Angels in Our Community - The Spectrum Magazine

Season’s
Greetings
The DMB Saltworks team
wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season.
Redwood City
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The Spectrum.DEC.2011
Table of Contents
Inside The Spectrum – 4
RCSD Corner – 5
Redeemer Students Take on
Washington DC – 5
“As I Was Saying...” – 6
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Comes to Redwood City for the
19th Year – 8
Cultural Events – 11
Community Interest – 12
Angels in Our Community – 13
The Thrill of Skating Outdoors
and Indoors Year-Round in
Redwood City – 14
Shop Redwood City – 16
Insurance Tips: Simple Ways to
Lower Your Car Insurance – 18
Senior Activities – 18
Redwood City Welcomes New
Police Chief – 20
A Minute With Shawn White – 26
Welcome!
As this year comes to an end and our community celebrates the holiday season, we welcome you to The
Spectrum’s December 2011 edition.
The city of Redwood City has been providing opportunities for our community to gather in
neighborhood parks and community facilities, and now they have partnered with local businesses like
Redwood General Tire to bring a skating rink to our “community living room” on the downtown square.
Contributing writer Julie McCoy will tell you about all of the activities there and introduce you to the Ice
Oasis, which is a year-round ice skating rink in the Friendly Acres neighborhood.
We also have stories on the recent premiere of a Redwood City–based film and an introduction to our
new police chief.
Publisher Steve Penna checks out his own predictions from the Nov. 8 election in his column, “As I Was
Saying….” He also writes about who will be our next mayor and the new police chief.
As in all communities, businesses are an important component of Redwood City because they create
sales tax revenues that contribute to our overall city budget while providing much-needed services for
our community. In the spirit of that, and the holiday season, we encourage you, our readers, to support
our valuable Spectrum advertisers by using their services when you are out shopping, dining or enjoying
yourself in our community with friends and family. Many of them have special offers for you to cut out
and present, including discounts on services, food and beverages, so please take the time to look over
their ads this month and use their coupons and discounts.
We continue to bring you our regular features on senior activities, news of community interest, cultural
and entertainment events, insurance tips from Hector Flamenco, information from the Redwood City
School District and the popular feature “A Minute With.”
We also have a special advertising section highlighting businesses in the Main Street area. If you
have not visited that area lately, you will like the changes and activities there and will definitely find
something to do.
If you are looking for up-to-the-minute information on our community, visit us online at www.
spectrummagazine.net.
Happy Holidays, Redwood City!
Steve Penna
Owner and Publisher
penna@spectrummagazine.net
Anne Callery
Copy Editor
writers@spectrummagazine.net
Dale McKee
Julie McCoy
Nicole Minieri
Contributing Writers
writers@spectrummagazine.net
James Massey
Graphic Designer
007massey@gmail.com
James R. Kaspar
Cover/Cover Story Photography
staff@spectrummagazine.net
Contact Information:
Phone 650-368-2434
www.spectrummagazine.net
The Spectrum 3

Inside The Spectrum: Cover Story Photo Shoot
The Spectrum Mag AD 4/2/08 4:23 PM Page 1
Spectrum Publisher Steve Penna assigned this month’s cover
shoot to photographer James Kaspar and asked him to capture
images at the downtown outdoor skating rink and at the Ice
Oasis indoor facility on Bay Road.
This is the first year that the City of Redwood City has offered
this activity to our community and visitors. To all appearances, it
is already a success. The cost to bring the rink to Redwood City
was $40,000, not including operation costs, according to Director
of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Chris Beth. Local
businesses have contributed $30,000 and the expectation is to raise
$10,000 through skating sales. Another indication of how partnership
between government and private industry can work.
The Ice Oasis is located at 3140 Bay Road in Redwood City and
serves as home ice for the Stanford hockey team. Kaspar took some
photos during a practice of one of the youth hockey teams that
play at the facility. He took shots from different angles as well as an
outdoor picture of the facility.
The facility also offers its annual Nazareth Ice Oasis Holiday Show
— “An Elf Christmas” — on Dec. 17 & 18. Information about the show
can be found at www.iceoasis.com.
Kaspar visited the outdoor rink on several occasions, and it was
decided to use multiple images on the cover to show just how
responsive the community has been to the activity. Penna happened
to drive by on one of those occasions and captured Kaspar in the
photo seen here.
Redwood City is fast becoming the entertainment spot on the
Peninsula, and this winter’s activities and the year-round rink prove
to be valuable contributors to that image. The Spectrum salutes the
efforts made to bring our community together.
Thank You
for Supporting the
Uccelli Family
Through the Years
We urge you to contribute
and support our local
non-profits who do
outstanding work in
our community.
Painting, moving, gardening
or construction needs?
Hire a Reliable Worker
through the
A non profit organization
Call: (650) 339-2794
Or go to: www.mionline.org
All wages go directly to workers
Donate Your Vehicle
650-363-2423
Peter and Paula Uccelli Foundation
650-366-0922
Proceeds support Kainos Home & Training Center
Providing quality residential, vocational and support services to developmentally
disabled adults, enabling them to become active, contributing members of the
community.
Maximum Tax Deductions – We handle paperwork
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

RCSD Corner: News From the Redwood City School District
TCommunity Committee Grapples With Enrollment Challenges, Program Offerings
he Redwood City School District has had record enrollment over the
last several years, with especially strong demand for several of the district’s
four Schools of Choice — schools that have no neighborhood
boundaries and to which all students in the district can apply to
attend. Besides strong demand for enrollment at these districtwide schools,
several neighborhood schools throughout the district have had more
kindergarteners register than the school can accommodate. Hawes School, for
example, one of the smallest schools in the district, had 150 students register
for 60 kindergarten seats. In addition, several K–5 schools have expressed
interest in expanding to offer sixth grade, or sixth through eighth grade.
Recognizing that issues of enrollment, space capacity, grade configuration
and program focus are interrelated and that proposed solutions must align with
the needs and desires of the local community, the Redwood City School District
board of trustees recently approved Superintendent Jan Christensen’s
recommendation that the district form a committee made up of parents,
teachers, principals and community members to study the issues connected
with grade configuration, enrollment and school programs and make
recommendations for the next steps needed to address the district’s challenges.
“As with past decisions that have the potential to impact the broader
community, we wanted to engage a cross section of our parents, staff and
local citizens to analyze our challenges in the context of our community and
our current program offerings,” said Christensen.
Christensen explained that since the Redwood City School District opened
its first school, Central, in 1895, it has made continued adjustments to its
academic offerings depending on the number of students enrolled, the needs
of the community and ongoing evaluation about how to best prepare students
for high school and the workforce. Over the years, the school board has made
many important decisions on school openings, closings, program offerings
and grade-level configurations. In 1990, for example, the district formed a
Citizen’s Advisory Council that worked over a period of several years to form
a magnet school plan that resulted in each school forming a themed focus that
enabled the district to win a large federal grant.
The federal grant, awarded in the 1995–96 school year, resulted in the
implementation of program choices such as a two-way Spanish immersion
program at Adelante, a marine science focus at Clifford, a performing arts
focus at John Gill School and the formation of North Star Academy, available
to students who academically qualify to participate in a program that compacts
curriculum in order to make time for students to participate in multi-grade,
specialized, elective enrichment classes. When the federal grant funding ended
in 2004–05, the district transitioned to its current Schools of Choice program.
The Grade Configuration, Enrollment and Programs Committee,
comprising 33 members, held its first meeting on Sept. 27 and met three
times subsequently. The meetings were moderated by Chris Maricle, an
administrator with the California School Boards Association who assists
school districts in strategic planning. At the first and second meetings,
members were briefed in detail by Chief Business Official Raul Parungao
on the space currently available at each school throughout the district and
the factors that influence use of space at any given school. Parungao showed
participants an interactive spreadsheet that demonstrated the long-term
impacts of adding classes at any given grade level at any school. For example,
participants could ask what happens to space availability at Hawes if the
school adds an additional kindergarten class in 2012–13, or if a K–5 school
were to expand to K–8. In a few keystrokes, Parungao was able to show how
the total classrooms available at any school would change over time as a
new kindergarten class moved on to grades 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, or as a new sixth
grade moved on to grades 7 and 8. Parungao was also able to show what
happens if the state restores funding for K–3 class sizes of 20 students per
teacher in 2014, as the state has suggested it may do. K–3 class sizes in the
district currently stand at 30–31 students.
“It is daunting how complex [space capacity] is, not only in terms of considering
the situation right now, but there are so many unknowns, such as whether the
district will be able to return to class sizes of 20 in the future,” said Julie Brodie,
a parent participant on the committee. “It is tricky and complicated to figure
out the right direction, as well as where needs are versus where the space is.”
During the third meeting, Deputy Superintendent John Baker, who
oversees the district’s Schools of Choice program, presented a history of the
program choices in the district. Interestingly, Baker, who has been employed
with the district since 1981, served on the 1990 Citizen’s Advisory Council.
During the fourth meeting, Baker presented information on the trends and
evolution of educating sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students in the
United States. A panel of principals from a variety of schools in the district
shared the differences between 6–8 and K–8 schools in Redwood City.
“Over the years, I have seen the district adapt to the needs of the
community by changing or altering the programs at a number of schools,”
said Baker. “I’ve had the privilege of seeing schools grow and thrive based
on decisions made in the mid-1990s. After 20 years, it is a good time to reexamine
current community needs, and revisit earlier decisions to see if
adjustments need to be made or new programs offered.”
Members of the committee were selected through an application process
that ensured that every school had at least one parent or staff member
represented. The committee will continue to meet and will begin to formulate
recommendations for the superintendent at the next few meetings.
Redeemer Students Take on Washington DC
As part of Redeemer Lutheran School’s biannual week in Washington, D.C., seventh- and eighth-graders
were chosen to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Below: Cameron Cosentino, Daniel
Hayes, Amanda Hawley and Katey Zimmer were given final instructions by the U.S. Army Honor
Guard. These four students were selected based on a blind judging of their essays on what it would mean
to them to lay a wreath at the tomb. They were both nervous and excited to be a part of this very special
privilege. The wreath-laying happens after a changing of the guard at the tomb. The entire ceremony is
both awe-inspiring and emotional to witness, especially as the bugler plays taps to end the ceremony.
The Spectrum 5

As I Was
Saying… Publisher
| Steve Penna
Let’s get right to the results of my predictions
for the races that were of concern to Redwood
City voters in the Nov. 8 election. Out of the 17
predictions I made, I was correct in 13 of them.
Usually I am over 90 percent correct, but I went
out on a limb on a few races, thinking voters
would actually read all the information given
and then come out to vote. Obviously voters did
not come out to vote, given that the winner of the
Redwood City council race got only a little more
than 5,000 votes. But I was still really accurate.
In that City Council race, where there were
four incumbents — Alicia Aguirre, Ian Bain,
Rosanne Foust and Barbara Pierce — facing
off against political newcomer Paul McCarthy, I
predicted the incumbents would all be re-elected
and they were.
Aguirre was the top vote-getter and ran the
most aggressive campaign of all the candidates,
and she deserved to place first. McCarthy got
2,870 votes, which could be accounted for by the
anti-incumbent vote and the minimal support
he had, considering he did not run the active
campaign the others ran. He has announced
he plans to look at another run in 2013. It will
be interesting to watch his involvement in our
community leading up to that run and whether
he plans to work within the system to gather the
experience and knowledge needed to serve on
the council. He is an attractive candidate for so
many reasons, and doing so would just bolster his
credibility and name recognition.
.…
In the Sequoia Union High School District race,
trustees Lorraine Rumley and Olivia Martinez
faced competitors Allen Weiner, Larry James
Moody and Carrie Du Bois. I predicted that both
incumbents would win as well as Du Bois. Well,
I was a little off there. Du Bois was the top votegetter,
followed by Weiner. For the final spot, the
two incumbents battled it out until the final results
were announced more than a week later. If you
do not think your vote counts, consider that on
election night Rumley was winning, but when the
final results were tallied, Martinez won the final
seat by 77 votes. The teachers union campaigned
hard against the incumbents and, considering the
outcome, voters listened to them.
I hope Rumley stays involved in our community
as she is a valuable asset and over the years has
proven to be a detailed thinker and decisionmaker.
Her contributions have been valuable to
the students and community she serves. There is
another place for her and I hope she finds it.
.…
www.SpectrumMagazine.net
In the Redwood City School District race,
incumbents Alisa Greene MacAvoy, Shelly Masur
and Dennis McBride faced competition from
parent volunteer Lea Cuniberti-Duran. I predicted
all three incumbents would win and they did.
But just like in the Sequoia district, there
seemed to be an undertone of discontent as the
challenger Cuniberti-Duran got some 3,021 votes
without attending campaign forums or spending
virtually any money. Hope the district status quo
are listening as they plan to ask voters for an
additional tax next November.
.…
All three incumbents on the San Mateo County
Community College District board — Dave
Mandelkern, Patricia Miljanich and Karen
Schwarz — ran for re-election and were challenged
by Jaime Diaz, Joe Ross and Michael Stogner. I
went way out on a limb and predicted Ross would
unseat one of the incumbents. That was incorrect,
as all incumbents won. Despite an impressive
campaign waged by Ross, it is hard to overcome
the advantage that incumbents have in such a large
voting district, and he fell more than 8,000 votes short.
.…
Measure H had the San Mateo County Community
College District asking us to pass a $564 million
bond. I predicted it should and would fail, and it
did. Now it is time for the district board that we
just re-elected to start representing the taxpayers
of their district and not all the “special interests”
they have been in the past. They have to make
some hard but much-needed cuts to balance their
budgets, and not at the expense of the students or
the community.
.…
Measures I and M asked Redwood City voters
to increase the city’s hotel and business taxes.
I predicted the business license tax increase,
Measure M, would fail (it passed) and the hotel
tax, Measure I, would pass (it did).
What is interesting about those results is comparing
the votes each measure got. Measure I passed
with 6,061 votes and Measure M with only 4,554
votes, with 3,082 voting no on the business tax.
You can mark that victory up to the Redwood City
firefighters who walked door to door handing out
literature in support of the measure, and some of
the council candidates.
I also thought it was interesting that the
Redwood City Residents to Protect City Services
group — which ran the campaigns — used
vendors that are all outside of Redwood City to
support the campaign with design services, etc.
Now that is the “Shop Local” spirit!
I also predicted that Measure K, a charter
amendment regarding the sale and purchase of
property, would pass and it did.
.…
Now the big question. Who will be Redwood City’s
next mayor and lead our community for the next
two years? If you are a council watcher, this is not
a hard call at all. Aguirre will get the position. She
is next in line on the rotation (council members choose
the mayor every two years, and even though it
does not always go that way, it will this year).
She has worked really hard the past two years
as vice mayor to prove to her colleagues and to
our community that she is ready to lead us and
deserves to lead us. She has done both.
Although the normal rotation would have Bain
appointed vice mayor, I don’t think that will happen.
Pierce might be considered, considering that
she is in her last term due to term limits and could
serve as vice mayor and end her term on the council
in four years as mayor. I don’t think that will
happen either. Councilman John Seybert will not
be considered, and current Mayor Jeff Ira could serve
as vice mayor or mayor, but that won’t happen.
So that leaves Jeff Gee. He will get the nod
because he has jumped right into his position on
the council (elected two years ago) and has shown
he is knowledgeable about the issues facing our
community and also willing to listen to community
members while making decisions. He comes from
a family of Redwood City–based involvement and
is the only representative on the council from the
Redwood Shores neighborhood. He is also wellliked
by his colleagues on the council.
.…
On another note, Aguirre hosted an election
night party at her home for all of the incumbents,
including those from the Redwood City School
District. Noticeably, no invitations went out
to the challengers in those races, which is
too bad, considering that one of the goals of
our community is to unite regardless of our
differences. The challengers should have been
included and given support from the “status quo”
for standing up with some new ideas. They just
might have one that would be good. Instead they
are ignored for having the audacity to challenge
an incumbent — not good.
Within the status-quo clique there are several
who do not support or agree with others, but
they are not left out. I for one like it better when
candidates stand on their own, at least on election
night, and thank family, friends and supporters
individually with their own events. It gives
(continues on page 25)

O Little Town of Bethlehem Comes to Redwood City
for 19th Year
A
ny day now, the empty lot on the corner of
Middlefield and Cassia in Redwood City
will start to transform into the ancient
village of Bethlehem on the night of the first
Christmas. Bethlehem A.D., mounting up for
its 19th year, has become a cherished holiday
tradition for thousands of South Bay residents
who appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the
true “reason for the season.”
The phrase “living Nativity” is inadequate
to describe the interactive sights, sounds and
experiences of Bethlehem A.D., where visitors,
called “pilgrims,” walk through the Bethlehem
village and are immersed in the life and vitality
all around them as they interact with a cast of 200
costumed characters and a menagerie of animals
A South Bay newspaper once declared Bethlehem
A.D. “the Disneyland of Nativities.”
Joy to the World
Especially in today’s economy, any reminder of
the true spirit of Christmas is a source of real
hope and good cheer, and the gift of the Messiah
was a free gift. Bethlehem A.D. is likewise free
to the public. It can remain free of charge due to
the donations of money and time from a large
group of volunteers representing members of
Redwood City’s Tapestry Church (which owns
the Bethlehem A.D. lot and hosts the event),
Peninsula Covenant Church in partnership with
Tapestry, and Templo La Luz as well as volunteers
and sponsors from many other congregations,
civic groups, corporations and businesses in the
South Bay.
www.SpectrumMagazine.net
Deck the Halls
Bethlehem A.D. brings together diverse people
from all faiths and ethnicities to strengthen
the sense of community and camaraderie so
appropriate at Christmas time. Through the years,
Paula Paulin and Karl Dresden, of San Carlos,
have taken on the roles of creative and technical
directors. It’s akin to mounting a large-scale
theatrical production, complete with elaborate
sets, costumes, lights, sound and myriad technical
details, made all the more challenging because
the event is held outdoors in any weather! In 2010,
a huge storm threatened to prevent Bethlehem
A.D. from opening its gates, but miraculously
the clouds moved away at the last minute and
the show went on as scheduled. It may rain over
Bethlehem A.D., but it never rains for long!
The Friendly Beasts
It’s been warned, “Never work with children or
animals,” but at Bethlehem A.D., the animals are
major attractions and the baby is the star of the show!
The animal cast can include alpacas, llamas, sheep,
goats, calves, Brahman bulls, a zedonk (zebradonkey)
and several camels. The menagerie lives
on the Middlefield Road lot for three days, and in
the afternoons before the show starts, they are a
pop-up petting zoo for Redwood City residents.
Some years there is even a blessed event such
as the birth of a baby goat in the middle of a
performance! Volunteers from the 4-H Club —
organized by Redwood City’s Penny Richardson
— make sure that all animals are well cared for,
under the direction of Richardson’s husband and
chief animal wrangler, Jeff Richardson. Anybody
watching Jeff Richardson walk a camel to its pen
would not guess that his day job is as a pilot for
American Airlines! All skill sets and talents come
to play amid Bethlehem A.D.’s diverse cast and crew.
Away in a Manger
Three special babies (and their parents) get to
be the stars of the show in the role of the baby
Jesus and the Holy Family. And it’s an equal
opportunity manger where the Christ child
is played by newborns of all ethnicities and
occasionally even by baby girls. If anything, the
manger is partial to Redwood City civic leaders.
For 2011, the parts of Mary and Joseph will be
played by Jeri Richardson-Daines, who has served
on Redwood City’s Housing and Human Concerns
Committee, with her husband, Colton, and baby
Brady. On another night, the manger will feature
Shawn White, who serves on Redwood City’s
Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Commission, with his wife, Robyn, and baby
Olivia. From year to year, the babies and their
parents experience something very blessed about
being in the manger at Bethlehem A.D. Babies
don’t seem to cry in the crèche. Parents share a
precious bonding time with their infants, despite
the gaze of thousands of spectators. Spectators
who view the manger feel deeply moved by the
recognition that the King of Kings came into the
world so humbly as a baby. And a reminder that
“the king of the Jews” was born a Jewish baby in
a Hebrew town under Roman rule.

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
It is important to Bethlehem A.D. to represent ancient
Bethlehem with its Jewish roots intact, complete
with Jewish prophets discussing the prophecies of
the promised Messiah. A small “Hebrew school”
is set up, where rotating groups of children (called
“the tribes” after the tribes of Israel) spend some
time with teacher Dennis Logie (a Redwood City
retired pastor), who keeps the children hanging on
his every word as he teaches them some Hebrew
words, tells them the Hanukkah story and lights
the Hanukkah candles, and imparts to them the
meaning of the Ten Commandments.
March of the
Bethlehem Soldiers
Children also get to spend time in the Roman
legion campsite, where they are shown authentic
Roman armor and weapons by the men of Legio
X Fretensis (a California group that re-enacts a
first-century Roman legion). Among Bethlehem
A.D.’s own centurions, the chief centurion is
played by Todd Hurst, a member of the Redwood
City police force. Even Steve Penna, the publisher
of The Spectrum magazine, plays a centurion
at Bethlehem A.D.! Roman centurions march
through the village and along Middlefield Road,
even helping with crowd control.
God Rest Ye Merry,
Gentlemen
The liveliness of the Bethlehem village is due in
big part to the large cast of costumed “villagers”
who take the roles of craftspeople (carpentry
shop, metal shop, pottery) and marketplace
vendors, and even as cooks, preparing chicken
and lentils at outdoor stations. There may be “no
room at the inn,” but there is hot soup inside the
inn. While only the costumed cast can partake of
this food, free refreshments are served to visitors
in the courtyard of Tapestry Church across the
street. Bethlehem A.D. has become famous for its
homemade doughnuts! There is also a warm place
to sit in the sanctuary, where the “Angel Cam”
broadcasts live video from the manger.
We Three Kings
(from City Hall)
Although the Bethlehem A.D. animals may “come
from the east” (from ranches in the Central Valley
of California), the “kings from the east” come
from just down the block — from Redwood City’s
own City Hall!
It has become tradition for the roles of the Wise
Men to be played by civic leaders, including
current and past mayors of Redwood City, council
members, the chief of police, the fire chief, the
superintendent of schools and the sheriff of San
Mateo County! When that group includes a
woman, she is not required to wear a beard, but
she’s nonetheless a Wise Man for the evening!
For decades this illustrious group of Wise
Men has been organized and recruited by Will
Richardson, a former Redwood City “Man of the
Year” and “Citizen of the Year” honored for his
community service and philanthropy. Richardson
also plays a Wise Man and has recruited an
impressive lineup to join him in following the
“star” to the manger in 2011:
Jeff Ira, mayor of Redwood City
Jim Hartnett, former mayor of Redwood City
Diane Howard, former mayor of Redwood City
Barbara Pierce, current Redwood City
council member
Ian Bain, current Redwood City council member
Carlos Bolanos, former Redwood City chief
of police and current undersheriff, San
Mateo County
Bill Butler, owner of Butler Construction
O Come, All Ye Faithful
This year, if you embrace the true spirit of
Christmas, it’s a good time to visit Bethlehem
A.D. as a spectator and it is a good time to join
the cast and crew in helping them mount up the
ancient village on the corner of Middlefield and
Cassia. No experience is necessary and all skill
sets are welcome. They say “many hands make
light work,” and the Bethlehem A.D. cast and crew
could use some new hands this year. If you can
hammer a nail or sew on a sewing machine, or if
you enjoy acting, your skills and help would be
welcome. Every Saturday at 1305 Middlefield,
there will be other like-minded people building
and dressing the sets or helping sew and organize
the costumes. With last-minute needs, a lunch
is served at noon for all volunteers. There is a great
sense of camaraderie and accomplishment among the
Bethlehem A.D. extended family of volunteers. If
you have ever been blessed by the gift of Bethlehem
A.D. to you and your family, this would be a great
year to give back a donation of your volunteer time.
If you are a business, your donation or financial
sponsorship would be very welcome, and your
company name and logo could appear on signage
and programs as a Bethlehem A.D. sponsor.
Bethlehem A.D. has been sponsored in recent
years by Cargill Salt, San Mateo Credit Union,
Terrace Heritage and many other local businesses.
If you have goods that could be donated, there is
always a need for lumber, hay bales, pita bread
and loaves of rustic bread for the marketplace, or
coffee and napkins to serve visitors in the church
refreshment area.
We Wish You A Merry
Christmas
2011 promises to be another wonderful year to
awaken the true spirit of Christmas on a vacant
lot at Middlefield and Cassia, and to keep alive
a South Bay tradition in its 19th year of blessing
the residents of Redwood City. Bethlehem A.D.
starts on Dec. 22 at 6 p.m. and runs for three
consecutive nights, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. nightly.
For more information, contact Paula Paulin at
paulapaulin@juno.com or 650-281-9170, or visit
www.BethlehemAD.com.
The Spectrum 9

Events Around Town Election Night November 2011
From top left: Redwood City School Board winners Dennis McBride, Shelly Masur and Alisa Greene MacAvoy. Nancy Radcliffe with Councilwoman Barbara Pierce. Councilman
Ian Bain. Councilwoman Rosanne Foust with husband Jim Hartnett and daughter Lydia. Councilwoman Alicia Aguirre with County Coroner Robert J. Foucrault. Waiting for the results.
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(650) 363-1725 | www.smcu.org
MORTGAGE
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San Mateo Credit Union has a special Mortgage Center,
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Come in and ask a question about your current mortgage.
We love those! We want to give you the best loan with the
most reasonable payments.
619 Bradford Street, Redwood City
(650) 363-1799 | www.smcu.org
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

Cultural Events
The Main Gallery
1018 Main St., Redwood City
650-701-1018
www.themaingallery.org
The Main Gallery, an artists’ cooperative with
23 members, showcases the work of some of the
best local talent in the Bay Area. The gallery is
located in the historic yellow Victorian cottage at
the corner of Main and Middlefield. The gallery is
open Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
and weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Top left: Elfi Altendorfer, “Uptown,” unique dangle
necklace inspired by the new classic black and white
fashion trends. Handmade lampwork glass beads,
sterling silver designer beehive beads, silver laser-cut
tubes and sterling silver toggle clasp. 2011. Top right:
Belinda Chlouber, “Of Love,” handmade book. 2011.
Above: Doris Fischer-Colbrie, “Color of Rain,” ceramic
tumblers. 2011.
2011 Holiday Show
This year find your unique artistic gift at The Main
Gallery’s 2011 Holiday Show in Redwood City.
The holiday show is in progress and runs through
Dec. 24. The gallery will host a reception with the
artists on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Some of the special gifts you will find at the
2011 Holiday Show are Susan Wolf’s porcelain
ornaments, including a few fish, and some openwork
porcelain birds, all created with underglazes with
a gold luster. Wolf also has charming angels that
can be hung from a tree by their halos or placed
over tealights for a pleasant effect.
The “entertaining vessels,” pitchers, cups and
tumblers Doris Fischer-Colbrie has on display
will create a unique and fun atmosphere for the
holidays. In addition, she has vases for setting a
festive scene and ornaments for added decoration.
Nina Koepcke has cardinal bird sculptures,
cardinal ornaments and bird menorahs that are
fun and festive and would help make your holiday
truly special. One of the gallery’s newest artists,
Elfi Altendorfer of “TresChic” Handcrafted
Fashion Jewelry, says, “As a jewelry artist, I am
inspired to design and craft jewelry that reflects
the soul and beauty of the materials. Jewelry that
accentuates the wearer’s personality and style is
fashion forward, beautiful yet affordable. Whether
classic or contemporary, each piece is unique and
meticulously handcrafted.” These unique jewelry
pieces might be the perfect gift for that someone
special! And Belinda Chlouber’s handmade books
with words of love and “figure drawings” will be
a cherished gift for your loved one.
Meet the artists and enjoy an evening viewing
art and preparing for the holidays at The Main Gallery!
Fox Theatre and Club Fox
2209 Broadway, downtown Redwood City
Tickets available at www.clubfoxrwc.com,
650-369-7770 or tickets.foxrwc.com
Fox Theatre
• The Nutcracker. 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2.
• Peninsula Ballet Theatre Presents Bruce
Steivel’s Nutcracker. 2, 4 or 7 p.m. Saturday,
Dec. 10 – Sunday, Dec. 18.
Club Fox
• SEVA (featuring Hristo Vitchev and Weber Iago).
8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1.
• Led Zepagain. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2.
• Frank Bey (Club Fox Blues Jam). 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 7.
• In the Spirit of Lennon — An Intimate Acoustic
Evening. 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8.
• Salvador Santana & Band plus Scribe Project,
SOL, Taylor Lee. 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.
• A Tribute to Amy Winehouse. 7 p.m. Sunday,
Dec. 11.
• Monique Ranae’s Comedy Extravaganza. 8
p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15.
• Silly Sundays December featuring Key Lewis,
Luke Francis & Alvin Williams. 8 p.m. Sunday,
Dec. 18.
• Sista Monica (Club Fox Blues Jam). 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 21.
• Phil Berkowitz and the Dirty Cats (Club Fox
Blues Jam). 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28.
San Mateo
County History Museum
2200 Broadway St., Redwood City
650-299-0141
www.historysmc.org
Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
$5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students, free for
children 5 and under
The History Museum is housed inside the historic
1910 County Courthouse. Over 50,000 people
visit the museum each year, and the number of
local residents who hold memberships is growing.
The History Museum teaches approximately
14,000 children each year through the on- and
off-site programs. The museum houses the
research library and archives that currently hold
over 100,000 photographs, prints, books and
documents collected by the San Mateo County
Historical Association.
Free First Fridays
Starting in January, admission will be free at the
San Mateo County History Museum on the first
Friday of each month. Explore the entire museum,
enjoy storytime and embark on a guided history
tour. For more information and tour times, call the
museum at 650-299-0104.
‘First Fridays’ Storytime
California Rancho: Stories From the Past
Friday, Jan. 6, 11 a.m.
Come hear the story of a real California Rancho.
Listen to the tale of Secundino Robles and his
family. Then create a “dancing señorita” to take
home. Afterwards, explore the exhibit Nature’s
Bounty to learn more about the Spanish and
Mexican periods in California history. Free.
New Exhibit at History Museum
Honoring Steve Jobs
The San Mateo County History Museum is proud
to announce a new addition to our permanent
exhibit San Mateo County History Makers:
Entrepreneurs Who Changed the World.
The new exhibit features an original 1988 NeXT
computer and will discuss NeXT Inc., the company
local Woodside resident Steve Jobs founded in
Redwood City after leaving Apple in 1985. Tim
Berners-Lee used NeXT technology to create the
World Wide Web and, according to Jobs’ 2005
Stanford commencement speech, “the technology
… developed at NeXT is at the heart of Apple’s
current renaissance.”
Also on view are books, brochures and an original
NeXT decal given away free with the purchase of
the computer.
Free Admission Day
Family Past-Times Program Holiday
Tree Treasures & Handbell Choir
Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Create holiday ornaments to take home! Try your
hand at making these old-fashioned holiday tree
treasures: baubles with old-time images, colorful
gingerbread ornaments, Dresdens, gewgaws,
Sebnitz ornaments and Christmas cornucopias.
The San Francisco State University Handbell Choir
will perform a variety of holiday tunes at 1 p.m. Held
in conjunction with Redwood City’s Hometown
Holidays celebration and free to the public.
New Exhibit at History Museum
Playing Grown-Up: Toys From the
Harry P. Costa Collection
Feb. 14 – Dec. 31, 2012
The San Mateo County History Museum is
opening a unique exhibit, Playing Grown-Up:
Toys From the Harry P. Costa Collection. Playing
Grown-Up will explore those toys from the
1930s, 1940s and 1950s that allowed children to
mimic the activities of adults. Objects highlighted
will include an antique pedal-car fire truck and
airplane, Tonka work trucks, a fully electric 1929
Lionel stove and oven, a G-men fingerprint set,
a “Miss Friday” mechanical doll and a working
Lionel train, just to name a few.
The Spectrum 11

Community Interest
PAL Plans Woodside Plaza Kick-Off for the Holidays:
Pancake Breakfast (and Neighborhood Meeting)
Support PAL at this great pancake breakfast for just $5, then head downtown
to enjoy the fun, festive Hometown Holidays the rest of the day!
Saturday, Dec. 3, 8–10 a.m. (neighborhood association meeting 10–11 a.m.)
Kennedy Middle School, 2521 Goodwin Ave.
Get a full breakfast for $5: pancakes (with or without chocolate chips),
sausages, hot chocolate and Tang. All proceeds go to Redwood City PAL.
There will also be short movies for the little ones (like Rudolph and Frosty),
a great time to chat with your neighbors and make new friends, then a
Woodside Plaza neighborhood meeting. While you’re there, you can sign up
for Nextdoor, the neighbor-to-neighbor social network in partnership with
Redwood City. For more information call John Nelson, Woodside Plaza
Neighborhood Association chair, at 650-888-4408.
Support the Redwood City Education Foundation
Need a Christmas tree for your office, shop or store? Honey Bear Trees
in Redwood City, a local family-owned business and Redwood City–San
Mateo County Chamber of Commerce member, has a special all-inclusive
commercial deal that includes delivery and pickup after Christmas, a stand
and a CA-required fire-proofing tag. Or you can get only the tree at their lot
at 955 Woodside Road in Redwood City. Trees are beautiful noble, grand or
Fraser firs and are sustainably grown in Oregon and freshly cut!
Be sure to mention the Redwood City Education Foundation and Honey
Bear Trees will donate 15 percent to the RCEF to help send fifth-graders
in the Redwood City School District to Jones Gulch in La Honda for a
memorable week of outdoor education.
Contact Aaron Boyle for more information at 650-576-4711 or aaboyle@
gmail.com. Find the tree lot at www.honeybeartrees.com or 650-364-3507.
Second Harvest Food Drive and Membership Special
at Every Woman Health Club
In conjunction with their eighth annual food drive for Second Harvest, Every
Woman Health Club is offering a great deal for new members! Simply donate
at least six cans of food (or other nonperishable food items) when you become
a member, and they will waive the enrollment fee (regularly $99). This offer
is good through Dec. 4.
For more information, see their website at www.everywomanhealthclub.
com, give them a call at 650-364-9194, or just stop by the club!
Sequoia Alumni Donate $5,565 to Sequoia Teachers
The Sequoia High School Alumni Association announced it has awarded
$5,440 to teachers at Sequoia High School under its annual Cherokee Grants
program as well as $125 to the Cheer Team. The Cherokee Grants program
was established to fund the purchase of instructional equipment, materials
or services that are not included in the current Sequoia Union High School
District budget. Grant applications are given to every Sequoia High School
teacher. The Cherokee Grants Committee studies each request and makes a
decision as to how money can best be spent to benefit the most students or the
most worthy programs. Several thousand dollars have been awarded since the
program was instituted in 1987.
This year, 22 teachers have been awarded grants to fully fund or help
contribute to items and programs, including a class set and audio CD sets of a
book regarding immigration for International Baccalaureate Spanish, a field
trip to Ardenwood Farm in Fremont for special education, a trip to France for
the French class, art supplies for the art program, a field trip to the Aquarium
of the Bay in San Francisco for special education, books for English
literature, whiteboards for ninth-grade algebra support, geometric solid
figures for geometry, subscriptions for the French class, motivational posters
for mathematics, graphing calculator software for mathematics, registration
fee to attend the National Association of College Admissions Counseling for
the Guidance Department, a subscription for World Language, CD players
and batteries and battery chargers and carrying cases for books on CD for
English Reading Special Day Class, training and support for interdisciplinary
work for English language development/mathematics/art, stuttering severity
instrument for special education, newspaper staff attendance at the National
High School Journalism Convention in Seattle, sewing machines for the
clothing class, a 50-inch plasma HDTV for dance and P.E. dance classes
and a trip for first-generation college students to tour colleges in Northern
California and Oregon for the Advanced Via Individual Determination class.
Members of the public who wish to donate to this worthwhile program
can do so by making a check payable to the Sequoia High School Alumni
Association, P.O. Box 2534, Redwood City, CA 94064, stipulating that the
funds are to be used for the Cherokee Grants program, or via Paypal on the
association’s website: www.sequoiahsalumniassoc.org.
Redwood City Toy and Book Drive Kicks Off
What makes this program different?
The Redwood City Toy Program is a cooperative effort that is orchestrated by
members of the Redwood City Police and Fire Departments, Police Activities
League and the Fair Oaks Community Center. While all of these entities share
equal parts in providing the muscle to direct the program’s efforts, the Redwood
City community is truly the backbone to its success. It is the empowerment
and strong leadership of city department heads and city officials that enables
great community giving campaigns like the Redwood City Toy Program.
A unique approach (operations)
It begins with social services, where struggling families must meet qualifications
through a financial background check and interview. The family is then assigned
a number that represents their address, number of children, age and gender.
At that point, the number and information attached to it are passed to the Fire/
PD team, which organizes multiple events that lead to the ultimate distribution of
the toys.
The first events are a series of pre-bagging parties, where a predetermined
number of toys, games and books is distributed to each family. The toys are
then relayed from the warehouse to the Red Morton Community Center for
the annual wrapping party. All of these events are driven by volunteers from
throughout the community.
The toys are distributed over the course of three delivery nights. The teams
are led by Santa, who is accompanied by volunteers from police, fire and
their families. At this point, the teams set out to distribute the toys and an
unforgettable holiday experience to the assigned families. This has become
a very popular event and it’s not uncommon to find department heads, City
Council members or other community champions riding shotgun as St. Nick’s
helpers on the deliveries.
Toy donations
The toys that support the program are donated by community members to the
following four sources: businesses around the community (listed on the program’s
website) that sponsor toy barrel drop-offs, fire station and police department
drop-offs, holiday parties with a “toy theme” hosted by individuals or businesses
in the community, monetary donations that contribute to the purchase of new toys.
After the fire
In addition to the qualified families who receive toys, the program is also
used to touch those families whose lives have been impacted by adverse
situations. Typically, when firefighters and police officers are interfacing with
the community on emergency responses, it’s because someone is having a
bad day, maybe even the worst day they’ve ever experienced. City leaders
have helped shape our culture into one that affords us the ability to help make
positive impacts on these people’s lives — and the program does that through
the giving of toys. Whether it is a fire around the holidays, a child with cancer
or a parent taken from their children, this program is empowered to give aid
to these families without a bunch of red tape.
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

Angels in Our Community
In November, members of the Adobe Youth
Voices Peapod Academy in Redwood City
welcomed the entire community to the Fox
Theatre for the screening of their original short
film, “Angel in My Sky.” Written, produced,
directed, filmed, edited and acted by some of the
talented teen members themselves, this influential
coming-of-age film focuses on the astonishing
metamorphosis of a young man who is clearly
headed down a destructive path as a result of
the tragic loss of his close, older brother. But
he ultimately triumphs because of a new-found
reverence and unshakable faith in God (and
angels). “Angel in My Sky” not only has the
power to catapult today’s fallen teens back on
a good track and motivate Generation Xers and
Baby Boomers to fulfill unrealized dreams of the
past, but it also has the same powerful force to
turn the unbeliever toward belief in a Holy Spirit
that has a special plan and purpose for their life.
“ ‘Angel in My Sky’ has impacted me in so
many ways,” said Daniela Gasparini, former
Redwood City mayor and member of the board
of directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the
Peninsula, who also served as the master of
ceremonies at the film’s premiere. “I first am
proud of the talent these young men and women
possess in this creative world. Their acting talent,
technical talent, musical and lyrical talent, writing
and producing. Then, after seeing the short film,
I realize the access they have been given by
such amazing community partners like Adobe
and Peapod Academy is a once-in-a-lifetime
experience, and it was our local Boys & Girls
Club of the Peninsula [that] was chosen to receive
these partnerships of philanthropy, equipment
and talent. Our Boys & Girls Club applied for
this grant and was awarded, and seeing what they
were able to do with this funding proves to me if
we give our youth access to education, access to
By Nicole Minieri, contributing writer
equipment and technology, and access to mentors,
they will succeed as they did in this film. The
final part that struck me is the notion that these
young men and women do have faith. And they
do talk about it and they do believe and hope for a
more tolerant world.”
The film stars Redwood City’s Diamonte
Horton as Dominic and Richard Kaho as Angelo,
in addition to other cast members Ruby Gonzalez,
who plays Dominic’s best friend, P.J. Guzman,
Taulango Sofele, Eduardo Deras, Fabio Aguilar,
Junior Tupou, Tyler Gil-Contreras and Codie
Louie, who portray the gang members. A year
in the making, “Angel in My Sky” was filmed
on location in various sections of Redwood City,
Foster City, Menlo Park, East Palo Alto and
Stanford by cinematographers Roberto Guzman,
Gil-Contreras, Francisco Espinoza Torres Jr.,
David Sanchez and Peter Pheap. The film was
directed as a group effort at the Adobe Youth
Voices Peapod Academy and was edited by
Marcos Gonzalez, P.J. Polai, Roberto Guzman,
Gil-Contreras, Edward Flores, Francisco
Hernandez, Deras and Victor Ortega. The film’s
music was composed and/or performed by
Horton, Kaho, Polai, Tupou, Marvin Burgarini,
Jose Saavedra, Arthur Renowitzky, Pheap and
Ivan Reyes Martinez.
However, the ultimate success of “Angel in
My Sky,” as well as other media projects at the
Adobe Youth Voices Peapod Academy, is found in
the continuous hands-on experience and creative
skills each member acquires from committed
individuals who provide outstanding mentorship
in the areas of acting, music, multimedia production,
computer programming, web design and cultural
studies. Guiding these precocious teens throughout
the making of this inspirational short film were
Gabriel “Blanco” Lomeli Jr., Martinez, Torres,
Pheap, Tony Gapastione, Sanchez and Diego Pettersson,
who was the mastermind behind the collaboration
between the academy’s Somewhere2turn
partnership with the NOH8 Campaign in 2010,
which received national attention.
“I go to the Peapod Adobe Youth Voices
Academy one day a week for a couple of hours,”
said Gapastione, an accomplished actor, writer
and filmmaker. “I help cultivate and work with
these kids on all aspects of storytelling by doing
really specific storytelling-type teaching in basic
elements of a story, and what makes a good story.
We do a lot of brainstorming and work on starting
the foundation of a story and how to create a story
that is worth watching, investing and producing.
Every time we have a class, we do a short story
challenge where we read them out loud and
improvise. We also try to find elements in their
own stories and in their own personal lives and
then put them into movies that we are making. For
example, the gang theme in ‘Angel in My Sky’ is
a very pertinent, significant issue with all of our
teens because it’s the truth in their own world. It’s
a chilling reality to the pressure these kids face on
a regular basis of their everyday life.”
Gapastione, who is currently the full-time pastor
of adult ministries at the Peninsula Covenant
Church in Redwood City, was involved in several
outreach programs while working with Broadway
By the Bay when he was initially introduced to
the Boys & Girls Clubs, which happens to be
directly linked to the Peapod/Adobe Youth Voices
program in Redwood City. “When I first heard about
the mentoring opportunity, I thought this was a
great chance to get to know people on the other
side of my town,” explained Gapastione. “But
then I was totally blown away at how the lives of
these kids are really centered and spiritual around
God. And the spiritual overtones that came up in
‘Angel in My Sky’ were on their own accord. I
think it’s really neat to see these kids reaching and
(continues on page 25)
The Spectrum 13

The Thrill of Skating Outdoors and Indoors
Year-Round in Redwood City
By Julie McCoy, contributing writer
Ice skating is a popular pastime in the winter. If
it happens to be something you enjoy, now is
a great time to lace up and set those blades in
motion. This year, there happen to be two rinks in
Redwood City where you can glide the day away.
Downtown has been transformed into a winter
wonderland with Holiday Skating on the Square,
an outdoor rink right on the Courthouse Square.
There’s also Nazareth Ice Oasis, a year-round indoor
rink that has been in the city for more than 30 years.
Skating on the Square a hit
among people of all ages and abilities
Holiday Skating on the Square — which opened
on Nov. 18 and will continue through Jan. 16 — is sure
to be a hit among people of all ages and abilities.
The rink is open in the afternoon and evening,
and the cost is $10 per person on weekdays and $12
per person on weekends. People can bring their
own skates or get them on-site at no additional cost.
Redwood City resident Christina Ochoa, a
sophomore at Cañada College who loves to skate
and has taken to the ice since she was a little girl,
learned about the rink on Facebook and braved
the rain with her boyfriend, Havier Ayala, to be
there on opening day.
“This is a fresh [rink] and it’s exciting,” said Ochoa,
who has mostly skated indoors. Ayala added that,
“It’s good because [Redwood City has] never had
this.” Ochoa and Ayala plan to come one more time
before mid-December.
Up to 100 people can be skating on the rink at
one time. Staff will be available to assist and there
also will be a first-aid kit for the unfortunate event
in which someone becomes injured. The rink may
have to shut down in inclement weather.
Rink uses synthetic ice,
but you won’t notice a difference
The 60-foot-by-76-foot rink uses synthetic ice, but
you won’t notice a difference because it performs
like regular ice, explained Chris Beth, director of
Redwood City’s Department of Parks, Recreation
and Community Services. Synthetic ice is more
environmentally friendly than regular ice, since
no machinery or power is needed to keep the ice
continuously frozen. Cruise ships, malls and some
ice-skating shows also use synthetic ice.
Bringing people downtown
How did the idea for Holiday Skating on the Square
come to fruition? The Parks, Recreation and
Community Services department looked at how to
bring people to “the new downtown” and realized
there wasn’t much to bring people downtown in
the winter, and the idea of opening an ice-skating
rink came up, Beth explained.
With Holiday Skating on the Square, “You bring
people downtown,” he said. “It’s fun. It creates a
sense of community [and then people will want to
come back]. You’re bringing people to the doorsteps of
businesses.” Beth added, “It’s a new experience,
a fun experience for families and kids. We hope
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

people discover restaurants and other places to shop.”
San Jose, San Francisco and Walnut Creek have
outdoor skating rinks, and the thought was that
it would be good for Redwood City to be able to
offer the same thing, Beth pointed out.
Local businesses chip in
The cost to bring the rink to Redwood City is $40,000,
not including operation costs, according to Beth.
Local businesses have contributed $30,000 and the
expectation is to raise $10,000 through skating sales.
With businesses contributing so much money,
it will be easy to break even, Beth pointed out. “It
makes our target for break-even that much easier,”
he said. After the break-even point, profits will be
used to help fund concerts, movies, programs and
other special events.
Businesses that have sponsored Holiday Skating
on the Square include the Fox Theatre, Fresh Takes,
Saba Café, Pamplemousse, Harry’s Hofbrau, Sakura,
Peninsula Infinity, Barrett Insurance, State Farm
Insurance, Lacewell Realty, San Mateo Credit
Union, T.W. Bay and Redwood General Tire. These
businesses have their names featured on the inside
of the rink, so skaters are aware of who helped
make Holiday Skating on the Square possible.
“We are extremely thankful to see that the city
is devoting as much energy to bringing patrons
[to] downtown Redwood City in the winter as they
do in the summer months with the very popular
Friday Night Concert Series,” said Fox Theatre
owner Eric Lochtefeld.
He added, “We think the skating rink will be
a wonderful attraction for families as well as people
looking to get outside over the holidays. We believe
that its popularity will greatly benefit businesses
in the downtown area by bringing in customers that
would otherwise not visit Redwood City during
the winter.
“We believe that Redwood City is overwhelmingly
becoming the premier city for entertainment in
Silicon Valley. The skating rink is just one more
sign of this city’s commitment to fulfilling this goal.”
Peter Liebengood, executive director of Fresh
Takes, a digital arts center that opened in June
and provides training to people of all ages, said,
“We’re a new company, a nonprofit. We need to
make sure people know we’re here. I feel, in a way, we’re
also being in this incubator for entertainment.
It just seems like a natural thing to do. It’s such a
great event.” Fresh Takes is in the same building
as the Fox Theatre. “I literally overlook [the rink],”
said Liebengood. “It’s a great idea.” Liebengood
said he wants people to “to feel this is a happening
place” and the rink helps do that.
Ryan Morris, general manager of Saba Café,
suggested that people come downtown only for a
specific reason. “People will come for the movies,
park, go to the movies and leave. What we’re trying to
do is bring people to Redwood City for a specific
reason, yes, but we want them to stroll. Mingle. Bring
the whole Redwood City together as a whole
instead of every company fending for themselves.
I definitely think it will bring the holiday spirit
here. We want [people] to experience Redwood
City and experience what it has to offer. People
need to come check it out for themselves. It’s a
very nice area now,” he said.
“Any traffic is good traffic here,” said Kelli Manukyan,
owner and pastry chef at Pamplemousse, which
sells high-end French pastries. “The city, for financial
reasons, is not doing as many events as in the past.
Ice-skating rinks and bakeries, they go hand in
hand. That’s the main reason I wanted to be part
of it. It’s perfect for the people who want a nice,
casual afternoon out.” Manukyan plans to thank
her regular customers by giving them passes to
the rink. “It’s something really smart that the city
has done,” she said.
Ice Oasis a ton of indoor fun
If you want to skate without worrying about the
cold, wet weather putting a damper on the fun this
winter, Nazareth Ice Oasis Ice Skating & Hockey
Club, at 3140 Bay Road, is the place to go. The
24,000-square-foot facility is equipped with locker
rooms, a lobby, bleachers, a pro skating shop, a
pro hockey shop and a restaurant.
“We strive to differentiate our rink from the others
by being more customer-oriented,” explained
general manager Hanna Hanhan. “My first day
at the rink I wondered, what are we selling here,
the skate rental or renting the skate surface? I
realized that we are selling the thrill of skating.
Seeing the smile on a 6-year-old after completing
a full round without holding the rail, or a 15-yearold
who just did her first double axel, or a hockey
player who scored the winning goal for his team
that night, or the goalie who made that incredible
save, you maybe realize that none of these
examples has to do with renting skates or renting
the ice surface. What makes us different is that we
provide the tools needed for the experience and
we become part of the thrill and it is wonderful.”
He added, “We maintain our facility the best we
possibly can, not just aesthetically. We do have one
of the best ice surfaces in the area and that brings
our customers back every week. Maintaining the
ice surface is both a science and a passion.”
Ice Oasis has programs for people regardless of
their age or ability, from the beginner learning to
skate to advanced workshops and clinics. It offers
skating schools taught by professional coaches.
Additionally, Ice Oasis has the Black Stars hockey
program, open to children and youth between the
ages of 4 and 17, with or without prior hockey
experience. Kids wanting to get started with
hockey begin with the starter hockey program.
The next levels are a rookie camp and a league.
Teams are organized by age, and each team has a
head and assistant coach.
“Being open year-round gives us the ability to
implement these programs in a progressive and fun
way to keep the customer engaged and interested
and always looking for that weekly session, whether
it’s a 30-minute session or a 90-minute game,”
said Hanhan.
Winter is the busiest time of year for Ice Oasis.
“The skating business is cyclical,” Hanhan explained.
“It slows down in the summer because that’s when
outdoor sports thrive, and in the winter, our customers
return home.”
Ice Oasis is the home rink for the Stanford
University Hockey Club. The Redwood City Ice
Theatre (RCIT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
and co-ed team representing Peninsula Skating
Club, also practices at Ice Oasis.
Ice Oasis has been in Redwood City since the
late 1970s, according to Hanhan. It started as a
practice rink for figure skating. Adult hockey was
introduced in 1997 and youth hockey was added in
1999. Ice Oasis has had several different owners
throughout the years, and each has added a little
to it, Hanhan explained.
Skating is a fun activity for individuals as well
as families, and with two great places to skate in
Redwood City this winter, why not take advantage
of it? You don’t have to be Kristi Yamaguchi —
just get out there and have a great time, all while
getting some exercise, too!
Interested in going?
Holiday Skating on the Square
Location: Courthouse Square
Open: Nov. 18–Jan. 16
Hours: Monday through Thursday 2–9 p.m.,
Friday 2–10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m.,
Sunday noon to 8 p.m.
Cost: $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends.
(Weekend rates begin at 6 p.m. on Fridays.)
Skates can be rented at no extra charge.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in advance by
visiting the city’s website at www.redwoodcity.
org/events.
Ice Oasis
Location: 3140 Bay Road, Redwood City
Open: Year-round
Public hours: Mondays 10–11:30 a.m. and 2:30–
4:30 p.m., Tuesdays 10–11:30 a.m. and 2:30–4:30
p.m., Wednesdays 10–11:30 a.m., Thursdays 10–
11:30 a.m. and 2:30–4:30 p.m., Fridays 10–11:30
a.m. and 3:30–5:30 p.m., Saturdays 12:30–2:30
p.m., Sundays 12:30–2:30 p.m.
Without skate rental: Adults $10, children ages
5–17 $8, 4 and under $4, seniors $8
With skate rental: Adults $12, children ages 5–17
$10, 4 and under $5, seniors $10
The Spectrum 15

Auto Care:
Redwood General Tire – 1630 Broadway –
Redwood General Tire was founded on the
principles of good customer service and quality
products at fair prices. Many satisfied customers
have been with them since their founding.
Whether you are looking for a new set of tires or
need repair work on your vehicle, this Redwood
City institution has been providing quality vehicle
services since 1957. They even have free Wi-Fi
Internet hookups so you can work while you wait
for your vehicle to be serviced.
Eating and Catering:
Canyon Inn – 587 Canyon Road – Tim Harrison
and the staff at Canyon Inn serve everything from
their famous hamburgers to pizzas, all kinds of
sandwiches and pastas, and South-of-the-Border
specialties while various sports play on the big,
flat-screen TVs. Don’t forget to reserve their
closed patio for your next party — it has heaters,
fans and a big-screen TV (no extra charges). Why
cook when you don’t have to? They do catering
too for all occasions!
D. Tequila Lounge and Restaurant – 851 Main St.
– “We went there and it was fabulous! We were
impressed by their food menu, and the burger I
had was tasty. They have 21 big-screen TVs for
watching your favorite sports team, having a
drink with friends or dancing the night away.”
Little India – 917 Main St. – “There are good
restaurants. There are bad restaurants. There
are OK restaurants. Then there are those places,
the magic ones. You come back again and again
because the food doesn’t just taste good and
satisfy hunger, but helps heal the heart and soul.”
Senior citizens receive $1 off and children under
12 dine at half price. www.littleindiacuisine.com
Sakura Teppanyaki and Sushi – 2198 Broadway
– “Large tables, the chefs and staff are very warm
toward families and children, and the meals are
plentiful and flavorful. Five stars for great service,
food and prices. Well worth it! If you haven’t been
there yet, go!”
The Sandwich Spot – 2420 Broadway – With
a motto promising to change your life “one
sandwich at a time” and a menu and atmosphere
that has already made it a popular spot in
downtown Redwood City, the Sandwich Spot will
have you wondering where this place has been all
your life, and whether or not you can get some of
their signature Bomb Sauce to go.
Financial Institutions:
San Mateo Credit Union – Three Redwood City
locations – As a member-driven organization,
SMCU does everything possible to ensure that
all of your financial priorities are anticipated and
fulfilled. Offerings include free auto-shopping
assistance, members-only car sales, low-rate
home loans and lines of credit. Call 650-363-1725
or 888-363-1725, or visit a branch to learn the
advantages of membership banking.
Home Improvements:
Lewis Carpet Cleaners – 1-800-23-LEWIS – Founded
in 1985, Lewis Carpet Cleaners has grown from
one small, portable machine to a company of six
employees and five working vans. The Lewis
family works and lives in Redwood City and is
committed to our community. Ask about their
Spectrum special: Get 100 square feet of carpet
cleaned for absolutely nothing. Call today! Get
your home ready for entertaining during the year.
Legal Services:
Hannig Law Firm – 2991 El Camino Real –
Hannig Law Firm LLP provides transactional
and litigation expertise in a variety of areas. The
professionals at HLF are committed to knowing
and meeting their clients’ needs through longterm
relationships and value-added services,
and to supporting and participating in the
communities where they live and work.
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

Real Estate:
Michelle Glaubert at Coldwell Banker – 650-
722-1193 – Michelle has been a full-time, topproducing
real estate agent since 1978. With a proven
track record, she has helped buyers achieve their
dreams of home ownership and sellers make
successful moves to their next properties. The
majority of her business is garnered through referrals
from her many satisfied clients. Living in Emerald
Hills, she knows the area well and is involved
in the community. Count on Michelle’s years of
experience to guide you through your next real estate
transaction. Visit her online at www.glaubert.com.
John Nelson at Coldwell Banker – 650-566-5315
– John has been a resident of Redwood City for
21 years and has been a real estate agent for 18
years. He is known for doing his clients’ legwork,
keeping them up to date with new listings and
conditions as they impact the market. He will
make the process as pleasurable and stress-free an
experience for you as he can. Let John guide you
through the complexities of buying or selling your
home, eliminating hassles and stress. Visit him
online at www.johnnelsonhomes.com.
Specialty Businesses:
Davies Appliance – 1580 El Camino Real –
“Davies helped me with my appliance purchases
and they know what they are doing. All they
carry is appliances; you don’t have to worry about
anything else. Leave it to them to assist you with
your kitchen remodel and you will be very happy.
I recommend Davies to anyone who is interested
in great pricing and even better service. The focus
is appliances and service.”
Every Woman Health Club – 611 Jefferson Ave. –
A women-only, body-positive fitness center in downtown
Redwood City. Services include classes, weight and
cardio equipment, personal training, therapeutic
massage and skin care. Flexible pricing, with
several options available for members and
nonmembers. Visit www.everywomanhealthclub.
com or call 650-364-9194 to get started.
Hector Flamenco Insurance (State Farm) – 956
Main St. – Hector has been in the insurance
business and with State Farm for 20 years. He
specializes in auto and business insurance. A local
resident, he also provides servicio en español!
Visit his website at www.flamencoinsurance.com.
Saf Keep Storage – 2480 Middlefield Road – The
friendly and reliable team at Saf Keep is ready
to assist you with a variety of storage products
and services to suit all your storage needs. Visit
their website at www.safkeepstorage.com to see
exactly what products and services are available.
Compare them to other facilities and you’ll see
why their service makes the difference.
Schoenstein Physical Therapy – 363A Main St.,
650-599-9482 –The clinical approach of this
independent, community-based physical therapy
practice focuses on thorough physical therapy
assessment, specific treatment strategies and
patient education. Individualized treatment
programs are designed to help meet patient goals
of restoring function, returning to sport or
occupation and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
St. Regal Jewelers – 850 Main St. – “This is a
great jeweler! Phil, the owner, is amazing. He
crafted a ring on time and on budget. He has an
incredible eye for detail. I can’t say enough. I
would never go anywhere else.” Whether you are
looking for men’s or women’s quality jewelry,
shopping local does not get better than this.
Woodside Terrace – 485 Woodside Road, 650-
366-3900 – Woodside Terrace understands that
in choosing a senior living community, residents
are looking for much more than a comfortable
living environment to call home. Brookdale
Living’s Redwood City community delivers
inspired independent living with the promise of
exceptional experiences every day. As residents’
needs change, they are provided with a variety
of ancillary services and a personalized assisted
living environment that encourages them to
continue to live as they please.
The Spectrum 17

Insurance Tips: Simple Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance
By Hector Flamenco, Special to The Spectrum
In today’s world, many of us are taking a close look at our finances and examining
every possible angle to lower our bills. Your car insurance could be an area of
opportunity to save a little money. Let’s take a look at some tips you can use
to help you significantly lower your automobile insurance premiums.
Shop around
Make sure you are getting a good rate. Get price quotes from several
companies before deciding whom to go with. In order to ensure you are
comparing apples to apples, be sure to get quotes for the exact same coverage
from each company.
Raise your deductible
While this may seem scary, it truly is the number-one way to slash your
coverage costs. Keep in mind, the chances of you having to use your
insurance are pretty low. The amount you save by raising your deductible is
almost always more than what you will pay in accident repairs.
Remove any unnecessary coverage
Many times we don’t even know what we are covered for. Be sure to review
your policy with your insurance provider and don’t pay for items you really
don’t need. For example, many of us pay for towing and rental car, and these
are not always necessary or worth paying for.
Buy all of your insurance from the same company
Almost all insurance companies offer insurance in savings bundles. For
example, it is almost always cheaper to purchase car and homeowners insurance
under the same policy. Make sure you ask for a multi-policy discount.
Know your credit score
Most insurance companies are now basing your policy pricing in part by
your credit score. The higher your credit score, the lower your cost for
insurance will be. It will be beneficial for you to monitor your score and to do
everything you can to have a good credit rating.
Determine if you are eligible
for group insurance premium savings
Be sure to check with your employer and any organizations you belong to for
group insurance policies. Many companies offer reduced insurance premiums
through a specific insurance provider.
Research rates before buying a new vehicle
Insurance premium rates can vary drastically from one vehicle to another.
Sometimes what you think might have a lower rate will actually carry a higher
price tag. Be sure to contact your insurer before purchasing a new vehicle to
find out what your premium will be. Many times there will be discounts for
car safety features. You may want to ask your insurance provider what they
offer discounts for and keep that in mind when searching for a new car.
Drop coverage on older cars
If you are driving an older car that does not have much value, you may want
to consider dropping collision. This will cut your rate and allow you to keep
the extra money in your pocket.
Pay your premium all at once
If at all possible, pay your six- or 12-month premium all at once. While
most companies offer a monthly payment plan, it almost always comes with
tacked-on convenience fees.
Ask your insurance company
how you can get further discounts
It never hurts to ask. Be sure to ask your insurance company flat out if there
is anything else you can do that will lower your rates. Many times you can
get a discount for taking a driver safety course. Other discounts can include a
senior discount, safe driving record, low mileage, etc.
Editor’s note: Please note that this article is for general information only and is not a
professional consultation. Always seek specific information from a licensed insurance
professional. Hector Flamenco is an agent with State Farm Insurance. Visit his website at
www.flamencoinsurance.com.
Senior Activities
The following activities are open to the public during the month of December
at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City.
Friday Movies for Everyone
Every Friday, 1:15 p.m. (unless otherwise announced)
Come to the Veterans Memorial Senior Center for a free feature movie in our
state-of-the-art movie theater!
Dec. 2: “Larry Crowne”
Dec. 9: “Cowboys and Aliens”
Dec. 16: “The Help”
Dec. 23: Center closed for the winter holiday — no film today
Dec. 30: Center closed for New Year’s — no film today
Holiday Gift Bag Assembly
Monday, Dec. 5, 9:30–11 a.m.
Redwood Room
The VMSC is sponsoring our annual Holiday Giving Project. We will be
providing gift bags to elderly Redwood City residents who are homebound
and children in need. Join us to fill the gift bags. Please call Christina at 650-
780-7343 to sign up.
SamTrans Trip Planning Meeting
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1:15 p.m.
Goldstar Room
A travel training meeting for a trip to Westfield San Francisco Centre on
Wednesday, Dec. 14. Learn how to use the SamTrans KX bus for a round trip
to San Francisco from Redwood City. Sign-ups for the San Francisco trip will
be taken at the Dec. 6 planning meeting. Space is limited, so sign up early.
Reservations are required. Call Donna at 650-369-6650 to sign up.
AARP Driver Safety Class
Dec. 10 & 17, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
$12 AARP members, $14 non–AARP members
This is an eight-hour class held over two Saturdays. Both sessions must be
attended to obtain the insurance discount certificate. Enrollment is limited to
20 people, so sign up early. Call 650-780-7270 and press option 2 to sign up.
Leave your full name and phone number.
Holiday Closure
Please note: The center will be closed from Friday, Dec. 23, through Jan. 6
and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 9. Happy holidays to all!
To learn more about the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, call 650-780-
7270. Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department
provides recreational facilities and activities for all ages and interests, and
supplies building and custodial services for city buildings. Redwood City
Parks also operates the Veterans Memorial Senior Center and the Fair Oaks
Community Center, providing social, educational and cultural activities, as
well as information, referral and counseling services to persons living in
Redwood City and neighboring communities. Redwood City Parks is more
than you think! Its website is located at www.redwoodcity.org/parks.
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

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Redwood City Welcomes New Police Chief
By Steve Penna, publisher
this change in leadership while maintaining our
motivation and commitment to the citizens of
Redwood City.”
“The Sergeants Association is 100 percent
supportive of Bob Bell’s appointment and extremely
excited to welcome Chief Gamez,” said Redwood
City Police Sergeants Association President Paul
Sheffield. “Chief Gamez will be a wonderful addition
to our organization and one the community deserves.”
promoted to sergeant on May 15, 1994.
As a sergeant, Gamez supervised patrol
officers and was selected to work as a supervisor
in the following specialized assignments:
Juvenile/Missing Persons, Narcotics and Covert
Investigations, DEA Task Force, Night Detective
Detail and Special Operations – Street Crimes/
METRO Unit. He was promoted to lieutenant
on Feb. 16, 2003. He served as a patrol watch
“I am impressed with the department, its officers. They
are professional and have an outstanding reputation”
After a seven-month nationwide search,
Redwood City City Manager Bob Bell has
announced the appointment of Capt. J.R.
Gamez of the San Jose Police Department as the
city’s new police chief.
“We had a lot of very qualified candidates and
they went through an exhaustive process that
included meeting with department and community
members, city staff and myself. J.R. demonstrated
strong leadership skills, a great vision for the
department and community, and he had a proven
track record of working with the community and
implementing innovative programs that improve
the quality of life for residents and businesses
alike. He is a thoughtful and articulate individual
and he really understands the importance of working
with the community. We are fortunate to have him
accept this position,” Bell said.
Gamez will take over the department on Dec. 2.
He will be paid a salary of $15,582 a month, or
$186,984 annually, and was hired as an “at will”
employee as part of the executive management group.
The Redwood City Police Department has a total
of 94 sworn officers and numerous support staff.
Redwood City Mayor Jeff Ira said the decision
was Bell’s, and one he wholly supports.
“I removed myself 100 percent from the hiring
process, and Bob would let me know how it was
going and when he would be making the final selection,”
said Ira. “I am confident in [the] process and
confident in Bob, and knowing Bob, it must be a
great choice,” he said of Gamez’s appointment.
The decision is also supported by the Redwood
City Police Officers and Sergeants Associations.
“The POA has great faith in Bob Bell and his
ability to recruit and appoint a highly effective
leader for our department. Our members welcome
this new era ... with Chief Gamez at the helm with
enthusiasm and optimism,” said Redwood City
POA President Mike Reynolds. “We will embrace
“I will be relocating to Redwood City in the
next few months,” Gamez said. He will first move
into a rented apartment until his son graduates
from high school in June. The family will then
relocate here permanently. They currently live in
Morgan Hill.
The appointment comes nine months after the
resignation of former Police Chief Louis Cobarruviaz
on Feb. 16. He was sworn in as chief on Jan. 18, 2007.
At the time, Cobarruviaz was the fifth-highestpaid
city employee with a salary of $213,279.
There is no date set for Gamez’s swearing in.
Ironically Gamez worked under Cobarruviaz
when he served as the chief of police of San Jose
from 1991 to 1998. In fact, he appointed Gamez to
sergeant in 1994.
As the search for a chief was conducted, Bell
appointed two highly respected Redwood City
Police captains, Ed Hernandez and Chris Cesena,
as rotating acting chiefs. Both of them applied for
the chief position.
“[We had] internal candidates for the position
and they were very qualified, the competition
was very tight and my objective was to hire the
best individual for the job that had a variety of
experiences working with a diverse community,”
Bell said. “I included a lot of people in the assessment
process, and at the end of that process and in my
follow-up interviews with J.R. and those he had
worked with, it was clear he was the best person
to lead our Police Department. It was a difficult
decision but I believe the right decision for our
department and the community,” he added.
“This is a huge appointment for our
organization,” Ira said. “We have been in limbo
waiting for a new police chief, and moving forward
this will be positive for our Police Department
and community in so many different ways. …
There is no question in my mind that there will be
100 percent support there from the organization
and I am looking forward to that,” he said.
Gamez was born in San Francisco and
graduated from San Francisco Christian High
School in 1980. He then attended Fresno Pacific
College and San Francisco State University.
Gamez joined the San Jose Police Department
on April 18, 1986. He is currently the Western
Division commander. He worked in patrol and
was then selected to work in the following
specialized assignments: Special Operations –
Narcotics Enforcement Team, as a detective with
the Narcotics and Covert Investigations Unit, and
as task force agent with the DEA. Gamez was
commander, lieutenant of the Special Operations
– Violent Crimes Enforcement Team, and as the
commander of the Homicide/Crime Scene Unit.
Gamez was promoted to captain on Feb. 6, 2009,
where he currently serves as the Western Division
patrol commander.
“I am ready for it. I am prepared to take on the
responsibilities,” Gamez said. “I am not planning
[to] bring the San Jose Police Department here but
the experiences I have had.”
The city’s website describes the Redwood
City Police Department as “an organization of
professionals who are dedicated to integrity,
customer service, the rights of individuals,
and the needs of a constantly changing society.
We are a progressive police department which
recognizes that by working in a partnership with
our community, we can best meet our goals of
protecting life and property, improving the quality
of life, reducing crime and the fear of crime, and
maintaining a safe community.”
“I am an outsider coming in with fresh eyes,”
Gamez said, adding that he would be “doing
an assessment of the department for the next
90 days.” He said he will be meeting with all
individuals within the department while gathering
community input on the department.
“I am impressed with the department, its officers.
They are professional and have an outstanding
reputation,” Gamez said. “This is a great fit for
me,” he continued and said he plans on working
as a team and “taking it to the next level.”
“I truly believe we have the finest police
department of any city and we have found an
individual that can lead the department well
into the future. I believe under Chief Gamez’s
leadership, the department will be an even better
partner and leader in making our community
safer and stronger,” Bell said.
(City Manager Bob Bell with new chief Gamez)
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

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As I Was Saying… (Continued from p6)
supporters and friends the opportunity to make the election night rounds and
meet others who support the same candidates and also meet their families, etc.
It is just awkward going to an event where you want to congratulate someone
and have to do so with those you don’t want to congratulate or have not supported.
It just creates a false scene of acceptance and support that in reality is not there.
In case you have not heard, Redwood City has a new police chief. Although
I was secretly hoping one of the internal candidates (Captains Chris Cesena
and Ed Hernandez, who both applied and served as interim chiefs) would get
the appointment, I must say that after meeting J.R. Gamez, I am impressed
with City Manager Bob Bell’s decision.
It would have been so much easier for Bell to appoint one of the internal candidates,
but since taking over, he has not been too intimidated to make decisions he feels
are in the best interest of our community. The council, the Police Officers
Association and the Police Sergeants Association have all come out publicly
and stated their support for Bell and his decision. I don’t think it is just standard
public relations either, as I feel both associations would have expressed their
displeasure had it been there.
During the process of selecting a new chief, I had the pleasure of getting to
know both the internal candidates better as they were out in our community
attending meetings and events. We are not always given that opportunity
because our officers are so busy and can’t be out doing public relations all
the time. But the positivity it brings should be considered and continued. I
hope that they both continue to do so, as they represent our officers in such a
positive and professional manner.
Happy Holidays to everyone.
As I was saying…
.…
.…
Advertise with The Spectrum
Call Us Today 650.368.2434
Angels in Our Community
striving to understand reality and understand their
world from a spiritual perspective, that there is
something greater and bigger and that they were
created with a purpose. And what I experience in the
classroom is supernatural as I watch how these kids
process their lives.”
The Adobe Youth Voices Peapod Academy is a
joint alliance between the Adobe Foundation, pop
group the Black Eyed Peas and the Entertainment
Industry Foundation, which has academies stationed
in Redwood City, San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles
and New York City. All academies are year-round
and specifically designed to empower and endow
youths from underserved communities with extensive
training in the arts by way of state-of-the-art digital
technology and coaching from industry professionals.
“This is a very powerful experience for these
young people,” said Miguel Salinas, senior manager
of Adobe Youth Voices. “ ‘Angel in [My] Sky’ is
an example of the magic you see that can happen
when you connect young people with the tools,
encouragement, mentorship and the technology
to be able to creatively express themselves and tell
their stories. These young people are keeping a
positive attitude while staying focused on pursuing
their dreams despite their circumstances. That’s
inspiring and what Adobe Youth Voices is all
about. I have the best job in the world because I
work for a great company that has a commitment
to educating younger people and I am able to help
Adobe and their foundation accomplish this.”
In return, these up-and-coming gifted youths are
doing the best job ever in redefining their own destiny
and eloquently impacting their community through
their collaborative, creative projects in music and
filmmaking at the same time. They have found
their niche and voice within the arts and “Angel in
My Sky” is a phenomenally expressive example
of this. “I do really feel this short film will impact
our community,” said Gasparini. “I hope the
community listens to the message of hope and change
and overcoming adversity. [And] I hope the community
will see these high school students and know
we must support our schools and youth-serving
organizations like Boys & Girls Club of the
Peninsula. I am so proud of the staff and leaders
of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula. They
have such amazing staff, and to mentor these kids
as they do each day is amazing to me. I just can’t
describe how impactful this staff is. They hold the
members of BGCP to a high standard. They have
high expectations of these kids and hold them
accountable. I feel very strongly about one of their
mantras: ‘graduate with a plan.’ So programs like
the Peapod Adobe Youth Voices help youths find
their passion, stay in school and map out their future.”
And “Angel in My Sky” is already responsible
for mapping out a promising future for all of the
remarkable teens who worked on this short film.
It’s a very well-written and well-made film abounding
(Continued from page 13)
with powerful scenes that embody layers of deep,
compelling messages of having hope, keeping
the faith and trusting in God, especially during
very dark and trying times. The most universal,
profound affirmation in this short film was made
by Angelo (played by Kaho): “Everyone can hear
what the heart says to them, but not everyone has
the courage to follow it. Sometimes you have to
risk everything to gain everything.” Perhaps that’s
something an angel would say as well!
Viewers of all ages can visit the Adobe Youth Voices
Peapod Academy media gallery online, where they
can watch “Angel in My Sky” along with an archive
of many other artistic projects from all of the
existing academies, at youthvoices.adobe.com/
youth-media-gallery.
The Spectrum 25

A Minute With: Shawn White
Shawn White was born in Redwood City and attended all local schools, graduating from
Sequoia High in 1996. He then attended Bethany University in Scotts Valley, where he
studied church leadership and business administration. After that, he attended the San
Francisco State University business administration program.
Shawn currently lives in the Palm Park neighborhood with his wife, Robyn, and
daughter, Olivia.
He was first appointed to the Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Commission in June 2004. He was reappointed in May 2008, and his term expires in
May 2012. He recently applied for an open seat on the Planning Commission.
His community involvement includes the Pride and Beautification Committee, and he
was appointed by the Board of Supervisors to the San Mateo County Juvenile Justice
and Delinquency Commission.
He works at Keynote Systems and is currently vice president of operations in
information technologies.
He is also involved with PARCA, Tapestry Church, the Redwood City–San Mateo
County Chamber of Commerce, Bethlehem A.D. and Redwood City International, and
he serves as secretary of the West Sequoia Village homeowners association.
Shawn’s hobbies include mountain biking, running, brewing beer and total fitness.
The activities planned by Parks, Recreation and
Community Services are?
Amazing!
Redwood City is?
A great place to live, play and work.
If you were stuck on a desert island, which one
book, movie or person would you want to take along?
Person: my wife. Book: copy of my Bible or survival books.
Something few know about you?
I did professional cheerleading for 10 years, where
we were nationally ranked.
What phrase do you most overuse?
Where’s my cape?
Last movie you saw?
“The King’s Speech” — it was amazing.
Favorite restaurant in Redwood City?
Suisha House.
What is your motto?
Dream beyond your imagination and capabilities.
Memorable moment?
The birth of my daughter.
You still can’t believe?
That we have empty shops in the downtown area.
What is a dream you have or something you’d
like to accomplish in your life?
Start a nonprofit with my wife in the education field.
What would life be like if you had wings?
Incredible.
Favorite song?
Too many, I don’t have one.
Who or what is the love of your life?
My wife and daughter.
Anyone you got on your mind?
My wife and daughter.
At this time next year you will be?
Incredibly proud father and husband.
Let your opinion be heard!
Send your letters to letters@spectrummagazine.net
or Opinions & Letters, The Spectrum Magazine,
P.O. Box 862, Redwood City, CA 94064
Letters to the editor should be no longer than 300 words.
Columns should be no longer than 750 words. Illegibly written and
anonymous letters will not be accepted. Please include a daytime
phone number where we can reach you.
www.SpectrumMagazine.net

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