce that it is received a<br />
$500,000 grant from Stanford Hospital and Cl<strong>in</strong>ics. This very generous and much-appreciated<br />
grant will greatly assist PAL with its facility costs, expansion of its teen programm<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
<strong>in</strong>stallation of a sound studio for youth use, and provision of enhanced youth programs at the<br />
PAL Community Center.<br />
<strong>The</strong> presentation of <strong>this</strong> grant took place on Monday, Aug. 20, at 3 p.m. at the PAL<br />
Community Center. PAL board members, law enforcement agents and community members<br />
attended and jo<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> thank<strong>in</strong>g Stanford Hospital and Cl<strong>in</strong>ics for <strong>this</strong> generous grant.<br />
“Stanford Hospital and Cl<strong>in</strong>ics clearly recognizes the importance of be<strong>in</strong>g very engaged <strong>in</strong> the<br />
communities they serve,” said Redwood City Vice Mayor Rosanne Foust. “<strong>The</strong>y are a new and<br />
important neighbor <strong>in</strong> the Redwood City community, and <strong>this</strong> generous grant really illustrates<br />
their commitment to help<strong>in</strong>g our youth become responsible adults and creative leaders with<strong>in</strong><br />
our community.”<br />
PAL is a nonprofit community-based organization provid<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>tervention, prevention and<br />
alternative programs to at-risk and economically challenged youth <strong>in</strong> Redwood City. PAL<br />
regularly serves over 4,000 children and teens every year, thanks to the great volunteers who<br />
give of their time and energy.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Redwood City PAL Community Center is at 3399 Bay Road. More <strong>in</strong>formation about<br />
Redwood City PAL is available at www.redwoodcitypal.com or by call<strong>in</strong>g 650-556-1650.<br />
Stanford Hospital and Cl<strong>in</strong>ics (www.stanfordhospital.com) is known worldwide for advanced<br />
patient care provided by its physicians and staff, particularly for the treatment of rare, complex<br />
disorders <strong>in</strong> areas such as cardiac care, cancer treatment, neurosciences, surgery and organ<br />
transplants.<br />
Stanford Hospital and Cl<strong>in</strong>ics has begun construction of state-of-the-art outpatient and<br />
medical facilities <strong>in</strong> Redwood City, on Broadway south of Woodside Road. <strong>The</strong> facilities are<br />
expected to beg<strong>in</strong> serv<strong>in</strong>g patients <strong>in</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>g 2009.<br />
.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>.AUG.07
AS I<br />
Publisher<br />
Steve Penna<br />
WAS SAYING...<br />
Okay, so we all know that City Manager Ed Everett is retir<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>this</strong> month, and soon after him is City Clerk Patricia Howe.<br />
Both have served our community well and, <strong>in</strong> one way or<br />
another, will be missed. My most memorable experience<br />
with Howe was when she first began her position. I called her<br />
to confirm the city was hav<strong>in</strong>g an election night “count<strong>in</strong>g<br />
party.” You know, where everyone is there at City Hall and<br />
watches the results for City Council. It was the night before<br />
the event and I called to get all the details and thought I would<br />
play one of my practical jokes on her. I asked her what time<br />
the Sequoia High School Band would be perform<strong>in</strong>g. She<br />
replied that she did not know they were go<strong>in</strong>g to be there.<br />
That’s when I <strong>in</strong>formed her that it had been a city tradition<br />
to have them there — they had done so for the past 30 years<br />
or so — and it was her responsibility to have them there.<br />
Needless to say, I heard noth<strong>in</strong>g but silence for about a<br />
m<strong>in</strong>ute, then I could not hold back and broke out <strong>in</strong>to laughter<br />
and told her, “Gotcha.” Welcome to Redwood City, baby. She<br />
has been a great sport ever s<strong>in</strong>ce and a total professional.<br />
<strong>The</strong> process for f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g her replacement is be<strong>in</strong>g handled<br />
<strong>in</strong>-house by the city’s Human Resources Department. <strong>The</strong><br />
new city clerk will be announced sometime <strong>in</strong> October.<br />
Everett’s departure, on the other hand, has me reflect<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on so many th<strong>in</strong>gs. He came on board about the same time<br />
that I was gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> the political process here. I<br />
have had so many different impressions, op<strong>in</strong>ions and views<br />
about him that I cannot easily express how I feel about<br />
his departure. What sticks most <strong>in</strong> my m<strong>in</strong>d about him is<br />
his strong conviction that he is do<strong>in</strong>g what is best for our<br />
community. No matter what obstacles he has to face for those<br />
beliefs, he will try and implement them. Whether I agree with<br />
his approach is irrelevant; I respect him and his dedication to<br />
improv<strong>in</strong>g the quality of our lives.<br />
<strong>The</strong> process to replace him is <strong>in</strong> the works. Thirty<br />
applicants were received and I am be<strong>in</strong>g told that none were<br />
from with<strong>in</strong> the city staff — the City Council met <strong>in</strong> closed<br />
session on Aug. 22 to discuss the applicants. <strong>The</strong> list will be<br />
shortened and his replacement will be announced toward the<br />
end of September.<br />
Now, besides those two, I am hear<strong>in</strong>g that Fire Chief<br />
Gerry Kohlmann will announce his retirement very soon<br />
and will be mov<strong>in</strong>g on to work <strong>in</strong> the private sector for a<br />
company <strong>in</strong> San Jose. I, like you, am hop<strong>in</strong>g <strong>this</strong> is not true<br />
as he is very respected and has brought a great work<strong>in</strong>g<br />
environment to our firefighters. I tried to get confirmation<br />
either way but could not by press time, so you will probably<br />
hear an announcement soon after we are out on the streets.<br />
But remember, you read it here first!<br />
. . .<br />
Election time is here — yahoo! And there is go<strong>in</strong>g to be a<br />
City Council race! Unlike other districts, where members<br />
www.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>Magaz<strong>in</strong>e.net<br />
of the community do not run because there is so much apathy,<br />
we have two challengers — Joneen Nielsen and Kev<strong>in</strong><br />
Bondonno — vy<strong>in</strong>g aga<strong>in</strong>st four <strong>in</strong>cumbents — Alicia<br />
Aguirre, Ian Ba<strong>in</strong>, Rosanne Foust and Barbara Pierce.<br />
Although the sign<strong>in</strong>g of a candidate’s nom<strong>in</strong>ation papers<br />
does not <strong>in</strong>dicate an endorsement, view<strong>in</strong>g who signed whose<br />
papers can be enlighten<strong>in</strong>g. Aguirre’s was signed by, among<br />
others, colleagues Ba<strong>in</strong> and Foust, Sequoia trustee Lorra<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Rumley, board or commission members Nancy Radcliffe,<br />
Susan Swope, Alex and Cherlene Wright and Alpio<br />
Barbara. Ba<strong>in</strong>’s — Pierce, former Mayor Dani Gaspar<strong>in</strong>i,<br />
Radcliffe, Swope, Maria Diaz-Slocum and Mary<br />
Mortenson. Bondonno’s — Jeff Ira and Shawn White.<br />
Foust’s — Ira, Paula Uccelli, Pete and G<strong>in</strong>ny Hughes,<br />
Glenna Vaskelis, Bill Conkl<strong>in</strong> and Barbara. Pierce’s<br />
— Diane Howard, former Mayors Gaspar<strong>in</strong>i and Brent<br />
Britschgi, Warren Dale, Radcliffe, Swope, Mortenson and<br />
Keith and N<strong>in</strong>a Kadera. Nielsen’s had no current or former<br />
council members or board or commission members. This will<br />
be an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g race.<br />
Several debates are be<strong>in</strong>g planned, with no solid dates yet<br />
except for the Chamber of Commerce Candidates Forum on<br />
Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the Pacific Athletic Club. Call 650-<br />
364-1722 for details and tickets.<br />
By the way, you might be wonder<strong>in</strong>g what happened<br />
to Nick James. He was one of the first people to take out<br />
nom<strong>in</strong>ation papers. But he failed to qualify for the ballot<br />
because he is not a registered voter <strong>in</strong> our community. Yes,<br />
that is a requirement. Oh, I am so bit<strong>in</strong>g my lip right now and<br />
don’t th<strong>in</strong>k I need to comment on that one.<br />
. . .<br />
Music to the follow<strong>in</strong>g districts’ ears is be<strong>in</strong>g heard. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
will not have to hold elections <strong>this</strong> year because there are no<br />
challengers to the <strong>in</strong>cumbents. <strong>The</strong> money they will save is<br />
stagger<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
In the Redwood City Elementary School District race, two<br />
<strong>in</strong>cumbents — Shelly Masur and Dennis McBride — will<br />
rejo<strong>in</strong> the board with newcomer Alisa MacAvoy. <strong>The</strong> district<br />
budgeted about $50,000 for the election and will now be<br />
able to use it elsewhere. This will be MacAvoy’s first elected<br />
position. McBride is start<strong>in</strong>g his second term on the board.<br />
Masur was orig<strong>in</strong>ally appo<strong>in</strong>ted to the board <strong>in</strong> 2005. She<br />
succeeded <strong>in</strong> w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g a two-year term later that year after her<br />
only competition bowed out dur<strong>in</strong>g a debate. This will be her<br />
first four-year term with the board.<br />
In the Sequoia Union High School District, all three<br />
<strong>in</strong>cumbent trustees will be return<strong>in</strong>g to the board. President<br />
Olivia Mart<strong>in</strong>ez, and trustees Don Gibson and Lorra<strong>in</strong>e<br />
Rumley were all first elected <strong>in</strong> 1999. <strong>The</strong> three, along with<br />
colleagues Gordon Lew<strong>in</strong> and Sally Stewart, are faced<br />
with figur<strong>in</strong>g out how to come up with the $3.15 million<br />
discrepancy between the total costs of remodel<strong>in</strong>g projects<br />
the school district started and the bond money it will receive<br />
<strong>in</strong> upcom<strong>in</strong>g years. An estimated sav<strong>in</strong>gs of $120,000 to<br />
$150,000 for the district because they will not hold an election<br />
might help.<br />
Sequoia has an estimated $54.3 million left from the two<br />
bonds and is committed to $57.4 million <strong>in</strong> work. Voters have<br />
approved bonds twice s<strong>in</strong>ce 2001 for a total of $158 million.<br />
But it seems they need more and are consider<strong>in</strong>g go<strong>in</strong>g back<br />
to voters to approve another bond. I don’t know many that<br />
would support another bond given the fact that many projects<br />
have been considered luxuries for the district <strong>in</strong>stead of<br />
necessities. I mean, why does every campus need a top-notch<br />
perform<strong>in</strong>g arts center? And so on.<br />
<strong>Also</strong>, did you know that <strong>in</strong> the Sequoia district, out of the<br />
1,915 students <strong>in</strong> the senior class, about 385 of them have yet<br />
to pass at least one portion of the California High School Exit<br />
Exam? More on that next month. I guess it is fortunate for the<br />
<strong>in</strong>cumbents runn<strong>in</strong>g for re-election that these types of <strong>issue</strong>s<br />
will not be brought up dur<strong>in</strong>g a campaign.<br />
<strong>The</strong> San Mateo County Community College District had<br />
budgeted to pay $383,000 — the bill for the 2005 race. All<br />
three <strong>in</strong>cumbents — Dave Mandelkern, Patricia Miljanich<br />
and Karen Schwarz — will return for another four years.<br />
It will be Mandelkern’s second term and the fourth term for<br />
Miljanich and Schwarz.<br />
Given the number of terms and years all these <strong>in</strong>cumbents<br />
have been around, I have to wonder if these people just die<br />
on their boards? I commend them for their public service, but<br />
come on now — isn’t it time to let others have the opportunity<br />
to make a difference? We all know it is almost impossible<br />
to beat an <strong>in</strong>cumbent because voters are so un<strong>in</strong>formed and,<br />
unless there is a major <strong>issue</strong>, just stay the course. No wonder<br />
nobody runs aga<strong>in</strong>st them.<br />
After an impressive and very time-consum<strong>in</strong>g appeal<br />
process, the City Council approved the Costco expansion but<br />
added some new conditions. I do not know if you attended<br />
or watched the nearly six-hour meet<strong>in</strong>g on the tube, but I<br />
was so proud — even though I did not agree with them — of<br />
the residents <strong>in</strong> that neighborhood who took a stand and<br />
challenged the “process.” In do<strong>in</strong>g so, they at least make<br />
the corporate giant more accountable to our community.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re will be a 30-day statute of limitations on the council’s<br />
decision, <strong>in</strong> case a lawsuit is filed with<strong>in</strong> that time frame.<br />
I doubt there will be, so here’s to cheaper gas and more<br />
discounted selections.<br />
But then aga<strong>in</strong>, do I really need 52 more rolls of toilet paper?<br />
As I was say<strong>in</strong>g…<br />
. . .<br />
. . .
‘Top Model’ Hopefuls L<strong>in</strong>e Up at RWC Salon<br />
<strong>The</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> front of <strong>The</strong> Beauty Lounge <strong>in</strong> Redwood City stretched halfway around the<br />
block of Broadway and W<strong>in</strong>slow Street, but its length didn’t stop a number of glamorous<br />
women from queu<strong>in</strong>g up on Saturday, Aug. 11.<br />
<strong>The</strong> local salon, owned by Chris Randolph and his wife, Leticia, was the Bay Area<br />
audition site for the n<strong>in</strong>th season of “America’s Next Top Model.” Tyra Banks hosts the reality<br />
show, which pits 10 to 14 would-be models aga<strong>in</strong>st each other <strong>in</strong> a series of elim<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
rounds to determ<strong>in</strong>e the w<strong>in</strong>ner. <strong>The</strong>re are no “rounds” of auditions — contestants are<br />
selected from <strong>this</strong> week-long, nationwide search or they are not selected at all.<br />
As the morn<strong>in</strong>g wore on — auditions began at 10 a.m. and ended at 2 p.m. —<br />
nervousness mounted.<br />
Alyssa Sweitzer, of Fairfield, said her biggest worry was “not gett<strong>in</strong>g picked.”<br />
“This is my first time really go<strong>in</strong>g out,” the 18-year-old said, referr<strong>in</strong>g to her relative<br />
<strong>in</strong>experience <strong>in</strong> model<strong>in</strong>g. “My mamma kept tell<strong>in</strong>g me that school was more important<br />
and that I should f<strong>in</strong>ish school before I jump <strong>in</strong>to anyth<strong>in</strong>g else.” Aside from “work<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
my mamma’s nerves,” she’d devoted her past weeks to rehears<strong>in</strong>g for her audition.<br />
To sign up for the audition, aspir<strong>in</strong>g contestants had to preregister onl<strong>in</strong>e. <strong>The</strong> actual<br />
auditions consisted of an <strong>in</strong>terview with a camera; the tapes were then sent to the show’s<br />
producers, who will evaluate them and make their selections over the next few weeks.<br />
None of the young women were allowed to hear what questions were be<strong>in</strong>g put to their<br />
competitors dur<strong>in</strong>g the camera <strong>in</strong>terview. Only one candidate was allowed <strong>in</strong> <strong>The</strong> Beauty<br />
Lounge at a time. Each candidate was then led to the back of the salon, where she faced<br />
the camera and answered the “Top Model” crew’s questions.<br />
“I was pretty nervous be<strong>in</strong>g on the spot and answer<strong>in</strong>g questions,” said Marisa Urb<strong>in</strong>a,<br />
21, of Napa, after her audition. Unlike Sweitzer, Urb<strong>in</strong>a has been model<strong>in</strong>g for a few years,<br />
mostly <strong>in</strong> hair advertisements. If she is selected, “America’s Next Top Model” would easily<br />
be her biggest showcase.<br />
<strong>The</strong> auditions were <strong>The</strong> Beauty Lounge’s biggest showcase, too.<br />
“We spent all week prepar<strong>in</strong>g,” said Randolph. “We want to handle these types of events<br />
<strong>in</strong> the future and we want people to be aware of our location.”<br />
Randolph said <strong>The</strong> Beauty Lounge was chosen as the Bay Area site when he answered<br />
a general advertisement for those who were <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> host<strong>in</strong>g “Top Model” auditions.<br />
“This is a brand new salon, so <strong>this</strong> is excellent publicity,” he said. “It’s been an extremely<br />
excit<strong>in</strong>g process.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e outside <strong>The</strong> Beauty Lounge wrapped around the block as women waited for<br />
their turn to audition for “America’s Next Top Model.”<br />
Thousands Take Part <strong>in</strong> Bicycle Tour<br />
More than 2,000 bicyclists turned out Sunday, Aug. 5, for the annual Tour de<br />
Pen<strong>in</strong>sula, one of the great summer bik<strong>in</strong>g events <strong>in</strong> San Mateo County.<br />
<strong>The</strong> tour serves as a popular fundraiser for Bike Sundays, the Sunday<br />
closure of Cañada Road that permits carefree bik<strong>in</strong>g, skat<strong>in</strong>g, runn<strong>in</strong>g and<br />
stroll<strong>in</strong>g. <strong>The</strong> 33-mile tour route, which beg<strong>in</strong>s and ends at Sequoia High<br />
School <strong>in</strong> Redwood City, is laid out to highlight two of the San Mateo County<br />
Department of Parks’ premier family bik<strong>in</strong>g opportunities — Sawyer Camp<br />
Trail and Cañada Road.<br />
After complet<strong>in</strong>g the tour, riders picked up their “Official Tour de Pen<strong>in</strong>sula<br />
Dirty T-shirt” and got a chance to visit post-ride expo booths while they<br />
enjoyed music played by the Chris Ford Band.<br />
<strong>The</strong> organizer and beneficiary of the tour, the San Mateo County Parks and<br />
Recreation Foundation, was established <strong>in</strong> 1988 and supports the preservation<br />
and restoration of native habitats and environmental education. <strong>The</strong><br />
foundation seeks grants and contributions from <strong>in</strong>dividuals, foundations and<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>esses and to date has raised $7 million to support 30 different programs<br />
of the San Mateo County Department of Parks.<br />
Supervisor Rich Gordon, honorary chair of the event, said, “I congratulate<br />
and thank all of <strong>this</strong> year’s participants. <strong>The</strong> Tour de Pen<strong>in</strong>sula is a great way<br />
to feel the benefits of physical exercise and help all residents of San Mateo<br />
County by rais<strong>in</strong>g funds to support the county park department’s Bicycle<br />
Sunday program.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Foundation is located at 215<br />
Bay Road, Menlo Park. To learn more about Foundation volunteer opportunities,<br />
rang<strong>in</strong>g from be<strong>in</strong>g a docent to clear<strong>in</strong>g trails, call 650-321-5812 or visit<br />
www.supportparks.org.<br />
Top left: Mark Simon, founder of the Tour de Pen<strong>in</strong>sula, and Rich Gordon, San Mateo<br />
County supervisor, at the Tour de Pen<strong>in</strong>sula Aug. 5.<br />
.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>.AUG.07
From Basketballs to Badges:Riva<br />
R edwood City police Officers Diana Villegas<br />
(left) and Jessica Gray (right) are the best of<br />
friends — but they didn’t start out that way. It’s<br />
the k<strong>in</strong>d of story that, look<strong>in</strong>g back, they can<br />
laugh about. But at that time, it would have been<br />
hard to imag<strong>in</strong>e them end<strong>in</strong>g up as close as they<br />
are now.<br />
Years ago, when both women were play<strong>in</strong>g high<br />
school basketball, they met on the court as opponents,<br />
little love lost between them. Villegas went<br />
“You need to pick on someone your<br />
own size.”<br />
to Burl<strong>in</strong>game High School and Gray to Woodside.<br />
Villegas was <strong>in</strong> the class of ’95, a year ahead<br />
of Gray. After one of their games, Gray entered a<br />
verbal confrontation with one of Villegas’ friends.<br />
“I said, ‘You need to pick on someone your own<br />
size,’” Villegas recalled with a smile. “And [Gray]<br />
said, ‘<strong>The</strong>n I’ll pick on you!’” she laughed.<br />
At 6 feet tall, Villegas still comes <strong>in</strong> just shy<br />
of Gray’s 6 feet 1 <strong>in</strong>ch, but they were very much<br />
“the same size” — or close to it. In <strong>this</strong> confrontation,<br />
people had to <strong>in</strong>tercede to break up the pair,<br />
and they ma<strong>in</strong>ta<strong>in</strong>ed a dist<strong>in</strong>ct dislike for each<br />
other for some time thereafter — hardly an auspicious<br />
beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g to what would turn out to be a<br />
great friendship!<br />
For Villegas, basketball was a means to an end.<br />
She attended college on a basketball scholarship,<br />
her end goal always be<strong>in</strong>g the police force. “We’re<br />
very different,” Villegas said. “I always knew I<br />
wanted to be a police officer. My cous<strong>in</strong>, Steve<br />
Penny, was a police officer here for 25 years, and I<br />
wanted to follow his footsteps. Six months after I<br />
graduated from college, I was a police officer.”<br />
Gray, however, cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>in</strong> basketball much<br />
longer, travel<strong>in</strong>g the world to play on professional<br />
teams. It wasn’t until return<strong>in</strong>g from play<strong>in</strong>g<br />
overseas that she encountered Villegas aga<strong>in</strong><br />
— and followed her former rival onto the police<br />
force. Villegas took Gray under her w<strong>in</strong>g dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
her tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, and the seeds of friendship were<br />
planted.<br />
Villegas is the high school resource officer at<br />
Sequoia. <strong>The</strong> resource officer is on scene to handle<br />
any problems at the school. If a fight breaks<br />
out on campus, Villegas is already there. She also<br />
works with <strong>in</strong>tervention programs and youth education<br />
programs. “Ever s<strong>in</strong>ce I was hired, that’s<br />
what I wanted to do,” she said. Before she could<br />
take on that post, though, she had to earn valuable<br />
field experience. “I started so young,” Villegas<br />
said. “Back <strong>in</strong> the day, they hired officers 21, 22.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y don’t do that anymore.”<br />
When I spoke with Villegas, her enthusiasm for<br />
the job was clearly evident, not only through her<br />
voice but also on her face and <strong>in</strong> her eyes. It’s refresh<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to see someone with such a joie de vivre<br />
for what she does, who is dedicated and truly happy<br />
where she is. “All the goals I’ve ever wanted<br />
<strong>in</strong> my life — I wanted to be a cop, I wanted to be<br />
a resource officer, I wanted a basketball scholarship<br />
— for me, life is perfect,” she said. It’s easy<br />
to see why she’s excelled. Not only does she love<br />
what she does, she has a determ<strong>in</strong>ation to do the<br />
job right. She’s also served as a tactics <strong>in</strong>structor<br />
and cont<strong>in</strong>ues to coach youth basketball. “I coach<br />
little guys,” she said, “usually sixth to seventh<br />
grade. For some reason, they really pick th<strong>in</strong>gs up<br />
at that age.”<br />
While Villegas was on a fast-track, high-focus<br />
career path, Gray traveled more, see<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
world and explor<strong>in</strong>g after college. It’s a contrast<br />
between the two women, one of many, that<br />
highlights the differences between them. Villegas
ls Become Friends on the Force<br />
describes herself as the more conservative of the<br />
pair, while Gray is more adventurous, hav<strong>in</strong>g<br />
had many outside experiences and travels that<br />
Villegas lacks. At the same time, Gray admires<br />
Villegas’ police experience and professionalism.<br />
Talk<strong>in</strong>g to them, it’s easy to see how the mutual<br />
respect grew between them and how they complement<br />
each other with differ<strong>in</strong>g experiences and<br />
temperaments.<br />
When Gray expressed an <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> be<strong>in</strong>g an<br />
officer, Villegas was able to guide her. “In the<br />
police department, you don’t ever want to say,<br />
‘Oh, <strong>this</strong> person would be a great officer,’ because<br />
if it doesn’t work out, it falls back on you,” she<br />
expla<strong>in</strong>ed. But Gray earned her best recommendation,<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g hard toward her own goal once<br />
she’d decided to become an officer, excell<strong>in</strong>g at<br />
the academy and <strong>in</strong> field tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Before her travels, Gray played basketball at the<br />
University of San Diego. After graduat<strong>in</strong>g, she<br />
moved to England, where she played professionally.<br />
“My ma<strong>in</strong> goal after graduat<strong>in</strong>g college was<br />
to get to Australia,” Gray expla<strong>in</strong>ed, “but because<br />
I went to a smaller school, it was hard for me to<br />
get my name out there.”<br />
After mov<strong>in</strong>g to New Zealand, she cont<strong>in</strong>ued<br />
“<strong>The</strong>n I’ll pick on you.” She laughed.<br />
her pro basketball career, later mov<strong>in</strong>g back to<br />
England and then to Australia. While <strong>in</strong> Australia,<br />
she got to play aga<strong>in</strong>st the best female player<br />
<strong>in</strong> the world, Laura Jackson, who stands 6 feet<br />
6 <strong>in</strong>ches tall and is on the Australian women’s<br />
Olympic team. From Australia, Gray moved back<br />
to England to cont<strong>in</strong>ue her career.<br />
“After my last time <strong>in</strong> England, I came home<br />
and someone asked me to play on a local league,”<br />
Gray recalled. “And they told me about Diana.”<br />
Remember<strong>in</strong>g her from high school, “I was like,<br />
‘I don’t like that girl!’” she said, laugh<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
In the local league, the two women played together<br />
and quickly became friends. Search<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
a new direction <strong>in</strong> her life, Gray had considered<br />
becom<strong>in</strong>g a nurse but found Villegas’ example<br />
a promis<strong>in</strong>g one and decided to become a police<br />
officer <strong>in</strong>stead.<br />
“Diana was a very good mentor for me, from<br />
the time I considered be<strong>in</strong>g an officer, through<br />
the academy, and even on. She’s always been<br />
there,” Gray said. “I absolutely love her. She’s<br />
really great! She was my beat partner, so we got<br />
to spend a lot of quality time together and I got<br />
to learn a lot more from her as an officer.” <strong>The</strong>y<br />
were partnered for six months, patroll<strong>in</strong>g from<br />
Whipple to Redwood. On every call they answered,<br />
Gray expla<strong>in</strong>ed, she felt better know<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Villegas had her back — a sentiment Villegas<br />
strongly echoed about Gray.<br />
On the force for a little over 18 months now,<br />
Gray f<strong>in</strong>ds be<strong>in</strong>g an officer “life-chang<strong>in</strong>g. <strong>The</strong><br />
opportunity to see various parts of people’s<br />
lives, you get to make a difference,” she said. Her<br />
relationships with co-workers are different from<br />
those of a more typical office job. “Every day you<br />
go out there. You never know what could happen.<br />
You have to make decisions that may or may not<br />
impact your partner.” But far from be<strong>in</strong>g grim,<br />
Gray f<strong>in</strong>ds the work reward<strong>in</strong>g. “We have a lot of<br />
fun, we laugh,” she added.<br />
“I grew up <strong>in</strong> Redwood City,” Gray said. “I was<br />
born and raised here. So it’s been very nice for<br />
me to come back and try to make a difference <strong>in</strong><br />
the community that I grew up <strong>in</strong>. I love it. It’s the<br />
“Every day you go out there. You<br />
never know what could happen.”<br />
best.”<br />
Whether it’s work<strong>in</strong>g a beat on patrol, or<br />
safeguard<strong>in</strong>g and educat<strong>in</strong>g our youth, these<br />
two f<strong>in</strong>e officers are a credit to Redwood City’s<br />
community. From a discordant beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g, they’ve<br />
grown together as great friends and professionals.<br />
“Jessica and I compare Redwood City to a D-1,”<br />
Villegas said. “Division One. In college basketball,<br />
that’s the best you can get. You can’t get any<br />
better.”<br />
Left: Jessica Gray, Right: Diana Villegas<br />
.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>.AUG.07
<strong>The</strong> Div<strong>in</strong>g Pelican Cafe<br />
650 Bair Island Road . Redwood City .(650) 368-3668 . From 101 take Whipple Avenue East<br />
Hours: Tues-Sun 8 AM - 3 pm www.div<strong>in</strong>gpelicancafe.com<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong> us for outdoor<br />
d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g on our sun-kissed<br />
deck. Enjoy a peaceful<br />
waterfront view and our<br />
home-cooked dishes made<br />
from only the freshest<br />
<strong>in</strong>gre-dients! We serve<br />
breakfast, lunch, weekend<br />
brunch, espresso, beer &<br />
w<strong>in</strong>e. We have plenty of<br />
free park<strong>in</strong>g only 5<br />
m<strong>in</strong>utes from Downtown<br />
Redwood City!<br />
Meal Club Memberships<br />
Available Now!<br />
Purchase 10 Meals, exclud<strong>in</strong>g Sunday's,<br />
and recieve your next, 11th meal FREE!<br />
M<strong>in</strong>imum purchase $8.00 - Maximum free meal value $10.00
Community Interest<br />
Br<strong>in</strong>g Your Family,<br />
Neighbors and Friends to<br />
Learn From the Youth <strong>in</strong><br />
Our Community!<br />
Adults and Youth Com<strong>in</strong>g Together<br />
for the Future, Bridge to a<br />
Better Community<br />
Sequoia High School Multi-Purpose<br />
Room<br />
1201 Brewster Ave.<br />
Friday, Sept. 14, 6–9 p.m.<br />
Door Prizes * Free Park<strong>in</strong>g * Childcare<br />
Provided * Free Food * Fun Activities<br />
Hosted by the City of Redwood City and<br />
Redwood City 2020<br />
You’re <strong>in</strong>vited! If you are a youth between<br />
the ages of 12 and 20 or an adult liv<strong>in</strong>g or<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Redwood City, <strong>this</strong> is the event<br />
for you! Come talk with city leaders and<br />
other community members to learn from<br />
one another <strong>in</strong> a unique discussion and<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d out how we can build an even greater<br />
community. It will take all generations<br />
to make <strong>this</strong> happen! Did you know that<br />
youth <strong>in</strong> Redwood City want to be more<br />
<strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> our community? If you have<br />
never been on the Sequoia High School<br />
campus, <strong>this</strong> is a great opportunity to see<br />
it and also f<strong>in</strong>d out why it is now one of<br />
the top schools <strong>in</strong> the U.S.!<br />
Redwood City Costco<br />
Appeal Denied<br />
Plans for a larger Costco warehouse store<br />
and 12-pump gas station on Middlefield<br />
Road are mov<strong>in</strong>g forward toward a f<strong>in</strong>al<br />
vote after the Redwood City City Council<br />
denied the appeal of a neighborhood<br />
association that argued the environmental<br />
impact report for the project is flawed.<br />
<strong>The</strong> City Council denied the request<br />
by the Redwood Village Neighborhood<br />
Association, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the City Clerk’s<br />
Office.<br />
<strong>The</strong> decision came late <strong>in</strong> a council<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g after hours of reports by city<br />
staff, the appellants and Costco itself<br />
along with public comment by those <strong>in</strong><br />
the packed chambers.<br />
Costco wants to demolish its exist<strong>in</strong>g<br />
120,000-square-foot warehouse at 2300<br />
Middlefield Road and replace it with a<br />
160,000-square-foot version and new gas<br />
station.<br />
Opponents asked the council to reverse<br />
the Plann<strong>in</strong>g Commission’s certification<br />
of the EIR <strong>in</strong> June because some data<br />
on which its approval was based is<br />
wrong, there wasn’t an adequate project<br />
description provided and the city didn’t<br />
consider an alternative site.<br />
<strong>The</strong> number of trips generated by the<br />
project was a key po<strong>in</strong>t of contention,<br />
with opponents argu<strong>in</strong>g the reality far<br />
exceeds the 390 new peak trips estimated<br />
<strong>in</strong> the EIR. <strong>The</strong> traffic, they said, will<br />
br<strong>in</strong>g pollution, noise and an <strong>in</strong>crease<br />
of cars cutt<strong>in</strong>g through their residential<br />
community.<br />
<strong>The</strong> homeowners appeal<strong>in</strong>g the decision<br />
are not aga<strong>in</strong>st the idea of a larger Costco<br />
but want the company and city to vacate<br />
plans for the gas station, Kathy Soulard<br />
of the neighborhood association told the<br />
council.<br />
Another problem, accord<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
opponents, is that the city is not<br />
consider<strong>in</strong>g how the Stanford Outpatient<br />
Cl<strong>in</strong>ic on Broadway will add to<br />
cumulative traffic impacts. <strong>The</strong> city is not<br />
required to consider the cl<strong>in</strong>ic, Plann<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Manager Jill Ekas told the council dur<strong>in</strong>g<br />
her staff report, which recommended<br />
uphold<strong>in</strong>g the EIR certification.<br />
<strong>The</strong> homeowners group also raised<br />
concerns about the noise and pollution<br />
of a proposed tire center. Opponents did<br />
not ask that the center be elim<strong>in</strong>ated but<br />
moved from its proposed location.<br />
Save the Date!<br />
Veterans Memorial Senior Center<br />
25th Anniversary Gala<br />
Saturday, December 1, 2007<br />
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m<br />
You are <strong>in</strong>vited to celebrate and honor<br />
the legacy of many volunteers,<br />
patrons and staff that have served<br />
the Redwood City community.<br />
1455 Madison Avenue<br />
Redwood City, CA 94061-1549<br />
Event Information Contact<br />
(650) 780-7264<br />
Advertise<br />
with <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />
650.368.2434<br />
11.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>.AUG.07
Never late for the <strong>The</strong>atre<br />
when you eat at Little India.<br />
All You Can Eat Lunch<br />
Mon - Fri 11am - 2pm<br />
Regular $9.95 Vegetarian $7.95<br />
All You Can Eat D<strong>in</strong>ner<br />
Mon - Sat 5 - 9pm<br />
Regular $12.95 Vegetarian $10.95<br />
Little India<br />
Restaurant<br />
917 Ma<strong>in</strong> St., Redwood City<br />
650-361-8737 • www.little<strong>in</strong>diacuis<strong>in</strong>e.com<br />
10 % off<br />
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e
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Ed Everett on the Move<br />
Valerie Harris<br />
Special to <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />
‘<strong>The</strong> def<strong>in</strong>ition of community is the feel<strong>in</strong>g of not be<strong>in</strong>g alone.’<br />
Redwood City’s city manager, Ed Everett, is eye<strong>in</strong>g a time<br />
<strong>in</strong> the very near future when the thrills and headaches of<br />
manag<strong>in</strong>g a city will end. <strong>The</strong> actual date is Sept. 21. As the<br />
photo on <strong>this</strong> page <strong>in</strong>dicates, Everett will be danc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to<br />
retirement.<br />
Everett said, “<strong>The</strong> baby boomers are gett<strong>in</strong>g rid of the old<br />
def<strong>in</strong>itions of retirement. <strong>The</strong> def<strong>in</strong>ition of retirement that<br />
I had <strong>in</strong> my youth differs from how the baby boomers are<br />
def<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g it.”<br />
Everett is a third-generation native Californian, born<br />
to Perm<strong>in</strong> and Ellen Everett and raised <strong>in</strong> Sacramento.<br />
His paternal l<strong>in</strong>es trace back to France. <strong>The</strong> family later<br />
immigrated to Denmark. <strong>The</strong> old French family name, Da<br />
Perm<strong>in</strong>, eventually was truncated to Perm<strong>in</strong>, and now every<br />
generation carries that name forward <strong>in</strong> either a first or<br />
middle name. Everett’s middle name is Perm<strong>in</strong>, and he has<br />
passed that name along to one of his daughters as a middle name.<br />
“I had to figure out a plan of attack.<br />
It was go<strong>in</strong>g to take more than<br />
street furniture to revive the<br />
downtown area.”<br />
Everett grew up <strong>in</strong> Sacramento along with his older<br />
brother, Richard, who lives <strong>in</strong> Newcastle, near Sacramento.<br />
Richard Everett rem<strong>in</strong>isced: “When Ed and I were <strong>in</strong> school<br />
together, I was the older brother, and I would make B’s and<br />
C’s. Ed would get mostly A’s with an occasional B. I’d tell<br />
him that my classes were harder because I was older. But<br />
that was never the case for him. I guess he took after my<br />
father. It ran <strong>in</strong> the family. My father was a college graduate<br />
and worked for the state of California as chief of standards<br />
and surveys. Even our grandfather, Ralph Waldo Everett,<br />
graduated from Stanford <strong>in</strong> 1901. But Ed was always a leader.<br />
Even when we were <strong>in</strong> high school, Ed was the one who ran<br />
the Sunday school.”<br />
After graduat<strong>in</strong>g from high school, Everett attended<br />
the University of California, Davis, for his undergraduate<br />
degree <strong>in</strong> economics. “At that time I was try<strong>in</strong>g to stay out of<br />
Vietnam,” Everett said. “I applied to graduate school to get a<br />
draft deferment. <strong>The</strong> draft board drafted me, so I signed up<br />
for the Navy.”<br />
Everett spent three years <strong>in</strong> the Navy as an officer. After<br />
exit<strong>in</strong>g the Navy, he jo<strong>in</strong>ed the Vista Volunteers, where he<br />
spent a year and a half work<strong>in</strong>g with urban youth <strong>in</strong> Philadelphia.<br />
“It was when I was <strong>in</strong> Philadelphia that I thought about<br />
runn<strong>in</strong>g a city. Philadelphia was such a poorly run city at<br />
the time, I thought: Any numbskull could run the city better<br />
than <strong>this</strong>!” Everett enrolled <strong>in</strong> the Woodrow Wilson School<br />
of Public and International Affairs at Pr<strong>in</strong>ceton, where he<br />
received a master’s degree <strong>in</strong> urban affairs.<br />
His first job out of graduate school was <strong>in</strong> Palo Alto, <strong>in</strong><br />
program and management analysis. Everett expla<strong>in</strong>ed: “<strong>The</strong><br />
city manager at the time was a very <strong>in</strong>novative th<strong>in</strong>ker, and<br />
he wanted me to be a department head, so he made me the fire<br />
chief. I wasn’t a fireman!”<br />
Everett’s next job was assistant county manager <strong>in</strong> Washoe<br />
County, Nev., around Incl<strong>in</strong>e Village and Sparks, where he<br />
stayed five years.<br />
Prior to tak<strong>in</strong>g the job as city manager <strong>in</strong> Redwood City,<br />
Everett served as a city manager for the city of Belmont for<br />
eight years.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g the transitions from California to Nevada,<br />
Everett married and had two daughters: Heather and<br />
Nicole. Although Everett eventually divorced, the family<br />
reta<strong>in</strong>ed their local roots. Nicole Everett, now 27, lives <strong>in</strong><br />
San Francisco with her partner Katie. Nicole is work<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
an advanced degree <strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>terior design. Daughter Heather<br />
Ruiz, 31, is married to Roberto Ruiz and they both work for<br />
the county. Heather is a Human Resources manager for the<br />
county hospital, and Roberto is <strong>in</strong> San Mateo Public Works.<br />
Heather and Roberto share a home <strong>in</strong> Mounta<strong>in</strong> View with<br />
their five-year-old son, Danny.<br />
Tak<strong>in</strong>g over the re<strong>in</strong>s of a new city was not that big a leap<br />
for Everett, with all the experience he had logged. He wanted<br />
to do more.<br />
Everett uses a corporate-based analogy, describ<strong>in</strong>g his job<br />
as that of a chief executive officer (CEO) and liken<strong>in</strong>g the<br />
elected council members to a board of directors. So what does<br />
the CEO of a city do? A city manager’s function is described<br />
<strong>in</strong> detail on Wikipedia:<br />
A city manager is an official appo<strong>in</strong>ted as the adm<strong>in</strong>istrative<br />
manager of a city, <strong>in</strong> a council-manager form of city<br />
government.<br />
Typical roles and responsibilities of a city manager <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />
• Supervis<strong>in</strong>g day-to-day operations of all city departments;<br />
• Supervis<strong>in</strong>g the department heads;<br />
• Prepar<strong>in</strong>g a draft city budget each year with options the<br />
council votes on;<br />
• Research<strong>in</strong>g and mak<strong>in</strong>g recommendations about topics of<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest to the council;<br />
• Meet<strong>in</strong>g with citizens and citizen groups to understand<br />
their needs better;<br />
• Provid<strong>in</strong>g executive leadership that encourages good<br />
performance by city workers;<br />
• Operat<strong>in</strong>g the city with a professional understand<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
how all city functions operate together to their best effect.<br />
Typically, city managers have hire-fire authority over all<br />
city employees, though these decisions may be required to<br />
be approved by the council, and must comply with locally<br />
applicable civil service laws. This authority <strong>in</strong>cludes talent<br />
searches for “department heads” who are the managers of the<br />
city departments.<br />
Everett brought a new sp<strong>in</strong> to city management. Once a week,<br />
he had his “quiet time” — an hour of solitude, usually <strong>in</strong> the<br />
library, where he forced himself to th<strong>in</strong>k “outside the box.” It<br />
was dur<strong>in</strong>g one of these occasions that Everett started read<strong>in</strong>g<br />
“Bowl<strong>in</strong>g Alone: <strong>The</strong> Collapse and Revival of American<br />
Community” by Robert D. Putnam.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to an Amazon.com review: “In the book,<br />
Putnam, a professor of sociology at Harvard, argued that<br />
civil society was break<strong>in</strong>g down as Americans became more<br />
disconnected from their families, neighbors, communities<br />
and the republic itself. <strong>The</strong> organizations that gave life<br />
to democracy were fray<strong>in</strong>g. Bowl<strong>in</strong>g became his driv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
metaphor. Years ago, he wrote, thousands of people belonged<br />
to bowl<strong>in</strong>g leagues. Today, however, they’re more likely to<br />
bowl alone.”<br />
That book proved to be a pivotal <strong>in</strong>fluence on Everett’s<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g and on the reshap<strong>in</strong>g of Redwood City’s philosophy<br />
on community-build<strong>in</strong>g. Yogi Berra packaged the idea succ<strong>in</strong>ctly:<br />
“If you don’t go to somebody’s funeral, they won’t come to<br />
yours.” <strong>The</strong> message was powerful <strong>in</strong> its simplicity: To def<strong>in</strong>e<br />
yourself as a city, you need to build a community. From that<br />
day forward, Everett set the ground rules, along with the city<br />
council, to make every resident not just a city dweller, but a<br />
cared-for member of Redwood City’s community.<br />
Everett and the various city council members throughout<br />
the years easily embraced community-build<strong>in</strong>g. It’s an easy<br />
pitch to make. Redwood City has evolved to the po<strong>in</strong>t of truly<br />
<strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g its community members, from Create-A-Smile,<br />
which organizes fundrais<strong>in</strong>g events for families <strong>in</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial<br />
need, all the way to the Friday concerts downtown.<br />
Everett said, “<strong>The</strong> def<strong>in</strong>ition of community is the feel<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
not be<strong>in</strong>g alone, that if I am <strong>in</strong> need and reach out, someone<br />
will help me, even if I don’t know them. People respond by<br />
feel<strong>in</strong>g attached to the community.”<br />
When Everett first came to Redwood City, he faced some<br />
challenges. Downtown was so dead, it garnered the moniker<br />
Deadwood City. “That was 17 years ago,” Everett expla<strong>in</strong>ed.<br />
“I had to figure out a plan of attack. It was go<strong>in</strong>g to take more<br />
than street furniture to revive the downtown area. That’s why<br />
we started spend<strong>in</strong>g the money. A community needs family<br />
room where people can congregate.” Thus the downtown<br />
project was born.<br />
“Now on Fridays we have concerts. A man walked up to<br />
me and told me that he never misses a concert, even though<br />
he doesn’t care for the music some of the bands play. He told<br />
me he goes because he meets all his friends there. It’s become<br />
part of the fabric of the community.”<br />
Another community builder was “Harry Potter night” at<br />
the public library. Everett recounted: “<strong>The</strong> library stayed<br />
open from 8 p.m. until midnight, and the event was a<br />
framework for kids to socialize and get to know each other.<br />
We gave away around 300 books. <strong>The</strong> youth is our future, yet<br />
the youth are the most neglected faction of our society. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
are the most ‘left out,’ accord<strong>in</strong>g to studies.” <strong>The</strong> public is<br />
welcome to attend a community discussion on the city’s youth<br />
on Sept. 15 <strong>in</strong> the Sequoia High School cafeteria.<br />
www.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>Magaz<strong>in</strong>e.net
Other community projects <strong>in</strong>clude neighborhood disaster<br />
preparedness. Everett envisions hav<strong>in</strong>g the community selfsufficient<br />
for at least 72 hours after a major disaster, to enable<br />
local emergency services to tackle the really critical <strong>issue</strong>s.<br />
Why is Everett quitt<strong>in</strong>g a job he has come to master? “It’s<br />
time. <strong>The</strong> city plan is at a level where someone can come <strong>in</strong><br />
and take it to the next level. I’ve worked 24 years <strong>in</strong> a job<br />
where I have a target on my back. It’s tough work<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> such<br />
a fishbowl,” Everett expla<strong>in</strong>ed. For the reader, it takes only a<br />
few keystrokes to learn about the contentious battles Everett<br />
and his staff have encountered. One <strong>in</strong>cident was so vicious<br />
that he had to hire an attorney with his own funds to have<br />
some personal attacks cease and desist.<br />
<strong>The</strong> reality may be that Everett wants to spend more time<br />
<strong>in</strong> his cab<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> Truckee, more time with his daughters and<br />
grandson, and more time on the dance floor at the Arthur<br />
Murray Dance Studio with his significant <strong>in</strong>terest, Mary<br />
Welch. Everett says, “I met Mary work<strong>in</strong>g on committees<br />
years ago. I was divorced about a year, and I just hated to go<br />
to movies alone. One night, I called Mary and asked her if she<br />
wanted to go to a movie. She accepted.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> two began tak<strong>in</strong>g dance lessons at the popular studio<br />
on Broadway. “Mary recently <strong>in</strong>jured her wrist, so she isn’t<br />
able to be my dance partner today,” he said as I watched him<br />
waltz around the floor with studio owner and <strong>in</strong>structor Alice<br />
Louise.<br />
“I take it [danc<strong>in</strong>g] as enjoyable and I don’t always do it<br />
well,” Everett said. “But it’s just one of those th<strong>in</strong>gs that you<br />
have to go <strong>in</strong> and say: You know, it’s go<strong>in</strong>g to be fun, and if I<br />
screw up, so what? One dance class, we had a substitute, and<br />
the dance <strong>in</strong>structor said, ‘Ed, you lost a step.’ I just stopped,<br />
and started look<strong>in</strong>g around. ‘Has anyone seen my step? I lost<br />
a step! I know it was around here somewhere.’ Look, when<br />
you dance you are go<strong>in</strong>g to make mistakes, and it’s sort of<br />
like life: You just have to laugh at it,” he added.<br />
When Everett closes <strong>this</strong> chapter of his career as a city<br />
manager, he will be far from “retired.” He is eager to share<br />
adventures with his family, work on his cab<strong>in</strong> and spread his<br />
goodwill to all he encounters <strong>in</strong> his newest journey. We wish<br />
him well.<br />
“Look, when you dance you are go<strong>in</strong>g to make mistakes,<br />
”<br />
and it’s sort of like life: You just have to laugh at it.<br />
17.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>.AUG.07
Advertise with <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />
650.368.2434
Nonprofits <strong>in</strong> Action<br />
Advocates for Children<br />
For as little as 10 hours a month, you could make a last<strong>in</strong>g difference <strong>in</strong> the<br />
life of an abused and neglected child.<br />
Each year, 600 to 800 San Mateo County children enter the foster care<br />
system as a result of abuse and neglect. Advocates for Children, CASA of<br />
San Mateo County, is actively seek<strong>in</strong>g car<strong>in</strong>g and consistent adults to mentor<br />
and speak up for the best <strong>in</strong>terests of these children. Over 130 children are<br />
wait<strong>in</strong>g for someone who cares.<br />
If you would like to become a volunteer advocate, or just want to learn<br />
more, please attend an orientation held <strong>in</strong> their San Mateo office. Visit their<br />
Web site (www.AdvocatesFC.org) or call 650-212-4423 for more <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />
CityTrees<br />
CityTrees is a nonprofit work<strong>in</strong>g with the Public Works Department to<br />
enhance and care for Redwood City’s urban forest. <strong>The</strong>y usually plant or<br />
prune on the third Saturday of each month. Check their Web site (www.<br />
citytrees.org) for a list<strong>in</strong>g of events and dates.<br />
City Talk Toastmasters<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong> the City Talk Toastmasters to develop communication and leadership<br />
skills. <strong>The</strong> club meets Wednesdays 12:30–1:30 p.m. <strong>in</strong> the Council<br />
Chambers at City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road. Call Manny Rosas at 650-<br />
780-7468 if you would like to check out a meet<strong>in</strong>g or just stop <strong>in</strong>. Visit<br />
www.toastmasters.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation about the Toastmasters public<br />
speak<strong>in</strong>g program.<br />
Family Service Agency of San Mateo County<br />
Look<strong>in</strong>g for a dependable source of skilled, reliable workers? Family<br />
Service Agency of San Mateo County provides employers with mature,<br />
ready-to-work, experienced workers who are 55 years and older. Employers<br />
contact the service because they appreciate the superior work ethic and the<br />
commitment to quality that mature workers possess. <strong>The</strong>re are no fees for<br />
hir<strong>in</strong>g candidates. Contact Barbara Clipper at 650-403-4300, ext. 4368, to<br />
place your job order.<br />
For those look<strong>in</strong>g for work, Family Service Agency provides a range of<br />
services for those who are at least 55 years of age, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g referrals for<br />
classroom tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, vocational counsel<strong>in</strong>g, job referrals and on-the-job<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for qualified participants. Contact Connie Tilles at 650-403-4300,<br />
ext. 4371, if you are look<strong>in</strong>g for work.<br />
Friends for Youth<br />
Do you like to play video games, shoot hoops, watch baseball games or just<br />
have fun? <strong>The</strong>n you have what it takes to be a mentor!<br />
As a mentor, you can hang out with a young person like Reggie. He’s a 12-<br />
year-old who loves pizza, baseball and cars. He lives with his grandmother<br />
and three sisters and would love to hang out with a guy and have fun. <strong>The</strong>re<br />
are 30 boys like Reggie wait<strong>in</strong>g to be matched with a mentor like you. Most<br />
of the boys wait more than a year to meet their mentors.<br />
As a mentor with Friends for Youth, you will have access to group<br />
activities like bowl<strong>in</strong>g, m<strong>in</strong>iature golf and camp<strong>in</strong>g trips, plus free tickets<br />
to Giants, 49ers, Warriors and Sharks games and more. In just a few hours a<br />
week you can make a difference <strong>in</strong> the life of someone like Reggie.<br />
If you are <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> becom<strong>in</strong>g a mentor, we <strong>in</strong>vite you to attend a onehour<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation session <strong>in</strong> Redwood City. For upcom<strong>in</strong>g sessions, call 650-<br />
482-2871 or e-mail mentor@friendsforyouth.org.<br />
Hear<strong>in</strong>g Loss Association of the Pen<strong>in</strong>sula<br />
Hear<strong>in</strong>g Loss Association is a volunteer, <strong>in</strong>ternational organization of hardof-hear<strong>in</strong>g<br />
people and their relatives and friends. <strong>The</strong> nonprofit, nonsectarian,<br />
educational organization is devoted to the welfare and <strong>in</strong>terests of those who<br />
cannot hear well but are committed to participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the hear<strong>in</strong>g world.<br />
A day meet<strong>in</strong>g is held on the first Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the<br />
Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave. Educational speakers<br />
and refreshments are provided. A demonstration of assistive devices is<br />
held on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. <strong>in</strong> the second-floor<br />
conference room at the Redwood City Public Library, 1044 Middlefield Road.<br />
Please call Marj at 650-593-6760 with any questions.<br />
Nurs<strong>in</strong>g Mothers Counsel<br />
Nurs<strong>in</strong>g Mothers Counsel, a nonprofit organization s<strong>in</strong>ce 1955, provides free<br />
breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g education and assistance by highly tra<strong>in</strong>ed counselors (moms<br />
who breastfed for at least six months). To speak with a counselor (no fee), call<br />
650-327-MILK (327-6455).<br />
NMC also offers free breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g classes. Moms (<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g babies),<br />
dads, grandmas and friends are welcome. Classes are held the first Saturday<br />
of each month at Mills Hospital <strong>in</strong> San Mateo from 10 a.m. to noon. Call 650-<br />
327-MILK (327-6455) to RSVP.<br />
NMC also has breast pumps and breastfeed<strong>in</strong>g supplies available for<br />
purchase and rent. Call 650-364-9579. If you’d like to become a tra<strong>in</strong>ed<br />
counselor, call 650-365-2713. Visit their Web site at www.nurs<strong>in</strong>gmothers.org.<br />
Pen<strong>in</strong>sula Humane Society & SPCA<br />
In addition to shelter<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g new homes for stray and unwanted<br />
animals (100 percent placement for healthy dogs and cats s<strong>in</strong>ce 2003!), PHS/<br />
SPCA has vital programs for people. New <strong>in</strong> 2006 and beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g with the<br />
North Fair Oaks community, the shelter began driv<strong>in</strong>g its mobile spay/neuter<br />
cl<strong>in</strong>ic <strong>in</strong>to low-<strong>in</strong>come neighborhoods, offer<strong>in</strong>g owners free “fixes” for their<br />
pets. PHS/SPCA also provides a free animal behavior help l<strong>in</strong>e <strong>in</strong> English<br />
and Spanish. Call 650-340-7022, ext. 783 or 786. And domestic abuse victims<br />
who wish to leave their abusive situation but are fearful of do<strong>in</strong>g so because<br />
they have pets can receive temporary shelter<strong>in</strong>g for their pets through PHS/<br />
SPCA. Call 650-340-7022, ext. 330.<br />
Pen<strong>in</strong>sula Hills Women’s Club<br />
Pen<strong>in</strong>sula Hills Women’s Club meets the third Wednesday of each month<br />
at the Community Activities Build<strong>in</strong>g, 1400 Roosevelt Ave. For more<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation, call 650-366-6371.<br />
Pen<strong>in</strong>sula Sunrise Rotary Club<br />
<strong>The</strong> Pen<strong>in</strong>sula Sunrise Rotary Club was chartered <strong>in</strong> April 1988. In the years<br />
s<strong>in</strong>ce that time, the club has met weekly at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast and to hear<br />
a speaker at the Waterfront Restaurant at Pete’s Harbor <strong>in</strong> Redwood City. <strong>The</strong><br />
club, with 22 members, has frequently been honored as an outstand<strong>in</strong>g small<br />
club by Rotary District 5150, which <strong>in</strong>cludes San Mateo, San Francisco and<br />
part of Mar<strong>in</strong> counties. For more <strong>in</strong>formation or to jo<strong>in</strong>, call Marc Manuel at<br />
650-306-9606.<br />
Redwood City Education Foundation<br />
<strong>The</strong> Redwood City Education Foundation is an all-volunteer, nonprofit<br />
organization dedicated to provid<strong>in</strong>g students <strong>in</strong> the Redwood City School<br />
District with a strong education that lays the foundation for future success.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y raise private money to provide enrichment programs to all students <strong>in</strong><br />
the district. <strong>The</strong>ir fund<strong>in</strong>g is focused on academic achievement, music and<br />
art, and health and wellness. <strong>The</strong>y are currently seek<strong>in</strong>g new board members.<br />
Board members are responsible for attend<strong>in</strong>g monthly meet<strong>in</strong>gs, chair<strong>in</strong>g<br />
board committees, participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> fundrais<strong>in</strong>g and outreach activities, and<br />
promot<strong>in</strong>g RCEF <strong>in</strong> the community. If you are <strong>in</strong>terested <strong>in</strong> the possibility of<br />
serv<strong>in</strong>g on the board, please contact Adam Borison at 650-363-7271 or vp@<br />
rcef.org. For more <strong>in</strong>formation on RCEF, check out www.rcef.org.<br />
Redwood City Sunrise Lions Club<br />
This group is small but has a grow<strong>in</strong>g membership. All members either<br />
live or work <strong>in</strong> our community and share a common goal of mak<strong>in</strong>g our<br />
city a better place to live. This club is one of over 44,000 Lions Clubs <strong>in</strong><br />
199 nations. Chartered <strong>in</strong> 1966, the club has been vigorously active help<strong>in</strong>g<br />
eyesight-impaired youth <strong>in</strong> our schools and seniors who are hear<strong>in</strong>g-impaired.<br />
(cont<strong>in</strong>ued on page 21)<br />
19.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>.AUG.07
News Briefs<br />
Jail, Counsel<strong>in</strong>g for Girl Who Hid Drugs on Sister<br />
<strong>The</strong> 18-year-old girl who asked her 10-year-old sister to hide hero<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> her sweatshirt dur<strong>in</strong>g a rout<strong>in</strong>e traffic stop was<br />
sentenced to n<strong>in</strong>e months <strong>in</strong> jail and ordered to complete child abuse counsel<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Maria Guadalupe Miranda receives credit for four days aga<strong>in</strong>st her term, which the court recommended be served through<br />
the work furlough program. Miranda must also spend four years on supervised probation follow<strong>in</strong>g the sentence and register<br />
as a drug offender, accord<strong>in</strong>g to court records clerks.<br />
Miranda, who has been free on a $25,000 bail bond, pleaded no contest <strong>in</strong> April to felony drug possession for sale and<br />
misdemeanor child endangerment. <strong>The</strong> plea barga<strong>in</strong> dismissed other charges of drug possession for sale and transport<strong>in</strong>g<br />
drugs.<br />
On March 23, Redwood City police pulled Miranda over and reported she had only a Carlmont High School identification<br />
card. Dur<strong>in</strong>g a voluntary search of Miranda’s wallet, the officer reportedly found two twists of coca<strong>in</strong>e and hero<strong>in</strong>. <strong>The</strong> officer<br />
also reported f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g two ounces of hero<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the sweatshirt of Miranda’s 10-year-old sister. <strong>The</strong> girl allegedly told police<br />
Miranda gave the drugs to her to hide.<br />
Miranda was to take the drugs to somebody at the Hillsdale Shopp<strong>in</strong>g Center to earn money for college, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the<br />
District Attorney’s Office.<br />
Miranda’s 6-year-old cous<strong>in</strong> was also <strong>in</strong> the vehicle.<br />
Men Rob Store With Hammer<br />
Two men armed with a gun and a hammer robbed a Redwood City cell phone store and sent an employee to the hospital with<br />
head <strong>in</strong>juries, police reported.<br />
<strong>The</strong> men entered the store at 3708 Florence St. <strong>The</strong> duo had a gun and a hammer. <strong>The</strong>y used the hammer to shatter a<br />
display case and steal the phones <strong>in</strong>side. <strong>The</strong>y also hit a store employee <strong>in</strong> the head with the hammer. An employee was<br />
transported to the hospital with unknown <strong>in</strong>juries, said Sgt. Steve Blanc of the Redwood City Police Department.<br />
Police <strong>issue</strong>d a countywide alert for the two suspects and searched the area. However, the two men were never located,<br />
Blanc said.<br />
Both men are described as Pacific Islanders. One was taller, bald and was wear<strong>in</strong>g a black shirt. He was armed with the<br />
gun. <strong>The</strong> other was shorter, heavyset and wear<strong>in</strong>g a white shirt. <strong>The</strong>y were last seen flee<strong>in</strong>g the scene <strong>in</strong> a gray, older model<br />
PT Cruiser with t<strong>in</strong>ted w<strong>in</strong>dows, accord<strong>in</strong>g to police reports.<br />
Anyone with <strong>in</strong>formation about <strong>this</strong> <strong>in</strong>cident should call the Redwood City Police Department at 780-7100.<br />
Girl, 3, Falls From RWC Bridge<br />
A 3-year-old is <strong>in</strong> serious condition at Stanford Hospital after rid<strong>in</strong>g her bike off a pedestrian ramp <strong>in</strong> Redwood City.<br />
<strong>The</strong> girl was rid<strong>in</strong>g her bike on the Stambaugh Street bridge over Woodside Road. She was with her mother. <strong>The</strong> descent<br />
from the bridge to Manzanita Street below is created by two ramps that hit each other at a right angle. <strong>The</strong> girl was rid<strong>in</strong>g her<br />
bike down the top part of the ramp and failed to negotiate the turn onto the second part of the ramp. She hit a cyclone fence<br />
at the turn, but careened through it and fell just short of 18 feet to an empty lot below, said Redwood City police Capt. Chris<br />
Cesena.<br />
<strong>The</strong> girl suffered abdom<strong>in</strong>al and m<strong>in</strong>or head <strong>in</strong>juries along with cuts, scrapes and bruises. She was rushed to Stanford<br />
Hospital, where she rema<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> serious condition, Cesena said.<br />
<strong>The</strong> girl was not wear<strong>in</strong>g a helmet, Cesena said.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Redwood City Police Department is collect<strong>in</strong>g evidence and writ<strong>in</strong>g a report on the case while the Redwood City<br />
Public Works Department and Caltrans decide who is responsible for the bridge ma<strong>in</strong>tenance.<br />
“It is our understand<strong>in</strong>g that Caltrans is responsible for the ma<strong>in</strong>tenance,” Cesena said.<br />
<strong>The</strong> fence was fixed immediately follow<strong>in</strong>g the accident, accord<strong>in</strong>g to a police report.<br />
Lomas and Jackson had been married dozens of years and raised four children. <strong>The</strong> fourth child, however, was allegedly<br />
fathered by another man although raised by Lomas.<br />
Brewer “was th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g it might not be his” but testified he never told Lomas. Lomas treated the boy as his own son and<br />
appeared close to all the children, Brewer said.<br />
He was unaware if L<strong>in</strong>da Jackson Lomas was unfaithful, and her husband never mentioned suspicions, Brewer said.<br />
Brewer said Lomas had given up the “heavy dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g” of his past but <strong>in</strong> the weeks preced<strong>in</strong>g the murder acknowledged<br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g so drunk at a bar his sister had to take him home.<br />
When Brewer decl<strong>in</strong>ed to say he was aware of Lomas’ dr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g beyond that <strong>in</strong>cident, prosecutor Al Giann<strong>in</strong>i pressed him<br />
to agree he was also unaware of the robberies.<br />
“Isn’t it true for at least four years there was a side of Robert you just never saw?” Giann<strong>in</strong>i asked.<br />
“That’s correct,” Brewer said.<br />
Lomas rema<strong>in</strong>s <strong>in</strong> custody on no-bail status.<br />
Redwood City Man <strong>in</strong> Custody After Fatal Crash<br />
<strong>The</strong> California Highway Patrol has identified the driver of a black Toyota Camry that is be<strong>in</strong>g blamed for a fiery traffic<br />
accident on Interstate 280 that sent two people to the hospital and killed another.<br />
Redwood City resident Guadalupe Gomez, 68, was allegedly spotted driv<strong>in</strong>g the Toyota at speeds estimated by witnesses<br />
to be <strong>in</strong> excess of 100 mph and us<strong>in</strong>g all four lanes of southbound Interstate 280, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the left shoulder.<br />
At least one witness put the erratic driv<strong>in</strong>g behavior as far back as Wolfe Road <strong>in</strong> Cupert<strong>in</strong>o, about seven miles north of<br />
Race Street, where the accident happened.<br />
It was near the Meridian Avenue area north of Race Street that Gomez’s Toyota apparently clipped a Mazda 626 driven by<br />
27-year-old Los Gatos resident Jedidiah Lee Dooley. <strong>The</strong> Mazda spun <strong>in</strong>to the center divide.<br />
Gomez’s Toyota then struck a Honda <strong>in</strong> the rear, caus<strong>in</strong>g both the Honda and the Toyota to sp<strong>in</strong> out, both eventually<br />
com<strong>in</strong>g to a stop.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Honda then burst <strong>in</strong>to flames with the unidentified male driver <strong>in</strong>side. He was later declared deceased.<br />
Dooley was treated for m<strong>in</strong>or cuts to his face at San Jose Regional Medical Center. Gomez was transported to Valley<br />
Medical Center and treated for cuts to his head and a fractured right leg, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the CHP.<br />
What was left was a scene of carnage. At 11 a.m. the black Camry sat with its front end smashed. <strong>The</strong> Honda was not<br />
recognizable as it sat fac<strong>in</strong>g oncom<strong>in</strong>g traffic. <strong>The</strong> roof of the Honda was ripped up and open and the <strong>in</strong>terior, melted and<br />
charred, was exposed for pass<strong>in</strong>g motorists to see. Plastic and glass debris covered all five lanes and stretched for almost a<br />
hundred yards.<br />
Gomez was arrested at the hospital for vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.<br />
It is not clear whether there was alcohol <strong>in</strong>volved and the CHP will test the vehicle for any sign of mechanical failure, CHP<br />
Officer Todd Thibodeau said.<br />
<strong>The</strong> accident was reported around 7:40 a.m. and was f<strong>in</strong>ally cleared at about noon. <strong>The</strong> accident had traffic backed up for<br />
miles <strong>in</strong> both directions of Interstate 280.<br />
Police Search for Man With Knife<br />
A midday domestic dispute turned <strong>in</strong>to a large-scale search for a bloody man with a knife on the run <strong>in</strong> the North Fair Oaks<br />
neighborhood of un<strong>in</strong>corporated San Mateo County.<br />
Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to conflict<strong>in</strong>g reports of gunshots and a stabb<strong>in</strong>g at a residence on the 400 block of<br />
Eighth Avenue <strong>in</strong> the un<strong>in</strong>corporated area near Redwood City. When police arrived they were able to determ<strong>in</strong>e, through<br />
translators, that no one was shot, said Lt. Lisa Williams of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office.<br />
Alejandro Acosta, 40, was visit<strong>in</strong>g with his estranged wife and family the previous day. He arrived back at the address<br />
the next day. When the family wouldn’t allow him <strong>in</strong>side the residence, Acosta punched his arm through a w<strong>in</strong>dow to ga<strong>in</strong><br />
entrance. He fled the area on foot with a knife from the residence, Williams said.<br />
Officers tried to track down Acosta <strong>in</strong> the area and <strong>in</strong> surround<strong>in</strong>g cities, but could not locate him. He was last seen <strong>in</strong> blue<br />
jeans and a bloody white tank top, accord<strong>in</strong>g to police reports.<br />
He is wanted for charges related to the assault, an outstand<strong>in</strong>g warrant for assault with a deadly weapon and a federal<br />
immigration warrant, Williams said.<br />
Anyone with <strong>in</strong>formation about Acosta or his whereabouts should call the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at 363-1536<br />
or the anonymous tip l<strong>in</strong>e at 1-800-574-2700.<br />
Friend Says Bank Robber Loved Wife<br />
Law enfoLaw enforcement officials believe Robert Lomas spent weeks as the “Gilligan robber” before stabb<strong>in</strong>g his wife to<br />
death May 21 <strong>in</strong> their North Fair Oaks home.<br />
To Earley Brewer, however, Lomas is “Bob,” a friend for more than three decades who liked play<strong>in</strong>g dom<strong>in</strong>oes, loved his<br />
wife, L<strong>in</strong>da Jackson Lomas, and nearly fell apart when she was hospitalized for bypass surgery.<br />
“He loved L<strong>in</strong>da,” Brewer testified Friday <strong>in</strong> a conditional hear<strong>in</strong>g. “I just didn’t believe he killed L<strong>in</strong>da.”<br />
A crim<strong>in</strong>al grand jury <strong>in</strong>dicted Lomas before he even entered an <strong>in</strong>itial plea to one count of first-degree murder and seven<br />
counts of robbery. Once <strong>in</strong> Superior Court, Lomas pleaded not guilty and was ordered back to court Sept. 18 to set a trial date.<br />
<strong>The</strong> long lag time left defense attorney Richard Keyes worried Brewer, who has stage-four cancer orig<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> his<br />
stomach, could die before testify<strong>in</strong>g about the Lomases relationship.<br />
Both sides agreed to Friday’s conditional hear<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> which testimony is videotaped and transcribed for future use.<br />
Aside from the murder, Lomas is accused of five bank robberies s<strong>in</strong>ce April 21. Crimes from Newark and Mounta<strong>in</strong> View<br />
will be comb<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong>to the San Mateo County cases because Lomas brought the money back here, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the District<br />
Attorney’s Office.<br />
Prosecutors believe Lomas is responsible for a number of other bank robberies, too, but they fall outside the statute of<br />
limitations.<br />
Lomas’ bank robberies may have been propelled by a mounta<strong>in</strong> of debt due to his wife’s medical conditions and the loss of<br />
his auto store job follow<strong>in</strong>g the domestic violence conviction, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the prosecution.<br />
In early April, Lomas was charged with domestic violence and ultimately sentenced to 15 days jail with the option of<br />
serv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the Sheriff’s Work Program. He was supposed to surrender June 19 and enroll <strong>in</strong> domestic violence class by May<br />
22. However, Lomas was reportedly rejected from the class May 21 for lack of funds to pay the approximate $75 fee.<br />
At 9:55 a.m. that day, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from an unidentified man report<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
woman dead at 2830B Hunt<strong>in</strong>gton Ave. <strong>in</strong> the un<strong>in</strong>corporated area of Redwood City. Reports Lomas himself made the call<br />
have not been confirmed.<br />
Lomas rema<strong>in</strong>ed at large until approximately 9 p.m. when he approached officers near the crime scene and turned himself <strong>in</strong>.<br />
Dur<strong>in</strong>g his police <strong>in</strong>terview, Lomas reportedly said his wife was unfaithful with a number of men. He allegedly believed<br />
his wife was giv<strong>in</strong>g the money he stole to these men.<br />
www.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>Magaz<strong>in</strong>e.net
Nonprofits <strong>in</strong> Action : cont<strong>in</strong>ued from page 19<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong> them for breakfast! <strong>The</strong> Lions meet every Wednesday at Bob’s Court<br />
House Coffee Shop, 2198 Broadway, beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g at 7:15 a.m. Call Bill Gibbons<br />
at 650-766-8105 for more details.<br />
Redwood City Women’s Club<br />
Redwood City Women’s Club meets at the clubhouse, 149 Cl<strong>in</strong>ton St., the<br />
first Thursday of each month September through June. Social at 11:30 a.m.<br />
and lunch at noon, followed by meet<strong>in</strong>g and program. For <strong>in</strong>formation call<br />
Loretta at 650-368-8212 or visit the group’s Web site at rwcwc.com.<br />
Redwood City Rotary<br />
Redwood City Rotary performs many service projects, provides college<br />
scholarships and donates to <strong>in</strong>ternational relief efforts. <strong>The</strong> 50-member club<br />
meets <strong>in</strong> a spirit of good fellowship and fun each Tuesday at 12:15 at the<br />
Sequoia Club, 1695 Broadway, to hear speakers and plan community benefits,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the annual July 4 raffle that raises $80,000 for 12 local charities.<br />
For more <strong>in</strong>formation about jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, contact President Alpio Barbara at 650-<br />
369-0351.<br />
Sequoia High School Alumni Association<br />
<strong>The</strong> group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Sequoia District<br />
Board Room, 480 James Ave., at 7 p.m. All alumni and friends of Sequoia<br />
are welcome to attend. For more <strong>in</strong>formation call Nancy at 650-592-5822,<br />
visit the Web site at sequoiahsalumniassoc.org or e-mail sequoiaalumni@<br />
earthl<strong>in</strong>k.net.<br />
Sequoia Stamp Club<br />
This club was established <strong>in</strong> 1947 and <strong>in</strong>vites community members to visit.<br />
<strong>The</strong> club meets at the Community Activities Build<strong>in</strong>g, 1400 Roosevelt Ave.,<br />
every second and fourth Tuesday at 7:45 p.m. <strong>The</strong>re is a program every<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g and refreshments are served. <strong>The</strong> dues are only $3 per year. Contact<br />
Hank at 650-593-7012, e-mail sequoiastampclub@yahoo.com or visit the<br />
group’s Web site at www.penpex.org. Sequoia Stamp Club sponsors a free<br />
stamp show at the same location on the first weekend <strong>in</strong> December.<br />
Soroptimist International of South Pen<strong>in</strong>sula<br />
<strong>The</strong> Soroptimists <strong>in</strong>vite you to become a member of Soroptmist International,<br />
the world’s largest service organization for bus<strong>in</strong>ess and professional<br />
women, where “improv<strong>in</strong>g the lives of women and children” has been their<br />
mission s<strong>in</strong>ce 1921. Soroptimists work through service projects to advance<br />
human rights and the status of women locally and abroad. Soroptimist<br />
International of South Pen<strong>in</strong>sula needs and wants you as a member. While<br />
help<strong>in</strong>g women’s and children’s causes, you will enjoy fellowship and last<strong>in</strong>g<br />
friendships. <strong>The</strong>y meet the second Thursday of every month. For more<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation, please call their president, Maria, at 650-366-0668, Monday–<br />
Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.<br />
Optimist Club of Redwood City<br />
<strong>The</strong> Optimists <strong>in</strong>vite you to become a member of Optimist International,<br />
one of the largest service organizations <strong>in</strong> the world, where “br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g out the<br />
best <strong>in</strong> kids” has been their mission for over 80 years. Whether you’re a club<br />
officer or a club member who enjoys the fellowship and friendship of others<br />
with a common greater good, Optimist International needs and wants you as<br />
a member.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Optimist Club of Redwood City meets every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m.<br />
at Bob’s Court House Coffee Shop at Middlefield and Broadway. For more<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation please call their president, Steve, at 650-365-8089 or their<br />
secretary, Ted Cole, at 650-366-1392. Or come jo<strong>in</strong> them for lunch to learn<br />
more about how you can make a difference.<br />
Woodside Terrace Optimist Club<br />
This is a unique club made up of senior citizens who want to stay <strong>in</strong>volved.<br />
Most, but not all, come from the residence at Woodside Terrace. <strong>The</strong> club is<br />
open to all of the community and provides an opportunity for seniors to be useful.<br />
<strong>The</strong> club’s funds are raised by a card, candy and necklace sale held on<br />
the fourth Wednesday of each month <strong>in</strong> the ma<strong>in</strong> lobby at 485 Woodside<br />
Road, open to the public. All greet<strong>in</strong>g cards are a dollar each. <strong>The</strong>y sell See’s<br />
and other candy bars and hold a See’s fundraiser for holidays. One of their<br />
members makes beautiful necklaces and sells them for $10 or more if one<br />
wishes to make a larger donation to the club.<br />
<strong>The</strong> club has a tutor<strong>in</strong>g project at Taft School and has contributed to school<br />
libraries, the Children’s Cancer Campaign, the Optimist Volunteers for<br />
Youth Camp near La Honda for needy children, the Optimist Jr. World Golf<br />
program, Challenge Day and many other programs for kids.<br />
Lunches/meet<strong>in</strong>gs are at 12:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays<br />
of each month <strong>in</strong> the Assisted Liv<strong>in</strong>g D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Room at Woodside Terrace.<br />
Guests are welcome. Please call President Jack Murphy at 650-780-9891 or<br />
Millie Cole at 650-366-1392 for reservations.<br />
Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club<br />
S<strong>in</strong>ce October 1956, the Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club has been<br />
devoted to community service <strong>in</strong> Redwood City. Through the decades,<br />
the club has provided funds to help many worthy community programs<br />
and cont<strong>in</strong>ues to add more community projects. <strong>The</strong> Key Club of Sequoia<br />
High School, sponsored by the Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club, was<br />
chartered <strong>in</strong> 1994 and has been <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> rais<strong>in</strong>g money and donat<strong>in</strong>g time<br />
and effort to many programs.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club meets every Wednesday<br />
morn<strong>in</strong>g 7:15–8:30 a.m. at the Waterfront Restaurant, 1 Uccelli Blvd. (at<br />
Pete’s Harbor). <strong>The</strong>y <strong>in</strong>vite you to come to their meet<strong>in</strong>gs and check out the<br />
club’s Web site at www.agency<strong>in</strong>fo.org/kiwanis.<br />
Editor’s note: If you are connected with a nonprofit organization and want your <strong>in</strong>formation pr<strong>in</strong>ted <strong>in</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong>, send<br />
it to writers@spectrummagaz<strong>in</strong>e.net or <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e, P.O. Box 862, Redwood City, CA 94064. Let our community<br />
know your contributions and maybe they will want to jo<strong>in</strong> you.
F<strong>in</strong>ance : <strong>The</strong> Right ‘Papers’ — at the Right Time — Can Protect Your Family<br />
David Amann<br />
Special to <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />
T<br />
o protect your family, you need more than the best <strong>in</strong>tentions — you need<br />
the right “paperwork.” And you’re go<strong>in</strong>g to need it dur<strong>in</strong>g two dist<strong>in</strong>ct phases<br />
of your life — your work<strong>in</strong>g years and your retirement.<br />
Let’s take a look at these time periods, along with some of the key<br />
documents you may need.<br />
Work<strong>in</strong>g years<br />
While you’re work<strong>in</strong>g, your most valuable asset is your <strong>in</strong>come. Without<br />
it, your family might not be able to pay off the mortgage or send the kids<br />
to college, and that’s why you need to put the appropriate <strong>in</strong>surance and<br />
protection policies to work.<br />
You can typically purchase a surpris<strong>in</strong>g amount of term <strong>in</strong>surance — which,<br />
as the name suggests, covers you for a specified number of years — for relatively<br />
modest premiums. In fact, due to longer life expectancies and other factors,<br />
term <strong>in</strong>surance premiums, <strong>in</strong> general, have actually gone down <strong>in</strong> recent years.<br />
Most term <strong>in</strong>surance policies offer only a death benefit with no cash<br />
value. So, if you don’t die before your policy expires, you will get noth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
back from the premiums you paid <strong>in</strong>. However, when you buy “permanent”<br />
<strong>in</strong>surance — such as whole life, universal life or variable universal life<br />
— your premiums pay for both a death benefit and an <strong>in</strong>vestment component,<br />
and any earn<strong>in</strong>gs have the potential to grow on a tax-deferred basis.<br />
Apart from life <strong>in</strong>surance, you may need another important document<br />
— a disability <strong>in</strong>surance policy. An <strong>in</strong>jury or illness that prevents you from<br />
work<strong>in</strong>g can seriously erode your sav<strong>in</strong>gs and <strong>in</strong>vestments, so you’ll want to<br />
protect your <strong>in</strong>come. Your employer may offer some type of group disability<br />
plan. But if <strong>this</strong> plan doesn’t pay at least 60 percent of your <strong>in</strong>come, doesn’t<br />
pay benefits to age 65 and has a wait<strong>in</strong>g period longer than your sav<strong>in</strong>gs can<br />
last, you may need to look at supplemental private disability <strong>in</strong>surance.<br />
Senior Activities<br />
<strong>The</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g activities provided by the Veterans Memorial Senior Center,<br />
1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City, are open to the public.<br />
National Senior Week<br />
Sept. 10–14<br />
Monday, Sept. 10, 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m., Sunset Room — Panel discussion and<br />
a chance to experience a heal<strong>in</strong>g body treatment from a reiki, acupressure,<br />
massage or chiropractic practitioner.<br />
Tuesday, Sept. 11 — Grandparents Day! Jo<strong>in</strong> us <strong>in</strong> celebrat<strong>in</strong>g the wonderful<br />
relationship between grandparents and grandchildren.<br />
Wednesday, Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m., Goldstar Room — Lecture on the myths<br />
and realities of hospice, from Mission Hospice.<br />
Thursday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m., Sunset Room — Lecture on how to f<strong>in</strong>d help at<br />
home, from Home Instead.<br />
<strong>The</strong>se events are free, and all are welcome. For more <strong>in</strong>formation, call<br />
Merrylen Sacks at 650-780-7320.<br />
Gilroy Gardens Community Services Trip<br />
Saturday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.<br />
Let us take you on an adventure to Gilroy Gardens, which has whimsical<br />
gardens, unique rides and one-of-a-k<strong>in</strong>d exhibits. Cost of $60 <strong>in</strong>cludes roundtrip<br />
transportation, entrance <strong>in</strong>to the park and lunch. Please call 650-780-<br />
7344 to reserve your spot today.<br />
Tax Rebate: Homeowner and Renter Assistance<br />
Wednesday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.<br />
Homeowner and Renter Assistance is an annual payment made by the<br />
state of California to qualified <strong>in</strong>dividuals. Payment is based on your total<br />
household <strong>in</strong>come and a percentage of the assessed value of your home.<br />
Retirement years<br />
When you retire, you’ll still need to protect your family, but at <strong>this</strong> stage of<br />
your life, your focus may be on leav<strong>in</strong>g a legacy. Toward that goal, you will<br />
have some estate plann<strong>in</strong>g considerations. And estate plans can be complex,<br />
so you will need to work with an attorney.<br />
Of course, everyone’s situation is unique, but here are two of the most<br />
common documents associated with estate plann<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
Will. If you don’t have a will, your wishes may never be fully honored,<br />
because state law will dictate how your assets are divided. And if you<br />
have no liv<strong>in</strong>g relatives and you die <strong>in</strong>testate (without a will), your estate<br />
will go to the state.<br />
Liv<strong>in</strong>g trust. If you have only a will, your assets may have to pass through<br />
probate, which can be time-consum<strong>in</strong>g and expensive. But with a<br />
properly established liv<strong>in</strong>g trust, your assets can pass directly to your<br />
beneficiaries without court <strong>in</strong>terference, legal fees, lengthy delays and<br />
public disclosure. <strong>Also</strong>, a liv<strong>in</strong>g trust can give you more precise control<br />
over how — and when — you want your assets distributed. You could,<br />
for example, have money distributed to your children or grandchildren <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>stallments over a period of years.<br />
As you can see, you need to have your “papers” <strong>in</strong> order to properly take care<br />
of your family — no matter where you are on life’s journey.<br />
Edward Jones, its employees and f<strong>in</strong>ancial advisors are not estate planners<br />
and cannot provide tax or legal advice.<br />
Renters may also qualify for assistance. Your <strong>in</strong>come must be $42,770 or less,<br />
and you must be 62+. No walk-<strong>in</strong>s; by appo<strong>in</strong>tment only. Call 650-780-7272,<br />
beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g Sept. 4, to make an appo<strong>in</strong>tment.<br />
AARP Driv<strong>in</strong>g Course — Renewals Only<br />
Friday, Sept. 28, 1 p.m.–5 p.m.<br />
This course is especially designed for drivers age 50 and over. No walk<strong>in</strong>s;<br />
by appo<strong>in</strong>tment only. Please call 650-780-7270 or sign up at the ma<strong>in</strong><br />
build<strong>in</strong>g. Br<strong>in</strong>g a check for $10 payable to AARP to the class on Friday. <strong>The</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>structor is Glenn Behm. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today.<br />
AARP Driv<strong>in</strong>g Course — Newcomers Only<br />
Saturdays, Sept. 29 and Oct. 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.<br />
This course is especially designed for drivers 50 and older who have not<br />
taken <strong>this</strong> course before. Tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>this</strong> course might allow you to qualify for<br />
auto <strong>in</strong>surance discounts <strong>in</strong> most states. Must make an appo<strong>in</strong>tment. Please<br />
call 650-780-7270 or sign up at the ma<strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g. Br<strong>in</strong>g a check for $10<br />
payable to AARP to the class on Friday. <strong>The</strong> <strong>in</strong>structor is Glenn Behm. Space<br />
is limited, so reserve your spot today.<br />
To learn more about the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, call 650-780-7270.<br />
Redwood City Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department<br />
provides recreational facilities and activities for all ages and <strong>in</strong>terests, and<br />
supplies build<strong>in</strong>g and custodial services for city build<strong>in</strong>gs. Redwood City<br />
Parks also operates the Veterans Memorial Senior Center and the Fair Oaks<br />
Community Center, provid<strong>in</strong>g social, educational and cultural activities as<br />
well as <strong>in</strong>formation, referral and counsel<strong>in</strong>g services to persons liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
Redwood City and neighbor<strong>in</strong>g communities. Redwood City Parks is more<br />
than you th<strong>in</strong>k! Its Web site is located at www.redwoodcity.org/parks.<br />
www.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>Magaz<strong>in</strong>e.net
Add ICE and Shake: Sanctuary City Debat<br />
Judy Buchan<br />
Contribut<strong>in</strong>g Writer<br />
I<br />
t all started with ICE.<br />
Earlier <strong>this</strong> year, Immigration and Customs<br />
Enforcement agents came to Redwood City and<br />
deta<strong>in</strong>ed a number of suspected undocumented<br />
immigrants. That action sparked community<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>gs, pleas to the City Council to condemn<br />
the ICE activity, questions about the Police<br />
Department’s policy toward undocumented<br />
immigrants and concerns that formal action to<br />
become a sanctuary city is <strong>in</strong> the works.<br />
A “sanctuary city” is one where police and<br />
other city employees are not permitted to ask<br />
about the immigration status of those with<strong>in</strong><br />
the city limits or to cooperate with federal<br />
immigration officials <strong>in</strong> most circumstances.<br />
Leaders of San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Jose,<br />
Boston and New York have designated their cities<br />
as sanctuary cities.<br />
<strong>The</strong> question now is whether the Redwood City<br />
Police Department’s policy means Redwood City<br />
is a sanctuary city. Adopted <strong>in</strong> 1995, the policy<br />
states: “<strong>The</strong> Redwood City Police Department<br />
will not stop, deta<strong>in</strong> or arrest an <strong>in</strong>dividual<br />
solely on the suspicion that he or she is an<br />
undocumented immigrant.”<br />
“No, we are not a sanctuary city,” said Mayor<br />
Barbara Pierce, cit<strong>in</strong>g her extensive research<br />
of the current policy. “It is important to take<br />
<strong>this</strong> <strong>in</strong> the context of community safety,” Pierce<br />
said. “People must be able to communicate with<br />
the Police Department to report crime or as<br />
victims of crime without fear of questions about<br />
immigration status. We need to build trust. It’s<br />
a good policy and we need to stay with it,” she<br />
concluded.<br />
Council Member Ian Ba<strong>in</strong> also agreed with<br />
the policy, not<strong>in</strong>g that “it’s not our job to enforce<br />
federal laws; we enforce local laws.” When<br />
asked about formal legislation to make Redwood<br />
City a sanctuary city, Ba<strong>in</strong> responded, “While<br />
I can’t speak for my colleagues, no one on the<br />
council has <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> do<strong>in</strong>g that. I won’t vote for<br />
Council Members Rosanne Foust and Alicia Aguirre<br />
legislation that conflicts with federal law.”<br />
Does the policy <strong>in</strong>dicate that Redwood City is<br />
a sanctuary city? “Not at all,” said Vice Mayor<br />
Rosanne Foust. “This is a very sensitive <strong>issue</strong><br />
with<strong>in</strong> our community.” Should the City Council<br />
enact a policy direct<strong>in</strong>g the Police Department<br />
to check immigration status? “No. We don’t set<br />
immigration policy; the federal government does.<br />
Other cities around the country have adopted<br />
restrictive ord<strong>in</strong>ances regard<strong>in</strong>g immigration,<br />
only to have them struck down by the courts,” she<br />
added.<br />
“I would not support any type of resolution<br />
mak<strong>in</strong>g Redwood City a sanctuary city,” Foust<br />
said. “I was elected to uphold the United States<br />
Constitution, the constitution of the state of<br />
California, and all local laws.”<br />
Foust added, “You know, my family came from<br />
Czechoslovakia and Ireland. <strong>The</strong>y came though<br />
Ellis Island, worked <strong>in</strong> Pennsylvania coal m<strong>in</strong>es<br />
and became citizens. That’s the way you do it.”<br />
Er<strong>in</strong> Lucien and Art Bush of the Redwood City<br />
Coalition for Immigration Control take a different<br />
view. “Redwood City is a sanctuary city already,”<br />
Lucien said. “Our elected officials took an oath<br />
of office to enforce the laws; they can’t pick and<br />
choose which laws they will enforce.”<br />
Art Bush agrees. “Unofficially it is [a sanctuary<br />
city]. <strong>The</strong>y have said they will not ask,” he said.<br />
Lucien and Bush have become active <strong>in</strong> the<br />
immigration debate, both tak<strong>in</strong>g part <strong>in</strong> recent<br />
demonstrations at the corner of Jefferson and El<br />
Cam<strong>in</strong>o. Lucien is a general contractor who feels<br />
the effects of illegal immigration are “pervasive<br />
— <strong>in</strong> professional life, f<strong>in</strong>ances and personal life.”<br />
He contends that, while he and Mayor Pierce are<br />
good friends, she may have a “political agenda” <strong>in</strong><br />
the immigration debate.<br />
Lucien is concerned about the upcom<strong>in</strong>g<br />
immigration forums sponsored by the League of<br />
Women Voters, particularly one agenda item that<br />
he said is to <strong>in</strong>clude community services available<br />
to undocumented workers. He also said that his<br />
wife is worried about retaliation <strong>in</strong> response to his<br />
activity.<br />
Bush has participated <strong>in</strong> demonstrations<br />
aga<strong>in</strong>st illegal immigration and made contact<br />
with M<strong>in</strong>utemen groups <strong>in</strong> the East Bay. He chose<br />
not to formally jo<strong>in</strong> one group <strong>in</strong> Castro Valley,<br />
due to what he saw as “racist overtones” on the<br />
part of some members. Bush recalled be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a<br />
“peaceful” march <strong>in</strong> Fremont last July, only to<br />
be met by people he described as Hispanic gang<br />
members. After the physical confrontation, Bush<br />
said he needed $3,000 <strong>in</strong> dental work.<br />
Bush talked about Friendly Acres, his ethnically<br />
diverse neighborhood. Cit<strong>in</strong>g neighbor<strong>in</strong>g<br />
families of different racial backgrounds, he said<br />
quite simply, “My neighbors came here to be<br />
Americans, not to stay <strong>in</strong> the third world.”<br />
Both men noted a community meet<strong>in</strong>g held<br />
at the Fair Oaks Community Center soon after<br />
the ICE immigration action. “<strong>The</strong>re were very<br />
few Anglos there,” Bush said. “<strong>The</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
was all done <strong>in</strong> Spanish. <strong>The</strong>y told people what<br />
their rights were and that they didn’t have to<br />
volunteer <strong>in</strong>formation,” he cont<strong>in</strong>ued. He added<br />
that Chief of Police Louis Cobarruviaz told the<br />
audience that the Police Department would not<br />
“hassle” them for documentation but would<br />
look for documentation only if a crime had been<br />
committed.<br />
At one po<strong>in</strong>t, Bush and Lucien said, the chief<br />
asked the audience, “How many of you are from<br />
Mexico?” When people raised their hands, they<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued, the chief po<strong>in</strong>ted to the audience<br />
and said, “We told you not to tell.” Both men<br />
expressed frustration with that <strong>in</strong>cident.<br />
Was the chief try<strong>in</strong>g to “coach” the audience?<br />
“He was just restat<strong>in</strong>g the policy to the people,”<br />
said Council Member Alicia Aguirre.<br />
“We <strong>in</strong> Redwood City do care about safety,” she<br />
cont<strong>in</strong>ued. “We want people to be comfortable<br />
communicat<strong>in</strong>g to the Police Department. If<br />
crime is not reported, that makes it more difficult<br />
to get help to the people.”<br />
Sanctuary city resolutions, Aguirre said, “are<br />
just pieces of paper that make people feel good.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y don’t address the <strong>issue</strong>.”<br />
“We are try<strong>in</strong>g to educate the community<br />
through activities such as the League of Women<br />
Voters forums,” she added. “When there’s a<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g like the one at Fair Oaks, then the<br />
M<strong>in</strong>utemen gather at Jefferson and El Cam<strong>in</strong>o.<br />
People on both sides are fearful.”<br />
www.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>Magaz<strong>in</strong>e.net<br />
Mayor Barbara Pierce
te <strong>in</strong> the Mix<br />
Bikers, Skaters Work Out Park Problems<br />
Aguirre doesn’t believe that Redwood City<br />
should become a sanctuary city at <strong>this</strong> time. “I’m<br />
not say<strong>in</strong>g that we won’t; I haven’t asked the rest<br />
of the council.”<br />
So what’s ahead <strong>in</strong> all <strong>this</strong>?<br />
“We are look<strong>in</strong>g at th<strong>in</strong>gs we can do that will<br />
… help our community to understand <strong>issue</strong>s, such<br />
as the forums sponsored by the League of Women<br />
Voters, and we will urge our citizens to attend and<br />
communicate to federal legislators,” said Pierce.<br />
Bush and Lucien say they asked to speak at these<br />
forums, and their request was denied.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> federal government doesn’t want us to be<br />
<strong>in</strong> the midst of <strong>this</strong>,” Pierce added. “<strong>The</strong>re is no<br />
need to try and set our own policy; the federal<br />
government should do it.”<br />
City Council challenger Joneen Nielsen sees the<br />
<strong>issue</strong> a bit differently. <strong>The</strong> Police Department’s<br />
policy is “better than most police departments.<br />
Some <strong>in</strong> Southern California are actually help<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with ICE raids,” Nielsen said.<br />
“It sounds like they’re try<strong>in</strong>g to play both sides;<br />
pull<strong>in</strong>g people over [on a traffic stop] to look for<br />
some technicality, look<strong>in</strong>g for some loophole. <strong>The</strong><br />
options are there,” she added.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> real problem is the lack of cohesive<br />
federal immigration policy, which means<br />
communities have to cobble together policy on<br />
immigration,” she said.<br />
Nielsen would support a formal sanctuary<br />
city resolution, even at the risk of los<strong>in</strong>g federal<br />
fund<strong>in</strong>g. “I don’t want us to be stick<strong>in</strong>g out like<br />
a sore thumb,” she said. “I’m concerned that ICE<br />
will look to make examples of sanctuary cities. I<br />
don’t want the federal government com<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>.”<br />
And the debate cont<strong>in</strong>ues. With Congress<br />
now at a 25 percent national approval rat<strong>in</strong>g, the<br />
immigration cocktail will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to be shaken<br />
and stirred until some sort of resolution comes to<br />
the surface — some day.<br />
T<br />
he Phil Shao Memorial Skate Park <strong>in</strong> Redwood City is draw<strong>in</strong>g BMX bikers who are compla<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g about the $50 tickets they<br />
receive while skaters for whom the park was built compla<strong>in</strong> that the bikers are creat<strong>in</strong>g a safety hazard.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> problem is that the bikes are really dangerous,” said John Davidson, a local skateboarder. “Two boards collid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
is one th<strong>in</strong>g; it is just some body contact. A bike, on the other hand, is a lot of metal com<strong>in</strong>g down on you. <strong>The</strong> park is made<br />
for skateboard<strong>in</strong>g for a reason.”<br />
Skateboarders and bikers met to discuss the rid<strong>in</strong>g conditions at the Phil Shao Memorial Skate Park <strong>in</strong> Redwood City.<br />
Despite city code that prohibits bikers from us<strong>in</strong>g the skate park, bikers cont<strong>in</strong>ue to ride. <strong>The</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g, held at the Veterans<br />
Memorial Senior Center, brought together nearly 50 skaters and bikers from 10 to 21 years of age. Councilwoman Alicia<br />
Aguirre, Redwood City police officers and members of the Pen<strong>in</strong>sula Conflict Resolution Center were also present.<br />
With BMX grow<strong>in</strong>g as a sport, more bikers are us<strong>in</strong>g the 13,000-square-foot haven. When the park opened <strong>in</strong> 2003, there<br />
were only a couple of bikers us<strong>in</strong>g the park. Now there are up to 20 bikers try<strong>in</strong>g to use the park at one time along with the<br />
skateboarders, said Chris Beth of the Redwood City Department of Parks and Recreation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> biggest problem, Beth said, is with beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g skaters not understand<strong>in</strong>g the flow of the park.<br />
“Most times when there is a biker, they are with one of their buddies tak<strong>in</strong>g turns us<strong>in</strong>g the bowl. When there are problems<br />
with the bikes gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the way, it is usually with beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g skaters not know<strong>in</strong>g when to go or dropp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> the bowl without<br />
wait<strong>in</strong>g until the biker is done,” said Beth.<br />
A majority of skateboarders don’t m<strong>in</strong>d the bikers. Many of the riders are friends and use the park as a refuge to meet<br />
people that share the same <strong>in</strong>terests.<br />
Sean Siel<strong>in</strong>g, 17, of San Carlos is a regular.<br />
“It is the perfect place to go to stay out of trouble. I love the park and I love the people. Bik<strong>in</strong>g is like a way of life. <strong>The</strong><br />
park gives me a chance to hang out with people that do the same th<strong>in</strong>g as me,” said Siel<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Other bikers were concerned about the lack of community that comes with bann<strong>in</strong>g bikers from the park.<br />
“This is a community for riders. <strong>The</strong> law doesn’t allow bikes to be part of the community because it is illegal for us to be<br />
there. <strong>The</strong> city needs to legalize bikes or create another park that the bik<strong>in</strong>g community can use,” said Mikey Clark, a 16-<br />
year-old biker who uses the park almost every day.<br />
A common theme among the bikers and skaters was skate park etiquette. <strong>The</strong> riders noted experienced nonlocals<br />
unfamiliar with the park’s rout<strong>in</strong>e. <strong>The</strong>re are certa<strong>in</strong> spots along the bowls that are safe entry spots. Collisions happen when<br />
an experienced rider does a high-fly<strong>in</strong>g trick at the wrong place and time. <strong>The</strong> riders urged each other to be more aware of<br />
their surround<strong>in</strong>gs and help riders who do not understand the park’s flow.<br />
Unsupervised children runn<strong>in</strong>g around the park was another common concern. <strong>The</strong>y use the bowls and ramps as slides and<br />
are <strong>in</strong> the way of the riders.<br />
Many riders suggested ways to improve the park outside of the bik<strong>in</strong>g/skat<strong>in</strong>g problem. Lights and a net that catches the<br />
balls from the neighbor<strong>in</strong>g softball field were desired commodities. Riders also wanted to reduce the amount of smok<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
whether cigarettes or marijuana, that takes place with<strong>in</strong> the park.<br />
<strong>The</strong> riders agreed that collisions are <strong>in</strong>evitable but that communication was needed to improve the rid<strong>in</strong>g conditions. Some<br />
skaters were not open to allow<strong>in</strong>g bikers until the problem is resolved.<br />
“If I get hurt by a bike that is there illegally, is Redwood City go<strong>in</strong>g to pay for my medical bills?” asked one skater.<br />
Aguirre said it is the council’s priority to f<strong>in</strong>d a solution.<br />
“I see that you all have a passion for <strong>this</strong>. We all want to make <strong>this</strong> better. We want to build a community. Our job is to<br />
make <strong>this</strong> coexist. This is the council’s number one <strong>issue</strong>,” said Aguirre.<br />
Council Member Ian Ba<strong>in</strong><br />
25.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>.AUG.07
Bodybuilder Files $5 Million Claim<br />
he diabetic bodybuilder clubbed and arrested <strong>in</strong> April by Redwood City police who allegedly mistook<br />
T<strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong> shock for <strong>in</strong>toxication filed a $5 million civil rights claim aga<strong>in</strong>st the city.<br />
Doug Burns, the reign<strong>in</strong>g Mr. Natural Universe, claims a loss of $2 million <strong>in</strong> economic damages and $3<br />
million noneconomic damages, accord<strong>in</strong>g to the July 24 claim filed with the Redwood City city clerk.<br />
“This man lost out of speak<strong>in</strong>g engagement and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, not to mention the l<strong>in</strong>ger<strong>in</strong>g pa<strong>in</strong> he has,” said<br />
attorney Don Gal<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
Burns, 43, claims violation of his civil rights, battery, assault, Americans with Disabilities Act violations,<br />
false imprisonment and <strong>in</strong>vasion of privacy.<br />
<strong>The</strong> city has 45 days to accept or deny the claim. If the claim is denied, Burns can file a lawsuit.<br />
<strong>The</strong> claim is not a surprise and neither is its dollar amount because claimants seek<strong>in</strong>g anyth<strong>in</strong>g greater<br />
than $25,000 do not have to state a specific figure, said Redwood City City Attorney Stan Yamamoto.<br />
<strong>The</strong> City Council will agendize the claim by its Sept. 10 meet<strong>in</strong>g, Yamamoto said, add<strong>in</strong>g that the<br />
outcome is up to the members.<br />
“My sense is that we will take a hard look at it,” Yamamoto said.<br />
Burns did not rule out civil action aga<strong>in</strong>st Redwood City after prosecutors dropped the misdemeanor<br />
crim<strong>in</strong>al charges lodged follow<strong>in</strong>g the police tussle but said he hoped <strong>in</strong>stead to work with law enforcement.<br />
Gal<strong>in</strong>e was uncerta<strong>in</strong> what propelled Burns to consider a lawsuit but said his ongo<strong>in</strong>g physical ailments<br />
are likely a factor as well as a desire to push diabetes tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for officers.<br />
“He had no alcohol on his breath and I’d hope the police would know how to recognize a drunk over a<br />
diabetic,” Gal<strong>in</strong>e said.<br />
As first reported <strong>in</strong> the Daily Journal April 3, Burns was at the new Century <strong>The</strong>atres <strong>in</strong> downtown<br />
Redwood City two days prior when he felt his blood sugar dropp<strong>in</strong>g. Burns has been diagnosed with type I<br />
diabetes for 35 years, is a board member of the American Diabetes Association and frequently speaks as a<br />
health and fitness expert at diabetes and medical conferences. He normally wore a 24-hour <strong>in</strong>sul<strong>in</strong> pump but<br />
was transition<strong>in</strong>g to a new medication.<br />
Burns said his vision grew so blurry he couldn’t read, and he headed to the snack bar for food. A security<br />
guard later told police Burns was wobbly and unstable on his feet and wouldn’t reply to his questions.<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g Burns was <strong>in</strong>toxicated, the guard walked him outside and told him to leave. When Burns didn’t,<br />
the guard called police to report his loiter<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Burns’ last memories of the even<strong>in</strong>g were of be<strong>in</strong>g on the sidewalk <strong>in</strong> front of the theater, wrestl<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
four officers and hear<strong>in</strong>g police dogs. He rega<strong>in</strong>ed consciousness at the San Mateo Medical Center with<br />
mace on his shirt and glucose paste on his face.<br />
Redwood City police reported a slightly different version with Burns lung<strong>in</strong>g at one officer, push<strong>in</strong>g him<br />
to the ground with both hands and tak<strong>in</strong>g a fight<strong>in</strong>g stance. One officer cut a f<strong>in</strong>ger and a sergeant hurt his<br />
right shoulder. <strong>The</strong> <strong>in</strong>jury is expected to keep him from work for six months.<br />
Burns has a MedicAlert bracelet but it was not on his wrist. A medical test confirmed Burns’ low blood<br />
sugar, but he was cited by police and released on his own recognizance after be<strong>in</strong>g taken to the hospital.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> fact is Mr. Burns assaulted our officer,” Redwood City police Capt. Chris Cesena told the Daily<br />
Journal follow<strong>in</strong>g the arrest. “If he had just stood there and let us help him maybe they would have called the<br />
medics if he didn’t seem to fit the description of be<strong>in</strong>g under the <strong>in</strong>fluence. All that changes when the subject<br />
wants to attack an officer.”<br />
Cesena conceded uncerta<strong>in</strong>ty of what tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g officers receive to identify and handle diabetic <strong>in</strong>dividuals.<br />
Prosecutors followed through with the arrest, formally charg<strong>in</strong>g Burns days later and sett<strong>in</strong>g a trial date.<br />
<strong>The</strong> District Attorney’s Office never discounted the possibility of dropp<strong>in</strong>g the case but wanted sufficient<br />
proof of his “viable unconsciousness” <strong>in</strong> hand first.<br />
On May 30, prosecutors formally dismissed the charges after an endocr<strong>in</strong>ologist evaluated the medical<br />
records and could not rule out diabetic shock.<br />
Burns met the decision with relief and a sense of v<strong>in</strong>dication.<br />
Redwood City’s ‘Sequoia SweetTarts’ is a<br />
G<strong>in</strong>ny Ebert<br />
Red Hat Society President<br />
I<br />
had never heard of the Red Hat Society until my husband, Doug, came home from a Reno convention<br />
tot<strong>in</strong>g a gift for me — a purple T-shirt that sported a blaz<strong>in</strong>g red logo across its chest with the words “Red<br />
Hat Society.” While <strong>in</strong> Reno, he had noticed three or four women play<strong>in</strong>g the quarter slots who were dressed<br />
<strong>in</strong> purple and wear<strong>in</strong>g red hats, laugh<strong>in</strong>g noisily and enjoy<strong>in</strong>g themselves immensely. Curious, he asked the<br />
ladies why they were dressed <strong>in</strong> purple and red. <strong>The</strong>y responded that they belonged to the Red Hat Society.<br />
Oh. So, he asked, what is the Red Hat Society? Friendly and helpful, they told him it was an organization for<br />
“women of a certa<strong>in</strong> age,” i.e., for those whose v<strong>in</strong>tage was 50 years of age and over. (For those hatters-<strong>in</strong>wait<strong>in</strong>g<br />
who are under 50, p<strong>in</strong>k hats and lavender cloth<strong>in</strong>g are <strong>in</strong> order.) <strong>The</strong> Red Hat Society’s philosophy is<br />
heavily based on a poem by Jenny Joseph titled “Warn<strong>in</strong>g”:<br />
When I am an old woman I shall wear purple<br />
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.<br />
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves<br />
And sat<strong>in</strong> sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.<br />
I shall sit down on the pavement when I’m tired<br />
And gobble up samples <strong>in</strong> shops and press alarm bells<br />
And run my stick along the public rail<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.<br />
I shall go out <strong>in</strong> my slippers <strong>in</strong> the ra<strong>in</strong><br />
And pick flowers <strong>in</strong> other people’s gardens<br />
And learn to spit.<br />
You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat<br />
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go<br />
Or only bread and pickle for a week<br />
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong> boxes.<br />
acqua<strong>in</strong>tances expressed <strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> start<strong>in</strong>g our very own chapter, we decided to go for it. Thus, the Sequoia<br />
SweetTarts chapter was born on Feb. 11, 2006, at a luncheon at Marie Callender’s <strong>in</strong> Los Altos. And, as the<br />
say<strong>in</strong>g goes, the rest is history. I began to live and th<strong>in</strong>k like a quote from Mae West: “Too much of a good<br />
th<strong>in</strong>g is wonderful.” All it actually takes to start a chapter is three or four fun-lov<strong>in</strong>g women. When other<br />
ladies see you decked out <strong>in</strong> your red and purple and hav<strong>in</strong>g a great time, word will spread faster than jungle<br />
drums.<br />
Each Red Hat chapter is different. Some prefer to meet over lunch every month. <strong>The</strong> SweetTarts are an<br />
eclectic, energetic bunch who thrive on variety. Our activities have <strong>in</strong>cluded some luncheons but are not<br />
restricted to them. We have also enjoyed a tea, bowl<strong>in</strong>g, facials (given by one of our members who just<br />
happens to be an acupuncturist), flea market<strong>in</strong>g (or shall I say “glee market<strong>in</strong>g”?), m<strong>in</strong>iature golf<strong>in</strong>g, w<strong>in</strong>e<br />
tast<strong>in</strong>g, a play <strong>in</strong> the city, an Elvis party and a visit to Filoli Gardens, and have delighted <strong>in</strong> the adventure of<br />
learn<strong>in</strong>g how to play bocce ball. Like mutant flam<strong>in</strong>gos, we strut our stuff with our purple clothes, red hats,<br />
rh<strong>in</strong>estones, sequ<strong>in</strong>s and feather boas. It’s our time to sh<strong>in</strong>e, and we’re just girls who wanna have fun. As a<br />
certa<strong>in</strong> Red Hat say<strong>in</strong>g goes, “<strong>The</strong>re’s no such th<strong>in</strong>g as too much bl<strong>in</strong>g.” To commemorate our first birthday,<br />
we threw ourselves a party to celebrate the wonderfulness of be<strong>in</strong>g us. We’re off to Bay Meadows <strong>in</strong> early<br />
August, and later <strong>in</strong> the month we’ll be gett<strong>in</strong>g together for a potluck. Our chapter has no rules other than to<br />
wear the colors and to exercise simple etiquette — RSVPs to events are mandatory.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Red Hat Society is the perfect retreat for women who have been there and back. This is the “back”<br />
part. Sort of like dessert. We have raised children, endured hardships, suffered losses and worked hard.<br />
We have given. We now feel entitled to reserve the time to luxuriate <strong>in</strong> our own laughter, allow ourselves<br />
to giggle, blow soap bubbles, play dress-up, have slumber parties, eat fried peanut butter and banana<br />
sandwiches Elvis style (as well as lots of chocolate), chew bubble gum and start our meals by eat<strong>in</strong>g dessert<br />
first if we so please. We’re all about relish<strong>in</strong>g a second childhood — and for those who never really had the<br />
joy of truly experienc<strong>in</strong>g a first one, be<strong>in</strong>g able to f<strong>in</strong>ally do it now. It’s all about rek<strong>in</strong>dl<strong>in</strong>g old friendships,<br />
cultivat<strong>in</strong>g new ones, be<strong>in</strong>g old enough to know better and still young enough to do it anyway. It’s a solace<br />
from every day worries and problems, a respite from the humdrum, a social “happen<strong>in</strong>g.”<br />
Our very own special SweetTarts recipe: Mix friendship, frolic and fun until well blended; stir <strong>in</strong><br />
generous amounts of laughter, camaraderie, mischief and affection. Bake with TLC <strong>in</strong> a warm atmosphere.<br />
Top it off with as much chocolate as you want, and serve.<br />
But now we must have clothes that keep us dry<br />
And pay our rent and not swear <strong>in</strong> the street<br />
And set a good example for the children.<br />
We must have friends to d<strong>in</strong>ner and read the papers.<br />
But maybe I ought to practice a little now?<br />
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised<br />
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.<br />
After listen<strong>in</strong>g to his story, my <strong>in</strong>terest was piqued. <strong>The</strong>se ladies sure sounded like my k<strong>in</strong>d of women! Upon<br />
brows<strong>in</strong>g the Internet I found the RHS Web site, www.redhatsociety.com, and read the history of how, why,<br />
when and where it all started. This search segued <strong>in</strong>to yet another one on the Web site itself for a chapter to<br />
jo<strong>in</strong>. I found a wonderful chapter <strong>in</strong> San Carlos, of which I’m still a member to <strong>this</strong> day, and signed up for a<br />
luncheon and w<strong>in</strong>e tast<strong>in</strong>g party. I went <strong>in</strong> “cold,” not know<strong>in</strong>g anyone, but my discomfort was soon thrown<br />
to the w<strong>in</strong>d once we all started to chat. After attend<strong>in</strong>g a second “hoot,” I was hooked. I wanted more Red Hatt<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
I searched for more open chapters but was discouraged to f<strong>in</strong>d that either my <strong>in</strong>quiries were met by dead<br />
silence or most of the other chapters <strong>in</strong> my area were closed to new members. When some of my friends and<br />
www.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>Magaz<strong>in</strong>e.net
Shop Redwood City : It’s All Right Here!<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e has been out <strong>in</strong> our community, us<strong>in</strong>g bus<strong>in</strong>esses that not only provide excellent<br />
service but also contribute to our community. This month, we’ve added comments from actual clients of our<br />
Best of the Best bus<strong>in</strong>esses.<br />
Auto Care:<br />
Redwood General Tire – 1630 Broadway – “Been us<strong>in</strong>g these guys and gals for a couple years now; they are a<br />
w<strong>in</strong>ner to me. <strong>The</strong>ir personal service is a rare f<strong>in</strong>d.<br />
“In the space of two months, about a year ago, I had to fully re-tire both cars, and they were very helpful<br />
and not condescend<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> review<strong>in</strong>g my prelim<strong>in</strong>ary choices. In one case they recommended a different tire<br />
that I went with, and <strong>in</strong> the other case they special-ordered the tires I wanted. I’ve been very happy with both<br />
sets of tires.<br />
“I’ve s<strong>in</strong>ce been back for tire repairs; one they could fix and another that had to be replaced. (Yep, it was<br />
the special-order one.)<br />
“Installation is completed as promised. If it’s a same-day job, I love to kill time at Big Lots kitty-corner, so<br />
I have no problem hang<strong>in</strong>g around. <strong>The</strong>y also have a comfortable wait<strong>in</strong>g area and lots of 49ers memorabilia<br />
to ogle. (I wish they’d use UV-resistant cases for their footballs. It pa<strong>in</strong>s me to see signatures of the greats<br />
fad<strong>in</strong>g away!) “<strong>The</strong>y will be my first and only stop when I need to re-tire aga<strong>in</strong>!”<br />
Eat<strong>in</strong>g and Cater<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
Canyon Inn – 587 Canyon Road – “We ate there last night after a decent hike, so we had built up our appetites!<br />
Lots of different burgers to choose from, as well as other sandwiches, daily specials, pizzas, etc. Good place<br />
to go when you are hungry. Not so good if try<strong>in</strong>g to diet. Everyth<strong>in</strong>g just sounds yummy.<br />
“I had the mushroom burger and it was very good. And the fries were <strong>in</strong>credibly delicious. Four of us shared<br />
two baskets and there was not a fry left safe. Could be some of the best fries I’ve had <strong>in</strong> a long, long time<br />
and I love french fries.<br />
“And I love all of the 49ers and football stuff they have everywhere. Probably an awesome place to watch<br />
a game, but two words: bigger TVs! Would def<strong>in</strong>itely go back here. Oh, and the bathroom was clean and wellstocked<br />
— girls like that!”<br />
Div<strong>in</strong>g Pelican Cafe – 650 Bair Island Road, Suite 102 – “<strong>The</strong> one word that describes the Div<strong>in</strong>g Pelican is<br />
<strong>this</strong>: comfortable. <strong>The</strong>re are not many restaurants where I feel comfortable d<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g alone — <strong>this</strong> is one. Grab<br />
a book, order a salad and a cup of coffee, and sit on the patio overlook<strong>in</strong>g the water. Depend<strong>in</strong>g on the time<br />
of year, you’ll see pelicans, ducks, grebes and all sorts of other waterfowl. A few weeks ago, I saw about 200<br />
cormorants hit the water and beg<strong>in</strong> div<strong>in</strong>g — amaz<strong>in</strong>g sight! I once saw a young, curious harbor seal not far<br />
from me.<br />
“I prefer their salads for lunch. My favorite is the Mediterranean — three or four k<strong>in</strong>ds of greens <strong>in</strong> season,<br />
a nice light dress<strong>in</strong>g, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, crispy croutons, freshly grilled chicken and green chiles.<br />
For breakfast I usually have an omelet — cheddar cheese, sp<strong>in</strong>ach, sometimes onions.<br />
“Another great breakfast is the Eggs Bennett. (Bennett and Jancy are the owners.) Eggs Bennett is their<br />
version of Eggs Benedict, us<strong>in</strong>g a freshly made Hollandaise sauce over two poached eggs with smoked ham<br />
on whole wheat English muff<strong>in</strong>s. Breakfasts are served with home-fried potatoes, which I don’t care for<br />
— you can substitute sliced tomatoes or fruit.<br />
“I have also enjoyed their turkey hash, topped by a poached egg, with a small salad on the side. This is<br />
truly a very comfortable, laid-back, warm and friendly place to enjoy a meal.”<br />
Encore Performance Cater<strong>in</strong>g – 2992 Spr<strong>in</strong>g St. – Owner Dave Hyman’s menu goes on for eight pages<br />
of mouthwater<strong>in</strong>g suggestions for everyth<strong>in</strong>g from cont<strong>in</strong>ental breakfasts to formal d<strong>in</strong>ners. Despite an<br />
entire page devoted just to warm appetizers, these are mere suggestions, and Hyman is quick to offer additional<br />
possibilities to fit any occasion. He also has a strong sense of community and participates <strong>in</strong> many communityoriented<br />
events. Additionally, Hyman is proud of the fact that his bus<strong>in</strong>ess products are nearly 100 percent<br />
recyclable, and they contribute their leftovers to St. Anthony’s Padua D<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Room <strong>in</strong> Redwood City. Need<br />
a caterer for that party or event? Call Dave at 650-365-3731.<br />
Little India – 917 Ma<strong>in</strong> St. – “<strong>The</strong>re are good restaurants. <strong>The</strong>re are bad restaurants. <strong>The</strong>re are okay restaurants.<br />
<strong>The</strong>n there are those places, the magic ones, those extra-special k<strong>in</strong>ds that have an <strong>in</strong>tangible special someth<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
a convergence of food, personality and vibe that can never be created or forced; it just happens because it does,<br />
and you always come back aga<strong>in</strong> and aga<strong>in</strong> because the food doesn’t just taste good and satisfy hunger, but<br />
helps heal the heart and soul. Manoj Chopra’s Little India is one of those places. I’ve tried a number of other<br />
Indian restaurants <strong>in</strong> the area, and some are better than others, but <strong>this</strong> place has <strong>The</strong> Vibe. I can’t really describe it<br />
any other way, the food doesn’t just taste good, it feels good.<br />
“Practical specifics: <strong>The</strong> appetizers are great (the spicy w<strong>in</strong>gs especially are fantastic and will def<strong>in</strong>itely<br />
wake you up). <strong>The</strong> dal is uniformly excellent. <strong>The</strong> various curries are always good (Manoj varies the specific<br />
recipes from day to day, always offer<strong>in</strong>g different variations). <strong>The</strong> tikka masala chicken is an all-time favorite.<br />
Heck, what can I say; it’s all good! And don’t forget the mango lassi! “Go. Eat. Be happy.”<br />
Lutticken’s Deli and Cater<strong>in</strong>g – 3535 Alameda – “Near the Dutch Goose, on Alameda de las Pulgas, a<br />
short jaunt away from Sand Hill/Junipero Serra/Alp<strong>in</strong>e Road area <strong>in</strong> Menlo Park.<br />
“Absolutely delicious and generous sandwiches. I tried their turkey and avocado, and boy, was I excited<br />
when they used a whole half of an avocado and carved up an actual oven-roasted turkey for my sandwich! In<br />
terms of volume, th<strong>in</strong>k maybe 30 percent more than what you’d get at Subway, and <strong>in</strong> terms of quality, th<strong>in</strong>k<br />
100 percent better. For about the same price of $6.<br />
“Eat <strong>in</strong>side or at the tables outside; just a nice, straight-up family place for a good lunch. You can also<br />
get dr<strong>in</strong>ks and sides, though I stuck with water and skipped the french fries/mozzarella stick offer<strong>in</strong>gs. Will<br />
have to try them next time.”<br />
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant – 2098 Broadway – “Margaritas is a solid Mexican restaurant on the<br />
corner of Broadway and Jefferson, and they just added an outdoor eat<strong>in</strong>g area, which will be really great<br />
once construction wraps up <strong>in</strong> the downtown area. <strong>The</strong>ir chips and salsa are great, and their agua fresca<br />
selections vary and are usually really good. Margaritas became one of my favorites <strong>this</strong> summer simply<br />
because their taco salads are so g<strong>in</strong>ormous and tasty. But the true standout on their lunch specials menu is<br />
the huevos rancheros. Words can’t do it justice. Huevos en fuego. It’s phenomenal!”<br />
New Kapadokia – 2399 Broadway – “I came here with my co-worker for lunch, and I was amazed at the<br />
quality of the food and reasonable pric<strong>in</strong>g. <strong>The</strong> service is 5 stars — the host was very friendly and attentive,<br />
educat<strong>in</strong>g us about the different types of food they have and even the symbolism of the food.<br />
“I decided on a big cup of delicious lentil soup and the lunch wrap: a doner sandwich with tah<strong>in</strong>i sauce,<br />
onions, tomatoes and parsley wrapped <strong>in</strong> lavas bread. My co-worker, a vegetarian, had the eggplant on a<br />
sizzl<strong>in</strong>g platter. <strong>The</strong> food was excellent — flavorful, and you can taste that the chef put time <strong>in</strong> prepar<strong>in</strong>g<br />
and mak<strong>in</strong>g the food.<br />
“It was also very relax<strong>in</strong>g to have Turkish coffee after the food — a small cup of very strong and good<br />
coffee. <strong>The</strong> waiter also gave us a taste of the baklava (two pieces) — layers of flaky filo dough filled with<br />
crushed walnuts, baked and brushed with a homemade simple syrup flavored with lemon. Delicious.<br />
“I would def<strong>in</strong>itely come back here — such a charm<strong>in</strong>g place. It rem<strong>in</strong>ded me of the lazy summers <strong>in</strong> Italy.”<br />
Enterta<strong>in</strong>ment:<br />
Arthur Murray Dance Studio – 2065 Broadway – Put a little fun <strong>in</strong> your life; try danc<strong>in</strong>g! Whatever your<br />
goal — meet<strong>in</strong>g people, ga<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g confidence or prepar<strong>in</strong>g for the first dance at your wedd<strong>in</strong>g — the expert<br />
<strong>in</strong>structors can design a customized program that’s just right for you! One strength of the Arthur Murray<br />
system is the wide variety of dances you can choose from: foxtrot, merengue, waltz, sw<strong>in</strong>g, hustle, rumba,<br />
cha-cha, tango, salsa and many more. You can hire genu<strong>in</strong>e Arthur Murray professionals to teach and dance<br />
at your special event. For wedd<strong>in</strong>gs, hire dance hosts to come and dance with your guests. For birthday<br />
parties, have a group lesson. Go with the era of your choice for anniversary parties. At bus<strong>in</strong>ess parties, they<br />
will teach your group with fun and flair. For holiday parties, they will prepare your crowd for the festivities.<br />
Hire someone to teach at your ’50s party, ’70s party or at the theme party of your choice. Take the first step<br />
to years of fun and confidence on the dance floor. Contact Arthur Murray to get started today. And your first<br />
lesson is always complimentary!<br />
F<strong>in</strong>ancial Institutions:<br />
Capital Mortgage Lend<strong>in</strong>g – 805 Veterans Blvd., #202 – Lourdes Car<strong>in</strong>i is still clos<strong>in</strong>g loans, although<br />
it has become a bit challeng<strong>in</strong>g. <strong>The</strong> real estate market is not go<strong>in</strong>g away; it is simply correct<strong>in</strong>g as it goes<br />
through a reality phase. Now more than ever you need an experienced and reliable mortgage broker who<br />
understands what is tak<strong>in</strong>g place <strong>in</strong> the market. Unlike a traditional bank, Car<strong>in</strong>i is able to quickly resubmit<br />
your packages as bank guidel<strong>in</strong>es tighten and they cannot accommodate your needs.<br />
Her commitment to you is as follows: She will shop for the best pric<strong>in</strong>g from many different sources; she<br />
will re-submit your client’s loan if necessary; she will offer excellent customer service; she will keep you<br />
well <strong>in</strong>formed of any changes; and she will close your loan on a timely basis. Car<strong>in</strong>i’s ability to place loans<br />
with over 50 lenders is the edge you need <strong>in</strong> <strong>this</strong> chang<strong>in</strong>g market. So if you have a mortgage loan need or<br />
question, please pick up the phone and call 650-362-2700.<br />
Edward Jones – 702 Marshall St., #515 – For decades, Edward Jones believed <strong>in</strong> build<strong>in</strong>g relationships<br />
through face-to-face <strong>in</strong>teraction and adherence to a strategy of recommend<strong>in</strong>g quality <strong>in</strong>vestments that have<br />
proven themselves over time. So does Investment Representative David Amann, who manages the Redwood<br />
City office. He understands that <strong>this</strong> approach might be considered unfashionable. But if it means help<strong>in</strong>g<br />
his clients achieve their goals, whether for retirement, education or just f<strong>in</strong>ancial security, it’s an approach<br />
he plans to stick to. Create your f<strong>in</strong>ancial portfolio now!<br />
Personal Improvement:<br />
Redwood Massage & Sauna – 797 Arguello St. – “I found that the massage therapists were knowledgeable<br />
and able to address my aches and sore muscles effectively. It is different from the light, cookie-cutter<br />
massages that sometimes appear <strong>in</strong> so many spas. <strong>The</strong> place itself is clean and unassum<strong>in</strong>g. <strong>The</strong> establishment had<br />
a homey feel. I would recommend <strong>this</strong> place for anyone who wants a good therapeutic massage.”<br />
Re:Juvenate Sk<strong>in</strong> Care – 805 Veterans Blvd., Suite 140 – Treat yourself, you deserve it! Re:Juvenate is<br />
owned and operated by Sherna Madan, M.D., and L<strong>in</strong>da S. Moore, R.N. Together they have more than 50<br />
years <strong>in</strong> the health care <strong>in</strong>dustry and over 10 years <strong>in</strong> the field of aesthetics. Both have lived and worked <strong>in</strong><br />
the community for the majority of those years. When a consumer is look<strong>in</strong>g for a facility that offers a list of<br />
services that are so personal, name recognition and reputation are of the utmost importance. Relationships<br />
are formed quickly, and trust is a huge part of the equation. Whether you are see<strong>in</strong>g a Re:Juvenate cl<strong>in</strong>ician<br />
for acne, sun damage, sk<strong>in</strong> tighten<strong>in</strong>g, wr<strong>in</strong>kle reduction or laser hair removal, the process starts with a<br />
complimentary consultation with a member of the aesthetic staff. Call 650-261-0500 and mention <strong>The</strong><br />
<strong>Spectrum</strong> Magaz<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
Warren Street Chiropractic – 520 Warren St. – Warren Street Chiropractic Wellness and Injury Center<br />
was formerly Lease Chiropractic Offices, owned and operated by Timothy H. Lease, D.C. Dr. Lease is<br />
beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g his 22nd year of practice and has a very broad patient base, from <strong>in</strong>fants to folks <strong>in</strong> their 90s.<br />
Cases <strong>in</strong>clude work <strong>in</strong>jury (workers’ compensation), personal <strong>in</strong>jury (car accidents, slips and falls, bicycle<br />
and pedestrian accidents), carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, headaches, neck pa<strong>in</strong>, back pa<strong>in</strong> and<br />
leg and arm pa<strong>in</strong>. He has a work<strong>in</strong>g network of other doctors and therapists, so he is able to refer for second<br />
op<strong>in</strong>ions or other therapy if appropriate. <strong>The</strong> office has six spacious exam rooms, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g a massage room.<br />
Retail:<br />
Lulu’s – 846 Ma<strong>in</strong> St. – Lulu’s is the latest and most unique gift store to open <strong>in</strong> downtown Redwood City.<br />
Owner Nancy Radcliffe has taken 24 years of design experience to create a collection of cards and gifts<br />
<strong>in</strong>term<strong>in</strong>gled with eclectic antique pieces, all affordably priced. In addition, Lulu’s carries everyth<strong>in</strong>g from<br />
baby gifts that put a smile on your face to whimsical candles. Pamper your dog or cat or f<strong>in</strong>d that perfect<br />
hostess gift.<br />
St. Regal Jewelers – 850 Ma<strong>in</strong> St. – “This is a great jeweler! Phil, the owner, is amaz<strong>in</strong>g. He crafted a r<strong>in</strong>g<br />
on time and on budget after I had a horrible experience at another local jeweler. He has an <strong>in</strong>credible eye for<br />
detail. I can’t say enough. I would never go anywhere else.”<br />
Home Improvements:<br />
Lewis Carpet Cleaners – 1.800.23.LEWIS – Founder Rick Lewis started his bus<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> 1985 out of<br />
his home, us<strong>in</strong>g a small, portable mach<strong>in</strong>e. Today, Lewis successfully operates and manages an office/<br />
warehouse of six employees and has five work<strong>in</strong>g vans, with future plans for expansion and growth. Lewis<br />
moved his bus<strong>in</strong>ess from San Mateo to Redwood City <strong>in</strong> 1995. <strong>The</strong> Lewis family works and lives <strong>in</strong><br />
Redwood City and has truly made <strong>this</strong> town their home. <strong>The</strong>y are committed to the vision and success of our<br />
community and with relentless effort will cont<strong>in</strong>ue to support the community, devot<strong>in</strong>g time, energy and<br />
services today and <strong>in</strong> the future. Call and ask about their <strong>Spectrum</strong> special. You can get 100 square feet of<br />
carpet cleaned for absolutely noth<strong>in</strong>g. Call today and make your house or liv<strong>in</strong>g space luxurious!
Cultural Events<br />
Music on the Square<br />
Free concerts on Friday even<strong>in</strong>gs from 6 to 8 p.m. <strong>in</strong><br />
downtown Redwood City’s beautiful new Courthouse Square<br />
on Broadway.<br />
Sept. 7 • Freesound (reggae, funky grooves, rock ’n’ blues)<br />
<strong>The</strong>ir orig<strong>in</strong>al music covers rock, soul, blues, funk and roots.<br />
<strong>The</strong> music draws from the masters of the past — like Led<br />
Zeppel<strong>in</strong>, Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley — and sounds of<br />
today, like Ben Harper and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.<br />
Sept. 14 • Garrick Davis (blues, funk, folk)<br />
A masterful guitarist with a powerful baritone s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g voice.<br />
Experience Garrick’s great stage presence as he s<strong>in</strong>gs songs<br />
of wisdom, songs of dues-pay<strong>in</strong>g, songs of experience and,<br />
ultimately, songs of w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g the struggle.<br />
Sept. 21 • La Ventana (salsa rock)<br />
Lat<strong>in</strong> rock doesn’t get any better then La Ventana.<br />
Orig<strong>in</strong>at<strong>in</strong>g from the arts waterfall and cultural explosion of<br />
San Francisco, La Ventana cruise to a Spanish-flavored mix<br />
of pop, rock and soul.<br />
Sept. 28 • Jessie Turner Band (contemporary folk rock)<br />
Smoothly glid<strong>in</strong>g back and forth between comparisons to Tori<br />
Amos and Bonnie Raitt, Jessie Turner shapes a niche of her<br />
own, blend<strong>in</strong>g tight four-piece grooves, trip-hop sensibilities,<br />
delicious harmonies and sharp songwrit<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Danc<strong>in</strong>g on the Square<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> the downtown dance party every Thursday night<br />
<strong>this</strong> summer, as professional dancers demonstrate and<br />
teach a variety of cool (and hot!) dances. It’s all right here<br />
<strong>in</strong> Courthouse Square from 6 to 8 p.m., where everyone is<br />
<strong>in</strong>vited!<br />
Sept. 6 — Sw<strong>in</strong>g danc<strong>in</strong>g with Joe Ferrari Big Band<br />
Sept. 13 — Salsa danc<strong>in</strong>g with Orquestra Pacheco and Vera<br />
Quijano<br />
Redwood City’s First<br />
Friday Art Walk<br />
Art walks are the first Friday of every month, from 6 to 9 p.m.<br />
Next featured day: Oct. 5<br />
<strong>The</strong> art walk is an <strong>in</strong>itiative to further br<strong>in</strong>g culture and<br />
festivities to Redwood City. Art walks feature a wide<br />
range of art <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g watercolor, oil, glass work, plaster<br />
cast, draw<strong>in</strong>g, Ch<strong>in</strong>ese calligraphy, murals, mixed media,<br />
assemblage, photography, book arts, jewelry design, dry<br />
leaves mural, banana fiber and recycled cardboard plates, and<br />
pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>gs on recycled coffee filter canvas.<br />
Bazaar Brazil br<strong>in</strong>gs over 30 projects from different artisans<br />
<strong>in</strong> Brazil. Gallery 2611 will have a group show of local<br />
artists, featur<strong>in</strong>g musican Garrick Davis. Redwood City Art<br />
Center features 33 artists, along with guest artists <strong>in</strong> the front<br />
gallery. <strong>The</strong> Ma<strong>in</strong> Gallery has a cooperative of 22 members.<br />
Skateworks will feature local skateboard<strong>in</strong>g art. Together,<br />
we are br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g life and culture to Redwood City. For more<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation please contact Joyce Faulknor at 650-364-2611.<br />
Redwood City’s Second<br />
Annual Our Town –<br />
Downtown Community<br />
Celebration<br />
Saturday, Sept. 22, 12 to 8 p.m.<br />
At Courthouse Square, on Broadway, on <strong>The</strong>atre Way and on<br />
Ma<strong>in</strong> Street<br />
<strong>The</strong> second annual Our Town – Downtown event is a funfilled<br />
day of great activities, music and enterta<strong>in</strong>ment, food,<br />
beverages and a wonderful time for the entire family.<br />
www.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>Magaz<strong>in</strong>e.net<br />
16th Annual Artistry <strong>in</strong><br />
Fashion<br />
Professional Designer Sale and Student Fashion Show<br />
Saturday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br />
Cañada College<br />
4200 Farm Hill Road<br />
www.Artistry<strong>in</strong>Fashion.com<br />
Fashion Show is at 1 p.m. <strong>in</strong> the Ma<strong>in</strong> <strong>The</strong>atre (no late<br />
seat<strong>in</strong>g). Refreshments available throughout the day.<br />
$8 donation at the door benefits our fashion design students<br />
with scholarships. Free park<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
This is a fun, <strong>in</strong>spir<strong>in</strong>g event where you meet professional<br />
designers and shop through an array of one-of-a-k<strong>in</strong>d pieces,<br />
<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g cloth<strong>in</strong>g, hats, handbags, jewelry and more.<br />
San Mateo County History<br />
Museum<br />
2200 Broadway<br />
650-299-0104<br />
www.historysmc.org<br />
$2–$4; free for children ages 5 and under<br />
Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.<br />
<strong>The</strong> museum is located <strong>in</strong> the Old Courthouse with its historic<br />
dome. Its collections <strong>in</strong>clude horse-drawn carriages, models,<br />
railroads from Caltrans and the Ocean Shore Railroad, relics<br />
from San Mateo’s past and lithographic art dat<strong>in</strong>g from 1875.<br />
Ongo<strong>in</strong>g Exhibits<br />
<strong>The</strong> Great Rotunda – <strong>The</strong> sta<strong>in</strong>ed-glass dome of the rotunda<br />
thought to be the largest <strong>in</strong> a Pacific Coast public build<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
the architectural highlight of the museum build<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Courtroom A – <strong>The</strong> oldest courtroom <strong>in</strong> San Mateo<br />
County has been restored to its appearance <strong>in</strong> 1910.<br />
Nature’s Bounty – This exhibit gallery explores how the<br />
oldest people of the Pen<strong>in</strong>sula used the natural resources of<br />
the area and how these resources were used to help build San<br />
Francisco after the discovery of gold <strong>in</strong> 1849.<br />
Journey to Work – This exhibit gallery shows how<br />
transportation transformed San Mateo County from a frontier<br />
to suburbs.<br />
Carriage Display – An exhibit of the museum’s 30 horsedrawn<br />
vehicles.<br />
Charles Parsons Gallery – An exhibit of the 23 historical<br />
model ships created by Charles Parsons of San Carlos.<br />
Politics, Crime and Law Enforcement – <strong>The</strong> Atk<strong>in</strong>son<br />
Meet<strong>in</strong>g Room <strong>in</strong>cludes the Walter Moore Law Enforcement<br />
Collection of historic badges.<br />
San Mateo County History Makers: Entrepreneurs Who<br />
Changed the World – <strong>The</strong> exhibit chronicles the entrepreneurs<br />
who made San Mateo County <strong>in</strong>ternationally known.<br />
Land of Opportunity – <strong>The</strong> exhibit tells the story of the<br />
diverse people who came to the area and explores how<br />
different groups faced hardships and discrim<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
Liv<strong>in</strong>g the California Dream – <strong>The</strong> exhibit depicts the<br />
development of the suburban culture of San Mateo County.<br />
Special Exhibits<br />
<strong>The</strong> Celtic Tiger: <strong>The</strong> Irish Economic Miracle (ongo<strong>in</strong>g)<br />
– <strong>The</strong> exhibit explores how the Bay Area has participated <strong>in</strong><br />
Ireland’s current economic boom.<br />
Service Before Self: 100 Years of Rotary (through Oct.<br />
13) – Items on display <strong>in</strong>clude memorabilia, photography<br />
and videos related to the activities of local Rotary clubs of<br />
District 5150.<br />
Little Fox<br />
2209 Broadway, downtown<br />
Info and tickets 650-369-4119<br />
Tickets also available at foxdream.com and at the Fox <strong>The</strong>atre<br />
Box Office<br />
Laurie Lewis & <strong>The</strong> Right Hands<br />
Thursday, Sept. 6, 8 p.m.<br />
$16 adv./$18 door<br />
Legend is not always loud. Particularly <strong>in</strong> the beneath-theradar<br />
substreams of American folk music and bluegrass, it<br />
is bestowed more by whispered word-of-mouth, over years<br />
and decades, than by the hurried hype and ballyhoo of the<br />
pop ma<strong>in</strong>stream. You can’t measure Laurie Lewis’ 30-year<br />
career with the usual commercial yardsticks. She has won<br />
a Grammy (“True Life Blues: <strong>The</strong> Songs of Bill Monroe,”<br />
1997) and twice been named Female Vocalist of the Year by<br />
the IBMA.<br />
Dance! <strong>The</strong> Cheeseballs<br />
Friday, Sept. 7, 9 p.m.<br />
$18 adv./$20 door<br />
<strong>The</strong> Cheeseballs. <strong>The</strong> name says it all: groovy, funky,<br />
danceable fun! Just ask the tens of thousands of fans who<br />
have already experienced them. <strong>The</strong>y will tell you stories of<br />
stand<strong>in</strong>g on the bar s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g “I Will Survive” at the top of their<br />
lungs or danc<strong>in</strong>g so hard to “We Are Family” that gett<strong>in</strong>g<br />
out of bed the next day was quite an event. That’s what the<br />
Cheeseballs do; they make you “Shake Your Booty” like it<br />
hasn’t been shaken <strong>in</strong> years.<br />
CD Release Party! Hot for Teacher<br />
— A Tribute to Van Halen plus<br />
Generation Sw<strong>in</strong>e — A Tribute to<br />
Mötley Crüe<br />
Saturday, Sept. 8, 8 p.m.<br />
$12 adv./$14 door<br />
<strong>The</strong> San Francisco Bay Area’s premier Van Halen tribute<br />
band, Hot for Teacher, is ready to rock hard <strong>in</strong> 2007! Formed<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1999 to showcase Van Halen’s David Lee Roth–era hits,<br />
Hot for Teacher has been relentlessly perform<strong>in</strong>g throughout<br />
the western United States, generat<strong>in</strong>g a follow<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
dedicated fans and amazed concert-goers wherever they<br />
showcase with their nonstop, high energy, kick-ass rock ’n’<br />
roll circus!<br />
Sponsored by Gelb Music<br />
Redwood City Blues Jam<br />
Wednesday, Sept. 12, 7 p.m.<br />
Free admission!<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong> John Boutell for an even<strong>in</strong>g of quality blues music from<br />
the area’s best musicians, where audience blues musicians<br />
are <strong>in</strong>vited to “jam” on stage. <strong>The</strong> music is real, the mood<br />
collegial and the doors open to the community to enjoy <strong>this</strong><br />
uniquely American music. Thanks to its huge success, the<br />
Jam now meets every Wednesday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Br<strong>in</strong>g<br />
your friends!<br />
Herb Ohta Jr. with David Kamkahi<br />
and Jon Yamasato<br />
Thursday, Sept. 13, 8 p.m.<br />
$16 adv./$18 door<br />
Herb Ohta Jr., ukulele master, composer, <strong>in</strong>structor, producer<br />
and enterta<strong>in</strong>er, has recorded and performed with Hawaiian<br />
music’s best. Tour<strong>in</strong>g to promote his long-awaited seventh<br />
solo release, he is well anticipated <strong>in</strong> ukulele and Hawaiian<br />
music circles both <strong>in</strong> the U.S. and <strong>in</strong> Japan. As his last awardw<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
project, Herb will feature orig<strong>in</strong>al compositions as<br />
well as contemporary and Hawaiian favorites.<br />
Destroyer — Tribute to Kiss,<br />
Children of the Damned — Tribute<br />
to Iron Maiden, Ry Kihn Band, Terry<br />
Lauderdale<br />
Friday, Sept. 14, 8 p.m.<br />
$12 adv./$14 door<br />
Rul<strong>in</strong>g over San Francisco for over 13 years, Destroyer has<br />
opened for the real Kiss and Gwar, and has also been written<br />
(cont<strong>in</strong>ued on the next page)
(Cultural Events — cont<strong>in</strong>ued from previous page)<br />
about <strong>in</strong> Roll<strong>in</strong>g Stone, Sp<strong>in</strong> and even Metal Edge magaz<strong>in</strong>es! <strong>The</strong> excit<strong>in</strong>g and thrill<strong>in</strong>g tribute<br />
show to the greatest rock ’n’ roll band <strong>in</strong> the world is a show not to miss. Even Peter Criss’ first<br />
wife flew from New York to see these guys do their show.<br />
Led Zeppel<strong>in</strong> LIVE! starr<strong>in</strong>g Heartbreaker plus Modern<br />
Day Cowboy — A Tribute to Tesla<br />
Saturday, Sept. 15, 8 p.m.<br />
$14 adv./$16 door<br />
<strong>The</strong>re are other tribute acts who attempt to replicate Led Zeppel<strong>in</strong>’s music, but only<br />
Heartbreaker can perform the full range of Led Zeppel<strong>in</strong> LIVE! on stage, <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g the most<br />
complex and challeng<strong>in</strong>g songs that Led Zeppel<strong>in</strong> themselves recorded <strong>in</strong> the studios and<br />
performed for a live audience. No other rendition of Zeppel<strong>in</strong>’s music rivals <strong>this</strong> level of<br />
performance.<br />
32nd San Francisco Stand-up International Comedy<br />
Competition<br />
Round 1<br />
Sunday, Sept. 16, 2 p.m.<br />
$13 adv./$15 door<br />
Round 1 of the most prestigious comedy competition on the planet. Comedy producers Anne<br />
and Jon Fox have dedicated their lives to discover<strong>in</strong>g talented young comedians who they<br />
believe will be the stars of tomorrow. Alumni of their event <strong>in</strong>clude legendary names like San<br />
Carlos native Dana Carvey, Ellen DeGeneres and Rob<strong>in</strong> Williams. More recent participants<br />
who are currently seen on television <strong>in</strong>clude Carlos Alazraqui of “Reno 911” and Dane Cook of<br />
“Tourgasm.”<br />
Sponsored by Wette Music<br />
Redwood City Blues Jam<br />
Wednesday, Sept. 19, 7 p.m.<br />
Free admission!<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong> Dave Workman for an even<strong>in</strong>g of quality blues music from the area’s best musicians,<br />
where audience blues musicians are <strong>in</strong>vited to “jam” on stage. <strong>The</strong> music is real, the mood<br />
collegial and the doors open to the community to enjoy <strong>this</strong> uniquely American music. Thanks<br />
to its huge success, the Jam now meets every Wednesday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Br<strong>in</strong>g your friends!<br />
Coco Montoya<br />
Friday, Sept. 21, 9 p.m.<br />
$14 adv./$16 door<br />
Coco Montoya is among the most recognized modern blues guitarists play<strong>in</strong>g today. He was<br />
<strong>in</strong>troduced to the blues by the great guitarist Albert Coll<strong>in</strong>s, who hired him as his drummer.<br />
Coll<strong>in</strong>s taught the youngster guitar and, armed with his experiences, Montoya has gone on to<br />
become one of the strongest modern blues talents tour<strong>in</strong>g today. Montoya has developed his<br />
own style, which fits <strong>in</strong> somewhere between Coll<strong>in</strong>s and Stevie Ray Vaughan.<br />
Big Daddy Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e, T<strong>in</strong> Man, Sweet Talk<br />
Saturday, Sept. 22, 8 p.m.<br />
$14 adv./$16 door<br />
Big Daddy Sunsh<strong>in</strong>e was formed <strong>in</strong> the San Francisco Bay Area <strong>in</strong> 2005 with the mission to<br />
enterta<strong>in</strong> crowds with a high-energy show play<strong>in</strong>g live modern rock covers from the 90s and<br />
today. When you come to a show you’ll hear music from INXS, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the<br />
Cure, 3 Doors Down, Matchbox 20, Incubus, Fuel, Bush, Cake, REM, Nirvana, Stone Temple<br />
Pilots and more. <strong>Also</strong> some classic, serious dance/funk music thrown <strong>in</strong> to get you up and<br />
mov<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
32nd San Francisco Stand-up International Comedy<br />
Competition<br />
Round 2<br />
Sunday, Sept. 23, 2 p.m.<br />
$13 adv./$15 door<br />
Round 2 of the most prestigious comedy competition on the planet. Comedy producers Anne<br />
and Jon Fox have dedicated their lives to discover<strong>in</strong>g talented young comedians who they believe<br />
will be the stars of tomorrow. Alumni of their event <strong>in</strong>clude legendary names like San Carlos<br />
native Dana Carvey, Ellen DeGeneres and Rob<strong>in</strong> Williams. More recent participants who are<br />
currently seen on television <strong>in</strong>clude Carlos Alazraqui of “Reno 911” and Dane Cook of “Tourgasm.”<br />
Jeff Scott Soto<br />
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 8 p.m.<br />
$16 adv./$18 door<br />
Jeff Scott Soto is an American rock s<strong>in</strong>ger best known for be<strong>in</strong>g vocalist on Yngwie Malmsteen’s<br />
first two albums, his <strong>in</strong>volvement provid<strong>in</strong>g the lead voice for the movie “Rock Star” and more<br />
recently his tenure with the legendary Journey. Jeff replaced Steve Augeri <strong>in</strong> 2006 when Augeri<br />
went down with a throat <strong>in</strong>fection. Eventually Jeff became the official s<strong>in</strong>ger, but earlier <strong>this</strong><br />
year the band and he parted ways due to both parties head<strong>in</strong>g different directions.<br />
Sponsored by Wette Music<br />
Redwood City Blues Jam<br />
Wednesday, Sept 26, 7 p.m.<br />
Free admission!<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong> Steve Gurr for an even<strong>in</strong>g of quality blues music from the area’s best musicians, where<br />
audience blues musicians are <strong>in</strong>vited to “jam” on stage. <strong>The</strong> music is real, the mood collegial<br />
and the doors open to the community to enjoy <strong>this</strong> uniquely American music. Thanks to its<br />
huge success, the Jam now meets every Wednesday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Br<strong>in</strong>g your friends!<br />
Zoo Station — <strong>The</strong> Ultimate U2 Experience, S<strong>in</strong>g Blue<br />
Silver — Tribute to Duran Duran, Japanese Baby —<br />
Tribute to the Cure<br />
Friday, Sept. 28, 8 p.m.<br />
$12 adv./$14 door<br />
<strong>The</strong> mounta<strong>in</strong>s of Red Rocks give way to the fields of Slane Castle, where U2 has been build<strong>in</strong>g<br />
musical monuments for decades. At the heart of the U2 phenomenon is the power and energy<br />
of their live performances. This same passion can now be found <strong>in</strong> the live shows of the Bay<br />
Area’s own Zoo Station, the complete U2 experience! Founded <strong>in</strong> January 2002, Zoo Station<br />
has been steadily mak<strong>in</strong>g a name for itself <strong>in</strong> the Bay Area music scene.<br />
Advertise<br />
with<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />
650.368.2434<br />
29.<strong>The</strong><strong>Spectrum</strong>.AUG.07
A M<strong>in</strong>ute With Patricia Howe<br />
Patricia Howe was born <strong>in</strong> Union City and currently lives <strong>in</strong> Fremont. She and her husband,<br />
Tom, have been married for eight years. <strong>The</strong>y have two children: daughter Chris and son<br />
Marcus. <strong>The</strong>y also have six grandchildren.<br />
She is our current city clerk, a position appo<strong>in</strong>ted by the City Council. <strong>The</strong> city clerk is<br />
responsible for facilitat<strong>in</strong>g the bus<strong>in</strong>ess proceed<strong>in</strong>gs of the City Council and fulfill<strong>in</strong>g legal<br />
requirements as set forth <strong>in</strong> the city charter, city codes and state law. <strong>The</strong> Office of the<br />
City Clerk conducts all city elections and adm<strong>in</strong>isters campaign and f<strong>in</strong>ancial disclosure<br />
laws. She is set to retire <strong>this</strong> December after serv<strong>in</strong>g our community for n<strong>in</strong>e years.<br />
What is the best part of be<strong>in</strong>g the city clerk?<br />
Work<strong>in</strong>g with people.<br />
Will you miss Redwood City?<br />
Yes! Feel<strong>in</strong>g more and more like that as the time ticks<br />
away.<br />
Excited for <strong>this</strong> November’s City Council race?<br />
Yes. I am excited about every council race.<br />
One word to describe your experience <strong>in</strong> Redwood City?<br />
Gratify<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
What historical figure do you most identify with?<br />
Rosa Parks — speak<strong>in</strong>g up and tak<strong>in</strong>g a stand.<br />
Which liv<strong>in</strong>g person do you most admire?<br />
Hillary Cl<strong>in</strong>ton — her determ<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
Who are your heroes <strong>in</strong> real life?<br />
My father, Joe. I respect him more and more each day.<br />
Favorite song?<br />
“Imag<strong>in</strong>e” by John Lennon.<br />
What is your most treasured possession?<br />
A letter I received from a friend years ago. It has huge<br />
personal mean<strong>in</strong>g and I read it from time to time.<br />
What talent would you most like to have?<br />
To s<strong>in</strong>g. I am lousy; I have heard myself.<br />
Someth<strong>in</strong>g no one knows about you?<br />
I was very shy as a child.<br />
If you could change one th<strong>in</strong>g about yourself, what<br />
would it be?<br />
To wake up every morn<strong>in</strong>g on a positive note and carry<br />
it through each day.<br />
What words or phrases do you most overuse?<br />
Exactly and perfect.<br />
If you could choose what to come back as, what<br />
would it be?<br />
A star <strong>in</strong> the sky.<br />
What is your idea of perfect happ<strong>in</strong>ess?<br />
Good health for loved ones and those I care about.<br />
What do you consider your greatest achievement?<br />
Rais<strong>in</strong>g my two children to be responsible adults.<br />
What is your greatest regret?<br />
I don’t have any. Why would one if they are happy?<br />
What or who is the love of your life?<br />
My husband.<br />
What is your motto?<br />
Do the best you can — don’t beat yourself up.<br />
Any last words to Redwood City?<br />
It has been a wonderful ride. I hope the person that<br />
takes my place has the values and respect for the position<br />
that I do.<br />
New Year, New Team - CaÑada Soccer <strong>in</strong> the Hunt for the Top Spot<br />
I<br />
n a perfect world, the Cañada men’s soccer team would build off last<br />
year’s 13-5-5 record, a third-place f<strong>in</strong>ish <strong>in</strong> the Coast Conference and an<br />
appearance <strong>in</strong> the northern California playoffs, where the Colts lost on<br />
penalty kicks <strong>in</strong> the second round of the tournament.<br />
But with community college sports be<strong>in</strong>g what they are, that is not<br />
the case. In fact, the Colts will essentially start over for the 2007 season.<br />
Despite los<strong>in</strong>g the team’s top six scorers from last season — several<br />
of whom are <strong>in</strong>eligible — and return<strong>in</strong>g only one starter, coach Kurt<br />
Devl<strong>in</strong> doesn’t see why his team can’t compete for a playoff spot <strong>this</strong><br />
year.<br />
“We’ll be right <strong>in</strong> the hunt,” Devl<strong>in</strong> said. “We have the guys to<br />
compete for the top spots.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> cupboard is not as barren as it looks. Yes, the Colts have only<br />
one return<strong>in</strong>g starter — midfielder Dima Wyman (Hillsdale) — but<br />
a handful of other players saw significant play<strong>in</strong>g time last season.<br />
Defenders Eric Cortez (Hillsdale) and Alex Alvarez (Sequoia), along<br />
with midfielders Yvan Trev<strong>in</strong>o (Hillsdale) and Michael Pleitez<br />
(Hillsdale) and forward Manuel Padilla (Half Moon Bay) were all<br />
part of the Colts squad last season and should see even more time on<br />
the field <strong>this</strong> year. Devl<strong>in</strong> won’t say they will be sure-fire starters but<br />
acknowledges they’ll def<strong>in</strong>itely be <strong>in</strong> the mix.<br />
“<strong>The</strong>y should have the <strong>in</strong>side track [to start],” Devl<strong>in</strong> said. “Either<br />
way, they’ll see significant play<strong>in</strong>g time.”<br />
A few players are also mak<strong>in</strong>g their return follow<strong>in</strong>g a sabbatical<br />
from the game. Christian Lyssand, a Woodside graduate, played for a<br />
year with the Colts <strong>in</strong> 2004, went off to a four-year school and is now<br />
back for his second year with Cañada. Jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g him is older brother Sven,<br />
who was an all-conference place kicker for the College of San Mateo<br />
football team <strong>in</strong> 2003. California community college rules state that<br />
students have two years of eligibility <strong>in</strong> any sport they have not played<br />
at the college level. Sven Lyssand saw an opportunity to play with his<br />
younger brother.<br />
Better yet, both can play. <strong>The</strong> Lyssand family and soccer are<br />
synonymous on the Pen<strong>in</strong>sula.<br />
“<strong>The</strong>y should provide some good, wide play for us,” Devl<strong>in</strong> said.<br />
“Those guys are <strong>in</strong>to it. <strong>The</strong>y want to work and they want to play. With<br />
their work rate and attitude, the other players will feed off it.”<br />
Former Carlmont standout Mike Pessah is another of those older<br />
players who is return<strong>in</strong>g to the Colts after a two-year hiatus. He played<br />
outside fullback <strong>in</strong> his first year with the Colts but now he wants to play<br />
up top as a striker.<br />
“He’s been f<strong>in</strong>ish<strong>in</strong>g [scor<strong>in</strong>g] <strong>in</strong> practice. We have to give him a<br />
hard look up top,” Devl<strong>in</strong> said. “<strong>The</strong> good th<strong>in</strong>g is, he’s <strong>in</strong>terchangeable<br />
[with another position].”<br />
That’s precisely what Devl<strong>in</strong> is look<strong>in</strong>g for — flexibility. He said if<br />
players want to move on to a four-year school to play soccer, they need<br />
to be will<strong>in</strong>g to play other positions than the ones they’re used to —<br />
unless they are a complete stud, and <strong>in</strong> that case they probably wouldn’t<br />
be at the community college level to beg<strong>in</strong> with.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> goal for these guys is they should look to play at a higher level.<br />
To do that, they should be able to play at least two positions,” Devl<strong>in</strong><br />
said. “<strong>The</strong>y have to look to be complete players.”<br />
While the return<strong>in</strong>g players give the Colts a solid foundation, Devl<strong>in</strong><br />
is look<strong>in</strong>g to a handful of key newcomers to really help the team out.<br />
Leonardo Renderos (Westmoor) and his club team recently won the<br />
national championship and Devl<strong>in</strong> is excited about his play.“He’s a<br />
freak<strong>in</strong>’ stud,” Devl<strong>in</strong> said. “He knows what’s go<strong>in</strong>g on.”<br />
Jo<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Renderos are two players from the East Bay — Juan Carlos<br />
Estrada (Oakland) and Jesus Lopez (San Lorenzo). Both play for Club<br />
America <strong>in</strong> Redwood City — a satellite academy for one of the strongest<br />
teams <strong>in</strong> the Mexican league.<br />
Other key newcomers <strong>in</strong>clude center midfielder George Mendoza<br />
(Sequoia) and forward Marko Brekalo (Hillsdale). <strong>The</strong> goalkeep<strong>in</strong>g<br />
duties fall to Joey Gomez (Carlmont), who has big shoes to fill<br />
follow<strong>in</strong>g Jorge Rosales, who is on scholarship at San Diego State.<br />
Devl<strong>in</strong>’s only question is what k<strong>in</strong>d of team he has. Devl<strong>in</strong> admits<br />
Cañada teams have never been super strong defensively, and he would<br />
rather play a wide-open style anyway.<br />
“For us to have any success, we need to be a good ball-possession<br />
team,” Devl<strong>in</strong> said. “We try to be the team that’s not on our heels all the<br />
time and be the team that presses the attack.<br />
“I’ve always liked the wide-open game. I’d rather see a 5-4 game<br />
than a 1-noth<strong>in</strong>g game. It’s more attractive and more fun for the kids.”<br />
Above: Sophomore midfielder Dima Wyman, left, is the<br />
only return<strong>in</strong>g starter for Cañada <strong>this</strong> season. He should<br />
be a focal po<strong>in</strong>t of the offense <strong>this</strong> season.<br />
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