4th of July, Passport Office, Mattress Recycling

Good morning – another Friday already? This week I’ve already sent you lots of info about events and activities, so I’m sure you’ll all be out-and-about as we head into the weekend, and then of course the 4th of July holiday.

As a reminder, you can get all the 4th of July info about the parade, festival, carnival, car show, pancake breakfast, ParadeRun, and fireworks on the City’s website.

On a completely different subject…I also want to let you know that the mattress disposal rate at Shoreway Environmental Center has been lowered, from $19 to $14 each for a mattress or box spring (any size) – this was done by the South Bayside Waste Management Authority (also known as RethinkWaste) as one way to reduce the illegal dumping of old mattresses by making it more economical for residents to bring them to Shoreway. More details are online.

And finally, Redwood City’s Passport Acceptance Office (in the City Clerk’s office here at City Hall) is going to add an “Appointment” option for your convenience.

The City Clerk Department of Redwood City is a designated United States Passport Acceptance Office, where anyone can pick up and drop off their passport application or renewal paperwork. This convenient, bilingual service is located at City Hall in Redwood City, and is currently open only for drop-in service, on Mondays from 1 – 4 pm, and Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 9 am – 4 pm.

To better serve the community, this office will soon offer the option for customers to make Monday appointments, while still providing the convenience of drop-in service on other days.

Starting Monday, August 5, 2013 the City Clerk’s Passport Acceptance Office new hours will be:

• By appointment only: Mondays – 1 – 4 pm
• For drop-in only: Tuesdays & Wednesdays – 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Customers may call 650-780-7220 to schedule a Monday appointment, or feel free to drop-in during the specified hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

By offering both appointments and drop-in service,  the new schedule will make it even more convenient for people when they need to get the necessary paperwork or drop off their application or renewal, and payment.The City Clerk’s website is www.redwoodcity.org/clerksThanks,

~ malcolm

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Info from MTC on Possible BART Strike

UPDATED MONDAY, JULY 1, 2013 –

SEE http://alert.511.org/ FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON BART STRIKE

Good afternoon –

As you may know, Redwood City Mayor Alicia Aguirre sits on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and she received this info from that agency concerning the possible BART strike. The Mayor suggested that we send this out to our community, as no doubt many of you will be affected if the BART workers do indeed go on strike. Please read below.

Thanks,

~malcolm

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Commuters Urged to Plan Ahead in Event of BART Strike 511.org is Bay Area’s One-Stop Shop for Travel Information

With the possibility of BART trains coming to a halt as early as July 1 due to labor contracts that expire at midnight June 30, Bay Area transportation officials are urging commuters to review their contingency plans for getting to and from work. Thousands more vehicles than usual are expected to crowd onto streets, highways and bridges if there is a work stoppage at BART. Commuters are advised to avoid peak driving periods by working at home if possible (or traveling earlier or later than usual), form a carpool or try casual carpooling, or take an alternative transit service.

In the event of a disruption to BART service, other transit providers may be able to adjust their services where possible. But any such adjustments would replace only a small portion of BART’s passenger-carrying capacity.

The Bay Area’s 511 traveler information system – available 24/7 on the Web at http://www.511.org or on the phone by dialing 511 – provides a comprehensive, one-stop resource for evaluating travel alternatives. A special BART strike page at http://alert.511.org includes updates on BART’s service status, alternative transit and ridesharing options, real-time traffic and transit information, and other trip-planning tools. Commuters who are looking for casual carpool pickup locations, parking options for ridesharing or riding transit, or current traffic conditions and driving times should check the 511 Traffic page, which will feature a special section on BART strike commute options.

The popular 511 Transit Trip Planner offers the ability to plan door-to-door transit trips that include or exclude BART. In addition to the 511 Transit Trip Planner, 511.org offers a RideMatch Service to help commuters instantly find a short-term or long-term carpool match.

The 511.org website provides tips to help business owners and employers develop alternative commute options for their workers to reduce the impact of a BART service disruption. 511 Employer Services representatives can provide free consultations to help employers develop contingency plans such as tele-work or carpool support, or will refer employers to representatives in each county. To arrange a consultation, simply call 511 and say “Rideshare.”

MTC is the transportation planning, coordinating and financing agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area, and operates the region’s 511 traveler information system.

Contacts:

John Goodwin – 510.817.5862
Randy Rentschle – 510.817.5780

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Parade, Festival, Carnival, Fireworks – Redwood City’s Family 4th of July Extravaganza!

4th of July Parade, Festival in the Heart of Downtown Redwood City, Plus Fireworks at the Port!

The 75th annual 4th of July Parade by the Peninsula Celebration Association – a Family 4th – is the premier holiday parade in the region, and the entire community is invited to join the fun right in the heart of Downtown Redwood City! This beloved event brings thousands of excited spectators to see an incredible array of parade participants, floats, and festivities. The parade and festival is an integral part of the wonderful renaissance of Redwood City’s Downtown core, with its great selection of restaurants, shops, theaters, and more. Plus, spectators will love the great 4th of July fireworks show launched from the Port of Redwood City.
Get 4th of July details at  http://www.parade.org/.

The parade begins at 10 am, and the route starts on Marshall Street at the corner of Winslow Street, and continues on Marshall, Main Street, Middlefield Road, Winslow Street, Broadway, and onto Arguello Street where it ends near Alden Street (see map at http://www.parade.org/).

The 27th annual Independence Day Festival will cover several blocks in the heart of Downtown Redwood City, starting at 9 am (parts of Broadway, Hamilton, Middlefield, Jefferson, and in Courthouse Square). Filled with arts and crafts, food and beverages, kids’ activities, and a whole lot of good old fashioned family fun, the festival is the place to be on the 4th of July! Plus the annual 4th of July carnival, coordinated by the Woodside Terrace Kiwanis Club, will be in the parking lot at Veterans Blvd. and Winslow Street.

The 4th of July fireworks will be launched from the Port of Redwood City! This wonderful show is brought to the community by Redwood City with Presenting Sponsorship by Sims Metal Management, and generous support from RocketFuel, The Pauls Corporation, SARES REGIS, Informatica, San Mateo Credit Union, Lyngso, and the Port of Redwood City.

• The fireworks extravaganza will start at approximately 9:30 pm.
• The fireworks can be seen from areas where there is a clear view of the skies above the Port, and can also be seen from high points all over the Peninsula.
• For those coming to the Port, early arrival is highly recommended! This area is mostly private property with very limited public parking.
• The Port is providing a public viewing area along the waterfront off of Seaport Court. Once all of the very limited public parking spaces are filled, Seaport Boulevard will be closed to all vehicle traffic at the intersection of Seaport/Blomquist. Once the intersection has been closed, no vehicle access to the Port area will be available. This traffic control restriction could occur as early as 7:30 pm – so be sure to plan accordingly.
• Alcohol is prohibited on-site at the fireworks show, and personal fireworks are illegal at all times in Redwood City.

Families can also enjoy a special Pancake Breakfast benefiting the Redwood City Firefighters Association at the Downtown Redwood City Fire Station #9, 755 Marshall Street, and join the 4th of July ParadeRun fundraising 5K run/walk, to benefit the Redwood City Education Foundation. Plus, the 4th of July “Go For It!” Car Show and Celebration takes place on the 2600 block of Broadway.

The Peninsula Celebration Association’s Family 4th is also an opportunity to volunteer and be part of making this event a great success – go to http://www.parade.org/ and click on “Volunteer!”

The entire community is invited to join in the Family 4th by the Peninsula Celebration Association, in cooperation with the City of Redwood City!
Here’s a handy overview schedule:

• Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station #9 – 7:30 – 10:30 am
• 4th of July ParadeRun – 8:45 am
• Car Show – 9 am
• Festival – 9 am
• Parade – 10 am
• Fireworks – 9:30 pm

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City Seeking Consultants for Community Development Department

Good morning –

Our Community Development Department has posted a Request for Statement of Qualifications for Professional Consulting Services (RFSQ). The document is online now at www.redwoodcity.org/cdd and the deadline for submissions is 3 pm, Friday, July 19, 2013.

This is for City consulting services in a variety of disciplines:

• Architectural Engineering
• Civil Engineering, including Surveying
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Landscape Architectural
• Special Testing and Inspection
• Construction Management
• Plan Check
• Hydraulic  modeling, capacity and conditions assessment, and master planning
• Geotechnical Engineering
•  Environmental Engineering
• Transportation Engineering
• Structural Engineering

If you are a professional in one of these areas, please take a look at www.redwoodcity.org/cdd and consider submitting a statement of qualifications. Also, feel free to forward this to others who might be interested.

All the details are in the RFSQ. For more information on submittal requirements, selection criteria, scope of services, or to request a copy of the RFSQ you can send an email to  ceasterbrook@redwoodcity.org or call (650) 780-7380.

thanks,

~malcolm

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Lots of Great Stuff Happening Tonight, This Week, and This Weekend! And, Follow Parks Dept on FB!

Good afternoon – there is really so much going on this week in Redwood City that I thought I’d better get this all to you at once! And please pay special attention to this Sunday’s event, Kidchella, a fabulous kids’ rock series at Courthouse Square.

Our great Parks Department is responsible for putting on all these wonderful family activities, and I want to encourage you follow them on Facebook. They actually have three pages:

• Parks 
• Events 
• Sandpiper Community Center

And of course visit www.redwoodcity.org/events for up-to-date details on everything that’s happening.

Now, please take a look at the info below and plan your week, and your weekend, accordingly!

Thanks,

~malcolm

*****************

TONIGHT (Wednesday)
Music in the Park
Lost Dog Found – Rock / Pop
Wednesday, June 26, 6 – 8 pm, Stafford Park – corner of King St. & Hopkins

Lost Dog Found – high energy original tunes that takes elements of swing, jump blues, New Orleans soul, and rockabilly, combining them for an ultra modern take on a classic sound. Their debut album, “The Jump Start Scandal,” has gotten rave reviews, airplay from over a dozen radio stations, and the band was chosen as Jango.com’s “Band of the Month” in April 2012 after spending six months as the #1 indie blues band in the world on their charts. Known for their crowd interactive live performances, the band has brought their sound up and down the California coast, appearing at everything from major festivals to clubs and ballrooms. One taste and you’ll know; Hot Swing Is Back!

*****

THURSDAY 

Movies on the Square
Back to the Future (PG)
Thursday, June 27, sunset (about 8:45pm), Courthouse Square

1980s teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) is transported back in time to 1955 where he accidentally changes the course of history through a series of comic misadventures and finds he must return things to the way they were, back to the future.  Click for Content Advisory Guide for Parents.

*****

FRIDAY

Redwood Shores Farmers Market
Fridays, Year ‘Round, 3 – 7 pm, Redwood Shores Library, 399 Marine Parkway
By the West Coast Farmers Market Association

*****

FRIDAY
Music on the Square
Pride & Joy – Pop/Soul
Friday, June 28, 6 – 8pm, Courthouse Square
During its 25 years of phenomenal success, Pride & Joy has remained the most popular band on the Bay Area music scene. They have achieved this by presenting the most timeless pop/soul music of our time in an electrifying high-style show that pulls the audience directly into the heart of their performance.

*****

SATURDAY

Kiwanis Farmers Market
Saturdays, April through November 2013, 8am – noon, corner of Winslow and Hamilton

NOTE: in September, the Saturday morning Kiwanis Farmers Market will be moving to Arguello Street between Marshall and Brewster.
*****

SATURDAY

Redwood Symphony
Saturday, June 29, 6 – 7:30 pm, Courthouse Square

Redwood Symphony is an all-volunteer orchestra dedicated to the performance of ambitious, contemporary repertoire as well as the great orchestral classics with a special emphasis on education.The Redwood Symphony will offer familiar classical favorites from Bizet and Tchaikovsky along with a Sousa march, and violinist Stephen Waarts will play selections from works by Saint-Saens and Mendelssohn.  A special treat this year will be a Beatles song – a preview of the concert the symphony and White Album Ensemble of Santa Cruz will perform across Broadway on August 10 at the Fox Theatre. Get more info at www.RedwoodSymphony.org

*****

SUNDAY
Kidchella – A Kids Rock Series
Starring: Alison Faith Levy’s Big Time Tot Rock
Sunday, June 30, 11 am – 1pm, Courthouse Square

For three Sundays this summer, the ubiquitous Andy-Z will be the Master of Music and Play by bringing his high energy to Courthouse Square. This new series will provide a safe and fun environment for kids to dance, enjoy live music and play in our an inflatable playland! Sponsored by Redwood City’s Public Library and Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department.

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Reminder of City’s Ban on Personal Fireworks, and Shooting Guns in the Air

Good morning – I’m sure everyone is really looking forward to the great 4th of July Parade, Festival, Carnival, and Fireworks extravaganza coming up next week! Please see the news release for details.
In the meantime I want to remind you: 

• Redwood City has an absolute ban on personal fireworks
• Shooting a gun in the air in celebration is illegal and dangerous

Illegal fireworks are the cause of thousands of fires and injuries throughout the United States around the 4th of July. These fires and injuries are preventable when people comply with local laws prohibiting the use of fireworks. Redwood City prohibits any type of personal fireworks, including the so-called “safe and sane” variety. The only permitted use of fireworks is for professional fireworks shows. Anyone caught in possession of fireworks will have them confiscated and will be subject to a citation.

Celebrating the 4th of July by shooting a gun into the air is not only illegal, it can hurt or kill people. The Redwood City Police Department uses a “Shot Spotter” gunshot locator system, which determines the location of any firearm discharged in the City. The reckless discharge of a firearm is a felony and carries up to a three-year prison sentence. A gunshot telephone hotline is available at (650) 780-7639, which you can call in the event gunfire is heard, particularly during the 4th of July holiday. The Police will investigate and track down any individuals shooting guns into the air and make arrests when possible.

Redwood City Police and Fire Department staff will be making an extraordinary effort this year to be on the lookout for fireworks and gunshots throughout the 4th of July holiday period.

Fireworks are illegal in most parts of San Mateo County, and other jurisdictions share Redwood City’s desire to maintain a safe 4th of July holiday. To fully inform the community of Redwood City’s prohibition on fireworks, all main roadway entrances into the City are posted with “No Fireworks in Redwood City” signs.

The City’s goal in this effort is for the community to have a safe, fun 4th of July holiday, and to prevent fire or injury incidents related to fireworks.

Thanks,

~malcolm

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Reminder: Meet the Author Event Tomorrow Night at Downtown Library

Good afternoon –

Just a quick reminder about a great Meet the Author event taking place tomorrow night at the Downtown Library – read below!thanks,

~malcolm

 

******************Meet the Author – Tim J. Myers  

Author of Dear Beast Loveliness: Poems of the Body

Wednesday, June 26 * 7:00 pm

Downtown Library Fireplace Room, 1044 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City

“These meditations on the blessed carcass move us from bed nest to city street, from cellular self to divine sensation. How do we humans recognize who we are in Vietnam, in Rwanda, on a back porch where rain softly falls? Through the body, says Myers, through the body.” – Rebekah Bloyd, author of Seabook

Tim J. Myers is a writer, songwriter, storyteller, and university lecturer. He’s been nominated for two Pushcarts, won a poetry contest judged by John Updike, has two books of poetry and 11 children’s books out, and has published much other poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. His Glad to Be Dad reached #5 on Amazon’s “Hot New Releases in Fatherhood.” www.TimMyersStorySong.com

Both programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Library .

 

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Miss Redwood City Program Fundraiser; Also, Mediation Training by PCRC

Good morning –

Here is info on two items – first is a fundraiser on July 3 for the Miss Redwood City/San Mateo County Scholarship Pageant Program; and second, our partners at Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center (PCRC) are offering an in-depth “Basic Mediation Training” starting July 11. Please read below for details on both!

thanks,
~malcolm

********************

You’re Invited to the Fundraiser for the

Miss Redwood City/San Mateo County

Scholarship Pageant Program

Meet the newly-crowned Miss California at her first public appearance in this role, and this year’s pageant contestants, while you enjoy wine, appetizers, salad, wood-fired pizza, and a hot fudge sundae bar! And, bid on Silent Auction baskets with great items!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013 

6 – 9 pm 

Redwood City Women’s Club 

149 Clinton Street, Redwood City

$40 per person ($350 for table of 10)

For info and tickets contact Nancy Radcliffe at 650-868-2086 or go to www.eventbrite.com/event/6874751567

********************

Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center’s
Basic Mediation Training – Starts July 11!

This 40-hour interactive, skills-building training offers personalized coaching, hands on practice with scenarios that reflect actual mediation cases, and Certificate of Completion.

We recommend this training to people from all backgrounds who would like to develop their interest-based communication skills, address conflict more effectively or integrate mediation into their professional services.

When:
Thursdays – Saturdays, July 11, 12, 13 & 18, 19, 20 9 – 4:30 pm each day for 2 weeks.

Where:
Thursday and Friday sessions (July 11, 12, 18, 19)
San Mateo County Probation Office
222 Pail Scannell Dr., San Mateo
Saturday sessions (July 13 & 20)
San Mateo County Office of Education
101 Twin Dolphin Dr.,
Redwood City

Early Bird Registration is $695.  After June 25th Tuition is $745.  We offer discounts to groups (30% discount to groups of more than 3), nonprofits and current PCRC volunteers!

Visit PCRC online.

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Meet the Author TONIGHT; plus, American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study

Good afternoon –

Just a couple of final items for you today – first is a reminder about a great “Meet the Author” event that’s happening TONIGHT at the Downtown Library; and second is an opportunity for you to participate in an important cancer research study by the American Cancer Society. Please read below.

thanks,

~malcolm

********************

Redwood City Library Presents an Outstanding “Meet the Author Event” – TONIGHT

Meet the Author – Beth Barany Start Your Writer’s Adventure – Write Your Book in 2013

Thursday, June 20 * 7:00 PM

Downtown Library Community Room – 1044 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City

In this presentation by Beth Barany, Creativity Coach and award-winning writer (Uncover the 12 Stages to Writing Your Book and The Writer’s Adventure Guide)

• Get clear on your Big WHY for writing your book
• Rediscover  your passion for writing
• Forge a clear path from inspiration to completion

And, here’s another Meet the Author event you’ll want to put on your calendar, on June 26: 

Meet the Author – Tim J. Myers

Author of Dear Beast Loveliness: Poems of the Body

Wednesday, June 26 * 7:00 pm

Downtown Library Fireplace Room, 1044 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City

“These meditations on the blessed carcass move us from bed nest to city street, from cellular self to divine sensation. How do we humans recognize who we are in Vietnam, in Rwanda, on a back porch where rain softly falls? Through the body, says Myers, through the body.” – Rebekah Bloyd, author of Seabook

Tim J. Myers is a writer, songwriter, storyteller, and university lecturer. He’s been nominated for two Pushcarts, won a poetry contest judged by John Updike, has two books of poetry and 11 children’s books out, and has published much other poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. His Glad to Be Dad reached #5 on Amazon’s “Hot New Releases in Fatherhood.” http://www.TimMyersStorySong.com

Both programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

*******************

Consider Participating in an Important

Cancer Prevention Study with the American Cancer Society

This year, our Redwood City community will have the unique opportunity to help the American Cancer Society finish the fight against cancer by participating first hand in a landmark new cancer research study, Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3).

This is an opportunity for those of us 30-65 years old, who have never been diagnosed with cancer, to actively get involved with CPS-3 to help prevent cancer for this and future generations.
Enrollment will be taking place at the Sobrato Center for Nonprofits in Redwood Shores on July 25 and July 31.
For more information and to schedule an appointment, please visit CPS3BayArea.org

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Consider Applying for the Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program

Good afternoon –

I wanted to pass along to you this information about the Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Program, and encourage you to consider checking it out.

This is a really valuable program (I went through it a few years back so I speak from experience!), and gives participants a close look at the key issue areas which affect all of us – from housing to government, business to health, public safety to transportation, education…just a lot of excellent information and experience. And, you’ll meet a lot of wonderful people, make new connections and contacts, and gain an in-depth knowledge of – simply put – how things work in our communities!

Read the info below, or take a look online for more details. The deadline to apply is August 31, and the program begins in September.

thanks,

~malcolm

 

***********************

Developing Leaders For Our Community’s Future

The Redwood City – San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program

In dynamic sessions held one Friday a month, September through June, participants learn about issues of vital concern to their city; and learn how they can effectively shape the future of their community, their organization or their business. The focus of each session is not on specific political viewpoints; rather, a number of alternative views are presented from experts in the given areas. Sessions generally run from 8am until 3pm. A continental breakfast and lunch are provided.

Applications
We invite those individuals seeking to challenge themselves by becoming more educated and involved in their community. Enrollment is limited to 40 individuals. Completed applications are due back to the Chamber no later than Wednesday, August 31st, 2012.

Tuition Tuition for the program is $1,000.00, due by the first class day.

Attendance Class members must not miss more than 2 classes to graduate from program. Click here for information and application.

This past graduating class left the program with a new or renewed sense of commitment to their local community. Check out their comments below:

• Leadership has inspired me in each class to pursue a career I’m passionate about.
• The leadership program has given me the tools and confidence to educate my community.
• Fantastically fun, enlightening, impressive people, contagious energy, incredible passion, congratulations!
• Great overview of how San Mateo County works!
• I came to the class wanting to learn what the city can do for my tenants and walking away with a goal of engaging my tenants on how we can give back to our city/community.
• The leadership program has educated and inspired me to find a volunteer/leadership position where I can make a difference.
• Leadership class has opened my eyes to the issues of my community and has forever engaged me.
• Inspired me to continue being involved in my community.
• Expanded my vision from my personal agenda to a community perspective.
• An enlightening program-expanding my knowledge of our diverse community.
• I know and appreciate my community. Time to engage!
• Leadership allows me to network effectively with fellow county business reps, learn more about city government and see where I fit into making a volunteer contribution. Thank you!
• Eye-opener, thought provoking, inspiring to commit.
• Insight and experience to the community and civic process.
• It’s about what you can do, rather than expect.
• The leadership program has given a global understanding of local government where we have been, where we are now, and where we are going.

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