Will It Be an Incumbent Sweep? - The Spectrum Magazine
Will It Be an Incumbent Sweep? - The Spectrum Magazine
Will It Be an Incumbent Sweep? - The Spectrum Magazine
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<strong>Will</strong> <strong>It</strong> <strong>Be</strong> <strong>an</strong><br />
<strong>Incumbent</strong> <strong>Sweep</strong>?<br />
LeMo, Local Football,<br />
As I Was Saying…
Let’s Talk Solutions<br />
C<strong>an</strong> ONE project be a catalyst for m<strong>an</strong>y existing local <strong>an</strong>d regional<br />
problems, such as me<strong>an</strong>ingful engagement with S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Bay?<br />
At nearly three miles in length, the Saltworks’ Bayside Park would become one of the largest waterfront parks on S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Bay.<br />
As summer comes to a close, m<strong>an</strong>y of us are spending more time<br />
outdoors. And what better place in the State of California th<strong>an</strong><br />
S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Bay.<br />
� e S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Bay is a national treasure — a treasure that<br />
should not only be protected but celebrated <strong>an</strong>d appreciated.<br />
Did you know that Redwood City has more linear shoreline th<strong>an</strong><br />
<strong>an</strong>y other city in S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County? But because of m<strong>an</strong>-made<br />
divides, such as Highway 101, places to directly engage the Bay in<br />
Redwood City (<strong>an</strong>d for the rest of the region for that matter) are<br />
almost non-existent. And that really is too bad.<br />
� e Saltworks in Redwood City provides <strong>an</strong> opportunity to<br />
convert a privately-owned industrial saltmaking site into l<strong>an</strong>d that<br />
is publicly accessible on S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Bay.<br />
Not only does the Saltworks proposal include the single-largest<br />
privately funded restoration program in the history of S<strong>an</strong><br />
www.RCSaltworks.com<br />
Redwood City<br />
Saltworks Follow Saltworks on Facebook, Twitter <strong>an</strong>d YouTube.<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
<strong>The</strong> Answer is YES.<br />
Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Bay by restoring hundreds of acres into tidal marsh<br />
habitat, it includes a nearly three-mile ‘Bayside Park’ right at the<br />
edge of S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Bay. � is Bayside Park would connect a<br />
critical gap in the S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Bay Trail.<br />
� is Bayside Park would become one of the largest waterfront<br />
parks on S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Bay <strong>an</strong>d one of the largest parks in<br />
Redwood City. � e park would be home to a variety of recreational<br />
<strong>an</strong>d educational amenities where people from all over the region<br />
would come to embrace the Bay <strong>an</strong>d learn more about what makes<br />
the Bay a national treasure.<br />
� e Saltworks site, because of its scale <strong>an</strong>d location, alone c<strong>an</strong><br />
satisfy this import<strong>an</strong>t regional need.<br />
But don’t take our word for it. See for yourself. Examine the<br />
facts. Ask for a thorough evaluation of our proposal <strong>an</strong>d the<br />
opportunities — all of the opportunities — presented by the<br />
Saltworks site.<br />
<strong>Spectrum</strong>_Bay_Ad2_fullpg.indd 1 9/1/11 4:48 PM
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong>.OCT.2011<br />
Table of Contents<br />
Inside <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> – 4<br />
RCSD Corner – 5<br />
“As I Was Saying...” – 6<br />
Nonprofits in the News – 7<br />
Cultural Events – 8<br />
LeMo: Creating a<br />
Dream-Come-True World – 9<br />
P.S. <strong>The</strong> People Speak:<br />
Letters to the Editor – 13<br />
Community Interest – 15<br />
Parent Challenges <strong>Incumbent</strong>s<br />
in School District Race – 16<br />
Wildcats Hoping to Turn <strong>It</strong><br />
Around Once Again – 17<br />
<strong>Incumbent</strong>s Poised to Win Four<br />
Seats Up for Grabs – 18<br />
Insur<strong>an</strong>ce Tips: Bundling Home<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Auto Insur<strong>an</strong>ce to Save<br />
Money – 23<br />
Senior Activities – 23<br />
News Briefs – 24<br />
Shop Redwood City – 28<br />
Five Vying for Three Seats on<br />
the Sequoia Union Board – 30<br />
Cherokees Primed for Another<br />
Championship – 31<br />
A Minute With Ernie Schmidt – 34<br />
Welcome!<br />
Welcome to the October 2011 edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>. As we enter into our eighth<br />
year of providing community information, we are thrilled to bring you features <strong>an</strong>d highlights<br />
this month that we hope will keep you reading until next month.<br />
A valuable service <strong>an</strong>y community publication c<strong>an</strong> give its readers is information <strong>an</strong>d more<br />
information. Our cover story this month does just that as we give our five Redwood City City<br />
Council c<strong>an</strong>didates the opportunity to <strong>an</strong>swer import<strong>an</strong>t questions to help voters decide who<br />
will get their votes on Tuesday, Nov. 8.<br />
In publisher Steve Penna’s column, “As I Was Saying…,” he writes about the upcoming<br />
election <strong>an</strong>d some behind-the-scenes activity.<br />
Once again this month, we continue to bring you our regular features on senior activities, items<br />
of community interest, news briefs, cultural <strong>an</strong>d entertainment events, letters to the editor,<br />
insur<strong>an</strong>ce tips from Hector Flamenco, information from the Redwood City School District <strong>an</strong>d<br />
the popular feature “A Minute With.”<br />
We also have a section on nonprofits in the news <strong>an</strong>d a story on a relatively new group called<br />
the LeMo Foundation. Contributing writer Julie McCoy introduces our readers to this group<br />
that empowers socially <strong>an</strong>d economically challenged high school students between the ages<br />
of 14 <strong>an</strong>d 18 by providing them with mentoring, academic/career assist<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>an</strong>d a variety of<br />
athletic, performing arts <strong>an</strong>d fitness opportunities. You will be inspired.<br />
As in all communities, our businesses are <strong>an</strong> import<strong>an</strong>t component because they create sales<br />
tax revenues that contribute to our overall city budget while providing much-needed services<br />
for our community. In the spirit of that, we encourage you, our readers, to support our valuable<br />
<strong>Spectrum</strong> advertisers by using their services when you are out shopping, dining or enjoying<br />
yourself in our community with friends <strong>an</strong>d family. M<strong>an</strong>y of them have special offers for you to<br />
cut out <strong>an</strong>d present, including discounts on services, food <strong>an</strong>d beverages, so please take the<br />
time to look over their ads this month <strong>an</strong>d use their coupons <strong>an</strong>d discounts.<br />
Please visit us online for up-to-the-minute information on our community at www.<br />
spectrummagazine.net. Until next month, enjoy Redwood City!<br />
Steve Penna<br />
Owner <strong>an</strong>d Publisher<br />
penna@spectrummagazine.net<br />
Anne Callery<br />
Copy Editor<br />
writers@spectrummagazine.net<br />
Dale McKee<br />
Julie McCoy<br />
Nicole Minieri<br />
Contributing Writers<br />
writers@spectrummagazine.net<br />
James Massey<br />
Graphic Designer<br />
007massey@gmail.com<br />
James R. Kaspar<br />
David S<strong>an</strong>chez<br />
Cover/Cover Story Photography<br />
staff@spectrummagazine.net<br />
Contact Information:<br />
Phone 650-368-2434<br />
www.spectrummagazine.net<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 3
Inside <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong>: Cover Story Photo Shoot<br />
Painting, moving, gardening<br />
or construction needs?<br />
Hire a Reliable Worker<br />
through the<br />
A non profit org<strong>an</strong>ization<br />
Call: (650) 339-2794<br />
Or go to: www.mionline.org<br />
All wages go directly to workers<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
This month’s cover photo shoot was arr<strong>an</strong>ged by <strong>Spectrum</strong> Publisher<br />
Steve Penna for Saturday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. at City Hall on<br />
Middlefield Road at Jefferson Avenue. Since we are featuring the<br />
upcoming City Council election on Nov. 8 in this month’s issue, all<br />
c<strong>an</strong>didates for that position were invited to attend the shoot. All but<br />
one, challenger Paul McCarthy, accepted the invitation. He had prior<br />
pl<strong>an</strong>s <strong>an</strong>d couldn’t rearr<strong>an</strong>ge his schedule.<br />
Penna arrived at City Hall just before Vice Mayor Alicia Aguirre,<br />
followed by Councilwom<strong>an</strong> Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust, Councilm<strong>an</strong> I<strong>an</strong> Bain<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Councilwom<strong>an</strong> Barbara Pierce. This month’s cover subject<br />
photographer, David S<strong>an</strong>chez, arrived shortly after Bain. Penna had<br />
met S<strong>an</strong>chez through his volunteer work at the Boys & Girls Clubs of<br />
Redwood City <strong>an</strong>d the two had worked together on prior projects together.<br />
Obviously all the c<strong>an</strong>didates know each other <strong>an</strong>d, regardless<br />
of their differences, all were in high spirits on this sunny morning,<br />
exch<strong>an</strong>ging greetings <strong>an</strong>d pleas<strong>an</strong>tries. C<strong>an</strong>didates Foust <strong>an</strong>d Pierce<br />
brought family members to the shoot, <strong>an</strong>d shots were taken of them<br />
for the c<strong>an</strong>didates to have for their personal use. Individual shots<br />
were taken of each c<strong>an</strong>didate in the back area of City Hall. <strong>The</strong> group<br />
then moved to the front entr<strong>an</strong>ce, where a series of shots were taken<br />
in different poses <strong>an</strong>d positions.<br />
<strong>The</strong> entire shoot took about <strong>an</strong> hour.<br />
For each election, <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> is proud to introduce our<br />
community to the c<strong>an</strong>didates who have stepped forward <strong>an</strong>d shown<br />
a desire to lead. Regardless of their differences of styles, opinions<br />
or motives, we commend them for doing so. This year each of our<br />
c<strong>an</strong>didates has something positive to contribute as a leader <strong>an</strong>d each<br />
would serve our community well.<br />
After looking over the c<strong>an</strong>didates, we hope that the one who is not<br />
elected this year will stay involved <strong>an</strong>d st<strong>an</strong>d with the four who are<br />
elected to help guide our community during the next four years <strong>an</strong>d<br />
beyond. After all, that is the Redwood City spirit!
RCSD Corner: News From the Redwood City School District<br />
SCafeteria Time Is Surprisingly Robust for RWC Kids<br />
chool is back in session, <strong>an</strong>d each day thous<strong>an</strong>ds<br />
of Redwood City students file toward the<br />
lunchroom after working up <strong>an</strong> appetite from a<br />
morning of learning. While the prospect of a school<br />
lunch for some conjures the specter of mystery meat,<br />
the quality <strong>an</strong>d diversity of school lunch <strong>an</strong>d breakfast<br />
offerings in the Redwood City School District are<br />
impressive <strong>an</strong>d surprisingly robust.<br />
When President Obama signed the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010<br />
into law, which prescribed new m<strong>an</strong>dates for child nutrition programs to be<br />
phased in over several years, the district was able to report that it was already<br />
meeting m<strong>an</strong>y of the new provisions. Specifically, the new federal guidelines<br />
require <strong>an</strong> overall reduction in total calories, new cholesterol, fiber <strong>an</strong>d sodium<br />
thresholds, <strong>an</strong>d a discontinuation of Vitamin A <strong>an</strong>d C, iron <strong>an</strong>d calcium parameters<br />
in addition to various other recommendations from the Institute of Medicine.<br />
Redwood City School District serves up more th<strong>an</strong> 1,000,000 lunches per<br />
school year to its preschool through eighth-grade students. In addition to<br />
various entrees, there are weekly offerings of fresh, favorite seasonal fruits,<br />
such as watermelon, t<strong>an</strong>gerines <strong>an</strong>d strawberries (that are grown locally, to<br />
the extent possible) <strong>an</strong>d produce-of-the-month taste testing. District staff<br />
have even <strong>an</strong>alyzed various ways of presenting apples (presliced? whole?) to<br />
maximize their appeal to students, who c<strong>an</strong> be picky eaters.<br />
All pasta <strong>an</strong>d rice, <strong>an</strong>d over 90 percent of bread products, are whole grain.<br />
All lunch menus comply with the Healthy US Challenge gold st<strong>an</strong>dard award<br />
for First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign. Over the coming<br />
months, portable all-you-c<strong>an</strong>-eat salad bars will be installed at each <strong>an</strong>d<br />
every one of the district’s 16 school sites.<br />
Another idea to build on <strong>an</strong> already impressive nutrition program is to<br />
add more freshly prepared, nonprocessed foods — which are healthier <strong>an</strong>d<br />
also tend to be more environmentally friendly. For example, though labor-<br />
intensive, h<strong>an</strong>d-rolled burritos have proved a popular option among students.<br />
Various student activities surrounding the cafeteria seek to impart valuable<br />
health <strong>an</strong>d nutrition knowledge <strong>an</strong>d better educate students to choose healthy<br />
lifestyles. An <strong>an</strong>nual cooking contest showcases students’ budding culinary<br />
abilities, <strong>an</strong>d International Week at Clifford exposes the children to a diverse<br />
sampling of multicultural fare.<br />
M<strong>an</strong>y schools also maintain org<strong>an</strong>ic gardens, <strong>an</strong>d instructors seek to<br />
connect the principles gle<strong>an</strong>ed from students’ participation therein with the<br />
food being served in the cafeteria.<br />
Board of Education Trustee Shelly Masur, who also sits on the district’s<br />
Wellness Committee, has long championed the cause of student health <strong>an</strong>d<br />
fitness; she frequently cites studies linking student wellness to learning <strong>an</strong>d<br />
achievement. “We know that when students are eating high-quality nutritious<br />
meals <strong>an</strong>d engaging in regular physical activity, they are enabled to perform<br />
better academically <strong>an</strong>d we see higher levels of student achievement,” said Masur.<br />
Students at Fair Oaks School sampling foods from their new portable salad bar<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 5
As the sample ballots are arriving in your mailboxes,<br />
<strong>an</strong>d absentee ballots soon on their way, let’s take a<br />
look at the activity in the races that are of interest<br />
to Redwood City voters in this November’s election.<br />
First, in the Redwood City City Council race we<br />
have four incumbents — Alicia Aguirre, I<strong>an</strong> Bain,<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust <strong>an</strong>d Barbara Pierce — facing off<br />
against political newcomer Paul McCarthy.<br />
A few tidbits for you: Pierce did not get the<br />
COPE Labor Council endorsement, which is<br />
almost unheard of for <strong>an</strong> incumbent poised to<br />
be re-elected. I am sure her relationship, or lack<br />
thereof, with safety labor groups like police <strong>an</strong>d<br />
fire led to the snub. <strong>It</strong> sends a strong message<br />
they are not happy with her <strong>an</strong>d don’t mind facing<br />
the consequences, considering she will be reelected.<br />
Aguirre, Bain <strong>an</strong>d Foust got the nod yes.<br />
McCarthy did not interview for the endorsement.<br />
Bain did not get the S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Democratic<br />
Party endorsement, which also surprises. That<br />
went to Aguirre <strong>an</strong>d Pierce. Foust is a Republic<strong>an</strong><br />
<strong>an</strong>d McCarthy did not interview for the endorsement,<br />
so they were not expected to get it.<br />
<strong>The</strong> c<strong>an</strong>didates’ recent campaign statements<br />
were released, <strong>an</strong>d the leader in contributions is<br />
Foust, who raised $7,668.25 to date <strong>an</strong>d has $1,000<br />
worth of nonmonetary contributions. She had a<br />
beginning bal<strong>an</strong>ce of $7,393 <strong>an</strong>d spent $3,413.45,<br />
leaving her with $11,647.80. Among those contributing<br />
to her campaign are: Pete’s Harbor owner Paula<br />
Uccelli, $500; businessm<strong>an</strong> David Am<strong>an</strong>n <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Lilia Ledezma, $250 each; political consult<strong>an</strong>t<br />
Ed McGovern, $250; SamTr<strong>an</strong>s Director Michael<br />
Sc<strong>an</strong>lon <strong>an</strong>d real estate agent John Shroyer, $150<br />
each; school trustee Dennis McBride, former<br />
Atherton Police Chief Glenn Nielsen <strong>an</strong>d Councilm<strong>an</strong><br />
Jeff Gee, $100 each. Chamber of Commerce President<br />
<strong>Be</strong>n Paul donated $242.45.<br />
Next was Pierce, who raised $3,395. Combined<br />
with <strong>an</strong> $8,600.11 beginning bal<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>an</strong>d $1,280.01<br />
in expenses, Pierce ends with $10,852.10 in her<br />
war chest. Her contributors include: Uccelli,<br />
$500; property owner Alyn <strong>Be</strong>als, $250; McBride<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Sc<strong>an</strong>lon, $100 each. Albert Engel, owner of<br />
Harbor Village Mobile Home Park, donated $500.<br />
Aguirre raised $7,256 to date, on top of a $5,030<br />
beginning bal<strong>an</strong>ce. After spending $1,739, she<br />
ended with $10,552. Her contributors included:<br />
$1,000 from the Harbor Village Mobile Home<br />
Park owners; County Sheriff Greg Munks <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Uccelli, $500 each; businessm<strong>an</strong> John Adams,<br />
$250; S<strong>an</strong> Mateo Credit Union CEO Barry Jolette,<br />
$200; former Cañada College President Tom<br />
Mohr, Gee <strong>an</strong>d McBride, $100 each.<br />
Bain started with $1,809, raised $2,395 <strong>an</strong>d had<br />
expenditures of $542, leaving him with a bal<strong>an</strong>ce<br />
of $3,663. Those contributing to his campaign were:<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
As I Was<br />
Saying… Publisher<br />
Building Trades Council <strong>an</strong>d Kaia Eakin,<br />
$250 each; Assemblym<strong>an</strong> Jerry Hill, County<br />
Supervisor Don Horsley, Jolette, retired businessm<strong>an</strong><br />
Keith Bautista <strong>an</strong>d McBride, $100 each.<br />
McCarthy claimed no donations <strong>an</strong>d no expenditures.<br />
What does this all me<strong>an</strong>? C<strong>an</strong> a political newcomer<br />
who is spending nothing on his campaign possibly<br />
win a seat <strong>an</strong>d defeat <strong>an</strong> incumbent? Most likely<br />
no, considering that there are no real issues besides<br />
the Cargill site that would lead to a large voter turnout,<br />
<strong>an</strong>d that issue does not have enough opposition in our<br />
community to foster that kind of <strong>an</strong>ti-incumbent vote.<br />
On the other h<strong>an</strong>d, McCarthy is the only<br />
c<strong>an</strong>didate against the two tax-increase measures<br />
on the ballot, has a strong background in the<br />
military/law enforcement <strong>an</strong>d is involved with<br />
several community groups. All impressive <strong>an</strong>d<br />
attractive to voters. He is also listed fourth on the<br />
ballot, which might get him a few extra votes too.<br />
But if he is not spending <strong>an</strong>y money to get his<br />
message out, voters will not know about him. He<br />
also did not publish a c<strong>an</strong>didate’s statement in the<br />
sample ballot booklet, which will hurt him <strong>an</strong>d<br />
quite possible seal his campaign’s fate.<br />
.…<br />
<strong>The</strong> political action committee Redwood City<br />
Residents to Protect City Services (made up of<br />
elected officials <strong>an</strong>d status quo alike), which is in<br />
favor of Measures I <strong>an</strong>d M to increase the city’s<br />
hotel <strong>an</strong>d business taxes, raised $2,755 this period<br />
on top of $1,000 from previous reporting periods,<br />
bringing its total to $3,755. <strong>The</strong> group spent<br />
$4,378 on literature <strong>an</strong>d campaign consult<strong>an</strong>ts,<br />
leaving it with $2,378 in outst<strong>an</strong>ding debt.<br />
Contributions this period include $200 each from<br />
the Redwood City Police Serge<strong>an</strong>ts Association<br />
<strong>an</strong>d <strong>Be</strong>n Paul, $500 from Councilwom<strong>an</strong> Pierce<br />
<strong>an</strong>d $100 from developer Sares Regis.<br />
OK, really? How ironic is it that this committee<br />
is reporting a deficit <strong>an</strong>d they are trying to raise<br />
our taxes? Voters often complain that government<br />
entities should but do not “live within their<br />
me<strong>an</strong>s,” <strong>an</strong>d this group c<strong>an</strong>’t even run a campaign<br />
that is at least bal<strong>an</strong>ced so far? Give me a break.<br />
If these measures pass, it will be because of low<br />
voter turnout <strong>an</strong>d the precinct walking done by<br />
firefighters <strong>an</strong>d other union groups.<br />
.…<br />
In the Redwood City School District race, incumbents<br />
Alisa Greene MacAvoy, Shelly Masur <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Dennis P. McBride are facing competition from<br />
Lea Cuniberti-Dur<strong>an</strong>. Trustee McBride raised<br />
$2,802 this year <strong>an</strong>d $1,802 since July 1. McBride<br />
lo<strong>an</strong>ed himself $2,000 of the total amount.<br />
Trustee Masur raised $1,943 over the year <strong>an</strong>d<br />
| Steve Penna<br />
$250 during this filing period. Board President<br />
MacAvoy raised $1,850 this year, $575 during<br />
this filing period. Her total includes a $1,000 lo<strong>an</strong><br />
from herself. All three c<strong>an</strong>didates spent money on<br />
filing fees <strong>an</strong>d literature. Challenger Cuniberti-<br />
Dur<strong>an</strong> filed a form saying she would not raise or<br />
spend over $1,000 during her campaign.<br />
Same scenario in this race as the City Council<br />
race — if you are going to challenge incumbents,<br />
you need to raise contributions <strong>an</strong>d endorsements<br />
to win. <strong>The</strong> one adv<strong>an</strong>tage Cuniberti-Dur<strong>an</strong> might<br />
have is that she is in the race <strong>an</strong>d is showing a<br />
desire to serve. Which might come in h<strong>an</strong>dy if<br />
Masur is elected county supervisor in November<br />
2012 (she will be running for Rose Jacobs<br />
Gibson’s seat) <strong>an</strong>d has to give up her seat to do so.<br />
That will put Cuniberti-Dur<strong>an</strong> in a strong position<br />
to be appointed if she a) has a respectable showing<br />
in this election <strong>an</strong>d b) creates some relationships<br />
with the other trustees, including Masur.<br />
.…<br />
In the Sequoia Union High School District race,<br />
trustees Lorraine Rumley <strong>an</strong>d Olivia Martinez<br />
are campaigning against Menlo Park resident<br />
Allen Weiner, East Palo Alto resident Larry<br />
James Moody <strong>an</strong>d S<strong>an</strong> Carlos School District<br />
trustee Carrie Du Bois. At least one of the challengers<br />
will gain election because incumbent trustee Don<br />
Gibson decided to not run for re-election.<br />
Du Bois raised $11,468, including $100 from<br />
phil<strong>an</strong>thropist Bill Somerville, $250 from S<strong>an</strong><br />
Carlos trustee Seth Rosenblatt, $100 from the<br />
Leisure Family 1991 Trustee, $100 each from<br />
Redwood City School District trustees MacAvoy<br />
<strong>an</strong>d McBride, $500 from S<strong>an</strong> Carlos trustee Mark<br />
Olbert <strong>an</strong>d $100 from Amika Guillaume, <strong>an</strong><br />
administrator for the Ravenswood City School<br />
District. Du Bois has spent $4,746.46 thus far on<br />
postage, website costs, print ads <strong>an</strong>d campaign<br />
literature.<br />
University educator Weiner raised $3,270,<br />
including a $1,064 donation from himself <strong>an</strong>d<br />
$1,000 from Terry Thygesen, Menlo Park City<br />
School District trustee. Weiner spent $382.40 thus<br />
far on envelopes <strong>an</strong>d campaign literature.<br />
A joint campaign committee was formed to<br />
support trustees Rumley <strong>an</strong>d Martinez. Thus<br />
far, the campaign raised $2,624, including $100<br />
donations from both Rumley <strong>an</strong>d Martinez, <strong>an</strong>d<br />
$200 from Sheriff Munks. <strong>The</strong> statement from<br />
Moody was not yet available.<br />
Given the fact that our community seems to be<br />
relatively pleased with the current board <strong>an</strong>d that<br />
Du Bois is viewed as part of the extended system,<br />
she should grab the open seat.<br />
(continues on page 30)
Nonprofits in the News<br />
Rotary Car Raffle Raises Record Sums for 10 Local<br />
Charities — Local M<strong>an</strong> Wins Big With a $5 Ticket<br />
TOP: Redwood City charity representatives (from left) Salvation Army Capt. Andres<br />
Espinoza, Barbara Bonilla of Sheriff’s Activities League, Al Cunningham of Tim’s<br />
House, Rene Zimmerm<strong>an</strong> of Family Connections, Helen Cocco of St. Anthony’s Padua<br />
Dining Room, Andy Frisch representing both Kainos House <strong>an</strong>d Casa de Redwood,<br />
Rotary President Glenn Nielsen, Lisa Simmons of Pets in Need, Tom Cronin of Police<br />
Activities League <strong>an</strong>d Bonnie Miller of Salvation Army. ABOVE LEFT: Local electrici<strong>an</strong><br />
Gabe Maldonado with his winning Redwood City Rotary Fourth of July Raffle ticket<br />
worth $18,000. ABOVE RIGHT: Rotary Raffle sponsors underwrite all costs of <strong>an</strong>nual<br />
July 4 raffle, enabling all ticket sales to benefit local charities. Shown here are De<strong>an</strong>na<br />
Dooley of Dooley Insur<strong>an</strong>ce, attorney <strong>Will</strong>iam Conklin, Undersheriff Carlos Bol<strong>an</strong>os,<br />
Carol Ebner of T&H Lumber, Paul Shepherd of Cargill <strong>an</strong>d Michael Henderson of<br />
DMB/Redwood City Saltworks.<br />
After a steak dinner at the Redwood City Elks Club, local electrici<strong>an</strong> Gabriel<br />
Maldonado was asked to buy a raffle ticket to support the Redwood City<br />
Police Activities League.<br />
“I had <strong>an</strong> extra $5, so I bought one,” he recounted at the Redwood City<br />
Rotary luncheon where he received a cash prize of $18,000 — the equivalent<br />
price of a br<strong>an</strong>d-new Toyota Prius.<br />
Maldonado was not the only winner, however. Ten local charities split<br />
$82,587 raised through raffle ticket purchases. Receiving funds: Rotary<br />
Charitable Foundation ($5,610), Salvation Army ($1,665), Kainos Home &<br />
Training Center ($8,240), Sequoia YMCA ($2,827), Police Activities League<br />
($3,050), Sheriff’s Activities League ($13,245), Family Connection ($15,815),<br />
St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room ($5,995), Pets in Need ($20,630), Casa de<br />
Redwood ($3,075) <strong>an</strong>d Tim’s House ($8,045).<br />
Rotary Club members <strong>an</strong>d charity supporters spend more th<strong>an</strong> half a year<br />
hawking the $5 raffle tickets along with volunteers for the participating<br />
charities. Ticket buyers check a box on each ticket to determine which<br />
org<strong>an</strong>ization benefits from their bet.<br />
Under the leadership of Rotari<strong>an</strong> Pete Hughes, Redwood City Rotary raffle<br />
has raised nearly $600,000 for local charities over the past nine years through<br />
the <strong>an</strong>nual July 4 Raffle.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> secret to the success of this raffle is our sponsors,” said Hughes, raffle<br />
chair. “Our sponsors pay all the costs, so 100 percent of the ticket sales are<br />
donated to the charities. <strong>It</strong>’s a great partnership <strong>an</strong>d the sponsors deserve th<strong>an</strong>ks.”<br />
Sponsors are: Cargill, D<strong>an</strong>ford Foundation, S<strong>an</strong> Mateo Credit Union,<br />
Pete Hodgson of T&H Building Supply, Dooley Insur<strong>an</strong>ce, Pete <strong>an</strong>d Ginny<br />
Hughes, Bill Nicolet, BKF Consulting Engineers, attorney Wm. R. Conklin,<br />
DMB/Redwood City Saltworks LLC, Pete Liebengood, Pete’s Harbor, Port<br />
of Redwood City, Brookdale Senior Living, Steve Wagstaffe <strong>an</strong>d Carlos<br />
Bol<strong>an</strong>os.<br />
<strong>The</strong> raffle netted $38,000 in 2003, its first year, $56,000 in 2004, $61,000<br />
in 2005, $63,000 in 2006, $83,000 in 2007, $72,000 in 2008 <strong>an</strong>d $85,000 in<br />
2009. Last year, nearly $85,000 was raised in ticket sales <strong>an</strong>d the Tim Griffith<br />
Foundation won the raffle. All $100,000 in proceeds benefited local charities.<br />
Redwood City Wom<strong>an</strong>’s Club Holds Annual Pasta<br />
Dinner Fundraiser<br />
Members <strong>an</strong>d guests of the Wom<strong>an</strong>’s Club enjoy a good time.<br />
Upcoming events for the club include the Clubhouse Centennial Celebration.<br />
Come one, come all! Everyone is welcome to celebrate the 100th birthday of<br />
the Redwood City Wom<strong>an</strong>’s Club at a free open house on Sunday, Oct. 23,<br />
2–4 p.m. <strong>The</strong> club is at 149 Clinton Ave. in Redwood City.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re will be a welcome presentation <strong>an</strong>d brief history of the club at 2<br />
p.m. <strong>an</strong>d cake at 3 p.m. Mix <strong>an</strong>d mingle until 4 p.m. <strong>The</strong> menu includes<br />
Champagne, wine <strong>an</strong>d yummy appetizers donated by members, plus cake <strong>an</strong>d<br />
coffee supplied by the club. Ticket information is at www.rwcwc.com.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Redwood City Wom<strong>an</strong>’s Club, established in 1909 <strong>an</strong>d a member of the<br />
California <strong>an</strong>d General Federations of Women’s Clubs, meets at its historic<br />
clubhouse, built in 1911, at 149 Clinton St. the first Thursday of each month<br />
from September through June. Typical agenda: social at 11:30 a.m., lunch<br />
at 12 p.m., followed by meeting <strong>an</strong>d program. Guests <strong>an</strong>d new members<br />
are always welcome. For more information about membership or clubhouse<br />
rentals, call 650-363-1266, email info@rwcwc.com or visit www.rwcwc.com.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 7
Cultural Events<br />
<strong>The</strong> Main Gallery<br />
1018 Main St., Redwood City<br />
650-701-1018<br />
www.themaingallery.org<br />
<strong>The</strong> Main Gallery, <strong>an</strong> artists’ cooperative with<br />
23 members, showcases the work of some of the<br />
best local talent in the Bay Area. <strong>The</strong> gallery is<br />
located in the historic yellow Victori<strong>an</strong> cottage at<br />
the corner of Main <strong>an</strong>d Middlefield. <strong>The</strong> gallery is<br />
open Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.<br />
<strong>an</strong>d weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.<br />
Arup Biswas, “Autumn Symphony,” original photograph,<br />
20” x 30”<br />
Sus<strong>an</strong> Wolf, “F<strong>an</strong> Nautilus,” h<strong>an</strong>d-built porcelain, approximately<br />
8” x 5”<br />
Sea Shells <strong>an</strong>d Sonatas<br />
<strong>The</strong> Main Gallery is proud to present the show<br />
“Sea Shells <strong>an</strong>d Sonatas” with Sus<strong>an</strong> Wolf <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Arup Biswas, which will run Oct. 19 through<br />
Nov. 20. <strong>The</strong>re will be <strong>an</strong> opening reception on<br />
Saturday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 7:30. Drinks <strong>an</strong>d hors<br />
d’oeuvres will be served at the reception <strong>an</strong>d it is<br />
a f<strong>an</strong>tastic time to meet the artists <strong>an</strong>d learn more<br />
about their work.<br />
Inspiration for <strong>an</strong> artist comes from m<strong>an</strong>y<br />
sources. After being given a book of seashells last<br />
Christmas, Wolf was reminded of how beautiful<br />
they c<strong>an</strong> be. She says she really enjoys making<br />
beautiful things. “My shells are not all turning<br />
out as I’d expected! Some of the particular<br />
shells I’d envisioned have not gotten beyond the<br />
first thought. Others, which I’d thought to give<br />
only a passing mention, have become points of<br />
focus.” Most of the ceramic, h<strong>an</strong>d-built pieces are<br />
porcelain with much underglazing, some with a<br />
clear overglaze, some just raw. A few are made<br />
of coarser sculpture clays. But all are unique <strong>an</strong>d<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
find their own inherent beauty inspired by nature!<br />
Biswas was born in India in the foothills of<br />
the Himalayas. <strong>The</strong> pristine Himalay<strong>an</strong> beauty<br />
instilled in him a love for nature, which he<br />
rediscovered when he moved to the United States<br />
in 1992 after acquiring a master’s degree in<br />
computer science. That’s when he bought his first<br />
camera <strong>an</strong>d started photographing l<strong>an</strong>dscapes<br />
across the country. Biswas reminisces, “I<br />
remember crying in front of the Merced River in<br />
Yosemite after seeing the first snow in my life.”<br />
Music has influenced Biswas profoundly in all<br />
his photographic works. Although music <strong>an</strong>d<br />
photography are experienced by two different<br />
senses, both mediums strive to evoke similar<br />
emotional responses in the hum<strong>an</strong> psyche. For<br />
Biswas, a well-executed photographic print, in<br />
m<strong>an</strong>y ways, he says, “is like a well-orchestrated<br />
musical symphony.” He states, “Trees are my<br />
most favorite subjects to photograph. I rarely get<br />
excited by gr<strong>an</strong>d l<strong>an</strong>dscape p<strong>an</strong>oramas. But the<br />
blooming dogwoods in the spring, the yellow<br />
<strong>an</strong>d or<strong>an</strong>ge aspens in the fall <strong>an</strong>d the dramatic<br />
redwood trees covered in snow make me feel alive;<br />
I start experiencing the color, form <strong>an</strong>d shape<br />
throughout my whole body. I respond with my<br />
camera. <strong>The</strong> results are the recording of these intimate<br />
conversations with nature — visual sonatas.”<br />
Fox <strong>The</strong>atre <strong>an</strong>d Club Fox<br />
2209 Broadway, downtown Redwood City<br />
Tickets available at www.clubfoxrwc.<br />
com, 650-369-7770 or tickets.foxrwc.com<br />
Fox <strong>The</strong>atre<br />
• Rom<strong>an</strong>tic Masterworks featuring Nikki Chooi<br />
(violin) & David Requiro (cello). 8 p.m. Friday,<br />
Oct. 21.<br />
• <strong>The</strong> <strong>Be</strong>yond Funny Tour 2011. 8 p.m. Thursday,<br />
Oct. 27.<br />
• Halloween Rocks with Heartbreaker <strong>an</strong>d the<br />
Unauthorized Rolling Stones. 8 p.m. Saturday,<br />
Oct. 29.<br />
• If You Give a Moose a Muffin. 1 p.m. Sunday,<br />
Oct. 30.<br />
Club Fox<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Pat Travers, Lonero & Points North. 8 p.m.<br />
Friday, Oct. 7.<br />
Tony Lindsay <strong>an</strong>d Carlos Xavier. 8 p.m.<br />
Saturday, Oct. 8.<br />
Mark Hummel (Club Fox Blues Jam). 7 p.m.<br />
Wednesday, Oct. 12.<br />
Doni Harvey <strong>Be</strong>nefit Concert. 7 p.m. Thursday,<br />
Oct. 13.<br />
Shimmy, Shake <strong>an</strong>d Shiver — A Halloween<br />
<strong>Be</strong>lly D<strong>an</strong>ce Spectacular. 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16.<br />
Terry Hiatt (Club Fox Blues Jam). 7 p.m.<br />
Wednesday, Oct. 19.<br />
Preston Reed. 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20.<br />
Rock, Rapture <strong>an</strong>d Roll featuring Blue <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Groovy Judy. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Dodos & Release the Sunbird. 9 p.m.<br />
Saturday, Oct. 22.<br />
Steve Lucky & Carmen Getit (Club Fox Blues<br />
Jam). 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26.<br />
•<br />
•<br />
•<br />
Marley’s Ghost. 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27.<br />
Halloween Hijinks with Powerage, Rat Bastard <strong>an</strong>d<br />
667 Neighbor of the <strong>Be</strong>ast. 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28.<br />
Celebrate Halloween in the Trailer Park with<br />
Antsy McClain & the Trailer Park Troubadours.<br />
7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30.<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County<br />
History Museum<br />
2200 Broadway St., Redwood City<br />
650-299-0141<br />
www.historysmc.org<br />
Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.<br />
$5 for adults, $3 for seniors <strong>an</strong>d students,<br />
free for children 5 <strong>an</strong>d under<br />
<strong>The</strong> History Museum is housed inside the historic<br />
1910 County Courthouse. Over 50,000 people<br />
visit the museum each year, <strong>an</strong>d the number of<br />
local residents who hold memberships is growing.<br />
<strong>The</strong> History Museum teaches approximately<br />
14,000 children each year through the on- <strong>an</strong>d<br />
off-site programs. <strong>The</strong> museum houses the<br />
research library <strong>an</strong>d archives that currently hold<br />
over 100,000 photographs, prints, books <strong>an</strong>d<br />
documents collected by the S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County<br />
Historical Association.<br />
‘First Fridays’ Storytime<br />
Country Kid, City Kid: Stories From the Past<br />
Friday, Oct. 7, 11 a.m.<br />
Come listen to a story about life in the city <strong>an</strong>d<br />
the country. Hear the story “Country Kid, City<br />
Kid” <strong>an</strong>d create your own paper bag house to take<br />
home. <strong>The</strong>n join us in the museum’s California<br />
Dream exhibit to learn about the different types<br />
of homes that have been built here in S<strong>an</strong> Mateo<br />
County. General admission.<br />
Historic Films From Museum Archives<br />
1930s Films From the Archives on the Courthouse<br />
Docket<br />
Saturday, Oct. 8, 1 p.m.<br />
At the S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County History Museum,<br />
Deputy Director Carmen Blair shows silent films<br />
from the museum archives that depict life on the<br />
Peninsula in the 1930s. Included with museum admission.<br />
Annual Quilt Exhibition<br />
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 8 & 9, 1–4 p.m.<br />
S<strong>an</strong>chez Adobe Historic Site<br />
1000 Linda Mar Blvd., Pacifica<br />
<strong>The</strong> S<strong>an</strong>chez Adobe will be filled with h<strong>an</strong>dmade<br />
quilts for the weekend event, which will include<br />
a bed-turning activity. <strong>The</strong> S<strong>an</strong>chez Adobe<br />
beds will be layered with quilts. Throughout the<br />
afternoon, quilts will be folded back to reveal the<br />
hidden quilts underneath. Refreshments will be<br />
served. Free admission.<br />
Docent Training<br />
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 15 & 16<br />
<strong>The</strong> S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Historical Association<br />
(continues on page 22)
LeMo: Creating a Dream-Come-True World<br />
By Julie McCoy, contributing writer<br />
David Taufoou didn’t exactly have <strong>an</strong><br />
easy childhood. When he was 8 years<br />
old, his parents got divorced <strong>an</strong>d his<br />
dad, who he considered to be his<br />
superhero, was suddenly out of his<br />
life. At age 10, not only did he have<br />
to contend with his father starting<br />
<strong>an</strong>other family, but he witnessed<br />
someone shooting his cousin. With all<br />
of these things happening, it wasn’t<br />
long before Taufoou — who ended up<br />
being raised by his mom, <strong>Be</strong>tty, <strong>an</strong>d<br />
his sister Trina — beg<strong>an</strong> to go down<br />
the wrong path. He got involved with<br />
g<strong>an</strong>gs, drugs <strong>an</strong>d alcohol.<br />
Taufoou believes that if he had had someone in<br />
his life who provided him with help <strong>an</strong>d guid<strong>an</strong>ce<br />
when he was younger, he wouldn’t have gone in<br />
the wrong direction. So, in 2005 the Redwood<br />
City resident <strong>an</strong>d his wife, Ali, launched the<br />
Liahona Motu Foundation (LeMo), a 501(c)(3)<br />
nonprofit org<strong>an</strong>ization, to provide youth in need<br />
with the mentoring <strong>an</strong>d guid<strong>an</strong>ce he never had<br />
growing up. “If there is <strong>an</strong>y way I c<strong>an</strong> make<br />
someone smile <strong>an</strong>d not feel that kind of pain [that<br />
I did], I w<strong>an</strong>t to make that happen,” he said.<br />
LeMo members at a recent fundraising event. <strong>It</strong> was the org<strong>an</strong>ization’s first fundraiser <strong>an</strong>d generated $4,000.<br />
Empowering socially <strong>an</strong>d<br />
economically challenged youth<br />
LeMo empowers socially <strong>an</strong>d economically<br />
challenged high school students between the ages<br />
of 14 <strong>an</strong>d 18 by providing them with mentoring,<br />
academic/career assist<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>an</strong>d a variety of<br />
athletic, performing arts <strong>an</strong>d fitness opportunities.<br />
<strong>The</strong> org<strong>an</strong>ization does not have a physical<br />
location. <strong>The</strong> teens study <strong>an</strong>d practice sports at a<br />
variety of places, including Chipotle, Starbucks,<br />
the College of S<strong>an</strong> Mateo <strong>an</strong>d the s<strong>an</strong>d dunes at<br />
Baker <strong>Be</strong>ach in S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco.<br />
Ensuring academic success<br />
On the academic side, Ali Taufoou helps the<br />
teens with their homework. She also makes them<br />
turn in a progress report that shows if they have<br />
missed class or are tardy. Additionally, she emails<br />
their teachers to make sure their behavior <strong>an</strong>d<br />
grades are on par. “All they need is structure,” she said.<br />
Ali Taufoou grew up in a very supportive<br />
family that provided her with the strength she<br />
needed to pursue her dreams, helped her realize<br />
that no challenge was too big to tackle, <strong>an</strong>d gave<br />
her the courage to never quit. And now she w<strong>an</strong>ts<br />
to provide the youth in LeMo with that same support.<br />
“Growing up, my family was amazing,” she<br />
said. “In <strong>an</strong>y situation, I never had <strong>an</strong>y fears. I<br />
knew that if I ever were to fail, everything would<br />
be OK. I w<strong>an</strong>t to be that backbone for them. I<br />
w<strong>an</strong>t to provide that backbone, love <strong>an</strong>d support<br />
<strong>an</strong>d that family. <strong>It</strong> is amazing to see what kids c<strong>an</strong><br />
accomplish when they feel loved.”<br />
Life skills program helps youth<br />
see the big picture<br />
In addition to providing the youth with academic<br />
assist<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>an</strong>d athletic opportunities, LeMo offers<br />
a life skills program through which the youth get<br />
to participate in a variety of activities, including<br />
camping trips, barbecues <strong>an</strong>d surfing. <strong>The</strong> life<br />
skills program helps them define their focus <strong>an</strong>d<br />
underst<strong>an</strong>d why things are the way they are, <strong>an</strong>d<br />
is the purpose of everything LeMo does, David<br />
Taufoou explained. “<strong>It</strong> helps the kids see life <strong>an</strong>d<br />
the big picture,” he said.<br />
Everyone c<strong>an</strong> relate to one <strong>an</strong>other<br />
Currently 15 youth, including one from Redwood<br />
City, are enrolled in LeMo. Some are from singleparent<br />
homes, like the one in which David Taufoou,<br />
who was born <strong>an</strong>d raised in Redwood City, grew<br />
up. Others have been involved with the law, or<br />
have been homeless, in <strong>an</strong>d out of jail, or they’ve<br />
been involved with drugs <strong>an</strong>d alcohol, like<br />
Taufoou was when he was younger. Taufoou<br />
said he c<strong>an</strong> relate to the teens he’s working with<br />
(continues on page 33)<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 9
Events Around Town Chamber of Commerce Mixer at the S<strong>an</strong>dwich Spot<br />
<strong>The</strong> Redwood City–S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Chamber of Commerce held its monthly mixer at the S<strong>an</strong>dwich Spot on Broadway as they teamed up with First United B<strong>an</strong>k. All in attend<strong>an</strong>ce<br />
had a great time, as the pictures above reflect.<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
Dear Neighbor,<br />
Together we c<strong>an</strong> celebrate Redwood City <strong>an</strong>d our collective “Redwood City Pride.” Our<br />
community is a vibr<strong>an</strong>t <strong>an</strong>d special collection of residents <strong>an</strong>d families—young <strong>an</strong>d old—that<br />
continues to thrive <strong>an</strong>d grow stronger.<br />
I am seeking re-election to the City Council, where my commitment to you is to maintain <strong>an</strong>d<br />
improve our quality of life in Redwood City, including:<br />
4 Investing your tax dollars wisely<br />
4 Protecting our public safety, library, <strong>an</strong>d recreation services<br />
4 Reducing traffic congestion<br />
4 Funding Bay restoration projects like Bair Isl<strong>an</strong>d<br />
4 Strengthening our local economy<br />
With my business background, I underst<strong>an</strong>d how to bal<strong>an</strong>ce<br />
budgets, attract new businesses, create jobs, <strong>an</strong>d ensure fin<strong>an</strong>cial<br />
responsibility at City Hall.<br />
Redwood City has a bright future, <strong>an</strong>d I respectfully ask for your vote on November 8th.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne COGS SIGN 14" x 22" Foust<br />
www.ros<strong>an</strong>nefoust.com<br />
FOUST, the SWOOSH & the BORDER ARE SIGNAL GREEN DAY-GLO.<br />
BACKGROUND IS REFLEX BLUE.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne & FOR CITY COUNCIL ARE REVERSE WHITE.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne<br />
OUST<br />
F FOR CITY COUNCIL<br />
COGS SIGN 14" x 22"<br />
FOUST & SWOOSH ARE SIGNAL GREEN DAY-GLO.<br />
BACKGROUND IS REFLEX BLUE.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne & FOR CITY COUNCIL ARE REVERSE WHITE.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne<br />
FOUST FOR CITY COUNCIL<br />
Paid for by Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust for City Council 2011 • 204 Upl<strong>an</strong>d Court, Redwood City, CA 94062 • ID # 1253171
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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 11
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net
P.S. <strong>The</strong> People Speak: Letters to the Editor<br />
Reject college bonds<br />
Dear Editor,<br />
In the current economic <strong>an</strong>d environmental climate it is absurd for the<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Community College District to demolish a perfectly<br />
serviceable building (Horticulture-B20) <strong>an</strong>d its beautiful garden surrounds<br />
to provide about 200 additional faculty parking spaces. Bike racks would<br />
fit better in the district budget, with parking fees for existing lots used to<br />
supplement the budget <strong>an</strong>d encourage a healthier lifestyle.<br />
With this kind of thinking on the board, it is time to replace board<br />
members <strong>an</strong>d reject additional bond measures.<br />
Downtown Directory surprises<br />
Jack Hickey, Redwood City<br />
Dear Editor,<br />
<strong>The</strong> Redwood City Downtown Business Directory 2011, co-published by <strong>The</strong><br />
<strong>Spectrum</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> <strong>an</strong>d the City of Redwood City, is a wonderful publication<br />
supported by the Downtown Business Group. <strong>It</strong> includes a guide <strong>an</strong>d advertisements<br />
for the great variety of businesses <strong>an</strong>d entertainment activities downtown.<br />
I was surprised to see that the directory includes a full-page ad for<br />
Cargill/DMB’s proposed Saltworks Project. This ad actually describes<br />
a new Saltworks downtown with “retail shops, restaur<strong>an</strong>ts, office space<br />
<strong>an</strong>d residential homes,” <strong>an</strong>d the drawing in the ad even looks like our real<br />
downtown Redwood City.<br />
<strong>It</strong> seems the Downtown Business Group <strong>an</strong>d the city are shooting<br />
themselves in the foot by promoting Saltworks. <strong>The</strong> city’s own initial study<br />
for Saltworks says this project could “…redirect growth from the City’s<br />
downtown to the Project site, potentially affecting implementation of the<br />
Precise Pl<strong>an</strong> for Redwood City’s downtown core area.” This same study<br />
also says that Saltworks could have “potentially signific<strong>an</strong>t impacts” on our<br />
existing parks, local <strong>an</strong>d regional traffic <strong>an</strong>d our port <strong>an</strong>d Seaport industries.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Saltworks ad in the Downtown Directory is <strong>an</strong>other example of how<br />
our city leaders are supporting Cargill <strong>an</strong>d DMB in their quest to turn our<br />
town into Saltworks City. <strong>The</strong>y are promoting a project that poses a serious<br />
threat to the success of Redwood City’s downtown pl<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d the economic<br />
<strong>an</strong>d environmental health of our community. Our leaders should focus on the<br />
downtown we already have.<br />
Judy Serebrin, Redwood City<br />
Editor’s note: <strong>The</strong> Downtown Directory was not co-published by <strong>an</strong>yone other th<strong>an</strong> <strong>The</strong><br />
<strong>Spectrum</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>. <strong>The</strong> City of Redwood City <strong>an</strong>d the Downtown Business Group were<br />
not involved with the editorial copy, layout or design <strong>an</strong>d, most notably, the accept<strong>an</strong>ce of<br />
advertising. As noted by Ms. Serebrin, DMB did place <strong>an</strong> ad in the directory <strong>an</strong>d <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />
is responsible for that. We felt we could not discriminate against <strong>an</strong>yone w<strong>an</strong>ting to place <strong>an</strong><br />
ad <strong>an</strong>d support the directory regardless of whether we supported their project. That, we feel,<br />
would have been unfair.<br />
Latino leaders are right here in our community<br />
Dear Editor,<br />
After reading Mr. Penna’s thoughts regarding the unfortunate incident that<br />
had taken place at Kennedy Middle School in your July edition, we felt<br />
compelled to respond to his question about “Where are Redwood City’s<br />
Latino Community leaders?”<br />
Mr. Penna, we are here <strong>an</strong>d are very active in the community in various<br />
aspects. As leaders <strong>an</strong>d as a part of the great community that we have here<br />
in Redwood City, we are very concerned not only for the families that were<br />
directly affected by this incident but that it even occurred in the first place.<br />
<strong>The</strong> question remains, what is the appropriate course of action? Does<br />
the <strong>an</strong>swer to this lie in screaming out for resignations, contributing to the<br />
rhetoric which at times does not deal with the issue at h<strong>an</strong>d? Does it lie in<br />
trusting in our leaders in education <strong>an</strong>d in our law enforcement? Is it not most<br />
import<strong>an</strong>t that we learn from what has happened <strong>an</strong>d find ways to prevent<br />
such <strong>an</strong> incident from happening ever again?<br />
As leaders, what message are we sending when the first reaction is to shoot<br />
first <strong>an</strong>d ask questions later?<br />
We have recently discussed this issue, lent our support <strong>an</strong>d trust that<br />
the process is being h<strong>an</strong>dled appropriately. <strong>The</strong> investigative process to<br />
ascertain the facts is <strong>an</strong> import<strong>an</strong>t step needed before passing judgment on<br />
others. Based upon those facts, the individuals responsible c<strong>an</strong> then be held<br />
accountable. As leaders within our community, we will trust that all those<br />
involved in preventing this from happening again are taking the appropriate<br />
measures in ensuring that this never happens again.<br />
Ernie Schmidt, Connie Guerrero, Arnoldo Arreola, Redwood City<br />
Let your opinion be heard!<br />
Send your letters to letters@spectrummagazine.net or<br />
Opinions & Letters, <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>, P.O. Box<br />
862, Redwood City, CA 94064<br />
Letters to the editor should be no longer th<strong>an</strong> 300 words. Columns should<br />
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not be accepted. Please include a daytime phone number where we c<strong>an</strong><br />
reach you.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 13
Never late for the <strong>The</strong>atre<br />
when you eat at Little India.<br />
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Mon - Sat 5 - 9pm<br />
Regular $12.95 Vegetari<strong>an</strong> $10.95<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
Little India<br />
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917 Main St., Redwood City<br />
650-361-8737 • www.littleindiacuisine.com<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> Mag AD 4/2/08 4:23 PM Page 1<br />
Th<strong>an</strong>k You<br />
for Supporting the<br />
Uccelli Family<br />
Through the Years<br />
We urge you to contribute<br />
<strong>an</strong>d support our local<br />
non-profits who do<br />
outst<strong>an</strong>ding work in<br />
our community.<br />
with your Parking<br />
Valadation!<br />
• Catering<br />
• In-House Parties<br />
Available<br />
• Takeout<br />
Peter <strong>an</strong>d Paula Uccelli Foundation<br />
650-366-0922<br />
6<br />
5<br />
0<br />
368-2660<br />
Corrin R<strong>an</strong>kin<br />
234 Marshall Street #100 • Redwood City, CA 94063<br />
Se Habla Español CA Insur<strong>an</strong>ce Lic. #1842835<br />
Donate Your Vehicle<br />
650-363-2423<br />
Proceeds support Kainos Home & Training Center<br />
Providing quality residential, vocational <strong>an</strong>d support services to developmentally<br />
disabled adults, enabling them to become active, contributing members of the<br />
community.<br />
Maximum Tax Deductions – We h<strong>an</strong>dle paperwork
Community Interest<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo Credit Union’s Eighth Annual Backpack<br />
Drive Surpasses Previous Years’ Successes<br />
For the past eight years, S<strong>an</strong> Mateo Credit Union (SMCU) has collected<br />
backpacks <strong>an</strong>d filled them with school supplies for local students. Th<strong>an</strong>ks<br />
to the generous efforts of staff, m<strong>an</strong>agement <strong>an</strong>d credit union members,<br />
102 backpacks were brought in this year, surpassing all totals for previous<br />
Back2School Backpack Drives.<br />
Children at Fair Oaks, Hoover <strong>an</strong>d Garfield elementary schools were the<br />
recipients of the fully stocked backpacks, which provided all the essentials<br />
necessary to get them off to a great academic start.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> students are always so thrilled to get the backpacks,” said Richard<br />
Villareal, SMCU’s fin<strong>an</strong>cial education representative. “<strong>The</strong> folks who collect<br />
them always make sure to include the latest trends, so we had everything<br />
from Hello Kitty <strong>an</strong>d Paul Fr<strong>an</strong>k to bright graphics <strong>an</strong>d basic black. <strong>The</strong>re<br />
wasn’t a single kid who couldn’t find a favorite in the mix. <strong>The</strong>y’re excited<br />
even before they open up the backpacks to see all the supplies tucked inside.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> backpack drive is just one of the m<strong>an</strong>y ways the credit union gives<br />
back to the communities it serves, <strong>an</strong>d employees are always encouraged<br />
to volunteer their time <strong>an</strong>d efforts to assist those who are less fortunate.<br />
Continued Villareal, “By giving of ourselves to help others, we help raise the<br />
level of social <strong>an</strong>d economic well-being, strengthen ties <strong>an</strong>d create a sense of<br />
personal accomplishment. When we reach out to the youngest members of<br />
the community, our hope is to instill values of giving that they will carry into<br />
the future <strong>an</strong>d pay forward.”<br />
About S<strong>an</strong> Mateo Credit Union (SMCU): Founded in 1952, SMCU is<br />
a member-owned fin<strong>an</strong>cial institution that currently serves more th<strong>an</strong><br />
68,000 individuals <strong>an</strong>d m<strong>an</strong>ages more th<strong>an</strong> $600 million in assets. Eight<br />
conveniently located br<strong>an</strong>ches, enh<strong>an</strong>ced by a sophisticated online b<strong>an</strong>king<br />
system, bring a full r<strong>an</strong>ge of fin<strong>an</strong>cial services within easily access. For more<br />
information or to locate a br<strong>an</strong>ch, visit www.smcu.org or call S<strong>an</strong> Mateo<br />
Credit Union’s Contact Center at 650-363-1725 Monday through Friday, 8<br />
a.m. to 6 p.m., <strong>an</strong>d on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.<br />
Burns Family Gives $1 Million for New Sequoia Hospital<br />
<strong>The</strong> Burns Family Foundation has pledged $1 million to help build <strong>an</strong>d<br />
equip Redwood City’s new Sequoia Hospital. <strong>The</strong> gift was made to the New<br />
Sequoia Hospital Campaign, which has raised more th<strong>an</strong> $11.5 million.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Sequoia Hospital Foundation has enjoyed a longst<strong>an</strong>ding relationship<br />
with the Burns family. In 1996, Harmon Burns, vice chairm<strong>an</strong> of Fr<strong>an</strong>klin<br />
Resources <strong>an</strong>d a key owner of the S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Gi<strong>an</strong>ts, joined the<br />
foundation’s board of directors. Together, Burns <strong>an</strong>d his wife, Sue, were<br />
passionate supporters of Sequoia Hospital <strong>an</strong>d hosted the foundation’s <strong>an</strong>nual<br />
wine auction at their Atherton estate until Burns’ passing. Sue Burns joined<br />
the foundation board in 2007, continuing to host the <strong>an</strong>nual wine auction <strong>an</strong>d<br />
co-chairing the foundation’s <strong>an</strong>nual gala for two years. At the time of her<br />
own untimely passing, Burns was serving as co-chair for the New Sequoia<br />
Hospital Campaign. <strong>The</strong> Burns’ next generation, daughters Tori <strong>an</strong>d Trina<br />
<strong>an</strong>d son-in-law Robert De<strong>an</strong>, have continued their parents’ work, serving as<br />
host of the <strong>an</strong>nual food <strong>an</strong>d wine event <strong>an</strong>d supporting Sequoia’s programs.<br />
In 2009, De<strong>an</strong>, <strong>an</strong> investment advisor <strong>an</strong>d founder of Harmony Capital,<br />
joined the Sequoia Hospital Foundation Fin<strong>an</strong>ce Committee. In 2010, he was<br />
elected to the foundation’s board of directors.<br />
In honor of this gift, Sequoia Hospital will be home to the Burns Family<br />
Foundation Cardiac Special Procedures Area on the hospital’s first floor.<br />
“Sequoia Hospital has cared for three generations of our family,” noted<br />
sisters Trina De<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d Tori Burns. “We’re proud to publicly recognize the<br />
place Sequoia occupies in our hearts <strong>an</strong>d in our family. We discussed this<br />
gift with our parents while they were with us, <strong>an</strong>d as a family we remain<br />
committed to helping assure other families receive the same care we have<br />
always enjoyed at Sequoia.”<br />
Sequoia is building a new hospital at its historic site in Redwood City,<br />
at the intersection of Alameda de las Pulgas <strong>an</strong>d Whipple Avenue. <strong>The</strong><br />
new hospital campus, opening in the winter of 2012, will be a full-service,<br />
148,000-square-foot, four-story building located in the center of the Sequoia<br />
campus adjacent to the existing hospital facility.<br />
Two floors of the new hospital pavilion, approximately 50 percent of the<br />
entire new hospital, will be dedicated to cardiac <strong>an</strong>d vascular services. Pl<strong>an</strong>s<br />
for the new hospital also include <strong>an</strong> inpatient surgery center with two suites<br />
designed to accommodate open-heart surgery <strong>an</strong>d a 16-bed intensive care<br />
unit. Virtually all of the patient rooms will be private rooms <strong>an</strong>d they will<br />
have sleeping accommodations for family members. Key areas of the existing<br />
Sequoia Hospital facility will be renovated as part of the new hospital project,<br />
such as the Emergency Department, the Birthing Center, food services <strong>an</strong>d imaging.<br />
<strong>The</strong> projected total cost to build the new Sequoia Hospital is $240 million.<br />
This total cost will be met by a collaborative fin<strong>an</strong>cing pl<strong>an</strong> that calls for<br />
$75 million funded by Catholic Healthcare West, $75 million from Sequoia<br />
Hospital, $75 million from the Sequoia Healthcare District <strong>an</strong>d $15 million<br />
from phil<strong>an</strong>thropic contributions raised by the Sequoia Hospital Foundation.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Sequoia Hospital Foundation is conducting <strong>an</strong> area-wide fundraising<br />
campaign with a minimum goal of $15 million.<br />
“This gift is deeply me<strong>an</strong>ingful because it is truly a family gift <strong>an</strong>d<br />
comes out of a deep-seated relationship with all members of the Burns/<br />
De<strong>an</strong> family,” commented JoAnn Kemist, president of the Sequoia Hospital<br />
Foundation. “<strong>It</strong> is heartwarming to witness the spirit of phil<strong>an</strong>thropy passed<br />
from generation to generation <strong>an</strong>d to see Tori, Trina <strong>an</strong>d Robert continue the<br />
support that Harmon <strong>an</strong>d Sue beg<strong>an</strong>.”<br />
Sequoia Hospital Foundation Announces New Board Member<br />
Steven E. S<strong>an</strong> Filippo, chair of the Sequoia Hospital Foundation <strong>an</strong>d JoAnn<br />
C. Kemist, president of the foundation, are honored to <strong>an</strong>nounce that Lisa<br />
Boohar, M.D., has been un<strong>an</strong>imously elected to serve a three-year term on<br />
the foundation’s board of directors.<br />
“Lisa brings to our foundation’s board a sensibility <strong>an</strong>d well-reasoned<br />
approach that has already helped to establish her as one of our outst<strong>an</strong>ding<br />
physici<strong>an</strong> leaders within the hospital,” observed Kemist. “Her visionary<br />
passion <strong>an</strong>d energy will serve us well as the foundation evolves to continue<br />
its support of the new Sequoia Hospital.”<br />
“I am truly honored to accept this role with the foundation,” Boohar remarked.<br />
“I believe strongly that a phil<strong>an</strong>thropic partnership between the hospital <strong>an</strong>d<br />
our community is critical for the delivery of exceptional care. I look forward<br />
to working with the foundation <strong>an</strong>d the hospital to help ensure that we<br />
continue to have access to the finest medical services in our area.”<br />
Boohar is board-certified in radiation oncology <strong>an</strong>d currently serves as<br />
medical director of Sequoia Hospital’s Department of Radiation Oncology. A<br />
partner in the practice of Young MD <strong>an</strong>d Boohar MD Inc., Boohar graduated<br />
with high honors from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Her<br />
radiation oncology residency was completed at St<strong>an</strong>ford University Hospital,<br />
where she served as chief resident. Boohar came to Sequoia Hospital in 2003 <strong>an</strong>d has<br />
been <strong>an</strong> active <strong>an</strong>d passionate advocate for the Sequoia Hospital Foundation<br />
during her tenure. She has served as co-chair of the foundation’s <strong>an</strong>nual<br />
summer gala for three years <strong>an</strong>d was <strong>an</strong> active partner in the foundation’s<br />
efforts in support of Sequoia’s new Breast <strong>an</strong>d Diagnostic Center, <strong>an</strong> integral<br />
element in the hospital’s Women’s Integrated Health initiative. Away from<br />
Sequoia, Boohar is a dedicated volunteer at both Breast C<strong>an</strong>cer Connections<br />
in Palo Alto <strong>an</strong>d the Second Opinion Tumor Board in S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco.<br />
About the Sequoia Hospital Foundation: For more th<strong>an</strong> 25 years the<br />
Sequoia Hospital Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit org<strong>an</strong>ization, has<br />
remained dedicated to supporting the life-saving mission of Sequoia Hospital.<br />
Fin<strong>an</strong>cial support from individuals, families, foundations <strong>an</strong>d org<strong>an</strong>izations<br />
is essential to maintain Sequoia’s ability to offer excellent, state-of-the-art<br />
services <strong>an</strong>d programs. <strong>The</strong> foundation is proud to use 100 percent of every<br />
dollar donated to support patient care <strong>an</strong>d outreach services, programs <strong>an</strong>d<br />
facilities to keep our hospital strong <strong>an</strong>d our community healthy. To learn<br />
more, please visit www.sequoiahospitalfoundation.org.<br />
KaBOOM! Redwood City Recognized as ‘Playful City USA’<br />
Redwood City is proud to <strong>an</strong>nounce that it has earned national recognition as<br />
a 2011 Playful City USA, presented by nationwide nonprofit park <strong>an</strong>d play<br />
advocate KaBOOM! This is a national awards program honoring cities<br />
(continues on next page)<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 15
Parent Challenges <strong>Incumbent</strong>s in Redwood City School District Race<br />
<strong>It</strong>’s hard to not look at the issues facing Redwood<br />
City schools without considering the fin<strong>an</strong>cial struggles<br />
as the district’s budget has been cut about 20<br />
percent in recent years, according to c<strong>an</strong>didates<br />
running for three positions on the school board.<br />
Parent Lea Cuniberti-Dur<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d incumbents<br />
Alisa MacAvoy, Shelly Masur <strong>an</strong>d Dennis<br />
McBride are running for three four-year seats<br />
on the Redwood City School District board of<br />
trustees. While fin<strong>an</strong>cial limitations were central<br />
to most topics, c<strong>an</strong>didates also saw opportunities<br />
through partnership <strong>an</strong>d implementing programs<br />
that are successful elsewhere.<br />
M<strong>an</strong>y of the district’s issues are tied to limited<br />
funds. While losing about 20 percent of its<br />
overall budget, the district has also experienced<br />
<strong>an</strong> increase in students, which allows for less<br />
per-pupil spending. As a result, class sizes<br />
have increased to around 30 for all grades <strong>an</strong>d<br />
programs have been lost. All four saw funding as<br />
one of the biggest issues facing the district.<br />
“I’m proud of what we’ve done but without<br />
funding, it’s hard,” said MacAvoy.<br />
<strong>The</strong> district has a committee looking at the<br />
possibility of a parcel tax — <strong>an</strong> option that<br />
would provide money for programs but that the<br />
community has previously failed to support.<br />
All four c<strong>an</strong>didates liked the idea of the local<br />
funding. McBride pointed out, however, the most<br />
recent polls showed support for a $61 <strong>an</strong>nual tax<br />
that would generate about $1.5 million <strong>an</strong>nually.<br />
While that’s helpful, he said, it won’t solve the<br />
fin<strong>an</strong>cial problems.<br />
Community Interest (Continued from previous page)<br />
<strong>an</strong>d towns determined to prioritize play <strong>an</strong>d<br />
ensure that children are healthy by providing the<br />
time <strong>an</strong>d space for play. This year, KaBOOM!<br />
designated 151 cities across the country,<br />
including Redwood City, as Playful City USA<br />
communities, for each city’s efforts to increase<br />
play opportunities for children.<br />
Redwood City was recognized by KaBOOM!<br />
for its devotion to children’s athletics <strong>an</strong>d<br />
recreation, <strong>an</strong>d the provision of opportunities<br />
for play, as well as for making a commitment to<br />
play <strong>an</strong>d physical activity toward increasing the<br />
qu<strong>an</strong>tity <strong>an</strong>d quality of play in our community.<br />
All of the 2011 award-winning Playful City<br />
USA communities serve as role models for other<br />
communities <strong>an</strong>d prove that enh<strong>an</strong>cing children’s<br />
well-being by increasing the opportunity for play<br />
is <strong>an</strong> attainable goal for every community, even in<br />
difficult budget times.<br />
According to the Americ<strong>an</strong> Academy of Pediatrics,<br />
play is import<strong>an</strong>t to healthy brain development<br />
<strong>an</strong>d allows children to use their creativity while<br />
developing their imagination, dexterity <strong>an</strong>d physical,<br />
cognitive <strong>an</strong>d emotional strength. Today’s children<br />
spend less time playing outside th<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>y previous<br />
generations in part because only 20 percent live<br />
within walking dist<strong>an</strong>ce of a park or playground.<br />
This play deficit is having profound consequences<br />
for kids physically as well as mentally <strong>an</strong>d socially<br />
because children need a place to play every day in<br />
order to be active <strong>an</strong>d healthy.<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
Cuniberti-Dur<strong>an</strong> w<strong>an</strong>ted to take a more in-depth<br />
look at the salary <strong>an</strong>d benefit packages of district<br />
employees as a way to find cost savings. She<br />
recognized this wouldn’t be a popular option, but<br />
also felt cuts have been focused on the classroom<br />
previously while employee costs are a large part<br />
of the budget.<br />
Masur said a bond measure could offer relief<br />
if it was used to free up general fund money.<br />
Solar p<strong>an</strong>els, for example, would cut down on<br />
electricity costs, while updating technology could<br />
make differentiating instruction within the large<br />
classrooms easier, she said.<br />
Partnerships <strong>an</strong>d the search for gr<strong>an</strong>t funding<br />
have also been key in providing services lately.<br />
As m<strong>an</strong>y districts are in need of outside fin<strong>an</strong>cial<br />
support, gr<strong>an</strong>ts are harder to come by.<br />
Academic achievement is also a challenge,<br />
with Redwood City students who have a variety<br />
of challenges, including coming from poverty or<br />
not knowing English. Making ch<strong>an</strong>ges despite the<br />
strict budget is necessary.<br />
Cuniberti-Dur<strong>an</strong> w<strong>an</strong>ts that to come from<br />
diversifying learning opportunities, which, she argued,<br />
should help teachers m<strong>an</strong>age the larger class sizes.<br />
Masur <strong>an</strong>d MacAvoy w<strong>an</strong>t to exp<strong>an</strong>d measures<br />
of “success.” Taking a test is one way to measure<br />
a student’s underst<strong>an</strong>ding <strong>an</strong>d abilities, but those<br />
tests are often focused on only English <strong>an</strong>d math.<br />
<strong>Be</strong>ing successful requires underst<strong>an</strong>ding of other<br />
skills <strong>an</strong>d topics, both argued.<br />
Programs from other districts could offer<br />
affordable solutions. <strong>Incumbent</strong>s noted district<br />
A key platform in combating the play deficit is<br />
Playful City USA, a national program advocating<br />
for local policies that increase play opportunities<br />
for children. KaBOOM! created Playful City USA<br />
in 2007 to help local governments address the<br />
play deficit by ensuring their children have the<br />
time <strong>an</strong>d space they need to play. Redwood City<br />
was selected in 2010 <strong>an</strong>d 2011 for its outst<strong>an</strong>ding<br />
dedication to play <strong>an</strong>d its efforts to provide safe<br />
<strong>an</strong>d enriching places for kids to play by creating<br />
joint-use agreements with local schools. <strong>The</strong> city<br />
is able to offer after-school programming <strong>an</strong>d<br />
increase access to other recreational facilities.<br />
More information about KaBOOM! is available at<br />
www.kaboom.org/playfulcityusa.<br />
Port of Redwood City Commission<br />
Elects Officers<br />
At its Aug. 24 meeting, the Port of Redwood<br />
City Commission elected its officers for the next<br />
year: Chairm<strong>an</strong> Dick Claire, Vice Chairm<strong>an</strong><br />
Dick Dodge <strong>an</strong>d Secretary Tom Cronin. Claire,<br />
appointed to the Port Commission in 2007, succeeds<br />
Ralph Garcia as chairm<strong>an</strong>.<br />
Claire had served 21 years on the City Council<br />
of Redwood City, including four as mayor, <strong>an</strong>d<br />
seven years on the Redwood City Pl<strong>an</strong>ning<br />
Commission. His other community activities<br />
representatives const<strong>an</strong>tly visiting other programs.<br />
One that stood out in McBride’s mind used<br />
community volunteers to help in the classrooms.<br />
Children with reading difficulties, for example,<br />
could work in a small group with a volunteer. This<br />
gives the children more individual attention while<br />
helping the teacher with the class size, he said.<br />
For Cuniberti-Dur<strong>an</strong>, safety was <strong>an</strong> issue that<br />
could help with success. She pointed to a spring<br />
field trip on which students sexually assaulted two<br />
girls. Also, discipline problems create disruptions,<br />
which takes away from a student’s ability to learn.<br />
She w<strong>an</strong>ted to see positive behavior intervention<br />
<strong>an</strong>d support programs exp<strong>an</strong>ded throughout the district.<br />
<strong>The</strong> incumbents agreed safety should be a priority.<br />
When it comes to bullying, Masur was interested<br />
in using a program from the S<strong>an</strong> Mateo–Foster<br />
City School District that works collaboratively<br />
with students in a two-pronged approach h<strong>an</strong>dled<br />
by the action <strong>an</strong>d solutions teams. <strong>The</strong> action team<br />
identifies the issues while the solution team deals<br />
with the individual cases of bullying. Teachers<br />
facilitate groups of students on both sides to work<br />
together <strong>an</strong>d generate constructive criticism. Parents<br />
are involved along the way. And each student has a say in<br />
the process, she said. She liked the collaborative<br />
nature <strong>an</strong>d ch<strong>an</strong>ges that students made as a result.<br />
Editor’s note: This article, written by Heather Murtagh,<br />
appeared first in the Daily Journal newspaper.<br />
have included formerly being a board member of<br />
the local Little League, Sequoia YMCA <strong>an</strong>d Big<br />
Sisters, as well as former chair of the Housing <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Hum<strong>an</strong> Concerns Committee <strong>an</strong>d chair of the S<strong>an</strong><br />
Mateo County Council of Mayors.<br />
Claire is a fin<strong>an</strong>cial <strong>an</strong>d accounting professor<br />
emeritus at Cañada College in Redwood City,<br />
where he taught for 35 years. He holds <strong>an</strong> M.B.A.<br />
in fin<strong>an</strong>ce from University of S<strong>an</strong>ta Clara <strong>an</strong>d a B.A.<br />
in accounting from S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco State. He has<br />
served as corporate controller or other fin<strong>an</strong>cial<br />
m<strong>an</strong>agement positions for several comp<strong>an</strong>ies,<br />
including Raychem <strong>an</strong>d National Semiconductor.<br />
Dodge, who originally was appointed in<br />
1980 <strong>an</strong>d reappointed six times since, is one of<br />
the longest-serving current consecutive port<br />
commissioners in the United States. Dodge has<br />
owned <strong>an</strong>d operated the Office City since 1976,<br />
turning it into one of the largest independent<br />
office products dealers in Northern California.<br />
Prior to that, he was in a m<strong>an</strong>agement position<br />
with Airborne Express for 12 years. He has a B.S.<br />
in business administration from USC.<br />
Dodge has been involved in numerous maritime<br />
org<strong>an</strong>izations, including as past president <strong>an</strong>d<br />
current first vice president of the Association of<br />
Pacific Ports. He has been called upon to make<br />
numerous presentations before the Americ<strong>an</strong><br />
Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).<br />
Cronin was named to the commission two<br />
(continues on page 24)
Events Around Town Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust — Campaign Kickoff<br />
Councilwom<strong>an</strong> Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust held her re-election campaign kickoff event at the Fox <strong>The</strong>atre. Supporters included (pictured L to R, from top): Foust with Warren Dale <strong>an</strong>d Georgi<br />
La<strong>Be</strong>rge. Foust with husb<strong>an</strong>d Jim Hartnett. Stewart <strong>an</strong>d Lorraine Rumley with Gary Markwith. Foust with Councilm<strong>an</strong> John Seybert <strong>an</strong>d Mayor Jeff Ira. Margie Carrington <strong>an</strong>d a<br />
little supporter with Foust. Lilia Ledezma, Seybert, Foust, Ira <strong>an</strong>d Connie Guerrero.<br />
Wildcats Hoping to Turn <strong>It</strong> Around Once Again<br />
Steve Nicolopulos, head football coach at<br />
Woodside High School, is hoping his 13th season<br />
at the helm of the Wildcats isn’t unlucky.<br />
“<strong>It</strong>’s been difficult,” Nicolopulos said. “We’ve<br />
been at the bottom of the barrel the last two years.”<br />
<strong>It</strong>’s been back-to-back one-win seasons<br />
for Woodside, a two-year stretch of football<br />
completely unfamiliar to a program used to<br />
winning, <strong>an</strong>d winning often. So, what’s the theme<br />
for Wildcats football in 2011?<br />
“Rebounding, really,” Nicolopulos said. “Coming<br />
back <strong>an</strong>d getting back to where we were. I think<br />
that some of the kids that we have this year, <strong>an</strong>d<br />
with the way some of the things went over the<br />
summer with workouts, we’re a lot better off at<br />
this point this year th<strong>an</strong> maybe we’ve been in<br />
the last two years. So, if that’s <strong>an</strong>y indication of<br />
improvement, then that’s a good thing. I like where<br />
we’re at offensively. Defensively, we’re getting to<br />
where we need to be. So, things are looking up.”<br />
Woodside’s upside revolves around the return<br />
of Ricki Hoffer, the starting quarterback, who’s<br />
shown some growth in the offseason. With a year<br />
under his belt, the Wildcats might open up the<br />
offense <strong>an</strong>d try to get the ball into the h<strong>an</strong>ds of<br />
playmakers like John McKee. Christi<strong>an</strong> Masulit<br />
will see the bulk of the carries, with returning<br />
fullback Gino Cockrun leading the way.<br />
“Hopefully, we c<strong>an</strong> muster up some of that old<br />
magic,” Nicolopulos said. “We’re going to do<br />
what we c<strong>an</strong> do. People ask, ‘What are you going<br />
to do? What are you going to run?’ We’re going<br />
to do whatever works for us. We’re going to find<br />
something that works for us <strong>an</strong>d go with that.”<br />
Guillermo Martinez <strong>an</strong>d Jeff Petromilli will<br />
<strong>an</strong>chor the offensive line.<br />
“<strong>It</strong>’s been good,” Nicolopulos said of his offense’s<br />
progression. “<strong>The</strong> kids have progressed real well.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y’ve been listening; they’ve been learning.”<br />
Nicolopulos will take points <strong>an</strong>y way he c<strong>an</strong> get<br />
them. Woodside was last in the Oce<strong>an</strong> Division<br />
last season after scoring only 127 points.<br />
Defensively, Nicolopulos knows his guys will<br />
have to improve as well. Last season, the Wildcats<br />
surrendered 353 points (<strong>an</strong>other Oce<strong>an</strong> Division worst).<br />
“I think it comes down to more of a personnel<br />
issue,” Nicolopulos said. “We’re doing a few things<br />
differently defensively that we’ve done in the past,<br />
trying to see if the personnel package we have fits<br />
the things we w<strong>an</strong>t to do <strong>an</strong>d make it work that<br />
way. We have to stop people if we w<strong>an</strong>t to win.<br />
“I’m never happy. I’m never satisfied.”<br />
Still, while Nicolopulos sees improvement, he<br />
knows that the road may be a long one for his team.<br />
“You never know,” Nicolopulos said about his<br />
team going into the preseason. “In high school,<br />
you never know. We’re trying to fit the pieces<br />
of the puzzle to the kids that we have. So, we’re<br />
working with two different puzzles all the time.<br />
“We have four games to figure things out,<br />
league-wise. Our league this year I feel is really<br />
tough. Everybody’s got players, everybody’s<br />
good; it’s going to be nails this year. When I look<br />
at some of the teams in the Oce<strong>an</strong> this year, quite<br />
a few of them could be Bay-level teams. <strong>It</strong> all<br />
comes down to: Every game counts.”<br />
Games left on 2011 schedule (home games in<br />
CAPS): 10/7 HALF MOON BAY, 7 p.m.; 10/14<br />
SEQUOIA, 7 p.m.; 10/21 ARAGON, 7 p.m.; 10/28<br />
@ South City, 7 p.m.; 11/4 @ Menlo School, 2:45<br />
p.m.; 11/11 MENLO-ATHERTON, 7 p.m.<br />
Editor’s note: This article, written by Julio Lara, appeared<br />
first in the Daily Journal newspaper.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 17
<strong>Incumbent</strong>s Poised to Win Four Seats up for Grabs<br />
— All in Favor of Local Ballot Tax Increases<br />
<strong>The</strong> Nov. 8 election has five c<strong>an</strong>didates — incumbents<br />
Alicia Aguirre, I<strong>an</strong> Bain, Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust <strong>an</strong>d Barbara<br />
Pierce <strong>an</strong>d political newcomer Paul McCarthy — vying<br />
for four Redwood City City Council seats. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />
gave the opportunity to each c<strong>an</strong>didate to <strong>an</strong>swer a few<br />
import<strong>an</strong>t questions that are of immediate concern to<br />
our community <strong>an</strong>d voters.<br />
All <strong>an</strong>swers in this article are printed exactly as they were <strong>an</strong>swered by<br />
the c<strong>an</strong>didates to <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong>. We appreciate all c<strong>an</strong>didates for taking<br />
the time to <strong>an</strong>swer the questions <strong>an</strong>d give more information to the voters<br />
who need it.<br />
C<strong>an</strong>didate name: Alicia Aguirre<br />
Immediate family members: Husb<strong>an</strong>d Pete<br />
Liebengood, sons Pablo <strong>an</strong>d Eric Zatarain-Aguirre<br />
Occupation: Professor at Cañada College, vice<br />
mayor of Redwood City<br />
Community involvement (groups or<br />
org<strong>an</strong>izations): Sequoia Awards, Service League<br />
of S<strong>an</strong> Mateo, Redwood City International,<br />
Redwood City Chamber Leadership Program chair,<br />
Latino Leadership Council of Redwood City<br />
Key endorsements: Hon. Anna Eshoo, Hon.<br />
Jackie Speier, Hon. Joe Simiti<strong>an</strong><br />
www.aliciaaguirre.com<br />
C<strong>an</strong>didate name: I<strong>an</strong> Bain<br />
Immediate family members: Children Zach <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Veronica<br />
Occupation: Corporate communications<br />
Community involvement (groups or org<strong>an</strong>izations):<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
I’ve served nine years on the City Council, including<br />
a partial term in 1998. I currently serve on the<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Emergency Services Council,<br />
CCAG’s Bicycle <strong>an</strong>d Pedestri<strong>an</strong> Advisory Committee,<br />
the city’s Revenue <strong>an</strong>d Fin<strong>an</strong>ce Committee, the<br />
Bayfront C<strong>an</strong>al Drainage Committee <strong>an</strong>d the<br />
Energy <strong>an</strong>d Environment Committee. Previously,<br />
I served on the Airport Roundtable <strong>an</strong>d chaired<br />
the council’s Traffic Committee. Prior to serving<br />
on the council, I served as chair of Redwood<br />
City’s Housing <strong>an</strong>d Hum<strong>an</strong> Concerns Committee,<br />
as well as several nonprofit boards, including the<br />
Sequoia Awards, Redwood City Friends of Literacy,<br />
Community Association for Rehabilitation (CAR)<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Peninsula Habitat for Hum<strong>an</strong>ity.<br />
Key endorsements: State Sen. Joe Simiti<strong>an</strong>;<br />
Assembly Members Jerry Hill <strong>an</strong>d Rich Gordon;<br />
Supervisors Don Horsley, Carole Groom, Dave<br />
Pine <strong>an</strong>d Adrienne Tissier; former Mayors Bob<br />
Bury, Dick Claire, D<strong>an</strong>i Gasparini, Georgi La<strong>Be</strong>rge<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Di<strong>an</strong>e Howard<br />
www.i<strong>an</strong>bain.com<br />
C<strong>an</strong>didate name: Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust<br />
Immediate family members: Daughters Julia<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Lydia, husb<strong>an</strong>d Jim<br />
Occupation: President & CEO, S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County<br />
Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA)<br />
Community involvement (groups or org<strong>an</strong>izations):<br />
Chair, S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Tr<strong>an</strong>sportation Authority;<br />
deputy chair of the Redwood City–S<strong>an</strong> Mateo<br />
County Chamber of Commerce; past chair of<br />
the board, trustee, Bay Area Council Economic<br />
Institute; board member, S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Bay<br />
Restoration Authority; board member, Sequoia<br />
Awards (20-year-old scholarship program for high<br />
school students based on community volunteerism<br />
that awarded $140,000 in 2011), board member,<br />
Casa de Redwood (147-unit, low-income senior<br />
housing development in Redwood City supporting<br />
social <strong>an</strong>d educational programs for the senior<br />
community); board member, PenTV; member of<br />
Redwood City Rotary<br />
Key endorsements: <strong>Will</strong>iam H. (Bill) Royer,<br />
former mayor, board supervisor <strong>an</strong>d U.S.<br />
congressm<strong>an</strong>; John (Jack) Greenalch, former<br />
mayor; S. Joseph Simiti<strong>an</strong>, California State<br />
Senate; Rich Gordon, California State Assembly;<br />
Jerry Hill, California State Assembly; Carole<br />
Groom, president, S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Board<br />
of Supervisors; Adrienne Tissier, S<strong>an</strong> Mateo<br />
County Board of Supervisors; S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County<br />
Building & Construction Trades Council;<br />
Redwood City Police Serge<strong>an</strong>ts Association<br />
www.ros<strong>an</strong>nefoust.com<br />
C<strong>an</strong>didate name: Paul McCarthy<br />
Immediate family members: Wife Catherine G.<br />
McCarthy, employed in the tech industry; daughter<br />
Elizabeth A. McCarthy, fifth-grade student at Our<br />
Lady of Mount Carmel, Redwood City; son Aid<strong>an</strong><br />
C. McCarthy, second-grade student at Our Lady<br />
of Mount Carmel<br />
Occupation: State law enforcement supervisor<br />
Community involvement (groups or org<strong>an</strong>izations):<br />
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Men’s Club Executive<br />
Committee, Redwood City Elks Club, Sequoia<br />
Yacht Club, Marines Memorial Club, Single H<strong>an</strong>ded<br />
Sailing Society<br />
Key endorsements: John Sheldon, construction<br />
industry; Superintendent Rick Dalton; Fred<br />
G<strong>an</strong>jei, founding member <strong>an</strong>d former president<br />
of the Redwood City Downtown Business Group,<br />
business owner, Mayers Jewelers; Simon Johnson,<br />
general m<strong>an</strong>ager, Fish Market Restaur<strong>an</strong>t, S<strong>an</strong><br />
Mateo; Maj. Albert G. Morales, USAR, U.S.<br />
Army Special Operations Comm<strong>an</strong>d; Sgt. Ronald<br />
D. Howard, California Highway Patrol (retired);<br />
Capt. Gerardo Gonzalez, USAF, director of public<br />
affairs, 17th Air Force; Officer Barry V<strong>an</strong> Otten,<br />
training officer, California Highway Patrol;<br />
Dave Peck, business owner, Interactive, PR;<br />
Tom Raffetto, senior principal project m<strong>an</strong>ager,<br />
Sym<strong>an</strong>tec; Rom<strong>an</strong> M. Soch<strong>an</strong>, vice president,<br />
director of information technology, Fuller &
Challenger McCarthy tells incumbents NO<br />
Measure I ‘not a tax that contributes to growth, but rather demonstrates<br />
political expediency.’ Measure M ‘is imposed on a small constituency who<br />
create jobs <strong>an</strong>d provide the services that make Redwood City a vibr<strong>an</strong>t community.’<br />
Thaler Asset M<strong>an</strong>agement Inc.; Mary Ellen<br />
Greene, occupational therapist; Lt. John Munsey<br />
profiles.google.com/102467701881001384622#10<br />
2467701881001384622/about<br />
C<strong>an</strong>didate name: Barbara Pierce<br />
Immediate family members: Husb<strong>an</strong>d Jerry<br />
Pierce, daughters Andrea Koenig <strong>an</strong>d Am<strong>an</strong>da<br />
Flores, mom Claire Apffel, sons-in-law Martin<br />
Koenig <strong>an</strong>d Marty Flores<br />
Occupation: Community volunteer, retired social<br />
worker/rehabilitation counselor<br />
Community involvement (groups or org<strong>an</strong>izations):<br />
Redwood City Education Foundation, Chamber of<br />
Commerce, Downtown Business Group<br />
Key endorsements: All current Redwood City<br />
council members; Sen. Joe Simiti<strong>an</strong>; Assemblym<strong>an</strong><br />
Jerry Hill; Redwood City School District school<br />
board members Shelly Masur, Alisa MacAvoy,<br />
Dennis McBride; Sequoia Union High School District<br />
board members Don Gibson, Olivia Martinez,<br />
Lorraine Rumley; former Redwood City Mayors<br />
Brent Britschgi, Dick Claire, Di<strong>an</strong>e Howard,<br />
Georgi La<strong>Be</strong>rge; community members Paula<br />
Uccelli, D<strong>an</strong>i Gasparini <strong>an</strong>d Alyn <strong>Be</strong>als, Gino<br />
Gasparini, Cheryl Angeles, Al<strong>an</strong> Bygdnes, Warren<br />
Dale, Rev. Harold Draeger, Dee <strong>an</strong>d Richard Eva,<br />
Hector Flamenco, Keith Kadera, Lilia Ledesma,<br />
N<strong>an</strong>cy Radcliffe, Arnoldo Arreola, Ken Rol<strong>an</strong>delli,<br />
Vince Truscelli, Connie Guerrero, J<strong>an</strong>et Borgens<br />
(partial listing)<br />
www.barbarapierce.org<br />
Why are you running for a seat on<br />
the Redwood City City Council?<br />
Alicia Aguirre: I am running because I believe<br />
that the work that we do for the residents of Redwood<br />
City is very import<strong>an</strong>t. I am passionate about our<br />
community <strong>an</strong>d I would like to continue to work on the<br />
accomplishments <strong>an</strong>d challenges that our city is facing.<br />
I’m seeking re-election to continue working hard<br />
to protect <strong>an</strong>d enh<strong>an</strong>ce our neighborhoods, carefully<br />
m<strong>an</strong>age growth, protect the environment, maintain<br />
fiscal stability <strong>an</strong>d improve local schools.<br />
I<strong>an</strong> Bain: I get a great sense of satisfaction serving<br />
the community <strong>an</strong>d have a few projects I w<strong>an</strong>t to<br />
see to completion. I w<strong>an</strong>t the best for our children<br />
<strong>an</strong>d our community — a cle<strong>an</strong>, safe city with a<br />
strong economy, good parks <strong>an</strong>d libraries, <strong>an</strong>d<br />
a downtown rich in nightlife <strong>an</strong>d culture. I w<strong>an</strong>t<br />
<strong>an</strong>other term to continue to make this happen.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust: I believe in Redwood City <strong>an</strong>d I<br />
w<strong>an</strong>t to continue our collective efforts in making<br />
it the best place to live, work <strong>an</strong>d raise a family.<br />
<strong>It</strong>’s great to see the community gathered at<br />
Courthouse Square, enjoying br<strong>an</strong>ch libraries <strong>an</strong>d<br />
staying healthy at our parks <strong>an</strong>d playing fields.<br />
With my business background, I underst<strong>an</strong>d how<br />
to bal<strong>an</strong>ce budgets, attract new businesses, create<br />
jobs <strong>an</strong>d ensure fiscal stability while maintaining<br />
the quality of life we all expect.<br />
Paul McCarthy: I am currently running for a<br />
seat on the Redwood City City Council because<br />
I w<strong>an</strong>t to assist in the growth <strong>an</strong>d development<br />
of our revitalized downtown. I have never sought<br />
public office <strong>an</strong>d I am not accepting contributions<br />
to my campaign. <strong>The</strong> Redwood City business<br />
community is a critical component of our local<br />
economy <strong>an</strong>d I w<strong>an</strong>t to ensure that their concerns<br />
are addressed. I believe that we have one of the<br />
greatest communities on the Peninsula <strong>an</strong>d I w<strong>an</strong>t<br />
to make a positive contribution to the future of<br />
our magnificent city.<br />
Barbara Pierce: I wish to continue to lead<br />
Redwood City in the positive direction that it<br />
has been going <strong>an</strong>d make sure that the efforts<br />
I’ve supported are implemented. <strong>The</strong>se include:<br />
continued community building that involves<br />
residents in decision-making; ensuring that<br />
Downtown is a lively destination with new<br />
restaur<strong>an</strong>ts, retail <strong>an</strong>d businesses <strong>an</strong>d that we have<br />
a bal<strong>an</strong>ced budget; <strong>an</strong>d sustainability pl<strong>an</strong>s.<br />
What do you feel are the (two) top<br />
issues facing the Redwood City<br />
community?<br />
Alicia Aguirre: Fiscal stability <strong>an</strong>d economic<br />
development.<br />
I<strong>an</strong> Bain: Keeping our city’s fin<strong>an</strong>ces healthy is<br />
our top priority as it affects everything else we<br />
do. We have to keep a close eye on spending while<br />
we work to attract businesses. <strong>The</strong> other top issue<br />
is carefully m<strong>an</strong>aging growth <strong>an</strong>d development.<br />
I expect we will see several proposals come to us<br />
in the next few years, <strong>an</strong>d we’ll have to make sure<br />
that <strong>an</strong>y potential development does not negatively<br />
impact existing neighborhoods.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust: Finding the right bal<strong>an</strong>ce between<br />
preserving <strong>an</strong>d protecting the hometown, small<br />
community feel of Redwood City <strong>an</strong>d embracing<br />
the possibilities of new industries, new housing,<br />
new modes of tr<strong>an</strong>sit <strong>an</strong>d new ways of delivering<br />
city services. Deciding what services the city c<strong>an</strong><br />
<strong>an</strong>d c<strong>an</strong>not provide <strong>an</strong>d identifying partnerships<br />
to meet the needs of our community as we continue<br />
aligning revenue <strong>an</strong>d resources.<br />
Paul McCarthy: Public safety, both downtown<br />
<strong>an</strong>d within the residential community. Growth<br />
<strong>an</strong>d development of our city with a vision for a<br />
sustainable future.<br />
Barbara Pierce: To maintain <strong>an</strong>d improve the<br />
quality of life in Redwood City we need to focus<br />
on creating a vibr<strong>an</strong>t economy <strong>an</strong>d continue to<br />
support both the services that ensure our safety<br />
<strong>an</strong>d basic health of the community but also the<br />
activities that make our community special to us.<br />
To create a vibr<strong>an</strong>t economy we must attract <strong>an</strong>d<br />
retain businesses, build new housing following<br />
the downtown precise pl<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d general pl<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d<br />
increase tr<strong>an</strong>sportation options. Naturally safety<br />
services <strong>an</strong>d infrastructure need to be maintained,<br />
but the activities that make Redwood City special<br />
<strong>an</strong>d serve to attract business <strong>an</strong>d new residents to<br />
Redwood City are services to our youth, families<br />
<strong>an</strong>d seniors, libraries, parks <strong>an</strong>d cultural events.<br />
Do you support the two tax increases<br />
on the ballot: Measure I, the tr<strong>an</strong>sient<br />
occup<strong>an</strong>cy tax (or hotel tax), <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Measure M, the business license tax?<br />
Alicia Aguirre: Yes.<br />
I<strong>an</strong> Bain: Yes.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust: Yes. Both the TOT <strong>an</strong>d BLT will<br />
bring new revenue to the city’s general fund,<br />
allowing us to maintain city services at levels<br />
residents have come to expect. <strong>Be</strong>fore placing<br />
either measure on the ballot, we reached out to<br />
the hotel operators <strong>an</strong>d business community to<br />
engage them in discussions <strong>an</strong>d explain what the<br />
city had been doing (<strong>an</strong>d continues to do) to align<br />
revenue <strong>an</strong>d resources prior to asking for tax increases.<br />
Paul McCarthy: I do not support Measure I<br />
because it imposes a tax on a nonrepresented<br />
constituency. This is not a tax that contributes<br />
to growth, but rather demonstrates political<br />
expediency. <strong>It</strong> is essentially painless to tax a<br />
group that has no voice on the imposition of the<br />
tax. I do not support Measure M because it creates<br />
<strong>an</strong> additional barrier to entry for new businesses.<br />
This tax is imposed on a small constituency who<br />
create jobs <strong>an</strong>d provide the services that make<br />
Redwood City a vibr<strong>an</strong>t community.<br />
Barbara Pierce: Yes. I support both measures.<br />
(continues on page 21)<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 19
Events Around Town I<strong>an</strong> Bain — Campaign Kickoff<br />
Councilm<strong>an</strong> I<strong>an</strong> Bain held his re-election campaign kickoff event at the home of Michael Verdone. Supporters included (pictured L to R, from top): Y<strong>an</strong>a Rudakov, Bain <strong>an</strong>d Di<strong>an</strong>a<br />
Reddy. Former Mayor Di<strong>an</strong>e Howard, Councilwom<strong>an</strong> Barbara Pierce, school trustee Shelly Masur <strong>an</strong>d a supporter. Vice Mayor Alicia Aguirre. Connie Guerrero. Lilia Ledezma <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Rudakov. Joe Madley, Sus<strong>an</strong> Swope talk with Masur.<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
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C<strong>an</strong>didates <strong>an</strong>swer <strong>Spectrum</strong> questions <strong>an</strong>d show differences on tax increases<br />
(Continued from page 19)<br />
Redwood City’s hotel tax is lower th<strong>an</strong> our neighboring jurisdictions <strong>an</strong>d it<br />
makes sense to remain close to the competing areas. <strong>The</strong> business license<br />
tax has not been ch<strong>an</strong>ged in Redwood City since 1994; this has deprived the<br />
residents of the potential benefit that gradual increases could have provided<br />
to support resident services. Our neighboring communities have similar<br />
sources of revenue that are helping maintain services in their communities.<br />
Our community needs updated revenues to support our police, fire, libraries,<br />
streets, park <strong>an</strong>d recreation <strong>an</strong>d senior services.<br />
If your <strong>an</strong>swer was Yes, tell why it is fair to gr<strong>an</strong>t pay<br />
increases for upper m<strong>an</strong>agement at City Hall <strong>an</strong>d in<br />
the Fire Department <strong>an</strong>d then ask residents to vote<br />
Yes? Isn’t this just <strong>an</strong> example of taxpayers paying for<br />
out-of-control salaries <strong>an</strong>d benefits?<br />
Alicia Aguirre: No, salary increases were part of the agreements established<br />
in order to get the concessions that we were able to achieve. We have asked<br />
all of our groups to work with the city <strong>an</strong>d they have done so, even without<br />
the salary increases that they deserve.<br />
I<strong>an</strong> Bain: Some salaries were negotiated in exch<strong>an</strong>ge for concessions over<br />
pension pl<strong>an</strong>s. <strong>The</strong>se concessions were essential to making sure that our<br />
budget c<strong>an</strong> be bal<strong>an</strong>ced now <strong>an</strong>d into the future. Additionally, our Fire<br />
Department has taken on more responsibility by providing services to S<strong>an</strong><br />
Carlos, <strong>an</strong> arr<strong>an</strong>gement that will benefit our city fin<strong>an</strong>cially.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust: Redwood City was the first city in S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County<br />
to work productively <strong>an</strong>d successfully with each of its bargaining units<br />
to close the structural deficit in the city’s general fund budget. Employee<br />
groups, including executive m<strong>an</strong>agement, have had wage freezes, are now<br />
contributing to their health care costs, have increased the retirement age <strong>an</strong>d<br />
accepted a two-tier system for new hires. Please see my previous <strong>an</strong>swer for<br />
additional comments.<br />
Paul McCarthy: See above <strong>an</strong>swer. Does not support either tax increase.<br />
Barbara Pierce: For the past three years the m<strong>an</strong>agement <strong>an</strong>d the different<br />
departments took a pay freeze, including upper m<strong>an</strong>agement. Any “pay<br />
increases” were the result of ch<strong>an</strong>ges in responsibility or “step” increases.<br />
<strong>The</strong> salaries in Redwood City are within the norm for our area <strong>an</strong>d size city<br />
as are our benefits. We have worked with all our employee groups to address<br />
some of the issues regarding health benefit costs <strong>an</strong>d pensions, <strong>an</strong>d this will<br />
decrease our cost in the future.<br />
<strong>Be</strong>sides labor union contract concessions, where do<br />
you see the need for budgetary decreases to bal<strong>an</strong>ce<br />
the budget or decrease the usage of reserves?<br />
Alicia Aguirre: We are working with a three-step approach: labor concessions,<br />
partnering with other agencies to increase revenue such as with S<strong>an</strong> Carlos<br />
Fire, <strong>an</strong>d reorg<strong>an</strong>izing the city departments in order to be more efficient.<br />
I<strong>an</strong> Bain: We have bal<strong>an</strong>ced the budget every year <strong>an</strong>d only used reserves<br />
to soften the blow of some of the budget cuts. We have already made deep<br />
cuts over the last several years, <strong>an</strong>d the public is feeling the effects of this<br />
in decreased library hours, reduced street sweeping <strong>an</strong>d park mainten<strong>an</strong>ce,<br />
among other things. I believe we c<strong>an</strong> find more savings through energy<br />
efficiency projects. We also need to continue attracting new businesses such<br />
as the Old Spaghetti Factory.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust: A clear <strong>an</strong>d consistent focus of this City Council has been<br />
the alignment of resources <strong>an</strong>d revenue so that reserves remain healthy <strong>an</strong>d<br />
our level of service remains high. Redwood City has also contracted its<br />
services (fire, IT, vehicle mainten<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>an</strong>d fin<strong>an</strong>ce) to other jurisdictions <strong>an</strong>d<br />
continues to seek opportunities for partnerships <strong>an</strong>d shared services. We<br />
have looked both within the org<strong>an</strong>ization <strong>an</strong>d outside of it to implement best<br />
practices in all areas of the org<strong>an</strong>ization.<br />
Paul McCarthy: In the 2011–12 operating budget, Parks, Recreation <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Community Services has a budget of $12,060,528. A signific<strong>an</strong>t portion of<br />
this is spent on sports <strong>an</strong>d activities. This expenditure could be signific<strong>an</strong>tly<br />
reduced by increasing fees <strong>an</strong>d using private contractors for services.<br />
Barbara Pierce: We c<strong>an</strong>not continue to bal<strong>an</strong>ce our budget by decreasing<br />
services <strong>an</strong>d decreasing staff. <strong>The</strong> city <strong>an</strong>d staff have streamlined m<strong>an</strong>y<br />
services, are determining which services to continue <strong>an</strong>d how best to provide<br />
them. We now provide services for other cities <strong>an</strong>d charge them for those<br />
services; the hybrid model of fire service with S<strong>an</strong> Carlos will provide some additional<br />
focus on the Emergency Operations Center <strong>an</strong>d CERT (Community<br />
Emergency Response Team) <strong>an</strong>d spread some costs across a broader<br />
base. Additionally we need to create revenues by attracting <strong>an</strong>d retaining<br />
businesses, ensure that our property taxes <strong>an</strong>d sales tax base is strong.<br />
What traits should our new chief of police have?<br />
Alicia Aguirre: <strong>The</strong> new chief of police should have a vision for the<br />
department that makes it one of the best on the Peninsula. <strong>The</strong>y should also<br />
underst<strong>an</strong>d the complexities of a city of our size. Someone that is sensitive to<br />
the diverse communities we serve is also import<strong>an</strong>t.<br />
I<strong>an</strong> Bain: Redwood City needs a police chief who c<strong>an</strong> make decisions <strong>an</strong>d comm<strong>an</strong>d<br />
the respect of the department. Ideally, it will be someone who thoroughly<br />
knows <strong>an</strong>d underst<strong>an</strong>ds this community, or who will get involved <strong>an</strong>d work<br />
to underst<strong>an</strong>d it. <strong>The</strong> new chief will also face continued budget pressure, so it<br />
will need to be someone who underst<strong>an</strong>ds fin<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>an</strong>d staffing <strong>an</strong>d c<strong>an</strong> help<br />
stretch our limited dollars while ensuring community protection.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust: I w<strong>an</strong>t our new police chief to be a champion of the<br />
department by fostering a sense of shared pride in our collective work, the<br />
department, the org<strong>an</strong>ization <strong>an</strong>d the Redwood City community. I w<strong>an</strong>t a<br />
police chief that aligns revenues <strong>an</strong>d resources, is creative <strong>an</strong>d seeks out<br />
opportunities, holds people accountable, is open to new ideas <strong>an</strong>d is willing<br />
to roll up his/her sleeves to work from the bottom up <strong>an</strong>d top down in<br />
continuing the great work of RCPD.<br />
Paul McCarthy: I believe that the new chief of police should have <strong>an</strong><br />
underst<strong>an</strong>ding of local issues <strong>an</strong>d come from the Peninsula law enforcement<br />
community. Although there are m<strong>an</strong>y qualified c<strong>an</strong>didates throughout the<br />
state, I would support the appointment of a chief who has a vested interest in<br />
making Redwood City <strong>an</strong>d S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County a safer community.<br />
Barbara Pierce: Experienced law enforcement profession, strong leadership<br />
<strong>an</strong>d org<strong>an</strong>izational skills, ability to build relationships within the department,<br />
city m<strong>an</strong>agement team <strong>an</strong>d with our diverse community.<br />
What would you like to see done with the 1,436-acre salt<br />
harvesting Cargill site in Redwood City?<br />
Alicia Aguirre: This site in our city is <strong>an</strong> opportunity that few cities have.<br />
I would like to see a very open <strong>an</strong>d inclusive process so that all residents in<br />
Redwood City c<strong>an</strong> benefit from the outcome of this site. I am committed to<br />
keeping <strong>an</strong> open mind <strong>an</strong>d allowing the process to move forward.<br />
I<strong>an</strong> Bain: Ultimately, the voters of Redwood City will decide that. My job is<br />
to review a r<strong>an</strong>ge of options <strong>an</strong>d study the environmental impact of those. My<br />
opinion will be shaped by listening to the public, <strong>an</strong>d we will have a thorough<br />
public input process over the next several years.<br />
Ros<strong>an</strong>ne Foust: I am sorry but I am unable to comment on this project.<br />
(continues on page 25)<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 21
Cultural Events (Continued from p8)<br />
is searching for enthusiastic <strong>an</strong>d dedicated<br />
individuals to help our county’s history come<br />
alive. Museum staff <strong>an</strong>d volunteers will provide<br />
docent training for the S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County History<br />
Museum in Redwood City, Woodside Store in<br />
Woodside <strong>an</strong>d S<strong>an</strong>chez Adobe in Pacifica. Free<br />
training; tr<strong>an</strong>sportation <strong>an</strong>d lunch are provided<br />
on Saturday. Interested? RSVP by Oct. 12 to the<br />
Education Department at 650-299-0104 or email<br />
education@historysmc.org.<br />
‘<strong>The</strong>atres of the<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco Peninsula’<br />
Guest authors/book signing<br />
Saturday, Oct. 22, 12–2 p.m.<br />
Authors Gary Lee Parks <strong>an</strong>d Jack Tillm<strong>an</strong>y have<br />
provided film <strong>an</strong>d theater buffs a wonderful pictorial<br />
visit to each of the Peninsula’s splendid cinemas<br />
— past <strong>an</strong>d present. <strong>The</strong>y will sign copies of<br />
their new book, “<strong>The</strong>atres of the S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco<br />
Peninsula,” in the History Museum’s gift shop.<br />
<strong>Be</strong>ginning with early playhouses <strong>an</strong>d storefront<br />
nickelodeons, continuing through the movie<br />
palace period, the golden age of the drive-in<br />
theater <strong>an</strong>d into the days of the multiplex, this<br />
volume of vintage photographs captures the<br />
various eras as they applied to the Peninsula.<br />
Crazy Quilting Workshop<br />
H<strong>an</strong>ds-on history<br />
Saturday, Oct. 29, 1–4 p.m.<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County History Museum will<br />
present a workshop on crazy quilting, which<br />
became popular in America after the Centennial<br />
Exposition of 1876. Charlyne Smith, who has made<br />
over 200 quilts, will lead the workshop. A materials<br />
fee of $3 for members <strong>an</strong>d $5 for non-members<br />
will be charged. RSVP by Oct. 25 as space is limited.<br />
Tribal Communities in a Bountiful<br />
L<strong>an</strong>dscape<br />
Lifeways of the Ohlone Indi<strong>an</strong>s of the S<strong>an</strong><br />
Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco <strong>an</strong>d Monterey Bay area<br />
On the Courthouse Docket<br />
Saturday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m.<br />
At the S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County History Museum,<br />
local archaeologist Mark Hylkema discusses the<br />
archaeology <strong>an</strong>d ethnography of the <strong>an</strong>cestral<br />
Ohlone people. Presentation included with<br />
museum admission. Free to Association members.<br />
Filoli House<br />
Cañada Road, Woodside<br />
650-364-8300, ext. 507<br />
www.filoli.org<br />
Filoli, designed by California architect <strong>Will</strong>is Polk<br />
<strong>an</strong>d built in the early part of the 20th century, is<br />
one of the finest examples of country house architecture<br />
in the United States <strong>an</strong>d is one of the few in California<br />
that remains intact in its original setting. Bruce<br />
Porter, with later help from Isabella Worn, laid<br />
out the 16 acres of gardens. Both guided <strong>an</strong>d<br />
self-guided tours of the house <strong>an</strong>d grounds are<br />
available from February through October.<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
Tours (ongoing)<br />
• Guided House <strong>an</strong>d Garden Tour – This twohour,<br />
docent-led tour includes both the house<br />
<strong>an</strong>d the gardens. Reservations required.<br />
• Self-Guided Tour – No reservations required<br />
for this tour. A map is available for the selfguided<br />
tour <strong>an</strong>d volunteers are posted in both<br />
the house <strong>an</strong>d the gardens to <strong>an</strong>swer questions.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re is also a continuous 14-minute video on<br />
the history of Filoli available in the Visitor <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Education Center.<br />
• Nature Hike – This hike is available by<br />
reservation only on Saturdays at 10 a.m.<br />
<strong>The</strong> hike covers roughly three miles of trails<br />
<strong>an</strong>d takes approximately two <strong>an</strong>d a half<br />
hours. Nature docents describe wildlife,<br />
pl<strong>an</strong>ts, end<strong>an</strong>gered species <strong>an</strong>d the historical<br />
background of the area. Visitors may not hike<br />
without a docent.<br />
• Orchard Tour – This tour is available on<br />
selected days throughout the open season. With<br />
a docent tour of the unique heirloom orchard,<br />
learn about the tradition of the gentlem<strong>an</strong>’s<br />
orchard, <strong>an</strong>d how Filoli is conserving not only<br />
rare fruits but also this defining l<strong>an</strong>dscape<br />
feature of the country estate. Reservations required.<br />
Peninsula Symphony<br />
Opens New Season With<br />
‘Rom<strong>an</strong>tic Masterworks’<br />
Friday, Oct. 21, 8–10 p.m.<br />
Fox <strong>The</strong>atre<br />
2215 Broadway St.<br />
$20–$39<br />
www.peninsulasymphony.org<br />
Peninsula Symphony <strong>an</strong>d Music Director Mitchell<br />
Sardou Klein open their 2011–12 season with<br />
two evenings of passionate music-making in<br />
“Rom<strong>an</strong>tic Masterworks,” to be given Oct. 21 <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Oct. 22. Featuring Tchaikovsky’s majestic Fourth<br />
Symphony <strong>an</strong>d the colorful “White Peacock” by<br />
Americ<strong>an</strong> composer Charles Tomlinson Griffes,<br />
the program also includes Brahms’ thrilling<br />
Concerto for Violin <strong>an</strong>d Cello, played by audience<br />
favorites <strong>an</strong>d Irving M. Klein International String<br />
Competition winners Nikki Chooi, violin, <strong>an</strong>d<br />
David Requiro, cello. <strong>The</strong> concerts take place Oct.<br />
21 at 8 p.m. at the Fox <strong>The</strong>atre in Redwood City<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. at the Flint Center/De Anza<br />
College in Cupertino.<br />
<strong>The</strong> season-opening program offers <strong>an</strong><br />
emotional journey for performers <strong>an</strong>d audiences<br />
alike. In Brahms’ “Double Concerto,” two richly<br />
textured solo lines interweave with Brahms’ plush<br />
orchestral textures, leaving its three movements<br />
to cover a huge emotional r<strong>an</strong>ge, filled with<br />
virtuosic solo passages, ardent melodies <strong>an</strong>d a<br />
gr<strong>an</strong>d sweep of emotion. Similarly, Tchaikovsky’s<br />
Fourth also runs the gamut of emotions as he<br />
turns to the idea of fate, reflecting his personal<br />
emotional conflicts <strong>an</strong>d struggles to make sense<br />
of the world. Throughout the four movements,<br />
Tchaikovsky presents a series of <strong>an</strong>xious, sublime<br />
<strong>an</strong>d energetic episodes, each one haunted in some<br />
way by fate. Finally, fate is forgotten in a rush of<br />
energy, leading into a triumphal finale, ending<br />
in a mood of furious victory. Thrilling, raw <strong>an</strong>d<br />
intriguing, these pieces dem<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong> emotional<br />
connection with the audience.<br />
Do You Know a Girl Who<br />
Loves to Sing?<br />
<strong>The</strong> Peninsula Girls Chorus <strong>an</strong>nounces auditions<br />
for girls ages 6–11. No previous choral experience<br />
is necessary. Older girls who read music or who<br />
have prior singing experience will be considered<br />
for placement on <strong>an</strong> individual basis.<br />
Founded in J<strong>an</strong>uary 1994 <strong>an</strong>d located in Burlingame,<br />
the Peninsula Girls Chorus is a 240-member premiere<br />
arts education <strong>an</strong>d perform<strong>an</strong>ce org<strong>an</strong>ization. <strong>The</strong><br />
PGC strives toward a high level of musici<strong>an</strong>ship paired<br />
with sensitive interpretations of music from a<br />
variety of genres. In their quest to become global<br />
citizens of the 21st century, the PGC performs<br />
both locally <strong>an</strong>d abroad.<br />
<strong>The</strong> PGC provides a valuable resource to the<br />
local community through assorted outreach<br />
perform<strong>an</strong>ces <strong>an</strong>d participates in prestigious domestic<br />
<strong>an</strong>d international music festivals. In addition to<br />
musical benefits, the PGC offers opportunities for<br />
the development of leadership skills, higher-order<br />
thinking, discipline <strong>an</strong>d self-esteem.<br />
Final auditions for the season are Thursday, Oct.<br />
20, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. All auditions are 15 minutes<br />
in length <strong>an</strong>d are by appointment only. To request<br />
<strong>an</strong> informational packet, please call 650-347-6351<br />
or email the PGC at office@peninsulagirlschorus.<br />
org. Please leave your name, phone number, the<br />
singer’s age <strong>an</strong>d a mailing address. Once you have<br />
received the informational packet, please call or<br />
email the PGC to schedule <strong>an</strong> audition time.<br />
For more details visit www.peninsulagirlschorus.org.<br />
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Call Us Today<br />
650.368.2434
Insur<strong>an</strong>ce Tips: Bundling Home <strong>an</strong>d Auto Insur<strong>an</strong>ce to Save Money<br />
By Hector Flamenco, Special to <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />
If you own a home, you should have homeowners insur<strong>an</strong>ce, <strong>an</strong>d, if you<br />
own a car, you should have auto insur<strong>an</strong>ce as well. Both of these items are<br />
necessary to protect you against m<strong>an</strong>y of the damages that may occur.<br />
This is so you do not have to pay signific<strong>an</strong>t out-of-pocket expenses for<br />
damages that may occur to your home as a result of a break-in, a natural<br />
disaster or even a fire. As for your car, you do not w<strong>an</strong>t to lose your hardearned<br />
assets in a lawsuit if you are cited to be at fault in a car accident. You<br />
also don’t w<strong>an</strong>t your expensive car to be damaged by a falling tree or some<br />
other tragedy that results in you having to pay for the damages yourself.<br />
Insuring yourself c<strong>an</strong> save you money if <strong>an</strong>y of these things occur.<br />
So, yes, it is true that having insur<strong>an</strong>ce saves money <strong>an</strong>d prevents a lot of<br />
headaches from occurring. So much money c<strong>an</strong> be saved by having coverage<br />
that it produces a sigh of relief in those who have it <strong>an</strong>d experience a disaster<br />
such as a car accident or a house fire. However, it is possible to save money<br />
on the policies themselves. <strong>It</strong> is just a matter of knowing how <strong>an</strong>d knowing<br />
the right questions to ask. <strong>It</strong> is a simple thing that is really good to know because you<br />
could save 10 percent or more on your insur<strong>an</strong>ce, which c<strong>an</strong> be signific<strong>an</strong>t when<br />
you take into consideration how much you pay on a yearly basis for your insur<strong>an</strong>ce.<br />
Saving money<br />
If you have your home insur<strong>an</strong>ce <strong>an</strong>d your auto insur<strong>an</strong>ce with two different<br />
insur<strong>an</strong>ce agencies, move one of the policies now. However, there are<br />
questions you w<strong>an</strong>t to ask first before making the decision as to which policy<br />
to move. You w<strong>an</strong>t to ask each of your insur<strong>an</strong>ce providers how much of a<br />
discount they will give you if you bundle the two policies <strong>an</strong>d if the discount<br />
Senior Activities<br />
<strong>The</strong> following activities are open to the public during<br />
the month of October at the Veter<strong>an</strong>s Memorial Senior<br />
Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City.<br />
Friday Movies for Everyone<br />
Every Friday, 1:15 p.m. (unless otherwise <strong>an</strong>nounced)<br />
Come to the Veter<strong>an</strong>s Memorial Senior Center in October for a free feature<br />
movie in our state-of-the-art movie theater!<br />
Oct. 7: “J<strong>an</strong>e Eyre”<br />
Oct. 14: “Buck”<br />
Oct. 21: “Pirates of the Caribbe<strong>an</strong>: On Str<strong>an</strong>ger Tides”<br />
Oct. 28: “<strong>The</strong> Perfect Game”<br />
Samtr<strong>an</strong>s Mobility Ambassadors Trip<br />
Pl<strong>an</strong>ning meeting: Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2:30 p.m., Goldstar Room<br />
Trip date: Wednesday, Oct. 26.<br />
Join a group traveling via a local SamTr<strong>an</strong>s bus to Half Moon Bay, Princetonby-the-Sea<br />
<strong>an</strong>d/or Pacifica. Attend the pl<strong>an</strong>ning meeting to help choose the<br />
destination. Call Donna at 650-369-6650 to sign up. Space is limited, so sign<br />
up early. Preference will be given to first-time Mobility travelers <strong>an</strong>d to those<br />
who bring a first-time traveler friend.<br />
Retirement Pl<strong>an</strong>ning Workshop<br />
With John D. Lee, CFP®<br />
Saturdays Oct. 1 & Oct. 8, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.<br />
or Wednesdays, Oct. 5 & 12, 6:30–9:30 p.m.<br />
Come learn the 10 biggest retirement pl<strong>an</strong>ning mistakes, how to set up<br />
your portfolio to generate income in retirement, five strategies to m<strong>an</strong>age<br />
investment risk <strong>an</strong>d more! Register at class. $49 per student, with spouse or<br />
partner free. Call 650-227-0380 for more information.<br />
applies to the entire amount or the premium of just one policy. Think about<br />
these things carefully because you c<strong>an</strong> save money if they will take the<br />
percentage off the entire premium amount instead of just one. However, you<br />
may run into the situation where one gives a bigger discount on one policy, so<br />
you may have to crunch some numbers to see which is going to save you more.<br />
You may be able to negotiate with them. See which one is able to negotiate<br />
<strong>an</strong>d see if you are able to receive <strong>an</strong> even better discount with one over the<br />
other. Once you crunch your numbers <strong>an</strong>d see who will save you the most<br />
money, you c<strong>an</strong> then open either your home or auto policy with the one that<br />
will save you the most money <strong>an</strong>d close out the policy with the other provider.<br />
Bundling<br />
Unfortunately, not all auto insur<strong>an</strong>ce providers mention bundling to their<br />
customers. Even if the customer has only one policy with a particular<br />
provider, it isn’t uncommon for that customer to have other policies with<br />
other providers. Although the provider may not ask, the customer c<strong>an</strong> ask<br />
what would happen if they opened their auto insur<strong>an</strong>ce policies, etc., with<br />
them. Would <strong>an</strong>y money be saved? If they say yes, that is wonderful because<br />
you c<strong>an</strong> have all of your insur<strong>an</strong>ce policies in one place.<br />
If it is determined that no money will be saved either way, it may still be<br />
convenient to move your policies to one provider because your payments will<br />
not be so scattered around. All of your payments c<strong>an</strong> be made as one.<br />
Editor’s note: This article is for general information only <strong>an</strong>d is not a professional consultation.<br />
Always seek specific information from a licensed insur<strong>an</strong>ce professional. Hector Flamenco is<br />
<strong>an</strong> agent with State Farm Insur<strong>an</strong>ce. Visit his website at www.flamencoinsur<strong>an</strong>ce.com.<br />
Halloween Luncheon<br />
Monday Oct. 31, 12 p.m., Redwood Room, $7<br />
Come celebrate Halloween with us! <strong>The</strong>re will be opportunity drawings,<br />
entertainment <strong>an</strong>d great food! Get in on the fun! Anything c<strong>an</strong> happen!<br />
Tickets go on sale Oct. 1. Call 650-780-7259 for your reservation.<br />
Dementia Care: An Overview for the Family Caregiver<br />
Thursday, Oct. 13, 9:30–11:30 a.m., Sunset Room<br />
Michelle Vargas, MSW, will cover topics such as basics of dementia,<br />
effective communication, personal care, challenging behaviors <strong>an</strong>d more. For<br />
more information go to www.ccyo.org/s<strong>an</strong>carlosadultday or email mvargas@<br />
ccyo.org. You may reserve your spot by phone or mail. Call 650-592-9325.<br />
This class is free.<br />
Adaptive PE Classes<br />
Weekly: Mondays through Fridays<br />
A fitness program for you! Our program is designed for individuals at all<br />
levels of ability, including those with limitations <strong>an</strong>d disabilities. <strong>The</strong> longterm<br />
goal is to increase the level of function <strong>an</strong>d wellness of all particip<strong>an</strong>ts.<br />
Come join a great group of people in a great program. Call 650-368-7732 or<br />
visit www.adaptivepevmsc.org for more information.<br />
To learn more about the Veter<strong>an</strong>s Memorial Senior Center, call 650-780-<br />
7270. Redwood City Parks, Recreation <strong>an</strong>d Community Services Department<br />
provides recreational facilities <strong>an</strong>d activities for all ages <strong>an</strong>d interests, <strong>an</strong>d<br />
supplies building <strong>an</strong>d custodial services for city buildings. Redwood City<br />
Parks also operates the Veter<strong>an</strong>s Memorial Senior Center <strong>an</strong>d the Fair Oaks<br />
Community Center, providing social, educational <strong>an</strong>d cultural activities, as<br />
well as information, referral <strong>an</strong>d counseling services to persons living in<br />
Redwood City <strong>an</strong>d neighboring communities. Redwood City Parks is more<br />
th<strong>an</strong> you think! <strong>It</strong>s website is located at www.redwoodcity.org/parks.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 23
News Briefs<br />
No Plea in Husb<strong>an</strong>d Stabbing<br />
<strong>The</strong> Los Altos wom<strong>an</strong> accused of stabbing her estr<strong>an</strong>ged husb<strong>an</strong>d several<br />
times at their Redwood City–based construction comp<strong>an</strong>y office first stunned<br />
him with a Taser <strong>an</strong>d clothed herself in bubble wrap as protection against<br />
being hit herself, according to prosecutors.<br />
Laura Je<strong>an</strong> Wenke, 50, was also the recipient of a $2 million life insur<strong>an</strong>ce<br />
policy if her husb<strong>an</strong>d died <strong>an</strong>d was very jealous of his new girlfriend, said<br />
District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.<br />
<strong>The</strong> latest details in the case of Wenke, which prosecutors say paint a picture of<br />
a deliberate act, come just as she was arraigned on attempted murder charges.<br />
“<strong>It</strong> certainly seems like pretty darn good evidence of premeditation,” said Wagstaffe.<br />
Wenke allegedly went to the business on the end block of Laurel Street <strong>an</strong>d<br />
parked a truck in front of the office windows, blocking the view of passersby<br />
to the inside, where she asked her husb<strong>an</strong>d to look up something in his<br />
computer. As he worked, Wenke stunned <strong>an</strong>d then stabbed him with a folding<br />
knife several times in the neck <strong>an</strong>d torso, prosecutors said.<br />
After her arrest, police reported she was wearing a mech<strong>an</strong>ic’s jumpsuit<br />
<strong>an</strong>d underneath the clothing, her torso was swaddled in bubble wrap.<br />
Wenke appeared in court on charges of premeditated attempted murder,<br />
felony assault with a knife <strong>an</strong>d felony assault with a stun gun. She did not<br />
enter a plea <strong>an</strong>d returns to court Oct. 4.<br />
Me<strong>an</strong>while, she remains in custody without bail. Wenke <strong>an</strong>d her husb<strong>an</strong>d,<br />
with whom she has <strong>an</strong> 8-year-old child, are in the midst of <strong>an</strong> “ugly” divorce,<br />
Wagstaffe said. If convicted, she faces seven years to life in prison because of<br />
the premeditation allegation. Her husb<strong>an</strong>d remains hospitalized with injuries<br />
to his lung, neck <strong>an</strong>d chest.<br />
Suspected Burglar Hides in Attic Above Little Caesars<br />
A m<strong>an</strong> was arrested after hiding in <strong>an</strong> attic from police after they arrived<br />
to investigate a silent burglary alarm at a Little Caesars Pizza restaur<strong>an</strong>t in<br />
Redwood City, police said.<br />
Police arrived at the restaur<strong>an</strong>t <strong>an</strong>d saw the suspect climb into the attic of<br />
the restaur<strong>an</strong>t, located at 2193 Roosevelt Ave., according to police.<br />
Officers established a perimeter around the commercial complex where the<br />
restaur<strong>an</strong>t is located, <strong>an</strong>d beg<strong>an</strong> searching the restaur<strong>an</strong>t <strong>an</strong>d the adjoining<br />
business for the suspect. Redwood City police received assist<strong>an</strong>ce from the<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Sheriff’s Office <strong>an</strong>d its police dog.<br />
<strong>The</strong> police dog located the suspect hiding in a dental office at 2183<br />
Roosevelt Ave., <strong>an</strong>d when he refused to come out, the dog bit him. <strong>The</strong><br />
suspect, Joseph Albert Sciarra Jr., 44, was treated for his dog bite, arrested<br />
<strong>an</strong>d booked into S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Jail on suspicion of commercial burglary.<br />
Sciarra, a Redwood City resident, is also suspected of committing several<br />
recent burglaries in the complex, police said.<br />
RWC Driver Pleads Not Guilty in Fatal Hit-<strong>an</strong>d-Run Accident<br />
A Redwood City driver accused of fatally striking a 53-year-old wom<strong>an</strong> with<br />
his vehicle <strong>an</strong>d fleeing the scene pleaded not guilty to charges of felony hit<strong>an</strong>d-run<br />
<strong>an</strong>d misdeme<strong>an</strong>or vehicular m<strong>an</strong>slaughter.<br />
Julio Ricardo Montenegro, 58, waived his right to a speedy trial <strong>an</strong>d was<br />
ordered back to court Oct. 19 for a review conference followed by a Nov. 14<br />
preliminary hearing. He remains in custody in lieu of $250,000 bail.<br />
Montenegro was arrested Sept. 6 by Redwood City police after they linked<br />
his vehicle to witness descriptions after 53-year-old Nora Fuentes-Arias was<br />
found lying on the ground at approximately 7:15 p.m. in the 3000 block of<br />
East Bayshore Road in Redwood City. She was pronounced dead at the scene.<br />
A witness reported seeing a vehicle hit Fuentes-Arias <strong>an</strong>d continue driving,<br />
according to Redwood City police.<br />
Using a description <strong>an</strong>d partial license plate number, police located the<br />
truck at Montenegro’s residence on East Bayshore Road <strong>an</strong>d reported it<br />
having damage on the right front corner.<br />
Montenegro conceded driving the truck <strong>an</strong>d being involved in a collision<br />
but said he didn’t know what was struck <strong>an</strong>d that he drove home after seeing<br />
nothing behind him, according to the District Attorney’s Office.<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
Suspected Home Burglar Arrested in El Camino<br />
Chinese Restaur<strong>an</strong>t<br />
Redwood City police arrested a suspect in a home burglary after finding him<br />
hiding in a nearby Chinese restaur<strong>an</strong>t.<br />
Officers responded to a report of a burglary in progress after a resident<br />
of the 300 block of Madrone Street returned home <strong>an</strong>d saw a m<strong>an</strong> walking<br />
around inside his house, according to Redwood City police.<br />
<strong>The</strong> m<strong>an</strong> confronted the intruder, who r<strong>an</strong> out of the home through a<br />
smashed sliding-glass door <strong>an</strong>d fled on foot, police said. <strong>The</strong> victim got into<br />
his car <strong>an</strong>d followed the burglar for a short dist<strong>an</strong>ce, police said. He was able<br />
to provide a description of the m<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>d a general idea of his whereabouts.<br />
Responding officers searched the neighborhood <strong>an</strong>d quickly tracked down<br />
the suspect, who was hiding in the US Chinese Food restaur<strong>an</strong>t at 2490<br />
El Camino Real. Police identified him as Miguel Zamora, a 29-year-old<br />
homeless m<strong>an</strong> from the Redwood City area.<br />
Zamora was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary <strong>an</strong>d booked into<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Jail. <strong>The</strong> property that had been taken from the victim’s<br />
home was returned, police said.<br />
Time Served, Rehab for Naked Officer-Assaulter<br />
A Redwood City m<strong>an</strong> convicted of assaulting a police officer who tried to<br />
subdue him from waving a frying p<strong>an</strong> while drunk <strong>an</strong>d nude was sentenced<br />
to time served <strong>an</strong>d ordered to enter a residential treatment program.<br />
Robert Filipovich, 29, was sentenced to 217 days in jail but given credit<br />
for the same amount earned while in custody in lieu of $40,000 bail. He<br />
must also spend three years on probation, pay restitution to the victims <strong>an</strong>d<br />
Sheriff’s Office <strong>an</strong>d enroll in treatment.<br />
After pleading no contest to felony assault on <strong>an</strong> officer <strong>an</strong>d misdeme<strong>an</strong>or<br />
counts of resisting arrest <strong>an</strong>d being drunk in public, Filipovich sought mental<br />
health treatment instead of incarceration. However, he was denied after a<br />
judge found he did not have a serious mental condition that qualified for<br />
Pathways mental health court.<br />
Police arrested Filipovich April 9 after responding to the <strong>Be</strong>ech Street<br />
residence in Redwood City he shared with a female roommate. <strong>The</strong> wom<strong>an</strong>,<br />
who is black, said she returned home to find <strong>an</strong> intoxicated, naked Filipovich<br />
breaking items <strong>an</strong>d screaming that he hates black people. When police<br />
entered the home, Filipovich r<strong>an</strong> outside to the driveway, wearing <strong>an</strong> open<br />
robe <strong>an</strong>d waving a frying p<strong>an</strong>. He fought with officers trying to arrest him,<br />
kicking <strong>an</strong>d reaching for one’s Taser, until being restrained with a wrap device.<br />
After his arrest, Filipovich reportedly asked officers to cut off his head. At<br />
the hospital, he screamed at nurses <strong>an</strong>d masturbated, according to the District<br />
Attorney’s Office. Officers reported finding four empty liquor bottles in the home.<br />
Community Interest (Continued from page 16)<br />
years ago after six years on the city’s pl<strong>an</strong>ning commission. He was named<br />
executive director of the Redwood City Police Activities League in 2009<br />
after three years as operations director for the Riekes Center for Hum<strong>an</strong><br />
Enh<strong>an</strong>cement in Menlo Park. Prior to that, he held nonprofit consulting <strong>an</strong>d<br />
m<strong>an</strong>agement positions at Sequoia Hospital Foundation, Peninsula Conflict<br />
Resolution Center, Committee for Green Foothills <strong>an</strong>d Foundation for Global<br />
Community.<br />
Prior to his work in the nonprofit sector, he had a 20-year career at Hewlett<br />
Packard. Cronin has a degree in business administration from University of<br />
Minnesota.<br />
<strong>Be</strong>sides the three new officers, other commissioners include outgoing<br />
Chairm<strong>an</strong> Garcia, owner of Ralph’s Vacuum & Sewing Center in Redwood<br />
City, <strong>an</strong>d Lori<strong>an</strong>na Kastrop, vice president <strong>an</strong>d controller of the Kastrop<br />
Group Inc. Architects in Redwood City.
C<strong>an</strong>didates sound off (Continued from p21)<br />
Paul McCarthy: I met with the DMB/Saltworks development project<br />
representatives earlier this month <strong>an</strong>d they gave me a tour of the site. <strong>The</strong><br />
project, in its current m<strong>an</strong>ifestation, is very ambitious, but they have some<br />
signific<strong>an</strong>t hurdles to overcome. <strong>The</strong> US-101 at the Seaport Boulevard<br />
interch<strong>an</strong>ge is one of my first concerns. This area is already a problem with<br />
the current traffic load, even without the thous<strong>an</strong>ds of additional vehicles<br />
the development would produce. I believe there are also signific<strong>an</strong>t water<br />
issues that need to be resolved. I am not opposed to development, but I would<br />
not support a project that would create a signific<strong>an</strong>t negative impact on the<br />
current residents of Redwood City.<br />
Barbara Pierce: I would like to see us pursue the environmental review <strong>an</strong>d<br />
engage the community in the discussion about this site. Given that this will<br />
come before the council for a decision, I will make my decision upon the<br />
information that is gathered along the way through <strong>an</strong> open process.<br />
City Council C<strong>an</strong>didates Night<br />
Redeemer Luther<strong>an</strong> Church <strong>an</strong>d<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />
Fellowship Hall - 468 Gr<strong>an</strong>d Street<br />
Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7:30p.m.<br />
Community invited!<br />
Paid for by Committee to Re-Elect Alicia Aguirre FPPCID:#1276471<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 25
OUR<br />
BRANCH<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo Credit Union’s On Broadway br<strong>an</strong>ch has it all.<br />
From Auto Lo<strong>an</strong>s to Credit Cards, we c<strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>swer your<br />
questions <strong>an</strong>d find you a better product to help<br />
your budget.<br />
830 Jefferson Avenue, Redwood City<br />
(650) 363-1725 | www.smcu.org<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
OUR<br />
MORTGAGE<br />
CENTER<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo Credit Union has a special Mortgage Center,<br />
staffed by our mortgage experts.<br />
Come in <strong>an</strong>d ask a question about your current mortgage.<br />
We love those! We w<strong>an</strong>t to give you the best lo<strong>an</strong> with the<br />
most reasonable payments.<br />
619 Bradford Street, Redwood City<br />
(650) 363-1799 | www.smcu.org
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 27
Auto Care:<br />
Redwood General Tire – 1630 Broadway –<br />
Redwood General Tire was founded on the<br />
principles of good customer service <strong>an</strong>d quality<br />
products at fair prices. M<strong>an</strong>y satisfied customers<br />
have been with them since their founding.<br />
Whether you are looking for a new set of tires or<br />
need repair work on your vehicle, this Redwood<br />
City institution has been providing quality vehicle<br />
services since 1957. <strong>The</strong>y even have free Wi-Fi<br />
Internet hookups so you c<strong>an</strong> work while you wait<br />
for your vehicle to be serviced.<br />
Eating <strong>an</strong>d Catering:<br />
C<strong>an</strong>yon Inn – 587 C<strong>an</strong>yon Road – Tim Harrison<br />
<strong>an</strong>d the staff at C<strong>an</strong>yon Inn serve everything from<br />
their famous hamburgers to pizzas, all kinds of<br />
s<strong>an</strong>dwiches <strong>an</strong>d pastas, <strong>an</strong>d South-of-the-Border<br />
specialties while various sports play on the big,<br />
flat-screen TVs. Don’t forget to reserve their<br />
closed patio for your next party — it has heaters,<br />
f<strong>an</strong>s <strong>an</strong>d a big-screen TV (no extra charges). Why<br />
cook when you don’t have to? <strong>The</strong>y do catering<br />
too for all occasions!<br />
D. Tequila Lounge <strong>an</strong>d Restaur<strong>an</strong>t – 851 Main St.<br />
– “We went there <strong>an</strong>d it was fabulous! We were<br />
impressed by their food menu, <strong>an</strong>d the burger I<br />
had was tasty. <strong>The</strong>y have 21 big-screen TVs for<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
watching your favorite sports team, having a<br />
drink with friends or d<strong>an</strong>cing the night away.”<br />
Little India – 917 Main St. – “<strong>The</strong>re are good<br />
restaur<strong>an</strong>ts. <strong>The</strong>re are bad restaur<strong>an</strong>ts. <strong>The</strong>re<br />
are OK restaur<strong>an</strong>ts. <strong>The</strong>n there are those places,<br />
the magic ones. You come back again <strong>an</strong>d again<br />
because the food doesn’t just taste good <strong>an</strong>d<br />
satisfy hunger, but helps heal the heart <strong>an</strong>d soul.”<br />
Senior citizens receive $1 off <strong>an</strong>d children under<br />
12 dine at half price. www.littleindiacuisine.com<br />
Sakura Tepp<strong>an</strong>yaki <strong>an</strong>d Sushi – 2198 Broadway<br />
– “Large tables, the chefs <strong>an</strong>d staff are very warm<br />
toward families <strong>an</strong>d children, <strong>an</strong>d the meals are<br />
plentiful <strong>an</strong>d flavorful. Five stars for great service,<br />
food <strong>an</strong>d prices. Well worth it! If you haven’t been<br />
there yet, go!”<br />
<strong>The</strong> S<strong>an</strong>dwich Spot – 2420 Broadway – With<br />
a motto promising to ch<strong>an</strong>ge your life “one<br />
s<strong>an</strong>dwich at a time” <strong>an</strong>d a menu <strong>an</strong>d atmosphere<br />
that has already made it a popular spot in<br />
downtown Redwood City, the S<strong>an</strong>dwich Spot will<br />
have you wondering where this place has been all<br />
your life, <strong>an</strong>d whether or not you c<strong>an</strong> get some of<br />
their signature Bomb Sauce to go.<br />
Fin<strong>an</strong>cial Institutions:<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo Credit Union – Three Redwood City<br />
locations – As a member-driven org<strong>an</strong>ization,<br />
SMCU does everything possible to ensure that<br />
all of your fin<strong>an</strong>cial priorities are <strong>an</strong>ticipated <strong>an</strong>d<br />
fulfilled. Offerings include free auto-shopping<br />
assist<strong>an</strong>ce, members-only car sales, low-rate<br />
home lo<strong>an</strong>s <strong>an</strong>d lines of credit. Call 650-363-1725<br />
or 888-363-1725, or visit a br<strong>an</strong>ch to learn the<br />
adv<strong>an</strong>tages of membership b<strong>an</strong>king.<br />
Home Improvements:<br />
Lewis Carpet Cle<strong>an</strong>ers – 1-800-23-LEWIS – Founded<br />
in 1985, Lewis Carpet Cle<strong>an</strong>ers has grown from<br />
one small, portable machine to a comp<strong>an</strong>y of six<br />
employees <strong>an</strong>d five working v<strong>an</strong>s. <strong>The</strong> Lewis<br />
family works <strong>an</strong>d lives in Redwood City <strong>an</strong>d is<br />
committed to our community. Ask about their<br />
<strong>Spectrum</strong> special: Get 100 square feet of carpet<br />
cle<strong>an</strong>ed for absolutely nothing. Call today! Get<br />
your home ready for entertaining during the year.<br />
Legal Services:<br />
H<strong>an</strong>nig Law Firm – 2991 El Camino Real –<br />
H<strong>an</strong>nig Law Firm LLP provides tr<strong>an</strong>sactional<br />
<strong>an</strong>d litigation expertise in a variety of areas. <strong>The</strong><br />
professionals at HLF are committed to knowing<br />
<strong>an</strong>d meeting their clients’ needs through longterm<br />
relationships <strong>an</strong>d value-added services,<br />
<strong>an</strong>d to supporting <strong>an</strong>d participating in the<br />
communities where they live <strong>an</strong>d work.<br />
Re-Elect IAN BAIN for Redwood City Council<br />
Endorsed by<br />
Former Mayors<br />
Bob Bury<br />
Dick Claire<br />
D<strong>an</strong>i Gasparini<br />
Jack Greenalch<br />
Di<strong>an</strong>e Howard<br />
Georgi La<strong>Be</strong>rge<br />
Experience <strong>an</strong>d Integrity<br />
“Help me continue my<br />
work to raise st<strong>an</strong>dards<br />
<strong>an</strong>d make this a<br />
community we c<strong>an</strong> all be<br />
proud of.”<br />
Paid for by I<strong>an</strong> Bain for City Council 2011 * FPPC# 1255762 * www.i<strong>an</strong>bain.com
Real Estate:<br />
Michelle Glaubert at Coldwell B<strong>an</strong>ker – 650-<br />
722-1193 – Michelle has been a full-time, topproducing<br />
real estate agent since 1978. With a proven<br />
track record, she has helped buyers achieve their<br />
dreams of home ownership <strong>an</strong>d sellers make<br />
successful moves to their next properties. <strong>The</strong><br />
majority of her business is garnered through referrals<br />
from her m<strong>an</strong>y satisfied clients. Living in Emerald<br />
Hills, she knows the area well <strong>an</strong>d is involved<br />
in the community. Count on Michelle’s years of<br />
experience to guide you through your next real estate<br />
tr<strong>an</strong>saction. Visit her online at www.glaubert.com.<br />
John Nelson at Coldwell B<strong>an</strong>ker – 650-566-5315<br />
– John has been a resident of Redwood City for<br />
21 years <strong>an</strong>d has been a real estate agent for 18<br />
years. He is known for doing his clients’ legwork,<br />
keeping them up to date with new listings <strong>an</strong>d<br />
conditions as they impact the market. He will<br />
make the process as pleasurable <strong>an</strong>d stress-free <strong>an</strong><br />
experience for you as he c<strong>an</strong>. Let John guide you<br />
through the complexities of buying or selling your<br />
home, eliminating hassles <strong>an</strong>d stress. Visit him<br />
online at www.johnnelsonhomes.com.<br />
Specialty Businesses:<br />
Davies Appli<strong>an</strong>ce – 1580 El Camino Real –<br />
“Davies helped me with my appli<strong>an</strong>ce purchases<br />
Proudly serving<br />
Redwood City<br />
<strong>an</strong>d surrounding<br />
communities<br />
A cle<strong>an</strong>er, greener<br />
environment ...<br />
one stop at a time!<br />
(650) 595-3900<br />
Visit RecologyS<strong>an</strong>MateoCounty.com<br />
<strong>an</strong>d they know what they are doing. All they<br />
carry is appli<strong>an</strong>ces; you don’t have to worry about<br />
<strong>an</strong>ything else. Leave it to them to assist you with<br />
your kitchen remodel <strong>an</strong>d you will be very happy.<br />
I recommend Davies to <strong>an</strong>yone who is interested<br />
in great pricing <strong>an</strong>d even better service. <strong>The</strong> focus<br />
is appli<strong>an</strong>ces <strong>an</strong>d service.”<br />
Every Wom<strong>an</strong> Health Club – 611 Jefferson Ave. –<br />
A women-only, body-positive fitness center in downtown<br />
Redwood City. Services include classes, weight <strong>an</strong>d<br />
cardio equipment, personal training, therapeutic<br />
massage <strong>an</strong>d skin care. Flexible pricing, with<br />
several options available for members <strong>an</strong>d<br />
nonmembers. Visit www.everywom<strong>an</strong>healthclub.<br />
com or call 650-364-9194 to get started.<br />
Hector Flamenco Insur<strong>an</strong>ce (State Farm) – 956<br />
Main St. – Hector has been in the insur<strong>an</strong>ce<br />
business <strong>an</strong>d with State Farm for 20 years. He<br />
specializes in auto <strong>an</strong>d business insur<strong>an</strong>ce. A local<br />
resident, he also provides servicio en español!<br />
Visit his website at www.flamencoinsur<strong>an</strong>ce.com.<br />
Saf Keep Storage – 2480 Middlefield Road – <strong>The</strong><br />
friendly <strong>an</strong>d reliable team at Saf Keep is ready<br />
to assist you with a variety of storage products<br />
<strong>an</strong>d services to suit all your storage needs. Visit<br />
their website at www.safkeepstorage.com to see<br />
exactly what products <strong>an</strong>d services are available.<br />
Compare them to other facilities <strong>an</strong>d you’ll see<br />
why their service makes the difference.<br />
RSMC_RWC_AD.indd 1 6/24/2011 11:11:52 AM<br />
Schoenstein Physical <strong>The</strong>rapy – 363A Main St.,<br />
650-599-9482 –<strong>The</strong> clinical approach of this<br />
independent, community-based physical therapy<br />
practice focuses on thorough physical therapy<br />
assessment, specific treatment strategies <strong>an</strong>d<br />
patient education. Individualized treatment<br />
programs are designed to help meet patient goals<br />
of restoring function, returning to sport or<br />
occupation <strong>an</strong>d maintaining a healthy lifestyle.<br />
St. Regal Jewelers – 850 Main St. – “This is a<br />
great jeweler! Phil, the owner, is amazing. He<br />
crafted a ring on time <strong>an</strong>d on budget. He has <strong>an</strong><br />
incredible eye for detail. I c<strong>an</strong>’t say enough. I<br />
would never go <strong>an</strong>ywhere else.” Whether you are<br />
looking for men’s or women’s quality jewelry,<br />
shopping local does not get better th<strong>an</strong> this.<br />
Woodside Terrace – 485 Woodside Road, 650-<br />
366-3900 – Woodside Terrace underst<strong>an</strong>ds that<br />
in choosing a senior living community, residents<br />
are looking for much more th<strong>an</strong> a comfortable<br />
living environment to call home. Brookdale<br />
Living’s Redwood City community delivers<br />
inspired independent living with the promise of<br />
exceptional experiences every day. As residents’<br />
needs ch<strong>an</strong>ge, they are provided with a variety<br />
of <strong>an</strong>cillary services <strong>an</strong>d a personalized assisted<br />
living environment that encourages them to<br />
continue to live as they please.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 29
As I Was Saying… (Continued from p6)<br />
All three incumbents on the S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Community College District<br />
Board — Dave M<strong>an</strong>delkern, Patricia Milj<strong>an</strong>ich <strong>an</strong>d Karen Schwarz — are running<br />
for re-election but will be challenged by Jaime Diaz, Joe Ross <strong>an</strong>d Michael Stogner.<br />
Since the voting district is so large, it takes <strong>an</strong> enormous amount of money<br />
to defeat <strong>an</strong> incumbent in this race. Ross, executive director of <strong>an</strong> education<br />
nonprofit called Citizen Schools, which uses volunteers <strong>an</strong>d does not get<br />
funding from the taxpayers, is certainly raising some funds <strong>an</strong>d support.<br />
How he decides to spend it <strong>an</strong>d how he directs his messages will be the major<br />
factor because the incumbents are running very low-profile campaigns.<br />
Measure H has the S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County Community College District asking us<br />
to pass a $564 million bond.<br />
A potential problem for the bond passage could be the opposition from the Friends<br />
of CSM Gardens, a student group. <strong>The</strong> group is upset over the elimination of<br />
the horticulture department building <strong>an</strong>d the 6,000-square-foot greenhouse at<br />
College of S<strong>an</strong> Mateo. A spokesperson for the group said that “students are protesting<br />
because the bond money is not going to be used for projects that really matter<br />
to them.” <strong>The</strong> district also came under fire last year for increasing salaries of<br />
faculty <strong>an</strong>d administrators despite very tight budget concerns. This may be<br />
<strong>an</strong> example of going to the well once too often, <strong>an</strong>d voters will say no.<br />
In case you are one of the m<strong>an</strong>y wondering about the progress in the<br />
process of picking a new police chief for Redwood City, there just might<br />
be <strong>an</strong> <strong>an</strong>nouncement before my next column comes out, so listen up. From<br />
what I c<strong>an</strong> gather, there was a total of 26 applic<strong>an</strong>ts, with our two interim<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
.…<br />
.…<br />
Meeting student needs despite tough budget decisions was the top priority of<br />
those hoping to serve on the Sequoia Union High School District board.<br />
Five people are running for three seats on the Sequoia Union High School<br />
District board. <strong>Incumbent</strong>s Lorraine Rumley <strong>an</strong>d Olivia Martinez, both<br />
of whom joined the board in 1999, are up against nonprofit director Larry<br />
Moody, St<strong>an</strong>ford University educator Allen Weiner <strong>an</strong>d Carrie Du Bois, S<strong>an</strong><br />
Carlos School District trustee.<br />
Funded through property taxes, Sequoia has made tough cuts but remained<br />
pretty resilient in recent years. This year’s budget came with about $5 million<br />
in cuts yet did not eliminate the deficit, which me<strong>an</strong>s tough decisions are<br />
ahead. <strong>The</strong> budget assumes $5.7 million in additional cuts in the following<br />
two years. Getting through difficult fin<strong>an</strong>cial times came with different ideas<br />
from the c<strong>an</strong>didates.<br />
Martinez was at a loss. <strong>The</strong> district <strong>an</strong>d board saved for years in case such<br />
a fin<strong>an</strong>cial hit occurred. <strong>It</strong> was that decision, she pointed out, that is allowing<br />
them to now slowly decide how to live within fin<strong>an</strong>cial restraints. Ultimately,<br />
Martinez said the district is const<strong>an</strong>tly looking at multiple budget pl<strong>an</strong>s <strong>an</strong>d<br />
hoping for the best.<br />
Du Bois saw it as <strong>an</strong> opportunity to ch<strong>an</strong>ge the fundraising models. Menlo-<br />
Atherton’s foundation, she pointed out, was quite successful. <strong>It</strong>s practices<br />
could be used at the other schools.<br />
Rumley said partnerships — both with businesses <strong>an</strong>d with other public<br />
agencies — are one way to continue to meet needs no longer supported by<br />
current funding. <strong>The</strong> Teen Wellness Center on the Sequoia High School<br />
campus, for example, is a way to offer confidential health services to all local<br />
teens <strong>an</strong>d is funded through a variety of groups.<br />
Both Moody <strong>an</strong>d Weiner agreed that all possible partnerships should be pursued.<br />
Weiner saw the board’s role in fin<strong>an</strong>cial decisions as setting priorities rather<br />
th<strong>an</strong> dealing with the nitty gritty. While he was sympathetic to the goal of<br />
keeping cuts from the classroom, more th<strong>an</strong> 80 percent of the district’s funds<br />
are spent on salaries. Not touching those while looking at such large cuts, he<br />
said, could be unavoidable.<br />
Less revenue c<strong>an</strong> sometimes make it difficult to offer special programs that<br />
help struggling students. Like most districts, Sequoia struggles with <strong>an</strong> ethnic<br />
achievement gap among students. Those running described st<strong>an</strong>dardized tests<br />
as a great way to get a snapshot of a student’s comprehension. However, c<strong>an</strong>didates<br />
struggled to identify what else could be done to close that academic divide.<br />
chiefs, Chris Cesena <strong>an</strong>d Ed Hern<strong>an</strong>dez, in the group. <strong>The</strong> applic<strong>an</strong>ts<br />
were evaluated <strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong> interview process is now going on with eight of the<br />
top applic<strong>an</strong>ts. <strong>The</strong>n there will be a final interview process with the top<br />
c<strong>an</strong>didates <strong>an</strong>d a decision made by City M<strong>an</strong>ager Bob <strong>Be</strong>ll.<br />
I, like most in our community, am hoping that our new chief is promoted<br />
from within the department, <strong>an</strong>d the two c<strong>an</strong>didates we have to choose from<br />
are very competent <strong>an</strong>d desirable to have as a leader. To know that <strong>an</strong> officer<br />
started here <strong>an</strong>d worked his (in this case) way up the r<strong>an</strong>ks is something we<br />
w<strong>an</strong>t to foster. Along the way, he has learned all aspects of the department<br />
<strong>an</strong>d, more import<strong>an</strong>tly, our community. He knows his staff <strong>an</strong>d department<br />
procedures (<strong>an</strong>d what needs to be ch<strong>an</strong>ged) <strong>an</strong>d c<strong>an</strong> work with <strong>Be</strong>ll <strong>an</strong>d our<br />
council to continue Redwood City’s superior law enforcement reputation because<br />
there is <strong>an</strong> established relationship <strong>an</strong>d that helps the process along. Don’t you agree?<br />
As <strong>Be</strong>ll continues to put his team in place, it will be interesting to see who<br />
is the final choice <strong>an</strong>d if it will be indicative of his choices of late <strong>an</strong>d in the<br />
future. His past two appointments have come from outside the org<strong>an</strong>ization<br />
— Community Development Director Bill Ekern <strong>an</strong>d Downtown Business<br />
Development Specialist Edesa Bitbadal. But I would not take that as <strong>an</strong><br />
indication of who the choice for chief will be. <strong>Be</strong>ll is a smart CEO for our<br />
community <strong>an</strong>d knows our wishes.<br />
.…<br />
Regardless of your political affiliations <strong>an</strong>d your views of the c<strong>an</strong>didates <strong>an</strong>d<br />
issues, it is import<strong>an</strong>t to take the time to mail in your absentee ballots or go to<br />
the polls <strong>an</strong>d vote on Nov. 8. <strong>The</strong> c<strong>an</strong>didates running have worked hard during<br />
their campaigns <strong>an</strong>d deserve us all taking the time to cast our votes. <strong>It</strong> is a<br />
privilege we must take seriously every election. Vote!<br />
Five Vying for Three Seats on Sequoia Union Board<br />
Sequoia provides a variety of programs for students already, like tutoring<br />
<strong>an</strong>d parent training, said Martinez. While Martinez acknowledged addressing<br />
the problem will always be a priority, she also felt a disparity of some kind<br />
would always remain.<br />
Du Bois w<strong>an</strong>ted to see parent education exp<strong>an</strong>ded so learning at home<br />
would have more support.<br />
Rumley added that tru<strong>an</strong>cy has become <strong>an</strong> issue on which the district has<br />
begun to work.<br />
“<strong>The</strong>y c<strong>an</strong>’t learn if they’re not here,” she said.<br />
Weiner simply explained it’s a problem that would be solved if educators<br />
knew how to resolve it. Given the budget restraints, he proposed to focus on<br />
a h<strong>an</strong>dful of successful programs that c<strong>an</strong> be exp<strong>an</strong>ded rather th<strong>an</strong> offering<br />
such a wide variety.<br />
Moody saw the achievement gap as also being a communication issue.<br />
From East Palo Alto, Moody expressed a lack of outreach to the Ravenswood<br />
City School District. He w<strong>an</strong>ted to see more of <strong>an</strong> effort <strong>an</strong>d mentioned<br />
previously bringing the two districts <strong>an</strong>d city officials together for meetings<br />
as a way to start the conversation.<br />
Du Bois agreed. A Carlmont parent, she spoke about tr<strong>an</strong>sitioning students<br />
from Ravenswood to the four comprehensive sites. She noticed a lack of local<br />
representation in those efforts over the past year <strong>an</strong>d beg<strong>an</strong> working to rectify<br />
that. Part of the problem Du Bois saw was about notification. M<strong>an</strong>y of the<br />
families did not have access to email <strong>an</strong>d weren’t getting mailers.<br />
Moody additionally w<strong>an</strong>ted meetings to be televised <strong>an</strong>d possibly push<br />
back the 5:30 p.m. start time to allow more working families to attend.<br />
Rumley <strong>an</strong>d Martinez both pointed to ch<strong>an</strong>ges in recent years to aid in<br />
communication but recognized there is always more that c<strong>an</strong> be done.<br />
When comparing schools within the district, Sequoia offers a variety of<br />
options. <strong>It</strong> is also the chartering agency to four charter schools — a topic<br />
that was sometimes controversial in the district. Most of the c<strong>an</strong>didates were<br />
supportive of the additional choices when it’s meeting a community need.<br />
<strong>The</strong>re were some issues with the California education code on the topic, but<br />
the district trustees would not have <strong>an</strong>y control over that.<br />
For Moody it was simple — he will support whatever program is best<br />
meeting the community’s needs.<br />
Editor’s note: This article, written by Heather Murtagh, appeared first in the Daily Journal newspaper.
Cherokees Primed for<br />
Another Championship Run<br />
When Sequoia football coach Rob Poulos took over the<br />
program in 2009, the Cherokees were coming off a 1-9 season.<br />
In 2010, Poulos guided the team to <strong>an</strong> undefeated<br />
Peninsula Athletic League Lake Division title <strong>an</strong>d into<br />
the Central Coast Section Division II championship game.<br />
This year, the Cherokees are hoping to take that last<br />
step <strong>an</strong>d win not only the Peninsula Athletic League<br />
Oce<strong>an</strong> Division title, but the whole ball of wax.<br />
This might just be the team to do it. Led by third-year<br />
starting quarterback James <strong>Be</strong>ekley, one of the best two-way<br />
players in the league in senior Josh Lauese, along with a strong<br />
supporting cast, Sequoia has the tools to make such a run.<br />
But Poulos knows to take it one step at a time.<br />
“We need to be competitive in the Oce<strong>an</strong> [Division<br />
first],” Poulos said. “If we’re competitive in the Oce<strong>an</strong>,<br />
everything else will take care of itself.”<br />
Sequoia had one of the highest-oct<strong>an</strong>e offenses in the<br />
PAL last season, averaging over 35 points per game. That<br />
offense was triggered by <strong>Be</strong>ekley, who has developed<br />
into a Division I–caliber quarterback.<br />
And while <strong>Be</strong>ekley was effective last year in both the<br />
running <strong>an</strong>d passing department, he has a ch<strong>an</strong>ce to be<br />
even better this season.<br />
“I think we have a few more receiver weapons for him.<br />
He’ll have a ch<strong>an</strong>ce to show his arm a little more this<br />
year. Last year, we were so ground-oriented,” Poulos<br />
said. “This year, he’ll get a ch<strong>an</strong>ce to throw the ball a<br />
little more. He throws a really good ball.”<br />
Dalton Diaz, who caught the game-winning pass against<br />
Carlmont in overtime to secure the Cherokees’ spot in<br />
the playoffs, will pair with Gabe Ortiz, one of the fast<br />
sprinters in the PAL, as <strong>Be</strong>ekley’s main receiving weapons.<br />
But they will be far from alone as Poulos will rotate a<br />
number of players at both receiver <strong>an</strong>d running back.<br />
“[<strong>The</strong> receivers] all hooked up with James over the<br />
summer <strong>an</strong>d just worked on timing,” Poulos said. “<strong>It</strong>’s<br />
starting to pay off.”<br />
While Lauese will probably start games at running<br />
back, he will have plenty of help to keep him fresh to<br />
play on defense. Dyl<strong>an</strong> Anderson, Matt Jenkins, Mike<br />
Taylor <strong>an</strong>d Jord<strong>an</strong> Veamau will also see plenty of carries<br />
out of the backfield.<br />
Jenkins, only a sophomore, appears to be the heir<br />
apparent to Lauese. He was the Cherokees’ kicker last<br />
year as a freshm<strong>an</strong>, as well as a starting linebacker. He<br />
will add more running duties to his list this year <strong>an</strong>d is<br />
const<strong>an</strong>tly looking to do everything right.<br />
“He’s fast <strong>an</strong>d athletic <strong>an</strong>d strong as heck,” Poulos said<br />
of Jenkins. “<strong>It</strong>’s kind of funny to watch him sometimes. He’s<br />
so self-critical. … [But] he seems to be able to turn the page.”<br />
Both the offensive <strong>an</strong>d defensive lines are big, but are<br />
more athletic th<strong>an</strong> last year, which Poulos believes is a<br />
bonus. Juli<strong>an</strong> <strong>Be</strong>rtero, Filipo Fatele, Cooper Knudsen,<br />
Avhineet Ram <strong>an</strong>d Nehemiah Teputepu are all well over<br />
200 pounds <strong>an</strong>d will alternate on both the offensive <strong>an</strong>d<br />
defensive lines.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> defense is looking good. <strong>It</strong>’s looking different,”<br />
Poulos said. “We’re not as big as we were last year, but<br />
we’re swarming to the ball. Our guys are getting used to<br />
that. Guys are moving a little quicker.<br />
“We need to be more … mobile, more football-savvy.<br />
[But] we’re still going to punch you in the mouth. We’re<br />
still going to run [the ball] down your throat when we c<strong>an</strong>.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> leader of the defense — <strong>an</strong>d quite possibly the<br />
heart <strong>an</strong>d soul of the team — is Lauese, who is a beast<br />
at linebacker. Arguably one of the biggest hitters in the<br />
(continues on page 34)<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 31
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net
LeMo: Creating a Dream-Come-True World (Continued from page 9)<br />
because he went through m<strong>an</strong>y of the same things<br />
they are going though when he was their age. He<br />
opens up <strong>an</strong>d shares his own story to the youth,<br />
who then in turn c<strong>an</strong> relate to him, <strong>an</strong>d they cry<br />
together.<br />
Using resources, connections to<br />
make dreams come true<br />
<strong>The</strong> youth tell Taufoou what their dreams are,<br />
<strong>an</strong>d Taufoou, who had a successful football career,<br />
uses his extensive resources <strong>an</strong>d connections to<br />
help make those dreams come true. “We help<br />
them be who they w<strong>an</strong>t to be <strong>an</strong>d always thought<br />
they could be,” Taufoou explained. “What we<br />
really do is build these kids from the inside out.”<br />
One large family<br />
For the Taufoous, who do not have biological<br />
children, the youth they work with every day<br />
are their kids. And m<strong>an</strong>y of the teens consider<br />
the Taufoous family as well. Some even call<br />
Ali Taufoou “Mama <strong>Be</strong>ar.” “That’s kind of my<br />
nickname now,” she said. “I love it.”<br />
A full-time job <strong>an</strong>d then some<br />
Running LeMo is a full-time job for David<br />
Taufoou, who has a variety of responsibilities,<br />
including working on emails <strong>an</strong>d putting the<br />
program together. “We’re literally seven days<br />
a week,” he said. “Our kids are calling us on<br />
Sunday. <strong>It</strong>’s intense.”<br />
Ali Taufoou works for LeMo in addition to<br />
holding <strong>an</strong>other job as office m<strong>an</strong>ager/marketing<br />
coordinator for the Riekes Center for Hum<strong>an</strong><br />
Enh<strong>an</strong>cement in Menlo Park. “My husb<strong>an</strong>d <strong>an</strong>d<br />
I eat, breathe <strong>an</strong>d sleep this,” she said. “We just<br />
w<strong>an</strong>t to see them succeed.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> rock <strong>an</strong>d compass for youth<br />
Throughout the Pacific Isl<strong>an</strong>ds, the word<br />
“liahona” me<strong>an</strong>s rock <strong>an</strong>d the word “motu” me<strong>an</strong>s<br />
compass. Similarly, the goal of LeMo is to be a<br />
rock <strong>an</strong>d a compass for youth in need <strong>an</strong>d help<br />
guide them to success. <strong>The</strong> “l” in LeMo st<strong>an</strong>ds<br />
for leadership, the “e” for ecosystem, the “m” for<br />
motivation <strong>an</strong>d the “o” for ownership, all of which<br />
are import<strong>an</strong>t components of success.<br />
Twins turn their lives around<br />
Twin sisters Lupe <strong>an</strong>d Mele Kaususi, who live<br />
in East Palo Alto <strong>an</strong>d are being raised by their<br />
single mother, came to LeMo in 2009 with lessth<strong>an</strong>-2-point<br />
GPAs. But now, th<strong>an</strong>ks to LeMo,<br />
the 17-year-olds are excelling academically. In<br />
fact, during their time with the org<strong>an</strong>ization they<br />
have gotten their GPAs as high as 3.6 <strong>an</strong>d 3.8,<br />
according to David Taufoou.<br />
When Lupe Kaususi first came to LeMo, she<br />
wasn’t interested in school <strong>an</strong>d was skipping<br />
classes. But now she enjoys school <strong>an</strong>d is looking<br />
forward to going to college.<br />
“LeMo helped me with studying skills,” she<br />
said. “<strong>It</strong> has encouraged me to go to school, to<br />
have a goal, to have a picture in life after school,<br />
a place to go <strong>an</strong>d talk. LeMo has really turned<br />
my life around. I was thinking of going to Cal<br />
[the University of California at <strong>Be</strong>rkeley]. I like the<br />
<strong>Be</strong>ars. Or possibly out of state. I would recommend<br />
LeMo to everybody. LeMo is like a family.”<br />
Lupe Kaususi, who enjoys volleyball, also has<br />
been able to do that with LeMo. “He [David]<br />
never lets us stop [chasing] our dreams,” she said.<br />
“He always makes us go further. Ali, she’s really<br />
big in my life, too. She’s like <strong>an</strong> older sister to me.<br />
She’s always on my case. She always makes sure I<br />
do my homework. She always makes sure I go to<br />
my workouts. I love them to death. I don’t know<br />
what I’d do without them.”<br />
Mele Kaususi, who loves to d<strong>an</strong>ce, participated<br />
in her first professional competition this year,<br />
something she wouldn’t have done without<br />
encouragement from LeMo. “If it wasn’t for them<br />
to give that little push, I wouldn’t have done it,”<br />
she stressed. Her next competition is in February.<br />
“I c<strong>an</strong>’t wait for that one,” she said.<br />
Concluded Mele Kaususi: “I just love them so<br />
much. Without them, I wouldn’t have that drive to<br />
success. I wouldn’t have goals. I’d probably be so<br />
lazy that I’d w<strong>an</strong>t to live with my mom for the rest<br />
of my life. <strong>The</strong>y’re giving us a taste of life <strong>an</strong>d<br />
pushing us to do something. I think everybody<br />
should know about LeMo. <strong>It</strong>’s the best program<br />
I’ve ever been in. <strong>It</strong>’s like we’re a big old family.”<br />
Starting the school year off right<br />
When Leo Koloamat<strong>an</strong>gi, 17, who lives in East<br />
Palo Alto <strong>an</strong>d attends Sacred Heart Prep in<br />
Atherton, first came to LeMo this past June, he<br />
had a 2.9 GPA <strong>an</strong>d was fine with that. But now,<br />
after a summer with LeMo, he realizes how much<br />
he c<strong>an</strong> improve <strong>an</strong>d is ready to do a better job this<br />
school year. “I have never felt better starting off<br />
the semester,” he said.<br />
Koloamat<strong>an</strong>gi w<strong>an</strong>ts to play Division I football<br />
<strong>an</strong>d is confident that he c<strong>an</strong> do that th<strong>an</strong>ks to<br />
LeMo. Koloamat<strong>an</strong>gi, who was raised by his<br />
gr<strong>an</strong>dfather, said the Taufoous are like parents<br />
he’s never had. “We have a relationship that<br />
close,” he said.<br />
A lot of sacrifices<br />
<strong>The</strong> Taufoous made a lot of sacrifices to make<br />
LeMo happen. <strong>The</strong>y invested more th<strong>an</strong> $100,000<br />
of their own money, according to David Taufoou.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y sold both of their cars <strong>an</strong>d also left their<br />
one-bedroom apartment <strong>an</strong>d moved in with David<br />
Taufoou’s best friend, Scott Probst, who is on<br />
LeMo’s board of directors. <strong>It</strong>’s all been worth it,<br />
though, the couple stressed, because they have<br />
been able to help teens in need succeed.<br />
First fundraiser a success<br />
In August, LeMo held its first fundraiser, a poker<br />
tournament at Paul’s Diner in S<strong>an</strong> Mateo. <strong>The</strong><br />
event raised $4,000 for the org<strong>an</strong>ization. <strong>The</strong><br />
Taufoous were able to do back-to-school shopping<br />
for the teens <strong>an</strong>d get them things they need to be<br />
successful this school year.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Taufoous also are trying to find private<br />
donors to contribute to LeMo. Additionally, they<br />
pl<strong>an</strong> to hold a golf tournament next summer that<br />
will generate more money for the nonprofit, David<br />
Taufoou said.<br />
A dream-come-true world for<br />
those who have never tasted it<br />
Th<strong>an</strong>ks to LeMo, economically <strong>an</strong>d socially<br />
challenged high school students in the Bay<br />
Area have positive role models who c<strong>an</strong> take a<br />
me<strong>an</strong>ingful role in their lives <strong>an</strong>d put them on<br />
the right path. LeMo provides youth in need with<br />
hope, stability, self-esteem <strong>an</strong>d inspiration. <strong>It</strong><br />
also helps them realize their true potential, make<br />
positive ch<strong>an</strong>ges in their lives <strong>an</strong>d follow their<br />
dreams. LeMo teaches youth in need how to win<br />
in the classroom, how to win on the field <strong>an</strong>d,<br />
most import<strong>an</strong>tly, how to win in the game of life.<br />
“We try to create a dream-come-true world for the<br />
kids that have never gotten a ch<strong>an</strong>ce to taste it,”<br />
David Taufoou said.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 33
A Minute With: Ernie Schmidt<br />
www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />
Ernie Schmidt was born in S<strong>an</strong> Fr<strong>an</strong>cisco. He attended grammar school in Mountain<br />
View <strong>an</strong>d graduated from Los Altos High School. He then went on to DeAnza <strong>an</strong>d Foothill<br />
community colleges, where he graduated with <strong>an</strong> AA in administration of justice.<br />
Ernie worked part time for the Mountain View Police Department as a cadet. He then<br />
entered retail m<strong>an</strong>agement at Nordstrom <strong>an</strong>d Macy’s. He started working for Tesla<br />
Motors in 2009.<br />
He moved to Redwood City 12 years ago when he married his wife, Gina.<br />
Ernie was appointed to the Pl<strong>an</strong>ning Commission in 2009 for a four-year term. He is<br />
chairm<strong>an</strong> of the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association <strong>an</strong>d a member of the Chamber of<br />
Commerce, Latino Community Council of Redwood City, Latino Leadership Council of<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County, Sequoia Awards committee <strong>an</strong>d Redwood City Climate Action Committee.<br />
His hobbies include computer gaming <strong>an</strong>d working out at the gym.<br />
Increase in building activity in downtown area?<br />
Yes.<br />
Any project you are excited about?<br />
Downtown precise pl<strong>an</strong>.<br />
Any pl<strong>an</strong>s to run for elected office?<br />
Exploring it <strong>an</strong>d won’t discount <strong>an</strong>ything at this time.<br />
If you were stuck on a desert isl<strong>an</strong>d, which one<br />
book, movie or person would you w<strong>an</strong>t to take along?<br />
“<strong>The</strong> Godfather Part II.”<br />
What talent would you most like to have?<br />
Singing.<br />
Something few know about you?<br />
That I was a television actor.<br />
What phrase do you most overuse?<br />
For real?<br />
Last movie you saw?<br />
“Tr<strong>an</strong>sformers.”<br />
Favorite restaur<strong>an</strong>t in Redwood City?<br />
Milagros.<br />
What is your motto?<br />
Fidelis (always faithful).<br />
Anyone you got on your mind?<br />
Gina.<br />
Memorable moment?<br />
My wedding.<br />
You still c<strong>an</strong>’t believe?<br />
That she said yes.<br />
What is a dream you have or something you’d<br />
like to accomplish in your life?<br />
To encourage people to be less judgmental.<br />
When you die, you w<strong>an</strong>t to come back as?<br />
Myself.<br />
What would life be like if you had wings?<br />
I’d be one of the X-Men.<br />
Who or what is the love of your life?<br />
Gina.<br />
At this time next year, you will be?<br />
I don’t know where I will be.<br />
Cherokees Primed for Another<br />
Championship Run<br />
(Continued from page 31)<br />
PAL, he is also getting Division I looks. Jenkins will also m<strong>an</strong> a linebacker<br />
spot <strong>an</strong>d Poulos is expecting big things out of <strong>Be</strong>rtero from the defensive end.<br />
While Poulos won’t have m<strong>an</strong>y players playing both ways full time, most<br />
of the players do have positions on both sides of the ball, as well as know a<br />
couple positions on either offense or defense.<br />
Poulos said one of the team’s strengths “is the fact we’re interch<strong>an</strong>geable.<br />
We have guys playing at two different positions.<br />
“Our guys seem a little more flexible this year,” Poulos continued. “If we<br />
have to move them, they’ll be able to play that position.”<br />
Games left on 2011 schedule (home games in CAPS): 10/7 ARAGON, 7 p.m.;<br />
10/14 @ Woodside, 7 p.m.; 10/21 MENLO SCHOOL, 7 p.m.; 10/28 @ Half<br />
Moon Bay, 7 p.m.; 11/4 SOUTH CITY, 7 p.m.; 11/11 @ Carlmont, 6:30 p.m.<br />
Editor’s note: This article, written by Nath<strong>an</strong> Mollat, appeared first in the Daily Journal newspaper.
CASINO NIGHT<br />
VINTAGE VEGAS<br />
A fundraiser to benefit youth programs<br />
SEQUOIA YMCA<br />
BUY YOUR TICKET TODAY<br />
Shake out the sequins, dust off the tuxedo,<br />
<strong>an</strong>d join us for <strong>an</strong> evening of fun <strong>an</strong>d games.<br />
Saturday, October 15<br />
Rosewood S<strong>an</strong>d Hill Resort<br />
6-11 pm<br />
ENJOY:<br />
• A champagne greeting<br />
• Exciting games of ch<strong>an</strong>ce, with chips<br />
to get you started<br />
• Delicious food <strong>an</strong>d cocktails<br />
• A silent auction with great prizes<br />
TICKETS:<br />
$150 - Individual<br />
$800 - Party of 6 (until Oct. 8)<br />
For details <strong>an</strong>d tickets go to:<br />
ymcacasinonight.eventbrite.com<br />
SEQUOIA YMCA<br />
1445 Hudson Street, Redwood City CA 94061<br />
650 368 4168 | sequoiaymca.org<br />
Limited tickets available - order NOW!<br />
GAME TABlE SpONSORS<br />
Kathy & Fr<strong>an</strong>k Bartaldo<br />
<strong>Be</strong>als, Martin & Assoc., Inc.<br />
Cargill<br />
DMB Redwood City Saltworks<br />
Fox <strong>The</strong>atre<br />
Innisfree Corporation<br />
Rol<strong>an</strong>d & Audrey Lampert<br />
McGow<strong>an</strong> Development<br />
Pete <strong>an</strong>d Paula Uccelli<br />
Foundation<br />
Provident Credit Union<br />
Recology S<strong>an</strong> Mateo County<br />
S<strong>an</strong> Mateo Credit Union<br />
Sequoia Hospital<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 35
Alpio Barbara <strong>an</strong>d<br />
the team at<br />
Redwood General<br />
Tire are involved<br />
in our community<br />
<strong>an</strong>d urge all to be.