Update – Help for Fire Victims

July 9 UPDATE:   

Wednesday’s American Red Cross Fire Victims Service Center  which will be held at Veterans Memorial Senior Center (NOT at the Community Activities Building).

• Wednesday, 10 am – 6 pm. Veteran’s Memorial Senior Center, Sunset Room, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City.

The Fire Victims Service Center will provide  initial assessment  and information on services available, including  services related to  long-term housing.

Please read below for previously-released information concerning assistance for the victims.

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Available Services –  

  The American Red Cross is establishing a Fire Victims Service Center which will be open Tuesday and Wednesday to provide initial assessment and information on services available, including services related to long-term housing:

• Wednesday, 10 am – 6 pm. Veteran’s Memorial Senior Center, Sunset Room, 1455 Madison Ave.,, Redwood City.
• If a tenant needs immediate emergency housing, they should go to the Emergency Shelter that has been established for the fire victims at the National Guard Armory at 939 Valota Rd, Redwood City.

How to Help – 

Members of the public seeking to donate goods or funds should call 650-366-2742 to make arrangements.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Fire Victims – Updated Information about assistance and how to help

For Immediate Release July 8, 2013

Contact: Stan Maupin, Deputy Fire Chief Redwood City Fire Department 650-780-7400

Displaced Tenants of Burned Apartment to be Provided Limited Access for Retrieval of Belongings

Redwood City, CA – The Redwood City Fire Department is providing a schedule for residents displaced by the 531 Woodside Road apartment fire to access their units for 10 minutes each, so that they may retrieve personal belongings. This limited, escorted access during specific times is necessary in order to best assure their safety, and that of Fire and Police Department staff accompanying them.

TENANTS WISHING TO ACCESS THEIR APARTMENTS MUST CHECK IN at the command post located on Murray Court, which is the street just east of the apartment building, adjacent to the Woodside Terrace senior housing complex. Tenants will be escorted by Fire and/or Police staff, and access will be limited to 10 minutes per apartment unit.

For apartment units in the 100 series (first floor of apartments):     Tuesday, July 9, 2013 Check in from 8:30 am to 11:30 am Escorted access will be limited to 10 minutes

For apartment units in the 200 series (second floor of apartments):     Tuesday, July 9, 2013 Check in from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm Escorted access will be limited to 10 minutes

At this time, access to the 300 series of apartments is not scheduled, as Fire Department staff continue to secure and stabilize the site, and conduct their investigation.

Tenants’ automobiles may also be retrieved from the apartment building’s ground-floor garage – when checking in at the command post, they should indicate to staff that they wish to retrieve their car, as well as access their apartment.

Other Available Services –  

The American Red Cross is establishing a Fire Victims Service Center which will be open Tuesday and Wednesday to provide initial assessment and information on services available, including services related to long-term housing:

• Tuesday, 10 am – 6 pm. Veteran’s Memorial Senior Center, Goldstar Room, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City.
• Wednesday, 10 am – 6 pm. Community Activities Building, Classrooms 2 & 3, 1400 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City.
• If a tenant needs immediate emergency housing, they should go to the Emergency Shelter that has been established for the fire victims at the National Guard Armory at 939 Valota Rd, Redwood City.

How to Help – 

Members of the public seeking to donate goods or funds should call 650-366-2742 to make arrangements.

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.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Apartment Fire – Access for Residents, Assistance, How to Help

For Immediate Release
July 8, 2013

Contact:
Stan Maupin, Deputy Fire Chief
Redwood City Fire Department
650-780-7400

Displaced Tenants of Burned Apartment to be Provided Limited Access for Retrieval of Belongings

Redwood City, CA – The Redwood City Fire Department is providing a schedule for residents displaced by the 531 Woodside Road apartment fire to access their units for 10 minutes each, so that they may retrieve personal belongings. This limited, escorted access during specific times is necessary in order to best assure their safety, and that of Fire and Police Department staff accompanying them.

TENANTS WISHING TO ACCESS THEIR APARTMENTS MUST CHECK IN at the command post located on Murray Court, which is the street just east of the apartment building, adjacent to the Woodside Terrace senior housing complex. Tenants will be escorted by Fire and/or Police staff, and access will be limited to 10 minutes per apartment unit.

For apartment units in the 100 series (first floor of apartments):    
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Check in from 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Escorted access will be limited to 10 minutes

For apartment units in the 200 series (second floor of apartments):    
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Check in from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Escorted access will be limited to 10 minutes

At this time, access to the 300 series of apartments is not scheduled, as Fire Department staff continue to secure and stabilize the site, and conduct their investigation.

Tenants’ automobiles may also be retrieved from the apartment building’s ground-floor garage – when checking in at the command post, they should indicate to staff that they wish to retrieve their car, as well as access their apartment.

Other Available Services –  

The American Red Cross is establishing a Fire Victims Service Center which will be open Tuesday and Wednesday to provide initial assessment and information on services available, including services related to long-term housing:

• Tuesday, 10 am – 6 pm. Veteran’s Memorial Senior Center, Goldstar Room, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City.
• Wednesday, 10 am – 6 pm. Community Activities Building, Classrooms 2 & 3, 1400 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City.
• If a tenant needs immediate emergency housing, they should go to the Emergency Shelter that has been established for the fire victims at the National Guard Armory at 939 Valota Rd, Redwood City.

How to Help – 

Members of the public seeking to donate goods or funds should call 650-366-2742 to make arrangements.

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.

Filed under: Uncategorized

2nd Update – Eastbound Woodside Road Remains Closed

2nd Update – Monday, July 8, 2013, 7:25 am
The Redwood City Police Department announced this morning that eastbound Woodside Road between Hudson and Hess remains closed due to fire suppression activities at 531 Woodside Road. It is unknown at this time when eastbound Woodside will be reopened.

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1st Update Sunday July 7, 5:49 pm

This is updated information regarding the closure of Woodside Road due to the fire this morning.

• Redwood City emergency personnel estimate that Woodside Road will be reopened by midnight, tonight (Sunday July 7).
• Fire and police will remain on site throughout the night to secure and monitor the building for any further flare-ups. The full investigation into the cause of the fire will get underway Monday morning.
• The number of injured has also been updated. A total of 21 people were transported to the hospital, including three firefighters. All injuries are minor-to-moderate.

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

–original message–

Motorist Advisory – Woodside Road Closed from Bonita to Hess

Redwood City firefighters, aided by crews from six nearby cities and San Mateo County, have been battling a six-alarm fire at a four-story apartment building located at 531 Woodside Road since approximately 1:47 am this morning (Sunday, July 7). At present (approximately 9:35 am Sunday) the fire is under control but is still active, with firefighters and equipment on site.

Woodside Road (State Route 84) is CLOSED in both directions from Bonita Avenue to Hess Avenue due to the firefighting activity.

Motorists are advised to avoid Woodside Road in this area, and use alternate routes such as Redwood Avenue, Poplar Avenue, Oak Avenue, Roosevelt Avenue, or Jefferson Avenue, and to avoid using Hudson Street north of Woodside Road as it is blocked at Woodside.

It is anticipated that Woodside Road will remain closed at this location for a significant portion of the day today, and potentially into the evening.

The fire displaced approximately 97 tenants at this 72-unit apartment building. A shelter was set up at Fair Oaks Community Center, 2600 Middlefield Road, for residents needing a temporary location, and the Red Cross is assisting. It’s reported that 17 people were transported to area hospitals with minor-to-moderate injuries, including two firefighters. The injuries are not considered life-threating. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

At its peak, the incident included approximately 100 firefighters, 20 engines, and seven ladder trucks. In addition, Redwood City Police, the San Mateo County Sheriff, and California Highway Patrol are also involved.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Update: Woodside Road Fire, Road Closure

This is updated information regarding the closure of Woodside Road due to the fire this morning.

• Redwood City emergency personnel estimate that Woodside Road will be reopened by midnight, tonight (Sunday July 7).
• Fire and police will remain on site throughout the night to secure and monitor the building for any further flare-ups. The full investigation into the cause of the fire will get underway Monday morning.
• The number of injured has also been updated. A total of 21 people were transported to the hospital, including three firefighters. All injuries are minor-to-moderate.

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

–original message–

Motorist Advisory – Woodside Road Closed from Bonita to Hess

Redwood City firefighters, aided by crews from six nearby cities and San Mateo County, have been battling a six-alarm fire at a four-story apartment building located at 531 Woodside Road since approximately 1:47 am this morning (Sunday, July 7). At present (approximately 9:35 am Sunday) the fire is under control but is still active, with firefighters and equipment on site.

Woodside Road (State Route 84) is CLOSED in both directions from Bonita Avenue to Hess Avenue due to the firefighting activity.

Motorists are advised to avoid Woodside Road in this area, and use alternate routes such as Redwood Avenue, Poplar Avenue, Oak Avenue, Roosevelt Avenue, or Jefferson Avenue, and to avoid using Hudson Street north of Woodside Road as it is blocked at Woodside.

It is anticipated that Woodside Road will remain closed at this location for a significant portion of the day today, and potentially into the evening.

The fire displaced approximately 97 tenants at this 72-unit apartment building. A shelter was set up at Fair Oaks Community Center, 2600 Middlefield Road, for residents needing a temporary location, and the Red Cross is assisting. It’s reported that 17 people were transported to area hospitals with minor-to-moderate injuries, including two firefighters. The injuries are not considered life-threating. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

At its peak, the incident included approximately 100 firefighters, 20 engines, and seven ladder trucks. In addition, Redwood City Police, the San Mateo County Sheriff, and California Highway Patrol are also involved.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Woodside Rd. Closed Between Hess and Bonita Due to Fire

Motorist Advisory – Woodside Road Closed from Bonita to Hess

Redwood City firefighters, aided by crews from six nearby cities and San Mateo County, have been battling a six-alarm fire at a four-story apartment building located at 531 Woodside Road since approximately 1:47 am this morning (Sunday, July 7). At present (approximately 9:35 am Sunday) the fire is under control but is still active, with firefighters and equipment on site.

Woodside Road (State Route 84) is CLOSED in both directions from Bonita Avenue to Hess Avenue due to the firefighting activity.

Motorists are advised to avoid Woodside Road in this area, and use alternate routes such as Redwood Avenue, Poplar Avenue, Oak Avenue, Roosevelt Avenue, or Jefferson Avenue, and to avoid using Hudson Street north of Woodside Road as it is blocked at Woodside.

It is anticipated that Woodside Road will remain closed at this location for a significant portion of the day today, and potentially into the evening.

The fire displaced approximately 97 tenants at this 72-unit apartment building. A shelter was set up at Fair Oaks Community Center, 2600 Middlefield Road, for residents needing a temporary location, and the Red Cross is assisting. It’s reported that 17 people were transported to area hospitals with minor-to-moderate injuries, including two firefighters. The injuries are not considered life-threating. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

At its peak, the incident included approximately 100 firefighters, 20 engines, and seven ladder trucks. In addition, Redwood City Police, the San Mateo County Sheriff, and California Highway Patrol are also involved.

Filed under: Uncategorized

Message from City Manager Bob Bell Re: Chair Set Up for Parade

Good afternoon –

Here is a note from City Manager Bob Bell that he would like to share with you, concerning setting up chairs on sidewalks before the parade tomorrow – please take a look.

~ malcolm

***

Hello –

A number of people have inquired regarding people setting up chairs in advance of the 4th of July Parade.  This year, there seems to be an increasing number of chairs set up, further in advance. Chairs that are already in place may be subject to removal if they are blocking access, and when we receive complaints, our Police Department staff will respond, when they are not responding to priority calls for service.

I have asked our staff to examine this issue for next year, and to consider limits on both timing and locations, which we will clearly communicate to the community.  We want everyone to have access to enjoying the parade.

Thank you,

Bob Bell

City Manager

Filed under: Uncategorized

Community “Visioning” Process for Inner Harbor Specific Plan

Good morning – Please see the news release below, regarding the community “visioning” process being undertaken as part of the Inner Harbor Specific Plan. Note that the Inner Harbor Plan Task Force meetings are open to the public, and you’re encouraged to attend and participate!Thanks,

~ malcolm

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

For Immediate ReleaseJuly 1, 2013

Contact:
Bill Ekern
Community Development Director
650-780-7293

Community-Based “Visioning” Process Underway for Inner Harbor Plan; Task Force Meetings Scheduled for July

Redwood  City, CA – The City and the community have embarked on a strategic  “visioning” process for the Inner Harbor area, which will lead to the  creation of an Inner Harbor Specific Plan. That Plan will provide a  “blueprint” for the future of the Inner Harbor Area (located on the bay  side of US 101 between Docktown and the Malibu Grand Prix Raceway, and  north-east to the edge of the existing businesses in the Seaport Centre  area – see map).   Not since the City’s Downtown Precise Plan, has there been such an  opportunity to make an impact on the City’s landscape and future  development.

The  Inner Harbor Plan Task Force held its first meeting on June 13, and  encourages any interested members of the community to join in this  important process. The next two meetings of the Task Force are:

• Tuesday, July 9, 7 pm
• Tuesday, July 23, 7 pm

Both meetings will take place at the Seaport Conference Center, 459 Seaport Court in Redwood City.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Redwood City” said Redwood City Mayor Alicia Aguirre. “By  participating in the effort to help envision the future of the Inner  Harbor, community members have a remarkable chance to contribute toward  shaping this regionally-significant area. We want the Inner Harbor Plan  to be a model of partnership and inclusive, thoughtful planning, and the  possibilities are endless.” More information on the Inner Harbor Plan Task Force is online at www.redwoodcity.org/InnerHarborPlan, including meeting agendas, updates, and schedules.

The Inner Harbor Plan Task Force is a group of stakeholders  appointed by the Mayor, representing the various interests involved in  the future of this area – public and private property owners,  residential, business, recreational, and environmental. All Task Force  meetings are public, and subject to State open-meeting laws.
The   group will meet regularly to provide ongoing input to the City and  advice and review of the draft Plan materials, as well as sharing  information with and seeking input from their constituencies. It’s  anticipated that over the next 12 months, the group will meet up to 8  times, with 4 – 6 of those taking place in this calendar year, initially   focusing on development of plan alternatives. At least one  all-community workshop will be held and the final two meetings, expected   in spring of 2014, will center on confirmation of the draft plan in  advance of public hearings with the Planning Commission and City  Council. The Task Force is expected to discuss and set its overall  schedule during the next two meetings.
The end  result of this process will be an Inner Harbor Specific Plan, which will   lay out the overall scope and general guidelines for what the City and   community envision for the Inner Harbor area, to achieve the  revitalization and productive use of properties and natural resources  within that area. The Task Force process offers the  opportunity for our community’s voice to be clearly heard, and their  ideas to be brought forward and shared in shaping the future of the  Inner Harbor Area.

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 .

(end)

Filed under: Uncategorized