Sandpiper Spotlight: February 2011

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Health and wellness are very important concerns for all parents and teachers. One of the best ways to instill a lifelong appreciation for good nutrition and exercise is through exposing children to working in a garden. Not only do they learn where food comes from, but they also have an opportunity to be involved in physical exercise that is both enjoyable and relaxing. There is nothing so rewarding as pulling out a carrot from your garden to taste its sweet, earthy flavor, unlike anything you can find in a store (even organic). Each time we dig a patch of dirt it is like a new adventure — what worms and bugs are we going to discover this time? Gardening is an activity that wakes up all our senses and constantly sparks our curiosity.

Sandpiper Elementary is in the process of developing a school garden with these ideas in mind. In order for our project to succeed we will need help from our Redwood Shores community. Are you a landscape designer (or do you know one) who could donate some time and expertise to help us design a useful and beautiful garden that will be the pride of our community? Are you a contractor with some spare time to help us build structurally sound elements of our garden? We will definitely accept all the help you can offer. Do you have untreated redwood or cedar 1x6s, 2x6s, 4x4s leftover from your projects? Are you planning to rip out your old deck and don’t know what to do with all the wood that still can be used? We might be able to use it in the construction of planter boxes, benches, and other structures in our garden. Are you an avid gardener whose garden is too small? This is a project for you, for we will need help and guidance in planting and maintaining our garden. If you are interested in participating in our project, please contact our science teacher Ms. Nicole La Count at

Redwood Shores Tennis Club Update

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Although the rain and chill seems relentless these days, it isn’t too early to start thinking about tennis!  The pros at the Australian Open will inspire us soon with displays of power and skill on the hard courts down under.  If nothing else, the images of hot sun and reports of 80 degree weather will have us dreaming for the start of our own tennis season in the Bay Area.  In the meantime, what to do?  Well, some players are getting racquets restrung and new grips put on.  I’m testing some new racquets (you can get the latest racquets to try out for free from racquet shops such as Zalles in Foster City.  Working out in the gym is good for both your New Year’s Resolutions and your tennis game.  Don’t neglect your wrists – do some wrist flexion exercises to put more snap in your topspin!

The Redwood Shores Tennis Club is holding our holiday party in a few weeks and then we’ll be looking ahead to the new season.  We are currently working on dates for this year’s events.  Once we have them confirmed, we’ll post on www.rstc.org.  If you sign up for a membership now, you’ll get automated notifications of all events, including Membership Mania which will be our first event.  If you’re interested but not ready to become a member, keep an eye on our website, and the next issue of the Pilot, for more information.

Speaking of the Australian Open, USTA Norcal is offering a FREE promotional event for Entry Level Adult Tennis Players (aka beginners or 2.5 rated players) in association with the Grand Slam event.  All you need to do is bring your racquet.  It will be Jan 23 1-4pm at the Sequoia High School tennis courts in Redwood City.  The courts are accessed from James Street.  Contact Hilary Somers at 415-407-8452 for more information.

Happy New Year!

— Karen Brodersen, President, Redwood Shores Tennis Club

On My Soapbox

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I don’t know quite where to start. Actually a re-run of the January Pilot would work very well. So if you still have it handy, do read it again! Firstly, I have received e-mails relating to the RSCA President’s article on me, for which I heartily thanked him. These past 25 + years have had many ups and downs, but most were good ones. Most of the calls were again about our seemingly thoughtless drivers, but after Tuesday evening this message is for both drivers and pedestrians. I was returning from a Reception at the County Center and was in the northbound exit lane from Whipple up the 101. Since I would be exiting at Holly I stayed in that lane, but just where it makes the right side exit was where the “problem” started. Because of some work being done on the Dumbarton Bridge, all northbound drivers were being sent up to the San Mateo Bridge, and the traffic was truly horrendous. Because of this I was watching for the cars turning into the exit lane from the main 101 and just as I was making my right turn a pedestrian literally stepped out to cross the exit lane directly in front of me. My problem was the person did not have any type of light that could really be seen or at least that he was showing. Fortunately my passenger saw him “flipping” some type of light and told me he was there. He scurried across and I braked and the others with him waited until it was clear before they started across. So the moral of this is to look carefully BEFORE you try to cross a very busy exit, and CARRY and SHOW a light that can be seen. It is difficult for a driver to slow down that fast when in an exit lane.

Some very pleasant calls were about an abundance of the Cedar Waxwing birds in the trees along Shell Blvd. between RWShore Pkway and the main water channel. It’s very nice to know they are back and that the trees there are blossoming so well for them.

Again a number of the calls were about “reminders” for those walking their dogs and not picking up their feces. When you take your dog out for your stroll, do please remember that it is illegal here in the Shores, and any other part of Redwood City, to just leave them.

Yes, I am the one changing the signs on our two medians – RWS Parkway and Marine, and your “toots” and a wave as you drive by are noticed and I do thank you. But I will tell you this, when I am doing the sign on Marine, I am always amazed at the speed the drivers are doing when they come around the curve by the library and heading to the 101. It is certainly not the posted 35 ! As I have said many times, and also while at some DMV Seminars I have attended, it may be the right time now to require a physical driving test every four years or so, when renewing your license. It is because of the excessive speed I keep ‘harping’ on this subject and also suggest that you should set your clocks ahead a bit so that you do not have to race. If you were requested to take a physical driving test the next time you renew your license, do you think you could do it AND PASS? Please call and leave a yes or a no. What really scares me the most is the speed when our kids are on their way to school – walking, not being driven.

As a final, think about the others out there driving, do your best to follow our speed limits, avoid a ticket, AND REMEMBER: if RAINING HEADLIGHTS SHOULD BE ON IF YOUR WIPERS ARE … that’s a law !! See you next month and have a Good and Careful One until then !!

— Pat Dixon, the Swan Lady

(Note that Pat’s phone number for calls to contribute to “On My Soapbox” are usually included in The Pilot; the number has been omitted from the website version of this article. You can send a message to Pat by emailing  with the words “For Swan Lady” in the subject line. )

Proposed Bay Plan Amendments

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Like many of you, Redwood City is concerned with the long-term impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and its potential effect on our community. No matter what its underlying causes, potential sea level rise (estimated by some at one-to-two feet by 2050) must be addressed in a coordinated strategy with local and regional governments, other involved agencies, the business community, and the public.

The Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) is a California State Commission formed by the legislature in 1965, whose mission is the protection, enhancement, and responsible use of the San Francisco Bay, and the preparation of a plan for the long-term use of the Bay – the San Francisco Bay Plan (Bay Plan). BCDC’s objectives are accomplished through its authority and efforts in the areas of Planning, Dredging and Sediment Management, Permits, and Enforcement. You can learn more about BCDC at www.bcdc.ca.gov

Over the last couple of years, BCDC has been developing proposed amendments to the Bay Plan to address sea level rise. Redwood City, along with other cities and stakeholder groups such as the Bay Planning Coalition, the Bay Area Council, and others feel that the proposed amendments are burdened with a number of issues of great concern.

In summary, there is concern with:

  1. The unnecessary rush by BCDC to approve the amended Bay Plan/new regulations
  2. Vague language, undefined prohibitions and mandates, unclear authority for application, and ambiguous standards
  3. A lack of incorporation of comments by groups such as the Bay Planning Coalition, the Bay Area Council, and others, into the draft policies
  4. Apparent over-reaching of BCDC authority, in the draft policies, and related potential legislative expansion of BCDC authority and its impacts on local control over local development
  5. Lack of input from local government and the public
  6. Lack of a balanced approach between the State regulatory environment, local control, and economic development.

These issues prompted Redwood City and other stakeholders to urge BCDC to slow down the process of approving those amendments, extend the public comment hearing and outreach period, and fully take into consideration the issues raised by local government. Fortunately, BCDC has consented to this request.

The timeframe for BCDC to take action on the proposed amendments to the Bay Plan is unclear, but they have said that they will be holding a number of special meetings and public workshops over the next few months, and everyone is encouraged to participate in this dialog.

As a stakeholder in this issue, Redwood City will continue to be involved and vigilant of the process, offer substantial input, and keep our community informed, especially about upcoming opportunities for the community to be involved and make comment.

— Jeff Ira,, Mayor, Redwood City

Redwood City PAL Names “Citizen of the Year” Award Winner

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The Board of Directors of the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL) has announced that the 2010 PAL Citizen of the Year Award has been conferred upon Perry Garcia, an officer with the Redwood City Police Department. This award is in recognition of Officer Garcia’s many contributions to PAL, and his high standards of community involvement.

“The PAL Board recognizes and is grateful for Perry’s 12 years of volunteer service with over 2,400 hours as the PAL karate instructor,” said Board President Jim Gordon. “With his own black belt in karate, Perry’s efforts and passion to pass along his knowledge, skill, and life lessons to our youth has been outstanding. On behalf of the Board of Directors, it’s Members at Large, the PAL Advisory Board, and the community of Redwood City, I congratulate Perry as the 2010 PAL Citizen of the Year.”

Officer Garcia’s volunteer service with PAL is exemplified by his mentoring of over 700 youth who have participated in the PAL karate program over the years. His well-known patience as an instructor, his dedication to working with new students, and his encouragement of them to achieve their best in both karate and in life, make him an outstanding role model. Under Office Garcia’s leadership, students competed in local and regional tournaments, with eight of his students graduating with black belts. He’s well-known throughout the PAL community, and the greater Redwood City community, for his generous commitment to helping the youth of Redwood City reach their goals, and in helping PAL to fulfill its core purpose of “Helping youth learn honest values, develop assets, and increase life skills.”

Redwood City PAL focuses on intervention, prevention, and alternative programs for at-risk and economically challenged youth in Redwood City. PAL provides a positive influence on thousands of children and teen lives each year with its many youth programs and its great volunteers who give their time and energy to help build a great community. PAL’s website is www.redwoodcitypal.com.

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 electronic newsletter or other City documents at www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

Inagural Redwood City Lunar New Year Event

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I am very excited to share with you that Redwood City International (RCI), the Redwood City Civic Cultural (CCC) Commission, and AT&T (our lead sponsor) are teaming up to host Redwood City’s Inaugural Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 5th, 2011, welcoming the Year of the Rabbit! The celebration will be at Courthouse Plaza, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The purpose of the Festival is to provide cultural understanding through celebration and experiences; provide exposure to RCI and our sister-city, Zhuhai, China; and to bring more people to Downtown Redwood City. The Festival will have many activities for the whole family to enjoy, including performances, lion dances, music, children’s activities, demonstrations, and food.

I hope that you will consider being a part of this celebration by being a sponsor, vendor, performer, or just coming by to enjoy the day. This is a great opportunity to help Redwood City with another “first.” Redwood City is quickly becoming recognized as the “Arts and Entertainment Destination of the Peninsula” and we hope that you will join us to be a part of this exciting transformation of our Downtown.

For questions, please contact Lucas Wilder, Special Events Coordinator, at or at (650) 780-7340.

— Jeff Gee, Redwood City Councilperson

RSCA Annual Meeting

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Wednesday, February 9th
7:30PM at the Redwood Shores Library
339 Marine Parkway (at Bridge Parkway)

Get the latest update on “The State of the Shores” and FEMA
Certification of our levees.

You’ll hear from Redwood City’s Mayor, Police Chief,
interim City Manager, City Councilman and Shores
resident Jeff Gee,  and our Superintendent of Schools.

RSCA will also elect its new Board of Directors.

Join us for this community discussion of the issues that affect
your home and the family of every Shores resident.

Carlmont News

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Parent Ed Event

“Getting to Calm: Cool-headed parenting strategies for hot-headed times”, Laura Kastner, Ph.D.

Tuesday, Feb. 8 @ 7:00 pm – Carlmont Performing Arts Center

Brought to you by Carlmont PTSA Parent Ed Committee

Has your delightful, sunny child turned into a surly, risk-taking teenager? Help is on the way! Laura S. Kastner, Ph.D., is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington and a nationally recognized expert on teen behavior and development. She is also a practicing clinical psychologist and co-author, with Jennifer F. Wyatt, of The Seven Year Stretch: How Families Work Together To Grow Through Adolescence, The Launching Years: Strategic Parenting From the Senior Year to College Life, and Getting to Calm: Cool-Headed Strategies for Parenting Teens and Tweens.


Carlmont Choirs Dessert Theatre Fundraiser “An Evening of Jazz”

Friday & Saturday – February 11 & 12 – 7 p.m

full info at www.carlmontperformingarts.com

OTHER DATES:

  • February 11th & 12th 7pm  — Choir Dessert Theater Fundraiser — Student Union
  • February 25th at 7pm –Winter Instrumental Music Chamber Music Night Fundraiser — Student Union
  • March 10th, 11th, 12th at 7pm March 13th at 2pm — Spring Musical ––Main Theater
  • April 7th & 8th at 7pm — One Act Festival — Studio Theater
  • May 5th, 6th & 7th at 7pm — Dance Show — Main Theater
  • May 12th & 13th at 7pm — Spring Choral Concerts — Main Theater
  • May 18th & 19th at 7pm — Spring Instrumental Music Concerts — Main Theater
  • May 20th at 7pm — Drama Showcase & Improv Night — Studio Theater

San Francisco Giants World Champions Trophy Tour

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Redwood City is very proud and excited to let you know that the San Francisco Giants World Champions Trophy Tour is coming to our community! This means that you can get up close to the fabulous World Champions trophy, take pictures, and be part of the Giants’ historic 2010 championship run.

The Trophy will be on display at Courthouse Square on Wednesday, February 16 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm.

Fans will have the opportunity to view the trophy in person and have their photo taken with it. You can see the trophy in person during the specified times on a first-come, first-served basis. The viewings are free to the public. Fans can purchase an official photo with the trophy through Giants Fan Photos, which will be available on-site. The Trophy Tour is presented by Visa. Toyota is the official vehicle of the Trophy Tour.

Information on the entire Championship Trophy Tour is online at
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/fan_forum/trophy_tour.jsp

Redwood City Police Chief Resigns

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Redwood City officials confirmed today that Police Chief Louis A. Cobarruviaz has submitted his resignation effective February 16, 2011. As he resigned from his position after 4 years with the city, Chief Cobarruviaz stated that he “truly hated to leave the dedicated and outstanding men and women of the Redwood City Police Department.” He emphasized that his decision was at least partially based on his belief that the City Council and their new City Manager should have the opportunity to make necessary staff reductions and select their own team of department managers for the long term.

“The Police Department is functioning very effectively and efficiently at this time, and all department members are prepared for whatever the future may bring,” Cobarruviaz added. Cobarruviaz outlined department achievements: “I believe I have accomplished all of the public safety goals set for me by the City. We have achieved significant crime reduction, computerization, improved use of technology, re-establishment of the Police Harbor Patrol Program, enhanced community policing, and necessary adjustments in work hours and shifts to prevent crime and improve the quality of life in Redwood City.” He stated that the department had worked hard to compensate for personnel reductions, resulting in little change in service delivery. “Credit must be given to the outstanding and dedicated sworn and non-sworn members of this excellent police agency, who are strongly committed to public safety in Redwood City and the larger community.” This was demonstrated in a recent Council-initiated community survey that showed Redwood City residents reported high levels of satisfaction with the work being done by our police department.

Cobarruviaz said he looked forward to moving on to another law enforcement assignment. “It’s been a great experience for me, working in beautiful Redwood City, but I think it’s time for me to step aside and let the new City Manager direct his or her own team.”

Interim City Manager Bob Bell expressed gratitude for the years Cobarruviaz had directed the Police Department. “Chief Cobarruviaz has worked well with both city staff and the Redwood City community. He has been dedicated to maintaining a high level of safety for our residents, and has been very effective. We will be sorry to see him go, but wish him well in all his future endeavors,” Bell stated.

Cobarruviaz said he is looking forward to continuing work in law enforcement, but will maintain ties to the Redwood City community.