President’s Message: August 2010

Summer Thoughts

Just last night, around 100 neighbors and I enjoyed a great concert in Marlin Park by the Internationals, a four man band from the South Bay that specializes in German beer garden music (the Lederhosen were a give away). They played plenty of polkas, but they also mixed in some spectacular cowboy yodeling, an Italian favorite, and a good bit of comedy.

The concert was sponsored by RSCA along with Redwood City, and is just one example of the good things that happen in the Shores in the summer. At the same time, a good-sized group was sweating through what looked like a basic-training workout on the basketball court, and a girls’ soccer match was underway on the field. I also was able to check out the new bench that was recently installed near the lagoon (pretty much straight out from where Cringle meets Neptune) as a memorial to LaVerne Atherley, former president of RSCA and long time supporter of Redwood Shores. RSCA wants to thank the City for their help with this, as they approved the location we hoped for, poured the cement base, and installed the bench. We’ll have a memorial plaque installed on the bench soon.

So, some beautiful evening before the end of the summer, take a walk down to Marlin Park and enjoy the view from LaVerne’s bench. It might hit you, just like it hit me last night, how special is summer in the Shores.

A Bit More on the Architectural Design Board (ADB)

I mentioned last month that the Redwood Shores Architectural Design Review Board (ADB) is responsible for overseeing the Codes Covenants and Restrictions (CC&Rs) in a number of Redwood Shores neighborhoods west of Shell Parkway, including the Marlin and Dolphin Park neighborhoods.

This month, I’d like to mention a few specific items that fall under the CC&Rs that might surprise you:

  • Fences: The CC&Rs specify where fences can be installed and how high they can be. Fences that are too tall or are too close to the front property line create visual barriers and are unattractive. For this reason, all fence installations need to be approved by the ADB.
  • Landscaping: The CC&Rs require that all front yards be landscaped and that all landscaping be in good condition, with no dead plants, or weeds. Nothing hurts neighborhood property values like poorly maintained front yards. If you’re property is run down, please take care of it; if you’re planning some landscaping, please submit your plans for ADB approval.
  • Exterior Color Schemes: The CC&R’s require that all changes in exterior color schemes be approved by the ADB. While neighborhoods covered by the ADB don’t have strict color palettes, ADB review is intended to ensure that exterior colors are consistent, which helps maintain a harmonious feel and high property values across all ADB neighborhoods.

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

— Doug Crisman , RSCA President

President’s Message: July 2010

Architectural Design Board (ADB)

You most likely know RSCA for the family events we sponsor, such as our Halloween Walk, Eggstravaganza, and summer concerts in Marlin Park. Or, you might be aware of our advocacy for the Shores on issues like levee improvements, or the community meetings and forums we sponsor. We also serve a purpose that is not visible to most of you — we are the umbrella organization for the Redwood Shores Architectural Design Review Board (ADB), which is responsible for overseeing compliance with Codes Covenants and Restrictions (CC&Rs) in a number of Redwood Shores neighborhoods west of Shell Parkway, including the Marlin and Dolphin Park neighborhoods.

If you live in one of these neighborhoods (please ask an ADB member if you’re not sure — see the Pilot for members’ contact information), these CC&Rs run with your property and are binding on you and all future property owners. The CC&Rs are spelled out in a publication that you can purchase from the ADB. If you need a copy, please contact Carol Ford at her email listed inside the Pilot. Among other things, the CC&Rs specify setbacks for structures, the permitted height and position of fences, and landscaping and ground maintenance guidelines. The CC&R’s also require that no building or alterations of dwellings (e.g., one or two-story additions or exterior remodeling) be commenced without ADB approval. ADB procedures, an application for review, and fee information are available at RSCA’s web site (RSCA.ORG). CC&R’s may seem like a bother, but the appealing nature and high property values of Redwood Shores are due in large part to their existence. If your property is subject to the Redwood Shores CC&Rs, please do your part to keep your property values and those of your neighbors high by complying with them. Stay tuned for more information on CC&Rs and the ADB later in the summer, and be sure to submit for ADB review any plans for improvements to your property.

Summer Events

Now that our long, cool, wet spring has given way to real summer weather, you can look forward to attending one of the many outdoor events that will be held in the Shores over the next few months. If music out of doors is your cup of tea, RSCA is co-sponsoring with Redwood City three summer concerts held at Marlin Park. Plan on bringing a picnic to the two remaining concerts on July 22 and August 12, both at 6:00 pm. Other August events include an Open House on August 15 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at our new school (Redwood Shores Elementary) and RSCA’s annual Levee Cleanup, which kicks-off with bagels and coffee at Mariner Park on August 28 at 8:30 am. Moving indoors, our Library is a great place for kids in the summer — and while you’re there you can take in the view from the deck and enjoy a snack or drink from the onsite cafe.

RSCA wishes you and your family a happy, safe and healthy summer.

— Doug Crisman , RSCA President