|
Redwood City E-News
Building a Great Community Together
 Issue #51 ~ November, 2007
(Back to index of all issues)
IN THIS ISSUE:
**************************
Joyful & Exciting Dia de los Muertos Celebration
Dia de los Muertos/Day of the Dead is a joyful commemoration of  ancestors and a celebration of the continuity of life, and this year a special event will be held Downtown on Friday, November 2nd. It begins at 6 pm with a procession from the Main Library (1044 Middlefield Road) taking participants to beautiful Courthouse Square.
There, the community will enjoy a variety of dance performances, food, art, crafts for kids, and demonstrations of how to make the famous “sugar skulls.” Other activities include:
- Dia de los Muertos artwork from the students of Redwood City Schools
- Dance performances by Casa de La Cultura, Quetzalcoatl, Gente Activa presenting: "Los Viejitos y La Pina,” and Mexico Vivo Infantil Ballet Folklorico with Michoacan state
- Live music by Carlos Sandoval y su Trio Versatile
- A three-shelved table "altar" where people can leave pictures, flowers, breads, trinkets, etc., as a way to express their remembrance and commemoration (this will be set up by 3 pm on November 1st)
- Demonstration by a sugar skull artist
- Face painters will transform kids’ faces; skull cookies and pan de muerto will be available for decoration.
Don't miss this exciting cultural event, sponsored by Redwood City and its Public Library, Parks Recreation
and Community Services Department, and Civic Cultural Commission.
**************************
11th Annual International Latino Film Fest is Here!
 For the second year, the City of Redwood City and the Latino Leadership Council are proud to host
three spectacular nights of the renowned International Latino Film Festival – coming right to Downtown Redwood City!
November 16, 17, and 18 bring six great Latino films, as well as a special Gala Closing Reception/La Gran Final, in the San Mateo County History Museum, in its dramatic rotunda under the magnificent stained glass dome that is the pride of
the peninsula.
Go to www.redwoodcity.org/latinofilmfestival for all the details!
The Century Downtown 20 Theatres will be screening these incredible films from around the world. And, you're invited to join other film lovers for the Gala Closing Reception / La Gran Final on November 18, which will feature an array of Latino foods, great beverages, and live entertainment, as participants bask in the sunset of another fabulous and successful year of award-winning Latino cinema.
**************************
Meet the Author Events at Downtown Library
Don't miss the chance to meet these two great authors at the Downtown Library, 1044 Middlefield Road. What an opportunity to hear about their craft, learn from their experience, and engage in conversation with these successful authors.
Barry Eisler
- November 7th at 7:30 pm in the Downtown Library Community Room
Barry Eisler, Menlo Park’s author of six John Rain thrillers has reached the bestseller lists of The New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle with his latest book, Requiem for an Assassin.
Nina Marie Martínez
- November 13th at 7:30 pm in the Downtown Library Fireplace Room
Nina Marie Martínez’s first novel, ¡Caramba! A Tale Told in Turns of the Card is about the “wacky goings-on in small Lava Landing, CA."
For more information contact the Redwood City Public Library at 780-7018 or go online to www.redwoodcity.org/library.
**************************
"Little Shop of Horrors" at Sequoia High School
 This fall, join Sequoia High School as they present the classic comedy-musical "Little Shop of Horrors" featuring a dentist and man-eating plant. It's a wonderful live performance by Sequoia's very own actors and dancers, and...the Sequoia High football team!
Preview performances for grades K-8 are on November 28th & 29th, at 6:30 pm.
This fun and exciting production will be presented:
- November 30th & December 1st, 7th, and 8th at 7 pm
- December 2nd and 9th at 2 pm
Ticket information: call 650-369-1411, extension 6288. Get more information at www.sequoia.org.
**************************
Book Released on Redwood City's History
Redwood City proudly announces the release of a new book detailing the deeply varied, intriguing, sometimes tragic, sometimes humorous, and always fascinating history of our community, entitled “Redwood  City: A Hometown History.”
The 520-page book was made possible by the Archives Committee of the Redwood City Public Library. In true community-building fashion this book features the varied perspectives and contributions of 18 different local authors. It is lavishly illustrated with an incredible array of photos - many never-before published!
This, the first comprehensive and now quintessential history book about Redwood City, is available at the Redwood City Library and local bookstores, and will soon be available on Amazon.com and other book sellers. Local proceeds from sales of the book benefit the Redwood City Public Library and its Historical Archives.
The book features captivating descriptions and insights into the vibrant and character-filled history of our community. From saloons and breweries to visitors both famous and infamous; from the Union Cemetery to the earliest version of Sequoia High School; from the early lumber and tannery industries to the birth and development of high-tech; and from our “Climate Best” motto to the Port, the County Seat, and the diversity of our community of both yesterday, and today.
See it at the Redwood City Public Library!
**************************
Senior Center Events in November
The Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Avenue, is happy to announce some activities for November (all events take place at the Senior Center):
- Senior Affairs Commission Meeting
Thursday, November 8th - 1 pm
- Nutrition for your Heart Presentation
Wednesday, November 14th - 10:30 - 11:30 am
- Thanksgiving Gathering
Friday, November 16th - Noon– 2 pm
- Holiday Decorating Party
Monday, November 26th - 9 am– noon ($7 cost)
- Chat with Jim Dunbar
Thursday, November 29th – 1:15 – 2:15 pm
Call 780-7344 for more information on all of these events!
**************************
Bair Island Closed During Restoration Work
The environmental restoration of inner Bair Island is now well- underway, with new wildlife habitat and tidal wetlands, a rebuilt trail, observation platforms, and other amenities planned.
As the first step, over one million cubic yards of dirt is being hauled onto Bair Island to raise its level and create a more natural tidal wetland. Some of this dirt is being used to create levees to hold dredge material to be deposited later. For the public safety and in order to most efficiently carry out this restoration work, Bair Island has been closed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to all public access until further notice.
Periodic weekend-only openings may be scheduled as the work progresses. Visitors are encouraged to check www.redwoodcity.org/bair to learn more about the restoration project, and for updated closure information.
**************************
Recycle Your Old Auto Tires
Do you have any old tires that you need to get rid of? Here's how to keep them out of the landfill!
The County of San Mateo, in cooperation with Redwood City, is hosting a FREE tire recycling day. 
- Saturday, December 1st, 2007
Redwood City Public Works
1400 Broadway
Bring in your old tires between 9 am and 2 pm, along with this coupon (must present coupon to recycle for free). If you have more than 4 tires, just copy the coupon.
For more information on tire recycling contact the County of San Mateo at 1-888-442-2666 or go to www.recycleworks.org. This program is funded by a Grant from the California Integrated Waste Management Board.
**************************
Tips for a "Green" Fall and Thanksgiving
Every season offers different ways for you to reduce your energy usage, and do your part to reduce our community's "carbon footprint."
This fall, you can stay cozy by plugging air leaks and insulating. Sealing  up air leaks with caulking and weather stripping – including caulking around the fireplace hearth – and installing adequate insulation will not only increase indoor comfort but will also reduce home heating costs by up to 20 percent. Visit the US Government's "Energy Savers" website for good information on insulating. And of course, more efficiency will save you money on your energy bill.
Did you know that food can typically travel hundreds of miles before it gets to your grocery store? Each of those miles involves the emission of the greenhouse gas CO2. To avoid this contribution, support your area’s agriculture (and that's easy in California!): visit a farmer’s market, look for regional produce at the grocery shop or create a garden of your own.
If you eat local food just once a week, you can prevent the emission of about 5,000 pounds of CO2 over the course of a year.
For your Thanksgiving feast, here are a few great tips:
- Use local fruits and vegetables (or even try growing your own!)
- Don 't buy fresh fruits and vegetables which are out of season, as they may have been flown in
- Buy organic produce
And, in general:
- Try to buy products made closer to home (look out for and avoid items that are made in distant lands such as China and India as the transportation is a big contributor to energy use)
- Don 't buy over-packaged products
- Recycle as much as possible!
Have a wonderful "green" Thanksgiving!
**************************
Help the Police/Fire Annual Toy and Book Drive
 Each year, the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL) Christmas Toy and Book Drive has brought the holiday spirit right to the doorstep of many needy families.
In conjunction with the Police Officers Association and Firefighters Association, and with help from the Fair Oaks Community Center and a corps of volunteers, this annual event has become a welcome tradition in Redwood City.
Businesses are asked to place donation barrels at their sites; individuals and families are encouraged to donate new, unwrapped toys and books; and volunteers are asked for their time and energy for ‘wrapping parties’ where everyone takes part in preparing the gifts for the kids, from gift wrapping, to ‘quality control,’ to helping with food and drinks. 
To learn how to get involved, call Officer Dan Smith at (650) 556-1650 extension 11, or go online for a handy form you can print and fill out.
**************************
Save the Date: December 1st Hometown Holiday
This year 's Hometown Holidays will be great holiday fun for adults, kids, and the entire family! It 's a free event, starting at 10 am on Saturday December 1st, and continuing into the evening, rain or shine.
Join the community for a Holiday Boutique, snow play with REAL snow, photos with Santa, music, ice sculpture, parade, free outdoor holiday movie, fireworks, and a lot more!
Visit the Hometown Holidays web page for more details.
**************************
10 Easy Things You Can Do to Build Community
Building community isn't hard. It starts with neighbors getting to know neighbors. And it builds from there, until people in entire groups of neighborhoods are feeling like they belong to something bigger than themselves - the community.
Click here to get a "neigbhorhood contact sheet" (in Excel format) that you can use to get to know your neighbors. Modify it as needed, then get a neighbor friend to go with you door-to-door, just a few houses or a lot - and ask people to fill in the contact information. Then use it to plan a block party or potluck or other neighborhood event.
Here are just a few other ways that YOU can do to build community, right in your own neighborhood. Try some of these easy things! Contact us for a small neighborhood grant to help get started.
- Organize a social gathering to welcome a new neighbor
- Attend a City Council meeting
- Register to vote – and then vote
- Support local merchants
- Volunteer your special skills to an organization
- Donate blood (with a friend!)
- Start a community garden
- Help fix someone 's flat tire
- Organize or participate in a sports league
- Join or start a gardening club
|
