people with pull - The Spectrum Magazine - Redwood City's Monthly ...

our annual 

PEOPLE WITH PULL 

Redwood City’s 

Housing“Face” Leaves 

PULLING 

The New Jail 

To A DIFFERENT LOCATION? 

& 

MORE in 

As I Was Saying

www.SpectrumMagazine.net

The Spectrum.OCT.2010 

Steve Penna 

Owner and Publisher 

penna@spectrummagazine.net 

Anne Callery 

Copy Editor 

writers@spectrummagazine.net 

Judy Buchan 

Contributing Writer 


Nicole Minieri 

Contributing Writer 


James Massey 

Graphic Designer 

James R. Kaspar 

Cover/Cover Story Photography 

jkaspar@sonic.net 

Contact Information: 

Phone 650-368-2434 

E-mail addresses listed above 

www.spectrummagazine.net 

Here we go, presenting the October 2010 edition of The Spectrum Magazine. This month we bring you 

some fascinating people and issues to read about. 

We want to thank our readers for the great response to last month’s anniversary issue. The cover 

prompted some conversation and opinions around our town. One reader wrote, “Although the 

symbolisms in the cover photo can easily be interpreted, they are not. There is a lot going on there.” We 

hope you took time to look at it and discuss the issues publisher Steve Penna was trying to bring forth. 

This month, contributing writer Judy Buchan has the distinction of writing our cover story and 

presenting our People With Pull. How we determine our list is explained in the story, and we know you 

will enjoy reading about each one and the contributions they make to our community. Do you agree with 

our list? Let us know by writing a letter to the editor. 

Penna writes about the upcoming November election, reaction to last month’s Spectrum and a few other 

thought-provoking topics in his column, “As I Was Saying….” 

We have an updated story on the location of a new jail in our community and a great profile on Debbi 

Jones-Thomas, who is leaving our city after 31 years of service. 

We also have our regular features on items of community interest, senior activities, parties around town, 

news briefs, cultural and entertainment events, insurance tips from Russ Castle, information from the 

Redwood City School District and the popular feature “A Minute With.” 

As the holidays approach, we encourage you to support our valuable Spectrum advertisers by using their 

services when you are out shopping, dining or enjoying yourself in our community with friends and 

family. Including specials on services, food and beverages, many of them have offers for you to cut out and 

present, so please take the time to look over their ads this month and use their coupons and discounts. 

When you visit them, let them know you appreciate their support of our local community publication. 

As we enter our seventh year of publication, we invite you to visit our website — www. 

spectrummagazine.net — for up-to-the-day information about our community. Until next month, get out 

there and enjoy our community! 

Contents 

This Month’s Photo Shoot – 4 

RCSD Corner – 5 

“As I Was Saying...” – 6 

Trading One Passion for Another – 10 

Cultural Events – 11 

Redwood City’s People With Pull 2010 – 16 

Shop Redwood City – 19 

News Briefs – 20 

Community Interest – 21 

Meet Our Community-Minded 

Realtors of Redwood City – 26 

No Jail Downtown, Please – 28 

Senior Activities – 28 

Insurance Tips: Home-Based Business 

Owners, You Need Insurance Coverage – 29 

A Minute With Mark Moulton – 30 

The Spectrum 3

Inside The Spectrum: Cover Story Photo Shoot 

This month’s cover photo shoot was planned just hours after it was determined 

who had made the People With Pull list. Publisher Steve Penna e-mailed the 

five selected community leaders and scheduled the shoot for Tuesday, Sept. 

21, at 1 p.m. at Powerhouse Gym on Broadway in the downtown area. 

Penna did not tell any of the cover subjects what the shoot was for or even 

that there would be others there. All made themselves available despite 

conflicting schedules and responsibilities. All except for developer John 

Bruno were able to make it on Sept. 21. He was to be in Arizona on business. 

His shots were scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 22, at 2 p.m. 

Penna and cover photographer James Kaspar arrived early so they could 

discuss locations within the gym to stage the subjects. It was determined to 

use one of Penna’s ideas, having the group pose as if they were in a tug-ofwar, 

which is the shot used for the cover. Needing a rope or some sort, Penna 

walked down to the Fox Theatre and asked his friend Eric Lochtefeld, the 

new owner there, to see if he could use the black rope that was on one of the 

stanchions. It worked. 

The individual shots were taken as each arrived. Mayor Jeff Ira, Councilwoman 

Rosanne Foust, attorney Ted Hannig and Paula Uccelli were shot, in that order. 

All of the subjects of course knew each other already, and throwing Penna 

and Kaspar into the mix led to continuous conversation and many laughs. They 

all discussed last month’s cover and the meaning behind the T-shirt Penna wore. 

They decided to stage a little mockery of it, which you will see in the center 

section this month. 

The entire shoot took about an hour. 

One of The Spectrum’s missions is to highlight and introduce our readers 

to incredible people in our community who are accomplishing great things. 

Although you do not need to be introduced to our People With Pull, we definitely 

want to remind you of exactly what they do in our community and how valuable 

they are. 

Put aside your politics and your preconceived notions of what and who our 

“Pullers” are. We salute each one for their individuality and dedication to making 

Redwood City a better living and loving environment for all to grow. Keep Pulling! 

Donate Your Vehicle 

650-363-2423 

Proceeds support Kainos Home & Training Center 

Providing quality residential, vocational and support services to developmentally 

disabled adults, enabling them to become active, contributing members of the 

community. 

Maximum Tax Deductions – We handle paperwork 


RCSD Corner: News From the Redwood City School District 

Teachers, Students Celebrate at Hawes and Henry Ford 

students in each subgroup has reached the level of proficient or higher. Under 

requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), all students 

are expected to be proficient by 2014. 

Hawes first-grader hard at work 

Teachers, students and parents at Hawes and Henry Ford schools in Redwood 

City celebrated on Sept. 13 as they learned that their schools were removed 

from the state’s “program improvement” list. Once a school enters “program 

improvement” (PI) for not meeting the academic growth required by the No 

Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), it is rare to exit. Yet Henry Ford and Hawes 

both came off the list this year for meeting or exceeding the adequate yearly 

progress targets set by the state for the second year in a row. 

“Both Hawes and Henry Ford have made amazing progress in increasing 

the academic achievement of their students,” said Superintendent Jan Christensen. 

“These are both strong neighborhood schools supported by an engaged group 

of parents and students who have worked hard to excel in their studies.” 

Lynne Griffiths, principal of Henry Ford, had planned a celebratory 

luncheon for her staff to announce the news, and faced a dilemma when 

the state delayed release of the news by a few days. Unable to tell teachers 

that the school had exited program improvement due to the state’s news 

embargo, she threw the party anyway and simply told the staff, “Good news 

is coming!” When staff finally heard a few days later, they were overjoyed, 

according to Griffiths. 

“The teachers here have worked so hard, and this accomplishment validated 

everything we are doing,” she said. “We have embraced a strategy called 

‘professional learning communities,’ where staff share leadership with a strong 

focus on student learning, collaboration and results. Because of this, the staff 

has developed a sense of ownership and sense of shared accomplishment!” 

The day that the state announced the news about the program improvement 

lists, former Hawes Principal Josh Griffith, who moved to John Gill School this 

school year, saluted his former staff with an early morning congratulatory 

e-mail praising them for their rigorous work and their “genuine caring and 

commitment to the children, families and community of Hawes.” 

Griffith attributed Hawes’ success to the staff’s work in analyzing student 

data and following the district’s achievement plan, as well as working with 

community partners such as Second Harvest Food Bank and Serve The 

Peninsula to provide a range of services to families that contribute to student 

success. Griffith explained that through these partnerships and donations, the 

school was able to provide food, clothing, shoes, rental assistance, counseling 

and other services that supported students academically. 

To put the achievement of these schools in perspective, only 28 out of 629 

schools (about 4 percent) in the state of California, including Hawes and 

Henry Ford, in their second or third year of program improvement exited in 

2010. Because the academic progress targets are rising by about 11 percent 

per year, 560 new schools statewide entered their second year of program 

improvement, and only 11, including Hawes, exited. A total of 238 new 

schools statewide entered their third year of program improvement and only 

16, including Henry Ford, exited. More than 3,000 schools statewide are now 

in program improvement. 

Program improvement is a designation given to schools and districts that 

receive federal Title I funds when one or more demographic subgroups fail 

to make adequate yearly progress (AYP) — the state’s measure of progress 

toward the requirements of NCLB — for two years in a row. A school 

also must make AYP for two years in a row to exit program improvement. 

In order to make AYP, schools must show that a required percentage of 

Fifth-grade students participate in class discussion at Henry Ford 

San Mateo Credit Union 

& 

The Spectrum Magazine 

cordially invite you to the 

Cañada College 

Theater Arts Department 

9th Annual Fundraiser 

Thursday, October 21st 

5:00 to 7:00 P.M. 

Main Theater Foyer at Cañada College 

4200 Farm Hill Boulevard 

Redwood City, California 

Tickets $20.00 

Includes Wine, Light Supper & Entertainment 

by the Cañada College Theater Arts Students 

Entry for Great Raffle Prizes 

For information please contact Lourdes Carini 

650 823-1463 


We got a lot of feedback (mostly positive) about 

our anniversary issue last month, and I want to 

thank our readers for “getting it.” Well, most of 

you, anyway. But I came to realize that although 

some readers did not interpret the symbolism as 

I had intended, it does not make it incorrect, just 

like any other issue in our community. 

Between you and me, I thought I would have 

gotten more comments from council members, 

but I really think they did not know what to 

say about the issues I brought up. I mean, if 

they commented about it, they would have to 

do something about it. Go figure. I thought 

that bringing up issues that our community is 

concerned about — like murder, community unity 

and fiscal responsibility — would spark a fire, but 

it has not seemed to. So I guess it is up to us to 

take on the social issues that need to be addressed 

in our community. But how do we do that? 

City Council members are basically responsible 

for providing us emergency services and street 

maintenance (Public Works), and those are our 

core services (you will hear a lot of questions about that 

when the budget process starts next year) and the 

ones we should expect from them. Everything else 

they do or involve themselves in is just beyond 

core services. Take, for instance, Parks and Recreation, 

Planning, Library — they are luxuries and not core 

services. So issues like the ones I brought up are 

considered those types of issues, ones that “do-gooders” 

work on, not elected officials. That is, if you have 

elected officials who choose to think that way. 

So, in the meantime, I guess I will just keep 

writing and hoping that we address issues before 

they become out of control, and then elected officials 

will have to be reactive instead of proactive. 

.… 

One issue that did catch the attention of our 

new city attorney, Pamela Thompson, was the 

potential conflict of interest with Tom Cronin, 

who was recently named the new executive 

director of the Police Activities League (PAL) and 

a Redwood City Port commissioner. 

She has ruled that there is no conflict of interest, 

stating that the FPPC rules that apply are about 

public officials who are making a decision that 

would have a financial interest for someone involved. 

She stated that there is no decision that Cronin has 

an interest in at the port, and if PAL had a project 

before the port, there would be a possible conflict 

and it would be addressed at that time. 

I am sure the scope of that information is right, 

but maybe what residents are concerned about 

is a “perceived” conflict. As we have found out, 

everyone perceives things differently. I guess that 

is one of the luxuries of having a city attorney. 

www.SpectrumMagazine.net 

As I Was 

Saying… 

.… 

The City Council recently challenged the 

members of the Planning Commission to a rowing 

contest and they accepted. After weeks of early 

morning training sessions, the event was held as 

one of the first events of the Port Fest. OK, I don’t 

care either. 

.… 

Speaking of the Port Fest, the event was held on 

Saturday, Oct. 2, and although they did not get 

the major crowds that port commissioners had 

hoped for, they should be praised for their efforts. 

Commissioner Lorianna Kastrop was the one 

who headed the event and put so much effort into 

it. This being its first year, the event should grow 

each year and, if given adequate attention, it could 

really become a highlight for our community. 

It gives an opportunity to see the port in a 

different light and not just as an industrial area. 

Many are hoping that ferry services will begin in 

the port area, and that should boost the visibility 

and accessibility. 

.… 

Overheard at Le Boulanger downtown: A group 

of people were talking about the recent Heart 

Walk, and one gentleman stated that he had 

participated in the Heart Walk last year and it 

“damn near gave me a heart attack.” Funny stuff. 

.… 

As you know, I am an election junkie and find 

all aspects of campaigns and races fascinating. I 

have been attending some candidate forums and 

debates and am amazed by the lack of interest of 

voters on local issues and candidates. 

Many readers have asked me why The Spectrum 

does not openly support any candidate or issue 

during election seasons. We don’t think it is proper 

to insult our readers’ intelligence by telling them 

who or what to vote for, so we don’t. It’s that simple. 

But I do like to discuss and inform our readers of 

what and whom they will be voting on. 

One of the local races our community will be 

voting on this Nov. 2 is the county supervisor 

race between former Sheriff Don Horsley and 

Coastside resident April Vargas. I recently 

attended a couple of their debates. There is a clear 

choice between the two, and it is someone who 

lives in Redwood City. 

I understand voter apathy, our frustration with 

elected officials and politicians and how voters 

could just take the DRIP (Don’t Re-elect Incumbent 

Publisher | Steve Penna 

Politicians) attitude and “throw them all out.” 

That includes those who appear to be “status quo” 

or part of the system, and Horsley is seen by many 

to be in that category. But he is not and neither is 

Vargas. So this race comes down to experience 

and leadership. 

In the race for county treasurer-tax collector, 

Deputy Treasurer-Tax Collector Sandie Arnott 

and Dave Mandelkern, community college district 

trustee, are both waging very quiet and unexciting 

campaigns. I don’t expect the excitement of this 

race to excel at all. 

The race that seems to be attracting the most 

attention is the Sequoia Healthcare District Board 

race that has seven candidates vying for three 

seats. Those running are incumbents Art Faro 

and Jack Hickey. Also running are business 

owner and Redwood City resident Alpio Barbara, 

health care professional Ruth West-Gorrin, retired 

engineer Frederick Graham, physician Jerry 

Shefren and businessman Michael Stogner. 

Hickey is running on a slate with Graham and 

Stogner. They are seeking to form a majority on 

the board so they can abolish taxes going to the 

district and shut it down. They argue that taxes 

should not be collected for the district now that 

Sequoia Hospital is privately owned. 

On the other side, an unofficial slate of Barbara, 

Faro and Shefren is trying to keep the district 

intact, and knocking Hickey from the board in the 

process would be an added plus. They insist that 

the money would still be collected if the district 

were to be dissolved. Instead of staying in our 

community, money collected would go to other 

governmental agencies, so the average tax bill 

would remain the same regardless of the district’s 

existence. So why not keep it here and contribute 

here, where it is collected and needed? 

This is a legitimate debate for us to be having. 

But it seems logical that if the district were to 

be dissolved and the money still being collected 

would go to, let’s say, the state, then we should 

keep the money in our community because it 

comes from our community. This is an issue that 

we should all be watching. 

.… 

You may not even realize it but there are a few 

local measures on the ballot that need your attention 

or we might all be paying a lot more taxes and 

giving up some voting rights. Measure U is a 

Charter Amendment by the County of San 

Mateo that asks whether the San Mateo County 

Charter should be amended to require filling of 

vacancies on the Board of Supervisors by election 

(continued on page 27)

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Trading One Passion for Another 

By Nicole Minieri 

Within the City of Redwood City, a vital gem of a 

department is responsible for administering state 

and federal funds for community development 

programs and habitation for families from 

different walks of life who are in dire need 

of a home. This precious stone is the city’s 

Housing Department, and although their staff 

consists of only three, their accomplishments are 

considerable. Leading the Housing Department 

for the last 31 years is Housing Coordinator Debbi 

Jones-Thomas, who happens to be making way 

for something equally important: her retirement. 

“When I came to Redwood City, I was only 

looking for a five-year job on my resume, and 

what I found was my ministry,” said Jones-Thomas. 

“I have always been very passionate about my job 

in the Housing Department, but now I am getting 

ready to leave this position after all of this time 

to fulfill my other interests. I’ve made a living 

and now I want to make a life for myself. I want 

to work on my bucket list because there are some 

things that I’ve never had the chance to do before 

and the possibilities are endless. I really have a 

passion for writing and hope to publish at least 

one book in the next couple of years, if not sooner. 

I want to travel, and I definitely want to continue 

on in public service, so everyone will still get to 

see me in the community amongst the nonprofits.” 

That community service is on Jones-Thomas’ 

“live life to the fullest” bucket list should come 

as no surprise, since changing people’s lives for 

the better has resided at the top of her daily “to 

do” list during her lengthy tenure at the Housing 

Department, whose main aim is to assist with 

housing program objectives that benefit our 

neighborhood for the long term. 

“We provide affordable housing for people 

with low income and for people who have special 

housing needs because of developmental and mental 

disabilities,” said Jones-Thomas. “Our programs 

are continually helping homeless shelters too. We 

fund emergency shelters and transitional housing, 

help with shared housing and we even intervene 

with racial discrimination when people try to 

get housing and are treated differently. And the 

programs which I have been involved with have 

been comprehensive and are based on what is 

needed. Most people who need housing really 

need it because they lack job skills or have other 

types of issues that need to be addressed, so our 

full range of services have been very important to 

these people. I have also been fortunate to work 

with a number of nonprofits that help our services 

and who have been so awesome in their ability to 

serve the residents of Redwood City.” 

As housing coordinator, Jones-Thomas has 

excelled at aiding less fortunate families by 

providing rental assistance and ownership 

housing projects. “I was very instrumental 

in starting projects as soon as I first came to 

work for the Housing Department,” said Jones- 

Thomas. “Actually, my first project was Heron 

Court in Redwood Shores. I also partnered with 

the nonprofit housing organization Habitat for 

Humanity, where we worked on four Redwood 

City projects together: a single-family home on 

Madrone Street, six units on Hope Street, 36 

units on Rollison Avenue and eight units for a 

townhome on Lincoln Avenue.” 

But that was only the beginning for Jones- 

Thomas, as the list of affordable housing projects 

she’s worked on has grown since then. To date, Jones- 

Thomas has also worked on the development 

of the multiconglomerate Kainos residential 

housing ventures that are located throughout 

Redwood City, plus City Center Plaza, Hilton 

House, Berkshire Avenue Home, Oxford Street 

Apartments, Casa de Redwood, Pine Shared Home, 

Redwood City Commons, Cassia St. Group Home 

and Redwood City Commons. Jones-Thomas also 

works in conjunction with local nonprofit homeless 

shelters, such as the Redwood Family Home, Maple 

Street Shelter, Spring Street Shelter and Daybreak 

Youth Shelter, to meet the temporary housing 

needs of the homeless. 

Besides cooperating with approximately 40 local 

nonprofit organizations to provide affordable 

housing options for qualifying families, Jones-Thomas 

is also accountable for other important tasks 

on a daily basis. “In addition to administering 

contracts for a number of nonprofits, I also work 

on purchased units or I work with clients on 

negotiating the sale to make it affordable housing 

for them. And I’ll work with a new nonprofit to 

help them identify a project that we can fund,” 

explained Jones-Thomas. “It is a lot of work, but I 

absolutely love it. It’s kind of interesting because 

my father used to say, if you have a roof over your 

head and God in your heart, you can get through 

everything else! It’s kind of phenomenal that I 

ended up in this particular industry. I love what 

I do because it directly changes people’s lives. I’ve 

always had a passion for public service and believe 

that how you get up in the morning determines 

how successful you are going to be that day and 

in the days to follow. Basically, at the end of the 

day, everybody wants the same thing out of life, 

and if you don’t believe that affordable housing 

is an important service, then you’ve never been 

homeless in life.” 

(continues on next page) 

Jones-Thomas with Redwood City Police Officer Dan Smith, Fire 

Capt. Bruce Meisenbach and Sgt. James Stoney. 


Sadly, there are roughly 3.5 million homeless 

people in the United States, and with the 

economic downturn, that number is surely 

expected to rise by this year’s end. 

Unrelated but similarly bleak: According to the 

American Cancer Society, every three minutes 

a woman in the United States is diagnosed with 

breast cancer, and approximately 40,170 were 

expected to die from the dreadful disease last 

year. Due to advanced medicine and early detection, 

the survival rate for breast cancer is increasing, 

and that’s very good news, especially for women 

such as Jones-Thomas, who has beat the disease. 

“I was fortunate to have breast cancer four 

years ago,” said Jones-Thomas. “Through that 

experience I learned the real meaning of life, and 

that’s why I really want to embark upon the next 

chapter in my life and pursue my passions.” And 

as Jones-Thomas prepares to leave the Housing 

Department, she hopes for one thing: that her 

replacement will keep a keen eye on affordable 

housing because “it will determine the greatness 

of Redwood City as a place to live and thrive.” 

Jones-Thomas’ departure from the Housing 

Department is obviously going be bittersweet. 

It will be heartbreaking for her to leave behind 

a position that shaped the course of her calling, 

yet she still gets to carry on in her vocation as 

a committed ambassador for people who are in 

distress in our community. “I want to continue to 

advocate for people in Redwood City who have 

needs, and change their lives for the better,” said 

Thomas. “I think Redwood City is a wonderful 

place. When I first came to Redwood City years 

ago, I remember the only business open on 

Broadway after 5 p.m. was a little place called 

MJB Ranch Room. So I have been around for 

a long time and have been a part of the entire 

Debbi Jones-Thomas through the years. 

evolution. And it’s been nice to have been a 

part of rehabilitating some of the downtown 

properties and changing the lives of a lot of 

children and adults. And most people do not know, 

but I also staffed the Housing and Human Concerns 

Committee and the Home Improvement Loan 

Committee. Many of these members went on to 

successfully become prominent council people. It 

is accomplishments like this that I cherish the most!” 

As a high-spirited retiree, Jones-Thomas plans on 

spending more time with her son, who is a junior 

at the University of Kentucky, gardening, oil painting, 

reading, writing and remaining in public service. 

Although there will be considerable changes here 

and there, Jones-Thomas will begin her mornings 

in the same usual manner: putting her best foot 

forward as she whispers to herself, “Be at your 

best at every moment so you can be your best for 

everybody around you!” 

Cultural Events 

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 

Oct. 21–24 

North Star Academy 

Anais Mathes as Titania, Zachary Jagannathan as 

Bottom 

Cheerleaders/Fairies (from left) Natalie Finander, 

Kemmer Peeples, Gwen Wattenmaker. Noah Dearborn 

(standing) as Oberon. 

Laurel Nelson (left) and Isabella Yee. 

(continues on the next page) 


Cultural Events (Continued from previous page) 

Roy Cloud School Presents 

‘Willy Wonka Junior’ 

Nov. 5–6, 7 p.m. 

McKinley Theatre 

400 Duane St., Redwood City 

Tickets $15 

650-369-2264 

Clockwise, from left: Isabella Yee, Laurel Nelson, 

Michael Ma, Adam Mead. 

Performances 

Thursday, Oct. 21, 7 p.m. 

Friday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m. 

Saturday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. 

Sunday, Oct. 24, 2 p.m. 

Ticket Prices 

General: $12 advance/$14 at the door 

Thursday and Sunday: Seniors and students $8 at 

the door 

www.northstartix.com 

“When ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ meets 

‘High School Musical,’ imagine the possibilities! 

Even Shakespeare would laugh if he could see his 

characters recast as cheerleaders, football players, 

drama students, even a team of punk Pucks,” said 

Director Neva Hutchinson of North Star Academy 

and the Alhambra Youth Theatre. 

This play is edited to be family-friendly and 90 

minutes in length. 

Come enjoy an evening of true love, unrequited 

love, hijinks and enchantment with a modern 

twist that only Shakespeare can deliver. 

North Star Academy is a public school in 

Redwood City. It was established in 1997 to serve 

the unique needs of high-achieving students in 

grades three through eight. It is funded primarily 

through the California public school system 

while additional funds are raised through the 

Parent Club and fundraisers, including a Lap-A- 

Thon and annual auction, to provide additional 

programs and resources to the school. 

North Star Academy’s Shakespeare program is 

unique to the area, bringing the study of the words 

of Shakespeare to children in third through eighth 

grades. This year, as an added bonus, North Star’s 

Youth Orchestra will be performing music from 

Mendelssohn’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” 

There has been a Shakespeare performance and 

curriculum enrichment program for 14 years at 

North Star Academy, which earned a California 

Distinguished School Award in 2010. 


Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the mysterious 

candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to 

life in this stage adaptation of “Charlie and the 

Chocolate Factory.” Songs from the film classic 

and some new additions will delight audiences of 

all ages. The cast features over 50 fourth- through 

eighth-grade students from Roy Cloud School. 

The musical combines the elements of the 1971 

and 2005 films and the book by Roald Dahl. 

The show was adapted by Leslie Bricusse and 

Timothy A. McDonald and features music and 

lyrics by Bricusse and Anthony Newley. 

The show’s director, Maureen McVerry, is 

celebrating her 10th year of performances for the 

Redwood City School District. A veteran actor 

of TV, stage and theater, she has brought Willy 

Wonka to us as the perfect start to the holiday 

season. Golden tickets and lots of chocolate will 

be available at all performances. 

All proceeds will benefit the Roy Cloud 

student body. This show has been sponsored and 

produced by the Roy Cloud PTA and the Roy 

Cloud Student Council. 

For ticket information, please call Roy Cloud 

School at 650-369-2264. 

The Main Gallery 

1018 Main St., Redwood City 

650-701-1018 

www.themaingallery.org 

Elizabeth Noerdlinger, “Journey In,” oil on canvas, 28” x 

38”, 2010 

Elizabeth Noerdlinger, “Shipwreck,” oil on canvas, 24” 

x 22”, 2010 

Brandy Brune, “House Rock Rapid,” original 

photograph, framed, 20” x 28”, 2010 

Brandy Brune, “A Grand Adventure,” original 

photograph, framed, 20” x 28” 

The Main Gallery, an artists’ cooperative with 23 

members, showcases the work of some of the best 

local talent in the Bay Area. The gallery is located 

in the historic yellow Victorian cottage at 1018 Main 

St., at the corner of Main and Middlefield. The 

gallery is open Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. 

to 4 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

A Grand Adventure and Journey 

in Two Exhibitions 

The exhibitions “A Grand Adventure” featuring 

photographer Brandy Brune and “Journey In” 

featuring oil paintings by Elizabeth Noerdlinger 

open at The Main Gallery in Redwood City on 

(continues on the next page)

Cultural Events (Continued from previous page) 

Oct. 20, running through Nov. 21. The gallery, located at 1018 Main St. in 

Redwood City, will host a reception for the artists on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

In one exhibition gallery Brandy Brune is showing photographs taken 

during a two-week kayaking trip to the Grand Canyon. Brune states, “They 

say a Grand Canyon river trip will change your life, and I’d have to agree. 

I’ve just recently had my life changed again.” Brune did her first Grand 

Canyon trip about two and half years ago and her second just last month. 

Being a relatively new whitewater kayaker, Brune opted for a commercial 

trip but states, “I’ve learned everything about kayaking since my last Grand 

Canyon trip.” 

Brune says she is personally inspired by desert landscapes and loves rivers, 

so the intersection of the two is particularly amazing in her world. She finds 

capturing the Grand Canyon as a photographer particularly challenging due 

to the scale, but she is certainly willing to give it a try over and over again! 

“In fact,” she states, “I first started taking pictures because I was going to all 

kinds of cool places where most people don’t get to go and wanted to share 

my amazing experiences … and this is a continuation of that process.” 

Elizabeth Noerdlinger has been painting since last spring, preparing for the 

show “Journey In” in the second exhibition gallery. She is continuing with 

a theme of mixing images from photographs she took in Iceland and Cape 

Cod. Noerdlinger states, “This work is mostly green in palette, and because 

I’m combining scenes and adding elements and working from memory, I’m 

looking inward. The act of painting becomes an exploration in my mind, or a 

soul journey.” 

Please join them at the opening reception on Oct. 23 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

Meet the artists and enjoy an evening viewing art at The Main Gallery! 

San Mateo Credit Union 

& 

The Spectrum Magazine 

cordially invite you to the 

Cañada College 

Theater Arts Department 

9th Annual Fundraiser 

Thursday, October 21st 

5:00 to 7:00 P.M. 

Main Theater Foyer at Cañada College 

4200 Farm Hill Boulevard 

Redwood City, California 

Tickets $20.00 

Includes Wine, Light Supper & Entertainment 

by the Cañada College Theater Arts Students 

Entry for Great Raffle Prizes 

For information please contact Lourdes Carini 

650 823-1463 



Events Around Town 

Peninsula Hills Women’s Club — TRUE ELEGANCE 

The Peninsula Hills Women’s Club was thrilled to donate a total of $10,000 in proceeds from the annual True Elegance tea. Redwood City Education Foundation and Shelter 

Network were each presented with a check for $5,000. Top, from left: Presentation by Michele Jackson of Shelter Network, Elaine Raines (silent auction chair) with Judy Yoakum 

(tea chair) in the background, presentation by Jo-Ann Sockolov of Redwood City Education Foundation. Above left (from left): Jo-Ann Sockolov of Redwood City Education 

Foundation, Judy Yoakum of PHWC, Michele Jackson and Judy Wong of Shelter Network. Above right: Members of PHWC working in the kitchen included (from left) Rose 

Ferrando, Betty Garcia, Julie Salas (food chair), Kit Fragulia, Nancy Gallagher, Linda Krieg, Nancy Cameron (stooping) and Fran Ferrando. 

Get the red carpet treatment 

Everything you need is here at On Broadway. A full-service branch featuring friendly 

knowledgeable staff. Validated parking. Convenient late hours and we’re open on Saturdays, too! 

Come see what all the fuss is about. 

Get a Free Movie Ticket! 

When you open your membership at the On Broadway Branch. 

Broadway St. 

Theatre 

District 

Jefferson Ave. 

your local hero 

When you refer a friend or family member to SMCU, 

20 lunches will be donated to the Second Harvest 

Food Bank of San Mateo Co. 

on broadway • 830 Jefferson Ave • (650) 363-1725 • SMCU.ORG 

Offer valid while supplies last. You are eligible for membership in SMCU if you live, work, worship, or study in San Mateo County. A one-time, non-refundable membership fee of $10.00 

($1.00 for age 17 and under) is required to join. Federally insured by NCUA. When a referral is made for a new membership and account opening is verified, SMCU will make a contribution 

to the Second Harvest Food Bank of San Mateo County within 60 days of account opening. Must complete referral card. See branch for details. 


Redwood City’s People With Pull 2010 

In determining who would be on our list this year, Publisher Steve Penna sent out 

questionnaires to 30 people, including readers and involved civic members, asking them 

whom they thought should be included on our list. All nominees must live or work in Redwood 

City to be considered. Once again, we decided not to include large “corporate” people, like 

Larry Ellison, or anyone directly affiliated with our publication. 

A “person with pull” is different from a “most powerful person.” Pull can be interpreted in 

so many different ways, while power has just financial or political interpretations. 

A person with pull can be someone who is an elected official or advocate, who pulls the 

community together. Or it can be someone who has influence and therefore pulls in a lot 

of money to help others in our community. It can also be someone who possesses both 

qualities. Regardless, it is someone who can and does make things happen. 

We present to you Redwood City’s People With Pull for 2010. 

People With Pull 

Ted Hannig – Hannig is a major supporter of a 

wide list of charities and social events, including 

the Danford Foundation, Sequoia Awards, 

Police Activities League and many more. He is 

also considered the most influential attorney in 

town, having won a multimillion-dollar lawsuit 

against the City of Redwood City that basically 

stopped the city’s use of eminent domain for 

redevelopment projects cold. 

Adding the star power of friends like “Dancing 

With the Stars” entertainer Louis van Amstel 

and the contributions their appearances bring to 

our community, Hannig could well be the most 

powerful person in our community. 

Our People With Pull do a little kidding with Mayor Ira about last month’s Spectrum cover. 

Rosanne Foust – The most outspoken and 

powerful former mayor/current council member 

our community has quite possibly ever had. She 

is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, 

even if it drives her opponents to file complaints 

with state agencies and to chastise her at council 

meetings. If you want anything done in Redwood 

City, she will get it done. She is the CEO of 


SAMCEDA, is a member of Rotary and has earned 

the distinction of being twice named one of the 

top “Influential Business Women” in the Bay 

Area. A Republican in a historically Democratic 

community, Foust could have any elected position 

she wanted in San Mateo County, but she seems 

content with her work on the City Council. 

John Bruno – The enormous amount of money 

Bruno has at hand makes him, representing DMB 

and the Saltworks project, one of the largest 

contributors to charities and social organizations 

in town. Not to mention he’s doing this project out 

by Seaport Boulevard that will reshape the entire 

landscape and financial makeup of our community 

one way or another for decades to come. 

Jeff Ira – According to some, he has the best 

“common sense mind” to be on the council in 

years. He is seen as a mayor who views the whole 

community but understands that hopes and 

dreams need to be financed. Many consider his 

leadership in finance to be the reason Redwood 

City is so “budget reserve” healthy at the moment. 

In his last term in office, he is now, more than 

ever, willing to show his strengths and not have 

to worry about election time and those he might 

upset. He also has a wonderful, self-deprecating 

sense of humor. 

Paula Uccelli – Although the days of Redwood 

City’s old guard may be slipping away and a new 

generation taking hold, that new guard doesn’t 

take a step without looking to Uccelli to see how 

she will react. Uccelli has her hands in every 

major issue that faces our city, and everyone 

who runs for office still must pay her a visit. 

Every nonprofit in the community still longs for 

her name on their list of supporters, and every 

group trying to raise money for a new church or 

a new set of softball uniforms still sends her a 

solicitation letter. The Uccelli name is the most 

common name on the contact list of every major 

endeavor in our community, and if that isn’t pull, 

we don’t know what is. 

Let’s not forget she is the owner of one of 

Redwood City’s most valuable and expensive 

properties, Pete’s Harbor, which is one of the 

oldest functioning marinas. Its 260-slip bay has 

provided storage and amenities to recreational 

boaters since the mid-1950s. 

Power Couples 

Working as individuals or as a team, these couples 

combined represent virtually every organization 

category in our community. They volunteer, 

are elected or appointed and are responsible for 

raising and donating millions of dollars annually 

to our community. They serve as examples of 

what we all should contribute to our community. 

Dani Gasparini and Alyn Beals – Him: President/ 

CEO of Beals Martin Inc., a general contractor, 

development and property management firm. He is 

also Chamber of Commerce chairman of the board 

and just bought the Sequoia Hotel to redevelop. 

Her: former mayor, council member and chamber 

chairman of the board, Sequoia Hospital Foundation 

chair, Rotary member. A go-getter to say the least. 

Warren Dale and Georgi LaBerge – Him: pastor 

at Woodside Road Methodist Church, helped 

found Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center, director 

of International Trauma Care Services, Civic 

Cultural Commission chairman. Her: former 

mayor and council member, executive director of 

the Redwood City Library Foundation, serves on 

board of City Trees and other nonprofits. If your 

nonprofit needs money, she will find it. 

Eric and Lori Lochtefeld – The new owners of 

the Fox venues have the power to make a dramatic 

impact in the viability of our downtown area and our 

city as a whole. So many in our city are pinning 

so much hope on what the Lochtefelds can do, 

but it remains to be seen if they can actually pull 

it off. Let us not forget the energy that originally 

surrounded the last owner of the Fox and the 

eventual turn that took. But the Lochtefelds 

seem to be doing it right and have assembled an 

exceptional team to help them reach their goals. 

They have plugged into our community and our 

nonprofits and seem to be off to a good start. 

Jim Hartnett and Rosanne Foust – Him: former 

mayor and council member, former chamber board 

member, served on City/County Association of 

Governments, San Mateo County Transit District 

and the Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board. 

His legal firm specializes in civil, business and 

real estate litigation services. Her: in addition to 

everything else she does, she was named 2009 

Person of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce. 

Boiling Under 

Although they did not make our top list this 

year, these community leaders are the ones 

to watch in future years. 

Alpio Barbara – He’s one of Redwood City’s 

most successful business owners and brings in 

hundreds of thousands to city coffers in sales 

tax dollars. A great community leader, Barbara 

donates to most charities that request his help. 

Chamber of Commerce member, former president 

of PAL, Rotary Club, Downtown Business Group. 

If he wins in his first attempt at public office this 

November, his “pull” will surely rise. 

Jack Hickey – Like it or not, Hickey is making 

waves in the political makeup of San Mateo County 

and Redwood City. He was elected and then reelected 

to his position at the Sequoia Healthcare 

District and received 16,699 votes (16.09 percent 

of the vote) in last June’s County Supervisor 

election, denying fellow trustee Don Horsley a 

victory. If Hickey pulls off a victory this November 

and brings his two slate members with him, he 

will abolish the Healthcare District for good. One 

wonders if that would “pull” him up on our list. 

Don Horsley – Still the most recognized name 

in Redwood City and quite possibly San Mateo 

County, Horsley has been concentrating on his 

duties as the Sequoia Healthcare District president 

and his bid for County Supervisor. The former 

school teacher, police officer and county sheriff is 

not on our main list but might return next year if 

he “pulls” off a win in November. 

Peter Ingram – His first task on joining the 

Redwood City organization was to oversee the 

reorganization of what was General Services 

into what is now Public Works Services. Ingram 

subsequently became Community Development 

Services director and now serves as city manager. 

He is soft-spoken but passionate about his job and 

(continues on next page) 


Events Around Town The Sequoia Hospital Foundation’s Annual Invitational Golf Tournament — Sept. 13 

The Sequoia Hospital Foundation’s Annual Invitational Golf Tournament was held on Sept. 13 at the beautiful Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club in Menlo Park. Although final 

totals from the event are still being calculated, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, golfers, donors and volunteers, the Foundation raised approximately $125,000 during the day 

of golf. Those funds will be matched by the Sequoia Healthcare District’s challenge grant, allowing the Foundation to immediately apply nearly a quarter of a million dollars toward 

Women’s Integrated Health at Sequoia. Top, from left: Frank Bartaldo on the Hole-in-One prize Harley-Davidson, Sequoia Hospital CEO Glenna Vaskelis with PGA Tour professional 

Nick Watney, Watney in action and in perfect form. Above, from left: Golfers enjoying the spirit of the day; Sequoia Hospital Foundation Board Chair Steve San Filippo; 2010 

Tournament Co-Chairs Gregory Engel, M.D., and Beverly Joyce, M.D.; Watney leads a swing clinic prior to the start of the tournament. 

Redwood City’s People With Pull 2010 

about Redwood City. He controls all the strings in 

our community. Watching which way he “pulls” 

them will determine if he makes our main list 

next year. 

Nancy Radcliffe – Planning Commission chair, 

Chamber board of directors, City Trees board 

member, former Downtown Business Group 

president and the first person to start the “no more 

jails” efforts in Redwood City. She chaired John 

Seybert’s City Council bid last year and heavily 

supported the other two winners. She could make 

the “pull” top list if she wanted to do so but seems 

content in the role she currently plays. 

John Seybert – Let’s face it; our last election 

was won by the candidates who were hand-picked 

by our current City Council majority. Many 

view Seybert as having the long-term vision and 

approachability to fully and strongly represent 

our city and all of our constituents. After every 

member of our current council, with the exception 

of Jeff Gee, has long since termed out, only 

Seybert will remain, having no problem winning 

re-election in his eventual bids. If he is strong 

enough, his will be the leadership that bridges us 

from today through the next 12 years when the 

DMB project is eventually voted on, the highspeed 

rail project is decided, the downtown jail is 

built (or not), etc. Let’s also not forget he works for 

one of the largest church congregations in town. 

Let’s see if all that can “pull” him up on our list. 

“A ‘person with pull’ is different 

from a ‘most powerful person.’ 

Pull can be interpreted in so 

many different ways, while 

power has just financial or 

political interpretations.” 


Shop Local This Fall! – Shop Redwood City! 

Check out our Best of the Best selections below. Shouldn’t you make the commitment to 

shopping locally today and every day? Whether you are out shopping, dining or enjoying some 

entertainment, you will benefit because your sales tax dollars stay local and help us all. These 

businesses not only provide excellent service but also contribute to our community. 

Auto Care: 

Redwood General Tire – 1630 Broadway – Whether you are looking for 

a new set of tires or need repair work on your vehicle, this Redwood City 

institution has been providing quality vehicle services since 1957. Many 

of their satisfied customers have been with them since their founding and 

continue to do business with them today. They proudly serve the third generation 

of many of their first Redwood City customers. They even have free Wi-Fi 

Internet so you can work while you wait for your vehicle to be serviced. 

Eating and Catering: 

Canyon Inn – 587 Canyon Road – “The Canyon Inn has had the same owner 

for over two decades and every year it just keeps getting better. They serve 

everything from hamburgers to pizza, all kinds of sandwiches and pastas, 

and they even have a South of the Border menu! There’s a Sunday all-youcan-eat 

menu and sports action on the big flat-screen TVs. Don’t forget to 

reserve their closed patio for your next party — it has heaters, fans and a bigscreen 

TV (no extra charge). Why cook when you don’t have to? They also do 

catering too for any special event!” 

Deseo Tequila Lounge and Restaurant – 851 Main St. – “We went there 

and it was fabulous! My friends were very impressed by their food menu, and 

I have to say the burger I had was tasty and quite possibly the best in town. 

They also have 21 big-screen televisions to view sporting events and more. 

This place has it all! I am so happy that Redwood City has such an upscale 

place for watching your favorite sports team, having a drink with friends or 

dancing the night away. Let’s all get out and support them!” Start booking 

your small or large special events now. 

Little India – 917 Main St. – “There are good restaurants. There are bad 

restaurants. There are OK restaurants. Then there are those places, the magic 

ones. You come back again and again because the food doesn’t just taste good 

and satisfy hunger, but helps heal the heart and soul.” Senior citizens receive 

$1 off and children under 12 dine at half price. www.littleindiacuisine.com. 

Financial Institutions: 

San Mateo Credit Union – Three Redwood City locations – As a memberdriven 

organization, SMCU does everything possible to ensure that all of 

your financial priorities are anticipated and fulfilled. Some of the more 

popular offerings include free personal auto shopping assistance, membersonly 

car sales, low-rate home loans and lines of credit. Contact them at 650- 

363-1725 or 888-363-1725, or visit a branch for additional information. Learn 

the advantages of membership banking. 

Home Improvement: 

Lewis Carpet Cleaners – 1-800-23-LEWIS – Founded in 1985, Lewis 

Carpet Cleaners has grown from one small, portable machine to a company 

of several employees and vans. The Lewis family works and lives in 

Redwood City and is committed to our community. When you’re choosing 

a reputable company, that should make you feel secure. Ask about their 

Spectrum special: Get 100 square feet of carpet cleaned for absolutely 

nothing. Call today and get your home looking great. 

Legal Services: 

Hannig Law Firm – 2991 El Camino Real – Hannig Law Firm LLP provides 

transactional and litigation expertise in a variety of areas. The professionals 

at HLF are committed to knowing and meeting their clients’ needs through 

long-term relationships and value-added services, and to supporting and 

participating in the communities where they live and work. 

Personal Improvement: 

Every Woman Health Club – 611 Jefferson Ave. – This women-only, bodypositive 

fitness center in downtown Redwood City offers a variety of classes, 

weight and cardio equipment, personal training, therapeutic massage and skin care. 

Flexible pricing, with several options available for members and nonmembers. Visit 

www.everywomanhealthclub.com or call 650-364-9194 to get started. 

Specialty Businesses: 

Bizzarro’s Auto Auction – 2581 Spring St. – Owner Frank Bizzarro’s 

unique business offers auto auctions, consignment vehicle sales, appraisal 

services and even ways to donate your vehicle to charity. If you are thinking 

of holding an event with a live auction to increase your fundraising efforts, 

Frank and his staff are also a one-stop auction team with spotters, clerks, 

sample catalogs, bid numbers, etc. Just give Frank a call at 650-363-8055 and 

get details on all of their services. 

Castle Insurance – 643 Bair Island Road, #104 – Castle Insurance is an 

independent insurance agency representing a carefully selected group of 

financially sound, reputable insurance companies. They provide a wide 

range of policies, from renters insurance to auto and more. Visit www. 

insurancebycastle.com or call 650-364-3664 for a free quote. 

Hector Flamenco Insurance (State Farm) – 151 Fifth Ave. – Hector has been 

in the insurance business and with State Farm for 20 years. He specializes 

in auto and business insurance. A local resident, he also provides servicio en 

español! Visit his website at www.hectorflamenco.com. 

Saf Keep Storage – 2480 Middlefield Road – At Saf Keep, you and your 

belongings are safe and secure. A friendly and reliable team is ready to assist 

you with a variety of storage products and services to suit all your storage 

needs. Visit www.safkeepstorage.com to see exactly what products and 

services are available. 

Schoenstein Physical Therapy – 363A Main St., 650-599-9482 – The 

clinical approach of this independent, community-based practice focuses 

on thorough physical therapy assessment, specific treatment strategies and 

patient education. Individualized treatment programs are designed to help 

meet patient goals of restoring function, returning to sport or occupation and 

maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

St. Regal Jewelers – 850 Main St. – Listen to what customers are saying about 

this fine downtown jewelry store: “This is a great jeweler! Phil, the owner, 

is amazing. He crafted a ring on time and on budget. He has an incredible 

eye for detail. I can’t say enough. I would never go anywhere else.” Phil has 

become an expert in repair service and welcomes your “fix-it” pieces. 

Terry Finn and Madonna’s Bail Bonds – 234 Marshall St., Upstairs #3, 

650-366-9111 – Finn and Madonna’s provide bail bonds to any court jurisdiction, 

jail or police agency in California and in many other states. Interested parties 

representing incarcerated subjects are encouraged to contact the licensed bail 

agent on duty at the above office for immediate bail bond assistance. 


News Briefs 

Tire Iron Attack Brings Five Years Prison 

A man accused of attacking another with a tire iron in Redwood City last 

year because the victim was upset he tried to have an affair with his wife was 

sentenced to five years in prison for attempted murder. 

Fortunato Lopez Martinez, 22, of East Palo Alto, pleaded no contest to the 

felony and admitted committing a serious offense in return for five years in 

prison. The negotiation plea settlement vacated the jury trial, and prosecutors 

also dropped other felony charges like assault with a deadly weapon. 

Martinez waived his right to a pre-sentencing report and was immediately 

handed the term along with credit for 304 days earned while in custody on 

no-bail status. He returns to court Nov. 9 for a restitution hearing. 

According to prosecutors, Martinez and the 38-year-old victim had worked 

together as landscapers months before the incident but had a falling out. On more 

than one occasion, Martinez allegedly called the man’s wife and asked her to 

have a relationship. The woman told her husband, who, after spotting Martinez 

on Poplar Street on a Sunday morning, confronted him and began a physical fight. 

After the victim gained the upper hand, Martinez allegedly told him he had 

“just dug his own grave” and retrieved a tire iron from an apartment building 

and struck the man several times in the head. The victim required 15 stitches. 

Martinez surrendered to police Dec. 30. 

Former Dispatcher Arrested Again 

The former San Carlos police dispatcher convicted of using friends’ stolen credit 

cards on a spending spree of spa treatments and room service is now accused 

of forging a judge’s signature on a restraining order against the father of her twins. 

The newest charges come while Carolyn Jean Crowley, 39, is on felony 

probation for the 2008 conviction of burglary and identity theft. 

This time, according to prosecutors, Crowley showed a Redwood City 

school an alleged restraining order bearing Judge Beth Freeman’s name to 

keep the children’s father from having contact. 

At the time of the signature, however, Freeman was in Hawaii on vacation. 

Crowley was arrested and appeared in court on felony charges of keeping 

children from a custodial parent and forgery. She is being held in lieu of $25,000 

bail on the new case and a no-bail hold for allegedly violating her probation. 

Before Crowley’s other crimes, she gave birth to twins in 2003. In 2005, their 

father learned of the children and obtained visitation. Crowley moved the 

kids to St. Pius School in Redwood City without telling him and gave both 

him and the school a copy of a restraining order, according to prosecutors. 

The father’s attorney contacted the District Attorney’s Office, which in 

turn determined the restraining order was a forgery and contained Freeman’s 

forged signature, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. 

The case is the latest for Crowley, who faced up to 58 months in prison 

for the credit card theft but instead received eight months in jail as part of a 

negotiated plea that dismissed other charges of theft and burglary. 

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Crowley called several friends 

for help after becoming addicted to drugs. The friends allowed Crowley to 

stay at their homes for a few days each. 

Prosecutors claim Crowley stole credit cards before leaving each friend’s 

home and used them for 20 unauthorized purchases, including stays at the 

Crowne Plaza Hotel in Foster City, prescription medicine, spa treatments, 

clothing and meals. 

Accused Stabber Charged 

A 57-year-old man arrested for allegedly stabbing another man near a Redwood 

City Starbucks was charged with assault. 

John Roberson, 57, of East Palo Alto, was arrested on suspicion of attempted 

murder but charged with assault with a deadly weapon and causing great bodily 

injury against a 51-year-old man. 

The two men reportedly exchanged words and the victim punched Roberson 

in the face before being stabbed once in the torso at Sequoia Station near the 

coffee shop. 


Teenager Indicted for Murder 

Prosecutors indicted a teenager extradited from Mexico on murder and knife 

charges, saying they were tired of not moving forward with a trial in the 2009 

death of a 15-year-old boy who threw rocks at his car. 

A criminal grand jury indicted Luis Adolfo Villa, 19, and he will appear in 

court for a Superior Court arraignment, said Chief Deputy District Attorney 

Steve Wagstaffe. 

Villa is expected to enter a plea and set a trial date. 

“We needed to make sure this case goes forward. It’s getting older and 

older because of his flight,” Wagstaffe said. 

The indictment sidesteps a preliminary hearing on the evidence 

prosecutors believe proves Villa is guilty of murdering Matthew Johnson. 

Unlike in that proceeding, the defense does not participate in the process. 

Villa was 17 at the time of the crime but charged as an adult. Another 

suspect, Luis Herrera, 21, was also arrested in the attack and last November 

was sentenced to time served for felony assault. 

Johnson and his alleged killer clashed at approximately 1:20 a.m. Jan. 3, 

2009, when authorities say the teen and three friends were throwing rocks at 

vehicles in the 100 block of Franklin Street in Redwood City. One reportedly 

hit a vehicle carrying Villa and Herrera. The suspects chased Johnson and 

his friends down the street and allegedly attacked them. Herrera punched 

Johnson while Villa stabbed him several times, according to prosecutors. 

Johnson was pronounced dead at a local hospital. 

Police arrested Herrera at his Hoover Street home four days later. Villa fled 

to Mexico where he remained until extradited in early July. 

If convicted, he faces 16 years to life in prison. He remains in custody without bail. 

Accused Rapist of Vitamin Seller Pleads Not Guilty 

A Redwood City man accused of sexually assaulting an acquaintance who came to his 

home to sell vitamins pleaded not guilty to several felonies including rape and assault. 

Ricardo Zaragoza Mendez, 61, did not waive his right to a speedy trial and 

was scheduled for jury trial Nov. 1 on charges including rape, forcible rape, 

assault to commit rape, assault and false imprisonment. 

Mendez is accused of attacking a 19-year-old woman he knew from an adult 

school months earlier. On May 28, the married woman went to Mendez’s 

home because he wanted to buy the Herbalife vitamins she sold. After discussing 

the items for sale, Mendez allegedly asked her to look at vitamins he already 

owned located in his bedroom. Once there, prosecutors say Mendez raped the 

woman until she was able to grab a flashlight and strike him several times in the head. 

The woman ran to a friend’s residence and contacted police. 

Mendez remains in custody in lieu of $200,000 bail. 

Not Guilty Plea in Courthouse Gun Case 

The man who prosecutors say brought a handgun into the Redwood City 

courthouse branch where he was headed to a hearing over child custody 

pleaded not guilty to felony firearm charges. 

James Douglas Knapp, 45, of Sacramento, is charged with one count of 

possessing a firearm in a public building and one count of possessing a 

loaded firearm in a public building. 

He pleaded not guilty and was ordered back to court for a Superior Court 

review conference followed by an preliminary hearing. 

Knapp was arrested July 12 after sending a backpack through the X-ray 

machine at the security checkpoint at 400 County Government Center in 

Redwood City. The center houses county offices, the Sheriff’s Office and 

courtroom. Knapp was going to family law court regarding a child custody 

issue, according to the District Attorney’s Office. 

Security guards at the checkpoint reportedly spotted a .45-caliber handgun 

in the backpack as it passed through the machine and detained Knapp. Knapp 

consented to a search of his car, and deputies reported finding another gun 

magazine in the glove compartment. 

Knapp reportedly told authorities he had not realized the gun was in his bag. 

He remains out of custody on a $50,000 bail bond. 

The last similar incident was in September 2007 when Frank Turney of 

Pacifica was arrested after trying to walk through the same courthouse metal 

detector with a loaded handgun. Turney was going to his son’s arraignment 

on assault charges.

Community Interest 

San Mateo Credit Union’s Seventh Annual Backpack Drive 

For the past seven years, the management and staff of San Mateo Credit 

Union (SMCU) have marked the back-to-school season by collecting 

backpacks and filling them with school supplies for local students. This year, 

employees and members brought in 73 backpacks for the seventh annual 

Backpack Drive. 

To enhance awareness of the drive, SMCU donated a backpack for every 

new youth account opened during the month of August. As a result of these 

combined efforts, 121 backpacks were given to school children at Fair Oaks 

Elementary, Hoover Elementary and Garfield Elementary — an amount that 

nearly doubles the number of backpacks donated during last year’s drive. 

“The enthusiasm for this annual event is always so heartening,” said 

Richard Villareal, SMCU’s financial education representative. “Employees 

from all six of our branches, as well as from the Administrative Office, 

jumped in to help, and their contributions enabled us to bring smiles to the 

faces of so many children.” 

The SMCU Backpack Drive reflects the credit union philosophy of 

“People Helping People.” Added Villareal, “Providing young members of 

the community with the tools they need to succeed in school benefits the 

community at large. Helping to give them a brighter future is a reward that 

we all share.” 

Community Invited to High-Speed Rail Information 

Meetings on Potential Station in Redwood City 

The California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has scheduled two 

community information meetings in Redwood City, one each in October and 

November. These meetings will focus on the potential for a high-speed rail 

station in Redwood City. The first meeting is Wednesday, Oct. 13, 7–9 p.m., 

at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave. The second 

meeting is Wednesday, Nov. 3, 7–9 p.m., at City Hall, 1017 Middlefield Road. 

These meetings comprise a two-part community engagement process 

concerning a possible high-speed rail station, and the community is 

encouraged to attend both meetings. 

During the first meeting (Oct. 13), CHSRA representatives will provide 

the community with an overview of considerations, features and potential 

impacts of a station option in Redwood City, and will provide ample 

opportunity for questions and answers. 

The second meeting (Nov. 3) will include a brief summary of the previous 

meeting, followed by break-out sessions to give participants an opportunity 

for more in-depth conversations around key issues related to the possibility of 

a high-speed rail station in Redwood City. Those key issues will include the 

scope of questions and concerns raised at the first meeting. 

The results of these meetings will provide Redwood City and the CHSRA 

with information and public input on the critical issues and concerns that the 

community may have about a station in Redwood City. The high-speed rail 

project’s environmental review process will analyze all three of the CHSRA’s 

mid-Peninsula station options (Palo Alto, Redwood City and Mountain 

View) even though only one station (or perhaps none) will be implemented. 

The meetings will also provide Redwood City with information about the 

community’s desires in regard to a possible station and whether the city 

should actively pursue locating a station here. 

The CHSRA identified Redwood City as a potential station site early in the 

program’s descriptions. Redwood City did not request that it be considered 

for a station; rather, the city’s central location on the Peninsula and its 

proximity to downtown and multimodal transit options made it a logical 

location for consideration of a station, according to the CHSRA. 

Without adequate information as yet, neither the community nor the City 

Council of Redwood City have discussed or expressed a preference for a 

station in Redwood City — this would be the first information provided to the 

community by the CHSRA on what a station might encompass in Redwood 

City. More information on the city’s perspective on the high-speed rail issues 

is on the city’s website at www.redwoodcity.org/HSR.html. 

County Counsel Announces Retirement From ‘Dream Job’ 

San Mateo County Counsel Michael Murphy announced his retirement to the 

Board of Supervisors, according to the county. He has held the role of county 

counsel since August 2007. 

Murphy has been with the County Counsel’s Office for nearly 29 years. He 

became one of the office’s two chief deputies in 1998 and became assistant 

county counsel in July 2006, Deputy County Manager Mary McMillan said in 

a statement. “I considered this a ‘dream job’ when I joined the office in 1982, 

and there has not been one day when I didn’t look forward to the challenges 

that awaited me when I walked in the door,” Murphy said in the statement. 

Murphy, who served as the principal land use attorney for the office for 

22 years, was appointed to his current position after the 2007 retirement of 

former County Counsel Tom Casey, the statement said. The county Board 

of Supervisors selects the county counsel. “Mike Murphy’s dedication 

as a public servant should be commended,” Richard Gordon, the board’s 

president, said. “His work has not only protected the county, but has also 

served the local community in numerous ways.” 

Murphy announced his retirement, which is effective in March 2011, to 

the board in a closed session in Redwood City, the statement said. Murphy 

graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1970 

and received his law degree in 1978 from the University of California at 

Berkeley’s Boalt Hall School of Law, the statement said. 

As county counsel, Murphy was responsible for legally representing 

San Mateo County, the county courts and the Grand Jury, according to 

McMillan’s statement. 

County counsel also serves as the attorney for all county departments and 

agencies and the county’s elected officials, which includes the sheriff and the 

district attorney, the statement said. 

Additionally, Murphy is responsible for representing 22 of the 24 school 

districts in the county — including the San Mateo County Community 

College District — as well as the county’s superintendent of schools and 

board of education, which are both elected by county voters. 

Many governmental agencies located within San Mateo County are also 

legally represented by the county counselor, the statement said. 

Advertise with The Spectrum 

Call Us Today 650.368.2434 



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Coming Soon…. 

to a Curb Near You! 

Recology San Mateo County 

and CartSMART 

Beginning August 30, 2010, all single family 

homes will receive three new wheeled carts 

- a new Garbage cart, a 64-gallon singlestream 

blue Recycle cart and a 96-gallon 

green Compost cart.* You can begin using 

your new CartSMART carts immediately on 

your current collection schedule. Recycling 

and yard trimmings (except for San Carlos) will 

continue to be collected every other week 

until January 3, 2011. Please, no food waste in 

the Compost cart until January, 2011. 

WEEKLY Service starting January 3, 2011 

Garbage Cart : Basically 

anything that doesn’t go 

in the Recycle or Compost 

Cart will go in this cart 

now instead of your old 

garbage can. 

Recycle Cart : No more 

sorting! With single-stream 

recycling, you can mix 

your newspaper, junk mail, 

cardboard and other paper 

products with your plastic, 

metal and glass containers. 

Compost Cart : Use your new green 

Compost Cart the same way as you 

have been using your current green 

Yard Trimmings* Cart by placing only 

materials that come from your yard. 

(No change for San Carlos residents. 

Continue to put food scraps in with your 

yard trimmings for weekly collection.) 

Got old containers? 

Please make sure to set out your old 

green yard trimmings cart on your 

FIRST COLLECTION DAY immediately 

following the delivery of your new carts. 

The old cart will be taken away. You can choose to 

keep your recycling tubs, but if you want them taken 

away, simply place them upside down next to your carts 

during a recycling collection week. You can also have 

your old garbage cans taken away. Simply affix one of 

the “Take Me” stickers that came with the information 

kit attached to your carts. You can have your old tubs 

and cans taken away through December 31, 2010. 

Questions? Call (650) 595-3900 or 

visit RecologySanMateoCounty.com 

or RethinkWaste.org. 

*Hillsborough residents will continue to use their existing green Yard 

Trimmings Carts, and only receive new Recycle and Garbage Carts. 

CartSMART_fullpageAD-3.indd 1 


9/27/2010 10:30:48 AM


Meet Our Community-Minded Realtors for Redwood City 

Michelle Glaubert 

at Coldwell Banker 

650-722-1193 – Michelle has been a 

full-time, top-producing Realtor since 

1978. With a proven track record, she 

has helped buyers achieve their dreams 

of home ownership and sellers make 

successful moves to their next properties. 

The majority of her business is garnered 

through referrals from her many satisfied 

clients. Living in Emerald Hills, she 

knows the area well and is involved in 

the community. Count on Michelle’s 

years of experience to guide you through 

your next real estate transaction. Visit 

her online at www.glaubert.com. 

Jim Massey 

at Keller Williams 

650-207-5120 – Jim has been 

active for over 30 years in business 

and leadership in Redwood City. 

With that involvement, he has 

become a Realtor familiar with our 

community, and his clients feel 

comfortable knowing he has that 

expertise and knowledge to guide 

them. Visit him online at 

www.jim-massey.com. 

Buying or selling? 

Turn to one of these experts! 


As I Was Saying…(Continued from p6) 

for vacancies occurring on or before Oct. 15 of the third year of the term, 

and by election or appointment for vacancies after Oct. 15, and to authorize, 

for vacancies in any county elected office, an all-mailed ballot election with 

commencement of the process to fill the vacancy on the date a resignation 

letter is filed. Would have liked the word “appointment” removed, but this 

sounds good to me. Any time voters have a larger voice than politicians do, it 

is a good idea. 

Measure N is a bond for the Belmont–Redwood Shores School District 

that needs 55 percent approval to pass. They say it is needed for elementary 

school repairs. Sounds good to me. 

Measure M is a vehicle registration fee for the County of San Mateo. 

They want us all to pay even more fees “to help maintain neighborhood 

streets, fix potholes, provide transportation options, improve traffic 

circulation, provide transit options including senior and disabled services, 

reduce congestion, reduce water pollution from oil and gas runoff, and 

provide safe routes to schools.” To accomplish this, the Congestion 

Management Agency for San Mateo County would levy a $10 registration 

fee, for 25 years, on vehicles registered in San Mateo County. 

Here is what I don’t get. There is severe unemployment in our county, 

small business owners and their employees are making less, there have been 

increases on everything, and now they want us to approve paying more — 

not fair and not a good idea at all! Notice how they throw schools into the 

description? This measure just needs a majority approval to pass and I hope 

we do not give it to them. Sorry, no way. Can’t do it! 

Next week I will have my predictions, and I am really getting good at this. 

Who or what do you think will capture voters’ attention and win? Get 

involved! 

As I was saying… 

.… 

Let your opinion be heard! 

P a u l S c h r a g e , C o n d u c t o r 

St. Peter’s 

Chamber Orchestra 

Il Signor Bruschino Overture, Rossini 

Piano Concerto no.3, Beethoven 

Symphony no.3, Beethoven 

Thomas Shoebotham, Guest Conductor 

Saturday, October 9, 2010 7:30pm 

spcorchestra.org 

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 

178 Clinton Street, Redwood City, CA 94062 

Advanced Ticket Prices 

spcorchestra.org/tickets.html 

General $25, Senior: $20, Student: $15 

At the door: $30 

Send your letters to letters@spectrummagazine.net or 

Opinions & Letters, The Spectrum Magazine, P.O. Box 

862, Redwood City, CA 94064 

Special thanks to the DMB, the Redwood City Civic Cultural Commission, 

Edward Jones, and DLA Piper for generously sponsoring this performance. 

Letters to the editor should be no longer than 300 words. 

Columns should be no longer than 750 words. Illegibly written 

and anonymous letters will not be accepted. Please include a 

daytime phone number where we can reach you. 

Never late for the Theatre 

when you eat at Little India. 

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Mon - Fri 11am - 2pm 

Regular $9.95 Vegetarian $7.95 

All You Can Eat Dinner 

Mon - Sat 5 - 9pm 

Regular $12.95 Vegetarian $10.95 

Little India 

Restaurant 

917 Main St., Redwood City 

650-361-8737 • www.littleindiacuisine.com 

10 % off 

with your Parking 

Valadation! 

• Catering 

• In-House Parties 

Available 

• Takeout 




No Jail Downtown, Please! 

Redwood City residents rally outside a public jail 

planning meeting in an effort to divert a plan to build 

another facility in the heart of downtown. 

Jail planning and Redwood City officials are 

strongly considering an alternative site for a new 

correctional facility, but dozens of residents 

adamantly against previous plans for a facility 

downtown were taking no chances. 

Bearing “no downtown jail” stickers and hoisting 

signs proclaiming “keep our downtown kid-friendly” 

and “we love our downtown,” the crowd gathered 

outside a public jail planning meeting to leave no 

doubt about their position. 

“We need to speak up now. If we don’t, after it’s 

built is too late,” said Samuel Gomez. 

Gomez, 36, lives less than three blocks from the 

proposed site on the current motor pool, near the 

existing Maguire Correctional Facility on Bradford 

Street. Gomez said he bears no ill will toward those in 

jail but, with three young daughters, doesn’t want 

to take any chances with their safety. Not only 

does Gomez prefer the newly proposed Chemical 

Way site on “the fringe” of Redwood City, he 

would like to see the city pull up roots on all 

correctional facilities and place them out there. 

But a new jail won’t replace Maguire. No matter 

where it is situated, the new building will replace 

the bloated Women’s Correctional Facility on 

Maple Street and alleviate overcrowding at Maguire. 

All bookings and releases will still happen at 

Maguire, and those awaiting court cases will still 

be housed there, according to Sheriff Greg Munks. 

Moving both to the new facility has not yet 

been considered because there is a cost associated 

with building the necessary space, said Lt. Debbie 

Bazan of the Sheriff’s Office jail planning unit. 

Several attendees, however, demanded the idea 

be looked at and Munks agreed to hold another 

meeting specifically to address that issue. 

A new jail would focus on more minimumsecurity 

inmates and providing much-needed 

space for rehabilitation and education programs. 

Inside the meeting at San Mateo Credit Union 

in Redwood City, Munks and members of the 

jail planning unit revisited the lengthy history of 

trying to get a new jail — a series of contentious 

exchanges with city leaders and residents, the 

narrowing of two dozen possible sites down to 

seven and eventually the motor pool preference, 

and now the idea that a jail does not have to be in 

such close proximity to Maguire. 

Chemical Way is on the east side of the freeway 

and approximately five acres, which would let the 

jail be built out rather than up. 

As proposed, the new jail would have 768 beds 

and require 145 employees. In downtown, a jail of 

that size would be five stories. On Chemical Way, 

it would be closer to three, Munks said. 

The jail itself is estimated to cost between $150 

million and $160 million, but buying the Chemical 

Way land would add to that price tag. Munks 

estimates needing $18 million more annually in 

operating costs although Rich Gordon, president 

of the Board of Supervisors, has previously 

suggested it be closer to $20 million because of 

needs like correctional health and food service. 

Sharing those needs, particularly food 

preparation, has often been cited as a reason to 

build on the motor pool site. Transportation to the 

courthouse at 400 County Government Center is 

another consideration. 

Although the price tag will be steep, the county 

“can’t afford not to do it,” Munks said. 

Although the Chemical Way site now seems 

to be preferred by many involved, nothing is 

yet solid. Munks hopes to come before the 

Board of Supervisors within October to present 

the alternative. Munks previously spoke to 

supervisors about the motor pool idea but the 

board refused to sign off on the proposal without 

receiving more information on the needs. 

When asked directly which site he preferred of 

the two, Munks said he preferred not to commit 

until the process plays out. That said, he is “very 

open” to the Chemical Way site if lingering questions 

about price and the environment are resolved. 

Regardless of the jail site selection, the county 

will have the same number of inmates, Munks 

said, emphasizing that the desire is not to expand 

the population but to free the county from the 

“overcrowding crisis” that could place it in danger 

of releasing prisoners or being sued. 

Several protesters outside the meeting said they 

didn’t dispute the need for a jail but simply do 

not want it downtown where it can destroy the 

area’s recent revitalization, endanger children and 

change the business atmosphere. 

“It’s not just the jail itself. It’s everything that 

comes along with it,” said Anneke Cole, ticking 

off possibilities like more bars, bailsmen and 

anger management programs. 

Redwood City Manager Peter Ingram said 

concern about that kind of land use is partially 

what drove the City Council’s previous concern 

about a downtown jail. The worry isn’t specific 

businesses, he said, but in establishing a balance. 

Downtown Redwood City already fosters an 

unsavory element because of the current jail, 

according to one resident who interrupted Munks’ 

description of the area as safe. She is accosted daily 

by people who say they are fresh out of jail, she said. 

Both Cole and Gomez cited homeless 

individuals as another problem and while they 

cannot be certain it is tied to the jail, they did not 

discount the possibility. 

Editor’s note: This article appeared in the Daily 

Journal newspaper. 

Senior Activities 

The Veterans Memorial Senior 

Center, 1455 Madison Ave., 

Redwood City, provides the 

following activities that are open 

to the public during the month of 

October. 

SamTrans Trip to Half Moon Bay 

Wednesday, Oct. 6 

$4. Sign up at 650-575-6940. 

The Impact of 

Oxidative Stress on Aging 

Thursday, Oct. 7 

Free lecture. 

Free Movie: “Killers” 

Friday, Oct. 8, 1:15 p.m. 


Italian Dinner and Mandolin Concert 

Friday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m. 

$20. Sign up at 650-780-7259. 

Free Movie: “Letters to Juliet” 


Free Movie: “The Karate Kid” 


VMSC Halloween Luncheon 

Thursday, Oct. 28, 12 p.m. 

$8. Sign up at 650-780-7259. 

Free Movie: “Robin Hood” 


To learn more about the Veterans 

Memorial Senior Center, call 650-780- 

7270. Redwood City Parks, Recreation 

and Community Services Department 

provides recreational facilities and 

activities for all ages and interests, and 

supplies building and custodial services 

for city buildings. Redwood City Parks 

also operates the Veterans Memorial 

Senior Center and the Fair Oaks 

Community Center, providing social, 

educational and cultural activities, as well 

as information, referral and counseling 

services to persons living in Redwood 

City and neighboring communities. 

Redwood City Parks is more than you 

think! Its website is www.redwoodcity. 

org/parks.

Insurance Tips: Home-Based Business Owners, You Need Insurance Coverage 

By Russ Castle, Special to The Spectrum 

When you start a home-based 

business, buying insurance may 

not be your first priority, but you 

cannot afford to ignore it either. 

When the unexpected happens 

— and it will — having insurance 

coverage may mean the difference 

between the success and failure of 

your home-based business. 

You may not require all types of insurance 

listed here, but taking some time now to consider 

your insurance needs can save you money and 

headaches in the future. Ultimately, after reading 

this article, the best way to determine your 

complete needs is to consult with your insurance 

agent. Explain the details of your home-based 

business and he or she should be able to determine 

the best insurance coverage for you (and any 

employees). 

Health insurance should be the first consideration 

for yourself and any employees you may have. If 

you have just left your current job to start your own 

business, you may be eligible for COBRA, which 

will provide temporary interim coverage. This will 

keep you covered while you search for the best 

health insurance policy. 

Disability insurance will guarantee that you 

have some income should you suddenly become 

unable to work because of injury or illness. 

Having this extra peace of mind is almost always 

well worth the extra money you pay. 

Life insurance will help ensure that your 

family has the money it needs should you meet 

an untimely death. Some lenders require that you 

have life insurance before they’ll issue a loan; this 

guarantees that the loan will be repaid if you meet 

with an untimely end. 

Business property insurance helps protect you 

against loss of inventory or equipment. If your 

business equipment or inventory is damaged in a 

flood, fire or other disaster, this type of insurance 

will allow you to recoup your losses. 

Comprehensive general liability insurance 

is necessary for your home-based business if 

you plan on having clients or customers visit 

your home. Whether you plan to hold meetings, 

allow customers to pick up merchandise or have 

members of the public enter your home for any 

other reason, this insurance will protect you if 

someone is injured while on your property. This 

insurance will typically pay for your legal defense 

should you face a lawsuit as the result of a fall or 

other damage that occurs on your property. 

Business interruption insurance will help your 

business recover from natural disasters. It will 

cover you for income lost during the disaster 

and will pay for operating expenses that continue to 

accrue even when your business isn’t up and running. 

Workers’ compensation insurance is an absolute 

necessity if you plan on having employees working 

out of your home. Without workers’ comp, you’ll be 

responsible for any medical expenses arising from 

injuries employees sustain while working for you. 

Many home-based business owners mistakenly 

believe that this type of insurance is only required 

by businesses that have a retail or separate 

location, but that’s not the case. Another mistake 

is assuming that only “dangerous” employers 

(such as construction or movers) need this type of 

insurance. But what if your employee slips on the 

stairs or their chair breaks? While those are both 

unlikely, they are possible and the less risky your 

business, the cheaper the insurance will be. 

These insurance plans can help ensure that you 

are prepared to face any eventuality that might 

occur while you are running your own business. 

Disasters, accidents and crises can strike at any 

time. By preparing now, you may be saving you 

and your company significant financial loss, 

wasted time and difficulty. 

Editor’s note: This article was written by Russ Castle 

of Castle Insurance Agency, a licensed and experienced 

insurance resource center fully prepared to help you navigate 

through the process of changing or gaining a policy. If you 

need insurance help, call him at 650-364-3664. 

The Spectrum Mag AD 4/2/08 4:23 PM Page 1 

Thank You 

for Supporting the 

Uccelli Family 

Through the Years 

We urge you to contribute 

and support our local 

non-profits who do 

outstanding work in 

our community. 

Peter and Paula Uccelli Foundation 

650-366-0922 


A Minute With: Mark Moulton 

Mark Moulton was born in San Francisco. He is a graduate of Gunn High School in Palo Alto and attended 

Harvard University for 1½ years before transferring and graduating from Stanford University with a bachelor’s 

degree in studio art. 

After graduation, he lived in Palo Alto for 10 years and moved to Redwood City in 1987. He currently lives in 

the Emerald Hills neighborhood with his wife, Lisa. Mark has extensive experience working with small teams 

to create new businesses, is a consultant, serves as the board president of the Housing Leadership Council 

of San Mateo County and is the founding executive director of Living City Partners, a nonprofit housing 

developer. 

Mark has also been involved with the Riekes Center, the Nature Connection Mentoring Foundation and 

United Campus Christian Ministries as an organizational and fund development consultant. He is active in the 

Redwood City–San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, the Fund for Peace Initiatives, Concentric Media 

and Sustainable San Mateo County. 

He has had two books published: “Interstices,” a book of poetry dedicated to his wife, and a book of his 

paintings and drawings. His hobbies include walking in the hills, reading and playing tennis with his niece. 

How is the affordable housing situation in 

Redwood City? 

Big opportunities. 

How can it change? 

By really coming together as a community and 

following the leadership of the City Council. 

Working in downtown Redwood City is? 

A pleasure. 

Whom do you most admire? 

Jack Greenalch, former mayor of Redwood City. 

What talent would you most like to have? 

Singing. 

Something few know about you? 

Family has been in California since 1890. 

What phrase do you most overuse? 

Lemme see. 

Favorite song? 

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, the “Ode to Joy.” 

Favorite movie? 

“Star Wars” — the entire trilogy. 

What is your motto? 

Do your best. 

Anyone you got on your mind? 

Always my wife. 

Memorable moment? 

Dedication of the last of the Rolison Road houses 

in December 2003. 

First word that comes to mind? 

Bird. 

You still can’t believe? 

That I am 61 years old. 

You currently feel? 

Fabulous. 

You are inspired by? 

People and possibilities. 

What or who is the love of your life? 

My wife. 

When you die, you want to come back as? 

A gray fox — fast and fascinating. 

If you’re happy and you know it? 

Show it!

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