Author Archives: RSCA

Water and Sewer Rates Proposes Increases

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Over the last few years, as we’ve seen regular increases in water and sewer rates, the City has also been letting you know that such increases will be continuing for the foreseeable future, due to constantly rising costs of repairing, replacing, and maintaining these critical systems. We want to outline for you this ongoing situation, and the need for the current proposal for such increases. This information and a lot more detail are online at www.redwoodcity.org/water .

We’re sure you’ll agree that no one wants to turn on their faucet and see it run dry, or experience a sewer line break in their neighborhood. And it’s important to have these systems in a condition to resist damage when the next big earthquake hits. Redwood City is constantly working to ensure these systems are up-to-date, dependable, and safe. Your water and sewer rates pay for these services, and we assure you that those rates are used only for these services.

However, there are significant and escalating costs involved with making sure the community’s water and sewer services are readily available and in good working order. When the City’s cost of providing these services goes up, the rates must be raised in order to fund those escalating costs.

In light of this, Redwood City is considering a 12% increase in water rates (about $4 per month for a typical household), and a 9% increase for residential sewer rates (about $5 per month; commensurate increases are proposed for commercial sewer accounts, based on water usage and business type). The Council will consider this proposal at a public hearing on Monday, May 7, 2012, at 7 pm at City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road. Information on how to protest this rate proposal is online at www.redwoodcity.org/water .

You can be assured that the City staff and Council fully understand that these difficult economic times are a struggle for many people, and they share residents’ anxiety about escalating monthly bills. You may be interested to know that even with these proposed increases, Redwood City’s rates will still be at or below the average for Peninsula communities, and the community will be assured of the most dependable water and sewer services possible.

There are a number of major regional and local projects to upgrade and protect water and sewer systems, which are driving these proposed rate increases. For the sewer system, those projects include:

  • $200 million over the next ten years for Redwood City’s share of the replacement of outdated facilities at the regional sewage treatment plant
  • $100 million over the next ten years for the repair/replacement of the City’s aging sewer infrastructure

For the water system, projects include:

  • $80 million over the next 20 years for the repair, replacement, and maintenance of Redwood City’s drinking water system
  • $10 million annually over the next 30 years for Redwood City’s share of the seismic upgrade of the Hetch Hetchy water system, our community’s sole-source of drinking water (in the form of regular and significant increases in the wholesale cost of water)

A little more on the water rates: this year, the wholesale cost of water from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC, owners of the Hetch Hetchy water system) will be raised by 10%. These wholesale rates have been raised annually, and often quite significantly (38% last year, for example).The City tries to “smooth out” those sharp, unpredictable increases by approving more steady, moderate increases each year — most often lower than SFPUC’s annual increase, sometime a little higher, like this year — to avoid the drastic “see-saw” range of increases imposed by that agency. This smoothing-out is done with a rate stabilization fund, reserves which come from the rates you pay, allowing the City to keep pace, over time, with the actual costs of providing a high quality, dependable water supply to the community. As a result, we’ve implemented average annual increases of about 8-10% over the last few years, instead of much higher increases matching those of the SFPUC, on a more periodic basis.

Please do go to www.redwoodcity.org/water for a lot more details on what these increases mean for a typical household or for a business, and try to attend the information meeting on April 4 to get your questions answered.

And finally, we must tell you that in the coming years Redwood City will continue to see additional rate increases proposed for both water and sewer services, in order to meet the increasing costs of providing these services. This is a challenge for you, and for the City, but it’s unavoidable and urgently needed in order to ensure our community has quality water and sewer systems.

— From the City of Redwood City

Join Redwood City’s Annual Spring Cleanup Day

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Redwood City’s Annual Spring Cleanup Day will take place on Saturday April 28th, 2012 focusing on sprucing up Redwood Creek, historic Union Cemetery, Hoover School, Woodside Road, and more, plus some cleanup and restoration at Stulsaft Park. Even though Earth Day is April 22, it’s important to extend that great feeling of helping the environment – so the community is invited to join the fun on April 28 and take part in our very popular local cleanup! Sponsored by Redwood City and its Pride and Beautification Committee.

This is a great, easy, and fun project for kids, adults, and the whole family, and is perfect for doing your part in the spirit of Earth Day. And, this project meets community service requirements for many schools. Community members are invited to volunteer and show their pride in Redwood City!

Participants should meet at 8:30 am on Saturday April 28th at the City’s Public Works Services building, located at 1400 Broadway (near Broadway and Woodside Road). After a complimentary continental breakfast, clean-up teams will move out and descend on this year’s targeted areas. Then at noon, volunteers will meet for a special free BBQ lunch as a ‘thank you’ for participating in this annual fun project that helps the entire community, in honor of Earth Day and beautification of Redwood City.

On that same day, Recology San Mateo County is generously sponsoring the Great Compost Giveaway. Compost is an excellent addition to existing soil, and also makes a great groundcover to help with weed and erosion control. From 9 am to 3 pm on April 28th. Redwood City residents can come to the Public Works Services parking lot and load up with up to one cubic yard of free compost (equivalent to about three full garbage cans). A limited supply is available to be shared among Redwood City residents only, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Twice a year, Redwood City’s Pride and Beautification Committee holds these special volunteer cleanup days to focus efforts on beautifying a specific site or area, and to promote a year-round pride in Redwood City, by cleaning and beautifying school sites, the waterfront, parks, streets, and other areas. Visit www.redwoodcity.org/prideandbeautification for more info on this and other beautification projects. Please call 650-780-7300 for more information about the Spring Cleanup.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and local business. Subscribe to Redwood City’s email newsletter and other City documents by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/egov .

Application Deadline Extended for Four Redwood City Boards, Committees, & Commissions

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Redwood City announces that the application deadline for seats on four of its boards, commissions, or committees has been extended. The deadline for applications for the following seats is 5:00 p.m. on April 25th, 2012:

  • Library Board
  • Port Commission
  • Architectural Advisory Committee
  • Historic Resources Advisory Committee

Residents with a strong desire and willingness to work diligently on behalf of the community are encouraged to apply. More information and applications are available online at www.redwoodcity.org/clerks , or may be requested by calling 650-780-7220.

Serving on a board, commission, or committee is an important way to offer new perspectives and ideas, and contribute to the City’s discussions and decisions on a variety of substantial matters. Members of these boards serve an essential function in helping to manage the significant issues our community faces – and being appointed requires a commitment to carrying out the responsibilities of serving. Applicants’ ability to build consensus, their willingness to offer thoughtful, productive recommendations, and their motivation to be prepared, informed, and engaged in their board’s work are all critical factors contributing to being appointed to a board, commission, or committee.

Typical basic requirements are that applicants must have a strong interest in civic involvement, must be 18 years of age or older, and must be registered voter and resident of incorporated Redwood City. More information on the specific boards, commissions, and committees for which the City is recruiting can be found online at www.redwoodcity.org/clerks .

Marlin Park Playground Renovation Project Update

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We’re getting very close to initiating the Marlin Park Playground Renovation Project. The contractor has been selected and we are working on a timeline, finalizing orders and delivery dates for equipment, and gearing up.

Up-to-date information on the project’s development and contracting is stored on the Redwood City website at www.redwoodcity.org/marlinpark . Door hangers notifying residents who live within 400 feet of the park will be placed by the contractor within the next two weeks.

–Christopher Beth, Director, Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services

Redwood City Council to Consider Advisory Vote on Saltworks Proposal

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The Redwood City Council will consider placing an advisory vote on the November ballot, to gain the voters’ perspective on the proposed Saltworks development. At its April 9th meeting, under “Matters of Council Interests” the Mayor and City Council directed the City Manager to place the item on a future agenda for further discussion. The date for that discussion has not yet been scheduled.

The 1,400-acre site, located just off Highway 101 along Seaport Boulevard, has previously been used for salt production. The project applicant, DMB Associates, had previously submitted a proposal to the City. On November 4, 2011, the applicant informed the City that it intends to conduct internal review and evaluation of its submitted proposal. A revised proposal is expected to be submitted to the City and it will require further analysis and environmental review.

“This is an opportune time to explore various options in moving forward on this unprecedented project for the community of Redwood City,” said Mayor Alicia Aguirre “Prior to re-engaging in that process, the City Council may want to consider whether the revised project is of interest to the community and worthy of further exploration and analysis.”

More information on the Saltworks proposal is available on the City’s Web site at www.redwoodcity.org/saltworks .

Redwood City Considering Ban on Polystyrene Food Service Containers

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The City of Redwood City is considering a ban on polystyrene food service containers, to correspond with a similar prohibition implemented by San Mateo County last summer. On the City Council’s April 9th agenda is the introduction of an ordinance which would prohibit the use of polystyrene-based food containers. If approved by the Council, the item would then be subject to a public hearing, tentatively scheduled for May 7th. The City’s action would adopt the County’s ordinance, by reference.

The proposed ban would not be implemented until January 1, 2013, allowing plenty of time for businesses to learn about their options, and transition to non-polystyrene containers. However, businesses will be encouraged to voluntarily implement the ban prior to 2013, and those that do so would be recognized by the City Council as “early adopters” and leaders in helping to reduce the volume of this pollutant in our environment. Adopting an ordinance banning the use of polystyrene will also help the City meet certain conditions of its Municipal Regional (storm water) Permit, related to reductions in trash loading in the City’s storm drain system.

Banned items are single-use disposable products used in restaurants and the food service industry for serving and transporting prepared, ready-to-consume food and beverages including plates, bowls, trays, and hinged or lidded containers (“clamshells”), but excluding disposable packaging for unprepared food.

Polystyrene is often referred to by its Dow Chemical trademark “Styrofoam.” It is a petroleum-based, lightweight plastic material commonly used by retail food vendors for disposable take-out purposes. Polystyrene has been identified as an environmental pollutant in part because it is non-biodegradable and generally non-recyclable and non-reusable. Various state and federal agencies indicate that polystyrene persists in the environment indefinitely without breaking down and consequently is showing up on roads, waterways, and the ocean. In addition to San Mateo County, a number of other cities on the peninsula, including Burlingame, Half Moon Bay, Foster City, San Bruno, Pacifica, South San Francisco, and Millbrae, have implanted similar ordinances.

If approved by the City Council, San Mateo County would work with Redwood City to publicize the impending implementation, and assist in outreach and education to the affected businesses. While every opportunity will be provided for businesses to comply, San Mateo County’s Environmental Health Division would enforce the ordinance and may issue fines for violations, which would be earmarked for use to supplement outreach and education around polystyrene.

Eggstravaganza ==MOVED FOR RAIN==

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Oh no, the weather has delayed the Eggstravaganza! Please update your calendar, as the Eggstravaganza is being moved from Saturday to Sunday in order to avoid bad weather. Mark the new date your calendars:

April 1 @ 1PM

We apologize for any inconvenience, and hope everybody can still make it out to the park and enjoy the day!


After a brisk and chilly winter, it is finally time to usher in springtime! That means that it’s time for the RSCA’s annual Eggstravaganza, held every year at Marlin Park in the center of Redwood Shores. Bring all your children and a basket for goodies to the park for the big Egg Hunt, where toddlers and young kids can seek out goodies hidden in the grass and playground. Also, the Easter Bunny will be there to lead off the Egg Hunt and later to pose for pictures with the boys and girls, so be sure to take along a camera as well!

The festivities begin at 1:00 PM on Sunday, April 1st at Marlin Park here in Redwood Shores.

Redwood City Mayor Alicia Aguirre Selected as “2012 Woman of the Year” by California State Assemblyman Rich Gordon

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Redwood City is proud to announce that its Mayor, Alicia Aguirre, was recently selected by California State Assemblyman Rich Gordon as the “2012 Woman of the Year” for Assembly District 21.

“No one is more deserving of this recognition than Mayor Aguirre, and our entire community is very proud of her” said Redwood City Vice Mayor Jeff Gee. “Mayor Aguirre’s hallmark is her diligent work, her deep compassion, and her profound connection with every segment of our community, making her the ideal recipient of this honor.”

Assemblyman Rich Gordon will formally present Mayor Aguirre as District 21’s 2012 Woman of the Year at a ceremony on the Assembly Floor in the State Capitol on Monday, March 26. “The Bay Area at-large has benefited from Alicia’s tireless involvement in all dimensions of Redwood City,” said Assemblyman Gordon. “Her wit, intelligence, and sincere nature make her a stand-out public servant and community member.”

Mayor Aguirre, the City’s first Latina mayor, has served on the City Council of Redwood City for over six years, and has previously served on the Redwood City Elementary School Board. She is a professor at Cañada College, and is also active in the Redwood City Library Foundation, the Shelter Network, Hispanos Unidos, Redwood City International, the Redwood City – San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, the League of California Cities, and Youth Latino Leaders, among other organizations. This is her first term as Mayor of Redwood City.

The Woman of the Year event was started in 1987 as a celebration of the contributions to society made by remarkable women throughout California. In March of every year (Women’s History Month) Assemblymembers have the opportunity to nominate one woman each for the ceremony, for a total of 80 Women of the Year in the State of California.

Fashion Forward

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“Only Her Hairdresser Knows For Sure.”

When this slogan was first introduced by Clairol in the 50’s, it spoke to the intimate relationship a woman had with her hairdresser.  This relationship remains to this day one of the most personal in a woman’s life.  However the question now is “Does your current hairdresser know “for sure” about you and your needs when it comes to your hair?  

Even though I am not a hair stylist, our hair is an integral part of our overall image. In order for us to look our very best, our hair must reflect who we are at every stage of our life. In order for our stylist to give us the best service and for us to feel like we are spending our “maintenance dollars” in the best possible way, we must be honest with our stylist and/or if our stylist isn’t asking the right questions of us, we must take the initiative and introduce the subject(s) that are troubling us.  With that in mind, here are a few tips and teasers to get you thinking about what you might want to discuss with your stylist at your next appointment.  

1.  Does she ask about your hair?  “How is this cut working for you?”  “Tell me what’s going on with your hair since you were in last.”

2.  Do you have a thorough discussion with her about what’s required in order to achieve the look you think you want? Are you willing to use the proper products and take the time necessary for the style, or is it too much of a bother? She should be willing to honestly discuss whether a style is appropriate for your face shape and lifestyle, as well as whether the color you want is actually achievable and, as important, appropriate for your coloring.

3.  Does your stylist deep condition your hair (not just the quick condition when they are washing your hair?) This is especially important if you are doing any kind of processing on your hair, whether it is color, bleach, permanent or straightening.

4.  Does your stylist allow enough time for the overall treatment of your hair – including color, conditioning and cut? Sometimes it’s easy to feel like we’re being rushed through the salon, and some things (like color, for instance) just can’t be hurried. Likewise, have YOU allowed enough time in your schedule so you’re not pressuring the stylist to hurry through the process?  (Sometimes, we’re our own worst enemy with our over-booked calendars, yes?!)

5.  Are you doing your part?  Just like with our skin, our hair (and nails) reflect our diet.   Don’t forget your vitamins too – besides your multivitamin, both biotin and primrose oil can be a big boost to your hair and nails.  Are you using the proper equipment (like a boar bristle brush?) Are you deep conditioning once a week – putting a shower cap on and heating it up with your dryer for 10 minutes or so, so the conditioner can penetrate?  Maybe your stylist has given you other guidelines to help maintain the condition and style of your hair – are you following them?

6.  Are you willing to adapt your style and color as you age? Just as we have to modify our color palettes for our clothing somewhat as we age, the same is true for our hair and make-up.  The style and color we’ve always worn just may not be appropriate for us twenty years later. Are you open to discussing this with your stylist so that she can use her talents to make suggestions?

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do…

 Lastly, if you’re not satisfied with your current stylist, maybe you should try someone new.  It’s difficult for us women to even think about “cheating” on our stylist, but it’s also important that we feel we’re getting the very best care and advice possible.  Don’t forget our part in this: we have to be honest with our stylist about our needs and limitations, what we are and are not willing to do, what we are and are not willing to pay. When the communication and cooperation is a two-way street, truly your stylist can know you “for sure” and you’ll be all the happier for it.

— Adena DiTonno

Adena is owner of adenaDesigns, a fashion and wardrobe consultancy in Redwood Shores.

Finding the Right Pet Sitter

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Last month the headlines in the local newspaper were ablaze with ‘Dog Walker Gets 35 Years to Life’. The so-called dog walker was found guilty of burglary from some clients.

My heart fell because I knew that this news would only serve to put pet sitters in a bad light. From what little research I did on the internet, there was no reference to this dog walker or to their company, telling me this person is what we commonly refer to as a ‘hobby sitter’.

So, you ask, what should you the conscientious animal owner look for when hiring a pet sitter or a dog walker?

At the top of my list, ask if the company is insured, bonded and ask if they have a business license. Do they show you proof of liability insurance and bonding when they meet with you? (Be aware that there is no formal licensing for pet sitters. If you hear of a pet sitter advertising they are ‘licensed’ it is only a business license and nothing more.)

Ask how long the person has been in business.

Do they have a website? While not all pet sitters will necessarily have a website, having a website can be an indication you are dealing with a legitimate company.

Does the company perform background checks on their employees?

Does the pet sitting company belong to any professional pet sitting organizations or local pet sitting network groups?

Does the pet sitting company provide references?

Is their staff trained in pet first aid/CPR?

While your pet sitter may not have all of these items listed, it should serve as a good starting point for clients looking for a pet sitter. At the very least your pet sitter should be bonded and carry liability insurance.

It may seem attractive to hire someone with little or no credentials, but sometimes you get what you pay for. The pet sitters I know are honest, hard-working and ethical. To the pet owning public, please do your due diligence when looking for a pet sitter.


–Jan Brown

Jan is the Owner of Jan’s Pet Sitting and is a Pet Tech Pet First Aid Instructor.