Open House EIR Scoping Meetings

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As part of Redwood City’s commitment to an open and transparent review of the proposed Saltworks Project, the City invites you to participate in two upcoming Open House EIR (Environmental Impact Report) Scoping Meetings in 2011, on January 29th and February 23rd. We also want to thank all of you who have attended and participated thus far in the first two Open House EIR Scoping Meetings on Land Use (Nov. 6th) and Water (Nov. 30th). The purpose of the scoping process is to gain public input on the scope and content of the EIR, the range of alternatives, environmental issues, methods of assessment, and mitigation measures to be analyzed in the EIR. So thank you very much for participating, so far!

During these next Open House EIR Scoping Meetings members of the public can speak directly to City representatives, the project applicant (DMB) and experts in specific subject areas. As a reminder, due to the informal “open house” nature of these workshops, oral comments are appreciated but it is not feasible for them to be recorded – instead, community members are encouraged to submit written scoping comments to be considered by the City in preparing the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). FYI, the comment period for the Scoping Process will close on March 31, 2011.

The next two Open House EIR Scoping Meetings will focus on:

Natural Resources – Saturday, January 29, 2011

Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City.From 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

At this meeting, City consultants and natural resource experts will be on hand with information about the City’s natural resources, such as biology, geology, and cultural resources that may be affected. The project applicant will have a station with information describing the natural resource components within the Saltworks Project proposal.

Transportation – Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City.6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

At this meeting, City representatives will be on hand with information about the City’s transportation resources, including traffic, public transit, bicycles, and pedestrian connections. Experts will also be available to discuss air quality, energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise issues. The project applicant will have a station with information regarding the transportation approach described in the Saltworks Project application.

Please note: the Scoping Comment Period closes on March 31, 2011

The comment period for the Scoping Process will close on March 31, 2011. Submit your written comments, via email (), or mail to: Attn: Blake Lyon, Planning Services, City of Redwood City, P.O. Box 391, Redwood City, CA 94064-0391

The City will not make a decision regarding the Saltworks Project application until the EIR process has been completed and the EIR has been certified. For more information about the proposed Saltworks project, visit: www.redwoodcity.org/saltworks .

New Book by Redwood Shores Author

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Longtime Redwood Shores resident and best selling author of THE GOD THEORY, Bernard Haisch, announces the publication of his new book THE PURPOSE-GUIDED UNIVERSE: BELIEVING IN EINSTEIN, DARWIN AND GOD by New Page Books, a division of Career Press Inc. Haisch is an astrophysicist (Ph.D. Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison) who has worked on many NASA projects. In his books he shows that science and spirituality can be compatible.

Is it possible that there can be a purpose behind the Universe? One that is consistent with modern science and especially the Big Bang and Darwinian evolution? Is there a grand purpose for our lives? The answer is yes.

Bestsellers by Christopher Hitchins, Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris have denounced the evils of religion and proclaimed that science has shown that there is no God. Their angry accusations are partially correct. Religions have been used to justify crimes against humanity: witness the Inquisition of centuries past or the sectarian slaughter in the Mideast today. But the human misuse of religions and the existence of God are very different matters.

A remarkable discovery has emerged in astrophysics: that key properties of the Universe have just the right values to make life possible. Most scientists prefer to explain away this uniqueness, insisting that a huge, perhaps infinite, number of unseen universes must therefore exist, each randomly different from the other. That way ours only appears special because we could not exist in any of the other hypothetical universes.

Haisch proposes the alternative that the special properties of our universe reflect an underlying intelligence, one that is consistent with a 13.7 billion-year old universe and evolution. Both views are equally logical and beyond proof. However exceptional human experiences and accounts of mystics throughout the ages do suggest that we live in a purposeful universe. In both books he proposes what that purpose might be? what that purpose means for our lives? how it might explain the riddle of evil. The book also addresses such questions as:

  • Why do most scientists reject the idea of God?
  • What are some of the “just right” constants in astrophysics that make the Universe capable of sustaining life?
  • How can you have spirituality without religion?
  • What are the biggest problems with organized religion?
  • Does consciousness create reality?
  • Does quantum mechanics have anything to say about consciousness?
  • How does Darwinian evolution play a role?
  • Can science and spirituality be bridged?

THE PURPOSE-GUIDED UNIVERSE: BELIEVING IN EINSTEIN, DARWIN AND GOD and THE GOD THEORY are available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and bookstores. Visit <thegodtheory.com> for further details.

— Bernard Haisch

— 519 Cringle Drive, Redwood Shores, CA 94065

—

Athi Sarvatra Varjayet

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No, this is not a tongue-twister. Or maybe it is, but not the normal kind. Ancient language of Sanskrit, despite its phonetic cleanliness can be a tongue-twisting language, with its combinations of half sounds and compound words. It holds a place in the history of mankind equivalent to Greek and Latin. It lets us peep in the past and see a bygone era of poetry and drama, science and technology, philosophy and religion that transcends time and space. And one of its little gems that have stood all tests of time is “Athi Sarvatra Varjayet” – excess of anything is bad.

This time of the year particularly brings this sage advice to the forefront. As the year starts on a fresh page, it provides a sane perspective to portfolio planning. Concentrated portfolios are a sign of excess – excess of greed or fear or inertia. I know of someone who once had an unrealized gain of over seven million. Only to see it dwindle down to a low hundred thousand after the dot-com bust. The culprit? Not greed, not fear, just inertia. And this is still a happy story. As many in the valley will tell you, not all such stories have a happy ending. And yet, most common issue we see with most of the portfolios that we come across is the concentration – concentration in one security, and equally common, concentration in one sector. And you can guess the sector. It is either technology or bio-tech. One of the portfolios I have seen could have been more easily managed by selling all its holdings and buying a simple index fund or ETF on Nasdaq; giving an added advantage of avoiding the illusion of being diversified!

On the other hand, you will also come across innumerable stories of people who have made fortunes by finding and concentrating on a single idea. It does work and works pretty well when all the stars are aligned. But a single misalignment can be a recipe for failure. For prudent investors with life goals and aspirations, concentrated portfolio is not the recommended approach. Life is not judged by bragging rights; it is judged by achieving your goals on your terms and within your timeframe.

May the New Year bring you and your loved ones good health, cheer and peace!

— Lavina Nagar

— Lavina is a financial planner and founder of Maya Advisors, Inc. She can be reached on 650.704.3074 or 

Disclaimer: This article is for information-purposes only, and may not apply to your unique situation. Nothing in this should be interpreted to be a recommendation to anyone to purchase, sell or hold any security or product. It does not replace a lawyer, accountant, financial planner, or other professional advice.

Four Steps to Organize Any Space

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After the excesses of the holiday season, you’re not alone if you feel that January is a good time to refresh your surroundings. Along with health and fitness, getting organized is high on many people’s lists.   Try using these 4 steps on one well-defined space:

1. Pause. Think about how you use the space, what’s working well, and what’s driving you nuts.  It’s not hard to figure out that your closet should hold clothes, shoes and accessories, but in a living space, activities can vary.  For example, you might use your kitchen for homework and bill-paying, as well as cooking and food storage.  This is important information because, wherever possible, keeping belongings where you use them will make life easier and tidier.

2. Sort. Take everything in the room and sort it into categories.  In the kitchen, you might collect all dry food items together and all glassware somewhere else.  Pick categories which are meaningful to you.  For example, a keen cookie-maker might group baking supplies, while in the closet, an avid athlete would gather sports clothing together.

Once similar items are in a single location, you’ll easily see how much excess you own. Whether it’s 6 damaged umbrellas or 47 white T-shirts, sorting is always extremely revealing and makes the next part much easier.

3. De-clutter. Do you love it, do you use it, or are you obliged to keep it for legal reasons?  Generally speaking, things should pass this test, or they may not belong in your life. Broken items, clothes which don’t fit and magazines you’ll never read, do not deserve house-space, especially in our costly Bay Area homes.  A good de-cluttering session is not only beneficial for you, but non-profits will be thrilled to receive your cast-offs.

4. Reward the items you love, use, and need with new locations. The things you use regularly deserve the best, most convenient storage spots. Once you’ve figured out roughly where something should go, you might now decide to invest in appropriate containers.  Just be sure to complete step 3, before spending money on new boxes and baskets for things you don’t need!

Try to look creatively at your space, and make good use of vertical areas like walls and backs of doors. Don’t be afraid to store items where they might not conventionally belong:  if you love to play guitar in the dining room, make a spot there for your sheet music.

***

Remember, getting organized is an ongoing process and no home or office is ever completely calm and chaos-free.  However, by shedding stuff you don’t need and allocating prime locations for vital belongings, you should find life runs just a little more smoothly.

— Pauline Wiles,
— Redwood Shores resident and owner,
— The English Organizer

Prestigious Math and Science Innovation Award Presented

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Kevin Mullins, a teacher at Redwood Shores Elementary School, has won a prestigious Math and Science Innovation Award for presenting California math and science content standards through aviation.

San Mateo County Supervisor Mark Church congratulated Mr. Mullins on his winning proposal to provide students with inquiry based aeronautic projects designed to peak student interest in flight, navigation, and engineering design. “It is through innovative programs like this that we hope to inspire and engage students to pursue math and science careers.”

Mr. Mullins plans to use the award for classroom and extracurricular activities involving the National Aerospace and Space Administration (NASA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Stanford University, San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and San Carlos Airport (SQL).

Starting in mid January, his students and a few others will learn about the principles of flight (e.g., lift, gravity, thrust, and drag). They will also develop intuitive understanding of Bernoulli’s principle – the concept used in wing design. In addition, they will learn about mechanical movements that change flight path (i.e., pitch, roll, and yaw).

Later, in collaboration with NASA, they will learn to solve pre algebra problems involving proportional reasoning. They will calculate distance, rate, and time in their head, without a calculator, and be trained for the tasks of air traffic controllers directing inbound commercial flights from the east coast to land at SFO safely and in the shortest time possible. When they achieve accuracy and speed in mental calculation, Mr. Mullins will challenge them by creating obstacles such as thunderstorms en route which would require detour and recalculation with a new set of variables (distance, rate, and time).

As they become familiar with the math and science of flight, Mr. Mullins, with the help of volunteer pilots, will introduce them to the function of each control and instrument in the cockpit (e.g., air speed; altitude; atmospheric pressure; compass heading, magnetic v. true north; engine rpm, piston v. turbine; fuel consumption; wind direction and speed).

After they have mastered all of the above and with the written consent of their parents, they will make their own discovery flight from SQL in a real aircraft under the supervision of an FAA-licensed pilot (minimum age: 8 yrs). In addition to seeing their house at 3,000 feet, they will assimilate all the mathematical and scientific knowledge accumulated to date and make sense of their unique experience in the air.

As incentives for good attitude and behavior, Mr. Mullins will take exemplary students to visit the FAA control tower at SQL and/or SFO, tour NASA Ames on Yuri’s Day in April, and be part of the Parade of Planes in May.

Mr. Mullins hopes not to only encourage them to think math and science whenever they see an aircraft but to inspire them to pursue aviation as a career using the math and science skills they have acquired during childhood.

Mr. Mullins thanks Donna Marie Baldwin of Coldwell Banker, Kim Giang of Edible Arrangements®, and CLUB USA® for their sponsorship of these extraordinary learning opportunities.

Community GIS Update on City Website

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I know that many of you have already visited Redwood City’s Community GIS (Geographic Information System) page, located at http://www.redwoodcity.org/gis . Even if you’ve already enjoyed using this application, we’ve added yet more new features that I think you’ll want to check out!

First, the newly-adopted 2010 General Plan has been added as a layer. This layer can be found on the left side of the GIS screen in the “Land Use” folder. And, a parcel’s 2010 General Plan designation (instead of the old 1990 designation) will be displayed when you select a parcel.

Second, you can now view details on Park and Facility projects (just like you can for City Infrastructure Projects, and Planning Projects) – take a look under City Projects on the main menu of GIS, on the right side of your screen. With this feature, you can see where Park and Facility work is going on and get details such as type of work, status/update, City engineer/planner and contact information, and more. When you are driving, walking, or biking around town and see something going on, you can look for it on Community GIS and get all the info.

And last but not least, an interactive GIS layer has been added depicting Redwood City’s recently implemented “Path of History” walking tour! Besides displaying the route, each historic site is highlighted with a picture and a brief description. Check it out by clicking on “Path of History” on the main menu of the GIS on the right side of your screen.

Take a look at Redwood City’s Community GIS – http://www.redwoodcity.org/gis – it’s a great online resource to help keep the Redwood City community informed.

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.

— Malcolm Smith

— Public Communications Manager

Redwood City Urges Public to “Keep Our Community Clean” – No Illegal Dumping

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It’s wonderful that during the holiday season our community always comes through with donations of clothing and household goods for the less-fortunate, at a number of legitimate donation locations. Unfortunately, during this season there is also an increase in illegal dumping of such items – often with good intentions but in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Redwood City’s Code Enforcement staff reminds the community that it is illegal to dump or leave household goods or clothes, even as a donation, in a location that does not accept such items, or at a time when such donations are not accepted. These items often do not find their way to those in-need, and they are also an eyesore, foster further unlawful dumping of garbage and other materials, and create a habitat for rodents and other pests.

For example, the Savers store at 875 Main Street generously accepts donations from 7 am to 9 pm weekday and 10 am – 6 pm weekends. However, there are many instances of donated items being left there at other times – they merely pile up and attract illegal dumping of garbage and debris. It’s important to point out that the donation area behind Savers is now under 24 hour-a-day video surveillance and violators will be prosecuted. The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other groups also accept donations during certain hours. Three other areas that seem to attract dumping are the alleys on Jefferson Avenue between Fulton and Adams Street, and on Redwood Avenue and Poplar Avenue between Hudson Street and El Camino Real.

Everyone is responsible for helping to keep our community clean, and the condition and appearance of our streets reflects on the entire community. Redwood City Code Enforcement reminds the public to not dump illegally, or drop-off donated items outside of the appropriate times. Go to www.recycleworks.org for information about how and where to recycle a variety of materials. Contact Allied Waste at 650-592-2411, or (after January 1, 2011) Recology at 650-595-3900 for information about how to properly dispose of debris or other non-recyclable materials. Report illegal dumping to Redwood City Code Enforcement at 650-780-7350.

Public Hearing on Downtown Precise Plan — Final Approval

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Redwood City’s new Draft Downtown Precise Plan is a blueprint for what our Downtown will be: how we can continue creating an exciting, active, and livable Downtown with interesting building forms and attractive, inviting spaces. Now, after a great deal of community discussion, input, and comment, the Draft Downtown Precise Plan and its draft Final Environmental Impact Report are complete, and the City Council will now consider the Planning Commission’s two recommendations: certification of the Precise Plan’s Final Environmental Impact Report, and, 2) final approval of the Downtown Precise Plan.

The City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, January 24, 2011, at City Hall (1017 Middlefield Road) beginning at 7 pm, to consider those two recommendations.

Many members of the Redwood City community have been involved with the development of Redwood City’s Downtown Precise Plan. Last fall, the Plan’s Draft EIR went through a 45-day public circulation period (from September 21, 2010 thru November 5, 2010), and the Planning Commission held public hearings in September and October to take comments, then held a public hearing in December to finalize its recommendations to the Council.

Interested members of the community are invited to participate in this final step in the Downtown Precise Plan process, and join the discussion as the City Council considers final adoption. More information about the Downtown Precise Plan is online at www.redwoodcity.org/preciseplan.

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

Street Lights on Marine & Bridge

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You may have noticed that many streetlamps on Bridge Parkway and Marine Parkway have been dark over the past few days (including, at one time, the traffic lamp at the overpass connecting Belmont’s Ralston Avenue and Redwood Shores’ Marine Parkway.). This situation is an important matter for the safety of autos and pedestrians in Redwood Shores.

Redwood City Public Works Superintendent Mike Gibbons, M.P.A. spoke with RSCA representatives on December 9th and explained that street light electical has been in repair on Marine and Bridge. Its team has been busy replacing wires and bad fixtures as well as repairing broken conduit. This was expected to be repaired quickly (within 10 days,) but complications have increased the repair time. On December 20th, Mr. Gibbons gave us this update on the situation:

“They are making steady progress to get all of the damaged wire and conduits replaced and get all the lights back on as soon as they can. Our contractor is still working in the area and I met with them this morning to see firsthand some of the difficulties they are having tracing the wire in the conduit and making repairs. All of the lights on the north side of Marine Parkway, between the Belmont city limit and Oracle Parkway East are now on and some of the lights on the south side of Marine Parkway are working. I gave them the go-ahead today to cut a new trench to install new conduit and wire to connect one light pole to another one, rather than have them continue to dig individual holes looking for the broken conduit. They didn’t give me an estimated time for repairs and the weather and holidays will affect their schedule somewhat I’m sure.”

RSCA will continue to follow up with the city about the status of these repairs.

Storms Coming — Sandbags Available for Redwood City Residents

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A significant set of storms is predicted to come in starting late tonight or tomorrow, Friday, December 17, along with high tides on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday mornings.

If you are in a flood-prone area of Redwood City, you’ll want to know that sandbags are available – these are for Redwood City residents only and there is a limit of 24 sandbags per household. You can pick up sandbags in the parking lot of Redwood City’s Public Works Services building, 1400 Broadway (between Chestnut and Woodside).

Our Public Works Services and public safety staff will of course be monitoring the storm conditions closely. You can help by making sure the storm drains on your street are clear of leaves and other debris. Please work with your neighbors and identify those that will take the responsibility to clean any debris and leaves that may be covering catch basins or inlets before the storms start, and then keep an eye on them through the weekend and clear them out if they become blocked.

City crews are right now out inspecting and checking channels, creeks and storm drain inlets, but your help is needed throughout this series of storms. If you notice significant problems during the storms, you can contact Redwood City Public Works Services at (650) 780-7464.

Again, the sandbags at Redwood City’s Public Works Services Department are for Redwood City residents only, and there is a limit of 24 per household. For residents of unincorporated areas of San Mateo County, the County provides other sandbag pickup locations (best to call first):

  • Grant Corporation Yard, 752 Chestnut, Redwood City – (650) 363-4103
  • Princeton Corporation Yard, 203 Cornell Avenue, Half Moon Bay – (650) 728-7993
  • Pescadero High School, 350 Butano Cut-Off Road, Pescadero
  • La Honda Corporation Yard, 59 Entrada Way, La Honda – (650) 747-0341

Here are sandbag locations for some other Peninsula cities. If you live in one of these cities, be sure to contact your local public works department to confirm availability of sandbags, locations, and limitations.

  • San Carlos – 100 Bransten Road, San Carlos
  • Belmont – 110 Sem Lane , Belmont
  • Palo Alto – 600 E. Meadow Drive
  • Palo Alto – Palo Alto Airport
  • City of San Mateo – 1949 Pacific Blvd. San Mateo
  • Menlo Park – Alma Street and Burgess Drive
  • Menlo Park – Pope Street and Laurel Ave.
  • Mountain View – 231 N. Whisman Road, Mountain View