Fundraiser for Fire Victims, Other Updates

Good morning – we’ve updated our informational web page related to the residents displaced by the 6-alarm fire on July 7 – please read below for new information, including a fundraiser taking place this Sunday, and another Fire Victims Town Hall meeting on July 30.

Thanks,

~ malcolm

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Assistance for Fire Victims

Latest Updates:
Fundraiser
Some of the merchants in the small shopping center at 593 Woodside are generously holding a fundraiser to benefit the residents displaced from the fire:

Sunday, July 28, 2013 3 – 8 pm
593 Woodside Road

Please join in with friends, neighbors, residents, and other community members to help out the nearly 100 people displaced by the 6-alarm fire at the Hallmark House apartment complex. This will be a festive event for families, and includes two live bands, Tehya and Aftermath, steak sandwiches, hot dogs, beverages, sweets, face painting, and henna tattoos – all funds collected from the sale of these items will be donated to the fire victims.

Participants will also be able to donate cash or gift card which will also be provided to the fire victims.

(Please note that this is not a City-sponsored event, it is being coordinated by owners of some of the businesses at 593 Woodside Road, whom the City would like to thank for their generosity in helping other members of the community who are in need)

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Woodside Road Fire Victims Town Hall Meeting – July 30
Displaced residents are encouraged to attend the Woodside Road Fire Victims Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, July 30th, 7pm, Fair Oaks Community Center Multi-Purpose Room, 2600 Middlefield Road. This Town Hall Meeting is an opportunity to provide updated information to victims about service available, and to answer questions.

Woodside Road Fire Victims Information Line – Recorded Information
Residents displaced by the July 7 fire at 531 Woodside Road are encouraged to call the Woodside Road Fire Victims Information Line for updated recorded information on services available – (650) 363-4433

For additional emergency needs, fire victims can call Red Cross Fire Victim Client Services Line – (650) 259-1765 (note that the Fire Victims Service Center has closed – please see above for assistance/services available for fire victims).

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How the Community Can Help
Donate Money or Gift Cards: Make checks payable to “Redwood City Woodside Road Fire Victims Support Fund” and note the account number 2785121639.

Checks or cash may be delivered to any local Wells Fargo branch; checks, cash, or gift cards may be delivered to the Salvation Army 660 Veterans Boulevard, or to 628 Woodside Road.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by the donations of time and money by local residents and companies. If you are interested in helping the Red Cross address people’s needs during local emergencies, please call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY (1-888-443-5722) or visit redcrossbayarea.org or contact your local Red Cross chapter.

Please note: clothing and household items are no longer being accepted for the time being – thank you to all who have donated already!

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Farewell from Malcolm

Good afternoon – this is a personal note from me to recipients of Redwood City Enews.Some of you may know that my last day on the job here is this Friday July 26, when I’ll be retiring from Redwood City. It’s really semi-retirement since after a couple of months off I intend to do communications/community relations consulting, but I’ll no longer be the public communications manager here. The wonderful new person filling this role is Sheri Costa-Batis – please update your contact info, her email is scostabatis@redwoodcity.org.

This is a great transition for me, and I’m excited about the possibilities, the new level of flexibility in my time, and moving on to new challenges and opportunities, both professionally and personally.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, the community of Redwood City. When I started here 12 years ago, I immediately felt a rare and strong sense of community, and everyone in the City with whom I’ve had contact has reinforced that feeling. In fact, as someone who doesn’t live here, I’ve often said that it feels like I’ve adopted this community; but in reality it was you who adopted me, made me part of your community, and gave me the opportunity to thrive during my time here.

It has been my pleasure to be a member of this community and to have done my small part in serving you on behalf of Redwood City. I hope that I’ve had some role in helping you to learn about, understand, and become engaged with the many issues and activities taking place in the great community of Redwood City.

I wish you all the best, and a fond farewell.

Thanks,

~ malcolm

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Belmont/Redwood Shores Little League Team On A Roll!

Good afternoon – have you been following the Belmont/Redwood Shores 11-12 All Stars Little League team, and their championship run? These kids are the real deal, and clearly have “an appointment with destiny!”

Redwood City encourages you to root for these local favorites, who just advanced to the Winners Bracket of the NorCal Championships. They play their next game on Wednesday evening in Roseville, against Santa Cruz American. With a win on Wednesday, they’ll be heading for the final Championship game!

Your support and good thoughts are appreciated by all the players – you can stay informed on their website. Let’s get ready to congratulate them on their winning season, and their championship!
Thanks,

~ malcolm

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Fireboat Naming Contest Finalists Announced

Good morning – please read the news release below announcing the 10 finalists in the “Name Redwood City’s New Fireboat” contest, and plan on coming to the grand unveiling of the winning name on August 10 at the Port.

Thanks,

~ malcolm

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For Immediate Release
July 23, 2013Contact:
Stan Maupin, Deputy Chief
Redwood City Fire Department
650-780-7400

Finalists Announced in “Name Redwood City’s New Fireboat” Contest Community Invited to Unveiling

Redwood  City, CA – The Redwood City Fire Department asked our community’s kids  to offer their best names for the City’s new fireboat – and more than  100 came through with a wonderful variety of entries!

The  selection committee went through every name entered, and came up with  the top ten, and from that top 10 the finalist will be chosen, to be  painted on the stern of this new, important piece of firefighting  equipment and unveiled at a special ceremony on August 10 at the Port of  Redwood City.

The top 10 finalists are:

• Aquarius
• Bay Sentinel
• Gladiator
• Guardian
• Hephaestus
• Lifesaver
• Mighty Sequoian Fire Fighter
• Redwood City Fireboat
• Sequoia
• Shepherd

Along  with the 10 finalists and their families, the community is invited to  join in the special ceremony unveiling the fireboat’s name: Saturday, August 10, 2013, 1 pm, at the Port of Redwood City, 675 Seaport Boulevard. This will be a chance for the community to get its first look at this new MetalCraft Marine FireStorm 36 fireboat – and to see its name unveiled.

The  entire cost of Redwood City’s new fireboat (nearly $1 million) was  entirely funded with a federal Homeland Security/Port Security Grant.  The grant also pays for training of existing Fire Department staff in  the operation of all aspects of this great new firefighting tool.

With  this new fireboat, the City will have the ability to better respond to  water emergencies in all weather conditions, use the newest technology  to locate vessels in distress, and enhance our firefighting capabilities  both on the shoreline and on the water. That means better, faster, and  more effective protection and ability to fight fires on or near the  shore, whether housing, businesses, boats, or ships. This also gives us the ability to attack fires from both land and water, which is of great   benefit to the community.

As  recent events have shown (the recent 6-alarm fire in Redwood City and  the jet crash at SFO), it’s impossible to predict when a fire or other  emergency will occur – but it’s clear that having sufficient equipment  and resources to respond to such emergencies and save lives is of the  utmost importance. Redwood City’s new fireboat will be available for  mutual aid response to emergencies in other communities on the Bay,  enhancing the overall safety and disaster preparedness for the region,  especially in the event of a major disaster. As the only fireboat in the  southern San Francisco Bay, this will be a key element in emergency  preparedness for our community and for our neighboring communities as  well.

The  Redwood City Fire Department thanks all the kids who entered their  favorite names for the new fireboat, and is looking forward to hosting  the special naming ceremony on Saturday, August 10, in cooperation with  the Port of Redwood City.

The Fire Department Mission Statement is: To   protect life, property, and the environment from fire, medical,  disaster, and hazardous materials related incidents through emergency  mitigation, public education and code enforcement. See the Fire Department’s web page at  www.redwoodcity.org/fire for information on fire services, fire prevention, and disaster preparation.

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/newsletters.

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Reminder: Inner Harbor Plan Task Force Meeting Tomorrow Night (Tuesday)

Good morning – here’s a quick reminder that the community “visioning” process for the Inner Harbor Specific Plan continues, with a meeting of the Inner Harbor Plan Task Force taking place TOMORROW night, Tuesday, July 23 at 7 pm, at the Seaport Conference Center, 459 Seaport Court.

Inner Harbor Plan Task Force meetings are open to the public, and you’re encouraged to attend and participate!

For more information on the Task Force and the Inner Harbor visioning process, please see the news release and visit www.redwoodcity.org/InnerHarborPlan.Thanks,

~ malcolm

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Shop at Whole Foods Tomorrow and Help PAL; E-Waste Drop Off at Woodside Methodist Church

SHOP at WHOLE FOODS on Saturday, July 20 and help support PAL!

Whole Foods in Redwood City is teaming up with the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL) to help raise much needed funds for our programs for at-risk Redwood City youth.

How you can help: Visit Whole Foods on Saturday July 20 from noon til 5:00pm and 5% of all food and beverages sold will be donated to PAL! WOW! Stock up!

We appreciate your support of PAL and hope you can attend this event and help while you shop!

Remember: Every Youth Needs A PAL!

ABOUT PAL:
The Redwood City Police Activities League (P.A.L.) is a non-profit community based organization providing intervention, prevention, and alternative programs to at-risk and economically challenged youth in Redwood City. Our programs strive to help youth assimilate honest values, assets, and skills. P.A.L., Redwood City Police Department, Redwood City School District and the City of Redwood City have formed a unique public and private partnership, which is critical in providing delinquency outreach and prevention programs.

Mission To build partnerships between youth, police and the community through educational, cultural, recreational and outreach programs to help youth reach their full potential.
PAL Purpose Help youth learn honest values, develop assets, and increase life skills

PAL Programs After School Sports – Flag Football, Volleyball, Street Hockey, Soccer, Basketball After School Programs – Martial Arts, Boxing, Hip Hop, Dancing, Theatre and Arts

PAL Community Partners PAL runs a Community Center at the Taft School Campus in Redwood City and through that facility reaches out and collaborates with such diverse groups and local organizations including:   Ballet Folkloric Mexico Vivo, Casa De La Cultura, Verde Ambassadors, Zumba Dance, Friendly Acres Neighborhood Association, Junior Fire Academy, Redwood City School District, Redwood City Park, Recreation and Community Services.

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Bring your old unused electronics to the 

Free Electronic Waste Recycling Event!

Sponsored by the Woodside Road United Methodist Church

Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, from 9 am – 4 pm.

In the parking lot at 2000 Woodside Road in Redwood City (near Alameda de las Pulgas).

For more information on this e-waste collection event, please call the Woodside Road United Methodist Church (650) 368-3376.

This is a great opportunity to help our community get rid of e-waste the right way by diverting it from the landfills into a proper recycling process.

E-waste is defined as any consumer electronic equipment that has reached its ‘end-of-life,’ ‘end-of-usage,’ whether in full or non-working condition. Most electronics or electronic equipment with a cord or circuit board are accepted such as: Computer Monitors, Television sets, Printers, PC Systems, Laptops, Copiers, Scanners, Fax Machines, Toner Cartridges, UPS & PDAs, Tower Supplies, Main Frame Units, Networking Equipment, Mother Board Systems, VCR/VCD/DVD Players, Home Entertainment Systems, Landline and Cellular Phones, & Small Portable Devices.

(Please note that this is a private fundraising e-waste event, and is NOT City-sponsored. The City provides this information as a courtesy only and is not responsible for any aspect of this event)

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Latest Update – Assistance for Victims of 531 Woodside Rd Fire

Good afternoon – here are a couple of updates to the assistance and services available for victims of the July 7 Hallmark House apartment fire – a special assistance information phone line, and a fire victims informational meeting.

Thank you to everyone who has helped out so far! The community really came through with lots and lots of donated clothing for the displaced residents. The greatest need right now is for monetary donations, please see below for how you can help.

There is one special need – a baby crib for a three-month old girl, whose family lost everything in the fire. If you can donate one, please call 650-366-2742 to make arrangements.

Please share this information with others – it’s also on the City’s website.

Thanks,

~ malcolm

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Help for Residents of 531 Woodside Road Displaced by Fire

Contact:

Teri Chin

Human Services Manager

650-780-7510

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Latest Updates as of July 17:

Woodside Road Fire Victims Information Line

Residents displaced by the July 7 fire at 531 Woodside Road are encouraged to call the Woodside Road Fire Victims Information Line at (650) 363-4433, for updated information on services available.

Woodside Road Fire Victims Town Hall Meeting

Displaced residents are also encouraged to attend the Woodside Road Fire Victims Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, July 23rd, 7pm, Fair Oaks Community Center Multi-Purpose Room, 2600 Middlefield Road. This Town Hall Meeting is an opportunity to provide updated information to victims about service available, and to answer questions.

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Previous information:

American Red Cross Fire Victims Service Center

The Fire Victims Service Center is located at the Fair Oaks Community Center, 2600 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, and is open 8 am – 11 am and 1 pm to 4 pm.

At the Center, the Red Cross and local partners will continue assisting affected residents with their long-term recovery plans while continuing to assess and help to address their critical needs.

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How the Community Can Help

Donate Money or Gift Cards:

Make checks payable to “Redwood City Woodside Road Fire Victims Support Fund” and note the account number 2785121639.

Checks or cash may be delivered to any local Wells Fargo branch; checks, cash, or gift cards may be delivered to the Salvation Army 660 Veterans Boulevard, or to 628 Woodside Road.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by the donations of time and money by local residents and companies. If you are interested in helping the Red Cross address people’s needs during local emergencies, please call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY (1-888-443-5722) or visit redcrossbayarea.org or contact your local Red Cross chapter.

Please note: clothing and household items are no longer being accepted for the time being – thank you to all who have donated already!

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Contact for property management of 531 Woodside Road:

Dawn Pisciotta

VPM Management Inc.

(408) 251-7540

 dawn@villageinvestments.net

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Ewaste Drop Off Friday & Saturday; Blood Drive Sunday

Good afternoon – here are a couple of items you may find of use – first, an electronic waste drop-off event on Friday and Saturday, and a blood drive on Sunday in Redwood Shores. Please read on!

thanks,

~ malcolm

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Bring your old unused electronics to the 

Free Electronic Waste Recycling Event!

Sponsored by the Woodside Road United Methodist Church

Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, from 9 am – 4 pm.

In the parking lot at 2000 Woodside Road in Redwood City (near Alameda de las Pulgas).

For more information on this e-waste collection event, please call the Woodside Road United Methodist Church (650) 368-3376.

This is a great opportunity to help our community get rid of e-waste the right way by diverting it from the landfills into a proper recycling process. E-waste is defined as any consumer electronic equipment that has reached its ‘end-of-life,’ ‘end-of-usage,’ whether in full or non-working condition. Most electronics or electronic equipment with a cord or circuit board are accepted such as: Computer Monitors, Television sets, Printers, PC Systems, Laptops, Copiers, Scanners, Fax Machines, Toner Cartridges, UPS & PDAs, Tower Supplies, Main Frame Units, Networking Equipment, Mother Board Systems, VCR/VCD/DVD Players, Home Entertainment Systems, Landline and Cellular Phones, & Small Portable Devices.

(Please note that this is a private fundraising e-waste event, and  is NOT City-sponsored. The City provides this information as a courtesy  only and is not responsible for any aspect of this event)

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One out of every three people will need a life saving blood transfusion

And you never know when you or someone you love might be that one!

You’re invited to

Help Save Lives!

Blood drive

on Sunday, July 21, 2013, noon – 4 pm – Bloodmobile in the parking lot of the Redwood Shores Library, 399 Marine Parkway.

Please schedule your life-saving appointment online at www.bloodheroes.com, click on “Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code RWSLibrary.

If you need assistance scheduling, you can also contact Deanna at dlacroix@redwoodcity.org

If you plan on donating, please do not forget to bring proper identification (i.e. driver’s license, CA identification card), oh and don’t forget to eat a healthy meal beforehand.

The link below provides you the tips for a successful donation:

http://www.bloodcenters.org/blood-donation/donating-blood-step-by-step/

Thank you so much for your support!

Blood Centers of the Pacific

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Friday Update – Help for Fire Victims

Hello – please read below for updated information on the Fire Victims Service Center, and how you can help the nearly 100 people displaced by last Sunday’s devastating fire at 531 Woodside Road. Thank you for your help.
~ malcolm
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Updated Friday, July 12

Help for Former Residents of 531 Woodside Road Displaced by Fire

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• American Red Cross Fire Victims Service Center

As of Monday, July 15, the Fire Victims Service Center will be at the Fair Oaks Community Center, 2600 Middlefield Road, Redwood City. Hours of operation: 8 am – 11 am and 1 pm to 4 pm.
At the Center, the Red Cross and local partners will continue assisting affected residents with their long-term recovery plans while continuing to assess and help to address their critical needs.
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• How the Community Can Help

Donate Money or Gift Cards:
Make checks payable to “Redwood City Woodside Road Fire Victims Support Fund” and note the account number 2785121639.

Checks or cash may be delivered to any local Wells Fargo branch; checks, cash, or gift cards may be delivered to the Salvation Army 660 Veterans Boulevard, or to 628 Woodside Road.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by the donations of time and money by local residents and companies. If you are interested in helping the Red Cross address people’s needs during local emergencies, please call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY (1-888-443-5722) or visit redcrossbayarea.org or contact your local Red Cross chapter.

Please note: clothing and household items are no longer being accepted for the time being – thank you to all who have donated already!

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Join Redwood City’s Citizens Police Academy

Good morning –

Many of you have been waiting for this, and here it is….the Redwood City Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy! It starts in September, but space is limited so sign up now. Please read below for the details.

Thanks,

~ malcolm

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Redwood City’s Citizens Police Academy Brings “Real Life” Law Enforcement Skills and Experience to the CommunityRedwood City, CA – From narcotics to criminal law, gangs to SWAT teams, and juvenile crime to K9, the 20th annual Redwood City Citizens Police Academy offers an in-depth, “real life” look at the day-to-day experience of police work. The Academy is a rigorous and exciting 11-week program that is modeled after the State’s curriculum for actual police academies.

Applications are now available at the Redwood City Police Department for the 2013 session, which starts on September 12th, 2013 and continues to November 21st, 2013. Each session is from 6:30pm – 9:30 pm.

In addition to fascinating “classroom” work featuring expert instructors and a variety of genuine police topics and issues, participants will actually go in the “field.” Here, they’ll get real, hands-on training and experience with live firearms, defensive tactics, and more. All sessions are conducted by veteran police officers and other law enforcement professionals with years of real experience in their specialties.
This is a great opportunity for members of the community who have an interest in law enforcement, their community, the judicial process, and the inner workings of the Redwood City Police Department. This program provides participants with a better understanding of the job that our local police department performs for the community of Redwood City, while building good will and supportive relations between the police and the public. Each class is 3 hours in length.

Class size is limited to 25 participants, so interested community members are encouraged to call Officer Diana Villegas at 650-780-7104 or email dvillegas@redwoodcity.org as soon as possible to have an application sent. Applications are also available online at www.redwoodcity.org/policeacademy.

Participants must be at least 18 years of age and live or work within San Mateo County. This Academy is not intended to train participants for certification as law enforcement officials.

Stay connected with the Redwood City Police on Social Media. Follow us on Twitter @RedwoodCitypd, like us on Facebook, and sign up on Nixle.com to get information about the Police Department and its services, the community, emergency news and notifications, and education. Visit www.redwoodcity.org/police for more ways to connect.

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

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