Redwood Shores Levee Project: Construction to Resume in July

Posted on July 16, 2010 by RSCA

Redwood City has some good news about the schedule for resuming the Levee Improvement Project: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has granted permission for the City to resume work in July, 2010, instead of waiting until September.

As reported in the March issue of the Pilot, levee improvement work around Redwood Shores was halted after January 1, 2010 due to the start of the California Clapper Rail nesting season, as directed by the USFWS. At that time, we were informed that levee work could not resume until after September 1, 2010, the conclusion of the nesting season.

The City directed its environmental consultant to conduct a clapper rail survey, and clapper rails were not detected around the levee construction area. The result of that survey, as well as a request to resume levee construction work prior to September, was submitted to the USFWS for consideration. Authorization to resume levee construction work was granted on June 14, 2010, and the City’s contractor will most likely be able to mobilize in early to mid July.

The levee work will consist mainly of levee path restoration along Steinberger Slough, installation of sheet piles (hard, vinyl “siding” on the levee) around the wastewater treatment plant, and project site clean-up and restoration. This work is anticipated to continue through August.

In regards to levee certification, the draft certification package has been submitted to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for review. The County of San Mateo and the City of San Carlos have received certification packages prepared by the City to bring to their respective Board and Council for adoption in August, to include in the final submittal to FEMA. Levee certification is on track and completion is expected this fall.

Thank you again for your continuing patience as the City continues working on this project on behalf of the Redwood Shores community.

City Council of Redwood City Budget Meeting

Posted on July 8, 2010 by RSCA

The City Council of Redwood City will be holding the third of three public study sessions concerning the City’s budget on:

Wednesday, June 30

NOTE: SPECIAL START TIME OF 6 PM (council meetings normally begin at 7 pm)

City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City

The purpose of this meeting is for the members of the City Council to take further public comment on the recommended budget for fiscal years 2010/12, and engage in deliberation and discussion toward finalizing the budget. At the conclusion of public comment and deliberations, the Council will give staff direction to prepare a final budget, for adoption at its meeting of July 12.

The meeting is starting early in order to allow ample time for community members to speak about the elements of the recommended budget and provide the Council with their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. The proposed budget is available online at www.redwoodcity.org/budget .

The recommended budget includes reductions in expenditures totaling about $6.4 million, made through a combination of programmatic cuts and staff reductions. More information on the scope of the necessary reductions is available in the June 8 news release on the recommended budget, located online (www.redwoodcity.org/manager/news/2010/pr_mgr_budget2.html).

The Redwood City community is invited and encouraged to attend this important Council meeting, and can also view the meeting online (www.redwoodcity.org/government/council/meetings.html), or on Comcast channel 27 or Astound Broadband channel 26.

Questions about this meeting may be directed to the City Clerk’s office at 650-780-7220.

The Origin and Funding of Sandpiper Elementary School

Posted on June 14, 2010 by RSCA

As community discussion has intensified over the last several months about the size, shape, and equity of the proposed school bond tax, certain “urban myths” have taken on a new life. The purpose of this article is to shed light on the facts about how Sandpiper Elementary School came to be and de-bunk the myth that “Belmont paid for most of Sandpiper.” This myth, if left uncorrected, could distract the community at a critical time in funding the public school system. The factual basis for this article comes from extensive interviews of those who were directly involved in the development of the Shores, examination of public records, and information provided by staff at San Mateo County (Office of the Treasurer, Controller, Assessor, Education, Elections, and Records), Belmont-Redwood Shores School District (the ‘District’), and Redwood City.

Fact: Sandpiper Elementary School would not exist today had it not been for the continued generosity of the master developer, personal intervention by Redwood City Council, and significant financial support of Redwood City.

Fact: Shores and Belmont taxpayers have shared in the funding for construction of Sandpiper Elementary.

Fact: The District could have significantly reduced the financed amount for Sandpiper had it not already depleted more than $3,500,000 from the 1987 sale of the original school site in the Shores (given to the District in 1969 by the original Shores master developer for $175K) and hundreds of thousands more in School Impact Fees (a/k/a “developer fees”) collected from 1987 onwards as the Shores was built out.

The Origin of the First School in the Shores:

In 1968, the first General Plan for development of Redwood Shores was approved. In 1969, Leslie Properties, Inc. (the original master developer) sold a 6.75 acre parcel (known as the “Dory Lane parcel”) to the District at a deeply discounted price of $175K to encourage the District to build a school in Redwood Shores at a date as early as possible. Instead, in 1987, the District declared the property as “surplus” and offered it for sale to Redwood City who agreed to purchase 2 acres for the price of $362K in 1988 (now Marlin Park). The District sold the remaining portion to PenCal Properties for $3.32M which brought the District’s total profit to over $3.5M. (PenCal Properties developed the homes along what is now Harbor Colony Court and Dory Lane.)

During the period from 1987 to 1995, there was neither in-ground construction that benefited Shores students (who attended Nesbit Elementary in Belmont) nor a neighborhood school as originally planned by the master developer.

By 1995, the Shores student population had reached a critical number and the District finally acknowledged that the Shores required a local school. However, the District had no funds and attempted unsuccessfully to get Redwood City to require the master developer (now Redwood Shores Properties) to donate a second school site to the District as a condition for approval to develop Area G (seven neighborhoods). The master developer refused believing that it too would be declared “surplus” and sold.

At this point in 1995, Redwood City’s City Council became actively involved in shaping a deal that would make the first school in the Shores a reality. First, the master developer gave Redwood City “free and clear” title to 11 acres (then known as Sandpiper Park) for use as a school and related facilities.

Redwood City sold 3.89 acres of Sandpiper Park parcel to the District for a school site for $2.95M. The City used the rest of the site (7.17 acres) for a community center and sports fields and reserved the $2.95M (from the sale of the school site) in a sinking fund to support future maintenance and operations costs of the sports field and community center. The City also invested $2.98 million on construction of Sandpiper Community Center including half of the cost of the multi-purpose room that would be used by the District as part of normal school operation. In addition, the City used $1.25 million of General Improvement District 1-64 funds to construct the portions of the sports fields that would be used as part of a public park (with the District sharing the cost of joint playfields). Lastly, the City entered into a Joint Use Agreement with the District that allowed the District to use the community center, sports fields, and parking lot as part of school operations.

The District, having no ready funds, took out a loan for $6 million, using 89% of it ($5.34M) to: purchase the Sandpiper school site; construct K-3 school for 250 students, day care center, joint use sports fields, and up to $1M of the cost of a multi-purpose room in the community center; and, obtain a license to use the City’s facilities as part of school operations. The District paid the annual debt expense using developer fees and funds that it received from Belmont Redevelopment Agency. [NOTE: This is the basis for the urban myth that “Belmont paid for most of Sandpiper.” However, today’s outstanding principal is $5.6M — which is $300K more than the cost to build the first phase of Sandpiper (K-3). So, it is more accurate to say that the loan to finance the entire first phase of Sandpiper is still outstanding. This District-wide debt could have been largely avoided if the District had reserved the proceeds from the sale of the first school site as well as School Impact Fees paid over the many years by developers in the Shores for the original intended use — the construction of the first school in the Shores.]

In 1997, the voters approved a District-wide bond ($12M) and less than half used for expanding Sandpiper to K-5. Since this bond was District-wide, Shores and Belmont taxpayers have shared these bond payments.

In summary, Sandpiper Elementary School became a reality due in large measure to the continued generosity of the master developer and substantial intervention of Redwood City and its Council. Both Belmont and Shores taxpayers have shared the funding for construction of Sandpiper Elementary. The new Redwood Shores Elementary School, in contrast, is funded 100% by Shores taxpayers for the next 30 years.

–Submitted by Carole Wong, President of RSOA

Redwood City 9th Annual Pet Parade

Posted on May 15, 2010 by RSCA

The Pet Parade is the wildly popular annual event inviting children, adults and families to show of their pets of all types and sizes, whether fur, feathers, or scales, and vie for a $100 Grand prize award for the very best entry winner! This is not just a Pet Parade; it is a community event that will include a Pet Parade and much more. It all takes place on Saturday, May 22nd from 11 am – 3 pm. The Parade starts at noon, in Redwood City’s beautiful Downtown Courthouse Square.

The entire pet-loving community is invited to bring their pets or special stuffed animal – costumes are encouraged for pets, and for humans, too! Get the registration form at Red Morton or Sandpiper community centers or the Community Activities Building, print the form on the City’s events website located at www.redwoodcityevents.org, or sign up by 11:30 am on the day of the Pet Parade. There is a $5 per entry fee to be judged in the contest and possibly win a $100 grand prize! There is no fee to walk along and just be part of the Pet Parade!

This year’s family activities include frisbee and high jumping dogs along with a fly ball demonstration, over 60 vendor booths featuring great products and services for pets and more, the hilarious dog weighing contest, an incredible dog agility and training demonstration, special pet/owner photo opportunities, the kids’ favorite – a petting zoo, craft making for everyone sponsored by the Redwood City Art Center three live radio stations, all-new Pet Parade visors and T-shirts, a live performance by the great band “Mid Life Crisis,” and a lot of special surprises!

Hundreds of people and their animals participate in each year’s Pet Parade which has become well-known as the “happiest event of the year!” Families will enjoy lots of food, vendor booths, entertainment, and more. Contest categories include: best pet costume, best pet and owner look-alike, most unusual pet, and best pet trick. Leashes are required, and all participants should bring water for themselves and their pets.

This event is sponsored and hosted by Redwood City and its Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department, the Redwood City Parks and Recreation Commission and the Redwood City Redevelopment Agency. Visit www.redwoodcityevents.com for information on the great variety of FREE music, theater, dance, movies, events, activities, and more taking place throughout spring, summer, and fall in Downtown Redwood City.

The Redwood City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department provides recreational facilities and activities for all ages and interests, and supplies building and custodial services for City buildings. Redwood City Parks also operates the Fair Oaks Community Center, providing social, educational, and cultural activities, as well as information, referral, and counseling services to persons living in Redwood City and neighboring communities. Redwood City Parks is more than you think! Its website is located at www.redwoodcity.org/parks.

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 newsletters or other City documents at www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

— Jeri Joseph-Hover

— Redwood City Parks & Recreation Commission

Sign Up Now for PACT

Posted on February 6, 2010 by RSCA

Registration is now available for the 2010 session of Redwood City’s renowned PACT (Partnership Academy for Community Teamwork) program. The deadline to register is 5:00 pm, March 1st, 2010.

The easiest and quickest way to register is to go online to www.redwoodcity.org/pact, where you’ll also get the details. Registration forms are also available from the City Manager’s office, located in City Hall at 1017 Middlefield Road, or by calling 650-780-7300. Enrollment is limited to 40 participants. High school students are encouraged to participate (waiver must be signed by parent or guardian).

This is a nine-week community academy will provide participants with a hands-on overview of the management and governance of Redwood City, while helping to build relationships that will strengthen our entire community. The 2010 program takes place each Thursday evening from April 1st through May 27th and engages in dynamic and interesting activities illustrating how the City functions. The sessions cover subjects from Public Works to the Police Department, from the City Council to Finance, from the Fire Department to the Library, and more. This is a great opportunity for interested community members to get an insider’s view of where the City is going, become experts on how the City operates, and help to build a great community together.

The objectives of PACT are to involve and engage people in learning about and understanding the operation of City government, and to improve communication between the City and those that live and work here in order to strengthen and enhance the entire community. Participants will learn how decisions are made, how City funds are allocated, and how City departments operate with each other, and get an opportunity to sit down with City Council members for frank discussions of issues, projects, politics, and plans for shaping the future of our community.

Here’s what Mayor Jeff Ira says about PACT: “Particularly during these tough economic times, it’s important for people to really get engaged with the City and with their communities, to learn how things operate and to bring true partnership to how we address community issues. This is a ‘call to action’ for anyone in our community who wants to be more involved and engaged with the City and with each other.”

If you’re already a PACT graduate, then you know what a fun, interesting, and fulfilling program it is — and if so, please forward this email to invite a neighbor or friend to get involved.

Jeff Gee Elected To Redwood City Council

Posted on November 5, 2009 by RSCA

jeff-gee RSCA wishes to congratulate Jeff Gee, Redwood Shores Resident on his election to the Redwood City Council along with Jeff Ira, Incumbent, and John Seybert to the three seats available.

Jeff’s top priorities include: a balanced budget, supporting our schools, protecting public safety services, creating new jobs, expanding youth and senior services, housing along transit corridors, and reducing traffic congestion.

Do You Know About Redwood Cityʼs “CodeRED” Emergency Notification System?

Posted on November 1, 2009 by RSCA

This system lets the City deliver pre-recorded emergency telephone notification messages to targeted areas or to the entire City. It’s used to notify neighbors and businesses in the event of a major fire, flood, earthquake, missing person, or other emergency.

Your home phone number is probably already in the system, but you’ll want to include your cell phone, work phone (even if out of the area), or other alternate number. Then you’re sure to be called when a CodeRED alert is activated near your home or business.

Please go online to www.redwoodcity.org/codered and update your information or add an alternate phone number. During a CodeRED alert, both the primary and alternate number will be called. This free service is available to all Redwood City addresses, as well as those outside the City limits in the North Fair Oaks, Emerald Hills, or other unincorporated areas directly adjacent to Redwood City.

This system will be critical in the event of a major disaster such as an earthquake or major flooding when quick notification of the community about emergency procedures or other emergency information is required.

The CodeRED system (www.coderedweb.com) is a geographical-based notification system, which means street addresses are required so that emergency operations staff can select which areas’ phone numbers will receive emergency notification calls. The system works for cell phones as long as they’re associated with a street address. People who have recently moved but kept the same listed or unlisted phone number will benefit by updating their address in the CodeRED database. Information in the CodeRED database remains completely private and will only be used to notify community members of critical emergency situations.

RSCA

Proudly serving the Redwood Shores community since 1970.

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