Great Stuff at Your Library in April

Good afternoon, happy Friday to you!

Here we are at the end of March, and it’s time to let you know about some of the many great things happening in April at your Redwood City Public Library. Here is a partial listing, but be sure to go to www.redwoodcity.org/library for even more.

Thanks,

~ Malcolm

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Taiko Drumming Shows!

Stanford Taiko – Saturday April 7^th 11 am

Downtown Library

San Jose Taiko  – Saturday April 21^st, 11 am

Redwood Shores Branch Library

 

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Peninsula Symphony

Flute and Harp Music at the Library!

Saturday, April 7^th, 1 pm

Downtown Library

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Kids’ Talent Show

Come show off at the Kids Talent Show!

All acts must audition:

Friday April 13, 3 – 5 pm
Saturday, April 14, 1 p 3 pm
Tuesday, April 17, 4 – 7 pm

(All auditions are at the Downtown Library)

Then the big Talent show is Wednesday April 18, 7 pm, at the Downtown Library

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Programming funded by the Friends of the Library

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Read along online with BookFLIX!

Books especially for beginning readers – many books also available in Spanish. Go to www.redwoodcity.org/library/kids

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Learn at the Homework Centers

A fun and supportive place to do homework and skillbuilding activities for grades 1 – 5.

• Downtown Library: Monday through Thursday, 4 – 7 pm
• Redwood Shores Library:
  Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 3 – 6 pm
  Wednesday 1 – 6 pm
• Schaberg Library
  Monday through Wednesday 2 – 5 pm
  Thursday 1 – 5 pm

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STUDY with BRAINFUSE

Need homework help? Get Help Now! Free online help from EXPERT tutors now available every day from 1 – 10 pm, visit www.redwoodcity.org/library/kids for details

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The award winning Redwood City Public Library connects the community and inspires a love of reading and learning through innovative, visionary programming and services such as literacy programs, access to technology, and safe, inviting spaces for youth and families. It’s all online at www.redwoodcity.org/library.

 

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Final reminder – new street sweeping schedule starts April 1

Sorry for repeating this, but we want to be sure everyone is fully aware that Redwood City’s new street sweeping schedule will begin on April 1^st.  This is the final email reminder I’ll send out about this.

The entire City-wide NEW schedule can be viewed online now at www.redwoodcity.org/publicworks.

With the new schedule, any given neighborhood will be cleaned on the same identified day each month – for example, always the third Tuesday of the month, or the fourth Wednesday of the month, or the first Friday of the month, and so on.

• It’s easier for everyone to remember to move their vehicles off the street to make room for cleaning
• It makes for more efficient scheduling of the street sweeper.
• It ensures no conflicts with garbage and recycling pickup.

This year, to save on printing and postage and to be more green, the City will NOT be mailing out printed copies of the schedule. Instead, go to our Community GIS at www.redwoodcity.org/gis and click on “Search” then enter your address. General property information will appear on the right side of the screen, and near the bottom of that window will be your next upcoming street cleaning.

The new schedule will be included on GIS as of April 1 – until then, the existing schedule is displayed in GIS. You can view the upcoming schedule at www.redwoodcity.org/publicworks.

On our GIS page, you will also note your street cleaning “District” (such as District 3B) – and by clicking on that link, you go to the appropriate street sweeping map and schedule for your neighborhood. If you want to see a map of all the street sweeping districts, go to the left side of the page, and under “Layers” click on “Other” and then check the box for Street Cleaning Districts.

REMEMBER: please move your vehicles from the curb and gutter on your monthly street cleaning day to allow the sweeper to clean in front of your home. Vehicles can be moved back to the curb once the sweeper has passed. When vehicles are not moved for street sweeping, the litter and debris will be an eyesore until the following months’ cleaning and, during the rainy season, can flow into the Bay.

Thanks,

~malcolm

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McKinley Institute of Technology’s The Sound of Music – El Salvadorian style!

Good morning – just a quick note to let you know about performances this weekend at McKinley Institute of Technology. They’re putting on “The Sound of Music– El  Salvadorian style!” – sure to be a lot of fun for the family! Hope you can check it out.

Thanks,

~ malcolm

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The McKinley Institute of Technology (MIT) proudly presents

“The Sound of Music– El  Salvadorian style!”

It’s happening THIS WEEKEND with three fantastic shows!

• Friday, March 30 – 6 pm
• Saturday, March 31- 4 pm
• Sunday, April 1 – 2 pm

Tickets available at the door for all shows.

Students have made the scenery, gathered props and costumes and have been practicing their parts for over three months – come join the fun at the newly renovated McKinley auditorium at any of our shows. Tickets will be sold at the door.

MIT is a small nurturing middle school with strong academic goals for each and every student. We strive to make sure that every student is known well and challenged to achieve to their highest potential, and we offer explorative classes as well as opportunities for intervention for students working below standards.

Visit MIT’s website at www.rcsd.k12.ca.us/site/default.apx?domainid=529

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Sale is On at Friends of the Redwood City Public Library!

Good afternoon –

Here’s a quick note from the Friends of the Redwood City Public Library about what’s happening at their bookstore at the Downtown Library. Take a look!

~ malcolm

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Update from the Friends of the Redwood City Public Library!

In the bookstore at the Downtown Library, our Feature Sale is Dogs and Cats. This sale features a wide array of books about dogs and cats including children’s books. This sale is always popular. Lots of great books in lovely condition for very low prices. Shop early!

Our sale carts have a SUPER SALE right now. Both Carts contain Trade Paperback Fiction, regularly $2 each for $1 each or 12 for $10. It’s a bit painful to sell them this cheap but we do have boxfuls (and we need to move them to make room!). So, our overstock is your great bargain. Buy some for you and some for friends.

See you at the library – cheers!

The Friends of the Redwood City Library is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers who are committed to furthering the excellence of the Redwood City Public Library. They raise funds solely to benefit Redwood City’s four libraries, and make significant gifts to expand Library collections, programs, and services. Visit the Friends of the Library Bookstore for great deals on gently used books, located at the Downtown Library. The Friends of the Library website is at www.redwoodcity.org/library/friends_of_the_library.html

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Employment Roundtable April 3 at the Downtown Library

Good morning –

Here is information on an Employment Roundtable coming up on April 3 at the Downtown Library – it’s a panel discussion featuring employers from a variety of industries, talking about their companies, opportunities, and hiring processes. This is a very timely panel discussion, and perhaps you or someone you know will find it to be of use. Please read below, and feel free to pass along to others. Note that advance registration is recommended.

Thanks,
~ Malcolm

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EMPLOYMENT ROUNDTABLE – Phase2 Careers

Tuesday, April 3
10 am – noon
Downtown Library Community Room
1044 Middlefield Road

This event is FREE to the public

Meet local employers at the Employment Roundtable, featuring half-a-dozen Bay Area wide employers serving on a panel. The employers will represent a wide variety of industries and will discuss their company, corporate culture, current/future career openings, and hiring processes. Panelists will come from such industries as: biotech, consulting, executive search, financial services/insurance, government, green sector, health care, high tech, nonprofit, small business, staffing services and more.

Due to the popularity of the Employment Roundtable event, pre-registration is recommended.  To pre-register and to learn more about the employers, visit: www.phase2careers.org/employmentroundtable.html

About Phase2Careers: The mission of Phase2Careers is to assist the “Over 40” Worker in the Bay Area with finding new career opportunities through job search/career development workshops, networking/recruitment events, and special career presentations.

This program is co-sponsored by Friends of the Redwood City Public Library, a non-profit, volunteer organization committed to furthering the excellence of the Redwood City Public Library. The Friends raise funds solely to benefit Redwood City’s four libraries, and make significant gifts to expand Library collections, programs, and services. Visit the Friends of the Redwood City Public Library at www.redwoodcity.org/library/friends_of_the_library.html.

The award winning Redwood City Public Library connects the community and inspires a love of reading and learning through innovative, visionary programming and services such as literacy programs, access to technology, and safe, inviting spaces for youth and families. It’s all online at www.redwoodcity.org/library.

 

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“Green” occupation training opportunities

Good morning –

Here are a couple of very interesting educational opportunities, which you might find of interest. One is a Certificate Program in Creating a Sustainable Enterprise, and the other includes a whole bunch of green training opportunities via the HERO program (Home Energy Retrofit Occupations). Take a look, and please pass this along to others who may find them of value. These are not quite local, but they’re really great opportunties.

Thanks,

~ malcolm

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Business Leadership: Creating a Sustainable Enterprise — 
A New Certificate Program from UCSC Extension

Successful executives in the 21st Century need to know how to operate in an era of resource limits, and this course integrates traditional executive leadership training with a thorough understanding of the principles of sustainability (people, planet and prosperity).

Focused on the needs of business executives, this 11-week certificate program will help business leaders navigate the challenges of resource constraints (limited energy, water and supply chain materials) — and learn to create new value from previously “wasted” resources.  While covering essential topics such as motivating employees, building successful teams, and directing an agile organization, the classes will also show how the principles of sustainability can create economic value in today’s changing world. Case studies, guest 
lecturers and three field trips will provide a variety of learning 
experiences.

The course starts Thursday, March 29 and run weekly until June 7, 
2012. Classes meet in Santa Clara at the UCSC Extension building from 1:00 until 8:00 pm, dinner included.

For details on the content, see the course description:  http://www.acterra.org/programs/elt/_doc/ucsc_program_description.pdf

For schedule information, course fees and a registration form, see: 
 http://www.acterra.org/programs/elt/_doc/ucsc_registration_form.pdf

Or visit the UCSC Extension/Silicon Valley site: 
http://www.ucsc-extension.edu/student-services/registration

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Home Energy Retrofit Occupations (HERO) Program

Courses include:

• Effective Green Business Marketing
• Solar Sales Training
• Energy Efficiency Opportunities for Realtors & Mortgage Professionals
• Building Performance Assessment/Sales
• Building Performance Assessment/Sales

Sign Up Now!

To learn about the next steps contact:

Alameda County/Bay Area: kgreen@ohlone.edu

San Mateo County/Bay Area: HERO@smchsa.org

For details visit www.peninsulaworks/HERO.html

• NO COST training for eligible individuals
• Obtain skills for entry or advancement in home energy efficiency & green-related industries
• Emerging industry with projected growth over the next decade
• Classroom & hands-on instruction addressing employer & industry workforce needs
• Resume & interviewing skills assistance
• Opportunities to connect with industry experts
• Priority given to qualifying US Veterans & spouses

The Home Energy Retrofit Occupations (HERO) Program is funded by a $2.5 million Community Based Job Training Grant, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and hosted by San Mateo County Human Services Agency. This program constitutes 100% of federal grant funds received. The Home Energy Retrofit Occupations (HERO) Program is an equal opportunity

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Nominations Open for Mayor’s Beautification Recognition Awards

Good morning –

Nominations are now open for the Mayor’s Beautification Recognition Program, 2012! Applications are available online, or by visiting City Hall (1017 Middlefield Road), or by calling 780-7300. The deadline for entries is May 25th, 2012, and screening/review of all nominations will be completed by mid-August. Recognition Awards will be presented at a City Council meeting in September.

Individuals, homeowners associations, apartment complexes, businesses, non-profits, and others are invited to participate by nominating their own or others’ projects in a variety of categories, including: best architectural design; best remodel; best historical restoration; most beautiful garden or landscape; best compatible building and garden or landscape; and more.

The purpose of the Recognition Program is to encourage the efforts of community members in beautifying and improving their homes, buildings, and properties, and to publicly acknowledge and recognize their pride in being part of the Redwood City community. The Mayor’s Beautification Recognition Program helps to promote and enhance a positive community image both within Redwood City, and beyond its borders. The awards show our neighbors and visitors that Redwood City recognizes the importance and value of keeping our City beautiful.

The Program is sponsored by the City’s Pride and Beautification Committee, and encourages attractive structural and landscaping improvements in our community. Single- or multi-family residences, apartment complexes, home owners associations, and non-profit or commercial properties are eligible. A panel of volunteer judges will review all entries, including a site visit to the nominated properties. “Before” and “After” photos of all nominated projects are required.

thanks,

malcolm

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A few items of interest…

Good afternoon

I want to share a few interesting items with you, if I may:

• Silicon Valley Water Conservation Awards Hosted in Redwood City
• Mandarin Storytime at the Downtown Library
• Nine Lives Foundation St. Patrick’s Day Open House
• Local Artists Exhibit at Downtown Library

Please read on, and have a great weekend!

~ Malcolm

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Water Conservation Awards to Honor Eight Champions

Last year the drought appeared to be over. This year it looks like it’s back. Such uncertainty in precipitation from year to year is likely to be the “new norm” for California in the face of climate change. Water shortages affect the environment and the economy, and are likely to worsen as population grows and available water decreases.

With this in mind, the Silicon Valley Water Conservation Coalition, representing 20 organizations, business networks, cities and water agencies, will present eight water conservation awards on World Water Day – March 22.

The Awards, in their fourth year, recognize organizations and individuals whose programs and leadership have advanced water conservation in Silicon Valley (San Mateo County, Santa Clara County and Alameda County from Hayward south).

The 2012 Silicon Valley Water Conservation Awards will be presented on Thursday, March 22 from 11:00am–1:00pm at the Redwood City Council Chambers, 1017 Middlefield Road. Arthur Jensen, Chief Executive Officer of the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (one of last year’s winners), will give the keynote address. The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited, so people should RSVP at www.WaterAwards.org.

2012 Award Winners

Large Government Agency – Santa Clara Valley Water District

Small Government Agency – Estero Municipal Improvement District

Large Business – Adobe Systems

Small Business – Earth Bound Homes

Organization – Our City Forest

Greenscape Management – Waterfluence

Education – Tuolumne River Trust

Water Champion – Frank Niccoli

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The Redwood City Library Presents

Mandarin Storytime for Toddlers

Wonderful Stories, Fun Songs, and Entertaining Rhymes in Mandarin Chinese! Great for toddler and other little ones.

Saturday, March 17 – 4:00-4:45pm

Downtown Library, 1044 Middlefield Road

For information on this and other great library events, visit http://www.redwoodcity.org/library/events.html

The award winning Redwood City Public Library connects the community and inspires a love of reading and learning through innovative, visionary programming and services such as literacy programs, access to technology, and safe, inviting spaces for youth and families. It’s all online at www.redwoodcity.org/library.

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Nine Lives Foundation’s St. Patrick’s Day Adoption Fair and Open House

March 17 and 18

11 am – 5 pm

3016 Rolison Road in Redwood City

www.ninelivesfoundation.org

650-368-1365

Nine Lives Foundation, a no-kill cat shelter offering low cost spay/neuter and vaccines for cats, presents a wonderful opportunity for you to see their facilities and consider adopting a cat this weekend – in honor of St. Patrick’s Day!

• Saturday, join us in your green attire and enjoy Irish inspired nibblies, beverages, and Irish coffee.
• Learn how we serve the community by providing services to help manage the feral cat population.
• Bring in a can of Friskies or Fancy Feast cat food or Gerber baby food (meat) for our furry feline leprechauns and receive a nice token of our appreciation.
• Invite someone who’s never been to our shelter and you’ll both receive a delicious Guinness cupcake!
• And, shop for special gifts from our lovely gift boutique.
• Gift certificates are available for adoption, spay/neuter and vaccine service, and low cost feline dentistry.

You can still make a difference, even if you can’t attend the adoption event! Give $50 today directly to Nine Lives Foundation if you are unable to adopt a cat. Your donation will provide food, shelter, and healthcare to our animals in need.

Thank you!

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Local Artists Exhibit at the Redwood City Public Library

The Sequoia Art Group (SAG), which curates a variety of local sites in Redwood City, has completed the jury selection for Artist Exhibits at the Redwood City Public Library, 1044 Middlefield Road in downtown.

The next exhibit features art from two Redwood City Artists, Mary Alice Bowie and Beth Mostovoy.  Artwork will be featured on the two stairway landings for two month intervals.

Mary Alice (www.maryalicebowie.com) is a printmaker, working primarily in monotypes. Her work is gorgeous, abstract and full of vibrant color. She is an artist in the Linden Street Warehouse Artists’ Studios in Redwood City.

Photographer Beth Mostovoy, a.k.a. Honeybear Prints (www.honeybearprints.com), travels the world in search of images that “reveal the extra-ordinary in the ordinary moments that color our lives.”  In addition to selling her own images, she also co-produces the popular Art on the Square shows in downtown Redwood City (email: artonthesquare@sbcglobal.net)

The Main Library show will be installed on Thursday, March 1st through Monday, April 30th.  Be sure to drop by the fabulous Main Library and see the beautiful creations.

The Sequoia Art group will also be doing their annual Spring Show in Redwood City.  If you are an artist who would like to participare or want more info on the Sequoia Art Group (SAG), go to:  sequoiaartgroup.Com/

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Apply for a City Board, Commission, or Committee

Good morning, and happy Friday to you!

You may have heard about this, but here is information about a great opportunity for you to get really involved in your community. Redwood City has 30 seats to be filled on a variety of our boards, commissions, and committees – I hope you’ll take a look and see if one of them is a good fit for your skills, interest, and talent!

The application deadline is 5 pm, Wednesday, April 4, 2012. Information and applications are available online at www.redwoodcity.org/clerks, or may be requested by calling 650-780-7220.

Seats are available on the Planning Commission, Senior Affairs Commission, Housing and Human Concerns Commission, Civic Cultural Commission, Board of Building Review, Library Board, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission, Port Commission, Historic Resources Advisory Committee, and Architectural Advisory Committee. Different seats have different terms, and some will be appointed in May, others in June.

I think you all know that serving on a board, commission, or committee is a way to offer important community perspectives and ideas, and contribute to the City’s discussions and decisions on a variety of substantial matters.

The City Council will be interviewing selected applicants in early May and June and will be interested in a number of characteristics and qualities, as well as applicants’ current involvement in community activities and knowledge of the issues facing the board in which they’re interested. Further, applicants’ ability to build consensus, their willingness to offer thoughtful, productive recommendations, and their motivation to be prepared, informed, and engaged in their board’s work are all critical factors contributing to being appointed to a board, commission, or committee.

More information can be found online at www.redwoodcity.org/clerks. Please do take a look, you might really find something that inspires you to jump in!

Thanks,

~malcolm

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Update: New Police Chief at Tonight’s Nhood Organizing Workshop

Sorry to hit you with this again, but I just now found out that Redwood City’s new police chief JR Gamez will be attending tonight’s “Neighborhood Organizing 101” workshop, along with our Community Policing Officer Diana Villegas. They’ll be talking just a bit about community policing, and it’s a chance for you to meet the new chief. Please try to attend, and again sorry about the lateness of this update!

~ malcolm

Gain valuable tools for bringing your neighborhood together
Redwood City’s “Neighborhood Organizing 101” workshop!

TONIGHT Thursday, March 15th – 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Avenue

Refreshments will be served

The workshop content is provided by the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center (www.pcrcweb.org).

• Hands-on, informative, fun workshop!
• Prepared resources
• Flyer templates
• Contact list forms to assist you in neighborhood organizing
• Refreshments will be served!
• What makes a healthy neighborhood and community
• How to assess the health of your neighborhood and identify possible issues or concerns
• Tips on how to organize your neighborhood and bring people together around an issue or opportunity
• What the City can do to help bring your neighbors together
• City programs and grants, and other resources and opportunities
• Upcoming opportunities to participate and get involved
• Neighborhood Watch information

One of the most common efforts in any neighborhood is to help improve or beautify their area, which can both strengthen property values and reduce crime. A neighborhood-wide effort can target problem areas and assist in their solution, especially if the issue involves an elderly person or someone who would otherwise have difficulty in that effort on their own. With an organized neighborhood the residents can work more effectively with municipal service providers, like public works, the police department, or others. This makes it easier to communicate with the City to voice concerns, access resources, resolve problems, or take advantage of opportunities.

The entire community is invited to find out what neighborhood organizing is all about, on Thursday, March 15th!

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