Spectrum Magazine

Woman allegedly attacked by student in Redwood City high school parking garage. . .

2012-01-24T16:57:00.000-08:00

INCIDENT SUMMARY:

LOCATION: Summit High School, 890 Broadway, Redwood City
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Kidnapping, Assault to Commit Rape
VICTIM: 29 year-old, female, San Francisco resident
SUSPECT: David Velasquez, 19 year-old, Redwood City

On Monday, January 23rd at approximately 1805 hours, the victim was allegedly confronted by the suspect in the underground parking garage at Summit High School. The suspect allegedly approached the victim with a knife and grabbed her and forced her towards her vehicle. The victim allegedly began to struggle with the suspect and she was forced to the ground. A witness entered the garage and saw what was occurring and yelled at the suspect. The suspect fled on foot. The victim suffered minor injuries. Officers conducted follow-up investigation and were able to identify the suspect. The suspect is a student at the school.

It appears the alleged motive for the attack was a sexual assault. The suspect was booked into the San Mateo County Jail for kidnapping, assault with intent to rape, false imprisonment, and terrorist threats.

This is an on-going investigation and anyone with information regarding the
assault is encouraged to contact the Redwood City Police Department.

Witnesses who wish to remain anonymous can call the anonymous tip line at 650-780-7110.

Local Teams and Teams from Around the Country Compete at Jigsaw Java’s 3rd Annual Puzzle Building Competition in Celebration of National Puzzle Day

2012-01-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

Public Invited to National Puzzle Day Celebration and Puzzle Competition at Jigsaw Java in Downtown Redwood City

•· Local participants and from as far as Vermont will compete in teams of four for a grand prize of $500 in the 3rd Annual Puzzle Building Competition sponsored by Sunsout Inc. (makers of quality jigsaw puzzles), Artifact Laser Cut Wooden Puzzles (owned by local artisan and Google Researcher, Maya Gupta), and San Mateo Credit Union. Fastest team to complete 1000 piece puzzle wins.

•· This year for the first time, less competitive and family teams will have the opportunity to compete. The fastest of 10 teams of four members to complete a 500 piece puzzle wins $100.

•· Second and third place winners in both competition levels receive gift certificates.

•· There will be demonstrations by wooden jigsaw puzzle cutters throughout the day. Come watch hand-guided wooden jigsaw puzzles being created using scroll saws.

•· Attendees/Non-competitors can also join the fun throughout the day with raffles, giveaways, mini contests and prizes.

WHEN & WHERE:

Saturday, January 28

Start Time: 10:00 am

Jigsaw Java (and Oddfellows Hall)

846 Main St.

Redwood City, CA

ABOUT JIGSAW JAVA:

Jigsaw Java offers a safe and fun place for family and friends to gather around a table to share in the satisfaction of building a jigsaw puzzle. Come to the store to shop for puzzles and accessories, build a puzzle, have a party or attend a hosted event. Whether you are an experienced puzzler or just getting started, you'll find Jigsaw Java to be a warm, friendly place to spend time with friends and family (or make some new friends!). We're conveniently located in downtown Redwood City and have plenty of affordable parking nearby.

WOW! a 75cent savings - but where will we put used oil and old batteries?

2012-01-19T19:41:00.000-08:00

Note from Mayor Aguirre on Garbage Rate Increase

Dear Redwood City Residents:

I wanted to share with you some of my thoughts on the City Council’s decision-making process regarding the increase in garbage/recycling rates. As you may know, after a thoughtful discussion at our January 9, 2011 meeting, the City Council unanimously approved a rate increase of 7.2% . This increase is less than the 7.81% increase that was originally proposed. The lower increase resulted from the Council deciding not to implement a proposed new curbside household hazardous waste collection service (which would have added 0.61% to the increase).

For the majority of Redwood City households, which have the 32-gallon cart, this amounts to an additional $1.78 per month/per cart (for those with 20-gallon carts the increase is 75¢ per month/per cart). Corresponding increases are reflected in the rates for larger bins and for commercial customers. More detailed information is available online at www.redwoodcity.org/garbagerates.

It’s important to remind you that all revenues from this rate increase are used only to provide garbage service to the community.

This was a difficult decision, especially in light of the 85 official protest letters we received, and knowing that this increase is of some level of concern to everyone in the community. During the Council’s discussion on the rate increase, we directed staff to update rate projections for future years and also asked that an analysis be done of the current rate methodology. We want to make sure that the most equitable and fair approach is in place, in order to ensure predictability and certainty in future rates for the community.

Thank you for your understanding, and please be assured that I and my colleagues on the Council appreciate your concerns with rate increases, and their impact on households during these difficult economic times. I encourage you to become involved in issues like this which are of concern to you - your involvement in important City matters is of great value to the entire community. You can keep up to date on City activities and issues through our website, or via this email list.

Sincerely,

Alicia Aguirre

Mayor

If you care - Eshoo likes Hill for Senate seat . . .

2012-01-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

Silicon Valley Congresswoman Anna Eshoo supports Jerry Hill's bid for State Senate

Assemblymember Jerry Hill announced that he has received the endorsement of Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-Menlo Park). Asm. Hill is running for the newly created State Senate District 13 which encompasses most of San Mateo County and the northern portion of Santa Clara County. Rep. Eshoo is running for re-election to the newly created Congressional District 18.

Rep. Eshoo has represented California's 14th District since 1993. Some would agree it might be long enough. The 14th District is located between the cities of San Francisco, San Jose and Santa Cruz and includes portions of San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties. Approximately 53%, or 236,000, of registered voters in the 13th State Senate district reside in the 14th Congressional District.

"As someone who served in local government for many years, I take pride in the high quality of our public officials on the Peninsula," said Rep. Eshoo, "Jerry is part of a fine tradition and I know he will make a significant difference for our community in the State Senate."

Among the wide array of organizations that have praised Congresswoman Eshoo's work include the League of Conservation Voters, Human Society, American Association of University Women, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, Biotechnology Industry Organization, American College of Emergency Physicians, and the Science Coalition (eshoo.house.gov).

"I'm proud and grateful to have the support of a widely-respected and hard-working public servant in Congresswoman Eshoo," said Hill, "she is a champion for the cause of working families here in Silicon Valley and I look forward to partnering with all our federal representatives to continue this good work."

Hill's growing list of endorsements is a demonstration to voters of his collaborative approach and proven track record of accomplishments. For a complete list, click here to access Hill's website.

For more information, visit www.JerryHillforSenate.com

Gold is valuable in RWC . . .

2012-01-19T10:55:00.000-08:00

2 SUSPECTS RIP 2 GOLD NECKLACES OFF MAN WALKING NEAR REDWOOD CITY

BCN8 -STRONG ARM ROBBERY ASSAULT

By Bay City News Service
A 20-year-old man walking under an overpass in unincorporated
Redwood City told the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office he was attacked and
robbed Tuesday night.
Around 9:30 p.m. the victim from San Mateo was walking east on
Fifth Avenue underneath the Fifth and Williams avenues overpass when he saw
two men standing at the guardrail, sheriff's officials said.
As he walked past them they began to attack him while tearing two
gold necklaces off his neck. The two men then hit the victim over the head
with a beer bottle, which knocked him to the ground, according to the
sheriff's office.
Both suspects fled north on Williams Avenue on foot.
The suspects are described as Hispanic men both standing about 5
feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 170 pounds.
The first suspect is believed to be in his mid-20's and has pale
skin and facial hair under his bottom lip. He was wearing a black hooded
sweatshirt and jeans, according to officials.
The second suspect is in his early 20's and was wearing a black
baseball cap, two earrings and a black hooded sweatshirt and jeans.
Anyone with information about this robbery is encouraged to
contact the Sheriff's Detective Bureau at (650) 363-1536 or the sheriff's
office anonymous tip line at (800) 547-2700.

SashaLekach0651a01/19/12

CONTACT: San Mateo County Sheriff's Lt. Ray Lunny (650) 363-4049

Fire displaces 15 in RWC

2012-01-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

MOBILE HOME PARK FIRE DISPLACES 15, SENDS GIRL TO HOSPITAL

BCN68 -TRAILER FIRE (UPDATE ON BCN60)

EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: Redwood City spokesman Malcolm Smith
initially said four mobile homes burned, but he clarified this afternoon that
only three were damaged.

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
A fire this morning at a Redwood City trailer park displaced 15
people and sent a 12-year-old girl to the hospital to be examined for smoke
inhalation, a city spokesman said.
The two-alarm blaze was reported at 10:53 a.m. at the LeMar Trailer Park at 1933 E. Bayshore Road.
Redwood City spokesman Malcolm Smith said firefighters controlled
the fire in less than an hour. The blaze destroyed one trailer and a car, and
damaged two other trailers, he said.
The 12-year-old girl was taken to the hospital as a precaution,
Smith said.
He said seven people were displaced from one trailer, and four
people were displaced from each of the other two trailers that burned.
The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.
Damage was estimated at $135,000 and the cause remains under
investigation, although Smith said the fire appears to have been accidental.
He said about 40 firefighters responded to the blaze.

mm0258p01/16/12

CONTACT: San Mateo County fire dispatch (650) 368-1421
Malcolm Smith (650) 780-7305

County Supervisor race is heating up . . .

2012-01-11T22:19:00.000-08:00

Taken from: As I was saying . . . January 2012

Let’s take a look at the June 2012 election and the District 4 San Mateo County supervisor race. Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson will term out and the seat will be up for grabs. So far there are four candidates who will be running, and although none of them is considered a leader of the pack or a slam dunk, each has qualities that will attract support and ultimately votes. Let’s take a look at the election and those candidates.

First there is Memo Morantes, who is an elected official on the San Mateo County Board of Education. He has been running his campaign for the longest amount of time and has gained the support of San Mateo County Sheriff Greg Munks, Redwood City School District Trustee Maria Diaz-Slocum, current and former Sequoia Union High School District Trustees Olivia Martinez and Lorraine Rumley, as well as several San Mateo County elected officials and an impressive group of elected officials from East Palo Alto. Morantes has set up a website at
(www.memomorantes.com.)

Morantes has been quoted as stating, “It’s one of the few times we have an open seat without having someone, as we say in Mexico, fingered by the establishment,” he said. “It will probably be a good race in terms of diversity of candidates.”

This leads me to a very important point. San Mateo County’s charter requires elections be held countywide rather than by district. This means that supervisors are elected “at large” from throughout the county but each supervisor represents a particular district. District 4 encompasses parts of Redwood City, unincorporated Redwood City, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

A lawsuit filed early last year on behalf of six residents and a civil rights group sued the county, claiming the method is inequitable to minorities and violates the California Voting Rights Act. Although Latinos and Asians each comprise approximately 25 percent of the county’s population, only one Latino has held a seat since 1995 and no Asians, the group argued.

It must be pointed out that county voters have affirmed countywide voting in 1932, 1978 and 1980. So it is a process we like. I have to agree with that. If a supervisor is going to be making decisions on issues throughout the county, then they need to be held accountable to all voters instead of just in their district. Make sense? This election will prove to support the “at large” method as candidates are diverse and want to be held accountable to all voters within the County.

Last year Dave Pine won the District 1 seat but would have lost to Millbrae Councilwoman Gina Papan by 310 votes if the election had been held within that district’s boundaries and not countywide. Papan was favored and the choice of the district’s voters, but Pine is now representing by “at large” voter approval. It did not hurt that he spent more than a half-million of his own money campaigning. By comparison, Papan’s campaign collected nearly $170,000.

Which leads us to Shelly Masur. Less than a month after she was re-elected to the Redwood City School Board, Masur announced at a birthday party thrown for her at the home of Councilman John Seybert that she is running for the seat. Most of the usual status quo of Redwood City was there, except for what I would classify as the most influential and powerful. Masur has also set up a website (www.shellymasur.com) for our viewing.

I have my opinion about politicians who seat-climb at the detriment of the residents they represent, and that opinion is not a positive one. I personally like Masur, so I am giving her the benefit of the doubt right now and want to see how she handles the potential campaign issue. It will also be interesting to see if any of the candidates make an issue of it.

I see these candidates during their campaigns and the time commitment it takes to get elected to a county seat, and I don’t see how she can effectively fulfill her duties to the kids in our community while campaigning. But if she feels she can pull it off (a full-time job, board seat and running for a county office), more power to her. I just wonder how one can justify the expenditure of over a million dollars for a special election should she win in June and her seat has to be filled by someone else.

That is, unless the board has already planned that out and will bypass voter approval and appoint one of their own to fill the three-plus remaining years of her term. Which most likely is the case; that is how is works here.

Masur has an impressive list of endorsements so far that include San Mateo County Supervisors Don Horsley and Dave Pine (they need a third vote for their agendas); Redwood City Vice Mayor Gee; Councilmember’s Jeff Ira, Barbara Pierce (who originally encouraged her to run for the seat) and Seybert; former Mayors Dick Claire, Diane Howard and Georgi LaBerge; fellow Redwood City School District Board Members Alisa MacAvoy, Dennis McBride and Hilary Paulson; Sequoia Union High School District Board Member Carrie Du Bois; and Chris Thomsen.

The list, however, is not a good representation of the district’s ethnic “diversity” she would be representing. Her list is very “establishment” and very Caucasian. Which, in an “at large” election, really does not matter. It will be interesting to see how she does with the district’s voters in June.

Redwood City Planning Commissioner Ernie Schmidt has also announced he will be running for the seat. He has been active in the North Fair Oaks (NFO) community for years and has participated in raising funds for the library there and of course the NFO Festival that is sponsored by the Sheriff’s Department.

Schmidt has gained the important endorsement of Redwood City Mayor Alicia Aguirre, who over the years has also focused in on the NFO neighborhood and those who are underprivileged in our community. He also has a website, www.ernieschmidt.com.

Now what everyone of course wants to know is who Jacobs Gibson will support to replace her. That support goes to East Palo Alto Councilman David Woods. He served on the Planning Commission there for five years before being elected to the council 10 years ago.

Jacobs Gibson points to his “relevant” experience as one of the qualities she was looking for and ultimately found most important after interviewing all the candidates individually. “After serious deliberation with my family, I now feel that the time has come for me to seek higher office. I am running for the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in order to most effectively champion the needs of our most underserved community members and to work for our county’s economic growth and revitalization,” Woods says.

Woods is very realistic in his tactics for the race, coming from a smaller community than the other candidates and running an “at large” campaign. “There are 29 cities and 330,000 residents in San Mateo County. In East Palo Alto, there are 30,000 residents and 7,000 who vote. So we have a daunting task before us. I’m going to need your help in all 20 cities,” he said to supporters at his campaign kickoff event.

What might help him, along with the support of Jacobs Gibson, is that if no one candidate gets 50 percent of the vote or higher in the June election, then the top two candidates will face off in November. I would expect that to happen at this point. I can’t imagine that any candidate would spend their complete war chest on the June election when no one has the name recognition or contributions to saturate voters with information on their campaigns.

I will make sure to keep reporting monthly on this race because it is important to our Redwood City community. As always, this race will come down to who can raise the most money and get their name and message out. Good luck to all candidates and even those who might jump into the race at the last minute.

EPA cracks down on Redwood City company polluting San Francisco Bay . . .

2012-01-10T13:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_19708312

progers@mercurynews.com
Posted: 01/10/2012 12:04:00 AM PST
Updated: 01/10/2012 10:27:49 AM PST

A Bay Area metals recycling company that drew widespread attention -- and a fine -- for a fire that sent a huge plume of black, acrid smoke into the air over Silicon Valley five years ago is facing new pollution charges from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA said Monday that it has issued a notice of violation to Sims Metal Management, located at the Port of Redwood City, for polluting San Francisco Bay with lead, mercury, PCBs, copper and zinc. Under the Clean Water Act, Sims could face fines up to $37,500 a day unless it cleans up.

At its 13-acre bay front site in Redwood City, Sims shreds roughly 300,000 automobiles a year, along with appliances and other metal products, and loads the materials via huge conveyor belts onto ships bound for China, Korea and other countries, where they are made into new products.

During inspections last March and in August, EPA officials found high levels of toxic pollutants believed to come from the shredded metal products in the soils and sediment where the facility meets Redwood Creek, a wide body of water that flows into San Francisco Bay. Mercury levels were 110 times the federal government's protective levels; lead was five times over the levels and copper was 86 times. PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, a carcinogenic chemical banned in 1979 and commonly found in older cars and industrial equipment, were found to be at levels 10,000 times the federal government's acceptable levels for soil.

Federal officials said the pollution at such levels poses a risk to fish, birds and other species in San Francisco Bay.

"The bay has been subjected to a history of pollution, and we are doing our best to clean it up," said Jared Blumenfeld, the EPA's regional administrator in San Francisco.

"New discharges are unacceptable. Where there are violations of the Clean Water Act, we take them very seriously."

The EPA required Sims to develop a plan within 90 days to eliminate the discharges.

Daniel Strechay, a spokesman for Sims, which is based in New York City and bills itself as the largest metal recycling company in the world, said that Sims already is working with EPA to remedy the problem.

"The company anticipates that this matter can be resolved to EPA's full satisfaction, and it intends to continue cooperating fully with EPA," Strechay said in a statement. "Sims is committed to protection and promotion of a healthy environment and to worker health and safety at all of its facilities."

Environmentalists were wary.

"We're very concerned about industrial pollutants being released into the bay," said Amy Ricard, a spokeswoman for Save the Bay. "We welcome the EPA and
other state and federal agencies cracking down on industrial polluters and keeping this pollution from entering the bay."

The EPA enforcement is not the first time that Sims has run afoul of pollution laws.

In April 2007, a fire at the same facility in Redwood City sent a huge cloud of inky black smoke over the Peninsula. As complaints poured in about breathing problems and stinging eyes, health officials warned tens of thousands of residents in Redwood City, Palo Alto and other communities to stay indoors while more than 60 firefighters battled the blaze.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District fined Sims $20,000 in November 2007 in connection with the fire.

The most recent pollution may have come from shredded auto debris falling off a huge conveyor belt that loads such material onto ships, the EPA's Blumenfeld said.

"We're not sure how it got there," he said. "But we know it did get there. In order to comply with the law, they are going to have to make some significant changes to their operations."

Another federal agency also is warning Sims about the pollution. On Dec. 15, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service sent Sims a letter stating that fibrous residue from the auto shredding that "may contain plastics, rubber foam, residual metal pieces," and other waste is regularly blowing, or being washed, 800 feet across the water from the Sims site and is contaminating Bair Island. Bair is part of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

The pollution has contaminated a 140-acre property that was being transferred to the wildlife refuge from the nearby Pacific Shores development, slowing the land transaction, said Mendel Stewart, manager of the refuge complex. In an interview, Stewart said employees of Cargill Salt, which owns an adjacent property, complained to his agency that large amounts of fluffy gray material are blowing from the site onto Cargill's property. The same material is blowing in the water, Stewart said, and onto the wildlife refuge that contains endangered species. He said no dead fish or birds had been observed in the area, but because of the toxic metals involved, he wants the pollution stopped.

The Port of Redwood City, a deepwater channel visited by cargo ships and barges, dates back to the 1850s, when lumber companies shipped redwood logs dragged by teams of oxen from the Peninsula hills and Santa Cruz Mountains out on schooners to San Francisco. In 1936, voters approved a bond to construct modern wharves, docks, deep channels and railway lines. Today, in addition to Sims, the port is home to a number of other bulk commodity companies, including Cemex, a cement producer, Pabco Gypsum, and Hanson Aggregates, formerly Kaiser Cement.

Happy New Year Redwood City . . .

2012-01-04T22:59:00.000-08:00

Looking back at the year that was and looking forward to 2012 . . .

Subscribers will get their January copy in the mail Thursday and then copies will be available on the streets this weekend.

RWC Teenagers Plead Not Guilty in Gang Stabbing . . .

2011-12-29T15:52:00.000-08:00

Witnesses reported seeing several suspects get out of a tan or gold car and stab the victim multiple times before fleeing.

Three teenagers in custody for the stabbing of a 19-year-old Redwood City man earlier this month pleaded not guilty to attempted murder in San Mateo County Superior Court Wednesday.

Billi Antonio, 18, Jose Jiminez-Hernandez, also 18, and Bryan Morales, 19, remain in custody without bail, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said.

A fourth suspect, Jose Segurasuarez, 18, was arrested Thursday in Anaheim and is awaiting extradition back to the county, Wagstaffe said.

A 16-year-old boy is also in custody in connection with the stabbing.

The attack, which investigators believe was gang related, took place Dec. 13 in the 800 block of Brewster Avenue at about 4:35 p.m., according to Redwood City police.

Witnesses reported seeing several suspects get out of a tan or gold four-door car and stab the 19-year-old victim multiple times in the abdomen before fleeing, police said.

Police tracked down the car the following day and four of the suspects were arrested for attempted murder and participating in a criminal street gang.

Antonio, Jiminez-Hernandez, and Morales are scheduled to reappear in court for a preliminary hearing on March 8, Wagstaffe said.

The defense attorneys are Savas Loukedis for Antonio, Maria Fonseca for Jiminez-Hernandez, and Randy Hey for Morales.

Shooting guns in the air is a no-no New Year's Eve . . .

2011-12-28T11:33:00.000-08:00

Redwood City Police Announce “Operation Silent Night" for New Year’s Eve 2011

The Redwood City Police Department is advising the public that celebrating the New Year by shooting a gun into the air is not only illegal, it can hurt or kill people.

In response to random gunfire on New Year’s Eves in the past, the Redwood City Police Department announces "Operation Silent Night 2011." The Police Department hopes to reduce random gunfire through a program of education, suppression, and prosecution. The Department will be using its "Shot Spotter" gunshot locater system, which determines the exact location of any firearm discharged in the city. The reckless discharge of a firearm is a felony under section 246.3 of the Penal Code and carries up to a three-year prison sentence.

The Department has established a special gunshot telephone hotline, which is (650) 780-7639, and urges the public to call in the event gunfire is heard, particularly on New Year’s Eve. Through increased public awareness, the Redwood City Police have seen a significant decrease in calls of random gunfire, and attribute it to this program.

Redwood City Police officers will be investigating and tracking down any individuals shooting guns into the air. Arrests will be made when possible and violators will be booked at San Mateo County Jail.

The Department's goal in using the "Shot Spotter" system, increased patrols, and public information is to reduce or eliminate the incidence of gunfire in celebration of New Years Eve. The public is asked to use the gunshot hotline, celebrate without the use of firearms, and to have a safe and happy New Years Eve. See the Redwood City Police Department’s website at www.redwoodcity.org/police.

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 email newsletter and other City documents by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

Kennedy School sexual attack case comes to an end . . .

2011-12-26T15:35:00.000-08:00

Teen is mentally unfit for trial in field trip attack

December 26, 2011, 03:30 AM By Michelle Durand Daily Journal Staff

The last of five Redwood City middle-schoolers accused of attempting to sexually assault two 12-year-old classmates during a field trip earlier this year is mentally unfit for trial.

Four other teens have settled their juvenile criminal cases but the remaining boy’s defense first wanted him evaluated to conclude if he is competent before heading further in juvenile court.

The boy is not being named because he is a minor and few details about the proceeding were released. However, District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe was able to confirm the competency hearings.

If treatment is ordered for the teen, it will be on an outpatient basis rather than in a locked psychiatric facility. Unlike adult defendants deemed incompetent, there is not a state mental hospital where he can be sent.

The boys involved are 13 and 14 years old, according to prosecutors.

The attack occurred March 4 when 20 Kennedy Middle School students went to Stulsaft Park in Redwood City. Three months later, during the last week of school, the girls told a school counselor they were almost raped by the boys.

School officials say the group were chaperoned by a teacher and an aide in accordance with the district’s 10 to one ratio policy. The juveniles all belonged to an optional newcomer’s class for students who’ve been in the country less than one year.

The Redwood City Elementary School District didn’t disclose if the students involved in the crime were separated from the others as part of the program or left the larger group on their own.

The district launched an internal investigation of the specific incident and overall safety policies for field trips.

Of the other four boys charged, three admitted committing a lewd and lascivious act on a minor under 14 and received a 120-day sentence at the Youth Services Center, the county’s juvenile hall. A third who admitted sexual battery received 60 days. The boys were also ordered into counseling.

Michelle Durand can be reached by email: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.

FIFTH SUSPECT IN DEC. 13 BREWSTER STREET STABBING ARRESTED TODAY IN ANAHEIM

2011-12-22T21:22:00.000-08:00

REDWOOD CITY: FIFTH SUSPECT IN DEC. 13 STABBING ARRESTED TODAY IN ANAHEIM

- STABBING SUSPECT ARRESTED

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
A Redwood City man was arrested in Southern California today, the fifth teenager to be arrested in connection with a gang-related stabbing in Redwood City earlier this month, police said.

Jose Segura, 18, of East Palo Alto, was located in Anaheim and arrested for attempted murder, according to Redwood City police. Segura was being questioned regarding his involvement in the stabbing, which took place Dec. 13 in the 800 block of Brewster Avenue at about 4:35 p.m., police said.

The victim, a 19-year-old Redwood City man, suffered several stab wounds in the abdomen, police said. He was taken to a local hospital in critical condition but survived his injuries.

Witnesses reported seeing several suspects who got out of a tan or gold four-door car and stabbed the victim before fleeing, police said. Three suspects were contacted on Dec. 14 and arrested after they made statements about their involvement in the stabbing, police said.

Police booked Jose Jimenez, an 18-year-old unincorporated Redwood City resident, and Billi Antonio, an 18-year-old Redwood City resident, into jail on suspicion of attempted murder and participation in a criminal street gang. A 16-year-old boy from unincorporated Redwood City was also arrested.

A fourth suspect -- 19-year-old Bryan Morales of Redwood City -- was arrested the following day for attempted murder and participating in a criminal street gang.
Police said today that all suspects believed to have participated in the attack have been arrested.

cpc/sg0747p12/22/11

CONTACT: Redwood City police Sgt. Sean Hart (650) 780-7681

"Young Dreamers" to help clean-up North Fair Oaks neighborhood . . .

2011-12-21T17:11:00.000-08:00

Teens Use Holiday Break for Community Clean Up

The Young Dreamer Network, which is a youth development program run by the Redwood City-based non-profit, Dream Volunteers, is coordinating a neighborhood clean-up project in the North Fair Oaks community of Redwood City. On Thursday, December 29 from 10 am to noon, teen members of the Young Dreamer Network along with friends and family will sweep through dozens of city streets in an effort to beautify the neighborhood.

“Rather than spending the day staring at their screens, our Young Dreamers will transform their community into the home they want it to be,” says Executive Director Brian Buntz, who started the Redwood City chapter of the Young Dreamer Network in November of last year. “Research shows that a clean neighborhood decreases crime and increases positive citizenship. This is a major objective of our teens.”

Manuel Ramirez, of the North Fair Oaks Council, is helping the Young Dreamer Network to coordinate this effort. “This community has tremendous potential and a desire to make progress. Our focus for 2012 will be to beautify our physical environment, which these teens are helping us to kick start.”

In addition to the neighborhood clean-up, the Young Dreamer Network has launched an anti-bullying campaign for local schools, organized a holiday food and gift drive for various needy families and will begin tutoring elementary school children in January. “We don’t want to wait for the change,” says 16-year-old Young Dreamer Mele’ana Mataele, “we want to be the change.”

# # #

About the Young Dreamer Network

The Young Dreamer Network (www.YoungDreamerNetwork.org) is a Redwood City-based youth development program. Its mission is to empower promising young people to become difference makers in their communities. We are cultivating an active group of Young Dreamers who will transform San Mateo County through their achievements, service and innovation.

Redwood City's Ortega's home is really safe . . .

2011-12-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

Cops respond to 'This Is It' Director's L.A. Home

LAPD officers raced to the home of "This Is It" director Kenny Ortega last week ... after an alarm went off in his home ... and TMZ has learned cops called in a chopper to help search for a possible bad guy.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... there was a breach in the garage that triggered the alarm ... and the alarm company notified police.

We're told when cops arrived, they didn't see any signs of a crime -- but just to be safe, they called for the eye in the sky to search for a possible crook ... who may have been scared off when the alarm was triggered.

FYI -- people in the area are on high alert because of a rash of burglaries ... but in this case, cops believe it was probably a false alarm.

Ortega was born and raised in Redwood City and is a graduate of Hoover Elementary School and Sequoia High School.

Chief Gamez and Police staff send Holiday message to Redwood City community . . .

2011-12-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

"Cold killer" convicted in RWC teens death . . .

2011-12-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

Guilty verdict in teen’s fatal stabbing

December 16, 2011, 08:54 AM

A jury deliberated little more than a day before convicting a man of second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old boy who threw rocks at a car carrying him and his cousins in Redwood City nearly three years ago.

The jury returned the verdict at approximately 5:10 p.m. Thursday, just a day after it finished hearing closing arguments in which the prosecution painted Luis Adolfo Villa, 20, as a cold killer and his defense claimed another in the car was the actual stabber.

The murder conviction coupled with the use of a knife and Villa’s previous criminal strike leaves him facing 31 years to life. A judge Tuesday will set dates for a court trial on his prior convictions and for sentencing.

Villa was 17 when he reportedly stabbed Matthew Johnson repeatedly in the chest, back and leg but prosecutors charged him as an adult. They also charged Luis Herrera, Villa’s cousin who also participated in the attack, but he pleaded no contest to a lesser assault charge and testified for the prosecution. Defense attorney Mike Hroziencik told jurors Herrera, now 21, was the actual killer and that Villa was an easy target to frame after he fled to Mexico after the stabbing.

In closing arguments, prosecutor Joe Cannon said Villa needed an opportunity rather than a reason to kill during the Jan. 3, 2009 attack.

Johnson and two friends three rocks off a overpass near the Safeway in Redwood City, one of which hit a vehicle carrying Vlla, Herrera, Jonathan Herrera,18, and Uriel Villa, 17. Villa and the others chased the teens down the street to a parking lot where Cannon said during closing arguments Villa decided to stab the defenseless kid “viciously” and “callously,” Cannon said.

Villa did not take the stand in his own defense but witnesses called by both sides offered conflicting accounts on what he allegedly told them about the encounter.

Hroziencik urged the jurors to take the testimony of the prosecution witnesses with a heavy dose of skepticism because several lied to a criminal grand jury about their roles in helping the boys flee to Mexico. Cannon agreed nearly all the civilian witnesses have been dishonest at one point or another but said the case against Villa was bolstered by other evidence.

Villa remains in custody without bail

GUILTY of second degree murder . . . Johnson murder case jury says . . .

2011-12-14T11:49:00.000-08:00

STORY TO FOLLOW . . . Friday morning

DA: Teen’s killer just needed opportunity to kill

December 14, 2011, 02:25 AM By Michelle Durand Daily Journal Staff

The man accused of fatally stabbing a 15-year-old boy who threw rocks at a car carrying him nearly three years ago needed an opportunity rather than a reason to kill, a prosecutor told jurors during closing arguments yesterday.

Luis Adolfo Villa, 20, was a cold teenager who was “pretty proud of himself” for killing Matthew Johnson, prosecutor Joe Cannon said.

However, the defense has said Villa was framed by the three others in the vehicle, including one man who pleaded no contest to a lesser assault charge and testified for the prosecution.

The jury is now left to decide which account of the incident is accurate — was Villa, then 17, the one who stabbed Johnson repeatedly in the chest, back and leg or was he the easy target of the others because he fled to Mexico after the Jan. 3, 2009 attack and remained there until extradited that July?

Villa is charged with murder and the use of a knife, charges that could send him to prison for as long as life. Jurors can consider both first- and second-degree murder, the primary difference being an intent to kill.

The jury will begin deliberating today after closing arguments by the defense and the prosecution’s rebuttal. Arguments did not finish by the close of court yesterday afternoon.

Defense attorney Mike Hroziencik is expected to point the finger at Villa’s cousin, Luis Herrera, 21, saying he is the real killer and that prosecutors let him off because they did not test a blood stain in his car before offering him a deal.

The one thing both sides can agree on is that the killing was tragic and unnecessary.

“It’s difficult to think of a more senseless death than the death of Matthew Johnson,” Cannon said.

Hroziencik said as much during his opening statement.

The confrontation from the initial rock throwing to the final assault in a parking lot down the street took less than three minutes. Johnson’s two friends testified during the trial that the trio played around near the railroad tracks in Redwood City by Safeway and eventually began throwing soda cans and rocks from the overpass. One rock struck a red Honda Civil later identified as that carrying Villa and his cousins Herrera, Jonathan Herrera, 18, and Uriel Villa, 17. They had picked up Luis Herrera from his job at McDonald’s and were heading to Safeway for a beverage when they heard the sound and gave chase to Johnson and his friends. The chase was partially caught on surveillance tape from a nearby apartment complex but Johnson’s two friends did not see the stabbing.

The two Herreras planned to beat Johnson but Villa, along for the ride, decided to stab the defenseless kid “viciously” and “callously,” Cannon said.

Adding insult to injury was Villa going back to take Johnson’s wallet, Cannon said.

Villa did not take the stand in his own defense but witnesses called by both sides offered conflicting accounts on what he allegedly told them about the encounter.

Hroziencik has urged the jurors to take the testimony of the prosecution witnesses with a heavy dose of skepticism because several lied to a criminal grand jury about their roles in helping the boys flee to Mexico. Cannon has agreed nearly all the civilian witnesses have been dishonest at one point or another but said the case against Villa is bolstered by his flight, the presence of blood in the back passenger area of the car where witnesses placed him following the attack and other circumstantial evidence like mail-order receipts for knives with blades similar to the murder weapon.

If Luis Herrera was the real killer, Cannon said, he would have done what Villa did — go to Mexico and stay there.

Villa remains in custody without bail

Michelle Durand can be reached by email: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.

Community invited to help at wrapping party Monday night . . .

2011-12-09T12:59:00.000-08:00

As we all enjoy the holiday season, I want to remind you that now is the time to get involved with the Redwood City PAL/Police/Fire Toy and Book Drive – it’s a great annual activity that brings the holiday spirit right to the doorstep of many needy families. You’ll feel great by giving back to your community, and you’ll be helpign others to share in the joy of the holidays.

Each year, the Redwood City PAL/Police and Firefighters Associations’ Holiday Toy and Book, with the help of the Fair Oaks Community Center and a corps of volunteers, brings this welcome annual tradition in the Redwood City community. But it can only happen with your help. Take a look at http://www.youtube.com/user/Redwoodcityfire#p/u/12/gOA5wSRi31Q for a great video about this annual program that touches so many lives in our community.

Individuals and families can help by donating new, unwrapped toys and books; and volunteers are asked for their time and energy for the wrapping party, a festive event where volunteers take part in preparing the gifts for the kids, from gift wrapping to helping with food and drinks. Corporate help can be any of the above, or a monetary donation. This year’s wrapping party is Monday, December 12th from 5 - 8pm at Red Morton Community Center, 1120 Roosevelt Avenue. If you have a business, you can help by placing donation barrels at your sites (due to a shortage of collection barrels, PAL is asking that businesses only take a barrel if it can be completely filled).

Deliveries to hundreds of families take place with Santa Claus in a police car or a fire engine arriving at the home to hand out the presents, giving the kids a thrill they’ll long remember. One thing that makes this program special is the collection and distribution of new books as well as toys. Each child receives two gifts, a book, a stuffed animal, and several stocking stuffers, all of which bring that holiday sparkle to their eyes.

Donations of toys and books may be made at any collection barrel at participating businesses, at City Hall, the Police Department, the Main Library, or any fire station. Businesses, individuals, or groups wishing to get involved should go to www.redwoodcity.org, click on “I want to,” select “Help the Toy/Book Drive,” to print and fill out the form, then mail, email, or fax it in (the direct link to the form is http://tinyurl.com/toydriveform).

Or, anyone wishing to volunteer or donate can contact Officer Dan Smith at 650-780-7601, dsmith@redwoodcity.org, or Firefighter Justin Velasquez at 650-780-7400, jvelasquez@redwoodcity.org. For more information about the Redwood City Police and Firefighters Associations’ Holiday Toy and Book Drive visit www.rwctoydrive.com.

Toy and Book Drive wrapping party, a fun, festive event where volunteers take part in preparing the donated gifts for the kids, as part of the PAL/Fire/Police Toy and Book Drive.

Volunteers are needed to assist with everything, from gift wrapping to helping with food and drinks. This year’s wrapping party is Monday, December 12th from 5 - 8pm at Red Morton Community Center, 1120 Roosevelt Avenue. Just show up and start wrapping.

Buffington dies after long illness . . .

2011-12-09T12:55:00.000-08:00

Former longtime county tax collector dies

December 09, 2011, 02:42 AM By Michelle Durand Daily Journal Staff

Lee Buffington, the county’s former treasurer-tax collector for a quarter-century, died Wednesday night after a lengthy illness, leaving a legacy of completely modernizing the office and being an “independent spirit” and “dear, dear friend,” according to his successor.

Buffington, of Menlo Park, was 81 years old and would have turned 82 next month.

“He was not just our boss but a mentor and a close friend. He had a heart of gold and was really supportive of me and everybody,” said Treasurer-Tax Collector Sandie Arnott.

Arnott worked under Buffington for 22 years, eventually filling the acting role when he took sick leave. She was elected to the position last fall after his retirement. Buffington battled several health ailments the last two years which contributed to his passing, Arnott said.

Prior to his leave and eventual retirement, Buffington was at work every day 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. aside from sick and vacation days, she said.

Aside from work, she said he loved to read and, had a soft spot for his pets and considered his wife his first love even after she died in the 1990s, Arnott remembered.

Supervisor Adrienne Tissier, a former Daly City mayor, knew Buffington before she joined the county because he often attended community events in the north county. His position didn’t require him to do so but he always made a point to show up at the Colma spaghetti feeds and hillside homeowners’ dinners, she said.

Sometimes he would step in front of the audience and members would teasingly boo the man they knew only as the name on their tax bill, she said.

But Tissier recalled Buffington as more than that.

“I always knew him as a gentleman with a kind smile. I think that’s what strikes me most. He was such a tall, handsome but gentle man,” Tissier said. “He will be sadly missed.”

Buffington fully automated the office from manual ledgers to computerized systems during his tenure and often served as a trailblazer for other counties and even nations looking to follow suit. Arnott recalled a delegation from China that visited the office for a first-hand view of how Buffington was changing the tax collection process.

“He modernized the investment process and a lot of projects happened because of his work,” Tissier said.

Carole Groom, president of the Board of Supervisors, said the county mourns for Buffington and his family. She expects the board to adjourn its Tuesday meeting in his memory.

At Buffington’s request, his family will hold no services.

Buffington held degrees from the University of California at Berkeley, a real estate broker’s license, a teaching credential in industrial engineering and a pilot’s license. He held management positions with private companies and public entities before joining San Mateo County. He was appointed treasurer-tax collector in June 1986 and elected in 1990. He was continuously re-elected until his retirement and served as past president of the California Association of Tax Collectors and Treasurers.

During his last term, Buffington’s investment strategies were questioned after the Lehman Brothers September 2008 bankruptcy drew $150 million from the county investment pool. Some pool participants also claimed the county did not keep them properly updated leading up to the bankruptcy. Consultants hired by the county after the loss concluded Buffington’s office did nothing wrong because it adhered to the investment policy currently in place.

A group of affected school districts sued Buffington and San Mateo County but a judge recently ruled they are immune. The districts are expected to appeal the dismissal.

Michelle Durand can be reached by email: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.

Coats for Kids - program comes to Redwood City next week . . .

2011-12-06T23:05:00.000-08:00

(Kids coats like the ones pictured above can be donated to kids that need them)

Recology San Mateo County is pleased to offer their Coats for Kids program, which will provide gently used and new coats for families in need.

This year’s program will take place during the week of Monday, December 12th through Friday, December 16th. The Coats for Kids collection program includes a curbside collection of children and adult coats as well as designated drop off locations.

Curbside collection will take place in Redwood City, in addition to these other participating communities: Belmont, Burlingame, Foster City, Menlo Park, San Carlos (please pass this information along to anyone you know in those cities!). Visit www.RecologySanMateoCounty.com for more information.

Here’s how it works:

On your regularly scheduled collection day, during the week of December 12th through the 16th, please place gently used or new coats in a clear plastic bag, labeled “Coats for Kids.” Please then place the bag on top of or next to your blue Recycle Cart for collection.

You can also drop your donations into the Coats for Kids collection barrel at City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road.

Double shooting at Burger King on Middlefield . . . Strong-armed robbery on Main Street . . .

2011-12-04T23:09:00.000-08:00

TWO INJURED IN SHOOTING AT BURGER KING - REDWOOD CITY SHOOTING

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)

Two people were injured in a double shooting on Sunday at a Burger King restaurant in Redwood City.

Police responded to reports of the shooting at the Burger King at 2201 Middlefield Road shortly before 8 p.m.

Officers found one victim on the restaurant floor suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. While assisting that victim, police found a second victim also suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, police said.

Witnesses told police that the suspects were together in the parking lot of the restaurant when they were fired on. Suspects fled on foot to a white Buick with tinted windows.

The two victims were transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment, police said.

This follows a strong-armed robbery earlier in the week

A robber confronted two employees of a Redwood City liquor store and ordered them into a back room after he emptied out the cash register.

The gunman, who was wearing gloves and a hood and bandana to disguise his face, went into J&G Liquors at 1402 Main St., just after 10 p.m. on Friday Dec.2, 2001 with a silver revolver according to the Daily Post newspaper.

After taking the cash register monies, the gunman herded the employees into a back room - where they were told to stay or they would be shot - before fleeing the store on foot.

The robber is described as a black man in his late teens or early 20s, about 6 feet tall, with a muscular built. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, shoes and gloves, and a white bandana over his face, according to a police spokesperson.

Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact Sgt. Sean Hart at (650) 780-7100.

sm0554a12/05/11

CONTACT: Redwood City Police (650) 780-7100

RWC Police investigate double shooting

Updated at 08:11 PM Sunday

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (KGO) -- Police are looking for suspects after a double shooting in Redwood City.

The shooting happened shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the Burger King restaurant on Middlefield Road .

Two people were shot in the incident. One person is listed in critical condition; the condition of the second person is unknown.

Police are currently going over at least one vehicle near the scene that has a bullet hole in it.

The motive for the shooting wasn't immediately known.

(Copyright ©2011 KGO-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Aguirre will get Mayor nod Monday night . . .

2011-12-02T18:33:00.000-08:00

(from Publisher Steve Penna's column As I was saying . . . in December's issue)

Now that the November election is behind us and all incumbents have been re-elected the big question is – who will be Redwood City’s next Mayor and lead our community for the next two years. That will be decided at Monday night's city council meeting at city hall.

If you are a council watcher this is not a hard call at all. Alicia Aguirre will get the position. She is next in line of the rotation (council members choose the mayor every two years and even though it does not always go that way it will this year). She has worked really hard the past two years as vice mayor to prove to her colleagues and to our community she is ready to lead us and deserves to lead us. She has done both.

Although the normal rotation would have Ian Bain appointed vice mayor I don’t think that will happen.

Barbara Pierce might be considered considering that she is in her last term due to term limits and could serve as vice mayor and end her term on the council in four years as mayor. I don’t think that will happen either. Councilwoman Rosanne Foust is to committed with her duties at SACEDA and other regional boards to really be able to serve in that capacity, Councilman John Seybert will not be considered and current Mayor Jeff Ira could serve as vice mayor or mayor but that won’t happen.

So that leaves Jeff Gee. He will get the nod because he has jumped right into his position on the council (elected two years ago) and has shown he is knowledgeable about the issues facing our community and also willing to listen to community members while making decisions. He comes from a family of Redwood City based involvement and is the only representative on the council from the redwood shores neighborhood. He is also well liked by his colleagues on the council.

Chief Gamez sworn in . . .

2011-12-02T14:49:00.000-08:00

New Redwood City police chief sworn in

By Steve Penna, publisher

Flanked by hundreds of Bay Area police officers, city officials and community members Redwood City City Manager Bob Bell led the swearing in of J.R. Gamez as the city’s new police chief.

The ceremony held at the City’s Police Dept. this morning was attended by members of the San Jose Police Dept., Mayor Jeff Ira, councilmember’s Ian Bain, Rosanne Foust, Barbara Pierce and John Seybert (pictured with Bell and Gamez above).

The former Capt. of the San Jose Police Department was officially sworn in by acting City Clerk Silvia Vonderlinden (pictured above) in front of his wife Patty, their two children Gabrielle and Matthew and several other family members including his Father.

As a tribute to their new commander, the entire Redwood City Police Dept. officers attended the event and stood in support above the ceremony.

Why Gamez was chosen:

“We had a lot of very qualified candidates and they went through an exhaustive process that included meeting with department and community members, city staff and myself. J.R. demonstrated strong leadership skills, a great vision for the department and community, and he had a proven track record of working with the community and implementing innovative programs that improve the quality of life for residents and businesses alike. He is a thoughtful and articulate individual and he really understands the importance of working with the community. We are fortunate to have him accept this position,” Bell said.

Gamez will take over the department immediately. He will be paid a salary of $15,582 a month, or $186,984 annually, and was hired as an “at will” employee as part of the executive management group. The Redwood City Police Department has a total of 94 sworn officers and numerous support staff.

The decision is also supported by the Redwood City Police Officers and Sergeants Associations.

“The POA has great faith in Bob Bell and his ability to recruit and appoint a highly effective leader for our department. Our members welcome this new era ... with Chief Gamez at the helm with enthusiasm and optimism,” said Redwood City POA President Mike Reynolds. “We will embrace this change in leadership while maintaining our motivation and commitment to the citizens of Redwood City.”

“The Sergeants Association is one hundred percent supportive of Bob Bell’s appointment and extremely excited to welcome Chief Gamez,” said Sergeants Association President Paul Sheffield. “Chief Gamez will be a wonderful addition to our organization and one the community deserves.”

Where Gamez will live:

“I will be relocating to Redwood City in the next few months,” Gamez stated. He will first move into a rented apartment until his son graduates from high school in June 2012. The family will then relocate here permanently. They currently live in Morgan Hill.

The appointment comes nine months after the resignation of former Police Chief Louis Cobarruviaz on Feb. 16. He was sworn in as chief on Jan. 18, 2007. At the time Cobarruviaz was the fifth-highest-paid city employee with a salary of $213,279. There is no date set for Gamez’s swearing in.

Ironically Gamez worked under Cobarruviaz when he served as the chief of police of San Jose from 1991 to 1998. In fact, he appointed Gamez to sergeant in 1994.

“This is a huge appointment for our organization,” Mayor Jeff Ira said. “We have been in limbo waiting for a new police chief, and moving forward this will be positive for our Police Department and community in so many different ways. … There is no question in my mind that there will be 100 percent support there from the organization and I am looking forward to that,” he said.

Gamez history:

Gamez was born in San Francisco and graduated from San Francisco Christian High School in 1980. He then attended Fresno Pacific College and San Francisco State University.

Gamez joined the San Jose Police Department on April 18, 1986. He is currently the Western Division commander. He worked in patrol and was then selected to work in the following specialized assignments: Special Operations – Narcotics Enforcement Team, as a detective with the Narcotics and Covert Investigations Unit, and as task force agent with the DEA. Gamez was promoted to sergeant on May 15, 1994.

As a sergeant, Gamez supervised patrol officers and was selected to work as a supervisor in the following specialized assignments: Juvenile/Missing Persons, Narcotics and Covert Investigations, DEA Task Force, Night Detective Detail and Special Operations – Street Crimes/METRO Unit. He was promoted to lieutenant on Feb. 16, 2003. He served as a patrol watch commander, lieutenant of the Special Operations – Violent Crimes Enforcement Team, and as the commander of the Homicide/Crime Scene Unit. Gamez was promoted to captain on Feb. 6, 2009, where he currently serves as the Western Division patrol commander.

“I am ready for it. I am prepared to take on the responsibilities,” Gamez said. “I am not planning on bring the San Jose Police Department here but the experiences I have had.”

“I am an outsider coming in with fresh eyes,” Gamez said, adding that he would be “doing an assessment of the department for the next 90 days.” He said he will be meeting with all individuals within the department while gathering community input on the department.

“I am impressed with the department, its officers. They are professional and have an outstanding reputation,” Gamez said. “This is a great fit for me” and he plans on working as a team and “taking it to the next level.”

“I truly believe we have the finest police department of any city and we have found an individual that can lead the department well into the future. I believe under Chief Gamez’s leadership, the department will be an even better partner and leader in making our community safer and stronger,” Bell said.

Murder trial in RWC teen case starts . . .

2011-11-29T16:55:00.000-08:00

Defense points finger in murder case

November 29, 2011, 03:08 AM By Michelle Durand Daily Journal Staff

Matthew Johnson (pictured above)

A 15-year-old boy fatally stabbed after he and friends threw rocks at a car in Redwood City nearly three years ago died because another teen escalated “a very, very stupid street confrontation” into something lethal, a prosecutor told jurors during opening statements yesterday.

The victim, Matthew Johnson, was not right to hurl the rocks at the red Honda Civic carrying defendant Luis Adolfo Villa and three cousins but that did not justify the then-17-year-old stabbing him repeatedly in the chest, back and leg, said prosecutor Joe Cannon.

Defense attorney Mike Hroziencik agreed Johnson died tragically and too young but argued that in the rush to solve the case authorities did not immediately test the lone piece of forensic evidence and believed the fingerpointing of the real killer, Villa’s cousin Luis Herrera, and other family members.

“What you’ll find in listening to this is lie after lie after lie by the prosecution witnesses,” Hroziencik said.

Jurors will be left weighing primarily witness testimony to decide if Villa, 20, is guilty of murder and the use of a knife, charges that could send him to prison for up to life, or, as Hroziencik said, somebody else is to blame.

The Jan. 3, 2009 confrontation from the initial rock throwing to the final assault in a parking lot down the street took less than three minutes. The chase was partially caught on surveillance tape from a nearby apartment complex but Johnson’s two friends did not see the stabbing and Villa’s cousins say he is the one who wielded the knife. But those same individuals lied under oath to the grand jury about their families’ aid in fleeing to Mexico and their credibility should be questioned, Hroziencik said.

“They’ve already proven themselves to be perjurers,” Hroziencik said.

Cannon conceded that “nearly all the witnesses have been dishonest about one thing at one point or another” but asked jurors to consider the testimony alongside Villa’s leaving the county and his mail-order receipts for knives with blades similar to the murder weapon.

Jurors will also hear from Johnson’s friends, Bobby Schneider and Steve Munoz, who will detail how the trio around 1 a.m. that day messed around near the railroad tracks in Redwood City by Safeway and eventually began throwing soda cans and rocks from the overpass. One rock struck the Civic driven by Jonathan Herrera, 18, and carrying his brother Luis Herrera, 21, and his cousins Villa and Uriel Villa, 17. They had picked up Luis Herrera from his McDonald’s job and were heading to Safeway for a beverage when they heard the sound and gave chase to Johnson and his friends.

The damage was “nonexistent,” mainly scratches on the back fender, Cannon said.

The foot chase went south on Franklin Street, ending in a parking lot where Johnson and Schneider hid in the bushes. After Johnson was pulled out, Herrera found him on hands and knees and turned him over with plans to punch him in the head, Cannon said.

Instead, Cannon said Herrera will tell jurors Villa said, “Watch out Gordo, I’m going to stab him” and was himself stabbed in the hand and leg while trying to prevent the attack.

They fled the scene, not knowing until later that Johnson was mortally wounded, and Luis Villa cleaned the blood from his knife on his shirt, Cannon said.

In the days that followed, Villa and the others had a window of opportunity to head to Central Mexico because Schneider and Munoz were less than forthcoming, worried about their own culpability because of the rock throwing. Cannon told jurors the boys’ families agreed they should all leave the country and headed to the border in different cars. During the caravan and in a post-trip visit to relatives in Lathrop where Villa asked relatives to burn or bury his clothes, he confessed to several people, Cannon said.

The other three ultimately returned to the United States but Villa did not until his arrest in July 2009.

Luis Herrera didn’t surrender upon his return, though, Hroziencik pointed out, adding that the other three pinned the crime on Villa because he was “conveniently in Mexico.”

Hroziencik wants jurors to consider a blood stain found on the driver’s side passenger door which contains both Johnson’s and Luis Herrera’s DNA. The evidence was collected four days after the incident but not tested until after prosecutors offered Herrera a deal of a year in jail for felony assault. He received credit for time served and will be testifying for the prosecution although that was not a condition of the negotiated settlement.

The stain is the “only piece of evidence that speaks for itself,” Hroziencik said.

Villa is being held without bail.

Michelle Durand can be reached by email: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.

Hometown Holidays kick-off this Saturday . . .

2011-11-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

It’s almost here – Hometown Holidays annual children’s festival and fireworks show!

See www.hometownholidays.org.

Be part of the all-day family fun in Downtown Redwood City on Saturday, December 3, 2011 starting at 10 am. It’s on, rain or shine, and it’s FREE* admission! *Tickets will need to be purchased for the carnival rides, food vendors, and some other activities*

Each year on the first Saturday of December, Redwood City’s Downtown Business group throws a party in celebration of the Holiday Season! The entire community enjoys a parade, entertainment, SNOW, Santa Claus, and a grand finale with a fantastic FIREWORKS show!

(And don’t forget, you can support Redwood City PAL at a neighborhood pancake breakfast fundraiser for just $5, then head Downtown to enjoy the fun, festive Hometown Holidays the rest of the day! The breakfast is from 8 – 10 am at Kennedy Middle School, 2521 Goodwin Avenue. All proceeds from the fundraiser breakfast go to Redwood City PAL.)

For additional info go to www.hometownholidays.org, where you can also see a great video that really tells what it’s all about.

Presented by the Redwood City Downtown Business Group. Diamond Sponsor: Redwood City Civic Cultural Commission.

Please bring your unwrapped toy to donate to the Samtrans/Caltrans booth!

Here’s what’s happening:

10 am – 4 pm – Photos with Santa, fabulous Carnival, Vendor Booths, and more!

11 am – 4 pm - Play in the real snow

4:30 pm – Children’s Parade (Spectrum Publisher Steve Penna will be an announcer at the station at Broadway and Winslow Streets)

5:45 pm – City Hall Tree Lighting

5:50 pm - Fireworks spectacular

All day – Holiday Skating on the Ice, Live Entertainment!

Here’s the schedule for two stages of LIVE entertainment:

Courthouse Square Stage

10 -10:30 am - CA Kung Fu & Tai Chi Institute

10:40-11:10 am - Dance Mode Studio

11:20-11:50 am - Woodside High Orchestra

Noon-12:30 pm - John Gill Elementary School Advanced Dance

12:40-1:10 pm - Woodside High Jazz Band

1:20-1:50 pm - Professional Ballet School

2 -2:30 pm - Studio S Broadway

2:40-3:10 pm - Dance Expressions

3:20-3:50 pm - Sequoia High School Band

4 -4:30 pm - North Star Academy Chorus

Rock Star Stage (Broadway at Redwood Creek Crossing)

10 – 10:30 am – Toxic Playground

11 – 11:30 am - Marjikeze

Noon – 1:15 pm - Riekes Center

1:45 – 2:30 pm - Crimes of Passion

See www.hometownholidays.org for all the details!

Trial to start in RWC teen murder case . . .

2011-11-25T12:23:00.000-08:00
Teen murder suspect faces jury
November 25, 2011, 03:30 AM By Michelle Durand Daily Journal Staff

A teen accused of fatally stabbing a 15-year-old boy who threw rocks at his car from a Redwood City overpass faces a jury Monday on murder and weapons charges that could imprison him for life.

Luis Adolfo Villa, 20 now but 17 at the time of the 2009 incident, is charged as an adult with murder and the personal use of a knife in the Jan. 3, 2009 death of Matthew Johnson. Villa, who remains in custody without bail, faces 16 years to life in prison if convicted.

Defense attorney Mike Hroziencik, though, said he will “absolutely” tell jurors in opening statements Monday morning that his client did not wield the knife. Instead, he will point to Luis Herrera, a 21-year-old also arrested in the attack who last November was sentenced to time served for felony assault.

Hroziencik did not want to comment too much on the case on the off chance jurors do not heed a judge’s admonishment to avoid reading news coverage. However, he said the only piece of forensic evidence linking Johnson’s death to anyone is a blood stain containing both his and Herrera’s DNA. Coupled with “lies told by Herrera and his brother to the grand jury,” Hroziencik said it is unlikely Villa will take the stand on his own behalf.

“I think the evidence will be quite strong pointing to Mr. Herrera,” Hroziencik said.

Prosecutor Joe Cannon said there is no question the right man is on trial, citing “an overwhelming amount of witness testimony and corroboration by people with no motivation to lie about it.”

Villa also confessed to several people, Cannon said. According to authorities, Johnson encountered a group including Villa and Herrera when authorities say the teen and three friends were throwing rocks at vehicles on the 100 block of Franklin Street in Redwood City. One hit a vehicle carrying Villa and Herrera, causing “non-existent” damage, Cannon said.

The suspects chased Johnson and his friends down the street and allegedly attacked them. Herrera punched Johnson while Villa stabbed him several times, according to prosecutors. Johnson was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Police arrested Herrera at his Hoover Street home four days later while Villa remained at large. Authorities later found Villa in Mexico and extradited him back to San Mateo County last July. That September a criminal grand jury indicted him on all the charges.

Herrera will take the stand for the prosecution although testifying was not a requirement of his plea bargain, Cannon said.

Johnson’s death was “completely and utterly tragic” because he was just a teenager “doing something stupid.”

“Fifteen-year-old kids often do things that are dumb but they don’t usually end up dead,” Cannon said.

County Sheriffs win 2nd Annual Salvation Army Carve-off contest . . .

2011-11-23T22:51:00.000-08:00

County UnderSheriff Carlos Bolanos (above) celebrates with the Sheriff team of turkey carvers

The event, sponsored by the Salvation Army and Redwood City Rotary Club, was successful and the 75 turkeys that were carved will feed 450 families for Thanksgiving. The Redwood City Fire Department and Redwood City Police Department teams both carved 26 birds each (52) and the San Mateo County Sheriffs Office carved 33 pulling off the win again…which strangely would make the total count (85). Echoing the chef from the St. Francis Hotel who judged the event, “someone needs to go back to elementary school for some basic mathematics review”.

Regardless of the outcome, it was a friendly competition for a good cause and all teams got to practice some carving skills in preparation for home/firehouse operations that will be taking place on turkey day.

A special thanks to those who sacrificed their morning to come out and participate and protect our community everyday . . .

RWC Sergeants Association comment on Chief Gamez appointment . . .

2011-11-22T10:50:00.000-08:00
After a seven-month nationwide search Redwood City City Manager Bob Bell has announced the appointment of Capt. J.R. Gamez of the San Jose Police Department as the city’s new police chief.

“We had a lot of very qualified candidates and they went through an exhaustive process that included meeting with department and community members, city staff and myself. J.R. demonstrated strong leadership skills, a great vision for the department and community, and he had a proven track record of working with the community and implementing innovative programs that improve the quality of life for residents and businesses alike. He is a thoughtful and articulate individual and he really understands the importance of working with the community. We are fortunate to have him accept this position,” Bell said.

Gamez will take over the department on Dec. 2. He will be paid a salary of $15,582 a month, or $186,984 annually, and was hired as an “at will” employee as part of the executive management group. The Redwood City Police Department has a total of 94 sworn officers and numerous support staff.

The decision is supported by the Redwood City Police Officers and Sergeants Associations.

“The POA has great faith in Bob Bell and his ability to recruit and appoint a highly effective leader for our department. Our members welcome this new era ... with Chief Gamez at the helm with enthusiasm and optimism,” said Redwood City POA President Mike Reynolds. “We will embrace this change in leadership while maintaining our motivation and commitment to the citizens of Redwood City.”

“The Sergeants Association is one hundred percent supportive of Bob Bell’s appointment and extremely excited to welcome Chief Gamez,” said Sergeants Association President Paul Sheffield. “Chief Gamez will be a wonderful addition to our organization and one the community deserves.”

TEENAGER STABBED IN REDWOOD CITY . . .

2011-11-20T14:54:00.000-08:00
In Unincorporated area

By Bay City News Service

A 17-year-old youth was stabbed multiple times in unincorporated San Mateo County Saturday night, sheriff's officials said.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office responded at 9:43 p.m. to a
home on Nottingham Avenue, southeast of Redwood City, on a report of a stabbing.

They found the victim there suffering multiple stab wounds. He was
treated at the scene, and then transported to a local hospital.

Sheriff's officials are asking anyone who may have witnessed the
stabbing to call the San Mateo County Sheriff's office at (650) 363-4911 or
the anonymous tip line at (800) 547-2700.

The Redwood City PAL/Police and Fire Holiday Toy and Book Program begins . . .

2011-11-20T13:51:00.000-08:00
http://www.youtube.com/user/Redwoodcityfire#p/u/12/gOA5wSRi31Q

Follow the link above for a message about the drive:

Redwood City Toy And Book Program

WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM DIFFERENT?
The Redwood City Toy Program is a cooperative effort that is orchestrated by members of the Redwood City Police and Fire Departments, Police Activities League and The Fair Oaks Community Center. While all of these entities share equal parts in providing the muscle to direct the program's efforts, The Redwood City Community is truly the backbone to its success. It is through the empowerment and strong leadership from our Department Heads and City Officials that we are enabled to build and sustain great community giving campaigns like the Redwood City Toy Program.

A UNIQUE APPROACH (OPERATIONS)
It begins with social services, where the struggling families must meet the qualifications through a financial background check and interview. The family is then assigned a number that represents their address, number of children, age and gender. At that point, the number and information attached to it are passed to the Fire/PD team who organize multiple events that lead to the ultimate distribution of the toys.

The first events are a series of pre-bagging parties, where each family is distributed a predetermined number of toys, games and books. We then relay the toys from our warehouse to the Red Morton Community Center for our annual wrapping party. All of these events are driven by volunteers from throughout our community.
The toys are distributed over the course of three delivery nights. The teams are lead by Santa who is accompanied by volunteers from police, fire, and their families. At which point, these teams set out to distribute the toys and an unforgettable holiday experience to the assigned families. This has become a very popular event and it's not uncommon to find department heads, city council members or other community champions riding shotgun as St. Nick's helpers on the deliveries.

TOY DONATIONS
The toys that support our program are donated from community members to the following four sources:
Businesses around the community sponsor toy barrel drop offs. These sponsors are listed on our website.
Fire Station and Police Department drop offs.
Holiday Parties-Individuals or businesses in our community host Holiday parties with a "Toy Theme."
Monetary donations that contribute to the purchase of new toys.

AFTER THE FIRE
In addition to the qualified families who receive toys, we also utilize this program to touch those families whose lives have been impacted by adverse situations. Typically, when our firefighters and police officers are interfacing with the community on emergency responses it's because someone is having a bad day, maybe even the worst day they've ever experienced. Our City Leaders have helped shape our culture into one that affords us the ability to help make positive impacts on these people's lives-if we can do that through the giving of toys, we do it. Whether it is a fire around the Holidays, a child with cancer or a parent taken from their children...we are empowered to give aid to these families without a bunch of red tape.

Additional law enforcement agencies were called - REALLY? . . .

2011-11-20T00:26:00.000-08:00
SIX ARRESTED FOR TAGGING BILLBOARDS NEAR HWY 101

-HIGHWAY TAGGERS

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
Six people were arrested for allegedly spraying graffiti on six
billboards near a stretch of U.S. Highway 101 in Redwood City on Wednesday,
California Highway Patrol officials said.
CHP officers from the Redwood City area saw four people tagging
billboards near the eastside of Highway 101 between Whipple Avenue and Holly
Street around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, CHP officials said.
Officers surrounded the suspected four taggers, who ran and hid
into the nearby brush. They were arrested minutes later and two juveniles
were also found in a getaway vehicle at the north end of a bicycle path that
runs along the highway, CHP officials said.
The group consisted of 18- and 19-year-olds and the two juveniles.
The names of the adult suspects were not immediately available.
Additional law enforcement agencies were called to assist
including members from the Redwood City Police Department, the San Mateo Gang
Task Force and additional CHP units.

SashaLekach1156a11/18/11

CONTACT: CHP Officer Art Montiel (650) 369-6261

Ice Skating starts today Downtown . . . All the info you need here!

2011-11-18T12:44:00.000-08:00
Community Invited to Enjoy Something New and Exciting for the Holidays Downtown - “Holiday Skating on the Square" :

Redwood City is delighted to announce to the community that this holiday season there’s going to be a fantastic, festive, fun new activity that will thrill the entire family. It’s Holiday Skating on the Square, right on Courthouse Square in beautiful Downtown Redwood City!

Holiday Skating on the Square uses a remarkable technology, similar to what is used on cruise ships, at malls, and for some ice skating shows, that does not use actual ice. Instead, the 60’ by 67’ skating rink in the Square will have a special synthetic “ice” which performs like regular ice - and people will be using real ice skates (available at the Square, or people can bring their own). This is sure to be a huge hit with families throughout the community, and will extend the fun of Redwood City’s Downtown event “season.”

The skating rink will open on November 18 and continue through January 16, 2012. It’s just $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends. Up to 100 people can be skating in the rink at one time. How fantastic is it to be “ice” skating during the holidays in the middle of Downtown Redwood City where the climate is best?

Skates are included with the admission fee. During rainy periods, the rink may be periodically closed. Tickets will go on sale a few days before the start date – once on sale, they can be purchased in advance by visiting the City’s events web page at www.redwoodcity.org/events, or at the kiosk on Courthouse Square right before skating. Follow Redwood City Events by going to www.redwoodcityevents.com and selection Twitter, Facebook, or RSS, or sign up to receive event email blasts.
Here is the schedule and pricing for Holiday Skating on the Square, starting November 18:

Monday – Thursday: 2 – 9 pm ($10)
Fridays: 2 – 6 pm ($10)
Fridays: 6 – 10 pm ($12)
Saturdays: Noon to 10 pm ($12)
Sundays: Noon to 8 pm ($12)
(prices are for approximately 1.5 hours of skating; sessions start on every even hour)

How does this “ice” skating technology work without real ice? This synthetic ice consists of a plastic polymer that can be described as having the consistency of a giant, white cutting board. The skating rinks are fitted together from 4’ X 8’ synthetic ice sheets. These panels are treated with a non-toxic lubricating solution that reduces contact friction and enhances the glide and speed of the skating experience. On this synthetic ice, the skate blade causes pressure which generates heat and causes a release of the lubricants in the sprayed-on solution which gives skaters the feel of skating on natural ice. It’s also more environment-friendly than real ice rinks, since no machinery or power is needed to keep ice continually frozen. This will be great fun for the whole family, and will add a new cheerful element to the festive holiday atmosphere of Downtown Redwood City.

Redwood City is grateful to these local businesses who are generous sponsors of Holiday Skating on the Square: Barrett Insurance, the Fox Theatre, Fresh Takes, Harry's Hofbrau, Lacewell Realty, Pamplemousse, Peninsula Infiniti, Redwood General Tire, Saba Café, Sakura, San Mateo Credit Union, State Insurance, and T.W. Bay.

New Redwood City Police Chief named . . . EXCLUSIVE!

2011-11-15T17:03:00.000-08:00
Redwood City taps San Jose once again for its new police chief

By Steve Penna, Publisher

After a seven-month nationwide search Redwood City City Manager Bob Bell has announced the appointment of Capt. J.R. Gamez (Pictured above individually and with City Manager Bob Bell) of the San Jose Police Department as the city’s new police chief.

“We had a lot of very qualified candidates and they went through an exhaustive process that included meeting with department and community members, city staff and myself. J.R. demonstrated strong leadership skills, a great vision for the department and community, and he had a proven track record of working with the community and implementing innovative programs that improve the quality of life for residents and businesses alike. He is a thoughtful and articulate individual and he really understands the importance of working with the community. We are fortunate to have him accept this position,” Bell said.

Gamez will take over the department on Dec. 2. He will be paid a salary of $15,582 a month, or $186,984 annually, and was hired as an “at will” employee as part of the executive management group. The Redwood City Police Department has a total of 94 sworn officers and numerous support staff.

“I removed myself 100 percent from the hiring process, and Bob would let me know how it was going and when he would be making the final selection,” said Mayor Jeff Ira. “I am confident in process and confident in Bob, and knowing Bob, it must be a great choice,” he said of Gamez’s appointment.

"The POA has great faith in Bob Bell and his ability to recruit and appoint a highly effective leader for our department. Our members welcome this new era at RCPD with Chief Gamez at the helm with enthusiasm and optimism. We will embrace this change in leadership while maintaining our motivation and commitment to the citizens of Redwood City," stated Mike Reynolds - President of the Redwood City Police Officers Association (POA).

As part of Gamez’s contract he will encouraged but not required to live in Redwood City. He has been married to his wife, Patty, for 25 years and they have two children, Gabrielle and Matthew.

“I will be relocating to Redwood City in the next few months,” Gamez stated. He will first move into a rented apartment until his son graduates from high school in June 2012. The family will then relocate here permanently. They currently live in Morgan Hill.

The appointment comes nine months after the resignation of former Police Chief Louis Cobarruviaz on Feb. 16. He was sworn in as chief on Jan. 18, 2007. At the time Cobarruviaz was the fifth-highest-paid city employee with a salary of $213,279. There is no date set for Gamez’s swearing in.

According to some political insiders, Cobarruviaz’s departure was not voluntary and a clause in his contract gave him the opinion of resigning or being fired by Bell.

Ironically Gamez worked under Cobarruviaz when he served as the chief of police of San Jose from 1991 to 1998. In fact, he appointed Gamez to sergeant in 1994.

As the search for a chief was conducted, Bell appointed two highly respected Redwood City Police captains, Ed Hernandez and Chris Cesena, as rotating acting chiefs. Both of them applied for the chief position.

We had “internal candidates for the position and they were very qualified, the competition was very tight and my objective was to hire the best individual for the job that had a variety of experiences working with a diverse community.” Bell said. “I included a lot of people in the assessment process, and at the end of that process and in my follow-up interviews with J.R. and those he had worked with, it was clear he was the best person to lead our Police Department. It was a difficult decision but I believe the right decision for our department and the community,” he added.

The appointment of Gamez will now be seen as another step in the city’s staff and department reorganization that has included the resignations of City Manager Peter Ingram, the appointment of Bell, the resignation of Cobarruviaz, the elimination of the deputy city manager position, two demotions in the Planning and Economic Development Department management, the hiring of a new economic development coordinator and City Attorney Pamela Thompson, the retirement of Community Development Services Supervisor Pat Webb, who had been with the city for 13 years, and the hiring of a new economic development coordinator and building inspector.

“This is a huge appointment for our organization,” Ira said. “We have been in limbo waiting for a new police chief, and moving forward this will be positive for our Police Department and community in so many different ways. … There is no question in my mind that there will be 100 percent support there from the organization and I am looking forward to that,” he said.

Gamez was born in San Francisco and graduated from San Francisco Christian High School in 1980. He then attended Fresno Pacific College and San Francisco State University.

Gamez joined the San Jose Police Department on April 18, 1986. He is currently the Western Division commander. He worked in patrol and was then selected to work in the following specialized assignments: Special Operations – Narcotics Enforcement Team, as a detective with the Narcotics and Covert Investigations Unit, and as task force agent with the DEA. Gamez was promoted to sergeant on May 15, 1994.

As a sergeant, Gamez supervised patrol officers and was selected to work as a supervisor in the following specialized assignments: Juvenile/Missing Persons, Narcotics and Covert Investigations, DEA Task Force, Night Detective Detail and Special Operations – Street Crimes/METRO Unit. He was promoted to lieutenant on Feb. 16, 2003. He served as a patrol watch commander, lieutenant of the Special Operations – Violent Crimes Enforcement Team, and as the commander of the Homicide/Crime Scene Unit. Gamez was promoted to captain on Feb. 6, 2009, where he currently serves as the Western Division patrol commander.

“I am ready for it. I am prepared to take on the responsibilities,” Gamez said. “I am not planning on bring the San Jose Police Department here but the experiences I have had.”

The city’s website describes the Redwood City Police Department as “an organization of professionals who are dedicated to integrity, customer service, the rights of individuals, and the needs of a constantly changing society.”

“We are a progressive police department which recognizes that by working in a partnership with our community, we can best meet our goals of protecting life and property, improving the quality of life, reducing crime and the fear of crime, and maintaining a safe community,” it states.

“I am an outsider coming in with fresh eyes,” Gamez said, adding that he would be “doing an assessment of the department for the next 90 days.” He said he will be meeting with all individuals within the department while gathering community input on the department.

“I am impressed with the department, its officers. They are professional and have an outstanding reputation,” Gamez said. “This is a great fit for me” and he plans on working as a team and “taking it to the next level.”

“I truly believe we have the finest police department of any city and we have found an individual that can lead the department well into the future. I believe under Chief Gamez’s leadership, the department will be an even better partner and leader in making our community safer and stronger,” Bell said.

Maltbie appointed acting County Manager . . .

2011-11-15T15:08:00.000-08:00
Board of Supervisors Selects Acting County Manager

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors today appointed John Maltbie as Acting County Manager, effective December 1, 2011.

Maltbie served as San Mateo County Manager for 20 years until his retirement in December 2008. As Acting County Manager, he will have overall management responsibility for the County’s $1.75 billion budget.

The Board, meanwhile, will conduct a nationwide search for a new County Manager . That search is expected to take several months and no deadline has been set to fill the position.

The Board announced the interim appointment following a closed session meeting.

The Board said a subcommittee of Supervisors Adrienne J. Tissier and Dave Pine will negotiate a contract that will come before the full Board at a special meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29.

The Board said Maltbie’s extensive knowledge and experience will help the County continue its mission of delivering excellent services to the community while seeking ways to reduce costs.

“I am looking forward to serving the residents of San Mateo County to the best of my abilities,” Maltbie said.

Maltbie will succeed David S. Boesch.

Maltbie to take over as interim county manager? . . .

2011-11-11T12:11:00.000-08:00
Former county manager to fill in for his protégé

By Steve Penna, Publisher

As I Was Saying . . . online

As a nationwide search begins for a new San Mateo County manager, sources close to the county manager’s office inform me that former County Manager John Maltbie will take over in the interim position until that search concludes.

The information comes one week after the resignation of David Boesch (pictured below), effective Dec. 31.

According to a county press release, Boesch said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to lead this organization during especially challenging times. … I will forever treasure this experience and the many fond memories and friendships.”

The announcement followed a closed session of the Board of Supervisors. Boesch said it was clear that he and the board had different philosophies and that, in the best interests of the organization, he tendered his resignation. He clashed with supervisors over several issues, including the new jail planning process and realignment of inmates coming to the county.

Boesch’s last day in the office will be Nov. 15, although his resignation will not be formal until Dec. 31. Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, Boesch will reportedly provide transition assistance to Maltbie if he is appointed.

“We have not made a selection as of yet,” stated Board of Supervisors President Carole Groom when asked about Maltbie’s possible appointment. “We have a closed session meeting on Tuesday (Nov. 15) and will discuss the matter and decide how we will proceed on how we choose an interim selection,” she added.

Boesch began his career in public service as a planner in Utah. After earning a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, he became director of community development of Nashua, N.H., and then Sunnyvale, Calif. He served as Menlo Park’s city manager from 2000 to 2007 before joining San Mateo County.

When first hired by San Mateo County, the Board of Supervisors assumed nearly $1.5 million in home loans on his behalf.

When Boesch took the job in Menlo Park in 1990, the city agreed to loan him $1.7 million to relocate and buy a house nearby. He paid off about $200,000. The terms of his employment with Menlo Park required him to pay off the loan in full one year after leaving or after selling the house.

The county agreed to pay off Menlo Park and assume his loan. They entered into a new promissory note, secured by a first deed of trust, with interest and repayment terms the same as for the Menlo Park loans.

The Menlo Park loans were at 5 percent interest at no specified term. The repayment provisions required Boesch pay only a portion of the interest each month, with the unpaid interest accruing to be paid, along with the principal, when the loan is paid off.

The county used reserves to pay off the loan to Menlo Park. Boesch’s last day there was Feb. 20, 2007.

After serving as assistant county manager, Boesch was appointed county manager in late 2008, just as the impact of one of the worst economic downturns in the nation’s history hit California counties, leaving San Mateo County with a structural budget deficit of more than $100 million.

Boesch worked with the county’s 20 departments to set funding priorities that emphasized maintaining front-line services such as children and family services and public safety programs. At the same time, the county has worked to reduce costs by streamlining services internally and with other agencies and renegotiating pay and benefit packages with labor groups while ensuring the county received a fair share of state and federal reimbursements. As a result, the county has a balanced budget for fiscal year 2011–12 with a declining reliance on reserves and with a reduction in spending of approximately $30 million.

As part of his separation agreement, Boesch will earn no pay during the transition period but will apply his unused vacation, sick and compensatory time. He will receive three and a half months’ salary as severance and COBRA health payments through April, although he will not receive either if he takes another job before December 2012.

The Board of Supervisors will accept the agreement at its Nov. 15 meeting, Groom said.

Boesch was paid $270,233.60 annually plus a $13,338 transportation allowance. He also accrued up to 720 hours of vacation time, any unused portion of which will be cashed out.

Groom said there will be a nationwide search for a permanent replacement and she hopes to have an interim installed quickly. Groom said residents should rest assured the county’s finances will not be in limbo while finding a permanent replacement and that Boesch’s departure will not crimp the economic development efforts.

“This is something we all feel strongly about and we intend to go full speed ahead,” she said.

Ironically, the Board of Supervisors unanimously named Boesch, then assistant county manager, to succeed his boss and mentor, Maltbie (pictured below), who retired as county manager at the end of December 2008.

Maltbie, who spent two decades as San Mateo County’s financial overseer, confirmed to the Daily Journal newspaper in March 2009 he would not renew his current contract when it expired. At the time, Maltbie was about to receive a 5 percent merit raise by the Board of Supervisors, bringing his biweekly paycheck to $10,393.60. While Maltbie said retirement was a given, he remained cagey about a specific timetable.

In 2003, Maltbie announced his retirement but placed the plans on hold, ostensibly to focus on the beleaguered budget, and continued with the county through a series of extensions.

Maltbie came to work for San Mateo County in March 1989 after a stint in the Army and a varied career in public administration in cities from Milpitas to Glendale, Ariz., and Santa Clara County.

After coming to San Mateo County, Maltbie become known for implementing performance-based budgeting and overseeing capital projects like the Maguire jail, a $125 million youth services center and the rebuild of the San Mateo Medical Center. On a day-to-day basis, Maltbie oversaw a jurisdiction then with a $1.7 billion annual budget and 5,500 employees.

Maltbie’s name became synonymous with fiscal frugality. He frequently cautioned the county that past practices of subsidizing the public hospital and indigent care could not continue and in his last year firmly asked the Board of Supervisors to begin stemming the structural deficit before it ballooned further.

That philosophy will be needed during the next few months and forward.

Maltbie was at the helm when the county lost $155 million as a result of the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy.

San Mateo County’s $2.6 billion investment pool had approximately 600 participants, including the county, school districts, special districts and some cities. California law limits the types of investments allowed in the pool, which was managed by County Treasurer Lee Buffington. When Lehman Brothers declared bankruptcy on Sept. 15, 2007, the pool had 5.9 percent, or $155 million, of its funds invested in Lehman floating rate notes and corporate bonds. The law allows pooled funds to be invested in these types of securities, with a maximum of 10 percent per issuer.

San Mateo County’s portion of the $155 million overall loss was approximately 20 percent or $30 million. Approximately $9 million of this is in the general fund, which is the county’s main operating fund, and the rest is in funds for specific purposes, such as capital projects and debt service, state/federal funding for health and social services, and insurance.

If Maltbie does get the appointment, it would be a logical move for the supervisors to make until a replacement can be found. He would add some much needed familiarity and stability to the organization. I can not imagine that the supervisors will not immediately announce an interim after accepting Boesch's resignation on Tuesday.

“Our organization wants a leader and we don’t want them to wait long for one,” Groom said. She also added the search for a new manager will begin at the very beginning of 2012.

Editor’s note: Some information in this story came from an article written in 2008 by Michelle Durand of the Daily Journal staff.

“Holiday Skating on the Square” . . .

2011-11-10T21:27:00.000-08:00
Community Invited to Enjoy Something New and Exciting for the Holidays Downtown - “Holiday Skating on the Square”

Redwood City is delighted to announce to the community that this holiday season there’s going to be a fantastic, festive, fun new activity that will thrill the entire family. It’s Holiday Skating on the Square, right on Courthouse Square in beautiful Downtown Redwood City!

Holiday Skating on the Square uses a remarkable technology, similar to what is used on cruise ships, at malls, and for some ice skating shows, that does not use actual ice. Instead, the 60’ by 67’ skating rink in the Square will have a special synthetic “ice” which performs like regular ice - and people will be using real ice skates (available at the Square, or people can bring their own). This is sure to be a huge hit with families throughout the community, and will extend the fun of Redwood City’s Downtown event “season.”

The skating rink will open on November 18 and continue through January 16, 2012. It’s just $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends. Up to 100 people can be skating in the rink at one time. How fantastic is it to be “ice” skating during the holidays in the middle of Downtown Redwood City where the climate is best?

Skates are included with the admission fee. During rainy periods, the rink may be periodically closed. Tickets will go on sale a few days before the start date – once on sale, they can be purchased in advance by visiting the City’s events web page at www.redwoodcity.org/events, or at the kiosk on Courthouse Square right before skating. Follow Redwood City Events by going to www.redwoodcityevents.com and selection Twitter, Facebook, or RSS, or sign up to receive event email blasts.

Here is the schedule and pricing for Holiday Skating on the Square, starting November 18:

Monday – Thursday: 2 – 9 pm ($10)

Fridays: 2 – 6 pm ($10)

Fridays: 6 – 10 pm ($12)

Saturdays: Noon to 10 pm ($12)

Sundays: Noon to 8 pm ($12)

(prices are for approximately 1.5 hours of skating; sessions start on every even hour)

How does this “ice” skating technology work without real ice? This synthetic ice consists of a plastic polymer that can be described as having the consistency of a giant, white cutting board. The skating rinks are fitted together from 4’ X 8’ synthetic ice sheets. These panels are treated with a non-toxic lubricating solution that reduces contact friction and enhances the glide and speed of the skating experience. On this synthetic ice, the skate blade causes pressure which generates heat and causes a release of the lubricants in the sprayed-on solution which gives skaters the feel of skating on natural ice. It’s also more environment-friendly than real ice rinks, since no machinery or power is needed to keep ice continually frozen. This will be great fun for the whole family, and will add a new cheerful element to the festive holiday atmosphere of Downtown Redwood City.

Will Aguirre be Redwood City's next Mayor? . . .

2011-11-09T10:47:00.000-08:00
Redwood City incumbents keep seats

November 09, 2011, 01:27 AM By Michelle Durand -

Daily Journal Staff

All four Redwood City councilmembers seeking re-election retained their seats handily, shutting out the one challenger to their campaigns, while two tax measures and a charter change passed.

Of the four, Alicia Aguirre came out on top with 4,058 votes, or 23.5 percent. Barbara Pierce followed with 3,831 or 22.2 percent, Ian Bain with 3,597 or 20.9 percent and Rosanne Foust with 3,536 or 20.5 percent of the votes. Challenger Paul McCarthy received 2,217 votes, or 12.9 percent, according to final semi-official results from the San Mateo County Elections Office.

“I’m really excited and appreciative,” said Pierce who has already served 12 years on the council.

Pierce said her victory was sweetened by the return of all four incumbents to the council because it allows a “continuity of vision” along with some new initiatives for economic development.

Continuing their work was a theme for all four incumbents during the campaign with a particular emphasis on the ongoing revitalization of downtown.

Bain, Foust and Aguirre did not return calls for comment.

McCarthy, a 44-year-old sergeant with the California Highway Patrol, purposely chose not to raise money or use traditional campaign methods like lawn signs and fliers.

McCarthy could not be reached for comment.

Both tax measures on the Tuesday ballot also succeeded. A transient occupancy tax increase from 10 percent to 12 percent received 72.9 percent of yes votes. The change is estimated to bring in an extra $640,000 annually. The city last increased its hotel tax in 2003 from 8 percent to 10 percent, placing it in the middle range of the county’s 15 cities which levy such a tax.

The increase in the business license tax will add an estimated extra $825,000 annually to city coffers by fiscal year 2014-15. The measure passed with 55.1 percent — 3,406 yes votes to 2,776 no — unlike two years ago when a similar effort failed. It needed a majority to pass.

The difference is the amount of understanding the public had about the measure, Pierce said.

“I think [previously] we didn’t really do as much outreach as we needed to do so that the public understood the value. It’s always hard for people to vote for new taxes,” Pierce said.

Pierce donated to the committee “Redwood City Residents to Protect City Services” which raised more than $6,000 to support the tax measures. Aguirre also gave money.

Voters also approved changing the city charter so officials can consider how a developer wants to use city land instead of simply how much money is offered. The charter proposal, which lets officials consider maximum public benefit when selling or leasing property, essentially flew under the radar leading up to Election Day but still nabbed 61.2 percent of favorable votes.

The recommendation was not hitched to a particular parcel but stands to be beneficial for Block 2 of the cinema/retail project. If the city sells the parcel, considered part of the city’s gateway, the council can now consider what exactly they want there. The city charter has been amended 15 times since its 1929 adoption, the last being in 2009.

Michelle Durand can be reached by email: michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.

Aguirre poised to be Redwood City's next Mayor . . .

2011-11-08T21:08:00.000-08:00
All results at 8:35 p.m. totals . . .

Incumbents win - CITY OF REDWOOD CITY CITY COUNCIL

Vote by Mail
Early Voting
Election Day
Grand Total Votes ↓

ALICIA AGUIRRE (23.61%)
2,905 0 0 2,905
BARBARA PIERCE (22.29%)
2,743 0 0 2,743
ROSANNE FOUST (20.54%)
2,527 0 0 2,527
IAN BAIN (20.49%)
2,521 0 0 2,521
PAUL G. MCCARTHY (13.07%)
1,608 0 0 1,608

License Tax PASSES - CITY OF REDWOOD CITY MEASURE MBUSINESS LICENSE TAX (MAJORITY APPROVAL REQUIRED)

Vote by Mail
Early Voting
Election Day
Grand Total Votes ↓

YES (54.16%)
2,408 0 0 2,408
NO (45.84%)
2,038 0 0 2,038

Hotel Tax PASSES - CITY OF REDWOOD CITY MEASURE ITRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX (MAJORITY APPROVAL REQUIRED)

Vote by Mail
Early Voting
Election Day
Grand Total Votes ↓

YES (73.63%)
3,287 0 0 3,287
NO (26.37%)
1,177 0 0 1,177

Incumbents win - REDWOOD CITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Vote by Mail
Early Voting
Election Day
Grand Total Votes ↓

ALISA GREENE MACAVOY (29.19%)
3,295 0 0 3,295
DENNIS P. MCBRIDE (28.68%)
3,237 0 0 3,237
SHELLY MASUR (26.83%)
3,028 0 0 3,028
LEA CUNIBERTI-DURAN (15.30%)
1,727 0 0 1,727

Incumbent Martinez on edge of loss - SEQUOIA UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD

Vote by Mail
Early Voting
Election Day
Grand Total Votes ↓

CARRIE B. DU BOIS (24.98%)
9,116 0 0 9,116
ALLEN WEINER (22.44%)
8,190 0 0 8,190
LORRAINE RUMLEY (19.73%)
7,201 0 0 7,201
OLIVIA G. MARTINEZ (19.32%)
7,049 0 0 7,049
LARRY JAMES MOODY (13.53%)
4,936 0 0 4,936

Incumbents win . . . SAN MATEO COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD

Vote by Mail
Early Voting
Election Day
Grand Total Votes ↓

DAVE MANDELKERN (26.27%)
29,828 0 0 29,828
KAREN SCHWARZ (23.76%)
26,976 0 0 26,976
PATRICIA MILJANICH (20.65%)
23,452 0 0 23,452
JOE ROSS (15.34%)
17,417 0 0 17,417
MICHAEL G. STOGNER (8.66%)
9,838 0 0 9,838
JAIME DIAZ (5.31%)
6,034 0 0 6,034

Voters REJECT - San Mateo COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT MEASURE HBOND MEASURE (55% APPROVAL REQUIRED)

Vote by Mail
Early Voting
Election Day
Grand Total Votes ↓

BONDS YES (52.43%)
27,538 0 0 27,538
BONDS NO (47.57%)
24,989 0 0 24,989

Publisher Penna predicts election outcomes - Business Tax will fail * Aguirre could be our next Mayor . . .

2011-11-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

Spectrum Magazine Publisher Steve Penna

It’s the most wonderful time of this year or any election year! I absolutely get enthralled by elections and more so by the candidates and their campaigns. Even though this election has been low-key, some important decisions will be made on Nov. 8 and I am going to predict right now what voters will say.

Let’s start with the Redwood City City Council race, where we have four incumbents — Alicia Aguirre, Ian Bain, Rosanne Foust and Barbara Pierce — facing off against political newcomer Paul McCarthy.

In Redwood City and, to be truthful, in all areas, it is hard to beat an incumbent. You need major name recognition, a long history of community involvement, money, money and more money.

There is a slim chance that McCarthy would be able to unseat one of the incumbents, but I don’t see it happening. He has gained some momentum, endorsements and support, but not getting his message out to the masses of voters and not issuing a candidates statement in the voter’s guide will defiantly hurt his chances regardless of momentum he gains. But he is also the only candidate that is not in favor of the two local tax increases on the ballot. But how do voters know that?

What those election watchers will be waiting for on election night is to see in what order the candidates finish. Will the snub from labor groups and emergency services groups bump Pierce from her usual top vote-getter spot? She has firm support in other areas of our community. Have the environmental militants lessened Foust’s popularity? She also has strong support throughout all community neighborhoods. Has Bain gained more support in our community and will not finish fourth? If he has a strong finish he might be in line for a vice mayor spot.

And, maybe most importantly, will a top-of-the-group finish secure Aguirre to take over as mayor in January 2012? Needless to say, I predict the incumbents will all be re-elected.

I will disagree with Mayor Jeff Ira (who called McCarthy’s campaign “sad”) and give huge CONGRATULATIONS to McCarthy for making them all campaign hard for it and giving our community the opportunity to discuss some issues that needed to be discussed. Since when is it not the right of anyone to run for political office if qualified? And who is to say how one should run a campaign? Just because a candidate is not collecting thousands of dollars or spending his own thousands of dollars does not mean he is not series or is running a “sad” campaign. I guess the voters will determine that.

* * * *

In the Redwood City School District race, incumbents Alisa Greene MacAvoy, Shelly Masur and Dennis McBride are facing competition from parent volunteer Lea Cuniberti-Duran. There are many issues facing the district, some of which are very controversial and important to students and the community and home values.

Given that the district’s per-student spending is lower than in neighboring districts, most feel the current board members are doing an adequate job, and those parents who don’t feel that way send their children to private or charter schools. No-brainer here — all three incumbents will win.

* * * *

In the Sequoia Union High School District race, trustees Lorraine Rumley and Olivia Martinez are campaigning against Menlo Park resident Allen Weiner, East Palo Alto resident Larry James Moody and Carrie Du Bois, San Carlos School District trustee. Despite the teachers union’s disapproval of the incumbents, they will both be re-elected and Du Bois will also be elected.

* * * *

All three incumbents on the San Mateo County Community College District board — Dave Mandelkern, Patricia Miljanich and Karen Schwarz — are running for re-election but are being challenged by Jaime Diaz, Joe Ross and Michael Stogner.

Of the challengers, Ross has raised and spent the most money and has also gained the endorsements of State Assemblyman Rich Gordon, County Supervisor Dave Pine, school district board member Shelly Masur, the San Mateo Community College Federation of Teachers AFT Local 1493 and the San Mateo County Labor Council.

I don’t know if he will be able to overcome the obstacles of unseating an incumbent in such a large district. The district is virtually all of San Mateo County and covers all three community colleges: Cañada, San Mateo and Skyline. But given the strength of his campaign, the recent dissatisfaction with decisions made by the current board and the controversy surrounding Measure H, I think he might be able to do it.

So I will go way out on a limb and say Ross will unseat one of the incumbents; I just can’t say which one.

* * * *

Measure H has the San Mateo County Community College District asking us to pass a $564 million (yes, $564 million) bond. This is not that hard to predict — it should and will fail. It is time for district board members to start doing their jobs and make some hard decisions about cuts to classes or continual salary increases for administrators. As one opponent of the measure stated, “They need to tighten their belts just like anyone else.”

* * * *

The political action committee Redwood City Residents to Protect City Services (made up of elected officials and status quo alike), which is in favor of Measures I and M to increase the city’s hotel and business taxes, has run an unimpressive campaign, but predicting the outcome of this is not easy.

My gut feeling is that both measures will not pass, but firefighters and union personnel have been walking precincts trying to create awareness and approval. In a low voter-turnout election like this is expected to be, that is so valuable and usually leads to passage. Also, voters are just not that aware of city council politics and will be voting in trends and it is not trendy right now to approve taxes at all.

Given all that, I will go out on a limb and predict the business license tax increase, Measure M, will fail and the hotel tax, Measure I, will pass. When asked last time, voters rejected the business license tax, and the mood of the voters is not good right now. We are tired of taxes no matter how small the campaigns tell us they will be. Maybe the third time will be a charm?

* * * *

Measure K, a charter amendment regarding the sale and purchase of property, is also on the ballot and unfortunately has not gotten more attention. It generally takes away a charter-protected safeguard for residents that property sold is done so to the “highest bidder,” thus creating the most revenues possible for general services. Changing the charter gives our City Council the flexibility to take other “factors” into consideration when selling property.

Many feel this might lead to favoritism toward one developer or another and that it will change as the dynamics of the council do. Regardless, this measure will pass just because no one is informed or understands the issue.

Don’t forget to VOTE!

As I was saying…

Is council challenger McCarthy gaining momentum? Will it be enough . . .

2011-11-01T21:23:00.000-07:00
by Steve Penna, Publisher - As I was saying . . .

A packed house of supporters was seen last Friday evening at the Munsi/Musich household on Grand Street in Redwood City encouraging City Council challenger Paul McCarthy for the November 8 election.

The Redwood City City Council race, has four incumbents — Alicia Aguirre, Ian Bain, Rosanne Foust and Barbara Pierce — facing off against political newcomer McCarthy.

In Redwood City and, to be truthful, in all areas, it is hard to beat an incumbent. You need major name recognition, a long history of community involvement, money, money and more money.

There is a slim chance that McCarthy would be able to unseat one of the incumbents, but I don’t see it happening. He has gained some momentum, endorsements and support, but not getting his message out to the masses of voters and not issuing a candidate’s statement in the voter guide will definitely hurt his chances regardless of momentum he gains. But he is also the only candidate who is not in favor of the two local tax increases on the ballot. But how do voters know that?

What those election watchers will be waiting for on election night is to see in what order the candidates finish. Will the snub from labor groups and emergency services groups bump Pierce from her usual top vote-getter spot? She has firm support in other areas of our community. Have the environmental militants lessened
Foust’s popularity? She also has strong support throughout all community neighborhoods. Has Bain gained more support in our community and will not finish fourth? If he has a strong finish, he might be in line for a vice mayor spot.

And, maybe most importantly, will a top-of-the- group finish secure Aguirre to take over as mayor in January 2012?

Mayor Jeff Ira (who called McCarthy’s campaign “sad”) might have given McCarthy's campaign a boost and some support as community members think McCarthy should be commended for making the incumbents campaign hard for each seat and giving our community the opportunity to discuss some issues that needed to be discussed.

Since when is it not the right of anyone to run for political office if qualified? And who is to say how one should run a campaign? Just because a candidate is not collecting thousands of dollars or spending his own thousands of dollars does not mean he is not serious or is running a “sad” campaign. Redwood City voters will determine that.

EXCLUSIVE to the Spectrum Magazine - Occupy Wall Street comes to County Square TONIGHT 5:00p.m. til 7:00p.m.

2011-10-28T00:07:00.000-07:00
Police prepare for demonstration . . .

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2011/10/27/18695533.php

Come help bring the Occupy Wall Street movement to the Peninsula!

Redwood City's government has failed to lead on issues of importance. They keeping favor with corporations and developers over people and the environment by refusing to take a stand on the proposed developments at the Cargill Salt Pond site. They refused to take a stand for healthcare access for women and poor people and allowed a handful of out-of-town activists to successfully stop the proposed Planned Parenthood clinic on El Camino Real.

Redwood City's government is a local example of a national problem: the people are ignored in favor of outside interests whose money and underhanded tactics give them undue influence. Occupy Redwood City is about putting the people back into politics, come join us!

Bring your ideas, your energy, and your creative spirit. It is up to the residents of RWC to shape what Occupy Redwood City will look like!

Opponents come out against Measure H - "They need to tighten their belts just like anyone else,"

2011-10-26T17:15:00.000-07:00
MEASURE H OPPONENTS SAY $564M IN BONDS IS TOO MUCH FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

BCN72 -MEASURE H

By Bay City News Service
Opponents of a ballot measure that would allow the San Mateo
County College District to issue $564 million in bonds say it would saddle
residents with additional taxes in a poor economy.
If approved by voters, Measure H would provide funds to construct
and upgrade classrooms at the district's three campuses -- the College of San
Mateo, Canada College and Skyline College -- by adding about $12.90 annually
to each $100,000 in assessed property values, according to official
estimates.
The added tax would be in effect for the 25-year life of the
bonds.
One opponent, Jack Hickey, who serves on the Sequoia Healthcare
District Board of Directors, said that another bond measure would bring the
college district's total debt obligations to more than $1 billion.
"We already have over a billion dollars in debt," Hickey said.
Measures C and A were approved by voters in 2001 and 2005
respectively, together raising $675 billion in funds for the school district.
"That's more than sufficient money to build classrooms," said
Harland Harrison, San Mateo County Libertarian Party chairman and another
opponent of Measure H.
Harrison said he believes money from Measures C and A was
squandered on the construction of parking lots, a health club and luxurious
administration offices at the College of San Mateo, a $220-million project
that was completed in April 2011.
"They built a palatial penthouse for the office of
administration," Harrison said. "That money was used inappropriately for a
community college district."
Proponents of Measure H argue that system-wide tuition hikes at
Cal State University and University of California campuses have redirected
many middle class and low-income students to community colleges, increasing
the importance that the two-year colleges have in providing opportunities for
higher education.
An estimated 14,000 names were on class enrollment waiting lists
at the three community colleges in San Mateo County when classes started this
fall, according to Barbara Christensen, the college district's director of
community and government relations.
"It shows the demand is very high," Christensen said.
State funding to the college district, she said, has decreased by
an estimated $200 million since 2006, necessitating the need to issue another
round of bonds. In addition to raising funds for new classrooms, the bonds
will help pay for modernizing career technical training programs such as
nursing, biotechnology and clean energy, she said.
"The state has totally stopped funding for capital projects,"
Christensen said. "Cumulatively we've lost more than $200 million in the last
five years. Going forward, we're going to lose a lot more."
Christensen said that the average San Mateo County property owner
would pay an estimated $78 more in annual taxes if the measure passes, a
"small price to pay" for continued improvements at the county's three
community colleges.
Measure H opponents maintain that this is the wrong time to
increase taxes on San Mateo County residents, and that the college district
needs to budget through tough economic times without doubling their debt
load.
"They need to tighten their belts just like anyone else," Hickey
said.
Measure H requires 55 percent of voter approval to pass.

Council challenger voting NO on local tax increases . . . how about you?

2011-10-23T23:41:00.000-07:00
Council challenger against local tax increases on November ballot . . .
Incumbents Poised to Win Four Seats up for Grabs

— All in Favor of Local Ballot Tax Increases -

Challenger McCarthy tells incumbents NO

- Measure I ‘not a tax that contributes to growth, but rather demonstrates
political expediency.’ Measure M ‘is imposed on a small constituency who
create jobs and provide the services that make Redwood City a vibrant community.’-

READ THE FULL STORY:

www.spectrummagazine.net

http://spectrummagazine.net/pdfs/2011_10_SpectrumArchive.pdf

Pedestrian killed on RWC 101 . . .

2011-10-23T13:20:00.000-07:00
PEDESTRIAN KILLED BY VEHICLE ON U.S. HWY. 101

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on southbound U.S. Highway
101 in Redwood City early this morning, California Highway Patrol officials
said.
CHP officers were dispatched to the scene on Highway 101 north of
Third Avenue at 4:25 a.m. today. The San Mateo County coroner's office also
responded to the scene.

sm0638a10/23/11

CONTACT: CHP (510) 286-6923

Griffith Foundation still accepting registrations for Gala event . . .

2011-10-22T18:14:00.000-07:00
It's not too late to register!

It's not too late to register for the 7th Annual Tim Griffith Foundation Gala, A Warm Winter's Eve on Saturday, November 12th!

Please join us! You can order your tickets at TGF Gala Registration

Where: Elks Lodge, 229 W. 20th Ave., San Mateo, CA
Ph: 650-345-4886
When: Saturday, November 12, 2011

Times: 4:00 Croquet - optional
5:30 Champagne Reception and Silent Auction
7:30 3-Course Seated Dinner
8:45 Live Auction and Fund-A-Need

Note - Carpooling will be provided to the Croquet Tournament. Please meet at the Elks Lodge at 3:45. Or just come for the evening!

Tim Griffith Foundation
570 El Camino Real #150-427
Redwood City, California 94063

Historic Bell returns October 26 - public invited . . .

2011-10-21T14:14:00.000-07:00
Historic First Church Bell Returns to Downtown Redwood City

The San Mateo County Historical Association will accept the gift of a historic 146 year old bell from First Congregational Church of Redwood City on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 12:30 pm at Security Public Storage, 1451 El Camino Real, Redwood City, at the Franklin Street entrance.

First Congregational Church was founded by a small band of pioneering Christians on November 2, 1862 when the population of Redwood City was 250. The first church building was constructed in 1864 at the corner of Jefferson and Middlefield Road and was used by the congregation for 90 years.

The church bell was brought around the horn by ship and was installed in the steeple. It was first rung in February of 1865. The bell moved with the congregation over the years and, in 1987, was mounted on a platform and displayed in the Narthex of the Euclid location. That church building was sold in 2007 and the bell was moved into storage.

Toastmasters to host PUBLIC open house . . .

2011-10-19T20:39:00.000-07:00
City Talk Toastmasters Club
Redwood City, California

The mission of City Talk Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

OPEN HOUSE ANNOUNCEMENT

What: City Talk Toastmasters Club Open House with free lunch and drinks!

When: Wednesday October 26, 2011

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Where: Redwood City Main Library

Community Room (2nd Floor)

1044 Middlefield Road

Redwood City, CA 94063

Why: If you have ever thought about improving your communication and leadership skills, now is the time to check out Toastmasters. Join us in a friendly and supportive atmosphere with free food and drinks! Whether you are a nervous beginner or a polished professional, you are welcome to join us. Come see what the fun of learning and personal development is all about.

Who: All are welcome! Come and join the fun. For more information contact John McDowell at johnmcd@hotmail.com, or call 202-390-7555.
Visit City Talk on the web at http://citytalktmc.freetoasthost.us and Toastmasters International at http://www.toastmasters.org.

How To Join: Visit as often as you would like.

We’ll be glad to talk with you about joining when you feel ready.

Neighbor helps nap burglary suspect . . .

2011-10-19T09:41:00.000-07:00
TWO ARRESTED, ONE SOUGHT AFTER HOME BURGLARY

BCN14 -BURGLARY AND CONSPIRACY

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
Police have arrested two people in connection with a break-in at a Redwood City home on Tuesday and are looking for a third suspect.
Around noon on Tuesday, a neighbor called police to report three
suspicious people in front of her neighbor's house in the first block of
Fulton Street.
The neighbor said two of the people had gone into her neighbor's
backyard while the third waited in front of the house on a bicycle, according to police.
When officers arrived, they detained 20-year-old Melvin Argueta,
the suspect on the bicycle, police said.
The second suspect, a 16-year-old boy, and the third, described
only as a Hispanic male with black hair and wearing a white shirt, ran out
the back of the house and began jumping fences as they fled, police said.
Officers established a perimeter and spotted the 16-year-old less
than a quarter-mile away in the first block of Birch Street, where he was
taken into custody.
Police searched the neighborhood for the third suspect but didn't
find him.
The two suspects who entered the home had apparently used a rock
to smash a rear window, police said.
Argueta was booked into San Mateo County Jail on residential
burglary and conspiracy charges, and the 16-year-old boy was booked into the
San Mateo County Juvenile Detention Center on the same charges.

SashaLekach0910a10/19/11

CONTACT: Redwood City police (650) 780-7100

Meet your City Council candidates . . . TONIGHT

2011-10-13T01:12:00.000-07:00
Tonight is the night . . .

Mark your calendar . . . and meet City Council candidates . . .

City Council Candidates Night at Redeemer Lutheran Church

Co-sponsored by The Spectrum Magazine

Fellowship Hall - 468 Grand Street
Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7:30p.m.

Publisher Steve Penna will moderate the question and answer session . . .

Don't miss this opportunity to ask the candidates YOUR question!

Council challenger against local tax increases on November ballot . . .

2011-10-10T01:36:00.000-07:00
Incumbents Poised to Win Four Seats up for Grabs
— All in Favor of Local Ballot Tax Increases -

Challenger McCarthy tells incumbents NO
- Measure I ‘not a tax that contributes to growth, but rather demonstrates
political expediency.’ Measure M ‘is imposed on a small constituency who
create jobs and provide the services that make Redwood City a vibrant community.’-

READ THE FULL STORY:

www.spectrummagazine.net

http://spectrummagazine.net/pdfs/2011_10_SpectrumArchive.pdf

Mark your calendar . . . and meet City Council candidates . . .

2011-10-03T00:18:00.000-07:00
City Council Candidates Night

Redeemer Lutheran Church and

The Spectrum Magazine

Fellowship Hall - 468 Grand Street
Thursday, Oct. 13 at 7:30p.m.

Community invited!

Redwood City's Kenny Ortega testifies at Jackson manslaughter trial

2011-09-27T21:32:00.000-07:00
People vs. Dr. Conrad Murray

http://www.tmz.com/2011/09/27/michael-jackson-doctor-conrad-murray-opening-statements-involuntary-manslaughter-trial-propofol-kenny-ortega/

Kenny Ortega: "Something Was Wrong" With MJ

Kenny Ortega -- Michael Jackson's Choreographer Testifies
Updated 9/27/11 at 1:50 PM

Michael Jackson's friend and choreographer, Kenny Ortega, just took the stand for the prosecution -- claiming Michael was ill in the days leading to his death ... and Dr. Murray berated him when he expressed concern.

* Ortega -- creator and director of "This Is It" -- says Michael was "very excited" about the show.
* Ortega said in mid to late June, 2009 Michael missed several rehearsals.
* On Friday June 19th, Ortega noticed Michael "wasn't right" and that something was going on. Ortega said it "troubled him." He said Michael seemed lost and was "incoherent."
* Ortega says he sat with Michael as he watched the rehearsals -- rubbing Michael's feet because the singer was freezing cold. Michael left early that day.
* Ortega says he was so worried about Michael, he sent an email to AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips (below) -- saying Michael needed psychological help.

*Ortega says he was confronted by Murray during a meeting at Michael's home on June 20th. Murray told him he was upset Ortega didn't let him rehearse, berating him for acting like a doctor (video below).
* Ortega says on June 23, barely 4 days after Michael was sick, he came to rehearsals full of energy. Ortega said "it was a different Michael."
* On June 25th, Ortega got a phone call from AEG Live Co-CEO Paul Gongaware saying an ambulance had taken Michael to the hospital. Paul called later and told Ortega, "we lost him."
* During cross examination, Ortega told defense attorney Ed Chernoff, Murray was in charge of Michael's schedule leading up to his death.
* When asked whether he thought Michael was abusing drugs, Ortega said yes.
* Ortega said right before June 19th, Michael "went missing for about a week."
* Ortega stepped down subject to recall.

Mystery rash breakout perplexes school officials at Clifford School

2011-09-23T23:17:00.000-07:00
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/peninsula&id=8366394

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (KGO) -- Dozens of students were sent home after a mysterious rash broke out at a Redwood City school. It happened last week at Clifford Elementary.

Principal Phil Lind says they are still trying to figure out what caused more than 30 kindergartners to break out in a rash that looked like bug bites.

"I have not seen anything like this. I have never heard of anything like this. It took us by surprise," said Lind. "We had to act decisively to get the children out of the classrooms and into a safe environment."

The classrooms and yard equipment have been disinfected and testing is being done to determine the source. The results are expected in about a week.

All the students are now back at school in temporary classrooms.

(Copyright ©2011 KGO-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Kennedy Middle School assult - officials need to take some action . . .

2011-09-19T00:40:00.000-07:00
Does Spectrum Publisher Penna hint at racism at School District response? . . .

As I was saying . . . by Publisher Steve Penna

On to a more serious subject: an update on the incident that occurred on a
Kennedy Middle School field trip last March. To date, four of the five boys,
ages 13 to 14 years old, admitted participating in the attempted sexual
assault. Three boys admitted to committing a lewd and lascivious act on a
minor under 14, and each received a 120-day sentence at the Youth Services
Center, the county’s juvenile hall. A fourth boy admitted to sexual battery
and received 60 days. A fifth boy has not settled his case and is scheduled
in October for a pretrial hearing on an undisclosed matter, according to the
District Attorney’s Office.

The attack occurred March 4 when 20 Kennedy Middle School students
went to Stulsaft Park in Redwood City. Three months later, during the last
week of school, the girls told a school counselor they were almost raped by
the boys. School officials say the group was chaperoned by a teacher and an
aide in accordance with the district’s 10-to-1 ratio policy. The juveniles all belonged to an optional newcomers’ class for students who’ve been in the
country less than one year. Reports indicate that there were also two adult
chaperones on the outing, bringing the number of adults on the trip to four.

So with the exception of the one boy, all the involved juveniles have taken
responsibility for their actions and are being punished according to our
judicial system. The girls involved have gotten the justice they deserved
and are hopefully in some sort of counseling or therapy. In a system where
it usually takes years to resolve cases like this, it is fortunate for the victims that they will not have to endure a long, drawn-out trial and the publicity that comes with it.

On the other hand, the adults in this situation have taken very little
responsibility to date. Oh, there has been talk at school board meetings
about policy changes. Making chaperones, teachers and parents sign a form
explaining expectations while they are on a field trip is part of the policy
changes being considered by Redwood City school officials. Another change
would be requiring all adults on the field trip — such as teachers or parents serving as chaperones — to sign a form that outlines the expectations of that person while on the field trip. There were even questions about allowing 21-year-old drivers to be used for transportation, with some advocating raising the age to 25. WOW! These adults mean business, don’t they?

All these discussions are superficial, to say the very least. Until the adults in this situation take responsibility and inform the public as to what actions, and there should have been severe ones, including dismissal, were taken against the paid staff who were on the field trip, we cannot trust that any policy changes will result in the protection of our students. Regardless of their citizenship, ethnic background, income level or academic achievements.

Although all media outlets picked up and reported on the incident, there has been minimal outcry from our community or parents in the district. I would go out on a limb and say that it is most likely because the students involved were in this country less than a year and therefore perceived as being Latino. I can assure you, had this incident been reported by students of upperclass Caucasian families, our district officials would be preparing their resignation letters.

And so the status-quo continues . . .

Spectrum turns lucky 7 . . .

2011-09-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Spectrum Magazine is now the largest distributed publication in the Redwood City area with over 12,000 readers per month and over 1,900 paid subscribers. Thank You Redwood City!

But did he eat . . . ?

2011-09-12T23:57:00.000-07:00
SUSPECTED HOME BURGLAR ARRESTED IN CHINESE RESTAURANT

BCN47 -RESIDENTIAL BURGLAR ARRESTED

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
Redwood City police arrested a suspect in a home burglary on
Friday after finding him hiding in a nearby Chinese restaurant.
Officers responded to a report of a burglary in progress after a
resident of the 300 block of Madrone Street returned home around 11:20 a.m.
and saw a man walking around inside his house, according to Redwood City
police.
The man confronted the intruder, who ran out of the home through a smashed sliding glass door and fled on foot, police said.
The victim got into his car and followed the burglar for a short
distance, police said. He was able to provide a description of the man and a general idea of his whereabouts.
Responding officers searched the neighborhood and quickly tracked
down the suspect, who was hiding in the US Chinese Food restaurant at 2490 El Camino Real. Police identified him as Miguel Zamora, a 29-year-old homeless man from the Redwood City area.
Zamora was arrested on suspicion of residential burglary and
booked into San Mateo County Jail. The property that had been taken from the victim's home was returned, police said.

cpc1038a09/12/11

CONTACT: Redwood City police (650) 780-7681

Arrest made in hit-and-run . . .

2011-09-07T09:57:00.000-07:00
Redwood City man arrested after fatal hit-and-run

September 07, 2011, 09:18 AM Bay City News Service

A Redwood City man was arrested as a suspect in a hit-and-run accident that killed a female victim Tuesday evening, police said.
Police found the victim, identified as Nora Fuentes-Arias, 53, of Redwood City, lying on the ground in the 3000 block of E. Bayshore Road around 7:15 p.m. Medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene, according to police.

Witnesses told police that a vehicle had struck Fuentes-Arias and fled. The vehicle was found at a trailer park in the 1900 block of East Bayshore Road with front-end damage.

The driver and registered owner of the vehicle, Julio Montenegro, 58, was found and arrested.

Montenegro was booked at the San Mateo County Jail on hit-and-run causing death and vehicular manslaughter charges, according to police.

The hit-and-run investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Redwood City police detectives Val Cook or Joe O'Gorman at (650) 780-7100.

RWC woman killed in hit-and run . . .

2011-09-07T09:53:00.000-07:00
Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident

The accident happened Tuesday evening on East Bayshore Road.

www.redwoodcity.patch.com

A woman killed in a Redwood City hit-and-run accident Tuesday evening has been identified as Nora Fuentes-Arias, a San Mateo County deputy coroner said.

Fuentes-Arias was a 53-year-old Redwood City woman, Deputy Coroner Roger Fielding said. Police found her lying on the ground in the 3000 block of E. Bayshore Road around 7:15 p.m. Medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene, according to police.

Witnesses told police that a vehicle struck Fuentes-Arias and fled. The vehicle was found at a trailer park in the 1900 block of East Bayshore Road with front-end damage.

The driver and registered owner of the vehicle, Julio Montenegro, 58, of Redwood City, was found and arrested. Montenegro was booked at the San Mateo County Jail on hit-and-run causing death and vehicular manslaughter charges, according to police.

The hit-and-run investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Redwood City police detectives Val Cook or Joe O'Gorman at (650) 780-7100.

Publisher Penna questions "BMR" housing and why no one else does . . .

2011-08-27T01:14:00.000-07:00

By Steve Penna - Publisher

I recently got an email from the City of Redwood informing me that I “may be interested to know that when developers seek to build multifamily
housing here, the City strongly encourages and negotiates with them to assure that some of the units are affordable, or ‘below-market-rate’
(BMR). This is an important aspect of helping to provide quality housing in our community, at various income levels. It’s one way of addressing
our ‘jobs-housing imbalance’ where the high cost of housing makes it very difficult for many people to work here and afford to live here.” An issue during election time politicians love to latch on to.

OK, I knew that and I can buy into that. Great idea and something needed in our community. I even know a local magazine publisher who might qualify, and you will soon find out why.

In case you do not know, the city has helped to provide the availability of affordable housing units in a number of developments in Redwood City, including the Franklin Street Apartments, Villa Montgomery, City Center Plaza, Habitat for Humanity townhomes on Rolison Road and the Wyndham Place condominiums. And in the near future, we’ll be seeing affordable units at the new One Marina project on Bair Island Road and affordable, special-needs–supportive housing on Cedar Street, both of which are just starting construction.

All great projects and great for our community. Redwood City has had some great accomplishments in this area. The email went on to inform me that “there are six ‘moderate’ BMR rental units available at the
885 Woodside Road project.”

As you may recall, during this project’s initial approval process, the developers were met with resistance by neighbors who were concerned that the units would not sell and that they would have to be rented out, thus making the development a less desirable neighbor for them. Guess they had a point in their objections, wouldn’t you say, since that is exactly what happened? What say you city council incumbants running for re-election?

What does affordable mean? In the case of the 885 Woodside Road development (and understanding the high cost of living in the Bay Area), these six affordable units are priced to be available to households earning up to 120 percent of the area median income, which equates to $1,890/month for a one-bedroom and $2,370/month for a two-bedroom apartment. That means to qualify for one of these units, for a household of two people, your annual income can be no more than $95,450.

I am thinking the same thing you are — sorry, that does not seem like very
affordable housing to me. First of all, if a household is making over $95K, that is pretty good, if you ask me, and I don’t think that is “moderate” at all. At least not for Redwood City - which is what we should be concerned with.

There are always different configurations used to determine what “BMR rental units” will be priced at. The way they figured this particular development definitely benefits the developer and not those who are truly in
need of housing at below-market rates. That is too bad and totally undermines the spirit in which such units are made available to those deserving and needing them in our community.

The email went on to state, “Overall, housing prices are still sky-high in the Bay Area, making the City’s work to help provide for affordable housing an important factor for a lot of people.”

I feel that this project and the abuse of the system in determination of the
“BMR rental units” are not indicative of how other projects in our community
help to benefit those needing assistance. I mean, really, who can afford a one- bedroom apartment for $1,890 and be considered “moderate income”?

In case you have not seen the project or taken a tour of it, it is a stunning facility and one I sought to live in and purchase. I can’t say that I would discourage anyone from renting there, regardless of income levels. It is perfect for my lifestyle and others. Secured building and parking, fitness center, a common area for socializing that overlooks our city’s hills, and the units are spacious and very upscale. With the exception of the gas station on Woodside Road that some units have to look down upon, the project is the type of development we need more of in our community.

After I submitted my application to purchase a unit, the developers decided
to go the rental route due to lack of interest in sales. To say the least, I was disappointed.

Since I was “in the system,” I was promised to be kept in the loop and informed of the future plans for the project. I was not and only found the new information from the city’s email.

I don’t think they are so perfect after all.

RWC police seek hit and run autos . . .

2011-08-26T09:39:00.000-07:00
TWO VEHICLES FLEE AFTER STRIKING APPARENT SUICIDE VICTIM

-FATAL HIT-AND-RUN

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
Police are seeking two vehicles suspected of fleeing after
striking a man who apparently laid down on a street in Redwood City to commit suicide on Thursday night.
Officers responded at 9:04 p.m. to a report of an accident between a vehicle and pedestrian in the 1800 block of El Camino Real.
They arrived to find a man suffering from serious injuries in the
roadway. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Investigators discovered that the man had apparently told a
bystander that he was going to kill himself just moments before walking into the roadway and lying down.
He was run over by two vehicles, both of which left the scene
without stopping, according to police.
Police are searching for the two cars, described as a small silver sedan and a small black SUV.
Anyone with information about the case or the whereabouts of the
vehicles is asked to call Redwood City police at (650) 780-7100.

DanMcMenamin0802a08/26/11

CONTACT: Redwood City police (650) 780-7100

Our "finest" gets suspect . . .

2011-08-25T22:43:00.000-07:00
STRONG-ARM ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED

-ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
Police arrested an East Palo Alto man today in connection with a
strong-arm robbery in early August, authorities said.
Vicente Arellano Buentostro, 19, was arrested at about 8 a.m. at a family member's home in the 2200 block of Pulgas Avenue in East Palo Alto, Redwood City police said.
Buentostro was arrested for allegedly shoving a 22-year-old
Redwood City resident to the ground and stealing her cellphone Aug. 1,
authorities said.
The suspect approached the woman and began a conversation when he
shoved her to the ground. The victim sustained minor injuries, police said.
The suspect fled on foot and witnesses said they saw him enter a
parked vehicle that was nearby. Officers located the vehicle unoccupied
shortly after the robbery, police said.
Detectives identified the suspect and issued an arrest warrant
Aug. 4.
He was booked into San Mateo County jail.

ZackFarmer1144a08/25/11

CONTACT: Redwood City police (650) 780-7100

RWC man dies after being struck on bike . . .

2011-08-24T22:36:00.000-07:00
BICYCLIST STRUCK BY VEHICLE THIS MORNING DIES

-BICYCLE CRASH VICTIM

A bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle in Menlo Park this morning has died, police said.
Richard Buckley, 64, of Redwood City was taken to Stanford Medical Center after he was struck by a vehicle shortly after 11 a.m.
The crash occurred on Bayfront Expressway at Chilco Street,
according to the Menlo Park Police Department.
The driver of the vehicle cooperated with investigators and showed no sign of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to police.
The incident is under investigation and police are asking anyone
who witnessed the crash to call police at (650) 330-6300.

Eh/cpc0826p08/24/11

CONTACT: Menlo Park Police Department (650) 330-6325

Memorial services planned for Coach Parks Sr.

2011-08-23T23:03:00.000-07:00
Legendary Menlo-Atherton football coach Ben Parks dies

By John Reid - Daily News Staff Writer

Posted: 08/23/2011 06:38:34 AM PDT
Updated: 08/23/2011 10:37:19 AM PDT

Coach Ben Parks was more than a renowned coach of athletes. He was a doer of great charitable works.

Coach Parks, as he wished to be called, died in his sleep Friday at his home in Mountain View. He was 77.

Parks' wife, Geraldine, passed away on March 31, 2010. Coach Parks was never the same after losing his beloved Geraldine.

"My dad died of a broken heart," said son Ralph Parks, a Menlo-Atherton alum of 1977 and a Fremont resident.

Coach Parks, a physical education teacher, made his mark as head football coach at Menlo-Atherton from 1968 to 1984. The football field at Menlo-Atherton bears his name. Coach Parks also served as the school's wrestling coach for many years and had recently headed the wrestling program at Sequoia-Redwood City.

Pam Wimberly, who started teaching at Menlo-Atherton the same year Coach Parks arrived, was in Arizona when she heard the news of Coach Parks' passing. Wimberly, girls basketball coach at Menlo-Atherton and a former longtime athletic director there, starts her 44th year of teaching at the school Wednesday.

"I was in total shock," Wimberly said. "He was only 77. Coach Parks was a terrific P.E. teacher. He gave all to his students and was well-respected. He'll be very much missed."

Coach Parks was known for his motivational speeches and for being a strong role model. He changed many lives for the better as he worked with at-risk kids. Tink Reynoso, a Sequoia-Redwood City alum of

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1971, was an assistant football coach at Sequoia from 2002 to 2009, when Coach Parks was coaching the Sequoia wrestling team.

"We'd have Coach Parks come in before the game to give a motivational speech to our team," Reynoso said. "He demanded that respect, and it was deserved."

Coach Parks was born in Statesville, N.C., on Feb. 7, 1934. Abandoned by his mother, Coach Parks was 7 when his grandmother brought him to Hollister to start a new life. Times were tough, forcing Coach Parks to be taken in by migrant workers to survive. Coach Parks, never forgetting who helped him when he was in need, returned to feed and clothe the underprivileged of Hollister during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. He also held an annual golf tournament to benefit the Hollister YMCA. Some of the other charities Coach Parks helped included the Boys and Girls Club, Rotary Club and Kiwanis Club.

A 1953 alum of Hollister High, Coach Parks enrolled at Stockton Junior College, where he played football. He earned a scholarship to then College of Pacific, which produced future Los Angeles Rams star back Dick Bass a few years later. Coach Parks and Bass became lifelong friends.

Coach Parks got a job teaching and coaching at Edison-Stockton before landing at Menlo-Atherton, where he was the first African-American high school head football coach in the Bay Area.

"There was a lot of racial tension at that time," Ralph Parks said. "They were busing in kids to schools."

Parks trained more than 1,000 NFL players during their offseason, including many San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders players. Former 49ers and Raiders star safety Ronnie Lott thanked Coach Parks in his NFL Hall of Fame induction speech in 2000.

"To Coach Ben Parks, who trained me at the end of my career," Lott said at the time. "And man, if it wasn't for your faith, I don't know if I would have been able to make it."

When Coach Parks turned 40, he ran a mile around a track for every year in effort to raise money for those starving in Africa. When he was 60, he ran an extra two miles.

Coach Parks is survived by sons Ralph and Ben Parks Jr., and daughters Angela Tina Simpson, Ronda Parks and Geri-Ann Aguilar. Coach Parks had two grandchildren -- Nathan and Jordan.

A memorial service is tentatively planned for early next week at Colonial Mortuary in Mountain View. A "Coach Parks Day" is tentatively planned for Sept. 17 at Menlo-Atherton's Performing Arts Center.

Donation gifts can be made to: Coach Parks Community Foundation, c/o Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, 1222 Preservation Park Way, Oakland, CA 94612-1201.

Coach Ben Parks Sr. passes away in sleep last night . . .

2011-08-20T18:36:00.000-07:00
According to local sources former Sequoia and Menlo Atherton High School and professional coach Ben Parks Sr. passed away in his sleep last night (Friday August 19, 2011).

An email sent to Menlo Atherton Alumni members from Marc Rogers, M-A Class of 1975, stated a message from Coach Parks son Ralph: Ralph Parks called me earlier today to tell me that his father, Coach Ben Parks, had passed away in his sleep last night. He (Ralph) is busy tending to details, and when he gets back to us I can let you know more.

"Coach Parks" is a true American hero; a role model of the strongest and rarest character. The story of Ben Parks, an African-American high school coach who has dedicated over forty-two years of his life to selfless service and giving. Through his tough and seemingly hard-handed approach, Coach Parks has profoundly influenced both the athletes and students of Menlo Atherton High School--a racially and often economically divisive school--in ways that have inspired, changed, and healed thousands of lives. Moreover, he has been a role model to athletes like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott, Roger Craig, Eric Davis and many others, all of whom give powerful testimony to the effect Coach has had on their lives. From the most successful businesses of Silicon Valley to the most impoverished economic communities of the inner-city, Coach Parks has changed and continues to change lives through one powerful lesson:

"Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others." --Coach Parks

Background about Coach Parks:

Coach Parks' life began in extreme poverty. Deserted by his mother as a baby, he went to live with his grandmother in the rural town of Hollister, California where he grew up among migrant field workers. Often going hungry for days as a child, he learned the value of giving from families that took him in and fed him. Today he has turned this around and himself feeds hungry families at Thanksgiving and Christmas often bringing clothes and other necessities. Although he could be making thousands of dollars a day training professional athletes, he does not charge for his workouts and turns no one away. He continues to live with his family on the very modest salary of a high school coach giving all of his time and money away to those in most need.

His unmistakably strong personality has also gained him national recognition. For the past five years he has been invited to Washington DC to serve on the President's council for building character in youth through sports. He is a living example of what he preaches. Each year on his birthday, he runs a mile for every year of his age. The money he raises all goes to charity, including $100 a mile from Joe Montana for the past few years. "Harder, harder, you can do more!", Coach Parks yells at his trainees. He challenges everyone to go deeper within themselves. "What he teaches stays with you your whole life," says John Tittle, son of the legendary Y.A. Tittle. On and off the training field he pushes people to their limits--and beyond. "Service is the rent we pay for living," Coach says.

His deep effect on many professional athletes has been a powerful example to students who often worship celebrity and financial success more than character and service. Former San Francisco Forty-Niner Ronnie Lott summed up the influence many people feel from Coach as follows: "The motivation that kept me playing well and continues to enthuse me and push me is Coach Parks. One thing he says is, 'Life isn't a choice, but living is.' It's inspiring. You have all the choices in the world, why not choose to live life the right way? Why not choose to help people? It makes you stronger within."

Spectrum Magazine Publisher and Child Advocate Steve Penna
"Coach Parks was a very dedicated and honorable workhorse in our and several other communities. He was far more than a "coach" he was a humanitarian who helped so many. Great loss for us all . . . Thoughts and prayers to his family. I will miss him dearly. His son Ben Jr. was a high school classmate of mine."

Former Atherton Police Chief Glenn Munk Nielsen
"Ben Sr. was a fine man. A mentor to so many and a friend to even more. Truly an icon. Ben Jr. was also a classmate of mine. I remember Ben Sr. from all my years working at Menlo Atherton High School."

Former student Jamirez Sloganez
"One of the most hard working, community minded, inspiring leaders of our generation has passed away last night I just heard... RIP Coach Ben Parks... I always remember how hard you pushed everyone and cared for everything single one of us... also for running as many miles as your birthday ever year.. who at 60 is going to run 60 miles but him... Glad to have the honor to be one of your students."

Former student Jose Flores
"Great coach and even a better person. He was an inspiration to a lot of athletes in the Sequoia District."

Former student Cathleen Parker
"He was the sweetest funniest gentleman ever!!! Study Hall was awesome because of him ♥"

** Some information provided by: © 1996-2007 The Wakan Foundation for the Arts

Youths not so friendly to Friends for Youth . . .

2011-08-10T21:49:00.000-07:00
4 BOYS ARRESTED AFTER STEALING EQUIPMENT FROM NONPROFIT SUPPORTING AT-RISK YOUTH

BCN46 -SCHOOL THEFT

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
Four boys were arrested this afternoon for stealing computer and
electronic equipment from a nonprofit in Redwood City that mentors youth and
is designed to keep young people out of trouble.
The Friends for Youth Mentoring Institute, located at 1741
Broadway, was burglarized on July 28, Redwood City police Sgt. Sean Hart
said.
The suspects pried open a rear door, entered the building, stole
the equipment and left undetected, he said.
A follow-up investigation identified four suspects who ranged from
12 years old to 16 years old, Hart said. The names of the suspects, who are
from Redwood City and unincorporated Redwood City, are not being released
because they are juveniles.
All four were arrested around 3 p.m. today. After a search of
their homes, most of the stolen property was recovered.
Hart said that none of the boys were affiliated with the mentor
program or Friends for Youth, "but they probably need to be."
Anyone with additional information about the burglary is
encouraged to call Redwood City police at (650) 780-7697.

RachelPurdy0548p08/10/11

CONTACT: Redwood City police Sgt. Sean Hart (650) 780-7681

Residents watch your BRASS . . .

2011-08-09T22:42:00.000-07:00
FIRE OFFICIALS REPORT NUMEROUS THEFTS OF BRASS SPRINKLER FITTINGS

BCN46 -SPRINKLER THEFTS

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
Fire officials in Redwood City today warned property owners that
brass fittings are being stolen from sprinkler systems and standpipes
throughout the city.
Fire Marshal Jim Palisi said the metal fittings are "critical fire
department connections" that allow firefighters to pump water into fire
systems in the event of a structure fire.
If firefighters respond to an emergency and the fittings are
damaged or stolen, the department's ability to fight a fire is severely
hampered, Palisi said.
"If the fire department connections are missing upon our arrival,
immediate operational changes must occur, which slows our rescue and fire
suppression efforts," Palisi said.
At least 18 standpipe fixtures have been stolen from locations
around Redwood City and San Carlos, probably to be resold as scrap metal,
Palisi said.
"These things are usually made of brass, bronze or iron," Palisi
said. "They probably get stolen late at night."
Palisi said the stolen fixtures were reported by observant
citizens or discovered by fire department personnel on routine inspections.
The Redwood City Police Department has been made aware of the
problem and is actively looking for people loitering around fire department
connections.
Fire officials are asking building owners and property managers to
inspect their fire sprinkler and standpipe systems daily, and to report any
thefts immediately.

cpc0609p08/09/11

CONTACT: Redwood City Fire Department (650) 780-7400

Redwood City's Kenny Ortega to direct Dirty Dancing remake . . .

2011-08-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

ORTEGA PICTURED WITH MICHALE JACKSON

Lionsgate announces 'Dirty Dancing' remake
AP – 55 mins ago...

LOS ANGELES (AP) — "Dirty Dancing" is coming back to the big screen.

Lionsgate says it is remaking the 1987 film that starred Jennifer Grey as a naive dance student and Patrick Swayze as her teacher and lover.

The studio said Monday that Kenny Ortega, who choreographed the original film, will direct the remake.

Ortega says he is eager to discover and cast "the next breakout triple-threats" to define dancing for a generation, the way Swayze did in the original "Dirty Dancing."

DOWNTOWN - America's Night Out Against Crime - TONIGHT

2011-08-02T15:32:00.000-07:00
Here’s a reminder about the 3rd Annual Redwood City/Target National Night Out event – America's Night Out Against Crime. It’s TODAY from 4 – 8 pm at Courthouse Square.

National Night Out is a nationwide crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (www.nationaltownwatch.org/nno). It’s designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Redwood City, its Police Department and Library, PAL, and Target offer these great events, combined with our regular Dancing on the Square:

· Music, Activities, Info and Giveaways from 4 – 6 pm

· Free Fingerprinting for Children

· Neighborhood Watch Materials

· Disaster Preparedness Info

· Redwood City PAL Info

· Drawings for Free Car Seats

· Photo Opportunities with Crime Fighting Dog McGruff (bring your camera)

· Fire Engine, Police SWAT, Command Vehicle, and Police Boat Display

· Hot dogs, snacks, beverages and more for sale

· Arts and crafts fun by Target

· Redwood City Project READ Literacy Program

· Other fun games and activities

· Live Music and Salsa Dancing Lessons from 6 - 8pm

Thanks to Redwood City and Mountain View Target Stores for their sponsorship of National Night Out in Downtown Redwood City.

Kennedy boys admit to assult . . .

2011-07-26T12:35:00.000-07:00
UPDATE: Three Kennedy Middle School Boys Admit to Sexual Assault
The three will appear in court on Aug. 5 for sentencing.

By Stacie Chan - www.redwoodcity.patch.com

The Redwood City Police Department responded to 263 calls to Kennedy Middle School (excluding voided cases.) Photos (1) Photos Credit Christi Morales
Add your photos & videos Tell Your Neighbors About Patch Three Kennedy Middle School boys admitted in court Monday to the sexual assault of two female classmates while on a school field trip. Two admitted to a lewd act on a minor and the third admitted to sexual battery, according to Deputy District Attorney James Wade.

The two boys who admitted to a lewd act on a minor may face up to eight years in juvenile detention, while the third may face up to one year for sexual battery.

Though the fourth boy has not admitted to any charges, Wade said he expects the boy to confess at the Aug. 5 sentencing. The fifth boy must attend a proceeding in October before the District Attorney can decide whether to prosecute him, according to Wade. He did not disclose why the fifth boy's case was separated from the others.

Reports of the attempted rapes caused much concern in the community. School officials met the Redwood City School District’s field trip policy by having one supervisor for every 10 students, but the fact that the crimes went unnoticed caused some residents to question the staff’s capabilities and the effectiveness of the policy.

"The district is very concerned that this potential incident took place," Director of Assessment Jane Yuster said to Patch in June. "Our number one message to parents is that their kids are safe in Redwood City schools and on school-sponsored trips and activities."

District Superintendent Jan Christensen said the district is conducting an internal investigation to examine current safety procedures for school field trips and determine if changes are needed.

RWC resident catches burglar in master bedroom closet . . .

2011-07-21T20:33:00.000-07:00
At 2:48 PM today an interrupted residential burglary occurred on the 3500 block of Bay Road in unincorporated Redwood City. The resident found the burglar hiding in the master bedroom closet and used bear spray on the burglar. The burglar dove out a window, climbed over the backyard fence and hid. Sheriff's deputies found the suspect and arrested him.

The suspect arrested is Edgar Aguiniga, a 30 year old resident of East Palo Alto, CA.

No further information is available at this time. A press release will be released as more information becomes available.

Refer any questions to Sgt,. Linda Gibbons at 363-4063

Planned Parenthood Clinic faces trouble with parking issues . . .

2011-07-20T21:50:00.000-07:00
Health clinic opening held up by parking issueUpdated at 06:51 PM today

Vic Lee
More: Bio, E-mail, Facebook, Twitter, News Team

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/peninsula&id=8262244

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (KGO) -- A parking problem could prevent Planned Parenthood from opening a women's health clinic in Redwood City. It's a dispute that involves the proposed clinic on El Camino Real, the nearby Enterprise Rent-A-Car service, and threats of protests.

Planned Parenthood wants to start a clinic in an empty office building on the 2800 block of El Camino, but Redwood City told the agency it needs more parking spaces.

"We're requiring 27 total and the site only has 18 spaces," said Redwood City spokesman Malcolm Smith.

Planned Parenthood says Enterprise across the street agreed to lease them the additional nine spaces and they drew up a contract. In February, the city approved a conditional permit, but that is not the end of this story.

"Since then, they've let us know that it's uncertain if that property owner will go ahead and provide these parking spaces," said Smith.

Planned Parenthood says Enterprise is now having second thoughts about the contract.

"We understand they have some questions about it, but as far as we know and we understand, it's a legally binding contract," said Lupe Rodriguez from Planned Parenthood.

Enterprise spokesperson Laura Bryant told ABC7, "The contract is not executable. It only has one of our two required signatures."

Bryant said only the local manager signed it. A higher executive's signature was also needed. Bryant did not directly address the threat of protests and said instead, she didn't know why there weren't two signatures.

Abortion opponent Ross Foti thinks he knows why.

"I don't think they really knew about the graphic science or anything like that. They didn't realize that they would be protested too," said Foti.

Foti is a local activist who opposes abortions. He says Enterprise was warned there would be protests if the contract went through.

"They'll lose their tranquility, their peace and the business will lose business period," said Foti.

Now, there's a legal challenge to the clinic's permit from a lawyer in Orange County who represents a group opposed to the clinic. They're also warning the city of "significant and continuous" protests.

"Folks from outside this community are objecting to services being provided here for people here who need that care," said Rodriguez.

Wednesday evening, Enterprise corporate headquarters emailed ABC7 saying they now know why their local office never finalized the contract and the reason why there was only one name. They say Planned Parenthood revised the original contract, which was approved by the planning commission in May to extend the lease on the parking spaces beyond Enterprise's own lease with its landlord. And that's why they couldn't do it. But Planned Parenthood says they never revised anything, the contract was the same as it always was.

(Copyright ©2011 KGO-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Penna questions Kennedy School field trip judgement . . .

2011-07-09T01:22:00.000-07:00
I, like most of you, was shocked when I heard
about the five Kennedy Middle School students
who have been accused of trying to rape two
12-year-old girls on a school field trip to Stulsaft
Park in March. The girls did not report the
incident until the last week of school, when
they told their school counselor they had been
sexually assaulted on the outing. The counselor
immediately informed the school principal,
Warren Sedar, who in turn informed police,
which led to the boys being taken into custody
during one of the last days of the school year.

The boys, ages 13 and 14, appeared in juvenile
court last month at the Youth Services Center in
Belmont and are charged with felony counts of intent
to commit rape, sexual battery and committing a
lewd act on a minor under 14 by force. They were
arraigned and set for trial this month.

According to District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe,
the boys could not be charged as adults and are
being charged as juveniles, meaning if convicted,
they cannot be held past their 25th birthday. It has
not been disclosed yet whether any of the students
are undocumented residents.

School district authorities said the alleged attack
occurred March 4, when 20 Kennedy Middle
School students went to the park, chaperoned
by a teacher and an aide. The 10-to-1 ratio is in
accordance with policy. Reports indicate that there
were also two adult chaperones on the outing.

The juveniles all belonged to an optional
newcomers class for students who’ve been in
the country less than one year. The district didn’t
disclose whether the students involved in the
crime were separated from the others as part of the
program or left the larger group on their own. But
what is known is that the students were out of the
supervision of any adult or school official for an
extend amount of time.

The district is conducting an internal investigation
of the incident and the safety procedures in place,
stated district Superintendent Jan Christensen. She
also stated that she was “very distressed by the report.”

“Nothing matters more to us than the safety of
our students, and we are thankful the police acted
quickly after the students reported this incident to
their counselor. Our first priority is to assure that
students are always safe at school and on field
trips,” Christensen said in a prepared statement.

Yes, indeed, police have acted fast and often
in regard to the middle school. In fact, during the
last school year, police received an average of 1.5
calls per school day from Kennedy administrators
and also from concerned neighbors, according to
police reports.

Throughout the school year, there was one
report of sexual battery on Sept. 9, in addition
to the attempted rape incident. Other charges
included: three reports of assault or battery, seven
reports of possession or possible possession of
marijuana by a minor, six arrests, four reports
of attempted robbery and one of attempted
theft, three reports of vandalism, one report of
obstructing or resisting a peace officer, one online
impersonation with intent to harm, and four
reports of mentally disturbed individuals.

So the incident at Stulsaft is obviously a
continuation of unlawful activities that occur on
the westside campus daily. Kennedy Principal
Sedar has since been reassigned to another school
but, according to district officials, the move was
planned before the incident came to light.

One’s first instinct would naturally be to blame
the school district and the faculty and adults involved
— which I do to a certain extent. Should parents
expect their children to be supervised the entire
time they are on a field trip? I say yes, most certainly
in one form or another. Where were these adults?

To let a group of seven students go off on their
own at Stulsaft Park, where there are unknown
adults, gang activity and graffiti, homeless
residents, and other people not connected with
the school or district roaming the park — and to
let them do so for a long period of time — is in
my opinion unreasonable and, to be quite honest,
irresponsible. Had they not been allowed to go
off on their own, this incident would not have
happened and these seven children’s lives would
not have been changed negatively forever.

I don’t know if it is the right time for the
blame game, but it is time for district officials to
recognize that current policies need to change.
It is unacceptable for this type of activity to be
related to any school, district or activity in our
community. Students are sent to school with the
basic expectation of being safe and supervised. Is
that now too much to ask?

Although all media outlets picked up and
reported on the incident, there has been minimal
outcry from our community or parents in the
district. I would go out on a limb and say that
it is most likely because the students involved
were in this country less than a year and therefore
perceived as being Latino. I can assure you, had
this incident been reported by students of upperclass
Caucasian families, our district officials
would be preparing their resignation letters. Where
are our Latino community leaders?

In the meantime, district officials are awaiting
an incident report before discussing possible
action. Much will depend on the details of reports,
including whether the staff members responsible
for the safety of the students should be disciplined
or dismissed. They are also promising their own investigation and a review of safety policies and
procedures when it comes to off-campus school trips.

Until then, five young boys are awaiting trial
and will most likely be severely punished for the rest
of their lives. Two girls have to deal with being
traumatized and abused, while their parents are
undoubtedly talking to attorneys about lawsuits.

All this, when all of them should have been in an
environment where they were protected. Very sad
indeed. Let’s hope things do change.

Mayor Ira is not a happy camper today . . .

2011-06-30T16:23:00.000-07:00
Request For Veto: SB 89 - Diversion of City VLF Revenue

Dear Governor Brown:

I’m writing to strongly encourage you to veto Senate Bill 89.
SB 89 came into print late in the day on June 28, 2011 and was rushed through the process with little discussion. It contains a provision that would sweep approximately $130 million of city general fund revenues from the current vehicle license fee formula to a special law enforcement account beginning July 1, 2011.

Given our preliminary analysis this will cost our community between $100,000 and $125,000 per year.

These are general purpose funds that are desperately needed here at the local level to provide vital services which include fire and emergency services, library, parks and other fundamental programs. This measure attempts to shift these funds from our community to be used by law enforcement outside our boundaries and around the state. We have cut our staff, our services, and our budget – this legislation will pull even more from our budget at a time when we can ill-afford any level of further reduction.

The lack of legislative transparency to rush this measure through with no opportunity for public input is an embarrassment to the state. I urge you to do the right thing, and veto SB 89.

Sincerely,

Jeff Ira - Mayor City of Redwood City

Planned Parenthood usage appeal should be granted . . .

2011-06-27T21:56:00.000-07:00
By Steve Penna, Publisher

What is destined to be one of the most controversial issues to go before the city council in years is the proposed and city-approved Planned Parenthood Clinic on El Camino Real near Fifth Avenue.

As you have read in The Spectrum Magazine, over very loud objections and active picketing on the site, the City of Redwood City has issued a conditional use permit for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte at 2890 El Camino Real.

The center is anticipated to be open in early 2012. Now a Southern California law firm representing over 40 clients has appealed the city’s approval of the permit to establish the clinic. City Attorney Pamela Thompson will review the appeal’s validity and ultimately submit the appeal to the City Council for final decision.

The battle lines have been drawn, and each side is recruiting supporters to make their case. The obvious issue: pro-life vs. pro-choice. It must be noted that the clinic owners have stated there will be no abortions done on the site when they open.

In reality, that is not the issue anyway, and city staff and our city council will not involve themselves in that issue either. This has to be decided on the basis of what is the best business for our community at that site and whether the clinic fits the criteria.

I don’t think it does.

I tend to look at this issue from a totally different perspective than most. I live near where the last clinic was in Redwood City, on the corner of Birch Street and Hopkins Avenue. Of course, those who support the clinic are starting a Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) campaign of sorts, trying to make neighbors who are against the clinic feel like they are less than compassionate, and that is more what I see as the issue here: property and environmental rights of neighbors in that area.

While other neighboring cities turn their backs, we are fortunate to live in a community that is very accepting of social services. We welcome and support the greatest amount of halfway and rehabilitation houses in the county, a homeless shelter, jails, drug clinics and on and on. We even voted to fund and build a wellness center on the Sequoia High School campus that provides students in the district services that include culture, respect and self-esteem; nutrition and physical activities; healthy relationships; sexual health and decision-making; and accessing health care and counseling. All of these services are intertwined in our community and fit well, adhering to parking requirements, operating hours and undue burden on our emergency services (mainly police).

Living in the neighborhood that houses a business like the clinic is disturbing to say the least. I am pro-choice, but I am not pro-violence or pro–visual pollution, which all happened before on a regular basis and will surely happen at the new site. Several businesses closed or relocated because no one wanted to get their services so close to the clinic. Home values went down, and several homeowners sold or rented their properties out.

Was this fair to our neighborhood? In my case it was, because I moved into the neighborhood knowing the clinic was here.

To add insult to the neighborhood, the clinic filed for bankruptcy and closed, leaving a vacant building complete with FOR LEASE signs. But the huge parking lot is not monitored by security, so there are always cars parked there at night with people drinking and having a great time listening to loud music. Sometimes I think it would be convenient to have the clinic open when they are there, so condoms would be easily accessible to those needing them.

I hope that when given the opportunity, our city leaders will take into consideration the home and business owners in that neighborhood, accept the appeal and deny the application. Why should the opinions and needs of the clinic outweigh those who are already there? The gateway coming or going into our community is not the proper location for the clinic. Other areas in our community are better suited.

That is exactly what the community of Pasco, Wash., did. Pasco’s planning commission voted down a proposal for a Planned Parenthood clinic, and city officials agreed with critics who said there would be too much disturbance to the neighborhood from protestors. The city of Aurora, a suburb of Chicago, did the exact same thing for similar circumstances.

However, I might suggest the new clinic owners look into the old location near my house. At least we are used to all the commotion, constant police calls for services, protesters, supporters, graffiti, endless parade of vehicles and visitors all day long.

Why they did not try that in the first place is beyond me.

Will there be a contested City Council race this November?

2011-06-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

Rosanne Foust (above)

By Steve Penna

This November’s City Council race in
Redwood City has four seats be up for grabs as
terms are up for incumbents Alicia Aguirre, Ian
Bain, Rosanne Foust and Barbara Pierce. None
of them have officially declared their candidacy,
but all will be running and will do so by next month.

The last time these candidates ran, in 2007,
the results were as follows: Pierce 5,314 (22.02
percent), Foust 4,798 (19.88 percent), Aguirre
4,554 (18.87 percent), Bain 4,434 (18.37 percent),
Kevin Bondonno 3,147 (13.04 percent) and
Joneen Nielsen 1,887 (7.82 percent).

There has not been any of what I would call
“legitimate” candidates trying to gain support
to challenge incumbents. What I mean by
“legitimate” is having the resources and support
to come up with the $40k or more it would take to
unseat one or more of them.

Bondonno, now a planning commissioner, and
Nielsen, from Redwood Shores, will not be running.
Challengers in the last City Council race in 2010,
Planning Commissioner Janet Borgens has
not decided and Housing and Human Concerns
Committee member Cherlene Wright, will not be
running in 2011.

With the exception of the Cargill property, no
other issues in our community are pressing enough
to cause any great outcry from residents prompting
someone to challenge an incumbent. Incumbents
will no doubt be touting what they feel is good
fiscal management in that they have eliminated
70 staff positions, are trying to cut budgets by
$11 million in fiscal year 2009–10 and fiscal year
2010–11, and have frozen salaries. All the while
dealing with state money takeaways and the
possible loss of redevelopment money.

Adding to that, there have been several highprofile
moves within city staff and department
reorganizations that include the resignations of
City Manager Peter Ingram and Police Chief Lou
Cobarruviaz. Plus the elimination of the deputy
city manager position, two demotions in the
Planning and Economic Development Department
management, the hiring of a new economic
development coordinator, and the hiring of City
Attorney Pamela Thompson and City Manager
Bob Bell, who have proven to be very popular
with the council.

Also, the most recent neighborhood survey,
conducted by the city in 2010, showed more than
four out of five residents are satisfied with city
services, with 36 percent reporting “very satisfied”
and 49 percent reporting “somewhat satisfied.”
The top five city services mentioned included
fire services, attracting people to the downtown,
graffiti removal, providing youth/teen programs
and keeping the city clean.

Just one out of five residents had called, written
or gone to see a city employee or council member
about an issue or problem in the past 12 months.
Of these residents, 62 percent were satisfied with
the quality of information and level of courtesy.

In what might be the most important aspect
of the survey, 82 percent of residents reported
that they feel “very safe” (43 percent) or
“reasonably safe” (39 percent) walking alone in
their neighborhood after dark. So residents seem
satisfied with the services they are getting and
feel safe in their neighborhoods. If you are an
incumbent, you have got to be encouraged by that.

UPDATE: BAY AREA COMMUNITY HONORS, REMEMBERS MAYOR OMAR AHMAD

2011-05-10T21:43:00.000-07:00
UPDATE: BAY AREA COMMUNITY HONORS, REMEMBERS MAYOR OMAR AHMAD

BCN55 -MAYOR DIES (UPDATE ON BCN18)

SAN CARLOS (BCN)

San Carlos Mayor Omar Ahmad died of a heart attack this morning,
city officials said, and local and state leaders remembered Ahmad as an
insightful man with a reachable personality who was "an intelligent and
capable leader."

Ahmad, who was elected to the San Carlos City Council in 2007 and
selected to serve as mayor in November, was taken to Sequoia Hospital in
Redwood City after calling 911 from his home, according to a statement
released by Vice Mayor Andy Klein.

Ahmad was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

San Carlos Assistant City Manager Brian Moura, who met Ahmad when
Moura was appointed to serve on San Carlos' Economic Development Commission,
knew Ahmad for more than 10 years.

Moura said he has often met Silicon Valley leaders who say, "You
work in San Carlos, you must know Omar." Moura said it was a testament to
Ahmad's reachable personality that most people referred to him by just his
first name.

"Few of us ever reach that level of fame," Moura said.

San Francisco Supervisor and Caltrain Board President Sean
Elsbernd said at today's Board of Supervisors meeting that he served with
Ahmad for three years on Caltrain's board of directors.

"He was a great man ... one of the most intelligent public
officials I've ever come across," Elsbernd said. "I imagine he's what any
voter would want in a public servant."

State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, was saddened to hear about
Ahmad's sudden death, he said in a statement.

"He distinguished himself as an intelligent and capable leader,"
Yee said about Ahmad.

San Mateo County Supervisor Adrienne J. Tissier served several
boards with Ahmad, including the San Mateo County Transit District, Caltrain
and Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance boards.

"I admired his dedication to public service and his instinctive
ability to see beyond the numbers in budget presentations -- to really
understand the larger financial picture," Tissier said. "San Carlos and San
Mateo County have lost a leader. I will miss his insights and his
friendship."

Assemblyman Rich Gordon, D-Menlo Park, said in a written statement
that his prayers and thoughts were with Ahmad's family.

"Ahmad was a dedicated public servant, not afraid to fight for
what he believed was right for the city of San Carlos," Gordon said.

"Those of us at City Hall who had the opportunity to work with and
get to known him are devastated by his loss," San Carlos City Manager Jeff
Maltbie said in a statement.

Steve Penna, Publisher of the Spectrum Magazine in Redwood City described "Omar" as a "great person who gave so much to his community." "My thoughts and prayers to Omar's family/friends and the San Carlos community. He was a passionate and giving person," he added.

Flags were lowered at San Carlos City Hall in honor of Ahmad,
Moura said. The San Mateo County Transit District also lowered flags at all
its facilities, according to SamTrans officials.

cpc/SashaLekach0826p05/10/11

CONTACT: San Carlos Vice Mayor Andy Klein (650) 773-9883

UPDATE: SC Mayor dies . . .

2011-05-10T14:25:00.000-07:00
Omar Ahmad, San Carlos mayor, dies from heart attack

May 10, 2011, 09:53 AM Daily Journal Staff Report

San Carlos Mayor Omar Ahmad died early Tuesday morning from a heart attack, according to city officials.

In a statement, city officials said 911 received a call from Ahmad this morning and paramedics responded to his home and transported him to Sequoia Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

“Those of us at City Hall who had the opportunity to work with and get to know him are devastated by his loss,” City Manager Jeff Maltbie said in the statement. “Omar's dedication to the citizens of San Carlos and his passion for democracy will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

Ahmad was elected to the San Carlos City Council in 2007. He had previously served as a member of the city's Economic Development Advisory Commission. While on the City Council, Omar was selected to serve as the mayor of San Carlos in November by his fellow councilmembers.

During his term on the City Council, Ahmad also served on several committees and boards including the Airport Roundtable, C/CAG Airport Land Use Committee, Caltrain Board of Directors, San Mateo County Council of Cities, Economic Development Advisory Commission (Council Liaison), Harbor Industrial Association (HIA Council Liaison), Peninsula Congestion Management Relief Alliance, San Carlos Green (Council Liaison) and SamTrans Board of Directors (Council of Cities Appointment).

He was a well known entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, having been involved in the start up of a number of companies over the years including the Discovery Channel, @Home, Trusted ID, Grand Central Communications, Napster, Netscape and most recently as the co-founder and CEO of SynCH Energy Corporation.

San Carlos Mayor dies . . .

2011-05-10T10:23:00.000-07:00
Omar Ahmad, San Carlos mayor, dies
May 10, 2011, 09:53 AM Daily Journal Staff Report

San Carlos Mayor Omar Ahmad died early Tuesday morning, according to city officials.

Details of Ahmad’s death were not immediately released but, in a statement, City Manager Jeff Maltbie expressed shock and sadness at the news.

“Those of us at City Hall who had the opportunity to work with and get to know him are devastated by his loss,” Maltbie said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.”

www.smdailyjournal.com

UPDATE: It is being reported to the Spectrum that Ahmad suffered an apparent heart attack after last night's San Carlos City Council meeting.

Fire contained . . .

2011-05-02T20:30:00.000-07:00
2-ALARM CONCRETE FACTORY FIRE CONTAINED

BCN71 -UPDATE ON ADVISORY (BCN68)

Firefighters arrived at the scene of a two-alarm asphalt factory
fire in Redwood City this afternoon and had the fire contained within 30
minutes, fire dispatch said.
The fire started at about 2:30 p.m. at Graniterock, located at 365
Bomquist St., and remained confined to a single tank. The fire was contained
shortly after 3 p.m.
The tank held liquid asphalt, which produced dark, black smoke
that was visible from nearby roads and freeways, Graniterock president Bruce
Woolpert said.
Although the black smoke was visually significant, Woolpert said,
"It's not something people need to be worried about."
There were no injuries, and an investigation is underway to
determine the cause of the fire. Liquid asphalt fires are not common,
according to Woolpert.
On-ramps for both directions of U.S. Highway 101 at Woodside Road
in Redwood City were closed for about 15 minutes to make way for fire crews,
a California Highway Patrol spokesman said this afternoon.
The ramps at Woodside Road were shut down to keep vehicles out of
the area, CHP spokesperson Art Montiel said. The ramps were expected to
reopen at about 3:30 p.m.

SashaLekach/mm0422p05/02/11

CONTACT: PIO Art Montiel (650) 207-0315
San Mateo County fire dispatch (650) 368-1421
Graniterock president Bruce Woolpert

RWC fire in progress . . .

2011-05-02T15:12:00.001-07:00

FIREFIGHTERS RESPONDING TO TWO- ALARM BLAZE

BCN68 -ADVISORY

Firefighters are at the scene of a two-alarm fire in Redwood City.
The fire is burning in the area of 365 Blomquist St., a fire dispatcher said.

Let's clean up this city . . .

2011-04-18T14:03:00.000-07:00
Redwood City’s annual Spring Cleanup is Saturday, April 30, brought to you by Redwood City’s Pride and Beautification Committee.

You and your family are invited to join the fun as you help to beautify your community!

This year we’re featuring a cleanup of Redwood Creek (among other areas), with the generous assistance of the non-profit group Save The Bay. You might recall that last year Save the Bay asked Bay Area residents to vote for one of seven selected Bay Trash Hot Spots for them to “adopt” with a series of volunteer cleanups throughout 2011, and the winner was Redwood Creek. So, as part of the City’s Annual Spring Cleanup Day, the April 30 cleanup of Redwood Creek marks the second of four cleanups Save The Bay and its volunteers will provide throughout the year.

Spring Cleanup participants should meet at 8:30 am on Saturday, April 30 at the City’s Public Works Services Building, located at 1400 Broadway (near Broadway and Woodside Road). After a complimentary continental breakfast, volunteers will head out to the various cleanup areas – those volunteers wishing to focus on Redwood Creek will gather with Save The Bay team captains and then move out to sections of the creek needing particular attention. At noon, all volunteers will meet for a free Thank You BBQ lunch back at the Public Works building. RSVPs are not required, but individuals interested in volunteering for the Redwood Creek cleanup can sign up at www.saveSFbay.org/volunteer, and as always walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event!

This year, in addition to the concentration on Redwood Creek, Redwood City’s Annual Spring Cleanup Day focuses on sprucing up the areas around El Camino/Broadway, Jefferson/James, Little River Park, Union Cemetery, Woodside Road, and the Bay Front Canal. The volunteer event offers an easy and fun project for kids and adults alike, and meets community service requirements for many schools. Further, with Earth Day on April 22, this cleanup effort provides an excellent opportunity to give something back to the planet.

Other Spring Cleanup sponsors include: San Mateo Credit Union, Recology, Sims Metal Management, Shinnyo-En, and Keep California Beautiful. Please call 650-780-7300 for more information about the Spring Cleanup.

On that same weekend, Recology San Mateo County is generously sponsoring the Great Compost Giveaway. From 9 am April 30 until 3 pm on May 1, Redwood City residents can come to the Public Works Services parking lot and load up with up to one cubic yard of free compost (equivalent to about three full garbage cans). A limited supply is available to be shared among Redwood City residents only, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Twice a year, Redwood City’s Pride and Beautification Committee holds these special volunteer cleanup days to focus efforts on beautifying a specific site or area, and to promote a year-round pride in Redwood City, by cleaning and beautifying school sites, the waterfront, parks, streets, and other areas. Visit www.redwoodcity.org/prideandbeautification for more info on this and other projects.

Hartnett feels the need - the need for speed . . .

2011-04-08T15:18:00.000-07:00
Former Redwood City Mayor Appointed to High-Speed Rail Board

Lawyer Jim Hartnett will assume one of nine board member positions by the May 5 authority meeting.

By Stacie Chan |

www.redwoodcity.patch.com

Amidst some concerns that the California High-Speed Rail Authority Board of Directors did not have Peninsula representation, former Redwood City mayor Jim Hartnett was appointed to the board by Senate President pro tempore Darrell Steinberg Thursday.

Since voters passed Proposition 1A back in November 2008 approving high-speed rail, the project has faced a slew of concerns, funding questions and criticism about construction decisions. The Redwood City city council expressed frustration with the lack of communication from the authority back in December of last year and recently formed the San Mateo County Rail Corridor Partnership with San Mateo, Millbrae and Burlingame to share information.

But Hartnett, a former chair and board member of the Caltrain Joint Powers Board and San Mateo County Transit District Board, said he plans to represent the state and the Bay Area, adding that geographical diversity on the board was important.

“I will bring a fresh set of eyes and ears to the board and work with a variety of different people, not just staff,” Hartnett said.

The board consists of five governor appointees, two senate appointees and two assembly appointees. Hartnett will replace Senate appointee Fran Florez, who had served on the board since Feb. 2002 and recently resigned. Hartnett’s term on the authority will end Dec. 31, 2012.

Mark Hedlund, spokesperson for Senator Steinberg, explained that the decision was made behind closed doors because it was a personnel selection.

“But if you look at [Hartnett’s] qualifications, he has a lot of experience in local government and transportation issues,” Hedlund said.

Hartnett also mentioned that he lived and worked in Japan for eight years, an international perspective that would help him remain open-minded to different ideas.

One of the largest duties of the Board is to incorporate the concerns and suggestions from organizations and groups, not just in the Bay Area, but across the state. Hartnett says his experience as a lawyer at law firm Hartnett, Smith & Paetkau in Redwood City will help him better the project through listening to the criticism.

“I recognize that the people who oppose the system are reasonable and responsible,” he said. “And often something is done better because people are more closely scrutinizing it.”

The board is responsible for designing the high-speed rail system and overseeing construction and operation. Yet none of the board members work full-time on board matters and are all, in effect, volunteers, Hartnett said.

“I personally believe in high-speed rail as transit that’s great for the environment, job creation and economic development,” he said. “And I will make sure it’s built in a sustainable way.”

In addition to managing a more than $40 billion project, the board has had to do this under harsh criticism from legislators. Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) even tried to pass a bill in February that would disband the board to replace it with members who have specific expertise.

Hartnett said this bill was “dead on arrival,” but said he looked forward to speaking with any legislator who had a view on high-speed rail.

“I will operate in my new job with complete openness and transparency,” Hartnett said. “This is an historic moment for California and I am just trying to make a positive difference.”

Do you believe a board member from the Peninsula will give the Bay Area more of a voice in high-speed rail decisions? Tell us in the comments.

and the animal lived . . .

2011-03-31T21:14:00.000-07:00
TWO-FOOT SNAKE PULLED OUT OF MEN'S BATHROOM AT FRESH CHOICE

BCN20 -RESTAURANT SNAKE

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
An animal control officer pulled a two-foot snake out of a
restaurant bathroom in Redwood City on Tuesday night, a human society
spokesman said today.
Animal control responded at about 7:30 p.m. to a call from Fresh
Choice at 1099 El Camino Real, where an employee reported finding a wild
gopher snake in the men's bathroom, Peninsula Humane Society spokesman Scott
Delucchi said.
The snake, which probably made its way into the restaurant looking
for food or seeking shelter, was taken to the Peninsula Humane Society's
shelter, where it spent the night, Delucchi said.
The snake was uninjured and appeared to be in good health
Wednesday morning, Delucchi said. It was taken to a safe location in San
Mateo County and released back into the wild.
Delucchi said gopher snakes are not uncommon in the area and are
not dangerous to humans.
The Peninsula Humane Society responds to more than 4,000 wild
animal emergencies annually from San Francisco to Santa Clara County,
Delucchi said.

cpc1008a03/31/11

CONTACT: Peninsula Humane Society spokesman Scott Delucchi (650)
685-8510

As if you did not already know . . .

2011-03-29T14:39:00.000-07:00
UPDATE: AUTHORITIES KILL MOUNTAIN LION CORNERED IN BACKYARD

BCN22 - MOUNTAIN LION (UPDATE ON BCN16)

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
Authorities shot and killed a mountain lion that they cornered in
a backyard after it wandered into a Redwood City neighborhood this morning.
The cat was first spotted at about 8:15 a.m. near Alameda de las
Pulgas and Whipple Avenue.
Police had set up a perimeter and trapped the animal in the
backyard of a home near Whipple Avenue and Woodsworth Avenue, about a block
from Sequoia Hospital, Redwood City spokesman Malcolm Smith said.
The mountain lion was shot sometime around 11:30 a.m.
California Department of Fish and Game Lt. Todd Ajari said the
department prefers to tranquilize wild animals if the location is conducive
to it and officials can get a clear shot. In today's case, officials were
forced to kill the mountain lion because it was cornered in a residential
area, he said.
Cherie and Wally Oliver, who live at 2515 Whipple Ave., where the
cat was trapped, said the animal was in a tree in their backyard.
Cherie Oliver said there is a hot tub about 20 feet from the tree.

"I'll think twice in the hot tub at night when I hear rustling in
the leaves," she said.
Oliver, who was home sick from work today, said she agrees with
decision to shoot the mountain lion.
"They couldn't chance him being wounded and running off
terrorizing the neighborhood," she said.
Scott Delucchi, a spokesman for the Peninsula Humane Society, said
police initially contacted the PHS to see if it had tranquilizing equipment.
He said the PHS told police that the agency doesn't typically deal with
mountain lion incidents.
Dozens of residents gathered near the home to watch the commotion
late this morning. When a news conference was held around midday, the crowd
gathered closer to hear authorities brief the media.
As word spread through the crowd about the mountain lion's fate,
there were gasps and some exclaimed, "They shot it?"
Residents were alerted about the mountain lion's presence through
an automated phone call sent out this morning.
Camille Torres, who lives nearby, said she thinks it was smart to
kill the mountain lion because it was in a residential area near a park and a
hospital.
"If something happened, we'd all be saying, 'How come you didn't
do anything?'" she said. "I'm all for saving the animal, but you never know
what can happen."
Her friend and neighbor, Barbara Britschgi, disagreed, saying she
was very upset the mountain lion was killed.
"They should still be able to put it in a cage for God's sake,"
she said. "There was more danger because of traffic that was going past than
from the mountain lion."
After the cat was shot, Fish and Game agents loaded it into the
back of a truck parked in the driveway of the home and eventually drove away.
No injuries to humans were reported.

ChrisCooney/jb/mm0101p03/29/11

CONTACT: Redwood City spokesman Malcolm Smith (650) 780-7305,
(408) 472-8536

Interim no more . . . Council rings the BELL

2011-03-29T09:34:00.000-07:00
City Council Appoints Bob Bell as Permanent City Manager

The City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert (Bob) Bell to the position of City Manager. Bob has served in the interim position since November of 2010. Since serving in this role, Bob has demonstrated strong leadership by working with City’s labor groups and department head team in restructuring benefit and pension programs to reduce costs. Bob is also spearheading an organizational analysis to streamline and add efficiencies to government operations.

The City Council had initially embarked on recruitment for the City Manager position but as Bob served in the interim role it became clear that his leadership ability was producing the necessary results for the organization and community. Mayor Ira stated, “The City Council, department head team, employees and community members have been very complimentary of Bob in the position of interim City Manager. The City Council decided it was in the best interests of the City to maintain stability with a leader who was already proving his effectiveness in leading and developing the organization in the right direction.”

Bob has been with Redwood City for over five years serving as the City’s Human Resources Director and was also in the rotational assignment of Assistant City Manager for over two years. Bob articulated a strong vision for the organization to the City Council based on principles of customer service, efficient service delivery, and responsiveness to community needs. He described it to the Council as “Government Best by Climate Test” and Bob is committed to leading an organization that is responsive and accountable. Prior to coming to Redwood City, Bob was the Human Resource Director for Burlingame. Bob has a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of San Francisco and he holds a master’s degree in public administration from California State University, Northridge. Bob was the 2005 recipient of the career leadership award from the League of California Cities.

Vice Mayor Aguirre summed up, “The Council is excited to have Bob as our next city manager and have him take the organization to the next level.”

RWC residents not happy with library reduced hours . . .

2011-03-20T23:27:00.000-07:00
Redwood City group continues fight to restore library hours at Schaberg branch

By Bonnie Eslinger - Daily News Staff Writer

Posted: 03/18/2011 11:12:27 PM PDT
Updated: 03/19/2011 12:27:20 AM PDT

Some Redwood City residents are still stewing over the library board's decision last fall to reduce hours at the Schaberg branch on Euclid Avenue instead of tapping into a $225,000 gift account to keep it open full-time.

It didn't help their mood that the library board instead decided to spend the money to pay a former librarian $45 an hour to read to children and for other service programs.

The residents, who call themselves "The Committee to Support Schaberg," sent a letter to city officials this week suggesting volunteers could be used to tell stories and requesting a public meeting to discuss "why you believe that programming at the cost of a library (or at the moment, access to the library) is a fiscally responsible decision."

City officials essentially replied that the request won't be addressed directly, but budget memos soon will be issued outlining policies related to one-time use of funds and volunteering.

Sharon Levin, a former library board member, said such stonewalling won't make Schaberg supporters go away.

"They'll continue to raise 'a big hissy fit,' over the issue, she said. "The next step is to show up en masse at a city council meeting."

The flap stems from the library board's decision last October to reduce Schaberg's weekly hours from 43 to 30 as a cost-cutting measure. Among the city's four libraries, Schaberg had the lowest number of patrons in recent years, according to a 2010 report by library

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director Dave Genesey. The branch is about two miles from the downtown main library.

A month before Schaberg's hours were reduced, library board members learned that $225,000 sat unspent in a library bank account -- a $150,000 donation the library accepted in 1997 from the late Bessie A. Evans for the "library's general use," plus interest.

Levin, then on the board, asked if the gift could be used to spare Schaberg. She was told the city's policy is not to use one-time revenue for ongoing operating costs.

After the board cut the branch's hours, Levin resigned in January to independently advocate for Schaberg. She said cutting the branch's hours put it on a "self-fulfilling" path toward closure because neighborhood residents will start using other branches that are open longer.

"The economy cannot keep up like this," Levin said, "but once something's gone, it never comes back."

City spokesman Malcolm Smith said officials aren't considering closing Schaberg this year but acknowledged that because of the city's "dire" budget picture, "all cost-saving options across the board may be up for discussion." The city faces a $2.6 million deficit next fiscal year.

"It doesn't make a lot of sense to say we're going to keep it open using these ($225,000) funds, because those funds are going to run out," Smith said. "Then we're going to say, 'now what do we do?'"

The money instead will be used for library youth programs in all branches, Smith said.

Some of the funds will be spent to hire retired children's librarian Chuck Ashton to do storytelling appearances at a cost of $45 per hour.

Smith said the current spending plan for the $225,000 would stretch the donation over five years. Cutting Schaberg's hours is expected to save the city about $94,000 annually.

Email Bonnie Eslinger at beslinger@dailynewsgroup.com.

Is our city going to the "birds"?

2011-03-16T12:13:00.000-07:00
Redwood City admits error in citing 84-year-old woman for feeding birds

By Bonnie Eslinger, Daily News Staff Writer

Posted: 03/15/2011 09:19:50 PM PDT
Updated: 03/16/2011 12:00:26 PM PDT

Redwood City officials have acknowledged that an 84-year-old resident should not have been cited last month for feeding birds, and gave her a $200 refund.

The woman was cited Feb. 8 after city staff reported seeing her dump birdseed at the Woodside Plaza Shopping Center, according to city spokesman Malcolm Smith.

The woman paid a $200 fine at City Hall but requested an administrative hearing to contest the citation.

Before the hearing date, the city's interim building division director, Elaine Costello, reviewed the matter and determined a ticket shouldn't have been issued.

"After careful consideration, I have determined that the citations should be and are hereby dismissed. ... and therefore a hearing is not necessary," Costello wrote to the woman in a letter dated March 3.

The city attorney also reviewed the matter, Smith said.

"There is a section of the city code that specifically prohibits feeding pigeons, but it only applies to Courthouse Square," he said in an e-mail to The Daily News. "In light of that review, we agreed to cancel the citation and the hearing and refund the fine."

The woman, who has not been identified, told The Daily News that the letter vindicates her.

"I'm feeding the birds all over the place," she said. "There is no law for feeding the birds."

The woman also said she did not threaten to shoot anyone while on the phone with a city code enforcement officer, as asserted by the

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Redwood City Police Department in a media bulletin dated Feb. 10.

Though police said she is a registered gun owner, the woman said she does not carry a gun. The headline of a Daily News article on Feb. 12 about the citation mischaracterized her as "gun toting."

E-mail Bonnie Eslinger at beslinger@dailynewsgroup.com.

http://www.mercurynews.com/peninsula/ci_17622900?nclick_check=1

2 RWC residents arrested in Caltrain attack . . .

2011-03-11T14:59:00.000-08:00
TWO ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH LAST WEEK'S CALTRAIN ATTACK

BCN32 -CALTRAIN ASSAULT ARRESTS

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of beating and robbing a
man at the Redwood City Caltrain station last week, agency officials said
today.
Desean Walker, 19, and Thomas Nicholas Furman, 18, both of Redwood
City, were arrested by transit police on suspicion of robbery and assault
with great bodily injury, according to Caltrain officials.
The pair was arrested in connection with the March 4 attack that
left a 47-year-old man in critical condition at a hospital, officials said.
The victim was attacked by a group of assailants who were trying
to rob him as he waited for a southbound train at about 7:30 p.m. that day.
Walker was already in custody on unrelated robbery charges when he
was arrested for the Caltrain attack, according to officials.
Both he and Furman are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in
San Mateo County Superior Court.
Three search warrants were also executed in Redwood City and East
Palo Alto in connection with the case, and evidence recovered during the
searches has provided investigators with information that they say will help
locate other suspects in the case.
"We are confident that everyone will be brought to justice," Dave
Triolo, Caltrain's chief of protective services, said in a statement.
"This incident is an extremely rare occurrence in the Caltrain
system and we want to deliver a clear message: commit a crime and face a
swift and effective response from law enforcement," Triolo said.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact
Detective Victor Lopez at (650) 622-8048.

DanMcMenamin/rp1047a03/11/11

CONTACT: Caltrain spokeswoman Christine Dunn (650) 508-6238

Possible plea deal in Orozco re-trial . . .

2011-03-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

Possible plea deal in Orozco re-trial

Prosecutors were set to try once again to convict Josue Raul Orozco, 19, of murdering Francisco Rodriguez in Redwood City on July 12, 2005. Instead, Orozco is expected to agree to a plea deal this Friday.

Orozco’s trial was set for later this month, more than six years after his arrest. He was schedule to appear in court this morning but his appearance was rescheduled for Friday, according to prosecutor Josh Stauffer.

CHARGED WITH WITNESS TAMPERING

Orozco, whose first trial deadlocked, was charged earlier this year along with five others for threatening witnesses to either change their testimony or not appear before that trial. The plan was uncovered through jail house phone records during the last half of the first trial.

Along with Orozco, the District Attorney’s Office charged Alexandro Stephen “Porky” Villar, 19, of East Palo Alto, Bianca Aguillon, 19, of East Palo Alto, Arturo Becerra, 19, of East Palo Alto, Edgar Cibrian, 20, unknown city of residence, and Cesar Ponce, 20, of Redwood City.

OTHER RESULTS IN WITNESS TAMPERING

Becerra pleaded no contest to an added count of felony witness intimidation. He was immediately given three year’s probation and credit for time earned while in custody in lieu of $100,000 bail. Cibrian, 21, was placed on three year’s supervised probation after the plea deal but on Sept. 1 attacked opposing gangmembers in the Maguire Correctional Facility. For violating the terms of his probation, Cibrian was sentenced to two years in prison with credit for 481 days.

The District Attorney’s Office dropped conspiracy and gang charges against Ponce to insufficient evidence. Villar, 20, did not accept a prosecution plea offer and remains in custody in lieu of $350,000 bail.

Bianca Aguillon, 20, receives credit of 486 days against the term and a criminal strike on her record. She admitted the intimidation charge as well as the gang allegation.

Charges still stand for Orozco said prosecutor Josh Stauffer.

OROZCO CASE IN HEADLINES

The possible plea deal is the latest twist in Orozco’s case. He already made headlines when the then-14-year-old became the youngest person ever charged as an adult murder defendant in San Mateo County. Two years later, he became the first ward to escape from the county’s recently opened juvenile hall.

According to the prosecution, Orozco shot Rodriguez as the man tried running for safety. Orozco, an alleged Sureño gang member, allegedly gathered others including his younger brother and two other minors and sought out Norteños as payback for an earlier slight.

While Orozco was at large, getaway driver Faustino Ayala was convicted of second-degree murder.

Orozco has remained in the San Mateo County jail without bail since he was arrested in Texas after his Valentine’s Day escape from the juvenile facility. He had been in custody without bail there as well. Orozco is believed to have escaped by scaling a wall while playing basketball outside with two other inmates the evening of Feb. 14.He was located Sept. 17, 2008, in San Antonio, Texas, where he was arrested and booked into the Bexar County jail.

Orozco did not fight extradition and was booked into the San Mateo County jail Oct. 29, 2008.Orozco’s co-defendant in the murder of Rodriguez, 24-year-old Faustino Ayala, who was driving the car Orozco is believed to have shot Rodriguez from, was found guilty June 23, 2008, of second-degree murder with the special allegation the murder was committed and a firearm used for gang purposes.

Ayala was sentenced Aug. 11, 2008, to 40 years to life in prison with the chance of parole. Orozco faces life in prison without parole if convicted.

Editor’s note: Article includes information from: Steve Penna, Spectrum Magazine - Copyright © 2009 by Bay City News, Inc. — and Daily Journal Staff Report.

Get involved . . .

2011-03-09T12:42:00.000-08:00
Redwood City Seeking Community Preservation Volunteers to Assist with Code Enforcement

Redwood City’s Community Preservation Volunteer program is now in its third successful year! In that time this volunteer program has resulted in numerous trained volunteers dedicating a total of over 1,000 hours helping Redwood City’s Building and Inspection division with community preservation projects. The City is seeking additional interested and committed community members to help beautify and improve neighborhoods and business areas. Applications for this very helpful volunteer opportunity are available from Code Enforcement Officer Steven Solorio at (650) 780-7351 or by emailing ssolorio@redwoodcity.org. Volunteer training and program implementation will take place from April to September, and the deadline to apply for participation is Wednesday, April 6th.

The program has also gained a reputation, becoming a model program for the California Code Enforcement Association and for other city and county code enforcement jurisdictions.

Volunteer training includes riding along with Building and Inspection staff, and developing an understanding of the policy and procedure manuals for the department. After training, volunteers help Code Enforcement officers with specific case work and participate in outreach to the community. Their volunteer duties include responding to inquiries regarding abandoned cars and rubbish clean up, participating with an officer on sign ordinance enforcement for business owners, or performing important clerical and office related duties. These valued volunteers can also assist at the front counter at City Hall, provide follow-up to code enforcement cases and complaints, assist officers with preliminary investigations of non-health and safety code violations, and handle graffiti reporting, abandoned shopping cart reporting, and special community projects.

“This is a great way for community members to get involved and help supplement services that otherwise would be delayed or deferred due to the City’s budget problems,” said Redwood City Mayor Jeff Ira. “My call to action to our community is for everyone to find some organization they can volunteer with – whether it’s a non-profit, a sports activity, a library, or as a Community Preservation Volunteer with Redwood City. Everyone can and should do their part to help their community during this tough economy.”

For volunteers or those community members who would simply like to learn more about how Redwood City’s Code Enforcement program works, the City will be conducting quarterly information/education workshops on subjects such as the City’s business sign ordinance, nuisance trash, and more. Scheduling information will be available online at www.redwoodcity.org.

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 email newsletter and other City documents by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/egov.

MAN REMAINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER ATTACK IN RWC

2011-03-07T14:09:00.000-08:00
MAN REMAINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER ATTACK AT CALTRAIN STATION

BCN55 -CALTRAIN ATTACK

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
A man who was severely beaten at the Redwood City Caltrain station
on Friday night has made slight improvements, but remains in critical
condition, a Caltrain spokeswoman said this morning.
The victim, a 47-year-old San Jose man, was attacked by a group of
assailants who were trying to rob him as he waited for a southbound train at
about 7:30 p.m. Friday, spokeswoman Christine Dunn said.
Between nine and 15 suspects beat the man, Dunn said. He was left
wounded on the ground and was later transported to a hospital.
No weapons were seen during the attack, Dunn said.
The victim's family has requested that his name not be released,
Dunn said.
No arrests have been made in the case but transit police are
"aggressively" investigating the attack because of the severity of the
assault, Dunn said.
"Transit police have been working through the weekend and continue
to make progress," Dunn said.
Anyone with information about the attack is encouraged to call
Detective Victor Lopez at (650) 622-8048.

RachelPurdy1140a03/07/11

CONTACT: Caltrain spokeswoman Christine Dunn (650) 302-4731

Ummmm - WTF!

2011-03-06T00:19:00.000-08:00
SECURITY INCREASED AT CALTRAIN STATION FOLLOWING VIOLENT ATTACK, POLICE 'AGGRESSIVELY' INVESTIGATING LEADS

BCN18 -CALTRAIN ATTACK (UPDATE ON BCN11)

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
Officers amplified security at Caltrain's Redwood City station
today after about a dozen assailants attacked a man at the station on Friday,
a spokeswoman said.
Between nine and 15 suspects attacked a 47-year-old San Jose man
in an attempt to rob him at about 7:30 p.m., spokeswoman Christine Dunn.
The man, who was waiting for a southbound train, was beaten and
left on the ground after the attack. No weapons were seen during the scuffle,
Dunn said.
The victim was taken to a hospital and was listed in critical
condition. He was still in critical condition as of 6:20 p.m. this evening,
Dunn said.
Given the severity of the mauling, investigators from Caltrain
police are now "aggressively" following leads into the possible whereabouts
of the suspects, including reports of a white compact car seen leaving the
station, Dunn said.
She was not able to discuss the nature of the victim's injuries or
details of the investigation, but said police are asking for the public's
help in the case.
Anyone with information about the attack is encouraged to call
Detective Victor Lopez at (650) 622-8048.

SaulSugarman0635p03/05/11

CONTACT: Caltrain spokeswoman Christine Dunn (650) 508-6238

Penna's red carpet enjoyment . . .

2011-02-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

Penna with friend Denise Lewis

Redwood City celebrates the Oscars for school music program

If you like dressing to the nines, enjoy good food and drink and participating in the excitement of the Academy Awards, then you should have joined the one hundred or so community members that gathered to raise funds for the Redwood City Elementary School District’s music programs.

The event was held in the showrooms at Hermary's Video Theater in San Carlos. The Oscars telecast was featured on all TVs including the home cinema showrooms. Redwood City Spectrum Magazine Publisher Steve Penna served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Red Carpet portion of the Academy Awards event held Sunday February 27.

“I could not have enjoyed myself more, everyone looked fantastic,” Penna said. He interviewed those attending the event as they walked the Red Carpet and entered the showroom and made way into the party area.

The event was sponsored by the Peninsula Hills Women's Club of Redwood City. Trynie Hermary and Judy Yoakum, Club Dean Member, chaired the Oscar Night Committee.

The catered evening featured an array of finger foods, including a beef sandwich station, sushi bar, wine, beverages and champagne followed by deserts. An Oscar contest was available for those who wanted to test their talent at predicting the winners as was silent auction “goodie” baskets. Both items raised more money for the group.

Funds raised from the event will go to Redwood City schools music dept.

Information on the Peninsula Hills Women’s Club of Redwood City: Founded in 1960, Peninsula Hills Women’s Club, a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the California Federation of Women’s Clubs, is a philanthropic organization serving the community through charitable, educational and service programs. Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. For additional information, contact PHWC, P.O. Box 1394, Redwood City, CA 94064.

For more event photos and story visit:
http://redwoodcity.patch.com/articles/oscar-celebration-for-charity#photo-5075452

Redwood City man killed in big-rig crash

2011-02-23T22:12:00.000-08:00
February 23, 2011, 04:27 PM Bay City News Service

A 68-year-old Redwood City man was killed this afternoon in a crash involving a big-rig on State Route 92 in San Mateo County, a California Highway Patrol officer said.

Units responded to State Route 92 just east of Skylawn Memorial Park cemetery where a white Chevrolet Blazer and a big-rig crashed at about 2:15 p.m., CHP Officer Art Montiel said.

The victim, who was alone in the Blazer, was driving east when his car drifted into westbound traffic and struck the big-rig, Montiel said.

The man died before he could be airlifted to a hospital.

Traffic in both directions was blocked for more than an hour.

A Sig-alert was issued at 2:27 p.m. and canceled at 3:42 p.m. when the road was cleared.

The crash remains under investigation.

UPDATE: Terrance Clewies and Michelle Johnson identified as Oakland homicides near 62nd Avenue and Hilton Street

2011-02-23T22:07:00.000-08:00
Police have released the names of a man and a woman killed in a shooting in East Oakland early Saturday morning. The shooting happened at about 12:50 a.m. near 62nd Avenue and Hilton Street.Police identified the victims as Terrance Clewies, 31, of Redwood City, and Michelle Johnson, 27, of Oakland.Johnson and Clewies were found shot in a car and were pronounced dead at the scene, homicide Sgt. Rachael Van Sloten said.No arrests have been made in the case.

Copyright © 2011 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

Penna to host Academy Awards Red Carpet event . . .

2011-02-22T19:44:00.000-08:00
Redwood City Spectrum Magazine Publisher Steve Penna will be the Master of Ceremonies for a Red Carpet Academy Awards event Sunday February 27 to raise funds for local non-profit groups in Redwood City.

The red carpet event will be held in the showrooms at Hermary's, 386 El Camino Real, San Carlos where the Oscars will be featured on all TVs including the home cinema showroom. The Peninsula Hills Women's Club is the sponsor of the gala Oscar Night.

Penna will be interviewing those attending the event as they walk the Red Carpet and enter the showroom.

The catered evening will feature an array of finger foods, including a carvery, sushi bar, wine, beverages and champagne is also included followed by deserts.

An Oscar contest will be available for those who would like to test their talent at predicting the winners. Funds raised from the event will go to Redwood City schools music dept.

If you like dressing to the nines, enjoy good food and drink and want to participate in the excitement of the Oscars, you can join them for a fun filled evening.

Tickets are $ 65.00 for singles and $125.00 per couple.

Those interested in tickets or information can contact: Trynie Hermary 650.793.3666 or Judy Yoakum, Club Dean Member, Oscar Night Committee, 650-369-8318

Redwood City man murdered in Oakland

2011-02-19T19:35:00.000-08:00
Couple shot to death in East Oakland
Bob Egelko, Chronicle Staff Writer

A man and a woman were found shot to death in a car in East Oakland early Saturday, police said.

Officers responded to a report of the shooting just before 1 a.m. near the corner of 62nd Avenue and Hilton Street. The victims were tentatively identified as a 31-year-old man from Redwood City and a 27-year-old woman from Oakland, said Sgt. Rachel Van Sloten of the homicide unit. She did not disclose their names.

They were driving to a party in Oakland when they were shot by multiple assailants, who have not been caught, Van Sloten said. Officers have not determined why the couple were killed and have no information about the suspects, she said.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/02/19/BAMD1HQMH1.DTL#ixzz1ETzj3OKw

Two killed in Oakland shooting
By Harry Harris
Oakland Tribune
Posted: 02/19/2011 09:32:30 AM PST
Updated: 02/19/2011 08:13:32 PM PST

OAKLAND -- A Redwood City man and his girlfriend were shot to death Saturday morning while parked in his car in East Oakland, police said.

The name of the man, who is 31, and the woman, a 27-year-old Oakland resident, were not released pending notification of family.

The pair was shot about 12:50 a.m. in the 6200 block of Hilton Street near 62nd Avenue. Sgt. Rachael Van Sloten said more than one gunman opened fire on the car without warning. The man and woman were pronounced dead at the scene.

The pair apparently was in the area to attend a party, but had not made it to the house where the party was held, Van Sloten said.

She said police do not have a motive and no arrests have been made.

The killings were Oakland's 18th and 19th of the year and the first since Jan. 29. Last year at this time there were eight homicides.

RWC father shoots son . . .

2011-02-17T15:04:00.000-08:00
FATHER SHOOTS SON DURING ARGUMENT

BCN32 -SHOOTING

REDWOOD CITY (BCN)
A 41-year-old Redwood City man was accidentally shot by his father
during an argument Wednesday evening, police said.
Officers responded to a report of a shooting at a home on Meadow
Lane in Redwood City at about 5:25 p.m.
Police said a man and his son were involved in a domestic dispute
when the father armed himself with a handgun and shot his son in the abdomen.
The victim was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.
No arrests have been made, and the shooting remains under
investigation.

cpc0144p02/17/11

CONTACT: Redwood City police (650) 780-7100

Giants World Champions Trophy Tour Coming to RWC

2011-02-07T17:04:00.000-08:00
Redwood City is very proud and excited to be one of the host cities for the San Francisco Giants World Champions Trophy Tour! This means that fans in our community and the peninsula can get up close to the fabulous World Champions trophy, take pictures, and be part of the Giants’ historic 2010 championship season.

The Trophy will be on display at Courthouse Square on Wednesday, February 16 from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. The trophy tour is going all over, from San Francisco to New York and from Monterey to Eureka – and to Redwood City! Fans will have the opportunity to view the trophy in person and have their photo taken with it. What a great chance to see the fabulous trophy in person. Viewing takes place only during the specified times and it’s on a first-come, first-served basis. The viewings are free to the public. Fans can take their own pictures, but may also 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.

The entire community is invited to join with friends, neighbors, and other Giants fans at Courthouse Square for this monumental occasion. Once in a lifetime opportunity? Maybe…but hopefully this is just the first of many World Championship seasons for the Giants. But this is definitely the best opportunity this year to bask in the glow of the Giants amazing run, and be part of the Giants World Champions Trophy Tour, right here in Redwood City.