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Redwood City E-News
Building a Great Community Together
Issue #62 ~ October, 2008
(Back to index of all issues)
IN THIS ISSUE:
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"Scare on the Square" Free Outdoor Movies in October
Redwood City's famous "Scare on the Square" brings three spooky and fun outdoor movies to you this October, all free! Come early for the best seats (a limited number of chairs and tables are available) - all right on Courthouse Square.
Saturday, October 4 - The Addams Family (PG-13)
Saturday, October 11 - The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)
Saturday, October 18 - Edward Scissorhands (PG)
Bring your blankets, pick up take-out food from the nearby wonderful restaurants and experience Courthouse Square's outdoor "theater" on our 25 foot inflatable screen (weather permitting).
Bring your receipt from any downtown business on the day of the movie for FREE popcorn!
Visit www.redwoodcityevents.com for information about this and other great events in Redwood City.
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Another Opportunity to Discuss, Comment on New General Plan
In late September, hundreds of people visited Courthouse Square and the County History Museum to view displays, join in discussions, hear presentations, offer comments and opinions, and take part in helping to create the blueprint for our community’s future – the City’s new General Plan.
For those who were unable to attend, here is another opportunity to learn about and offer your views on what the new General Plan should include. The community is again invited to Be a Part of the Plan at the Planning Commission meeting on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 in the Council Chambers at City Hall (1017 Middlefield Road). The evening starts at 6:30 with an “open house” where visitors can browse the displays, talk to staff about the elements of the new General Plan, and enjoy light refreshments. Then at 7 pm, the meeting gets underway.
All of the displays from the recent public workshop will be on-site, and each will be presented and discussed at this joint meeting of the Planning Commission and the Housing and Human Concerns Committee. There will be ample opportunity to learn from the presentations, view the displays, talk to staff, and offer comments, opinions, ideas, and preferences. The City wants to get as many perspectives as possible about alternative land uses around El Camino Real, the Bayfront, Woodside Road, and neighborhood areas – as well as on many other General Plan issues, like mobility, sustainability, economic development, and more.
The General Plan is the document that establishes policies, goals, and programs for the long-term physical development of our community. It’s really a “blueprint for the future” of how our City will look, how development will occur, and what we want our City to be for future generations.
More information is available by contacting Redwood City’s New General Plan staff by calling 650-780-7234, visiting www.redwoodcity.org/generalplan, or emailing generalplan@redwoodcity.org.
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Zoppé Italian Circus Coming to Town!
The Zoppé Family Circus welcomes guests into its intimate 500 seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the best history of the Old-World Italian tradition. Starring Nino the clown, the circus is propelled by a central story (as opposed to individual acts) that feature acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, cainine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation.
It's great for the whole family, and will create circus memories to last a lifetime! We'll convert the parking lot next to the Downtownt Library (1044 Middlefield Road) into an incredible circus site, where the entire community is invited to enjoy the Zoppe Italian Circus.
Thursday, October 23
Special Gala Opening Performance
(time and ticket availability to be announced)
Friday through Sunday, October 24 through 26
Shows at noon, 4 pm, and 8 pm
Ticket Prices
12pm and 4pm Matinees: Child (2 - 12): $10 / Adult: $15
Evening 8 pm: Child (12 & under): $15 / Adult: $20
Go online for more information and to buy tickets!
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Free Workshop for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
A partnership of the City of Redwood city, the East Palo Alto Community Alliance and Neighborhood Development Organization (EPA CAN DO) and Community Legal Services of East Palo Alto is holding a free workshop in Redwood City for homeowners facing foreclosure.
The community is welcome to attend without appointment or RSVP (although RSVPs are appreciated). The workshop will take place at the Fair Oaks Community Center at 2600 Middlefield Road in Redwood City on Thursday, October 16th from 6 - 9 pm. Spanish translation services will be available. Those wishing to attend are invited to contact EPA CAN DO at 650-473-9838 for more details.
The purpose of the workshop is to assist homeowners who are near to or currently in foreclosure. The workshop will focus on various issues related to foreclosure such as the realities of the current real estate market, working with lenders to modify your loan, legal issues involved in foreclosure, short sales, and rebuilding post-foreclosure credit.
Visit EPA CAN DO online at www.epacando.org. Community Legal Services of East Palo Alto’s website is www.clsepa.org.
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Join the Trivia Bee and Benefit Project READ
Why waste time watching phony reality shows? Get a dose of real entertainment at Redwood City Project READ’s 19th Annual Trivia Bee benefit for Project READ! It takes place on Friday, October 17, 2008 beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Cañada College, 4200 Farm Hill Boulevard in Redwood City.
The Trivia Bee is a chance to see REAL people gather to prove they’re experts of trivial information, while vying for the coveted title of Trivia BEE Champions of Redwood City! All this as hundreds of spectators cheer, sneer, and root them on.
Or, if you think you and your friends have the trivia chops, companies and individuals may register to participate as a team or event sponsor. Team sponsorship at several levels and prices are still available. Call 650-780-7077 today or visit www.triviabee.org for information on this fun event, or for how to bring your team to the Trivia Bee.
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Dia de los Muertos - Day of the Dead 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 Saturday, November 1st from 3 pm to 8 pm.
The event begins at Courthouse Square with fun art activities, food, and altar decorating; then at 5 pm everyone can gather at the Downtown Library for a procession to the Courthouse Square where where there will be entertainment, art demonstrations, hands-on arts, food, and music.
The Dia de los Muertos activities include:
- Procession
- School Mural Project (display on the Courthouse Square)
- Community Altar Display
- Marigolds Flower Decorating
- Papel Picado Decoration Station
- Food Vendors
- Sugar Skull artist
- Skull Cookie decorating
- Aztec Dancers
- Los Viejos Dancers
- Music
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.
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One Book - One Community Reading Events in October
One Book, One Community” is a community activity that invites everyone in Redwood City and throughout San Mateo County to read the same great book, at the same time! Then, readers can gather for book discussions, literary presentations, films, music and dance performances, and related family programs and cultural events.
The featured book is Dave Eggers' What Is the What - the astonishing story of Valentino Achak Deng who, as a boy, was separated from his family, his village destroyed, and endured atrocity after atrocity during the second Sudanese civil war, yet refused to abandon decency, kindness, and hope.
Eggers will kick off the month-long program on October 1st by appearing in conversation with KQED “Forum” host Michael Krasny at the San Mateo Performing Arts Center (600 N. Delaware Street, San Mateo; 7:30 pm). Valentino Achak Deng will join Mr. Eggers in this event, offering his first-hand perception that is the basis for the book. The 1,600-seat auditorium is expected to be at capacity, and the event is free and open to all.
For more information and a complete listing of all the great One Book - One Community events during October, please visit www.redwoodcity.org/library. Also see the City's online calendar of events at www.redwoodcity.org/calendar.
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Show Your Pride, Redwood City!
Mayor Rosanne Foust and local businessman Dave Karow are partnering to put on a really special contest that’s all about having PRIDE in Redwood City. It’s the “Show Your Pride” Writing & Photo Contest!
This is the contest that asks, “What is special about Redwood City to you?” Put your answer in writing or a photo to WIN! The writing contest is open to 6th – 12th graders at any Redwood City public or private school. The photo contest is open to anyone who lives or works in Redwood City.
Every entrant gets a free ice cream from Young’s Ice Cream and Candy Bar. Top three entries in each category win cash prizes up to $500! Semi-finalists get published in a book, and get a free copy.
The deadline for entries is Monday, October 20, 2008.
Entering is easy:
Writing: Write 400 words or less about why you’ve got Redwood City pride and how your experiences in Redwood City have been significant for you. Feel free to write your entry as a poem if you would prefer. More ideas online at www.redwoodcitypride.org.
Photo: Submit your non-professional photo and caption of 20 words or less that depicts some aspect of Redwood City you are proud of. Photo can be submitted as an original print by mail or as a high-resoluton JPEG format on line. See www.redwoodcitypride.org for details on image size/resolution.
Go to www.redwoodcitypride.org for more info!
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New Fire Chief Appointed
Long-time Redwood City Fire Department member James F. Skinner was appointed to the position of Redwood City Fire Chief. Mr. Skinner’s appointment comes after serving as Interim Fire Chief for the last nine months, filling the vacancy upon the departure last year of former chief Gerry Kohlmann.
Chief Skinner has been with the Redwood City Fire Department for a remarkable 26 years, since May, 1982. He was promoted to Captain in 1990, and then Battalion Chief in 1998. As Interim Chief, he has proven his high-level leadership and management abilities, overseeing an annual budget of $17 million and a staff of 70.
Chief Skinner has earned a reputation for professionalism and dedication, and he’s an admired leader in the Redwood City Fire Department, as well as within the regional fire service. He noted that he's “thrilled to be part of this wonderful organization and to have the opportunity to continue the Fire Department’s tradition of excellence and service to the community of Redwood City.”
Congratulations, Chief Skinner!
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Avoid False Alarms - Check Smoke Detectors and Alarm Systems
The “first line of defense” against injury or death in the event of a fire is a working smoke detector or smoke alarm system. That’s why the Redwood City Fire Department emphasizes the importance of having detectors or alarms installed in all residences and businesses. A properly placed, working smoke detector provides occupants with the best chance to escape without injury should a fire occur.
The Fire Department also emphasizes that automatic fire alarm systems must undergo regular maintenance in order to remain properly operational. Poorly maintained alarm systems may cause false alarms to be reported to the Fire Department – and false alarms can impede service delivery, deplete department resources, and prevent essential services from reaching those in need in a timely manner.
Residents and businesses can be fined if the Fire Department must respond to more than two false alarms within a sixty-day period, regardless of whether the false alarm is due to a malfunction of the equipment, or to inadvertence or negligence.
The Redwood City Fire Department would prefer not to levy any fines – the community is safer and better served if all automatic fire alarm systems are regularly maintained and properly operational. Please check your smoke detectors regularly, and replace batteries twice each year. Many fire fatalities occur because there is not a functioning smoke alarm installed nearby. Further information regarding proper placement and maintenance of smoke detectors or fire alarm systems is available at www.redwoodcity.org/fire or by contacting the Fire Department at (650) 780-7400.
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Fire Prevention Week - "Prevent Home Fires"
National Fire Prevention Week is October 5 -11, 2008 and Redwood City is urging the community to take a few simple fire prevention steps that could save their lives and those of their loved ones.
The 2008 theme is "Prevent Home Fires" and it focuses on checking for home fire hazards. Fire departments responded to nearly 400,000 home fires in 2006. With a little extra caution, preventing the leading causes of home fires – cooking, heating, electrical and smoking-materials – is within the power of Redwood City residents.
Here is a selection of some of the easy safety tips offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) – a complete list and more information can be found at www.nfpa.org.
Prevent Home Fires Checklist:
- Cooking food must never be left unattended
- Mitts, paper towels and other combustibles must always be kept away from stovetops
- Service your chimney and fireplace and make sure you have a sturdy metal screen in front of fireplaces
- Keep combustible material at least 3 feet away from portable heaters
- Portable space heaters and lit candles must not be left unattended
- Keep matches and lighters away from childrens’ reach
- Use candles safely where they cannot be knocked over
- Install/maintain working smoke alarms in your home - in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, on each level of the home, including the basement
- Make sure you know the sound of your smoke alarms
- If smoke alarms are more than 10 years old, replace
- Create a family home fire escape plan, and identify two ways out of each room in your home
- Know what to do when you hear your smoke alarm - the rule is “Get Out Stay Out!”
- Clear all the exits in your home of trash and toys
- Identify a meeting place outside the home where family can go after escaping a fire
- Makes sure everyone at home knows how to contact the fire department
- Practice your family escape plan at least twice a year
The Redwood City Fire Department also reminds the community that the end of daylight savings time is November 2nd - a perfect opportunity to test smoke alarms and replace batteries. A working smoke alarm is the family’s first line of defense in case of fire. The easy way to remember: “change your clock – change your smoke alarm batteries.” More information on how to make your home “fire-safe” can be obtained by contacting the Redwood City Fire Department at 650-780-7400 or visiting www.redwoodcity.org/fire.
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