GIS is a computer-based mapping tool that takes information from a database about a location – such as streets, water features, parks, census data, parcel information, and more – and turns it into visual layers on a map, while also providing detailed data about that location.

Redwood City uses GIS in planning, redevelopment, community outreach, demographic analysis, economic development, and other areas.

And … the City is happy to announce that starting on Tuesday, November 24th the community will have a public version of Redwood City’s GIS application available on the Internet, with no special software required. The public version will have many features and options that are sure to be of great interest to the community – from schools and day care centers to neighborhood associations; from census and demographics information to zoning; and from parks and places of interest to historic resources, parcel information, community centers, and more.

The public version will be available online at www.redwoodcity.org/gis as of Tuesday, November 24th, 2009.

Dear Shores Neighbor,

Your Redwood Shores Community Association celebrates its’ 40th year in 2010. Since 1970 we have seen Redwood Shores grow from a small collection of houses, a few businesses and no schools, to the thriving community – soon to have two schools – we have today.

STUFFING MADE EASY

Casserole Stuffing
Serves/Makes: 5 cups

Ingredients:
3/4 cup Margarine or butter
1 1/2 cup Chopped celery (with leaves)
3/4 cup Finely chopped onion
9 cups Soft bread cubes
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Ground sage
1/2 teaspoon Dried thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon Pepper

Directions:
Heat margarine in Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook celery and onion in margarine about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in remaining ingredients.

Place stuffing in ungreased 2-quart casserole. Cover and bake in 375 degree oven about 30 minutes or until hot.

Old World Stuffing
Serves/Makes: 8 cups

Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup diced celery
1 envelope onion soup mix
1/2 cup hot water
1/2 cup Italian dressing
8 cups dry seasoned bread cubes
2 tablespoons minced parsley
1/2 pound Italian sausage — cooked and finely diced
2 eggs — slightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
In large skillet, melt butter and cook celery until tender. In large bowl, blend onion soup mix, hot water and dressing;add bread cubes, parsley, sausage, eggs, and cheese and toss until well blended. Add bread mixture to skillet and cook about 5 minutes, tossing gently.

by Miranda Martin

Businesses must file use tax returns by April 15. The Board of Equalization (BOE) will be sending out letters to businesses over the next few months informing them of the new registration requirement.

• A recent law change requires many businesses that do not currently hold a seller’s permit to register with the BOE, and report and pay, by April 15, any use tax due from purchases made in the preceding year.
• Taxpayers who must register will be required to file Form BOE-401-A, State, Local, and District Sales and Use Tax Return, even if they owe zero tax.

A qualified purchaser that must register with the BOE is a business that :
√ Is not required to hold a seller’s permit with the BOE;
√ Is not required to be registered, and is not otherwise registered with the BOE;
√ Is not a holder of a use tax direct payment permit; and
√ Receives at least $100,000 in gross receipts per year from business operations.

The new law applies to purchases made during the 2009 calendar year. Returns to report use tax on 2009 untaxed purchases are due on April 15, 2010.

Article provided by B.L. Pang EA. B.L. can be reached at (650) 593-7522 or email him at

Last week, while traveling to Chicago on business, I noticed a Marine sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together. After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who’d been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home. No, he responded. Heading out I asked? No, I’m escorting a Marine home. Going to pick him up? No. He is with me right now. He was killed in Iraq, I’m taking him home to his family.

The realization of what he had been asked to do hit me like a punch to the gut. It was an honor for him. He told me that, although he didn’t know the Marine, he had delivered the news of his passing to the Marine’s family and felt as if he knew them and after many conversations in so few days. I turned back to him, extended my hand, and said, Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do so my family and I can do what we do.

Upon landing in Chicago the pilot stopped short of the gate and made the following announcement over the intercom.”Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to note that we have had the honor of having Sergeant Steeley of the United States Marine Corps join us on this Flight. He is escorting a fallen comrade back home to his family. I ask that you please remain in your seats when we open the forward door to allow Sergeant Steeley to deplane and receive his fellow Marine. We will then turn off the seat belt sign.” Without a sound, all went as requested.

I noticed the sergeant saluting the casket as it was brought off the plane, and his action made me realize that I am proud to be an American. So here’s a public Thank You to our military Men and Women for what you do so we can live the way we do.

RED SHIRT FRIDAYS
Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing Red every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the “silent majority.” We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized boisterous or overbearing. Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home. Let’s make the United States on every Friday a sea of red much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If everyone of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in RED and it will let our troops know the once “silent” majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked “What can we do to make things better for you?” is, “we need your support and your prayers.” Let’s get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something red every Friday.

Submitted by Jeff Tipton, Novato, CA