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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong>.NOV.2012<br />

Table of Contents<br />

Inside <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> – 4<br />

RCSD Corner – 5<br />

“As I Was Saying...” – 6<br />

Recology: Don’t Stop Thinking<br />

About the Future – 8<br />

Cultural Events – <strong>11</strong><br />

Shop <strong>Redwood</strong> City – 12<br />

“Give Her an A…”<br />

Cherokee Cheerleader<br />

Makes Local History – 14<br />

Community Interest – 17<br />

Senior Activities – 24<br />

Insurance Tips:<br />

What Is a Health<br />

Savings Account? – 25<br />

A Minute With<br />

Stacy Morell – 26<br />

Welcome to the November 2012 edition of <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong>. This month we have a<br />

story of inspiration and resolve, plus photos of and information about several communityoriented<br />

events. In his award-winning column, “As I Was Saying…,” Publisher Steve Penna<br />

discusses a recent trip to Southern California.<br />

Our cover story this month is on <strong>Redwood</strong> City resident and Sequoia High School student<br />

Angel Gonzalez-Prado. During our lives, we all face obstacles large and small. As you will read<br />

in contributing writer Nicole Minieri’s story, Angel has faced one obstacle after another since<br />

birth and none seems to diminish her drive and spirit. We know that after reading her story,<br />

you will be yelling, “Give me an A!”<br />

Recology of San Mateo County faced many challenges when it took over trash services<br />

last year. We bring you a follow-up to our story by contributing writer Dale McKee on how the<br />

company is facing those challenges and what they are doing to resolve customer concerns<br />

and improve their satisfaction.<br />

We also bring you our regular features on senior activities, items of community interest,<br />

cultural and entertainment events, insurance tips from Hector Flamenco, information from the<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> City School District and the popular feature “A Minute With.”<br />

Businesses are an important component of all communities because they create sales tax<br />

revenues that contribute to the overall city budget while providing much-needed services. In<br />

that spirit, we encourage you, our readers, to support our valuable <strong>Spectrum</strong> advertisers by<br />

using their services when you are out shopping, dining or enjoying yourself in our community<br />

with friends and family. Many of them have special offers for you to cut out and present,<br />

including discounts on services, food and beverages, so please take the time to look over their<br />

ads this month and use their coupons and discounts.<br />

We also want to remind you that when you are looking for up-to-the-minute information<br />

about our community, you can visit us online at www.spectrummagazine.net. We are in the<br />

process of updating our website, so look for more interface opportunities in the future.<br />

Steve Penna<br />

Owner and Publisher<br />

penna@spectrummagazine.net<br />

Anne Callery<br />

Copy Editor<br />

writers@spectrummagazine.net<br />

Dale McKee<br />

Julie McCoy<br />

Nicole Minieri<br />

Contributing Writers<br />

writers@spectrummagazine.net<br />

James Massey<br />

Graphic Designer<br />

007massey@gmail.com<br />

James R. Kaspar<br />

Cover/Cover Story Photography<br />

staff@spectrummagazine.net<br />

Contact Information:<br />

Phone 650-368-2434<br />

www.spectrummagazine.net<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 3


www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />

Corrin Rankin<br />

Inside <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong>: Cover Story Photo Shoot<br />

6<br />

368-2660<br />

S 5<br />

0<br />

<strong>The</strong> peninsula’s<br />

professional dance company<br />

nutcracker<br />

December<br />

15, 16<br />

22, 23<br />

Historic<br />

Fox <strong>The</strong>atre<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> City<br />

PeninsulaBallet.org (650) 369-7770<br />

<strong>Spectrum</strong> Publisher Steve Penna<br />

arranged this month’s cover photo<br />

shoot with Sequoia High School<br />

cheerleading coach Stacy Morell for<br />

Friday, Oct. 26, on the Sequoia campus at 4 p.m.<br />

Cover photographer James Kaspar showed<br />

up first and was soon joined by Penna in front<br />

of Carrington Hall auditorium on Brewster<br />

Avenue. <strong>The</strong>y went to the “small” gymnasium<br />

next to the pool area to meet Morell and her<br />

squad, including our cover subject, Angel<br />

Gonzalez-Prado.<br />

Feeling comfortable at his alma mater, Penna<br />

interacted easily with the squad members and<br />

students alike. He talked to them about <strong>The</strong><br />

<strong>Spectrum</strong> and about attending school there,<br />

and he planted the message to “give back to<br />

the school and community even after you are<br />

gone.” <strong>The</strong> students were very receptive.<br />

It was decided that the photos would be<br />

taken outside, mostly to accommodate the large<br />

number of squad members. Tumbling mats<br />

were moved to a small grassy area next to an<br />

outdoor quad, where the lighting was good and<br />

space was perfect.<br />

<strong>The</strong> theme of the shoot was, of course,<br />

overcoming challenges. We determined the<br />

best way to do that was to show Gonzalez-<br />

Prado in her natural element and, once she<br />

had joined the groups, she was. Penna had met<br />

6<br />

5<br />

0<br />

234 Marshall Street #100<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> City, CA 94063<br />

Se Habla Español CA Insurance Lic. #1842835<br />

368-2660<br />

her before while working out at Powerhouse<br />

Gym, and he is also friends with her godfather,<br />

local businessman Arnoldo Arreola. <strong>The</strong> two<br />

attended Hoover School together in the 1970s.<br />

During the shoot, Morell and the squad<br />

members were all respectful, enthusiastic,<br />

Corrin Rankin<br />

accommodating and proud to represent Sequoia<br />

High and their teammate and did anything<br />

asked to make the shoot run smoothly.<br />

<strong>The</strong> entire shoot took about one hour.<br />

On a daily basis we all encounter challenges<br />

in life. Some are harder than others and sometimes<br />

seem impossible to overcome. In those times,<br />

we look to examples of courage, those who<br />

have dealt with overwhelming challenges and<br />

exceeded all expectations and defeated them.<br />

Beginning with emergency surgery to repair<br />

a host of life-threatening complications when<br />

Gonzalez-Prado was just a newborn, she has<br />

showed us all that life is what you make it.<br />

“I want to encourage people that they can do<br />

whatever they want, and it does not matter if<br />

they can walk or not. As long as they put their<br />

mind to it they can do it,” she said.<br />

We all know that “walk or not” is a metaphor<br />

for those everyday challenges we all face. In those<br />

times, we hope you will find the inspiration<br />

from our Angel to make it all a bit easier.<br />

Come on, <strong>Redwood</strong> City. Give us an A! We<br />

are so proud of her!<br />

234 Marshall Street #100 • <strong>Redwood</strong> City, CA 94063<br />

Se Habla Español CA InsuranceLic. #1842835<br />

Advertise with<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />

Call Us Today 650.368.2434


RCSD Corner: News From the <strong>Redwood</strong> City School District<br />

North Star Academy Named a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School<br />

North Star eighth-graders Raúl, Daniel, Nicole and Jessica<br />

When eighth-grader Daniel S. first attended North Star Academy<br />

in sixth grade, it was a challenge.<br />

“It was a lot harder than my other school at first,” said Daniel,<br />

“but in seventh grade I started figuring it out.” Today, Daniel is<br />

excelling in school and credits the school’s emphasis on enrichment for his<br />

academic achievement. Daniel explained that North Star offers enrichment<br />

classes on a wide range of topics, such as sports or drama, that are not<br />

directly related to school subjects.<br />

“Taking enrichment classes relaxes my mind and helps me to do better in<br />

school,” he said.<br />

Daniel’s classmates, Raúl, Jessica and Nicole, agree that North Star is a<br />

place where students work hard but get a lot of support from teachers and<br />

the opportunity to pursue many interests through enrichment classes or<br />

participation in after-school sports programs.<br />

“North Star is a good school,” said Nicole. “You have a lot of homework<br />

and it is challenging, but you learn a lot!”<br />

North Star’s curricula and programs are designed to meet the unique needs<br />

of students identified as gifted and high achieving. <strong>The</strong> school serves about<br />

540 students in third through eighth grade and was recently named a 2012<br />

National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.<br />

North Star uses an instructional strategy called differentiated instruction<br />

to teach state standards and offers a third- through eighth-grade enrichment<br />

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program. Teachers pre-assess students and use the information to determine<br />

the best way to teach state standards, depending on the degree of the students’<br />

mastery. <strong>The</strong> teachers then use the assessment to “compact” the curriculum,<br />

creating time at the end of the day for students to participate in an enrichment<br />

class of their choice. Enrichment classes have included Shakespeare drama<br />

performances, bookmaking, quilt making, multimedia presentations, chess,<br />

the study of art masters, origami, word games, model making, stock market<br />

analysis, science fiction studies, how to prevent global warming, ecology,<br />

participation in musicals and plays, and a host of other classes.<br />

“Our school prides itself on instilling a love of learning not only in our<br />

students but also our teachers,” said former North Star Principal Wendy<br />

Kelly, who was instrumental in completing the extensive application process<br />

involved in winning the 2012 National Blue Ribbon Award. “Students who<br />

are allowed choice in their class programming feel that their voices are<br />

more valued, which supports their emotional well-being as participants in a<br />

learning community.”<br />

North Star was one of only 17 public and private schools in the state of<br />

California to be awarded a National Blue Ribbon Award in 2012. <strong>The</strong> U.S.<br />

Department of Education has bestowed this annual award to about 7,000<br />

schools in the U.S. since 1982, when the program began. <strong>The</strong> program<br />

recognizes those schools exhibiting the highest level of student achievement<br />

or that have made exemplary progress toward bridging the achievement gap.<br />

North Star was also designated a California Distinguished School in 2010.<br />

In the 20<strong>11</strong>–12 school year, the school earned an API score of 990 out of a<br />

total of 1,000, making it the highest-performing school in San Mateo County.<br />

“I’m proud that North Star’s students’ and staff’s accomplishments are<br />

being recognized by the Blue Ribbon Committee,” said Parent Club President<br />

Zeke Mead. “I’ve enjoyed watching kids ask questions and work together to<br />

discover the answers in an environment that facilitates their needs.”<br />

Current North Star Principal Leslie Crane, former Principal Wendy Kelly<br />

and North Star fourth-grade teacher Karen Gaffney will travel to the White<br />

House in Washington, D.C., to accept the award in November.<br />

According to the U.S. Department of Education website, the National<br />

Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary,<br />

middle and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where<br />

significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of academic<br />

achievement. To be eligible for the prestigious nomination, schools must be<br />

in the 85th percentile or above on statewide tests or count among the top 10<br />

percent of schools serving a largely socioeconomically disadvantaged student<br />

body showing consistent improvement over the past five years.<br />

All second- through seventh-grade students who live within the boundaries<br />

of the <strong>Redwood</strong> City School District may apply to attend North Star. This<br />

year, the application period is earlier than in the past, and all applications are<br />

due by 4 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2013. Applications and information on the application<br />

process are available on the school’s website, www.rcsdk8.net/northstar, or by<br />

calling the school office at 650-482-5973.<br />

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Regular $12.95 Vegetarian $10.95<br />

Little India<br />

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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 5


I recently decided that it was time for me to take<br />

a little alone time. I had been working on a few extra<br />

projects for <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> and had also been involved<br />

with a few charity events while maintaining my<br />

usual day-to-day schedule. Handling it all was<br />

workable, but at one point I went into overload.<br />

You know the feeling when you are trying to do<br />

literally four things at one time and then cannot<br />

find your cell phone? <strong>The</strong>n I have to search for<br />

it while doing so is delaying me from doing the<br />

other things. After an hour of frustration and calling<br />

the cell from the landline to try to locate it, I finally hear<br />

it very faintly and eventually find it under some<br />

files I had put in a closet. Well, it was about that<br />

time I decided to head for Southern California.<br />

I rearranged some meetings and deadlines,<br />

and I just did it. I spent the first night in San Luis<br />

Obispo and had a great dinner with my niece Casey<br />

and her fiancé, Ian. It just so happens we ate at a<br />

restaurant called Fireside Grill. When I arrived,<br />

about 20 minutes before they did, there were dozens<br />

of San Francisco Giants fans cheering the team in a<br />

playoff game, and many were proud to be wearing<br />

orange and black to show their support. Felt right<br />

at home.<br />

After a great night with them and a good night’s<br />

sleep, I was on my way to Palm Desert. I had gotten<br />

a new Samsung Galaxy 4G phone and was still<br />

getting used to all the features. I became fast friends<br />

with the voice navigation system that guided me<br />

everywhere with accuracy.<br />

I was in no hurry, so I took my time and stopped<br />

many times along the way. My favorite stop was<br />

Pepperdine University in Malibu. <strong>The</strong> view from<br />

the football field is amazing! Once closer to Palm<br />

Desert, I stopped for a beverage break and noticed<br />

an all-you-can-eat Kentucky Fried Chicken. Needless<br />

to say, I got my beverage and left that town as soon<br />

as I could. If not, I might have spent the night in KFC.<br />

I followed my navigation voice, arrived at the<br />

Marriott Villas in what seemed like no time and<br />

began my five-day stay. I checked in and almost<br />

before I knew it, I was unpacked and lying by<br />

the pool area with an ice-cold beverage. I have to<br />

admit that is mostly what I did the entire time I<br />

was there. Wake up, eat, go to the pool area, eat,<br />

afternoon nap, pool area, eat, beverages, back to<br />

the pool area until closing and then eat and sleep.<br />

I did, however, work out on three days, so it did<br />

not feel like an absolute waste.<br />

On the second night, I realized there was a presidential<br />

debate. I felt like watching it with others, so I contacted<br />

the local Democratic Club, found out where they<br />

were having a “watching” party and joined them.<br />

It was fun and interesting. <strong>The</strong>y are the same as the<br />

Demos here, but they are in a bloodbath battle of a<br />

congressional race between incumbent Republican<br />

Mary Bono Mack and Democrat Raul Ruiz. <strong>The</strong><br />

www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />

As I Was<br />

Saying… Publisher<br />

television ads and the debates (which are actual<br />

debates) were the nastiest and most competitive I<br />

have ever seen. <strong>The</strong> rhetoric was simply amazing<br />

to watch, even for the limited time I did.<br />

<strong>The</strong> entire stay there was enjoyable and very<br />

self-reflective. <strong>The</strong> last night I was there, I met<br />

a woman at the pool/bar area who was from San<br />

Mateo and was glued to the Giants playoff game<br />

on one television and the 49ers game on the other.<br />

Life is good! We had a nice conversation — we<br />

found we even had some friends in common<br />

— and soon went our separate ways. After a<br />

great night’s sleep, I was on my way to Southern<br />

California’s Venice Beach for a five-day stay.<br />

Navigation got me there just fine. I checked<br />

into the Erwin Hotel and rested before meeting<br />

my nephew Nick for dinner. He had just relocated<br />

and got a job in Santa Monica, so we were near<br />

each other and had a great time catching up and<br />

watching the now World Series Giants game at a<br />

local bar and grill. Life is good.<br />

I have fallen in love with Beverly Hills. I feel<br />

so relaxed and comfortable there, like very few<br />

places outside of <strong>Redwood</strong> City make me feel.<br />

<strong>The</strong> streets are clean, people are happy, friendly<br />

and enthusiastic, business diversity is plentiful<br />

and the weather is always great. <strong>The</strong> last time I<br />

had been down there, I met and became friends<br />

with a few people, and I met up with them over<br />

the next couple of days for art fairs, parties,<br />

events and dinners. <strong>The</strong>re is always something<br />

going on in the Hills and I love it all.<br />

I am not the type of person to be impressed by<br />

“celebrities” of any sort, be they athletes, actors,<br />

entertainers or politicians. I think that is why I count<br />

many as my friends. In fact, half of the time,<br />

when I am first around some “celebrity,” I don’t<br />

even know who they are or who they think they<br />

are. I am just interested in the person, not the name.<br />

I recall one time when I had first become friends<br />

with a national television journalist and on-air<br />

personality. She was telling me about a gift she<br />

got from a “fan,” and my response was, “You have<br />

fans?” She laughed and just said it was “so you.”<br />

<strong>The</strong> last night I was in the Hills I had dinner<br />

with some friends and then returned to Santa<br />

Monica to spend some “self” time at a local pub,<br />

watching the Giants destroy the Detroit Tigers.<br />

<strong>The</strong>n I went back to my hotel room for a quiet<br />

night, preparing for the return home in the morning.<br />

<strong>The</strong>n it was, “Navigator, take me home!” Seven<br />

hours later, I rolled up to the Farm Hill exit on<br />

Highway 280 and felt both calm and excited.<br />

Once back in <strong>Redwood</strong> City, I went to a friend’s<br />

house to watch the Giants win another game. One<br />

of the qualities of being single is that we depend<br />

on friends much more to fill that “companion” role,<br />

and I am fortunate to have many I call true friends.<br />

| Steve Penna<br />

So dropping by a friend’s or family member’s home<br />

before returning to my own home is natural for me.<br />

I finally arrived at home to a cat who seemed<br />

not to have missed me, or perhaps she wanted to<br />

let me know she did not appreciate being left in<br />

the care of someone who does not let her sleep in<br />

their bed. Next day, back to work and the same routine.<br />

I found myself feeling bitter about being back.<br />

I was jealous of the guy who had carelessly spent<br />

the past <strong>11</strong> days in what can only be described<br />

as completely spontaneous adventures. I already<br />

missed him, admired him and wanted to be him<br />

again. That is, until Thursday arrived.<br />

I attended an event sponsored by the Peninsula<br />

Conflict Resolution Center. <strong>The</strong> anti-bullying<br />

event was honoring a friend of mine, Paula Uccelli.<br />

To be honest, I did not really want to go and would<br />

not have gone had it not been her being honored<br />

or someone just as deserving or special to me.<br />

I arrived late because I had picked up my<br />

godsons from school and had our usual Thursday<br />

“adventure” time together. It ran longer than<br />

expected but was exactly what I needed as an<br />

attitude adjustment. When I arrived at the event,<br />

I immediately saw faces I was really happy to<br />

see, which is not always the case at events like<br />

this. But, let’s face it, everyone was there to do<br />

something extremely special.<br />

I was honored to be seated at a table that included<br />

Assemblyman Jerry Hill (the master of ceremonies),<br />

keynote speaker Greg Louganis and attorney<br />

Ted Hannig, who introduced Louganis. I mean,<br />

really, I was sitting next to the most successful<br />

Olympic diver of all time and honoring a great friend,<br />

surrounded by a roomful of people I admire and<br />

respect. That’s when I was reminded of the obvious.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re are things that connect us all in one way<br />

or another. It could be supporting a local sports<br />

team, loving a particular city or town, enjoying<br />

a good debate, meeting a “celebrity” (whether<br />

it be Katie Couric or Angel Gonzalez-Prado),<br />

being single or, yes, even following the navigation<br />

systems that guide you.<br />

But when it comes down to it, I always want<br />

to be guided back home: the place where I get<br />

inspired, loved, entertained, frustrated, annoyed<br />

and completely fulfilled.<br />

So the next time I start feeling like I just might<br />

want to move to a different area, or I admire<br />

something I don’t have, all I need to do is click the<br />

heels of my size 15 Air Jordan sneakers and say,<br />

“<strong>The</strong>re’s no place like home!”<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> City, California!<br />

As I was saying…<br />

.…


<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 7


Recology: Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow<br />

TMembers of the Recology team volunteering at a local cleanup.<br />

wo years ago, as Recology was on the cusp of taking over the service<br />

contract for <strong>Redwood</strong> City and much of the Peninsula, I sat down to<br />

interview Recology executives about their impending takeover of<br />

service from Allied Waste. Now, after that first year, Public Affairs<br />

Manager Gino Gasparini, General Manager Mario Puccinelli and<br />

Waste Zero Manager Tammy Del Bene took the time to speak with me<br />

and answer questions about the year’s challenges and triumphs, and where<br />

Recology is going from here.<br />

As I write this article, Recology now holds the contract for waste disposal<br />

throughout the Peninsula — 10 cities, as well as two other districts in San<br />

Mateo County. <strong>The</strong>ir single-stream recycling and CartSmart system were a<br />

completely different way of handling waste management. With such a big<br />

change, given that nothing ever goes quite as planned, was it a challenge<br />

when they first took over?<br />

“Well, we went through literally years of preparation,” Del Bene replied.<br />

Gasparini added, “It was the largest transition, with regard to the service<br />

industry. Ninety thousand residential customers, approximately 10,000<br />

commercial customers. A whole change of service, not only in terms of a<br />

provider, but new recycling services, food waste along with yard waste …<br />

new trucks, new carts.” <strong>The</strong>re’s never been anything of this magnitude in<br />

terms of a service changeover in the Peninsula.<br />

<strong>The</strong> change started on Jan. 3 and included holiday tree pickup and the extra<br />

volume of waste that comes with presents and celebrations. Talk about hitting<br />

the ground running!<br />

“We had new routes for our drivers, new equipment and new technology<br />

for our drivers in the form of onboard computers in our trucks,” Puccinelli<br />

explained. While the new technology is second nature for video-game<br />

players, I know I would be lost initially with such a tech curve. And, at first,<br />

so were some of the older drivers. <strong>The</strong> learning curve was steep, but training<br />

had begun even while they were Allied drivers, after hours, to bring each<br />

driver up to speed on the new systems and technology.<br />

“I don’t know that it was hard,” Gasparini said. “If it was hard, they<br />

www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />

By Dale McKee, contributing writer<br />

wouldn’t be able to do it well, which they’ve done. <strong>The</strong>y’re doing everything<br />

wonderfully. It’s just a learning curve … not only the drivers, but the customers<br />

as well. It’s been a learning curve for them. Those were the challenges.”<br />

People are generally resistant to change, but the customers have adapted,<br />

Del Bene explained. “We had to teach the customers about the new type of<br />

service. It had to be put out at the curb in a particular way in order for the<br />

[new truck’s] arms to grab the container.” Much of the process is automated,<br />

although there are certain areas where the driver must still operate manually,<br />

especially on older, narrow streets.<br />

“On Dec. 31, which was Allied’s operation, their trucks were leaving the<br />

yard; our trucks were coming in, parking in their former spots,” Puccinelli<br />

said. That’s close to 150 trucks trading places. “<strong>The</strong>n you have to think of the<br />

background, the IT stuff. We had to bring in all of our systems, and they’re<br />

totally different than our predecessor’s. All of the data that Allied actually<br />

gave us … we had to enter into the new format.”<br />

That alone sounded like a hurdle to me, having worked with computer<br />

systems. Was the startup a success?<br />

“Overall, from an industry perspective, this was one of the most successful<br />

rollouts in the history of our business. Even our competitors said, ‘Boy, you<br />

guys pulled it off,’” Puccinelli said. It was a well-planned, concerted effort.<br />

Anyone who’s gone through a home move can understand the logistics<br />

involved in changing just one house; this operation was of a far greater scope.<br />

“Now it’s business as usual,” Gasparini said. But what he calls usual for<br />

Recology seems unusual in the context of today’s service industry. A recent<br />

Joint Powers Authority survey showed an astonishing 92 percent customer<br />

satisfaction rating. <strong>The</strong> JPA oversees Recology’s contract and owns the<br />

transfer stations and recycling facilities.<br />

Puccinelli clarified, “It was difficult for us because these surveys were done<br />

shortly after some rate increases. And so getting a 92 percent satisfaction<br />

rating on top of the surveys being sent out to those jurisdictions that, just a<br />

few days before, just had a rate hike … was truly gratifying.”<br />

(continues on page <strong>11</strong>)


Cultural Events<br />

<strong>The</strong> Nutcracker<br />

Coming to <strong>Redwood</strong> City<br />

Above left: Ellis Spickermann of <strong>Redwood</strong> City dances<br />

as Flower Fairy in Ballet America’s Nutcracker. Above<br />

right: Ballet America’s Nutcracker includes (back row)<br />

Cella Hussanian of <strong>Redwood</strong> City, Nicole Nave of<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> City, Hayley Jarvis of <strong>Redwood</strong> City, Siena<br />

McMahon of La Honda, (front row) Natalie Finander of<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> City, Ellis Spickermann of <strong>Redwood</strong> City and<br />

Audrey Fallon of Atherton.<br />

Come see the Bay Area’s most family-friendly<br />

Nutcracker performance! This unique, full-length<br />

production includes a cast of 100 local dancers<br />

twirling alongside professional dancers. This<br />

exciting performance is sure to keep Dad and the<br />

kids awake with action-packed scenes like the<br />

humorous battle between soldiers and a motley<br />

crew of cowboy and pirate mice. Children will<br />

enjoy our new scene that features a gingerbread<br />

dog and a chocolate cat roaming around a childlike<br />

version of heaven. <strong>The</strong> fun abounds as children<br />

are invited to see Nutcracker characters up close in<br />

the lobby during intermission and after the show.<br />

Ballet America’s Nutcracker is an entertaining<br />

and convenient way for the whole family to enjoy<br />

this holiday classic. So come join Clara and the<br />

Nutcracker Prince on a magical holiday journey<br />

as <strong>Redwood</strong> City’s Ballet America presents its<br />

annual production of <strong>The</strong> Nutcracker on Friday,<br />

Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. at the historic Fox <strong>The</strong>atre, 2215<br />

Broadway St., <strong>Redwood</strong> City.<br />

Tickets for reserved seating range in price from<br />

$18 to $39 and are available via the website www.<br />

balletamerica.org, by phone at 650-FOX-7770 or<br />

at the Fox <strong>The</strong>atre box office at 2219 Broadway in<br />

downtown <strong>Redwood</strong> City.<br />

Ballet America is a performing group founded<br />

and directed by Julia Ball-Dugan, former professional<br />

dancer and current artistic director of the Academy<br />

of American Ballet in <strong>Redwood</strong> City, whose<br />

mission is to offer family-friendly productions<br />

that promote community and local appreciation<br />

of ballet through quality productions of both<br />

new and classical choreography.<br />

Ballet America is grateful for grant funding<br />

provided by the <strong>Redwood</strong> City Civic Cultural<br />

Commission to make this production possible.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Main Gallery<br />

1018 Main St., <strong>Redwood</strong> City<br />

650-701-1018<br />

www.themaingallery.org<br />

<strong>The</strong> Main Gallery, an artists’ cooperative with<br />

23 members, showcases the work of some of the<br />

best local talent in the Bay Area. <strong>The</strong> gallery is<br />

located in the historic yellow Victorian cottage at<br />

the corner of Main and Middlefield. <strong>The</strong> gallery is<br />

open Wednesday to Friday from <strong>11</strong> a.m. to 4 p.m.<br />

and weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.<br />

Left to right, Katinka Hartmetz, “Girl with Bird,” mixed<br />

media, 5’ x 3’, 2012. Ginger Slonaker, “Miranda,” mixed<br />

media, 36” x 24”, 2012<br />

Left to right, Nina Koepcke, “To Nourish the Souls,”<br />

ceramic, 12” H x 12” W x 6” D, 2012. David Scouffas,<br />

“Angels,” archival inkjet, 16” x 16”, 2012<br />

Please join us for the art exhibition “Day of the<br />

Dead,” named for a Mexican holiday celebrated<br />

throughout Mexico and around the world in other<br />

cultures, at <strong>The</strong> Main Gallery. <strong>The</strong> exhibition will<br />

be on view now through Nov. 18 with Katinka<br />

Hartmetz, Diana Herring, Nina Koepcke, David<br />

Scouffas and Ginger Slonaker presenting their work.<br />

After collecting objects for many years,<br />

Katinka Hartmetz has used these objects to create<br />

box art shrines, which are both freestanding and wall<br />

pieces. <strong>The</strong> shrines include Guadalupe shrines<br />

and tribute shrines, which include a cowboy, a<br />

mermaid and a murderous pianist! Hartmetz also is<br />

showing a large shrine that is a tribute to previous<br />

Main Gallery artists who have passed away.<br />

Ginger Slonaker has created portraits in acrylic,<br />

pastel and colored pencil of friends and family<br />

members who have passed on, whose souls she<br />

wishes would visit her on the Day of the Dead.<br />

<strong>The</strong>se include her two grandmothers and a child<br />

from her community. Slonaker states, “<strong>The</strong> Day<br />

of the Dead theme comes through in my choice to<br />

honor deceased loved ones and the brilliant color<br />

and simple shapes with detailed line work often<br />

used in association with Mexican art.” Slonaker<br />

recently participated in two mural workshops<br />

with Presidio Eyes in the San Francisco Mission<br />

District. “<strong>The</strong> experience was both inspiring to<br />

my art and fun,” she says.<br />

Incorporating three main themes, Nina Koepcke<br />

has included the use of real and ceramic bones in<br />

her multimedia pieces, and butterflies as images of<br />

transformation and remembrance of the Holocaust,<br />

using the poem “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,”<br />

written by a young boy interned at the Terezin<br />

concentration camp. “Last spring I traveled to<br />

Eastern Europe and visited several Holocaust<br />

memorials as well as … the Terezin concentration<br />

camp. I also visited the bone church in Kutna Hora<br />

outside Prague. <strong>The</strong>se visits inspired my work for<br />

the Day of the Dead show,” Koepcke tells us.<br />

In Mexico, calaveras (skeletons) dance, feast,<br />

play music and celebrate “the Day of the Dead.”<br />

Printmaker Diana Herring has reimagined<br />

calaveras as enjoying common San Francisco<br />

Bay Area recreational activities such as biking,<br />

practicing yoga, enjoying a spa. “Rather than<br />

being scary, my calaveras live happily in a world<br />

that imitates our own,” she states.<br />

David Scouffas has been exploring a large<br />

cemetery in the Oakland hills, a kind of city of<br />

the dead, in his photographs. <strong>The</strong>y document<br />

the sometimes weird and surreal ways in which<br />

people remember those who have passed away.<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> City Art Center<br />

and Community Paints<br />

Roosevelt School Mural<br />

<strong>The</strong> mural was conceived to provide Roosevelt<br />

School students visual variety as well as a basis<br />

for history and environmental lessons. This work<br />

was executed as a group effort by the <strong>Redwood</strong><br />

City Art Center in conjunction with the teachers,<br />

students and parents, Second Mile and many other<br />

community volunteers.<br />

<strong>The</strong> mural depicts some of the life of President<br />

<strong>The</strong>odore Roosevelt, for whom the school is named.<br />

<strong>The</strong> mural shows Teddy as a Rough Rider in the Spanish<br />

American War and Old Faithful in Yellowstone<br />

National Park, which inspired President Roosevelt<br />

to establish the National Parks System. It also<br />

depicts California’s amazing Yosemite Half Dome,<br />

where Roosevelt conferred with Ansel Adams;<br />

the buffalo and horses of the plains and Dakotas,<br />

where he had his ranch; and the many animals,<br />

birds, flora and fauna indigenous to that region<br />

and <strong>Redwood</strong> City. Roosevelt came to California<br />

and visited the Queen of the Missions in Santa<br />

Barbara (the fourth-graders study mission<br />

(continues on page 18)<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 9


empathy<br />

We feel for you. We know that we live in tough times, and we’ve got an institution<br />

designed for these times. We care about you, and that’s not hype.<br />

Some car loans are more than<br />

just transportation. When Irma<br />

Rivera had trouble with her<br />

van, it meant more than just an<br />

inconvenience. It meant that she<br />

would not be able to transport<br />

her daughter Brianna, disabled in a wheelchair. So getting a new van<br />

meant a great deal to this single-parent family.<br />

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“I have been a hair stylist in <strong>Redwood</strong> City since I was young,” said Irma.<br />

“And I deposited my very first paycheck from the salon with San Mateo<br />

Credit Union.” So when she needed new transportation, she knew<br />

who to call.<br />

Funny how goodwill perpetuates itself, because now all of Irma’s nieces<br />

and nephews are members as well as her parents. “My brother is the only<br />

hold out,” said Irma. “But we’re working on him. Ha!”


Recology: Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow (continued from page 8)<br />

How did they achieve such high marks? With dollars tight, it is always<br />

difficult when the cost of anything goes up. We already get pinched at the<br />

supermarket and the gas pump, so nobody enjoys seeing another bill go up.<br />

All three executives truly believe the high rating is due to superior service.<br />

“We’ve got great men and women working for us. <strong>The</strong>y get it. We’ve got a<br />

great team of managers and supervisors and we follow through,” Puccinelli<br />

added. Customer service is clearly a priority. “At the end of the day, people<br />

really like our services and the convenience of the service,” he said.<br />

That kind of success is never an accident. It stems from a very positive corporate<br />

culture, 100 percent employee-owned. Puccinelli explained, “Our employees<br />

have a stake in our success.” <strong>The</strong>y really are a part of the community.<br />

“We like to feel like we’re a part of that community too,” Gasparini said.<br />

And as part of that community, Recology gets involved — not just by picking<br />

up waste and promoting recycling, but also in community projects. CEO Mike<br />

Sangiacomo created a Recology volunteer program in 2008, which tackles projects<br />

in areas serviced. Things like a community garden, landscaping or repainting<br />

a school. Employees from all over the state step in as part of a volunteer project.<br />

“We’ve got great men and women<br />

working for us. <strong>The</strong>y get it. We’ve<br />

got a great team of managers and<br />

supervisors and we follow through.”<br />

“It’s a wonderful program,” Del Bene said. “Drivers, CSRs and managers<br />

all coming together to refurbish a Boys & Girls Club [for example].” And<br />

on such efforts, it’s not unusual to get well over 100 Recology volunteers —<br />

reflecting a corporate culture that cares and is involved in the community.<br />

That goes a long way toward explaining such high customer satisfaction<br />

marks, even in the face of increased rates. But it still leaves the question:<br />

Why the rate hikes in the first place? That alone could be a full article — in<br />

fact, Gasparini wrote just such an article for the Daily Journal last year — but<br />

a few key points can be summarized. One misconception is that Recology is<br />

the driving force behind the rate increases, when in fact they’re merely the messenger.<br />

A large portion is “container migration.” It costs Recology the same<br />

amount to pick up a small container as a larger one, and as more people<br />

recycle, trash volume goes down while pickup costs remain the same. It’s<br />

similar to your water bill, when you conserve water and then the rates<br />

increase — a counterintuitive process that seems to punish good behavior<br />

with higher charges.<br />

But that doesn’t take into account the cost/benefit ratio between the shortterm<br />

and long-term. It’s like having a canteen in the desert. When you ration<br />

your water, the short-term cost is that you’re thirsty. But the long-term cost<br />

for not rationing your water is you run out and you die.<br />

“<strong>The</strong>re are various factors that dictate whether a city will have a rate increase on<br />

a year-to-year basis, one of them being the factor of cart migration,” Puccinelli<br />

explained. Because the recycling programs are doing so well, trash volume is<br />

down while expenses don’t always stay flat. <strong>The</strong>re are labor costs, price costs<br />

discounted for smaller carts and the ultimate truth: <strong>The</strong>re is a cost to recycling.<br />

Del Bene said, “We send the bill. But included in that bill is also the<br />

processing. We’re only the collector.” But because the bill comes from<br />

Recology, people associate the increase with them. <strong>The</strong> JPA and South Bay<br />

Recycling are a component as well.<br />

“Last year in Burlingame, there was a pretty significant rate increase.<br />

Recology’s portion of the rate increase was zero. Our costs had no impact,”<br />

Puccinelli said. “Unlike the gas company, we’re unable to recoup our costs if<br />

we have a truck run into the bay. That’s on us. <strong>The</strong> risk is all ours.” Unlike,<br />

say, a refinery fire, the costs of which are passed along to consumers.<br />

So while Recology doesn’t drive up the costs themselves, there are other<br />

components that can. “For instance, we don’t own the landfill. If the landfill<br />

rates were to go up, the costs would be passed back down to the consumer.<br />

Recycling commodities prices — they fluctuate,” Gasparini pointed out.<br />

And if those prices go up, Recology sees none of the benefit. “We do not get<br />

the revenue from the collection of the recycled materials.” Recology is paid<br />

simply to pick it up and drop it off.<br />

<strong>The</strong> goal has been to shift more waste from trash to recycling and<br />

composting. And the shift has worked. A 32-gallon can was considered<br />

“small” in 1990. Now the smallest is 20 gallons because so much more is<br />

going into the recycling cart. This is a good thing, even if it comes with a<br />

financial cost, because the cost of the alternative is far greater in the long run,<br />

for our children and our planet. A short-term savings at a long-term cost we<br />

cannot afford is really no savings at all.<br />

“Always look to the future,” Del Bene said. “What technology do we need<br />

to invest in, because status quo isn’t going to work.” Instead, the corporate<br />

culture at Recology is to be a part of the solution. But she was quick to<br />

point out they haven’t done it alone. “<strong>The</strong> residents have stepped up to the<br />

plate,” she added. Just in the past year, there has been a 30 percent increase<br />

in recycling as well as composting. This translates into thousands of tons of<br />

waste no longer going to the Ox Mountain landfill.<br />

<strong>The</strong> credit, Puccinelli pointed out, goes to the residents, who have made recycling<br />

and composting good habits that help protect the environment for everyone.<br />

Sustainability and foresight. <strong>The</strong>se are important goals that Recology lives<br />

by. And they feel the majority of the population does care, which is why one<br />

of their major focuses remains community education.<br />

“Community is important to us, it really is,” Gasparini concluded.<br />

Fourth of July parade fun! Gino Gasparini helps Santa.<br />

Gasparini at a Recology event with a resident.<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> <strong>11</strong>


Auto Care:<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> General Tire – 1630 Broadway –<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> General Tire was founded on the<br />

principles of good customer service and quality<br />

products at fair prices. Many satisfied customers<br />

have been with them since their founding.<br />

Whether you are looking for a new set of tires or<br />

need repair work on your vehicle, this <strong>Redwood</strong><br />

City institution has been providing quality vehicle<br />

services since 1957. <strong>The</strong>y even have free Wi-Fi<br />

Internet hookups so you can work while you wait<br />

for your vehicle to be serviced.<br />

Eating and Catering:<br />

Arya Global Cuisine — 885 Middlefield Road<br />

– <strong>Redwood</strong> City’s new “it” restaurant lives up to<br />

its name, serving Italian, American and Persian<br />

food. “We loved the whole concept of Italian and<br />

Persian food. We tried the chicken kabob and Pollo<br />

Firenze. And wow — the food was great. Our server<br />

gave us a good suggestion in white wine to go<br />

with our dinner. Can’t wait to bring my friends in<br />

for lunch!”<br />

Canyon Inn – 587 Canyon Road – Tim Harrison<br />

and the staff at Canyon Inn serve everything from<br />

their famous hamburgers to pizzas, all kinds of<br />

sandwiches and pastas, and South-of-the-Border<br />

specialties while various sports play on the big,<br />

flat-screen TVs. Don’t forget to reserve their<br />

closed patio for your next party — it has heaters,<br />

fans and a big-screen TV (no extra charges). Why<br />

cook when you don’t have to? <strong>The</strong>y do catering<br />

too for all occasions!<br />

Little India – 917 Main St. – “<strong>The</strong>re are good<br />

restaurants. <strong>The</strong>re are bad restaurants. <strong>The</strong>re<br />

are OK restaurants. <strong>The</strong>n there are those places,<br />

the magic ones. You come back again and again<br />

because the food doesn’t just taste good and<br />

satisfy hunger, but helps heal the heart and soul.”<br />

Senior citizens receive $1 off and children under<br />

12 dine at half price. www.littleindiacuisine.com<br />

<strong>The</strong> Sandwich Spot – 2420 Broadway – With<br />

a motto promising to change your life “one<br />

sandwich at a time” and a menu and atmosphere<br />

that has already made it a popular spot in<br />

downtown <strong>Redwood</strong> City, the Sandwich Spot will<br />

have you wondering where this place has been all<br />

your life, and whether or not you can get some of<br />

their signature Bomb Sauce to go.<br />

Financial Institutions:<br />

San Mateo Credit Union – Three <strong>Redwood</strong> City<br />

locations – As a member-driven organization,<br />

SMCU does everything possible to ensure that<br />

all of your financial priorities are anticipated and<br />

fulfilled. Offerings include free auto-shopping<br />

www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />

assistance, members-only car sales, low-rate<br />

home loans and lines of credit. Call 650-363-1725<br />

or 888-363-1725, or visit a branch to learn the<br />

advantages of membership banking.<br />

Home Improvements:<br />

Lewis Carpet Cleaners – 1-800-23-LEWIS – Founded<br />

in 1985, Lewis Carpet Cleaners has grown from<br />

one small, portable machine to a company of six<br />

employees and five working vans. <strong>The</strong> Lewis<br />

family works and lives in <strong>Redwood</strong> City and is<br />

committed to our community. Ask about their<br />

<strong>Spectrum</strong> special: Get 100 square feet of carpet<br />

cleaned for absolutely nothing. Call today! Get<br />

your home ready for entertaining during the year.<br />

Legal Services:<br />

Hannig Law Firm – 2991 El Camino Real –<br />

Hannig Law Firm LLP provides transactional and<br />

litigation expertise in a variety of areas. <strong>The</strong><br />

professionals at HLF are committed to knowing<br />

and meeting their clients’ needs through long-term<br />

relationships and value-added services, and to<br />

supporting and participating in the communities<br />

where they live and work.<br />

Real Estate:<br />

Michelle Glaubert at<br />

Coldwell Banker –<br />

650-722-<strong>11</strong>93 – Michelle<br />

has been a full-time,<br />

top-producing real estate<br />

agent since 1978. With<br />

a proven track record,<br />

she has helped buyers<br />

achieve their dreams<br />

of home ownership<br />

and sellers make successful moves to their next<br />

properties. <strong>The</strong> majority of her business is garnered<br />

through referrals from her many satisfied clients.<br />

Living in Emerald Hills, she knows the area<br />

well and is involved in the community. Count on<br />

Michelle’s years of experience to guide you through<br />

your next real estate transaction. Visit her online at<br />

www.glaubert.com.<br />

John Nelson at Coldwell Banker – 650-566-5315<br />

– John has been a resident of <strong>Redwood</strong> City for<br />

21 years and has been a real estate agent for 18<br />

years. He is known for doing his clients’ legwork,<br />

keeping them up to date with new listings and<br />

conditions as they impact the market. He will make<br />

the process as pleasurable and stress-free an experience<br />

for you as he can. Let John guide you through the<br />

complexities of buying or selling your home,<br />

eliminating hassles and stress. Visit him online at<br />

www.johnnelsonhomes.com.<br />

Specialty Businesses:<br />

Davies Appliance –<br />

1580 El Camino Real –<br />

“Davies helped me with<br />

my appliance purchases<br />

and they know what<br />

they are doing. All they<br />

carry is appliances; you don’t have to worry about<br />

anything else. Leave it to them to assist you with<br />

your kitchen remodel and you will be very happy.<br />

I recommend Davies to anyone who is interested<br />

in great pricing and even better service. <strong>The</strong> focus<br />

is appliances and service.”<br />

Every Woman Health Club – 6<strong>11</strong> Jefferson Ave. –<br />

A women-only, body-positive fitness center in downtown<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> City. Services include classes, weight and<br />

cardio equipment, personal training, therapeutic<br />

massage and skin care. Flexible pricing, with<br />

several options available for members and<br />

nonmembers. Visit www.everywomanhealthclub.<br />

com or call 650-364-9194 to get started.<br />

Hector Flamenco Insurance (State Farm) – 956<br />

Main St. – Hector has been in the insurance<br />

business and with State Farm for 20 years. He<br />

specializes in auto and business insurance. A local<br />

resident, he also provides servicio en español!<br />

Visit his website at www.flamencoinsurance.com.<br />

Saf Keep Storage – 2480 Middlefield Road – <strong>The</strong><br />

friendly and reliable team at Saf Keep is ready<br />

to assist you with a variety of storage products<br />

and services to suit all your storage needs. Visit<br />

their website at www.safkeepstorage.com to see<br />

exactly what products and services are available.<br />

Compare them to other facilities and you’ll see<br />

why their service makes the difference.<br />

St. Regal Jewelers – 850 Main St. – “This is a<br />

great jeweler! Phil, the owner, is amazing. He<br />

crafted a ring on time and on budget. He has an<br />

incredible eye for detail. I can’t say enough. I<br />

would never go anywhere else.” Whether you are<br />

looking for men’s or women’s quality jewelry,<br />

shopping local does not get better than this.<br />

Woodside Terrace – 485 Woodside Road, 650-<br />

366-3900 – Woodside Terrace understands that<br />

in choosing a senior living community, residents<br />

are looking for much more than a comfortable<br />

living environment to call home. Brookdale<br />

Living’s <strong>Redwood</strong> City community delivers<br />

inspired independent living with the promise of<br />

exceptional experiences every day. As residents’<br />

needs change, they are provided with a variety of<br />

ancillary services and a personalized assisted living<br />

environment that encourages them to continue to<br />

live as they please.


Events Around Town Night of Stars – Fresh Takes<br />

Supporters of the Fresh Takes Digital Arts Center in <strong>Redwood</strong> City gathered to honor local filmmaker Kenny Ortega. Top row: Guests enjoy the outdoor buffet. Sue Sanchez, Jeannie Lutticken,<br />

<strong>Spectrum</strong> Publisher Steve Penna, Bob Lutticken, Councilman Jeff Gee and Nancy Radcliffe enjoy the event. Penflick Challenge winner Toren Fronsdal and family celebrate. Bottom row: Ted Hannig<br />

and Paula Uccelli. Lilia Ledezma and Jim Hartnett present the show on the Fox <strong>The</strong>atre stage. Debra Ortega accepts an award for her brother Kenny. For more information, visit www.freshtakes.net.<br />

THREE DAY PASS<br />

1709 Woodside Rd 365-3300<br />

mobiusfit.com<br />

First time Guest Only, Limit 1 per person, Expires <strong>11</strong>/30/12<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 13


When 16-year-old Angel Gonzalez-Prado was<br />

just a little girl, she held on tightly to her largerthan-life<br />

dream of becoming a cheerleader despite<br />

feeling discouraged time and again. But when<br />

Angel was in second grade, her hopes suddenly<br />

seemed possible the day her mother bought her<br />

a patriotic-colored cheerleading outfit complete<br />

with matching pompoms at a local mall. Besides<br />

filling Angel with excitement from head to toe,<br />

the purchase gave her the push and drive she<br />

needed to be up for the physical demands of her<br />

passion. Angel knew she had to “bring it on” the<br />

very moment she tried on the authentic threads<br />

because not every girl who has a deep desire to be<br />

a cheerleader actually gets to be one, particularly<br />

one in a wheelchair. Now, after many years of hard<br />

work and with a positive outlook, Angel, who was<br />

born with a serious spinal condition that left her<br />

paralyzed in both legs since birth, has officially<br />

made this year’s final cut for the Sequoia High<br />

School cheerleading squad, and she’s also made<br />

local history by being the first to cheer from a wheelchair.<br />

Angel nearly missed her opportunity to make<br />

history. She procrastinated with understandable<br />

reservations, but she finally decided to try out<br />

after she received encouragement from her friend<br />

Bertha Coronado. “My friend was captain of the<br />

team at that time and told me I should try out after<br />

I told her I had always wanted to cheerlead,” said<br />

Angel. “So I went to see the coach after getting<br />

the flier for the audition. During the audition,<br />

we had to do cheers and dance. I made it to the<br />

final audition. And at the final, the judges were<br />

like, ‘<strong>The</strong>re is a girl in a wheelchair,’ and were<br />

surprised. Stacy Morell, the team’s coach, had a<br />

big smile on her face. I guess I made her happy.”<br />

Angel was both shocked and excited when she<br />

learned she had made the team. “<strong>The</strong> whole cheer<br />

team came up to me to show me their support.<br />

www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />

“Give Her an A…”<br />

Cherokee Cheerleader Makes Local History<br />

By Nicole Minieri, contributing writer<br />

<strong>The</strong>y were all very happy I auditioned and gave<br />

me a bracelet with my name on it for inspiring them!”<br />

Although Angel will not be able to do any of<br />

the intense field or risky aerial stunts, she will<br />

perform all of the rhythmic upper-body cheer<br />

movements from the sidelines. Angel is expected<br />

to practice alongside her fellow cheermates after<br />

school about four times a week and two to three<br />

hours at a time to build endurance, acquire new<br />

skills for drills, practice choreographic forms<br />

and simply share in team comradeship. “Practice<br />

is very physically demanding and I do feel tired<br />

when it’s over,” said Angel. But practice definitely<br />

makes perfect, because Angel is nailing all of the<br />

dance routines and is physically excelling in a<br />

relatively short amount of time.<br />

“She has a lot of confidence and is a very strong<br />

girl,” said her mother, Cynthia Gonzalez-Prado,<br />

who has been Angel’s pillar of strength since birth.<br />

“She is amazing! I never thought Angel would<br />

grow up to be the young lady that I always wanted<br />

her to become. She had a lot of complications at<br />

birth and had to have surgery right away. <strong>The</strong> doctors<br />

said she may not make it, and she is still here.”<br />

Unfortunately, the emergency surgery needed<br />

to repair a host of life-threatening complications<br />

for Angel when she was just a newborn was<br />

only the beginning. Over the years, Angel has<br />

had to endure multiple back surgeries to address<br />

common problems associated with her spinal<br />

condition and various procedures geared toward<br />

improving her quality of life and comfort level. In<br />

July 20<strong>11</strong>, Angel underwent a seven-hour invasive<br />

back surgery to correct a 75-degree spinal<br />

curvature she developed from scoliosis. Given<br />

that parts of Angel’s spine lacked the normal<br />

amount of bone, orthopedic surgeon Larry Rinsky<br />

had to temporarily shift her heart and lungs in<br />

order to fasten metal bracing rods from the front.<br />

“Angel was hospitalized for two weeks and her<br />

recovery at home was really hard and summer<br />

long,” recalled Cynthia. “When Angel came<br />

home from the hospital, we had to sleep in her<br />

room so we could help her with her every move.<br />

It was like having a newborn all over again. At<br />

first we didn’t want to do the surgery because<br />

we didn’t know what it would entail, plus Angel<br />

already had so many prior surgeries. But it was<br />

all worth it: Angel healed quicker than expected,<br />

we got through it and now she can sit up straight<br />

and support herself better.” Angel also has much<br />

more mobility in her arms than before, making<br />

it possible for her to persevere while performing<br />

basic to complex cheerleading moves.<br />

Angel is no stranger to perseverance when it<br />

comes to sports challenges, thanks to her mother.<br />

“When she was born, they told me she was going<br />

to be in a wheelchair. I was like, that’s OK, but at<br />

least she will be smart and active,” said Cynthia.<br />

“I didn’t really think anything of it, so I just tried<br />

to put her in everything that I could think of that<br />

would make her feel like she wasn’t any different<br />

than any other kid while she was growing up.<br />

When she was really little, she went to CAR<br />

[Community Association for Rehabilitation,<br />

now called Abilities United] in Palo Alto, and<br />

they provided sign language, computer classes,<br />

speech therapy and swimming. When she started<br />

kindergarten, she started Girl Scouts, and when<br />

she was in the first grade I enrolled her in Wheels<br />

on Fire, a wheelchair basketball program in San<br />

Jose. Angel was always a happy kid willing to<br />

try new things, and if she didn’t want to, I would<br />

always push her to do so.”<br />

Other sports that Cynthia has encouraged<br />

Angel to play in the past include slide hockey,<br />

tennis, rugby, rock climbing, jet skiing and scuba<br />

diving in pools, as well as in the Monterey Bay.<br />

“ I just tried to put her in everything that I could think of that would make her feel like she<br />

wasn’t any different than any other kid while she was growing up. “


Though Angel totally enjoyed dabbling in all of<br />

the above activities, her most adrenaline-pumping<br />

sporting moment was when she got to embrace<br />

her fearless side while co-piloting a small aircraft<br />

as a participant in “A Day in the Sky” in Santa<br />

Cruz. “<strong>The</strong> plane went up and down and side<br />

to side,” said Angel, laughing as she mimicked<br />

similar maneuvers with her hand. “My mom got<br />

scared, but I thought it was fun!”<br />

Cynthia may have had a real fear of flying on<br />

that day, but she certainly hasn’t been afraid to<br />

take the bull by the horns on any other day when<br />

it comes to her only child’s health and future. “Angel<br />

is very independent and I instilled that in her. I<br />

make her do everything herself so she does not<br />

have to rely on anyone,” said Cynthia. “I want her<br />

to go to college and I want her to be a role model<br />

to other girls [Latinas], because you don’t hear<br />

about other Latina women in history books that<br />

had a disability and accomplished great things. I<br />

think she can do anything, and that is awesome<br />

for any girl in a wheelchair. And I always tell her<br />

you can’t be OK with being OK; you have to try<br />

to be 100 percent. Don’t be fine with just getting by.”<br />

Well, apparently mother knows best because<br />

Angel is already active in a couple of high school<br />

ventures that are giving her the discipline and tools<br />

needed to succeed in the working world: BUILD and<br />

HEALTH. “BUILD is a four-year entrepreneurial<br />

program,” explained Cynthia. “<strong>The</strong> first two years<br />

are focused on the business and the other two years<br />

are focused on academics, applications for college<br />

and getting scholarships. It’s really interesting.”<br />

Angel’s business is centered on an edible called<br />

Drizzle Pop, a rice treat that is dipped in rich chocolate<br />

and, according to Angel, “It’s doing good!” But<br />

HEALTH is where Angel’s heart is because she<br />

is learning CPR, first aid and getting exposed to<br />

different avenues in the medical field. A perfect<br />

endeavor for a bright girl who has aspirations of<br />

being a pediatrician someday. “I always liked babies<br />

and I really want to help babies that have the same<br />

condition as me,” said Angel. She is also looking to<br />

volunteer some of her free time at local hospitals<br />

since meeting the minimum age requirement.<br />

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that when your prime<br />

purpose in life is to move others in such a way that<br />

their lives are forever changed for the better, your<br />

name happens to be Angel! “I want to encourage<br />

people that they can do whatever they want, and it<br />

does not matter if they can walk or not. As long as they<br />

put their mind to it, they can do it,” said Angel.<br />

“And my name defines me because I’m friendly<br />

with everyone. I’m just a very kind person!” Not<br />

to mention a huge inspiration — so give her an<br />

“A,” give her an “N,” give her a “G,” give her an<br />

“E,” give her an “L,” because she certainly has<br />

been one to us all!<br />

“She is amazing! I never thought Angel would grow up to be the<br />

young lady that I always wanted her to become.”<br />

Upcoming Sequoia High School<br />

Cheerleading Squad Games<br />

Friday, Nov. 2, @ Sequoia High School<br />

Friday, Nov. 9, Carlmont @ Sequoia High School<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 15


Donate<br />

to our<br />

Second<br />

Harvest<br />

Food Drive<br />

and save when you join!<br />

Every Woman’s<br />

Place for Fitness<br />

! Classes for all fitness levels<br />

! Personal training<br />

! Spa services<br />

! Friendly, helpful staff<br />

Pay no enrollment fee!<br />

Minimum donation of ten cans of food. Offer expires 12/10/12.<br />

VIP Pass<br />

5 days<br />

FREE!<br />

Simply bring in this<br />

coupon to get started.<br />

First-time visitors only.<br />

650-364-9194 6<strong>11</strong> Jefferson Ave., <strong>Redwood</strong> City, CA 94063 www.everywomanhealthclub.com


Community Interest<br />

Involved, Engaged, Informed Community Members Invited<br />

to Apply for Seat on Architectural Advisory Committee<br />

<strong>The</strong> City of <strong>Redwood</strong> City is offering a great opportunity to serve the<br />

community: One seat is available on the city’s Architectural Advisory<br />

Committee, expiring May 31, 2016. Members of the Architectural Advisory<br />

Committee are required to be licensed architects or landscape architects<br />

residing or working in the City of <strong>Redwood</strong> City or its sphere of influence (as<br />

described in the city’s general plan). Qualified community members with a<br />

strong desire and willingness to work diligently on behalf of the community<br />

are encouraged to apply.<br />

<strong>The</strong> application deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12. Applications are<br />

available online at www.redwoodcity.org/clerks or may be requested by<br />

calling 650-780-7220.<br />

Appointment to the Architectural Advisory Committee will be made by the<br />

Planning Commission (which is appointed by the City Council). Applicants<br />

meeting the professional qualifications will be invited for oral interviews.<br />

Serving on a <strong>Redwood</strong> City advisory committee is an important way to<br />

offer new perspectives and ideas, and contribute to the city’s discussions and<br />

decisions on a variety of substantial matters. Members of these committees<br />

serve an essential function in helping to manage the significant issues our<br />

community faces — and being appointed requires a commitment to carrying<br />

out the responsibilities of serving. Applicants’ ability to build consensus,<br />

their willingness to offer thoughtful, productive recommendations and their<br />

motivation to be prepared, informed and engaged in their committee’s work<br />

are all critical factors contributing to being appointed.<br />

Typical basic requirements are that applicants must have a strong interest<br />

in civic involvement and must be 18 years of age or older. Applicants for the<br />

Architectural Advisory Committee must be licensed architects or landscape<br />

architects.<br />

Visit <strong>Redwood</strong> City’s website at www.redwoodcity.org for information<br />

about the city and its services. Subscribe to <strong>Redwood</strong> City’s email newsletter<br />

and other city documents by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/newsletters.<br />

Cañada College Announces Hall of Fame Class of 2013<br />

<strong>The</strong> Cañada College Athletic Department is proud to announce the inductees<br />

for the June 1, 2013, Hall of Fame ceremony.<br />

Harold Reynolds, Baseball — Reynolds will receive the Harold Reynolds<br />

Colts Lifetime Achievement Award. First-round draft pick out of Cañada by<br />

the Seattle Mariners in 1980. Twelve-year MLB player. Two-time All-Star.<br />

Three-time Gold Glove winner. Led the American League in stolen bases in<br />

1987. MLB Network analysis.<br />

Jerry Drever, Basketball, Golf — Head basketball, golf coach. Drever was<br />

the head basketball coach from 1969 to 1976. He then started the men’s golf<br />

program and won a state championship in 1988.<br />

Javier Sanchez, Golf — State medalist in 1988, shooting a 71 to help lead<br />

the men’s golf team to the state championship. Sanchez then began the PGA<br />

Tour qualifying school. He is currently a member of the Champions Tour.<br />

Gordon Gray, Division Dean, Athletic Director, Head Women’s Softball<br />

Coach, Assistant Coach Baseball — Highly respected by athletes, coaches<br />

and faculty, Gray helped shape the Athletic Department from 1968 to 1985.<br />

He was a co-founder of the Fitness For Life Institute.<br />

John Hursh, Tennis — A former Woodside High School standout (won<br />

1971 CCS Doubles with <strong>11</strong>-year NBA player Rich Kelley), Hursh helped put<br />

Cañada tennis on the map. He won the 1972–73 conference singles titles and<br />

also helped the tennis team to its first state championship while winning the<br />

state singles title. He then played at San Jose State, where he won the 1975<br />

Big West No. 4 Singles title.<br />

Keith Comstock, Baseball — A former San Carlos High School product,<br />

Comstock played six years in MLB. Played with the Minnesota Twins,<br />

Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. In 1976,<br />

Comstock struck out 22 batters in a game against Marin College while<br />

pitching for the Colts. He was a fifth-round draft pick of the California<br />

Angels in 1976. Comstock is a member of the San Mateo County Sports Hall<br />

of Fame. Currently the Texas Rangers’ pitching rehab coordinator.<br />

Mike Legarza, Basketball — <strong>The</strong> former athletic director and basketball<br />

coach was honored in 20<strong>11</strong> by induction into the California Basketball<br />

Coaches Hall of Fame. From 1989 to 2000, the Colts basketball program<br />

compiled a record of 259-59 under Legarza’s leadership while winning<br />

multiple conference championships and one Final Four appearance. As a<br />

player, Legarza was an All-State performer for the legendary Bud Presley at<br />

Menlo Junior College. Legarza then played at University of Nevada, Reno.<br />

He led the state in free throw percentage (91%) and was second in the state<br />

in field goal percentage (66%). Recognized as one of the top youth sports<br />

experts in the country, Legarza is the founder, president and CEO of Legarza<br />

Basketball and Volleyball Camps.<br />

Mike Garcia, Baseball — Current athletic director and former head<br />

baseball coach (1984–2002) played basketball and baseball at Cañada. All-<br />

Conference basketball player in 1976. All-State in 1976 and All-American<br />

in 1977 in baseball. Member of the 1979 NCAA Champion Cal-State<br />

Fullerton baseball team. Compiled a record of 451-220 with six conference<br />

championships, 14 straight state playoff appearances (1988–2001) and a Final<br />

Four berth in 1998. Inducted into the San Mateo County Sports Hall of Fame<br />

and the California Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2003. Played five years<br />

in the Atlanta Braves organization.<br />

Celebrate the Colts<br />

<strong>The</strong> HOF Committee will be hosting a Celebrate the Colts/HOF Social on<br />

Friday, Dec. 14, 5–8 p.m. to kick off the start of the June event! All faculty,<br />

staff and administration, along with last year’s inaugural HOF class family<br />

and friends are welcome. Local media, businesses and alumni are also invited.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Colts men’s basketball team will be playing the same night in the Stable<br />

Center, so show up early! For more information please call 650-306-3212.<br />

San Mateo Credit Union’s Ninth Annual Backpack Drive<br />

Sets New Record<br />

Nine years ago, San Mateo Credit Union (SMCU) began collecting backpacks<br />

and filling them with school supplies for local students. This noble effort was the<br />

work of credit union staff, management and members, all of whom dedicated<br />

their time to help brighten the lives of the area’s school-aged children.<br />

As the result of the 2012 Back2School Backpack Drive, a total of 103 backpacks<br />

were donated, setting a new record for all previous drives. <strong>The</strong> fully stocked<br />

backpacks — representing the hottest kids’ design trends and loaded with a<br />

variety of classroom essentials — were given to students at Fair Oaks Elementary,<br />

Hoover Elementary, and Garfield Elementary.<br />

“This is one of my favorite events of the year,” stated Richard Villareal,<br />

SMCU’s financial education representative. “<strong>The</strong> kids are always so excited<br />

to see the huge assortment of backpacks, and the energy just builds when<br />

they discover all the supplies and surprises inside. We’re delighted to help<br />

them start the school year off in such a positive way.”<br />

“<strong>The</strong>se children are our future,” added Barry Jolette, SMCU president and<br />

CEO. “Providing them with some of the simple tools they need to succeed<br />

academically is the least we can do to start them on the right path. It’s a<br />

pleasure and an honor to lend a hand.”<br />

<strong>The</strong> SMCU Backpack Drive is just one of the many ways the credit union gives<br />

back to the communities it serves. Throughout the year, the organization<br />

supports numerous nonprofits within San Mateo County through monetary<br />

contributions and volunteerism.<br />

About San Mateo Credit Union (SMCU)<br />

Founded in 1952, SMCU is a member-owned financial institution that currently<br />

serves over 73,000 individuals and manages more than $700 million in assets. <strong>The</strong><br />

credit union, headquartered in <strong>Redwood</strong> City, currently has eight branches<br />

throughout San Mateo County and in the City of Palo Alto. <strong>The</strong>se locations,<br />

alongside online and mobile banking, and an expansive ATM and shared<br />

branching network bring a full range of financial services to members.<br />

Recology San Mateo County Collecting Used Coats for Kids<br />

Recology San Mateo County is launching its annual Coats for Kids program<br />

(continues on page 23)<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 17


Cultural Events (Continued from page 9)<br />

history), and the Native American people are also<br />

represented with traditional feathers and conch.<br />

Mount Rushmore is also shown in all its glory!<br />

<strong>The</strong> original concept drawing was done by<br />

Alisan Andrews, an SWA signature artist, and<br />

further developed with Tom Chapman, a retired<br />

jockey and famous artist of horses and animals.<br />

Catherine Delfs, who is affiliated with the Sequoia<br />

Art Group, contributed her expertise with the<br />

drawing and painting of small animals and birds.<br />

This mural will be a long-lasting, beautiful<br />

representation of a community of people coming<br />

together in support of our local schools and the<br />

education of our children.<br />

<strong>The</strong> mural was completed on the weekend<br />

of Oct. 6 and 7, while 300 volunteers spent the<br />

time painting, planting, cleaning and otherwise<br />

beautifying the grounds, classrooms, library and<br />

offices. <strong>The</strong> work was funded by Second Mile.<br />

<strong>The</strong> group of volunteers from the Art Center<br />

and the community is as follows: Tom Chapman,<br />

Alisan Andrews, Carolyn Jones, Lindsay Hogue,<br />

Lisette Lugo, Barbara Britschgi, Amy King, Laurie<br />

Johnson, Duke Collins, Sadie Rhen, Anna DeVitis,<br />

Michaela Vellono, Arya Mason, Juan Perez,<br />

Yahaira Varga, Zoe Mason, Michelle Bejarano, Lara<br />

Elcavage, Diana Klendrick, Karen Johnson, Beth Lau<br />

and Cheryl Vistnes from North Star, Brentwood,<br />

Sequoia High School, Roosevelt and Gunn High School.<br />

Fox <strong>The</strong>atre and Club Fox<br />

2209 Broadway,<br />

downtown <strong>Redwood</strong> City<br />

Tickets available at<br />

www.clubfoxrwc.com,<br />

650-369-7770 or tickets.foxrwc.com<br />

Club Fox<br />

•<br />

•<br />

•<br />

•<br />

•<br />

•<br />

•<br />

Bring It Karaoke with Anthony. 8 p.m. Monday,<br />

Nov. 5. No cover.<br />

R.J. Mischo (Club Fox Blues Jam). 7 p.m.<br />

Wednesday, Nov. 7. $5.<br />

Hot for Teacher: <strong>The</strong> Van Halen Experience and<br />

Ozzy Alive. 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9. $22.<br />

A Tribute to Peter Green. 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov.<br />

10. $17.<br />

Bring It Karaoke with Anthony. 8 p.m. Monday,<br />

Nov. 12. No cover.<br />

Men of Many Shades: A Male Revue. 7 p.m.<br />

Tuesday, Nov. 13. $20.<br />

www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />

Ladies, afraid that your inner voice will never be<br />

heard? Put aside the steamy 50 Shades and the<br />

movie screen’s pumped-up Magic Mike actors.<br />

Peppy Dee Productions serves it up LIVE!<br />

While Patty laments on and on about the male<br />

species, she reveals her desires, her heartaches and<br />

her deep, dark and sometimes whimsical fantasies.<br />

Scene after scene brings out your not-so-averagehot<br />

guy! <strong>The</strong> tasteful but erotic choreography is<br />

sure to get your heart racing and Patti’s, too!<br />

Oh, and ladies, save your dollar bills for a theme<br />

drink at the bar. <strong>The</strong>se guys are too hot to touch!<br />

Ladies’ night out: Club Fox in <strong>Redwood</strong> City,<br />

Nov. 13 @ 7 p.m. $20 advance, $25 door.<br />

Cold Feat (Club Fox Blues Jam). 7 p.m.<br />

Wednesday, Nov. 14. $5.<br />

Kim Baker Band and Eva Cassel. 8<br />

p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17. $15.<br />

Bring It Karaoke with Anthony. 8<br />

p.m. Monday, Nov. 19. No cover.<br />

Daniel Castro (Club Fox Blues Jam).<br />

7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21. $5.<br />

Windy Hill Bluegrass. 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23. $10.<br />

Bring It Karaoke with Anthony. 8 p.m. Monday,<br />

Nov. 26. No cover.<br />

Mike Schermer (Club Fox Blues Jam). 7 p.m.<br />

Wednesday, Nov. 28. $5.<br />

Led Zeppelin Live Starring Heartbreaker. 9<br />

p.m. Friday, Nov. 30. $18.<br />

Broadway By the Bay Presents<br />

Some Enchanted Evening:<br />

<strong>The</strong> Songs of Rodgers and<br />

Hammerstein Live in Concert<br />

Thursday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m.<br />

Friday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m.<br />

Saturday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.<br />

Sunday, Nov. <strong>11</strong>, at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.<br />

Music by Richard Rodgers<br />

Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II<br />

Concept by Jeffrey B. Moss<br />

Broadway By the Bay presents Some Enchanted<br />

Evening: <strong>The</strong> Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein<br />

from Nov. 8 through Nov. <strong>11</strong> at the historic Fox<br />

<strong>The</strong>atre in <strong>Redwood</strong> City (2215 Broadway St.).<br />

Join us for an unforgettable celebration of the golden age<br />

— a time when music was felt and not just heard.<br />

<strong>The</strong> brilliance of Rodgers and Hammerstein, two<br />

of the most respected musical geniuses of our era,<br />

has redefined the art form and challenged musical<br />

theater as a whole. <strong>The</strong>ir flawless, timeless style<br />

has set musicals on a new course, shaping and<br />

molding all other talent that has followed in their<br />

paths. Come to the Fox <strong>The</strong>atre and be a part of<br />

an enchanted evening of true classics that will<br />

leave you with a song in your heart and a smile in<br />

your soul. Tickets for Some Enchanted Evening:<br />

<strong>The</strong> Songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein range<br />

from $30 to $50 and are on sale now at www.<br />

broadwaybythebay.org or by phone at 650-369-7770.<br />

Some Enchanted Evening will feature Victoria<br />

Morgan (Tracy in Hairspray), Alex Rodriguez (Al<br />

in A Chorus Line), Kerie Darner Moss (Marian<br />

in <strong>The</strong> Music Man), Amie Shapiro (Missy in<br />

<strong>The</strong> Marvelous Wonderettes) and newcomer<br />

David Mister. <strong>The</strong> creative team also includes<br />

Amanda Folena (director), Dolores Duran-Cefalu<br />

(musical director), Michael Ramsaur (lighting<br />

designer), Allie Bailey (stage manager), Daniel<br />

Cadigan (production manager) and Dave LeBlanc<br />

(technical director).<br />

Tickets may be purchased in person at the Fox<br />

<strong>The</strong>atre box office located at 2219 Broadway St. in<br />

downtown <strong>Redwood</strong> City. <strong>The</strong> box office is open two<br />

hours prior to the start of each show and remains<br />

open for 30 minutes following the start of the show.<br />

Tickets may be purchased by phone at 650-369-<br />

7770 or online at www.broadwaybythebay.org.<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> Symphony Presents<br />

Bad@ss Bassoonists and<br />

Beethoven’s Seventh<br />

Saturday, Nov. 17, 8–10 p.m.<br />

Cañada College Main <strong>The</strong>atre<br />

4200 Farm Hill Blvd.<br />

www.canadacollege.edu<br />

$25, $20, $10 students, free for children<br />

New delights and variations on old ones: Maestro<br />

Eric Kujawsky conducts Beethoven’s Seventh<br />

Symphony in the Bay Area premiere of Gustav<br />

Mahler’s “retouched” version of the score.<br />

<strong>The</strong> program opens with Strauss Jr.’s popular<br />

“Perpetuum Mobile,” which gradually morphs<br />

into H.K. Gruber’s comic/menacing parody<br />

“Charivari.” Bassoon quartet Infernal Fagotti will<br />

don motorcycle jackets and a lot of attitude when<br />

they play Michael Daugherty’s “Hell’s Angels”!<br />

Kujawsky will deliver a preconcert lecture, complete<br />

with the latest comic offerings from online, at 7 p.m.<br />

About <strong>Redwood</strong> Symphony: <strong>Redwood</strong> Symphony<br />

is an all-volunteer orchestra dedicated to the<br />

performance of ambitious, contemporary repertoire,<br />

as well as the orchestral classics. <strong>The</strong> innovative<br />

programming and emphasis on education are two<br />

reasons so many of the most talented musicians<br />

from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area<br />

volunteer their time to play and why our audience<br />

and local critics are so enthusiastic. More<br />

info at www.redwoodsymphony.org, info@<br />

redwoodsymphony.org, or 650-366-6872.


2012 Holiday Collection Schedule<br />

<strong>The</strong>re will be no CartSMART Recycle, Compost and Garbage collection services on Tuesday, December 25, 2012<br />

and Tuesday, January 1, 2013. If your regular collection day falls on or after the holiday, your service will be<br />

delayed by one day. Your regular collection service schedule will resume the week of January 7, 2013.<br />

MoN TuES WED ThurS Fri SAT<br />

DEC 24 DEC 25 DEC 26 DEC 27 DEC 28 DEC 29<br />

Regular Christmas Day Service for Service for Service for Service for<br />

service No SErviCE è Tuesday è Wednesday è Thursday è Friday<br />

Office Closed Customers Customers Customers Customers<br />

DEC 31 JAN 1 JAN 2 JAN 3 JAN 4 JAN 5<br />

Regular New Year’s Day Service for Service for Service for Service for<br />

service No SErviCE è Tuesday è Wednesday è Thursday è Friday<br />

Office Closed Customers Customers Customers Customers<br />

Questions? Call 650.595.3900 or visit RecologySanMateoCounty.com<br />

Tree Cycling Think Green This Holiday Season!<br />

2012-Holiday-Insert-changes.indd 1 9/20/2012 1:19:44 PM<br />

Recology San Mateo County will collect holiday trees to be<br />

composted between December 26th and January 31st, on your<br />

regular collection day.<br />

Please remove all decorations and tree stands (flocked trees are<br />

accepted) before placing next to your green Compost Cart. Trees may<br />

be up to 8 feet in length. If your tree is longer than 8 feet, please cut<br />

the tree before placing the pieces next to your Compost Cart. After<br />

January 31st, please cut the tree to fit inside the Compost Cart.<br />

Apartment Managers/Owners<br />

& Commercial Customers:<br />

Please call to arrange for collection of<br />

trees. Trees can be collected in piles or in a<br />

drop box for no additional charge. For more<br />

information, please call a customer service<br />

representative at 650.595.3900 or visit us<br />

online at recologySanMateoCounty.com.<br />

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY<br />

TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY!<br />

ONE SEAT AVAILABLE ON THE<br />

REDWOOD CITY<br />

ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY<br />

COMMITTEE<br />

<strong>The</strong> City of <strong>Redwood</strong> City invites Licensed Architects<br />

or Landscape Architects who are knowledgeable,<br />

motivated, committed, and collaborative to apply for<br />

one open seat on the Architectural Advisory<br />

Committee. You’ll bring fresh perspectives and<br />

ideas, and contribute to the City’s discussions and<br />

decisions on a variety of important issues affecting<br />

the community.<br />

Statistics show that during the holidays, household<br />

waste increases by 25%, or nearly 1 million tons<br />

of additional garbage a week! To help reduce the<br />

amount of waste generated this holiday season, we<br />

have the following waste reduction tips:<br />

s Consolidate your purchases into one bag, or<br />

better yet, bring your own reusable tote bags<br />

when shopping!<br />

s Consider sending electronic holiday cards this year.<br />

s Reuse gift bags and gift boxes. <strong>The</strong>y can be<br />

flattened for easy storage and reusing them will<br />

save you money too.<br />

s Be sure to recycle your wrapping paper this<br />

year! If your recycling containers are full, place<br />

extra paper (placed in paper bags) and flattened<br />

cardboard next to your recycling container on<br />

your recycling service day.<br />

2012-Holiday-Insert-changes.indd 2 9/20/2012 1:19:45 PM<br />

APPLY AT:<br />

WWW.REDWOODCIITY.ORG/CLERKS<br />

APPLIICATIION DEADLIINE:<br />

5 PM MONDAY<br />

NOVEMBER 12 TTH<br />

, 2012<br />

(NOTE: DEADLINE MAY BE EXTENDED - PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM)<br />

650--780--7220<br />

IINFORMATIION::<br />

WWW.REDWOODCIITY.ORG/CLERKS<br />

CALLLL 650--780--7220 MOREE<br />

ION<br />

FFOR<br />

IINFFORMATTI


film premier<br />

Being the Difference<br />

a documentary film premiere<br />

Teens take action on their dreams of making the world<br />

a better place. As they serve both locally and<br />

globally, their lives change… and so will yours.<br />

December 9 th – 3:30 P.M.<br />

fox theatre, redwood city<br />

suggested donation of $10 for adults & $3 for students<br />

Presented by Spotlight Story Productions & Young Dreamer Network


ThaNK yOU<br />

reDWOOD CiTy<br />

VOLUNTeers<br />

aND DONOrs<br />

seQUOia yMCa<br />

as a volunteer or donor, you’re the backbone of the y. Because of your support, we can<br />

nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the health, well-being and fitness<br />

of individuals and families, and give back to our neighbors.<br />

This year...<br />

• We have addressed the achievement gap, enriching<br />

nearly 200 children with skills, confidence and character<br />

in our after school programs.<br />

• We have helped thousands of people experience greater<br />

well-being and prevent chronic disease through our health,<br />

fitness and wellness programs.<br />

• We have taught hundreds of kids the life skill of water<br />

safety through swim lessons.<br />

• We have enabled 400 children to get more active at school<br />

through our Fit Kids program.<br />

• We have supported hundreds of individuals and families with<br />

financial assistance for Y programs that meet critical needs.<br />

• We have connected dozens of seniors with people of all ages<br />

and from all walks of life, so they feel supported and valued.<br />

<strong>The</strong>re is no other nonprofit quite like the Y. Every day,<br />

we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that<br />

everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the<br />

opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.<br />

seQUOia yMCa 1445 Hudson Street, <strong>Redwood</strong> City CA 94061<br />

650 368 4168 • sequoiaymca.org<br />

Thank you for taking an active role in helping us<br />

strengthen community through long-term support from:<br />

• Frank & Kathy Bartaldo<br />

• Alyn Beals &<br />

Daniela Gasparini<br />

• Bohannon Foundation<br />

• Cargill Salt<br />

• Yueh-Hsiu Chien<br />

• Comcast<br />

• Danford Foundation<br />

• Marti DeBenedetti<br />

• Shirley & Phil DeMartis<br />

• Dignity Health<br />

• Friends of Kids<br />

• Innisfree Companies<br />

• Kaiser Permanente<br />

• Kirven Foundation<br />

• Roland & Audrey Lampert<br />

• Lyngso Garden Materials<br />

• Frances & John Morse<br />

• Scott Neely<br />

• Peninsula Sunrise Rotary<br />

• Ray & Sonia Picone<br />

• Provident Credit Union<br />

• Recology<br />

• RWC Industrial Saltworks<br />

• RWC Rotary Foundation<br />

• San Mateo Credit Union<br />

• Dave & Jerilyn Schricker<br />

• See’s Candies<br />

• Anne Seipp<br />

• Sequoia Health Care District<br />

• Sequoia Y Board Members<br />

• Sims Metal America<br />

• Stanford Medicine<br />

• Stanford University<br />

• Janet Thomas<br />

• Uccelli Foundation<br />

• Kyle & Kimberly Vogel


Community Interest (Continued from page 17)<br />

to collect new and gently used coats to donate to those in need of a warm coat<br />

during the cold weather season. From Monday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Nov.<br />

9, drivers from Recology will collect coats curbside from residential homes<br />

on their collection day in Atherton, Belmont, Burlingame, East Palo Alto,<br />

Foster City, Menlo Park, <strong>Redwood</strong> City, San Carlos and San Mateo.<br />

“Recology has been providing our Coats for Kids program for many years<br />

in the communities we service. It has proven to be a great program helping<br />

those individuals and families in need,” says Recology San Mateo County<br />

General Manager Mario Puccinelli.<br />

Residents in the participating communities are asked to place coats in a<br />

clear plastic bag marked “Coats for Kids” and to then place the bag next to or<br />

on the top of their blue recycle cart on their regular collection day during the<br />

week of Nov. 5 to Nov. 9.<br />

Collection containers labeled “Coats for Kids” will also be placed at<br />

various locations throughout participating cities noted above and Recology’s<br />

offices, where residents can drop off coats. <strong>The</strong> drop-off locations can be<br />

used by anyone interested in making a donation, even if their city is not<br />

participating in the program this year.<br />

At the end of the drive, Recology will deliver all of the donated coats<br />

to local nonprofit agencies for distribution to those in need. <strong>The</strong> Coats<br />

for Kids program is held annually by Recology and has hopes of having<br />

more communities participate each year. Last year, Recology collected<br />

approximately 750 gently used coats that were donated to families in need<br />

through St. Anthony’s and Samaritan House.<br />

For more information or a list of drop-off locations, please visit www.<br />

RecologySanMateoCounty.com.<br />

Advertise with<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />

Call Us Today 650.368.2434<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 23


Senior Activities<br />

<strong>The</strong> Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison<br />

Ave., <strong>Redwood</strong> City, is providing the following activities<br />

that are open to the public during the month of November.<br />

Friday Movies for Everyone<br />

Every Friday, 1:15 p.m. (unless otherwise announced)<br />

Come to the Veterans Memorial Senior Center for a free feature movie in our<br />

state-of-the-art movie theater! Please note: Movies may be changed at any<br />

time due to availability.<br />

Nov. 2: “FDR: American Badass”<br />

Nov. 9: “Peace, Love & Misunderstanding”<br />

Nov. 16: “Moonrise Kingdom”<br />

Nov. 23: Center closed — no movie shown<br />

Nov. 30: “Madea’s Witness Protection”<br />

4th Annual Veterans Celebration<br />

Friday, Nov. 9, 6 p.m.<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> Room<br />

$10/person<br />

Dinner and dessert buffet with all the trimmings. <strong>The</strong>re will be a special<br />

guest performance, a documentary film and opportunity drawings. RSVP by<br />

calling 650-780-7259 by Monday, Nov. 5.<br />

Veterans Day Closure<br />

<strong>The</strong> center will be closed Monday, Nov. 12.<br />

Adaptive PE Speakers Series:<br />

<strong>The</strong> Power of Positive Thinking<br />

Wednesday, Nov. 14, <strong>11</strong> a.m.–noon<br />

Adaptive PE Room, Wellness Building<br />

Free<br />

Speaker David Hollingshead is a lawyer and Vietnam veteran who has<br />

survived multiple injuries. He will give us his unique and heartwarming<br />

thoughts on the power of positive thinking from the perspective of a<br />

paralyzed veteran.<br />

Thanksgiving Gathering Luncheon<br />

Thursday, Nov. 15, noon<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> Room<br />

$7/person<br />

www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />

Spend the afternoon with your friends at the VMSC and celebrate the art of gratitude<br />

for the blessings in your life. This special luncheon will provide a full Thanksgiving<br />

feast. <strong>The</strong> Ron Borelli Band will provide music for you to dance to.<br />

Annual Holiday Decorating Party<br />

Friday, Nov. 30, 10 a.m.<br />

Come join in with a fun group of people and decorate your Senior Center.<br />

Pizza will be provided for those who sign up to volunteer for this event. Call<br />

Christina at 650-780-7343 to sign up.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Arbor Gift Shop<br />

Tuesday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.<br />

1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month, 4–8 p.m.<br />

Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.<br />

Resource Building<br />

We have homemade articles such as scarves, comforters, baby blankets and<br />

numerous seasonal items as well as greeting cards, jewelry, crystal items,<br />

purses, handmade items and much, much more at very good prices. <strong>The</strong><br />

holidays are not too far away and getting closer every day. Start your gift<br />

shopping early and support your center at the same time!<br />

SAVE THE DATES<br />

West Bay Community Band Concert<br />

Saturday, Dec. 1, 7 p.m.<br />

$7/person<br />

<strong>The</strong>ater<br />

Come enjoy an evening of wonderful holiday music. Refreshments will be<br />

available during intermission. High school music students will be admitted<br />

free with a valid student ID card.<br />

Annual Gift Bag Assembly<br />

Monday, Dec. 3, 9:30–<strong>11</strong> a.m.<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> Room<br />

Celebrate the holiday season by helping seniors throughout the community.<br />

Volunteers are needed to assemble gift bags that will be delivered to homebound<br />

seniors. Coffee, hot cider and breakfast goodies will be complimentary to all<br />

who volunteer. Sign up by calling Christina at 650-780-7343.<br />

Holiday Luncheon<br />

Thursday, Dec. 20, noon<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> Room<br />

$7/person<br />

Please join us for a holiday luncheon. We will have a lovely meal to bring a<br />

smile to your heart. Come join your fellow seniors to celebrate the holiday<br />

season. Please call 650-780-7259 to make your reservation.<br />

To learn more about the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, call 650-780-<br />

7270. <strong>Redwood</strong> City Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department<br />

provides recreational facilities and activities for all ages and interests, and<br />

supplies building and custodial services for city buildings. <strong>Redwood</strong> City<br />

Parks also operates the Veterans Memorial Senior Center and the Fair Oaks<br />

Community Center, providing social, educational and cultural activities, as<br />

well as information, referral and counseling services to persons living in<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> City and neighboring communities. <strong>Redwood</strong> City Parks is more<br />

than you think! Its website is located at www.redwoodcity.org/parks.<br />

Advertise with <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />

Call Us Today 650.368.2434


Insurance Tips: What Is a Health Savings Account?<br />

By Hector Flamenco, Special to <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />

Shopping for health insurance is not like shopping for any other consumer<br />

product, and it is easy to get lost in all the terminology and specialized<br />

jargon. <strong>The</strong>re are so many things to consider when shopping for health<br />

insurance, from the potential for out-of-pocket costs to the price of the<br />

monthly premiums. Whether you get your health insurance from your<br />

employer or get it on your own, it is important to do your homework and<br />

understand your options.<br />

It is no secret that the price of health insurance premiums has been on<br />

the rise and that annual increases have far outpaced the rate of inflation.<br />

With traditional health insurance becoming all but unaffordable for<br />

many shoppers, there has been a move toward so-called consumer-driven<br />

health care options. <strong>The</strong> health savings account plays a central role in that<br />

consumer-driven health care initiative.<br />

What is a health savings account?<br />

As the name implies, a health savings account is designed to help people<br />

defer the cost of medical care. Individuals can put money aside in a health<br />

savings account, then use that money to pay for medical expenses like<br />

prescription drugs, doctor visits and co-payments.<br />

One of the advantages of a health savings account is that the money set aside<br />

can be tax deductible. That tax deductibility reduces the real cost of funding<br />

the account and makes it easier to set money aside for future medical expenses.<br />

Health savings accounts are similar to the flexible spending accounts offered<br />

by many employers, but they have some important differences as well. One<br />

of the most significant differences is that the money in a health savings<br />

account does not have to be spent by the end of the calendar year. Any money<br />

left over in the account at the end of the year simply rolls over to the next,<br />

allowing individuals to build up a great deal of money over the years.<br />

Who qualifies for a health savings account?<br />

Not everyone is eligible for a health savings account, and it is important for<br />

anyone considering such an account to examine the qualifications before<br />

signing up. In order to contribute to a health savings account, you must first<br />

have a high-deductible health plan, also known as an HDHP, in place first.<br />

Many employers now offer those HDHP plans as a way to save their<br />

workers money on health insurance premiums, so you may be able to get<br />

a health savings account even if you get your insurance at work. Highdeductible<br />

health plans tend to be less costly than traditional fee-for-service<br />

plans, providing a significant up-front savings. By coupling that HDHP with<br />

a health savings account, individuals can protect themselves by prefunding<br />

that higher deductible, essentially self-insuring themselves against<br />

unpredictable medical expenses.<br />

A health savings account is not the right choice for everyone, but it can be a<br />

good solution to the problem of high health insurance premiums. If you have<br />

never before considered an HSA, it may be worth your while to check out this<br />

innovative health plan.<br />

Editor’s note: Please note that this article is for general information only and is not a<br />

professional consultation. Always seek specific information from a licensed insurance<br />

professional. Hector Flamenco is an agent with State Farm Insurance. Visit his website at<br />

www.flamencoinsurance.com.<br />

Advertise with <strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong><br />

Call Us Today 650.368.2434<br />

1952 2012<br />

Pete’s Harbor<br />

Celebrating Our 60 th Anniversary<br />

Thank you for supporting us through the years.<br />

We urge you to contribute and support local<br />

non-profit organizations that do outstanding<br />

work in our community.<br />

Berths & Dry Storage<br />

One Uccelli Boulevard, <strong>Redwood</strong> City, CA 94063 • 650-366-0922<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Spectrum</strong> 25


A Minute With Stacy Morell<br />

Cheerleading is?<br />

Important!<br />

Cherokees or Ravens?<br />

Cherokees!<br />

Something few know about you?<br />

Everyone knows everything.<br />

Whom do you most admire?<br />

Cissy, my dance teacher at Capuchino High. She<br />

was my mentor.<br />

What phrase do you most overuse?<br />

Cool.<br />

www.<strong>Spectrum</strong><strong>Magazine</strong>.net<br />

Stacy Morell was born in San Bruno and attended local schools there, graduating from<br />

Capuchino High School in 2001.<br />

She received a bachelor’s degree in dance and a teaching credential from San Francisco<br />

State University. She started a wildly successful and popular competitive hip-hop program<br />

at Rebels Elite in South San Francisco (ages 4 through adults) and led them to many national<br />

titles and awards from 2005 through 2010.<br />

Currently Stacy teaches dance at Sequoia High School in <strong>Redwood</strong> City while coaching<br />

cheer and creating performance opportunities to share her love and knowledge of dance.<br />

Stacy enjoys dancing to all types of music and particularly enjoys studying hip-hop, jazz,<br />

musical theater dance, modern/contemporary and cultural dance forms. She is excited to be<br />

directing unique projects not focused on competition that will allow people of all ages and<br />

abilities to learn and grow as performers.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Sequoia district superintendent and board recognized Stacy and the cheer team she coaches<br />

for their year-long commitment to breast cancer awareness and other community service<br />

activities. She also works as a dance team coach at Woodside Priory School in Portola Valley.<br />

Her hobbies include shopping, dining out and dancing.<br />

Favorite song?<br />

“Gangnam Style.”<br />

What is your motto?<br />

Don’t make decisions when you are angry and<br />

don’t make promises when you are happy.<br />

You are inspired by?<br />

Technology.<br />

Memorable moment?<br />

Graduating from college.<br />

What is a dream you have or something you’d<br />

like to accomplish in your life?<br />

Have children — two of them.<br />

What is your idea of perfect happiness?<br />

Meeting all the goals I set for myself.<br />

Anyone you got on your mind?<br />

My boyfriend, Ronnie.<br />

At this time next year you will be?<br />

Still coaching and teaching.<br />

Anyone disappoint you lately?<br />

No.<br />

If you’re happy and you know it?<br />

Clap your hands.<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> City is?<br />

United.<br />

Donate Your Vehicle<br />

650-363-2423<br />

Proceeds support Kainos Home & Training Center<br />

Providing quality residential, vocational and support services to developmentally<br />

disabled adults, enabling them to become active, contributing members of the<br />

community.<br />

Maximum Tax Deductions – We handle paperwork


Saturday, December 1, 2012 - 10:<strong>00am</strong> - 6:<strong>00pm</strong><br />

City of <strong>Redwood</strong> City<br />

<strong>Redwood</strong> City Cultural Commission<br />

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE<br />

10:<strong>00am</strong><br />

10:<strong>00am</strong> - 4:<strong>00pm</strong><br />

<strong>11</strong>:<strong>00am</strong> - 4:<strong>00pm</strong><br />

<strong>11</strong>:<strong>00am</strong> - 4:<strong>00pm</strong><br />

4:30pm - 5:30pm<br />

5:45pm<br />

5:50pm - 6:<strong>00pm</strong><br />

Arrives at 6:15pm<br />

Throughout the day<br />

Throughout the day


Alpio Barbara<br />

and the team<br />

Supports Youth<br />

activities in our<br />

community!

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