Barry Jolette - The Spectrum Magazine - Redwood City's Monthly ...

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As I Was Saying…(Continued from p6) up. Foreclosures are up. Requests for emergency food and housing assistance are up. Many families in our community have lost the security of knowing they can pay their bills, put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads. Yet these are not hopeless times.” Who could not agree with that? “Our local economy is slowly showing signs of a turnaround. And the spirit of helping others is strong. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’” Sounds logical to me. He then goes on to inform us that “As an organization, San Mateo County this year partnered with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation to fund $1 million in grants to community organizations that provide food, shelter, health care and other needs. Our county has sponsored resource fairs to help members of our community prepare to re-enter the job market and find social services. Just this past month the county helped more than 3,000 families with one-time emergency assistance funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.” In other words he is telling us that we, the taxpayers, funded all these wonderful programs and events, not San Mateo County or its employees, as an organization, as the letter would lead us to believe. “I’m proud of the work our county government does. I’m also proud of our collaborative network of nonprofit partners that provide so many vital services that strengthen our communities.” … “By working together, I am confident we can provide the resources necessary to support our families and neighbors through these challenging times.” Now, get this, he then encouraged all of us “During this holiday season, [to] please consider volunteering at a charity, donating to a cause and creating opportunities for others.” Is he serious? I have never read anything so self-serving and misleading. Who does he think he is, trying to encourage us to get involved? Us, the taxpayers who gave the county the money so he can brag about how much they do for us? If I could suggest a different tactic for future letters, it would read something like this: On behalf of the taxpayers of San Mateo County, we (your elected, appointed and hired staff) are proud to inform you that we have put your hardearned money to good use to benefit others, blah, blah, blah, blah. I would also suggest he inform us of what personal donations he has made and what he has done to volunteer and give back to the taxpayers of San Mateo County. Oh, and maybe guarantee us that the county will not try to bring any new business or sales or taxes until we know we can all pay our bills, put food on the table and keep a roof over our heads. Oh, he also wished “you and your family the best this holiday season.” Same to you, David. .… According to officials at the Peninsula Celebration Association (PCA), they do not have the $50,000 needed to put on the annual Fourth of July fireworks display this year. The PCA also organizes the parade (as it has for 41 years) and festival. According to PCA spokesman Bob Slusser, “The PCA knew as early as 2007 that the weakening economy might put the brakes on the fireworks. The group continued through 2008 and 2009 by using reserves and other savings, but after last season informed the Redwood City Council that there might not be another show. “This is a very difficult decision for us. We scraped the money together last year but told the council we couldn’t keep doing this,” Slusser told a local newspaper. In case you didn’t know, the PCA is a very productive and valuable asset to our community. They have consistently provided a great Independence Day celebration for us year after year. But the group has gone and is still going through some organizational challenges. Many groups go though similar difficulties when longtime members do not relinquish or alter their responsibilities and welcome new members to take over. They unintentionally become exclusive instead of inclusive. But the biggest challenge the PCA has to overcome is the impression that they have been very uncooperative in listening to requests from community members and business owners to move the parade and festival back to the downtown area where it was held for some 30-plus years. After the location had been moved during downtown construction, it was never moved back, and local merchants have complained of lost revenues due to the lack of foot traffic from having the event by the county parking structure and buildings. Ultimately, the PCA is going to have to reach out to those dissatisfied to help raise funds because they can’t look for the City Council to bail them out and pay for the fireworks. Those funds are dwindling, and once the council sets a precedent of helping out one nonprofit group like PCA, they will have every other similar group in our community asking them to do the same for their financially strapped events. I suggest they move the parade and festival back downtown, and let’s all get started on a community fundraising drive to continue the fireworks show. Let’s turn this into a positive for our community and unite. How about it, PCA? Here we go again. The Redwood City community is invited to comment on the new downtown precise plan. Officials say that you and I can help shape our downtown’s future land use, urban design and development — to create a unique and vibrant downtown for today and the future. What do we have to do? Well, first we can hear an update on the downtown precise plan Monday, March 22, at 7 p.m. at the City Council meeting. Then, if you want to comment on what environmental issues should be evaluated in the plan’s environmental impact report, we can go on Tuesday, March 30, at 7 p.m. to the Planning Commission meeting. Both meetings of course are at City Hall at 1017 Middlefield Road. This really is an exciting process and hopefully a large portion of our community will come out and share ideas and thoughts. Remember, you can always watch at home on cable channel 27. For more information, call 650- 780-7234 or visit redwoodcity.org/preciseplan. I like channel surfing, but I might just have to attend these meetings. How often can you say you were actually a part of the future planning of what our downtown will be? What about you? As I was saying… .… .… Care to comment on Penna’s comments? Send your letters to: letters@spectrummagazine. net or Opinions & Letters, The Spectrum Magazine, P.O. Box 862, Redwood City, CA 94064 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. www.SpectrumMagazine.net
Insurance Tips: Checking With Your HR Department By Russ Castle, Special to The Spectrum The human resources department at your company is probably pretty efficient, but no matter how wellorganized it is, certain questions are always worth asking yourself at the beginning of the year. For example, when was the last time your HR department took steps to review your company policies and bring them up to date with the everchanging employment laws? Company policies are important enough that they are typically covered in detail during the hiring process. However, employees often forget or become lax with company policies over time. Here are a few ideas that will help you and your HR department to reinforce those policies effectively with your staff: Lead by example. If you are bending the rule of a 30-minute lunch break or using vulgar language with other employees, it is likely that other employees are not going to take company policies very seriously. Set a good example and follow the rules! Use meetings as a reminder. You are likely to have most of your staff together for company meetings, or at least portions of the staff at different meetings, so use this time to reinforce policies that you see being abused or overlooked during the course of the work day. Discuss before hiring. New employees should always be adequately informed of company policies and procedures upon hiring. Before ending your final interview, be sure to go over the most essential company policies, so a new employee knows them before the first day of work. If you have a company handbook, make sure that everyone has an updated and current edition. Keep current. Check with your attorney to ensure that your company policy is up to date. Have a conversation with your insurance agent or broker. Make sure you have the proper insurance coverage in case a legal action is brought against you and your company. Prudent business owners seek to have as much knowledge as possible to promote and protect their companies. Ignoring or avoiding this discussion can be disastrous to your company. Employment-related lawsuits are on the rise, and the cost to defend claims can easily reach $100,000 and more. Be sure you are consistent with how you handle each employee who does not follow the regulations of the company. This is essential to ensure that you do not experience any unnecessary backlash with regard to the policies. Editor’s note: This article was written by Russ Castle of Castle Insurance Agency. If you have any questions regarding your business protection, call him at 650-364-3664. Senior Activities The Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City, is providing the following activities that are open to the public during the month of March. Friday Movies for Everyone Every Friday, 1:15 p.m. (unless otherwise announced) Come to the VMSC in March for a free featured movie in our state-of-the-art movie theater! March 5: “Whip It” March 12: “My One and Only” March 19: “The Informant” March 26: “Old Dogs” Healthy Aging Lecture Thursday, March 11, 1–2 p.m. Dr. Eric Shapira, a clinical gerontologist and educator, will speak about healthy aging. He will cover ways to stay healthy and independent, enjoy life and overcome challenges associated with aging. St. Patrick’s Lucky Irish Luncheon Wednesday, March 17, 12–1:15 p.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a corned beef and cabbage lunch and a 50/50-opportunity drawing to complete this lucky luncheon. Please call 650- 780-7259 to reserve your tickets. Cost: $8. AARP Driver’s Safety Course Saturdays, March 13 and March 20, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. This course is designed especially for drivers age 50 and over. Taking this course may help you receive a discount from your auto insurance. You can sign up at the VMSC front desk or by calling 650-780-7270 and pressing #2. Leave your name and number, and a staff or volunteer will call you back to confirm your spot. Space is limited, so sign up early! Cost is $12 for AARP members, $14 for nonmembers. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Thursday, March 25, 1–2 p.m. Join Julie Forbes, Ph.D., of Kaiser Permanente and experience for yourself how stretching and other relaxation techniques can help you manage symptoms of stress-related conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety and depression. AARP Tax Preparation Wednesday, Feb. 3, through Wednesday, April 14 Appointment required Service is provided for the preparation and electronic filing of both federal and state personal income tax returns within the scope of the AARP Tax-Aide program. The service is free and you will receive one-on-one attention from AARP volunteers who are trained and certified annually in cooperation with the IRS. Call our AARP appointment hotline at 650-489-6023 to schedule your appointment. SAVE THE DATE West Bay Community Band Spring Concert Saturday, April 24, 7:30–9:30 p.m. Enjoy the sounds of spring, compliments of the West Bay Community Band! Doors will open at 7 p.m. with a no-host wine/soda bar, and the concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10 at the door. No reservations or tickets required; pay at door. 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 Web site is www. redwoodcity.org/parks. The Spectrum 33
Page 1 and 2: A Little Nerdy Ontiveros Named YOUT
Page 3 and 4: The Spectrum.MAR.2010 Steve Penna O
Page 5 and 6: RCSD Corner: News From the Redwood
Page 7 and 8: Get the red carpet treatment Everyt
Page 9 and 10: Celebration Begins As Courthouse Hi
Page 11 and 12: Cultural Events ‘Curtains’ Wood
Page 13 and 14: P.S. The People Speak: Letters to t
Page 15 and 16: Donate Your Vehicle 650-363-2423 Pr
Page 17 and 18: Parties Around Town Chamber of Comm
Page 19 and 20: “San Mateo Credit Union has for m
Page 21 and 22: Community Interest Foust Named to H
Page 23 and 24: Feel Warm During Winter - Shop Redw
Page 25 and 26: News Briefs (Continued) child and g
Page 27 and 28: The Spectrum 27
Page 29 and 30: Vicky Costantini Presents. . . 522
Page 31: Fundraiser to Keep ‘Danny G’ Da
Page 36: Refreshed... Renewed... Rejuvenated

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