CChhhuuuccckkk SSmmmiiittthh - The Spectrum Magazine ...

“There is no in-between” 

Chuck Smith 

Ethics and values with 

a w h o l e e f f o r t 

A Redwood City youth 

triumphs over tragedy 

You never know 

who will become 

your best “FINN” 

Politics and reality 

in “As I Was Saying . . .”

The Spectrum . Redwood City's Monthly Magazine 

Redwood City's Monthly Magazine 

April 2006 

Vol 2, No. 7 

Steve Penna 

Owner and Publisher 

penna@spectrummagazine.net 

Anne Callery 

Copy Editor 

Judy Buchan 

Contributing Writer 

writers@spectrummagazine.net 

Robby Schumacher 



Valerie Harris 



Katherine Ehat, Nick Markwith 

Student Writers 


Dale McKee, Damaris Divito 

Graphic Artists 

Clayton Shyne Ramos 

Sales Associate 

ads@spectrummagazine.net 

DJ Design 

Advertising Graphic Art 

James R. Kaspar 

Cover/Cover Story Photography 

Welcome to the April issue of The Spectrum 

Magazine. This month we have an exciting array of 

stories and profiles we hope you will enjoy reading. 

Our cover story is on former prosecutor and now defense 

attorney Chuck Smith. He was very candid in his interview 

with Robby Schumacher, and reading about his dedication to 

his profession is inspiring. 

Check out Publisher Steve Penna’s column, “As I Was Saying 

…,” for some interesting tidbits on upcoming elections and a 

surprise wedding involving two popular council members. 

Our business profile this month is on Mexquite Restaurant 

and Cantina. Formerly OK Maguey, the upscale eatery has 

gone through some impressive remodeling and is drawing a 

large lunch and dinner crowd. The owners are excited about 

the changes and they are proving to be a great addition to the 

new downtown Redwood City. 

Our youth writer from Woodside High School introduces our 

readers to another outstanding student who is making a difference 

in our community. The Spectrum’s youth writer from 

last year returned home for spring break and adds some 

insight to coming home. 

We also have stories on one girl’s “hair” sacrifice for others, a 

look back at the 1906 earthquake and how Redwood City 

was affected, and a profile on a business leader in our community. 

We would like to thank our loyal advertisers for supporting 

community news, and we encourage you to support them by 

using their services when you can. They provide excellent 

services, and many are helping our community by volunteering 

and supporting our nonprofit groups. 

We also encourage our readers to support community news 

by filling out The Spectrum’s subscription form on page 36. 

That way you will not miss an issue of The Spectrum and it 

will be mailed to your home each month. 

As The Spectrum continues to grow, we encourage you to 

contact us about stories or events you think our readers will 

enjoy hearing about. Until next month, Redwood City, enjoy 

our community! 

Table of 

Contents 

INSIDE THE SPECTRUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 

TERRY FINN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 

CULTURAL EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

DOWNTOWN REDWOOD CITY . . . . . . . . . . .27 

LOCAL INTEREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 

“AS I WAS SAYING ...” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 

FINANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 

EARTHQUAKE MEMORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 

COVER STORY: CHUCK SMITH . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 

NONPROFITS IN ACTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 

STEP INTO OLD MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

THE 

Spectrum 

P.O. Box 862, Redwood City, CA 94064 

Advertising and subscriptions: 

(650) 368-2434 

E-mail: spectrumtext@yahoo.com 

Published the third week of each month. 

Periodical rates paid at Redwood City, 

California. 

Subscription rate: $30 per year in 

Redwood City, San Carlos and Menlo Park 

($60 all other cities); $24 for seniors (any 

city). Not responsible for the return of 

unsolicited material. 

3


On the day of the shoot, Smith had just completed the defense’s closing argument 

in San Carlos Mayor Mike King’s “fire” fraud trial. Moments after the case was 

presented to the jury, he sat down with The Spectrum’s Robby Schumacher for the 

cover interview. 

Shortly after, Penna and Cover Story Photographer James Kaspar joined the two. 

Kaspar began snapping pictures the moment he walked in and captured Smith in 

his “protected” environment. His office is scattered with the impression of a busy 

man and decorated with photographic memories of his family, career and achievements. 

Inside The Spectrum: 

Our cover photo shoot 

Photographer James Kaspar with cover subject Chuck Smith 

There are very good legal prosecutors and there are very good defense attorneys. 

Very seldom does one have the opportunity to meet a person who 

possesses both qualities. This month’s cover subject, Charles (Chuck) 

Smith, is such a person. 

The Spectrum’s publisher, Steve Penna, called Smith and scheduled the photo 

shoot for Thursday, April 13, at 2 p.m. at his law office on Marshall Street. 

After weeks of endless rain, it was a bright, sunny day, so after the interview was 

completed all four walked over to the public parking lot on Marshall Street. Penna 

had scoped the area for a unique spot to capture Smith, and all were pleased with 

the selection. 

To represent both sides of Smith’s career, the group then walked a few blocks to 

the County Center and then to the Maguire Facility. While doing so, Smith was 

greeted and recognized by many and stopped to talk with each one. 

During the entire hour-and-a-half shoot, the group felt tense while waiting for the 

anticipated call that the jury had come to a decision. As everyone walked back to 

Smith’s office and got to the front door, his phone rang. He said a quick goodbye 

to all and let them know it was not the “jury” call. It apparently was just another 

troubled person needing to speak with him. 

Smith believes that everyone deserves proper legal representation. He has worked 

equally hard to prosecute those he now defends. We honor him for his service to 

our community and hope our readers will get a glimpse into the life of a truly 

exceptional human being. 

Long Term Care Insurance Agent 

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Financial Services Professional 

CA. Ins. Lic. #0752732 

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Tel: 650.513.5615 Fax: 650.513.3247 

gmorantes@ft.newyorklife.com 

1300 South El Camino Real, Suite 400, San Mateo, CA 94402 

I support the Redwood City San Mateo County Chamber 

4


TERRY COULD BE YOUR BEST “FINN” EVER 

bail will 

be posted 

“OK, 

and you 

will be out of jail today. 

Jay [not his real name], 

your friend, will be 

down there to pick you 

up in the lobby of the 

jail. Have you been nice 

to the deputies? Then 

you should have no 

problem after the [bail] 

bond is posted. And 

stay away from your 

wife. She has a restraining 

order and you’ll just 

end up back in jail, 

with an even higher 

bond next time. That 

means no phone calls, 

no drive-bys, nothing. 

Just stay away from 

her.” 

That was one of several 

phone calls that transpired 

during an interview 

with Terry Finn, 

owner of Madonna’s 

Bail Bonds, in a secondfloor 

office at Winslow 

and Marshall, across 

the street from the 

county jail, known as 

the Maguire Correctional Facility. If for some reason 

you end up in jail, a person like Finn is the 

By Valerie Harris 


guy to give you your “get 

out of jail” card, known 

as a bail bond. 

The concept of bail actually 

started in medieval 

England. A defendant 

would be released for a 

bail set by the local sheriff. 

Abuses, corruption 

and graft in the bail system 

by sheriffs eventually 

led English legislators 

to adopt the Statute of 

Westminster in 1275, 

which tied certain 

offenses to a respective 

bail amount, taking bail 

FINN WITH HIS CHOPPER 

away from the discretion of 

the sheriffs. In the early 1600s, King Charles I abused his lofty power and jailed 

noblemen who refused to lend him money. King Charles refused bail, so 

Parliament countered the king’s action with the Petition of Right of 1628, guaranteeing 

that no man could be imprisoned without due process of law. Kings and 

sheriffs overrode the new constraints by lengthy procedural delays. In turn, 

Parliament passed the Habeas Corpus Act of 1677, which provided that a defendant 

be informed if the alleged offense was bailable. Nothing capped the bail, so 

the sheriffs and the kings simply made the bails excessive. This abuse was countered 

by Parliament through the English Bill of Rights of 1689, which outlawed 

excessive bail. Colonial America based its laws on English laws. After the Colonies 

declared independence in 1776, the new legislators adopted Virginian constitutional 

law with respect to the judicial system. James Madison drafted the Bill of 

TERRY FINN WITH THE MADONNA’S BAIL BONDS VAN 

Rights based on the Virginia Bill of Rights. When the federal, constitutional Bill 

of Rights was ratified in 1791, the Eighth Amendment guaranteed every American 

the right to bail. 

Today, bail is a contractual 

agreement 

between a bail agent, a 

surety (or insurance 

company) and an 

indemnitor (usually a 

relative or close friend) 

who will put up some 

form of collateral, such 

as a house or car, to 

insure that the defendant 

makes every single 

court appearance. 

The bail agent garners 

a 10 percent fee for 

arranging the bond. If 

the defendant misses a 

court appearance or 

leaves town to avoid 

prosecution, the bail 

agent is entitled to 

foreclose on the collateral 

property to collect 

the entire bail amount. 

Finn serendipitously 

found himself in the 

business by way of a 

series of business contacts 

over the years. He 

was born and raised in 

Canada, though he 

won’t say where. Bail 

agents embrace their privacy. He did work in law 

enforcement as a police officer and as a fire-fighting 

bush pilot. He is 

licensed to fly fixedwing 

and rotor-wing 

aircraft. Finn immigrated 

to the United 

States to attend San 

Jose State University 

in 1978. His summers 

were spent flying helicopters 

to help fight 

fires in Canada. After 

graduating with a 

Bachelor of Science in 

criminal justice, he followed 

up by attending 

Golden Gate Law School, but the demands of attending law school by night and 

working during the day proved too much. His day job was law clerking at a firm 

that dealt with insurance claims for aircraft companies. He said, “It was a lot of 

reading, great reading, mind you, but a lot of reading. If I had to do it over, I’d 

spend the time and do it.” 

Finn decided to open his own investigation agency called Incognito Services in 

1980, specializing in surveillance services and workers’ compensation fraud investigations. 

He stated, “I worked for the law firm for several years, and then I went and joined 

a group of investigators that did aviation insurance defense. Then I got together 

with a bunch of investigators that did automotive product liability and insurance 

defense. We had a very successful business for a good number of years. A friend of 

mine down in the valley and I had gone to an investigators conference in Phoenix, 

(continued on page 6) 

5


(continued from page 5) 

and we were sitting outside in the back of the hotel. He said, ‘Hey Terry, I just got 

into the bail bonds business; it’s great. I want to open an office in the Bay Area 

somewhere, and I’d like you to run it for me.’ I said, ‘I don’t know anything about 

bail.’ That was back in 1991, and all you had to do was take a test. There was no 

training, no classes to prepare for the test. It was a hit or miss. I took the test and 

I passed it.” 

The business was hit or miss, the partnership waned, and Finn was busy working 

in investigations for the insurance industry. After the partnership dissolved, Finn 

found himself in the bail bonds business. It’s been that way ever since. 

Outside of work, he enjoys an eclectic array of hobbies. He tackles every activity 

to the fullest. He is not only a card-carrying member of the National Rifle 

Association, but he is also an NRA-approved range safety officer educating people 

in gun safety. Finn immersed himself into amateur, or ham, radio (call letters 

AART), and he is currently the president of the Palo Alto Amateur Radio 

Association (PAARA), plus he teaches classes in ham licensing at the College of 

San Mateo. 

Finn also showcases his leadership talents by holding the office of president of 

almost every professional organization to which he belongs, both regional and 

state offices. As the current president of the San Mateo Bail Agents, he organized 

the purchase of a Las Vegas-style currency-counting machine for the San Mateo 

County Sheriff’s Office. He said, “The machine counts the money almost instantly 

and can tell the difference between tens and twenties. It makes the shift change 

at the jail so much faster since there is no more human counting of money. The 

machine cost about $4,000.” 

In 1999, Finn engineered the acquisition and donation of a computerized polygraph 

machine for the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. No longer does the 

polygraph administrator have to read spiking motions of a pen on graph paper; a 

computer monitors and preserves the entire test. This new machine is the standard 

used by the FBI, the Department of Defense, and federal polygraphers. 

Given that Finn is a leader, a teacher, a pilot and a ham, in the event you ever find 

yourself on the wrong side of a set of jail bars, he could prove to be one of the best 

friends you will ever meet. 

6


REDWOOD CITY STUDENT TRIUMPHS 

University of San Francisco. 

OVER ADVERSITY 

Elizabeth Quintero has endured 

tragedies in her home life of the scale 

that headlines on the evening news. 

Still, she has excelled in school, assisted 

others and helped to pull her family together. 

There is no doubt that her resilience and 

positive attitude played a role in her being 

selected as the Boys & Girls Clubs of the 

Peninsula’s Youth of the Year. Elizabeth has 

now advanced. At a recent, standing-roomonly 

ceremony in Sacramento, she was 

named the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 

Youth of the Year for the state of California. 

This honor came on the same day that she 

learned she had been accepted to the 

The Youth of the Year program is an annual competition hosted by the Boys & 

Girls Clubs of America, the national affiliate of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the 

Peninsula, which has sites in Redwood City, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park. The 

program, which has been sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Foundation for 58 

years, recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community 

and Boys & Girls Club; academic excellence; and personal challenges and 

obstacles overcome. 

Elizabeth and her family live in Redwood City in a neighborhood often referred to 

as low-income. Five years ago, Elizabeth was devastated when she learned that her 

father had been stricken with a life-threatening and debilitating disease. “I was 

constantly afraid that he would die,” she said. Thankfully he has survived, though 

he is still disabled and often in pain. Still, Elizabeth is happy and grateful. 

Four years ago Elizabeth’s home was burglarized, which made her feel violated and 

unsafe. A year later her home burned to the ground. Elizabeth and her family lost 

everything. With the assistance of the Red Cross, they moved into a hotel for two 

weeks while they set about rebuilding their lives. Elizabeth again helped her family 

adapt to this difficult situation with her seemingly undying humor and gratitude. 

Even through these challenges, Elizabeth has grown from a child who suffered 

from extreme social anxiety — which she refers to as shyness — to a young woman 

who is a leader among her peers and an eager spokesperson. She gives much credit 

to the Boys & Girls Clubs for who she is today. “Before I started coming to the 

Clubs, I was shy and scared. I avoided making eye contact and couldn’t bring 

myself to talk to new people even if they tried to talk to me. I was closed down. 

All I would do was go to school and then go home and watch TV alone. Then a 

friend invited me to the Boys & Girls Club. I was scared, but I committed to going 

every day. Before I knew it, I made many friends and built up the confidence to 

walk into a room and meet people.” 

It was at that time that Elizabeth started to excel in school. She also started getting 

involved in community service. She joined the Keystone Club, a leadership 

and character-building initiative offered through the Boys & Girls Club. Through 

Keystone she attended workshops on effective leadership skills, networking and 

public speaking; she volunteered helping younger youth in the club’s academic 

program; and she even went to the Keystone group’s national conference in Seattle 

and presented to other youth. “I am grateful for who the club has helped me to 

become. If I can do it, anyone can. The club is a positive place — for everybody.” 

Elizabeth will now advance to the regional Youth of the Year competition. If successful 

there, she and four other regional winners will then travel to Washington, 

D.C., to compete for the title of the youth organization’s National Youth of the 

Year. The National Youth of the Year receives an additional $15,000 college scholarship 

and will be installed by President George W. Bush during a ceremony in the 

Oval Office. 

As the founding sponsor of the Youth of the Year program, the Reader’s Digest 

Foundation has given nearly $8 million to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and 58 

teens have been selected as National Youth of the Year. 

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula is a place where young people are welcome 

every day after school as well as during the summer hours to participate in 

a broad range of programs that inspire and enable them to achieve their full potential. 

Founded in 1958, it is now the largest youth development organization on the 

San Francisco Peninsula. Through clubhouses in the most challenged neighborhoods 

of East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Redwood City, where half of the students 

drop out of high school, over 2,300 youth find the safety, emotional support and 

guidance all young people need. At each clubhouse a cadre of professional staff and 

volunteers teaches valuable skills in a broad range of program areas including academics, 

science and technology, social education, athletics, smart moves, and visual 

and performing arts. Many of these programs are offered in partnership with 

local schools and other community organizations. For more information visit 

www.bgcp.org. 

WILDCAT TRACK SEASON IS GOING 

TO BE QUIETER NEXT YEAR 

By Nick Markwith 

Student Writer 

It’s a normal Thursday track meet, nothing special. The last race of the meet, 

the mile relay, is just about to begin. In realization of this fact, senior Kristien 

Van Vlasselaer jumps out of her warm and comfortable seat and sprints to the 

edge of the track, screaming words of encouragement. No one next to her can hear 

or be heard, so everyone just stands and watches the race. Woodside’s lead slowly 

diminishes and they are overtaken by another high school. Kristien’s encouraging 

outburst, insisting that the runner needs to run faster, continues. The Woodside 

runner, most likely as the result of the screams, picks up his pace and, at the last 

second, beats the other runner. Out of joy, Kristien bursts into song and does a little 

dance. This is not the first time anyone on the track team has seen her dance 

or sing and probably will not be the last. 

Kristien has been a dominant force on the Woodside High School track and field 

team for the past four years. Some of her times, well, most of her times, seem unreal. 

Her best times are 15.06 seconds for the 100-meter hurdles, 47.1 seconds for 

the 300-meter hurdles, 12.9 seconds for the 100-meter dash, and her longest distance 

for long jump is 17.3 feet. Her times may be impressive, but they are not 

surprising. I am on the track team this year and I have seen Kristien warm up and 

practice. She begins her warm-up 10 minutes before everyone else starts at the 

usual 3:30 p.m. She leads the stretches after everyone has run a half-mile, and then 

she leads a series of exercises to loosen other muscles. During the stretching, she 

focuses intently to prevent any sort of injury. If another member of the track team 

is fooling around, she makes sure that person stays focused to insure that no one 

strains anything. That is probably why she is one of the captains of the team. 

Kristien is very determined and focused; no one can deny that. But if you have 

never talked to her before, then you have no idea how funny and carefree she can 

be. In between the workouts during practice, she can usually be seen with a couple 

of her friends, laughing so hard her face gets red. She loves to laugh and have 

fun. After her events at a meet, she sits in a group on top of the bleachers, laughing 

and making jokes. She is 

the sort of person anyone 

could get along with as long 

as they have an open mind. 

Not many athletes can combine 

focused determination 

with carefree joking, but 

Kristien does just that. She 

strives for excellence on the 

track and off, and she does 

it with a smile. Next year, 

she will attend UC Davis, 

where she hopes to run 

track and eventually major 

in animal sciences. She 

wants to one day become a 

veterinarian. Woodside will 

miss the spectacle that is 

Kristien Van Vlasselaer next 

year, except maybe her 

singing. 

KRISTIEN VAN VLASSALAER 

7

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8


As I Was Saying ... 

As I Was Saying ... 

By 

Steve Penna 

Publisher 

After all the speculation on what his next 

political move would be, San Mateo County 

Sheriff Don Horsley will officially be taking 

on Art Faro, Jack Hickey and John Oblak for one 

of three seats available in this November’s Sequoia 

Healthcare District Board election. One might 

wonder why, after retiring from his office, he would 

choose to seek such a low-profile seat? Well, let’s 

try and figure this out. First, there is no question 

that Horsley will seek a higher office someday, most 

likely on the Board of Supervisors, so keeping his 

name out there is a must. Second, handing out millions 

of dollars each year to deserving groups and individuals 

is not such a bad gig. Third, he is interested in the 

welfare of those who need medical services and cannot 

afford them and advocates in favor of automated defibrillators 

for use by emergency personnel, so he might 

be able to garner the much-needed funds to support 

those issues. 

Election prediction — Unquestionably the most powerful 

politician in San Mateo County, Horsley will be 

elected to the seat as the top vote-getter and will 

unseat Oblak. 

* * * * 

Council watchers are already talking about next year’s 

City Council election. Up for re-election in the 

November 2007 race will be Rosanne Foust, Barbara 

Pierce and Ian Bain. Janet Borgans has been mentioned 

as a possible candidate, but given the fact that 

all three incumbents will be seeking another term, that 

talk might be fruitless. 

* * * * 

After a 3-2 vote, the Sequoia Union High School 

District Board of Trustees has granted almost 200 

Sequoia Union high school seniors the opportunity to 

participate in this year’s graduation ceremonies even 

though they did not pass the required California High 

School Exit Exam, which is a graduation requirement. 

During the vote discussion, the trustees differed on 

holding those student accountable. As Sally Stewart 

stated, “This is a clear sign that the system isn’t functioning. 

Why punish the kids for a system failure?” 

Olivia Martinez countered, “We’ve made it so easy 

for people to not need to learn English in our culture. 

... Is it our job to give diplomas to people who don’t 

even speak English? I don’t think so. Our mission is to 

teach English.” I could not agree more! If the “system” 

is failing, what is this board doing to fix it? If students 

are graduating without the ability to speak English, 

isn’t this board enabling their failure in the real word? 

These youths need to be held accountable and so does 

the “system.” Isn’t that what elections are for? 


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9


DAN CHILD NAMED NEW MANAGER OF SBSA 

Daniel T. Child has been named manager of the South Bayside System 

Authority (SBSA) wastewater treatment facility in Redwood City effective 

April 3, Commission Chairman Ron Shepherd announced. 

Child, 48, comes to the SBSA with 25 years of experience in the management of 

various municipal, industrial and public works facilities. Most recently, he has 

been area manager/vice president of operations since 2001 for Veolia Water North 

America West LLC, the nation’s leading water services provider for local and federal 

governments and business and industry. In that capacity, he has managed 

from the firm’s Utah office the activities of more than 60 water treatment, wastewater 

treatment and public works operations throughout the western United 

States. 

SBSA is a joint powers authority (JPA) providing wastewater transmission, treatment 

and recycled water production services to more than 217,000 people and 

businesses in southern San Mateo County. SBSA is governed by its owners: the 

cities of Belmont, San Carlos and Redwood City, and the West Bay Sanitary 

District. The West Bay Sanitary District provides sanitary sewer services to the 

cities of Menlo Park, Portola Valley, and portions of Atherton, Woodside, East Palo 

Alto, Redwood City and San Mateo County. 

Child succeeds Jim Bewley, who has been the manager of the award-winning SBSA 

facility since July 1982 and has been affiliated with the plant since its inception. 

During Bewley’s management, SBSA twice was named Wastewater Treatment 

Plant of the Year by the California Water Environment Association (CWEA) —– 

in 1996 and 2001. 

Shepherd said Child was the unanimous selection of the four-member SBSA 

Commission, which he said “was impressed with his extensive background in both 

the public and private sectors and his outstanding managerial abilities.” 

Child’s current employer, Veolia Water North America West LLC, acquired his 

former employer, US Filter Corporation/Davis Products Division, for which he 

served as an account manager from 1995 to 2001, providing municipalities and 

consulting firms with products and engineering support to meet various wastewater 

treatment needs. 

Child began his career in 1981 and served six years as wastewater superintendent 

for the Price River Water Improvement District in Carbon County, Utah. He 

served two different stints as operations manager with the Victor Valley 

Wastewater Reclamation Authority in southern California, from September 1987 

to February 1989 and from February 1992 to August 1995. In between, he 

served as wastewater superintendent for the City of San Diego’s Metropolitan 

Wastewater Division. 

A native of Utah, Child studied environmental technology and wastewater treatment 

at Utah Valley State College in Orem. He also is a graduate of the City of 

San Diego Management Academy. He and his wife, Lisa, have four children. 

Professionally, he is a past president of the Desert and Mountain Section of the 

California Water Environment Association. 

“I am honored and thrilled to assume the manager’s position at SBSA and to succeed 

an icon in the industry like Jim Bewley,” Child said. “I have promised the 

Commission that I work tirelessly to meet the goals of the Authority. I have proven 

through personal experience that the best way to meet the needs of customers of 

a public agency is to always 

respect their needs and opinions 

and follow through on what you 

say you will do. Earning and 

maintaining the trust of the customers 

by following this simple 

rule will always allow a manager 

to reflect positively on the 

actions of the agency. And by 

customers, I include citizens, 

employees and co-workers, 

board members and member 

agency staff, to name a few.” 

DAN CHILD, LEFT, JIM BEWLEY, OUTGOING 

MANAGER, RIGHT. PHOTO BY GLENN SANDUL 

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10

By Judy Buchan 


Cynics who claim that an upscale Mexican restaurant is nothing but an oxymoron 

had best think again. 

Step into Mexquite Restaurant 

and Cantina at 2616 Broadway, 

the newest hot spot on the changing 

landscape of downtown 

Redwood City, and you will find 

that Director of Operations 

Mario Astorga and General 

Manager Jorge Alvarez have 

brought Old Mexico to 

Downtown with great pride -- and 

great success. 

Astorga founded the popular 

Hola! Mexican restaurant in 

Belmont. Last year, he sold Hola! 

and made plans to move to 

Folsom to bring the Mexquite 

concept to life there. Fortunately 

for Downtown, Astorga’s plans 

changed when he was approached 

by Alvarez and his sister, who 

owned OK Maguey, the former 

establishment on the site. 


STEP INTO OLD MEXICO AT MEXQUITE 

JORGE ALVAREZ 

With friendly service and a great menu, comfortable is one of the many operative 

words. Visitors to Mexquite can expect to start off with a big basket of tortilla 

chips, homemade salsa and a marvelous bowl of guacamole, or one of the many 

appetizer selections, including the Pachangua Platter. Add one of the many margaritas 

to choose from, and it’s off 

to Old Mexico for an evening of 

great food and great fun. 

If a smaller meal is more for you, 

check out the Tacos in a Basket 

and a margarita. Flexibility is 

another operative word! 

No matter your choice, don’t leave 

Mexquite without trying the flan, 

crepes swimming in strawberries, 

vanilla bean ice cream and chocolate 

sauce. Have a hot cup of coffee 

and see if you’re not ready to say 

“olé!” and become a regular. 

“Party hearty” is in the air on 

Thursday evenings, when 

Mexquite presents live mariachi 

music from the La Perla Mariachi 

Band starting at 7:30 p.m. It’s not 

uncommon for patrons to have 

such a great time that they convince 

the staff to keep Mexquite open 

past its 11 p.m. closing time to 1 a.m. during the week and on weekends as well. 

“They approached me for ideas about OK Maguey,” Astorga said, “and I was willing 

to help them.” Soon the Mexquite company was formed, and the transformation 

began in November 2005. The restaurant formally opened this past January. 

“We redid everything -- the interiors, exteriors, and menus,” Astorga recalled. “We 

restructured it all to reflect Old Mexico.” The exterior and interior colors of warm 

browns, along with the leather booths, wooden tables and chairs, and wrought iron 

accents, could take one back to the days of the Arguello family on the Peninsula. 

Mexquite appears to have become an instant hit in Downtown. “Reaction has 

been (continued on page 13) 

Michelle Glaubert 

650.598.2366 VM 

650.722.1193 Cell 

“It is very unique,” Astorga said. “The decor is different. Everything is custom and 

points to the theme of Mexican history. We are going back in time.” 

History notwithstanding, Mexquite has become the place for everyone -- families, 

singles and those who just plain need a place to kick back after a long day at work. 

“We wanted to do something different,” Astorga and Alvarez explained, and 

indeed they have done just that. The menu has been changed from “what 

Americans traditionally expect to more upscale Mexican cuisine, with more flexibility 

and better pricing. We want people to feel comfortable.” 

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11



good,” Astorga said. “We believe Mexquite is an example of what Redwood City is 

trying to do in Downtown. 

MARIO ASTORGA 

“We have flexible pricing for families 

and present from simple to fancy 

cuisine. It’s something different.” 

Don’t miss Cinco de Mayo at 

Mexquite. “It will be [an] all day 

party for families, with live music, 

specials and more,” Astorga said. 

“Everyone is welcome.” 

“You see,” he continued, “there are a 

thousand Mexican restaurants in 

Redwood City. We are unique, not 

the typical Mexican restaurant.” 

It is obvious that Astorga and Alvarez have great pride in Mexquite and in their 

heritage. You can hear it in their voices and see it in their eyes. They are but another 

shining example of what built and sustains Redwood City -- hard work, being 

neighbors, pride in our past, hope for the future, and extending a hand of welcome 

to all. 

Come change your perception of 

Mexican restaurants. Step into Old 

Mexico and new beginnings at 

Mexquite! 

Mexquite Restaurant 

2616 Broadway St. 

Redwood City, CA 94063 

Phone: (650) 369-7482 

Jorge Alvarez 

Mario Astorga 

OTHER WAYS TO SPEND CINCO de MAYO 

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant 

2098 Broadway (at Jefferson and Broadway) 

All-Day Drink and Food Specials 

Live Mariachi Band 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Los Potrillos Restaurant 

932 Middlefield (across from City Hall) 

Mariachi Band 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

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13


CULTURAL EVENTS 

SAN MATEO COUNTY HISTORY MUSEUM 

The museum is located in the Old Courthouse with its historic dome. Its collections 

include horse-drawn carriages, models, railroads from Caltrans and the 

Ocean Shore Railroad, relics from San Mateo’s past, and lithographic art dating 

from 1875. 

Ongoing Exhibits 

“The Great Rotunda.” The stained-glass dome of the rotunda, thought to be the 

largest in a Pacific Coast public building, is the architectural highlight of the museum 

building. 

“Courtroom A.” The oldest courtroom in San Mateo County has been restored to 

its appearance in 1910. 

“Nature’s Bounty.” This exhibit gallery explores how the oldest people of the 

Peninsula used the natural resources of the area and how these resources were used 

to help build San Francisco after the discovery of gold in 1849. 

“Journey to Work.” This exhibit gallery shows how transportation transformed 

San Mateo County from a frontier to suburbs. 

“Carriage Display.” An exhibit of the museum’s 30 horse-drawn vehicles. 

“Charles Parsons Gallery.” An exhibit of the 23 historical model ships created by 

Charles Parsons of San Carlos. 

“Politics, Crime and Law Enforcement.” The Atkinson Meeting Room includes the 

Walter Moore Law Enforcement Collection of historic badges. 

Special Exhibit 

“San Mateo County Sports Hall of Fame.” Through June 30, in the upper rotunda. 

$4 general; $2 seniors and students; free for children ages five and under. 

Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 777 Hamilton St., Redwood City. 

(650) 299-0104, (650) 359-1462, www.sanmateocountyhistory.com. 

Woodside Store 

The store was built in 1854 by Dr. R.O. Tripp and M.A. Parkhurst and operated 

as a country store, post office and community center until the death of Dr. Tripp 

in 1909. The store has been restored to its appearance in the 1880s and features 

numerous examples of goods and wares available to customers in its heyday. There 

is a museum gift shop and bookstore. The permanent “Lumber Industry and 

Woodside Store History” exhibit features artifacts from the commercial lumber 

industry, which thrived in the Bay Area nearly 150 years ago. Free. Tuesday and 

Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. 3300 Tripp Rd., 

off Highway 84 at Kings Mountain Road, Woodside. (650) 851-7615, www.sanmateocountyhistory.com. 

FOX THEATRE AND THE LITTLE FOX 

2209 Broadway. Info and tickets (650) 369-4119, foxdream.com. 

Unauthorized Rolling Stones plus Silicon Cowboys 

Friday, April 28, 8 p.m. $12 adv./$14 door 

Five incredible musicians from the UK, New York City, Denver and San Francisco 

have pooled their talents to create “The World’s Greatest Tribute to the World’s 

Greatest Rock ’n’ Roll Band.” Their successful collective backgrounds include Top 

40 hits, nationwide tours, countless sessions, concerts and club dates. Together 

they create the energy, attitude and spectacle of a real Rolling Stones concert. 

Experience what it’s like to be up close and personal with Mick, Keith and the 

boys! www.theurs.com. 

The Silicon Cowboys are San Francisco’s premier ‘70s rock band. The boys from 

the bay combine dazzling musicianship, rocking dance grooves and a fantastic 

high-energy stage show to completely and utterly rock your world. With a deepvault 

set list ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Ted Nugent, from Steppenwolf to 

Grand Funk Railroad, the Silicon Cowboys are the real deal! www.scrocks.com. 

The Blues Guitar Extravaganza, San Francisco Edition 

Featuring René Solis, Johnny Nitro, Alvon Johnson and Bobby “Spider” Webb 

Saturday, April 29, 8 p.m. $12 adv./$14 door 

Three of Northern California’s finest guitarists on stage together for one amazing 

show! Now in its fifth successful year, the Blues Guitar Extravaganza will once 

again be hosted by the tremendously talented René Solis. René’s playing style has 

often been described as powerful, raw, and emotional — he pours his heart and 

soul into every note. www.renesolis.com. 

Johnny Nitro is known as “The King of North Beach” for his high-energy blues. 

Johnny is a regional guitar legend who is considered a master player for his tough, 

note-biting guitar technique and roughly delivered vocal style. 

www.sfblues.net/johnnynitro. 

With over 30 years of performing experience, Alvon Johnson exemplifies the range 

of possibilities in electric blues. This is one man who can send any woman out of 

her mind with his soulful voice and moving guitar music. If you have ever seen and 

heard Alvon, you know he can send you into ecstasy with his soft, soothing, sexy 

voice and then turn you into a wild woman with his magnificent guitar playing and 

body movements. A true showman! www.alvon.com. 

Bobbie Webb is a world-class musician widely sought for his sax playing and the 

horn sections he leads. You may see him performing in his own band or backing 

some of the greatest musicians as they travel through the Bay Area. A chance to 

see Bobbie in action is something you don’t want to miss! www.bobbiewebb.com. 

As always, the grand finale will feature all of these great talents on stage together 

for an explosive all-star jam session. 

Gypsy Soul 

Special seated listening performance 

Thursday, May 4, 8 p.m. $15 adv./$17 door 

Gypsy Soul’s soulful, acoustic rock with Celtic and Americana roots has been 

likened to artists as diverse as Eva Cassidy, Alison Krauss, Sarah McLachlan, 

Loreena McKennitt, k.d. lang, Kate Bush and Fleetwood Mac. They have produced 

eight acclaimed CDs and have won many indie music awards, including 

Lilith Fair. They’ve earned nearly 1.5 million downloads on MP3.com with 10 

number-one songs; their music has aired in more than 14 different countries over 

100 times on hit TV shows; and their songs have been featured in movies. “Cilette 

Swann’s voice is haunting and Roman Morykit’s musicianship is superb. Their 

music stirs the soul and moves the spirit.” — Monica Rizzo, People Magazine. 

www.GypsySoul.com. 

The Cheeseballs 

Friday, May 5, 9 p.m. $14 adv./$16 door 

The Cheeseballs will make you “shake your booty” like it hasn’t been shaken in 

years. The band members pride themselves on serving up a helping of nonstop 

’70s disco dance hits and ’80s and ’90s pop classics, with an uncanny knack for 

performing songs that you will be surprised to discover you know all the words to, 

such as “YMCA,” “Stayin’ Alive,” “Dancing Queen,” “Le Freak,” “Disco Inferno” 

and many more. The result is always an audience dancing and singing along. The 

band is composed of eight performers dressed in dazzling, retro disco outfits and 

presents a parade of personalities who alternate lead vocals with plenty of exuberantly 

choreographed dance moves. You won’t be disappointed. 

www.cheeseballs.com. 

Tony Lindsay plus Milagro and special guest Troy Bunnell 

Presented by Voices of Latin Rock 

Saturday, May 6, 8 p.m. $12 adv./$14 door 

Cinco de Mayo celebration continues! Grammy winner, singer, songwriter and producer 

Tony Lindsay will present his long-awaited third album at the Little Fox. 

Guitar great Chris Cain and Santana members Andy Vargas (vocals) and Karl 

Perazzo (percussion) have joined Tony in his newest effort, lending their talents to 

an already classic project. Tony is internationally known as the lead singer for guitar 

legend Carlos Santana and can be heard on such hit albums as “Milagro,” 

“Shaman,” “Ceremony,” “Food for Thought” and “Super Natural,” for which he 

received 11 Grammys. He also sings for his own band, Spangalang, a well-known 

R&B/jazz/pop group and a popular favorite here in the Bay Area, who has opened 

for several acts including Curtis Mayfield, Jr. Walker, Tower of Power, and the 

Average White Band. www.tonylindsay.com. 

Carmen Milagro, Ray Uribes (Vibe Tribe), Rafael Ramirez (Safari), Rich 

Armstrong (Michelle Shocked), Atma Anur (Journey), Jara Queeto (Blue Bone 

Express) and Rolando Morales (Los Lobos) make up the extraordinary Latin band 

called Milagro. Not your typical salsa or Latin rock band, Milagro has created a 

show and a musical style that is sophisticated and warm yet, at times, edgy and 

sensual. Their performances are extremely pleasing to the musical palate with 

songs in both Spanish and English, sexy originals and traditional covers that focus 

on romance, and melody and harmony that stir emotions and inspire you to dance 

or sing. www.carmzworld.com. 

Lost Weekend 

DVD/CD release concert 

Welcomed by Fiddling Cricket Concerts 

Sunday, May 7, 7 p.m. $14 adv./$16 door 

Don Burnham’s nine-piece all-star band Lost Weekend, celebrating its 22nd 

anniversary, returns to the Little Fox, kicking off its spring tour with an evening of 

classic Western swing, LW-style. That means guitarist/vocalist Burnham plus steel 


14


1906 EARTHQUAKE MEMORIES OF 

REDWOOD CITY 

wood and cement. The new high school on Bridge Street, today’s Broadway, had 

lost its roof and most of the top story. 

The Capitol Hotel had lost the entire front wall, stranding a gentleman guest who 

was unable to dress or get down until rescued. All chimneys were down, so cooking 

could be done only by families who had old coal-oil stoves. The Doxsee family 

gathered for meals at the home of an aunt who had such a stove. 

Woodhams said that many neighbors camped in tents in California Park because 

the aftershocks had continued throughout the day. The Doxsee family stayed in 

their home. At night, she said, they could see the fiery red sky to the north from 

the conflagration in San Francisco. In a few days, families started appearing on Old 

County Road with carts, baby buggies or carriages with their possessions as they 

escaped the city. The Women’s Club served coffee and sandwiches to the wayfarers. 

Sad tales 

There were sad tales of families who had lost loved ones, or people who had been 

injured by falling debris. Woodhams mentioned that if the quake had come later 

in the day, when school was in session and businesses open, there would have been 

greater loss of life here on the Peninsula. 

Woodhams also commented on the damage done at Stanford University. Her family 

had attended a service at the Stanford Chapel just a few days before the earthquake, 

so she was familiar with the buildings there. She said that, oddly, some of 

the newer buildings were damaged while some of the older ones weathered the 

shock. 

Although only a child at the time, and these observations were made some 60 

years later, Woodhams stated that no one would ever forget the earthquake of 

1906. 

Editor’s note: This article appeared first in the Daily Journal newspaper. 

Spring into action….. Stop Smoking!! 

Forty years ago, the San Mateo County Historical Society solicited information 

from local survivors of the earthquake of 1906. That was the 60th 

anniversary of the event, and there were still people around who had experienced 

it in their childhood. One of the letters that was submitted was from a 

Caroline Doxsee Woodhams. 

The Doxsee family lived in a cottage in Redwood City just behind the courthouse. 

The old courthouse was soon to be demolished and a new one was just being built 

in the same block. The grand new structure was to be finished and opened just in 

time for the Fourth of July celebration. 

According to Woodhams, their home was a wood-frame house. The interior walls 

didn’t have any plaster, just cheesecloth with wallpaper pasted right onto the 

wood. She said that when the earthquake hit, the wood-beam ceiling over the bed 

came loose and hung perilously over them. 

When the children rushed into the kitchen, they found a mass of dishes, jams, jellies, 

pots and pans. The cut glass and good china their parents had received as wedding 

presents were in pieces and being shoveled into a tub by their father. They 

quickly put on robes and slippers and went outside to see the condition of 

Downtown. 

Courthouse in ruins 

They first saw the new courthouse in ruins. A witness said it had sent up a huge 

cloud of dust and cement when it fell. The streets were covered with glass, stone, 

San Mateo County Health Department 

is offering 

A Stop-Smoking Program! And It’s FREE for 

San Mateo County Residents 

Free Nicotine Patches Available 

Freedom From Smoking Group Class: 

DATE: Tuesdays May 2, 9, 16, 23, 25*, June 6, 13 

TIME: 

LOCATION: 

*Please Note: Quit Day Follow-Up Session on 

Thursday, May 25th, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm 

6:00pm – 7:30pm 

Sequoia Hospital 

170 Alameda de las Pulgas 

Redwood City 

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 

To register or for more information call 

(650) 573-3989 

Funded by County of San Mateo, Human Services Agency, Tobacco Prevention Program and 

First 5 San Mateo County 

In collaboration with Breathe California Golden Gate Public Health Partnership 

The Freedom from Smoking Curriculum was developed by the American Lung Association 

15

Redwood City businesses are 

here to serve you! 

The Spectrum Magazine knows you are always looking for different places to 

dine, bank, invest, shop, work out or treat yourself. We have been out in our 

community, using businesses that not only provide excellent service but also 

contribute to our community. Check out our Best of the Best selections. 

Auto Care: 

Redwood General Tire – 1630 Broadway – Redwood General Tire was founded on the 

premise that good customer service and quality products at fair prices will succeed in 

the marketplace. They continue to follow this philosophy today and expect it to guide 

them into a successful future. 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. 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. Maybe you should 

try their services. 

Eating and Catering: 

Bluefin Sushi & Teriyaki Grill – 2327 Broadway – Wow! This place is popular. 

Whether you dine in or take out, everyone is discovering that their sashimi, nigiri sushi, 

donburi and bento dishes are irresistible! No MSG and no chemical additives. Low in 

cholesterol. Low in calories. Low in sodium. Their sushi is made fresh daily by experienced 

sushi chefs, which has made this restaurant a favorite Downtown eating spot. It’s 

a must try! 

Canyon Inn – 587 Canyon Rd. – You will find everything at this Redwood City 

favorite. The Canyon Inn is nestled in the small, quiet neighborhood of the Emerald 

Hills region bordering Woodside and Redwood City. It’s a popular stop for bicycle touring 

clubs and local sports celebrities such as members of the San Francisco 49ers. But 

the reputation draws celebrities and personalities from all over the world. The restaurant 

is noted for its burgers and beers, most notably the Hacksaw Burger, a big double 

cheeseburger named after Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds. The Canyon Inn also offers hot 

and cold sandwiches, hot dogs, fish and chips, spaghetti, ravioli, lasagna, tacos and quesadillas. 

If you use their coupon in this month’s Spectrum, you can get 10 percent off 

all meals. Now that’s an offer you cannot pass up! 

Diving Pelican Café – 650 Bair Island Rd., Suite 102 – This restaurant may be the 

best-kept secret in Redwood City. They offer a variety of specialty items, including eggs 

Benedict with fresh crab and homemade hollandaise sauce. They also have beer, wine, 

and espresso drinks available to go. For your convenience, they have outdoor seating 

that overlooks the water. Conveniently located half a mile from the freeway, it’s easy to 

stop by and visit. Try the famous pear, walnut, gorgonzola and grilled chicken salad. It 

is so delicious that people come from all over to enjoy it! They also have a seasonal specialty, 

which is mango pasticcio and feta cheese salad with grilled chicken. People tell 

us that they want to keep the cafe a secret, because it is such a nice location with outstanding 

food. We won’t tell anyone? 

Encore Performance Catering – 2992 Spring St. – Owner Dave Hyman’s menu goes 

on for eight pages of mouthwatering suggestions for everything from continental breakfasts 

to formal dinners. Despite an entire page devoted just to warm appetizers, these 

are mere suggestions, and Hyman is quick to offer additional possibilities to fit any 

occasion. He also has a strong sense of community and participates in many community-oriented 

events. He participates in the City Trees program, helping to plant and 

maintain greenery around the area, and works with other local organizations such as 

the Peninsula Sunrise Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and Rebuild Together. He 

participates in the San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury. Additionally, Hyman is proud 

of the fact that his business products are nearly 100 percent recyclable, and they contribute 

their leftovers to St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room in Redwood City. Need a 

caterer for that festive gathering? Call Dave at (650) 365-3731. 

Savvy Cellar Wines – 2048 Broadway – One of the newest “hot spots” in town, they 

provide daily specials of wine tasting flights. The specials are rotated biweekly, and all 

wines are drawn from their retail wine shop inventory. The wine bar is always open during 

regular business hours. Sampling wines side by side is a great way to expand your 

wine knowledge. All their wines are rated 90 and above. All bottles are priced $39 or 

less. They have live jazz once a week and have free wireless, high-speed Internet service. 

They also provide great food complements to wine: artisan cheeses, quiches, fresh 

baguettes, olives, chocolates and more. Tuesday through Saturday (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) 

they offer a European lunch plate for $11.95, which includes quiche, cheeses, baguette, 

fruit and a glass of wine. Taste what you want. Buy what you like. 

Financial Institutions: 

Capital Mortgage Lending – 805 Veterans Blvd., #202 – Lourdes Carini and her team 

of dedicated loan agents focus on residential lending, including purchases and refinances. 

As a mortgage company, they deal with a large assortment of lenders allowing 

16 

them to research the best financing to meet each client’s individual needs. Lourdes has 

over 25 years experience in the Bay Area financial services industry. The company’s 

success is based on referrals, its track record and being accessible to clients. So if you 

have a mortgage loan need or question, please pick up the phone and call (650) 362- 

2700. 

Edward Jones – 702 Marshall St., #515 – For decades, Edward Jones believed in building 

relationships through face-to-face interaction and adherence to a strategy of recommending 

quality investments that have proven themselves over time. So does 

Investment Representative David Amman, who manages their Redwood City office. He 

understands that this approach might be considered unfashionable. But if it means 

helping his clients achieve their goals, whether for retirement, education or just financial 

security, it’s an approach he plans to stick to. 

First National Bank – 700 El Camino Real – In the ever-merging world of the banking 

industry it’s hard to find places where the consumer or small business owner’s voice 

still matters. Independent banks and small local banking chains, which take the time 

to listen, are slowly becoming things of the past. Luckily, this is not the case at First 

National Bank of Northern California, according to Brian Palter. Palter is the branch 

manager of the Redwood City location. “When we have a new client and do right by 

them,” said Palter, “they tell others.” Doing right by a client, whether old or new, 

requires taking extra steps in situations which nationwide chains might not do. Give 

Brian a call and see what he means! 

Personal Improvement: 

Redwood Massage & Sauna – 797 Arguello St. – First opened in 1964 by two Finnish 

women, this professional facility is now under the management of Beverly and Harold 

May. Ms. May is a full-time massage therapist with almost thirty years of experience. 

They pride themselves on having exceptionally talented massage therapists to care for 

you, trained in a variety of specialized techniques to improve your circulation, mental 

clarity and creativity as well as optimize your overall physical health. Your experience 

at Redwood Massage & Sauna will enhance your health and well-being naturally in the 

true Finnish tradition of therapeutic massage and sauna amid clean, comfortable and 

serene surroundings. 

Re:Juvenate Skin Care – 805 Veterans Blvd., Suite 140 – Treat yourself, you deserve 

it! Re:Juvenate is owned and operated by Sherna Madan, M.D., and Linda S. Moore, 

R.N. Together they have more than 50 years in the healthcare industry and over 10 

years in the field of aesthetics. Both have lived and worked in the community for the 

majority of those years. When a consumer is looking for a facility that offers a list of 

services that are so personal, name recognition and reputation are of the utmost importance. 

Relationships are formed quickly, and trust is a huge part of the equation. 

Whether you are seeing a Re:Juvenate clinician for acne, sun damage, skin tightening, 

wrinkle reduction or laser hair removal, the process starts with a complimentary consultation 

with a member of the aesthetic staff. Call (650) 261-0500 and mention The 

Spectrum Magazine. 

Retail: 

Cartridge World – Sequoia Station – When was the last time you could save money 

and improve the environment? Recycle and save at Cartridge World! Just bring your 

toner cartridges and fill up at great rates. This business offers expert advice and quality 

service, and they also offer pick-up and drop-off services. From inkjets to laser toners, 

they do it all. Call for a quote! Owners Yogeeta and Sunil Bhas are ready to serve 

you and your company. 

Mayers Jewelers – 2303 Broadway – Redwood City’s oldest family-owned jewelers still 

sparkle like they did the first day they opened in 1969. They have a large selection of 

necklaces, rings and watches. If you cannot find exactly what you want, they have personal 

designs that have kept Redwood City residents frequenting this fine business for 

years. 

Home Improvements: 

Lewis Carpet Cleaners – 1.800.23.LEWIS – Rick Lewis, founder, started his business 

in 1985 out of his home using a small, portable machine. Today, Lewis successfully 

operates and manages an office/warehouse of six employees and has five working vans, 

with future plans for expansion and growth. Lewis moved his business from San Mateo 

to Redwood City in 1995. The Lewis family works and lives in Redwood City and has 

truly made this town their home. They are committed to the vision and success of our 

community and with relentless effort will continue to support the community, devoting 

time, efforts, energy and services today and in the future. Lewis has built his company 

on a foundation of integrity, loyalty and communication. Call and ask about their 

Spectrum special. You can get 100 square feet of carpet cleaned for absolutely nothing. 

Call today!


JESSIE HECKER IS LOSING 

INCHES FOR OTHERS 

Seven-year-old Jessie Hecker has grown 

out her long blonde hair for most of her 

life. It was just below the waist when it 

started to get in the way. When she did cartwheels, 

she’d end up stepping on her hair. It 

also blocked the upside-down view she 

enjoyed while watching TV mid-cartwheel. 

A friend of the family made a suggestion to 

donate some of the hair to Locks of Love, a 

nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces 

to young people under the age of 18 

suffering from long-term medical hair loss. 

“She never really wanted to cut her hair. I 

used to tell her if she didn’t take care of it, it’d 

be cut short. She keeps it immaculate. People 

tell me I do a good job with her hair, but it’s 

all her,” said her mother, Iris Hecker. When 

Jessie heard of this program, however, she 

decided her hair is just hair and it would grow 

back. “The hair is for kids who have no hair. They have to go to places being bald 

and with people staring,” she said. 

On March 26, the articulate first-grader had about 14 inches of hair cut from her 

head. The change still hasn’t set in as she plays with her hair, quickly coming to 

the ends, which rest about her shoulders. “Every day we have show and tell at my 

school. You can bring something or tell something. I told how I was going to cut 

my hair to my shoulders and some people were surprised about how much I was 

going to cut it,” she said. 

But Jessie, who lives in Redwood City, has adapted well to the new length. As she 

demonstrated her skill with handstands and one-handed cartwheels, she said she 

thinks the new cut will help with gymnastics. “She’s the type of girl when she 

wants to learn how to do something, she just does it. She wanted to know how to 

do a cartwheel so I said, ‘Go practice.’ She’d be out there every day practicing,” 

said her mom. Jessie had a goal of doing five in a row. “But now I can do like 10,” 

she said. 

The energetic little girl goes to gymnastics three times a week at Peninsula 

Gymnastics. She tested into a competitive training track with Olympic aspirations. 

Jessie, however, is just taking it one day at a time for now. She isn’t quite sure 

that’s what she wants to do in life, but she knows one thing. She wants to be 

famous. “And rich!” she said with a smile. 

The youngest of four children, Jessie is a Peninsula native who was always energetic, 

optimistic and ready to help, said her mom. “She’s an amazing little kid. 

She’s had to overcome some big tragedies, and not a lot of people can do that,” 

said Hecker. When Jessie was 3, her sister Christina, about three years older, died 

from a rare disease. Christina was diagnosed with her illness when she was 1. “As 

soon as she could move around she would help with Christina. It was like she knew 

she needed the help,” she said. Just a year and a half ago, Jessie’s oldest brother, 

Brian, was killed in a car accident because he was speeding without a seat belt. 

Now it’s just Jessie and her 17-year-old brother, Christoph, keeping their mom 

busy. 

But nothing can keep the ambitious little girl down. She continues to practice her 

tumbling every day, even while talking to guests. The living room is set up around 

the habit, as there is a wide, open space rather than a coffee table. It’s the bouncy 

activity that keeps her smiling. “I don’t feel good if I don’t get to do cartwheels 

during the day,” she said. 

For more information about Locks of Love visit www.locksoflove.org. 

Editor’s note: This article appeared first in the Daily Journal newspaper. 

18

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19

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH T 

20 

By Robby Schumacher 


We caught up with Chuck Smith during a rare moment of downtime and 

sought a little insight into what makes him tick. Asking both personal 

and professional questions may be met with guarded answers or vague 

statements by some, but not by Smith. Happy to oblige, he spoke openly about 

his life, his trials, his lack of modesty, his finances and where things stood in the 

high-profile case against former San Carlos Mayor Michael King. 

Known for his vicious or, more mildly put, never-say-die attitude in the courtroom, 

Smith shared some lighter sides of himself while still owning up to the reputation 

of never backing down. “It is the way I was raised,” Smith said. “My ethics and 

my values stand that it’s the way you are supposed to do things. There is no inbetween. 

You either give it your whole effort, or you don’t get into the fray. If 

you’re going to step on the field, you’d better give everything you have, because if 

you are not willing to give everything you have, you shouldn’t be stepping onto 

the field at all. You should be letting somebody else play.” 

Smith’s passion for his work comes through like Fourth of July fireworks. It is on 

display for all to see. No matter the opinions about his style, his work or his character, 

he is undeniably passionate about what he does. He is undeniably confident 

as well. 

Smith stated, “In some ways, I have kind of become the guy to see here in San 

Mateo County. Nobody tries more cases than I try. I won’t be falsely modest, 

because I do think I’m good. In the year 2003 I tried 14 jury trials to verdict. 

There were seven civil and seven criminal. Someone told me no one in the state 

has tried more cases than I did that year. I think that’s probably true. 

“I read the other day about James Brosnahan, the lawyer from Morrison and 

Forrester, who represented John Walker Lindh. He’s older than I am and has 139 

jury trials under his belt, which is impressive. I believe I have more. Now, he tries 

cases that are of much bigger magnitude then me and he is more well-known than 

I am but I am happy to say that I am of that same school of thought, which is: we 

are supposed to try cases and put it in the hands of the jury. That is what I do and 

that is what I’m good at.” 

Smith has tried many cases of prominence in the Bay Area. He is not only known 

locally but, according to his Web site, he is also “a nationally known legal commentator, 

having appeared on CNN’s Larry King Live, where he provided legal 

commentary on the Scott Peterson double-murder trial. He has also appeared on 

FOX News, KPIX Channel 5 News, as well as in many local newspapers.” 

Commenting on his biggest strength, he said, “It’s my passion. I think everybody 

will tell you that. I care, and I can emote that. I was passionate as a prosecutor, 

and I am passionate as a trial lawyer. Some defense attorneys called me vicious in 

terms of going after it and, yes, I 

guess I am. There is no half 

speed for me. I can’t take it 

down a notch. I am full speed 

all the time and I love it!” 

Smith began practicing law in 

1976. He’s been in the game 

for 30 years and shows no 

signs of burnout. He spent his 

first 10 years at the district 

attorney’s office and was 

doing homicides the last five 

of those years. He found his 

way trying cases in the district 

attorney’s office. “It was what 

I loved!” he said. “I love all of 

it. The competition, the courtroom, 

the battle, the fray, and 

all of it is what continually 

motivates me!” Like something 

out of a Hollywood legal 

thriller, Smith’s face lights up 

when he speaks of the playing 

field. He thought back for a 

moment and recalled one of 

his proudest moments. “It was 

1995, when I represented the 

Hearst family. They were 

being sued for sexual harassment. This was during the time of the Rena Weeks 

case, where she got $7 million for sexual harassment. That was kind of the lawsuit 

du jour at that time, and the Hearst family, being one of the wealthiest families in 

America, entrusted me with trying the case here in San Mateo County. It was a 

four-month trial. My opponents sought $27 million. Unfortunately, I didn’t win, 

because they found that my client did commit sexual harassment, but they awarded 

$200,000, which was a great victory.” 

During that same time, Smith was asked to represent a very poor African- 

American man named Hezekiah Johnson. This East Palo Alto resident was on an 

oxygen bottle for emphysema and had been victimized by a younger woman who 

was stealing all of his welfare checks and Meals on Wheels. Johnson finally got fed 

up with it. One day when she came in the front door, he was sitting on his couch 

with a handgun. She turned to run, and Johnson shot her in the backside. 

Although he had cause, he committed a serious crime and was charged with 

attempted murder. 

Smith said, “So here is this poor, elderly man who needs help. During the Hearst 

trial, one morning I had to go over and effectuate a plea bargain for Hezekiah, 

which would keep him out of jail and get the case over with. We wanted to let him 

get back [home] and live out the days of his life. I got a real good result with the 

judge, then I went right from that hearing back to my Hearst trial, which was literally 

across the hall. So, on the same day, I went from representing one of the 

poorest, [most] unfortunate members of our society to walking across the hall and 

resuming my trial for some of the richest people in the world. What I have always 

said proudly is that I care just as much about Hezekiah as I did about the Hearst 

family. 

“I try just as hard no matter the case. The day I stop having that attitude is the 

day that I’ll stop doing this. I try cases of all varieties. I try cases of drunk driving, 

which some people may think of as not that important, and I try cases all the way 

up to multimillion-dollar civil lawsuits and homicide cases in which someone has 

been killed. I believe I can do them all. I understand that for that particular client, 

his/her trial, whether it’s a drunk driving or a homicide, is the most important case 

in their life, and needs to be the most important case in mine. Whether it is a highor 

low-end case, I will treat it the same. I pride myself on this. I give just as much 

effort to the drunk driving case as I do to the big million-dollar cases, and I wouldn’t 

have it any other way.” 

Smith has been trying cases on his own since 1989. He and his partner, Jim 

Hartnett, run their practice in downtown Redwood City. He tries both civil and 

criminal cases. His current case is the former San Carlos Mayor Michael King case. 

During our interview, Smith was waiting for the verdict. Without a shred of doubt 

in his voice he said, “I thought it went very well! It’s in the hands of the jury now. 

The prosecutor says it’s a case of credibility. The people on our side, these wonderful 

public servants from San Carlos who testified in this trial, people inside and 

outside of the city government there, testified about the character of Michael 

King. They are extraordinary, 

beautiful, wonderful people. 

They are dedicated public servants. 

In their time, they’ve 

built a youth center in San 

Carlos, a library and even the 

senior center. You talk about 

the gamut, and they’ve done 

it! 

“The contrast between them 

and our opponents, who testified 

against us … [George 

Metropolis and David 

Warden] have been scandalridden 

since the day they 

started. They have a jealousy 

about San Carlos and practice 

the politics of personal 

destruction, which is: if you 

disagree with someone, you 

try to take them down personally. 

That’s their stock and 

trade. 

“I told the jury, ‘Where are 

you going to stand? Are you 

going to stand with us or are 

you going to stand with these

RIAL LAWYER CHUCK SMITH 

people who 

are like THAT 

and flat out 

lied in this 

court room?’ 

G e o r g e 

Metropolis 

was caught in 

a lie. So I just 

asked them, 

‘Where do 

you stand?’ 

It’s an easy 

question and 

I think it’s an 

easy answer.” 

When asked 

THE SMITH FAMILY 

what he 

[Metropolis] 

had lied about, Smith stated, “He was a terrible witness! On the Tuesday afternoon 

that he testified, he was awful about what he had learned and what he had 

conspired together with David Warden and the others to nail my client because of 

political differences. He was lacking in credibility and lacking in detail. We went 

to recess. The next morning, I asked him one simple question, ‘Between last night 

and this morning, have you spoken to Cora Lynn or David Warden?’ His answer 

was flat out, ‘NO.’ 

“‘Thank you very much,’ I said, then sat down. The prosecutor, to his credit, knew 

that he was lying. He sent me enough signals through his questions to Metropolis 

to bring out the truth, which allowed me to get right back up and say, ‘You just 

lied to me a few minutes ago.’ He stammered, ‘Oh, oh, uh, well, I thought you 

meant did we talk about THIS.’ I said, ‘That’s baloney. I asked you if you’d spoken 

to them, and the answer is yes.’” 

The truth began to come out then, Smith said. “‘What did you talk to them 

about?’ So it came out he did talk about THIS. In fact, he talked all about THIS 

(the trial)! The phony way in which he tried to explain it, like, ‘Well, we didn’t 

talk particularly about the trial.’ So he perjured himself. He committed the crime 

of perjury on the witness stand. He flat out lied under oath. You know something 

else? Warden was no better.” 

In Smith’s opinion, Redwood City stands with San Carlos. He said, “They are 

more like the people of San Carlos than the people from Belmont. These public 

officials from Belmont were disgraceful!” 

In cases that are controversial Smith had this to say, “All of us who do this share 

an understanding, which is, we are NOT judges of anyone. That is not our role. 

Everybody on the outside can judge and have their opinion, but our role is to be 

the best advocate that we can [be] for that client. We keep the system honest. The 

whole idea of our system is based on certain things. We don’t let the prosecution 

say, ‘Somebody is guilty, so go ahead and punish them.’ We have a system where 

you might say, ‘OK, he’s guilty; now prove it.’ He or she is entitled to have an 

advocate on his/her side who is going to make it as hard as he can to make the 

opponent prove it. If he/she can’t prove it, even if our client is guilty, we have provided 

a service to society, because we have kept the prosecution and the system 

honest. We have made them come down to proof. So we have upheld what our 

Constitution is about, which is: even the worst people in our society are presumed 

to be innocent until proven guilty. If the prosecution can’t prove it, well, we have 

always decided in our society that it’s better to let a guilty man go free than it is 

to risk convicting an innocent person. So, we are the gatekeepers in some ways.” 

He went on to say, “We all have to play by the rules. We have to be ethical. We 

have to not present false evidence or testimony, and we have to stay within the 

rules. I am a big believer in the rules. The system works when both sides follow 

those rules. Within them, both sides should fight like hell to win for their client, 

because that’s what it’s all about!” 

On the topic of plea bargaining, he stated, “The bargaining is a necessary evil, but 

I think it’s overused. I think our system and our society would be better served if 

our lawyers stood up and said, ‘No, we aren’t going to accept the plea bargain. We 

are going to make you prove it.’ One of the problems I have with the system is that 

plea bargaining is so expected and so prevalent that, at times, if someone doesn’t 

go along with the game, they are punished beyond what they should be when they 

lose. They are being punished for going to trial and that’s wrong. It is an injustice, 

because no one should be punished for exercising their constitutional right to trial. 

Now, I’m not saying this happens a lot, but it does happen.” 

On the more personal side, Smith revealed his emotional connection to clients. He 

explained that he certainly does feel emotion toward the client. “If I lose, it can be 

devastating, because when I win I am bonded for life with that client and his/her 

family. But if I lose, even though they may respect and admire my effort and skills, 

I am nothing but a bad memory. So even if they want to maintain a relationship 

with me, I want out, because I am just a bad memory for them. It’s heartbreaking.” 

In a rare humble moment, Smith shared his thoughts on a setback. “I do pretty 

good, I guess. I’ve won terrific cases that I should never have won, and I’ve lost 

cases I thought I could win. Once you’ve been in both places, it really makes it easier. 

If you have been into the depths and been to the heights, you are not afraid of 

either place. You recover from both. 

“We all have to have a ‘bathtub place.’ We have to fill it up with the case we’re 

working on and eat, breathe and sleep that case, but in the end you have to pull 

the plug and drain it from your life, because there is another client to focus on. We 

have to go on too. We have to erase the memory and go on.” 

Smith also shared that he is a runner and enjoys working out every day to stay 

sharp and ease stress. He lives in Woodside and takes time to be with his wife and 

family. When things quiet down, they walk their two dogs (a chocolate Lab and a 

Jack Russell terrier) through the quiet streets. He let us in on the fact that his family 

thinks he works too much but also caused some laughter speaking about his 

kids and the fact that they argue with him. “You may get respect where you work 

for what you do, but at home, you’re just Dad. Luckily, I have very bright kids and 

although they argue with me all the time, we are blessed that they are good kids.” 

Smith has only feared for his life and family on one occasion. When he worked for 

the district attorney’s office, he prosecuted some people from a Mexican prison 

gang. They received some threats, but they also received a very large riot gun from 

the sheriff. Given that Smith is not a “gun guy” he was glad nothing came of it. 

As for the rest of the story, Smith most wants to emulate one of his personal 

heroes, Edward Bennett Williams. He was a famous trial lawyer in Washington, 

D.C., and his biography describes him as “the man to see if you were in trouble.” 

Smith said, “He was on a national scale, but I’d love to be like that. I want to be 

the man to see if you’re in trouble, right here in my own little fishbowl. Like I said 

before, I won’t be falsely modest. I truly believe I am that man. Whether it is a 

civil or criminal case that needs to be tried, I am the one to see.” 

There are no big regrets for Smith, aside from cases he has lost. He’d like a few “do 

overs,” but he knows the show must go on. He quoted Jerry Spence, who said, 

“When you win, it is that jury validating your existence as a human being. When 

you lose, they have rejected your existence.” 

“I know that sounds overstated,” 

Smith said, “but 

anyone who knows and 

tries cases knows exactly 

what he means. It’s true. 

In the end, it is all about 

who tells the best story. 

Trials are great human 

dramas. Trials are not 

technical like everybody 

thinks. It comes down to 

which lawyer tells the 

best story. The side that 

tells the human story better 

and has the witnesses 

that are more human is 

going to win. The jury is 

going to find a path in 

those instructions of law 

to side with the ones who 

have touched them most. 

We are all entertainers. 

We simply have to entertain.” 

Editor’s Note: As we go to 

press, Mike King was found 

guilty of two felony fraud 

charges. 

21


CRAB CIOPPINO DINNER 

Presented by 

Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club 

Saturday, March 25, 2006 

5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

The American Legion Hall 

651 El Camino Real, Redwood City 

plenty of parking!! 

ALL YOU CAN EAT CIOPPINO 

Complimentary Wine With Dinner, No Host Bar, 

Raffle Prizes, Silent Auction 

$40.00 Per Person 

All Proceeds benefit community programs and services including a college scholarship program, a computer reuse program 

that benefits local students, Special Games for special needs youth, Bike Rodeo/Safety Program, Annual Food & Toy Drive for 

local Charities, Sequoia High School Key Club, Senior Tea, Toiletries collection for women in transition, Relay for Life, 

Neighborhood Clean Up Days, Books for Raising a Reader program and much more! 

TO ORDER TICKETS: 

Tickets are sold on a First Come First Serve basis, limited to available seating. Once allotment has 

been sold, ticket orders cannot be honored. Sorry, no refunds for purchased tickets. Tickets will be 

mailed to the person at the address designated below. 

-------cut here----------------------------------cut here------------------------------cut here------------------------------------ 

Name_________________________________________Phone #_________________________ 

Address/City/Zip_______________________________________________________________ 

Please send ________ tickets at $40.00 each for a total of $_________ (payment enclosed) 

Check or money order made payable to WTAM Kiwanis Foundation, mail to Donna Vaillancourt, 15 Pilot 

Circle, Redwood City, CA 94065. 

25 years of consistant, solid service of 

Redwood City and the surrounding areas 

Now doing Dodge Work 

Factory Warranty 

Welcome 

(most vehicles) 

If your bill is: You Save: 

$50 to $100 $10.00 

$101 to $200 $15.00 

$201 to $300 $20.00 

$301 to $400 $30.00 

$401 to $500 $40.00 

$501 to $700 $50.00 

$701 to $900 $60.00 

$901 and up $100.00 

Service bill excluding tax 

(Coupon needed at time of write-up) 

Service Department 

Mon-Fri 7:30 am - 7:00 pm 

Sat 8:00 am - 5:00 pm by appointment 

Closed Sundays 

Rick Arslanian 

Service Director 

22


COMING HOME IS BITTERSWEET 

By Nicholas Mukhar 


Living in a city for the first 18 years of one’s life makes it easy to take for 

granted one’s hometown; much is the case for Redwood City. Every year 

hundreds of students graduate from various high schools in Redwood City 

and bid farewell to their families, friends and homes as they travel to various colleges 

around the country. Last year, I was one of those students who chose to part 

ways with the only city I have ever lived in, in hope of finding intriguing challenges 

and new people elsewhere. The place I chose was Santa Barbara, which presented 

an atmosphere contradictory to the calmness and tranquility of Redwood City. 

Anything but calm and tranquil, Santa Barbara, Isla Vista in particular, is a funloving, 

never-sleeping, party town just off the UCSB campus that can be overwhelming 

for any first-year college student. The scene is almost intolerable for 

those who care to study in their dorm rooms, as finding a quiet area is an insurmountable 

task. Within the first weeks of living in my dorm room I began to miss 

the subtlety that my house provided. I often found myself in Redwood City overwhelmed 

with boredom and looking for some excitement, and in great irony I now 

found myself in one of the most exhilarating areas in the country in search of a 

tranquil place to get my work done. 

Parties, new friends, new places and sleepless nights all come with the territory in 

this college town, as do midterms, final exams and new roommates whom you may 

or may not get along with. I was fortunate enough to get a roommate who shared 

many of my interests, and we have become good friends. Still, being able to come 

home from high school, close my door, and be alone for as long as I chose is sadly 

missed. Missed just as much are familiar restaurants and streets, familiar faces and 

friends, and home-cooked meals. 

Despite the adjustment period needed when moving away to college, there is much 

benefit in being alone in a new place. The most important aspect I have gained 

from moving away to college is my sense of independence. Nobody is forcing me 

to go to class, to go to sleep, to eat my meals, or not to get distracted from my 

work. For some, this is not a good thing. With nobody telling us students to go to 

class, some simply do not go. Some do not sleep or do not eat properly. I have 

already seen a countless number of students, even friends, get kicked out of their 

dorms because they did not go to class, which only made me more focused and 

dedicated to my work. While college is fun, work is the main reason for college. 

Some only work in school, and some have jobs after school, which could cause 

even more of a distraction. As my college experience enters its second semester, I 

feel more like a seasoned veteran than fresh meat. I now feel like I belong in this 

hectic town, which is almost half the battle. I feel more exposed and therefore 

more aware of the world around me, something I did not get in Redwood City. 

Therefore, once all of the positive and negatives are weighed, I can confidently say 

that moving away from home was a good choice, but the Bay Area is not a place 

that I will soon forget. 

HISTORIC SHIP ALMA AMONG 

NUMEROUS EVENTS SCHEDULED AT 

PORT OF REDWOOD CITY MAY 13-14 

AS PART OF SAN MATEO COUNTY’S 

SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION AND 

NATIONAL MARITIME DAY 

To celebrate San Mateo County’s sesquicentennial and National Maritime 

Day, the historic scow schooner Alma will visit the Port of Redwood City for 

public dockside tours May 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., reports Port 

Commission Chairman Larry Aikins. 

In conjunction with the San Mateo County History Museum and the Woodside 

Store, a variety of activities will take place both at the port and at the history 

museum in Redwood City on Saturday, May 13, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

(Only the Alma activity is offered both Saturday and Sunday; all other activities 

are Saturday only.) 

*The Starboard Watch sea shanty singers 

*Free shuttle to the history museum’s Charles Parsons Day festivities 

*Historic railcar tours 

*Maritime film fest 

*Kids crafts and activities at the museum 

*Marine Science Institute mobile unit 

*Try your hand at tying nautical knots 

*Historic woodworking shingle demo 

*Historic port photo display 

*Charles Parsons Collection of 23 authentic model ships 

*Enjoy lunch at Arrivederci Restaurant 

Sponsors include the Port of Redwood City, Cemex, Bay Chemical Solutions, 

Seaport Industrial Association, and Cargill Salt. 

The 1891 scow schooner Alma, a historic vessel moored as part of the collection 

of the National Maritime Museum, San Francisco, is an excellent example of a 

once common, vernacular, work-a-day craft found on the major waterways of the 

United States from Colonial times through the 20th century. Alma was average in 

size, but she was unusual in that, unlike many of the scow schooners then built on 

the bay, she had a cross-planked bottom. This construction, requiring heavier 

scantlings, may have contributed to her longevity. 

For more information, visit www.smc150.org. 

Editor’s note: Nicholas Mukhar was our student writer from Woodside High School last 

year. 

23


News Briefs 

TEENAGER FATALLY SHOT DURING RWC BAR BRAWL 

An 18-year-old Redwood City teen and two other men were fatally shot following 

a brawl at a Redwood City bar, according to the San Mateo County Coroner's 

Office. Redwood City residents Humberto Calderon Jr., 18, and Jesus Hernandez, 

28, along with East Palo Alto resident Hemerenciano Mendoza, 38, were all fatally 

shot at Headquarters Bar, the coroner's office reported. Redwood City police 

officers responded to the bar, located at 895 Second Ave., after hearing reports of 

shots fired. Upon arrival, officers discovered two men on the outside patio who 

had been shot to death, police reported. Shortly thereafter, officers observed a 

vehicle speeding out of the bar's parking lot toward Woodside Road. It later 

crashed at the intersection of Chestnut Street and Bay Road, according to police. 

Witnesses reportedly told police that the vehicle may have been linked to the 

shooting. The driver and the passenger were taken to a local hospital for treatment. 

Meanwhile, a third gunshot victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital, and a 

fourth gunshot victim was treated at a hospital for gunshot wounds to his 

abdomen. The alleged triggerman in the shooting, 26-year-old San Jose resident 

Rolando Fernandez, is being held in the San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of 

three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder in connection with 

the fatal shooting, according to San Mateo County Deputy District Attorney 

Martin Murray. Fernandez, who remains in custody on no-bail status, was expected 

to be arraigned on April 18, Murray said. 

NANNY TO STAND TRIAL FOR ALLEGEDLY SHAKING BABY 

A pediatrician from the University of California, San Francisco, testified that doctors 

are hopeful a Redwood Shores newborn who was seriously injured after his 

nanny allegedly shook him will not suffer any brain damage. In San Mateo County 

court, following a preliminary hearing for Minerva Rojas, 28, of East Palo Alto, 

Judge Beth Freeman found there was sufficient evidence to hold Rojas for trial. 

Rojas pleaded not guilty March 22 to child abuse, felony inflicting corporal injury 

upon a child and assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the alleged 

March 16 shaking incident, the San Mateo County district attorney's office 

reported. Redwood City police arrested Rojas after they responded to a 911 call 

and found the 2-and-a-half-month-old boy, named Thomas, unconscious and suffering 

from two skull fractures, retinal hemorrhaging and subdural hemorrhaging. 

Rojas originally claimed she left the baby in another room lying on a couch while 

she made lunch for his 2-and-a-half-year-old sister. She said by the time she 

returned, Thomas had already rolled off the couch, falling about 19 inches to the 

carpeted floor below, Redwood City police detective Mike Reynolds testified today. 

She said, "essentially, that the child had fallen off the couch," Reynolds said. "She 

came into the room and found the child face up next to the couch. She said she 

picked him up and shook him and tapped him on the face," for several minutes. 

During a three-hour interview of Rojas conducted by Reynolds and another detective, 

Rojas' "story changed several times," according to Reynolds. She said "when 

she picked Thomas up she had the phone in her hand and possibly she may have 

hit him," accidentally with it, Reynolds said. Rojas later told investigators that the 

baby may have been hit in the head as she opened the door to a refrigerator. She 

also said the baby fell after she tripped on a toy, Reynolds said. The prosecution 

alleges that Rojas threw the young boy after becoming frustrated. Rojas allegedly 

admitted to shaking the boy, using a stuffed bear to demonstrate to police. 

However, her attorney, Randolph Moore, says she did so to awaken him after he 

fell from the couch. "I don't think that this case fits the facts of a shaken baby 

case," Moore said. However, UCSF pediatrician Christopher Stewart said, "It's very 

unusual for children to have fractures from a short fall like that." Stewart said the 

injuries that Thomas sustained were likely caused by more than "the force that a 

normal caretaker would use." "Anyone else watching it would say that's not something 

you should be doing to a baby," Stewart said. Rojas, who remains in custody 

in lieu of $1 million bail, was to appear in court for her arraignment on April 18 

at 8:30 a.m. 

minor under the age of 14 by use of force, violence or the threat of bodily harm, 

the San Mateo County District Attorney's office reported. Koi molested his niece 

from August 1999, when she was 7 years old, until February 2005, at which time 

she was 13, the district attorney's office reported. The assaults included oral copulation, 

sexual intercourse and forcible rape, according to the district attorney's 

office. The assaults occurred in Sacramento County, at the victim's Rancho 

Cordova home, and in Redwood City. 

RWC WOMAN WHO ATTACKED POLICE WHILE PREGNANT SENTENCED 

A Redwood City woman was sentenced to four years in prison in a San Mateo 

County courtroom for attacking two police officers with a baseball bat while they 

attempted to detain her mother for theft in 2005. Shakeyma Brooks, 24, was convicted 

on Jan. 10 of five counts of assault with a deadly weapon in connection 

with the April 1 attack. At the time of the assault Brooks was eight months pregnant. 

Her mother was being arrested under suspicion of theft at a Foods Co. grocery 

store in the 1400 block of Broadway Street in Redwood City, the San Mateo 

County District Attorney's Office reported. Brooks ran up to the arresting officers 

and began swinging at them with a baseball bat in an attempt to free her mother. 

She then went back to her car and drove at the officers twice in hope of freeing 

her mother, the district attorney's office reported. Upon her arrest Brooks claimed 

the officers were abusing her mother and that she attacked them in self-defense. 

Brooks has remained in custody in lieu of $350,000 bail since her arrest. 

CHP FAULTS PEDESTRIAN IN REDWOOD CITY FATAL CRASH 

A pedestrian was killed Monday night on a northbound U.S. Highway 101 connector 

in Redwood City after trying to take a shortcut to the market, according to 

the California Highway Patrol. The eastbound Woodside Expressway exit was 

closed for more than two hours as the CHP investigated the incident. A 39-yearold 

man was hit on the off-ramp at approximately 9:48 p.m. by a 1989 Volvo 

sedan. He was with two other men who had just climbed over a freeway perimeter 

fence from East Bayshore Road. The men were trying to get to the Foods Co. 

on Broadway Street, according to the CHP. A Sig-Alert issued at 10:11 p.m. was 

canceled at 12:39 a.m. 

TEEN KILLED ON CALTRAIN TRACKS IN RWC 

The San Mateo County Coroner's Office has identified the victim of a fatal accident 

on the Caltrain tracks in Redwood City as 19-year-old Hayward resident Jose 

Alvarez. Alvarez and a group of people were crossing Caltrain tracks near Stafford 

and F streets, according to Caltrain spokesman Jonah Weinberg. Weinberg said the 

group tried to discourage Alvarez from trying to cross in front of an oncoming 

northbound train before he was struck. The group was not at a marked crossing 

or Caltrain station, Weinberg noted. The incident marked the second death on 

Caltrain tracks that day and the sixth so far this year. That morning, a man 

jumped in front of a northbound train at the Mountain View station, according to 

Weinberg. 

24 

MAN SENTENCED TO 16 YEARS PRISON FOR MOLESTATION 

A Redwood City man was sentenced to 16 years in prison in a San Mateo County 

courtroom after pleading no contest to molesting his young niece numerous times 

over a six-year period. Willie Peter Koi, 24, was sentenced on Friday after he pleaded 

no contest on Jan. 23 to five counts of lewd and lascivious acts upon a minor 

under the age of 14 and one count of committing lewd and lascivious acts upon a


Nonprofits in Action 

Family Service Agency of San Mateo County 

Looking for a dependable source of skilled, reliable workers? Family Service 

Agency of San Mateo County provides employers with mature, ready-to-work, 

experienced workers who are 55 years and older. Employers contact the service 

because they appreciate the superior work ethic and the commitment to quality 

that mature workers possess. There are no fees for hiring candidates. Contact 

Barbara Clipper at (650) 403-4300, extension 4368, to place your job order. 

For those looking for work, Family Service Agency provides a range of services for 

those who are at least 55 years of age, including referrals for classroom training, 

vocational counseling, job referrals and on-the-job training for qualified participants. 

Contact Connie Tilles at (650) 403-4300, extension 4371, if you are looking 

for work. 

Peninsula Sunrise Rotary Club 

The Peninsula Sunrise Rotary Club was chartered in April 1998. In the 16 years 

since that time, the club has met weekly at 7:30 a.m. at Pete’s Harbor for breakfast, 

which features various speakers on a wide range of subjects. 

It has been named the “Best Small Club” in Rotary District 5150, which comprises 

Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties. One of the club’s fund-raising 

activities is their beverage booth at the annual Vertical Challenge air show at 

Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos. Funds raised this past year by the 20-member 

club provided nearly $46,000 in contributions for community, youth, international 

and vocational projects. 

The club meets every Tuesday at the Waterfront Restaurant. For more information 

or to join, call Lorianna Kastrop at (650) 299-0303. 

Peninsula Hills Women’s Club 

Six new members joined the group in January: Donna Ferrari, Teresa Gracia, 

Carolyn McCammon, Nancy Radcliffe, Jacquie Rogers and Judy Yoakum. 

This month the members are working on a hot lunch for Habitat for Humanity 

workers. Along with other groups in the California Federation of Women’s Clubs, 

the members also make turtle pillows and afghans to benefit the children affected 

by Hurricane Katrina. 

Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the 

Community Activities Building, 1400 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City. For more 

information, call (650) 366-6371. 

City Talk Toastmasters 

Join the City Talk Toastmasters to develop communication and leadership skills. 

The club meets on Wednesdays 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City 

Hall, 1017 Middlefield Rd. Call Manny Rosas at (650) 780-7468 if you would like 

to check out a meeting or just stop in. Visit www.toastmasters.org for more information 

about the Toastmasters public speaking program. 

Redwood City Women’s Club 

Redwood City Women’s Club meets the first Thursday of each month at 149 

Clinton St. Call Lorretta at (650) 368-8212 for reservations or visit 

www.rwcwc.com. 

Optimist Club of Redwood City 

The Optimists invite you to become a member of Optimist International, one of 

the largest service organizations in the world, where “Bringing Out the Best in 

Kids” has been their mission for over 80 years! Whether you’re a club officer or a 

club member who enjoys the fellowship and friendship of others with a common 

greater good, Optimist International needs and wants you as a member. 

The Optimist Club of Redwood City meets every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. at Bob’s 

Court House Coffee Shop at Middlefield and Broadway. For more information 

please call the president, Steve, at (650) 365-8089 or the secretary, Ted Cole, at 

(650) 366-1392. Or come join them for lunch to learn more about how you can 

make a difference. 

Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club 

“Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world 

one child and one community at a time.” 

Since October 1956, the Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club and its precedents 

have been devoted to community service in Redwood City. Through the decades, 

they have provided funds to help many worthy community programs and continue 

to add more community projects. The Key Club of Sequoia High School, sponsored 

by the Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club, was chartered in 1994 and has 

been involved in raising money and donating time and effort to many of its 

programs. 

The Woodside Terrace A.M. Kiwanis Club meets every Thursday morning 7:15- 

8:30 a.m. at the Waterfront Restaurant, 1 Uccelli Blvd. (at Pete’s Harbor). They 

invite you to come to their meetings and check out the club’s Web site: www.agencyinfo.org/kiwanis. 

Hearing Loss Association of the Peninsula (formerly SHHH) 

Hearing Loss Association is a volunteer, international organization of hard-of-hearing 

people, relatives and friends. Hearing Loss Association is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, 

educational organization devoted to the welfare and interests of those who 

cannot hear well but are committed to participating in the hearing world. 

A day meeting is held on the first Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at the 

Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave. We provide educational 

speakers and refreshments. A demonstration of assistive devices is held on the first 

Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the second floor conference room at the 

Redwood City Public Library, 1044 Middlefield Rd. Please call Marj at (650) 593- 

6760 with any questions. 

Editor’s note: If you are connected with a nonprofit organization and want your information 

printed in The Spectrum, send it to writers@spectrummagazine.net or The Spectrum 

Magazine, P.O. Box 862, Redwood City, CA 94064. Let our community know your contributions 

and maybe they will want to join you. 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

B.O.K. Ranch 21st Annual Western Day 

Join B.O.K. Ranch for a fun-filled day of student horseback riding demonstrations, 

sheep and duck herding and dog agility demonstrations, children’s activities, and 

a raffle drawing. Special appearances by artist/designer Laurel Burch, Jerry 

Mertens and NFL alumni. Live music by Sidesaddle and Company. BBQ lunch 

catered by Canyon Inn. Proceeds benefit B.O.K. Ranch’s therapeutic horseback 

riding program for children and adults with special needs. 

Sunday, June 4, 11 a.m. ‘til 5 p.m. 

1815 Cordilleras Rd., Redwood City 

Admission is $45; children under 10 free with an adult. Includes BBQ lunch. 

For more information, call (650) 366-2265 or visit www.bokranch.com. 

Garage Sale To Help Baseballers 

The Bay Area Blazers, an 11-and-under boys’ baseball tournament travel team, is 

having a garage sale on Saturday, May 6, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the home of 

Dina and Rich Holm, 437 King St., Redwood City. 

The proceeds from this event will fund the team’s expenses for national tournaments 

in Henderson, Nev., and Peoria, Ariz., later this year. According to Lani 

Donath, the event director, “We plan on having lots of usable, quality items 

including household goods, small furniture and appliances, sporting goods, books, 

videos, CDs and some really nice clothing.” 

The Blazers’ families will also be serving donuts, muffins and coffee in the morning 

and water, soft drinks and hot dogs in the afternoon. The entire community is 

welcome! Contact Lani Donath at (650) 369-8823 or Jose Razo at (650) 799- 

2741 if you are interested in making a cash donation to the organization. 

25

Now Open in Downtown Redwood City 

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Wine Value-Priced at $9 to $39 per Bottle 

* Wine Tasting 

* Retail Wine Sales 

* Wine Classes 

* Private Events 

* Live Jazz 

2048 Broadway Street, Redwood City 94063 

(650) 363-8737 

www.savvycellar.com * info@savvycellar.com 

27

ALL SEASON SUSHI 

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28 

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Closed Sundays 

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29

A COUPLE HUNDRED SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS - 

AND THOUSANDS OF GIRL SCOUT COOKIES ARE SENT 

TO THE AMERICAN TROOPS IN IRAQ 

Castro Valley Girl Scout Aliya Hupp (center), Troop Leader Doreen Hupp 

(from left), Redwood City Rotary President John Lowe, U.S. Army Sergeant 

Samuel Tuttle (an Iraq combat veteran), and Rotarians Jill Singleton and 

Barbara Bonilla participated in the project. Inspired by a promise that 

Redwood City Rotary would mail cookies purchased for the troops, Aliya 

sold an extra 160 boxes (of the 220 total). The cookies, purchased mostly 

through door-to-door sales in the East Bay, are being sent to the units of two 

servicemen with Redwood City ties: the grandson of Jean Kidder (at right) 

and grandson of Mary Mortenson (not pictured). 

Owners Lynne & Russell Deutsh 

FEATURING: 

The Lobster Rolls 

New England Clam "Chowdah" 

Fish and Chips with Old Port Beer Batter 

Captain's Platter (delicious fried fish, shrimp 

and clams all served with fries & slaw) 

Fried Full-Bellied Clam Plate 

Steamed Mussels 

Lobster - Lobster Rolls - Crab Cakes - Scallops - Clams & More! 

851 VETERANS BLVD., REDWOOD CITY, CA - 650.366.2400 

www.oplobster.com 

30


Pension in Trouble? Take Steps to Replace Income 

By David Amman 

Special to The Spectrum 

In recent months, some well-known companies — including Verizon, Lockheed 

Martin, Motorola and IBM — have “frozen” their pension plans. If your company 

freezes its plan — or if you think it might do so in the future — you’ll want to start 

thinking now of how to replace the potential lost income during your retirement 

years. 

When a company freezes its pension plan, contributions or additional benefits will 

be discontinued during the freeze. Additional benefits typically would have 

increased each year of continued employment. Generally, when you retire or if you 

become disabled and can no longer work, for example, distributions will be paid to 

you based on your plan’s distribution options. 

Companies that freeze their pension plans may replace them with 401(k) plans, a 

move that gives you both opportunities and responsibilities. Now you must determine 

how much you need to save in your retirement plan. That means you need 

to calculate your retirement income needs and determine how much you might 

need from your 401(k). 

Also, you must choose the right mix of available investments within your 401(k) 

to help meet your retirement goals, given your individual risk tolerance and time 

horizon. As time goes on and your situation changes, you may need to periodically 

adjust your investment mix as well. 

To manage your 401(k) correctly, you may want to work with a qualified investment 

professional because, as you can see, there’s a lot at stake. 

Roth 401(k) may be available 

If your company moves from a pension plan to a 401(k), it may also provide you 

with the option of putting some of your money into the new Roth 401(k). Using 

the Roth feature in your 401(k) allows you to contribute after-tax dollars, which 

means you pay taxes on your contributions right away. Although distributions of 

Roth 401(k) contributions are always tax-free, distributions must meet a triggering 

event such as retirement, disability or death. Earnings also can be tax-free once 

you reach age 59 and have had the Roth 401(k) for at least five years. This taxfree 

feature can be quite valuable in helping you build resources for retirement. 

Other income-building possibilities 

Apart from actively managing your 401(k), you have other options to help replace 

some of the income you might lose from the freezing of your pension plan. Here 

are some possibilities: 

* Contribute to your IRA. Try to fully fund your Roth or traditional IRA, 

both of which offer tax-advantaged savings and an almost unlimited array 

of investment possibilities. 

* Purchase an annuity. If you can afford it, you might want to purchase a 

fixed annuity, which offers tax-deferred growth of earnings and can be set 

up to provide you with a lifetime income stream. 

* Take Social Security earlier. If your pension had not been frozen, you 

might have preferred to start taking Social Security at your “full” retirement 

age, which can be anywhere from 65 to 67. Now, however, you 

might need to start collecting your checks at age 62. Your monthly payments 

will be smaller than if you had waited, but if you need the money, 

it’s there for you. 

* Adjust your investment portfolio. With the help of an investment professional, 

you might want to restructure your portfolio to provide you 

with more income during your retirement years. 

Don’t get frozen out 

Clearly, it can be upsetting to see your pension frozen. But by managing your 

401(k) wisely, and by considering the other steps mentioned above, you may be 

able to attain sufficient retirement income to overcome the loss of what you once 

counted on. 

32


SENIOR ACTIVITIES 

Veterans Memorial Senior Center Activities for May 2006 

“Choices for Independence” is the theme of this year’s Older Americans Month 

in May. Members of the community and their families are invited to learn about 

the services provided for mid-life and older adults at the Veterans Memorial Senior 

Center, 1455 Madison Avenue, Redwood City, and to participate in the programs 

scheduled for May: 

“Nutrition” Lecture, Wednesday, May 3, 10:30 a.m., Goldstar Room, No 

Charge. Cathy Hazlewood, Registered Dietitian at Mills-Peninsula, is our guest 

speaker. 

“Proposition 60 and 90,” Lecture, Thursday, May 18, 10:30 a.m., Sunset 

Room, No Charge. Terry Flinn, Deputy Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder will 

speak about these two propositions that allow persons over the age of 55 to qualify 

for property tax savings when they sell their principal home and buy a replacement 

residence of the same or lower value. 

“Reverse Mortgages” Lecture, Wednesday, May 24, 10”30 a.m., Goldstar 

Room. Tricia Smith, Reverse Mortgage Counselor from Human Investment 

Project (HIP) will answer all your questions about the pros and cons of reverse 

mortgages. HIP is the only agency in San Mateo County that is certified by HUD 

and AARP to provide reverse mortgage counseling. 

“Wills and Trusts, Power of Attorney, and Advance Health Care Directives” 

Lecture, Thursday, May 25, 10:30 a.m., Sunset Room. 

Elsa Torres and Aldo Ibarra from La Raza Centro Legal will also provide information 

about Social Security, SSI, Medicare, Medi-Cal and other Federal, State, and 

County benefits. La Raza is a non-profit agency that provides free legal assistance 

on specific matters to Redwood City seniors. 

To learn more about the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, call 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 located at www.redwoodcity.org/parks. 

33


COMMUNITY INTEREST 

Caltrain Begins Work on Redwood City 

Rail Bridge 

Redwood City residents who live near the Caltrain bridge that crosses Redwood 

Creek at Maple Street may soon awake to the sound of jackhammers, as construction 

on the bridge is slated to begin. The construction will take place in two 

stages, beginning with the strengthening of the structure that supports the bridge 

and then continuing with the replacement of the deck, Caltrain reported. Though 

acoustic curtains will be set up to reduce noise, neighbors will likely hear noise 

from concrete-cutting saws, cranes lifting tracks and bridge panels, heavy equipment 

moving gravel, and trucks placing asphalt, Caltrain reported. According to 

Caltrain, the equipment being used in the project will be stored on Pennsylvania 

Avenue, a one-way street behind the Redwood City Public Library. The reconstruction 

of the Redwood Creek bridge is expected to be finished by June 12. 

Cañada College Still Searches for New 

President 

After launching a nationwide search following the resignation of its president, Rosa 

Perez, in June 2005, Redwood City–based Cañada College announced today that 

it still has yet to elect a new president. Though the San Mateo County 

Community College District Board of Trustees interviewed two finalists, neither 

was selected to take over as president of the college. Board members reportedly 

made their decision based on feedback they received from Cañada College faculty, 

staff and students solicited during open forums, as well as from other parties with 

invested interests in the future of Cañada College. In light of its ongoing quest for 

a new president, the board of trustees asked Thomas C. Mohr to continue serving 

as the college’s interim president. Mohr, who served as superintendent of the San 

Mateo Union High School District from 1996 through 2004, was originally 

appointed to the interim president position in August 2005. Mohr worked as an 

assistant superintendent at SMUHSD for a decade before becoming superintendent. 

Before that he was a high school principal in the Jefferson Union High 

School District. He currently lives in San Mateo. 

34 

New County Program Launched 

A new county program launched to help reduce referrals to child welfare services, 

San Mateo County’s Child Protective Services receives up to 5,000 calls each year 

to its Child Abuse Hotline but typically can only respond to the most urgent allegations 

of abuse or neglect — about 8 percent of calls received. Youth and Family 

Enrichment Services announced it will launch a new program to deliver comprehensive 

social services to help address the other 92 percent of hotline calls that do 

not meet the state standard for child welfare services intervention and are referred 

to community resources as an alternative. 

Known as Differential Response, this new, early-intervention program is the result 

of an initial grant of nearly $850,000 from the county’s Human Services Agency. 

The new program is designed to keep more children out of the child welfare system, 

helping at-risk families obtain the support and resources they need to reduce 

instability in the home and create a safer environment for their children. Youth 

and Family Enrichment Services is currently operating a pilot of the program in 

Redwood City and will expand the program to reach the rest of the county by July 

1. 

Redwood City Reads — One Book, One 

Community 

Redwood City Reads — One Book, One Community is an exciting community 

activity that invites everyone in Redwood City — young and old alike, from all 

parts of the city — to read the same great book at the same time! People can get 

together for book discussions, literary presentations, panel discussions and other 

related events. It’s happening in May in Redwood City! 

A volunteer committee surveyed the community and has selected “The Kite 

Runner” by Khaled Hosseini (www.khaledhosseini.com) as the one book that the 

entire community is invited to read at the same time. Here’s how it works (also see 

redwoodcity.org/1book or call (650) 780-7058): 

1) People can buy the book at Barnes and Noble (1091 El Camino Real) or their 

favorite local or online bookseller, or borrow it from the Redwood City Public 

Library. 

2) Everyone can read the book right now. They are urged to join with friends and 

neighbors, reading it as part of a book club or on their own. 

3) During May, readers can join in any or all of the great events and activities that 

are scheduled. Go to redwoodcity.org/1book for all the program details. 

“This is a perfect opportunity for people throughout our diverse community to 

join together with a common interest around this wonderful book. It’s an unforgettable 

and moving story, and I’m sure people will be inspired to talk about it at 

the planned book discussions, presentations and other programs,” said Mayor 

Barbara Pierce. “I encourage all of Redwood City to read this one book right now 

and be a part of building a great community together!” 

The Redwood City Public Library offers many free programs for children, adults 

and families and is the learning center of our community. For more information 

about library events and services, you may access the library’s home page at 

www.redwoodcity.org/library or call (650) 780-7026. 

Planning Commission To Unveil 

Principles for General Plan May 2 

The Redwood City Planning Commission has incorporated many community 

comments from eight public workshops into the Guiding Principles for the General 

Plan. These Guiding Principles will in turn drive the vision and specific elements 

of the General Plan. 

The community is invited to join the Planning Commission for the unveiling of 

the Guiding Principles, illustrating how the workshop participants’ thoughts and 

comments were brought forward and connected to the principles, and to set the 

stage for the next steps in our General Plan Update. 

The meeting is Tuesday, May 2, starting at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City 

Hall, 1017 Middlefield Rd. During this meeting you’ll have a chance to comment 

on the Guiding Principles, and the Planning Commission will consider formal 

adoption of their content. 

The next steps of the General Plan process include the development of the Vision 

for the General Plan, Planning Commission action on that vision, and then 

expanding on that vision with specific elements that directly correspond to the 

many important issues that the General Plan addresses. Once the Planning 

Commission has taken those steps, the entire General Plan Update and all of its 

elements will be presented to the City Council for its consideration. 

Mayor’s Beautification Awards 

For the 18th consecutive year, Redwood City residents, nonprofit organizations 

and businesses are showing their civic pride by applying for a Mayor’s 

Beautification Award. Individuals, homeowners associations, apartment complexes, 

businesses, nonprofits and others are invited to participate. Applications are 

available by calling (650) 780-7300 or by visiting City Hall (1017 Middlefield 

Rd.). The application is also available online at www.redwoodcity.org (click on “I 

want to” and select “Apply for a Beautification Award”), where applicants can print 

it, fill it out and send it in. The deadline for entries is June 30, and judging will be 

completed by the end of July. 

A panel of volunteer judges will prescreen the entries, and the final selection 

process will include site visits to the top entries. Categories include best architectural 

design, remodel, or historical restoration; most beautiful garden or landscape; 

best compatible building and garden or landscape; and more. If an entry doesn’t 

exactly fit into one of the categories, applicants can create their own categories. 

Entering the Mayor’s Beautification Awards program is an easy and fun way to 

demonstrate neighborhood and civic pride and to help connect with the community 

of Redwood City.

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35



* * * * 

In another action, the trustees voted to leave Redwood High School at its current 

location on Old County Road and not move it onto the Sequoia High School campus 

to make room for Summit Preparatory High School. Smart move. Could you 

have imagined the increase in gang violence on the Sequoia campus had they not 

done so? Summit will now move to temporary classrooms on Sequoia’s tennis 

courts for about two years while it secures a permanent school site. Wonder how 

they will be able to concentrate on studies when balls will be hitting their classrooms 

all day? 

* * * * 

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has voted to ban smoking within a 

30-foot perimeter of all county buildings and in both the closed and open common 

areas of multi-unit residences in the unincorporated area of the county. The 

county already banned smoking at its crime lab, coroner’s office and the future 

Youth Services Center. Get out your measuring tapes. 

* * * * 

I had the extreme pleasure of being one of the judges for the Miss Redwood City 

Pageant recently held at Carrington Hall. I had always looked at these types of 

pageants as beauty-driven, but after interviewing the women and getting to know 

their personalities and goals, I have been converted. Not only was each of the contestants 

beautiful in her own way, they were all talented, articulate and a clear representation 

of the possible future of this “video/computer”-driven generation. The 

only problem I had with the whole process was that three titles were given out — 

Miss Redwood City, Miss San Mateo County and Miss San Jose. The women were 

all from the official boundaries, which qualified them to hold any of those titles, 

and they were crowned by the highest scores. Bridget Chen from San Jose was 

crowned Miss Redwood City, and Lauren Nelson, a graduate of Sequoia High 

School, was crowned Miss San Mateo County. Both will serve the Miss America 

organization effectively, but shouldn’t the Redwood City representative have some 

connection to our community? There were several women competing from 

Redwood City, so I was hoping that one of those would be chosen to represent us. 

One of my favorite contestants was Jeri Richardson. She might have won one of 

the titles if the talent had not been so competitive. But I thought she and the other 

women from Redwood City could compete in, let’s say, a “pageant within a pag- 

eant,” and our representative could be from our community. I guess I am just 

adding some food for thought for Pageant Director G.H. Armour, who is doing a 

fantastic job! 

* * * * 

Going to the chapel… Well, not exactly, but Emerald Lake will be the location for 

the August wedding of council members Jim Hartnett and Rosanne Foust. The 

happy couple announced their plans to family and friends and then formally at the 

chamber’s Progress Seminar in Monterey. Congratulations to two fantastic people, 

and good luck! 

* * * * 

One of the goals when the construction of City Center Plaza was envisioned was 

to have a walkway in the middle of the complex that would serve as a connection 

between City Hall and the public parking lot behind the Jefferson Post Office to 

the businesses on Main Street. That vision exists, but recently the gates that block 

access to the walkway have been going up around 6 p.m. each day. This makes it 

difficult for those wanting to park and walk the safe and short distance to the businesses. 

Maybe someone should talk to the owners and see if something can be 

worked out to change that? 

* * * * 

Changes at City Hall are coming. After 33-and-a-third years of service, City of 

Redwood City’s Community Development Director Joel Patterson will be retiring 

as of July 1. After, he will be staying in our community while spending time in 

the mountains with his family and getting some much-needed rest. Rumor is that 

current Director of Public Works Pete Ingram will replace him. I also am hearing 

that Planning Manager Mike Church will be retiring soon. The rumor that City 

Manager Ed Everett will be retiring at the end of this year and will be replaced by 

Police Chief Carlos Bolanos is not true. Everett will be around for at least another 

two years. I am still betting that Bolanos will take the position of undersheriff 

once Greg Munks takes over Horsley’s seat 

* * * * 

This month’s Chamber Business Connection was held at the new offices of the San 

Mateo Credit Union on Convention Way. The event was impressively co-sponsored 

by Crystal Springs Catering and Saf Keep Storage. In attendance were 

Councilman Hartnett; former Mayor Dani 

Gasparini; Board of Education member 

Memo Morantes; Planning Commissioner 

Nancy Radcliff; Elizabeth Gheleta from 

the Service League of San Mateo County; 

business leaders Janet Borgans, Aly Beals, 

Cherly Angelas, Jim Massey and Keith 

Kadera; and attorney Ann Liroff. 

* * * * 

I am going to enjoy some of this great 

weather — FINALLY! 

As I was saying … 

36 

Before 

. 

. 

. 

Remodel 

Addition 

New Construction 

AFTER 

N.D.R. CONSTRUCTION 

GENERAL CONTRACTOR 

650.787.0831 Lic. # 796613



guitar Hall of Famer Bobby Black, reedmeister Jim Rothermel on clarinet and sax, 

fiddle ace Paul Shelasky, Mark Holzinger on take-off guitar, vocalist Pam Brandon, 

piano titan Shota Osabe, bassist Bing Nathan, and Krupa protégé John Brinck on 

drums. Don and the Lost Weekend gang will have the band’s hot new CD, 

“Swingin’ Out West: Lost Weekend Live” in their saddlebags. Don’t miss this 

opportunity to enjoy one of Western music’s finest bands. www.lostweekend.ws. 

Redwood City Blues Jam 

Wednesday, May 10, 7 p.m. Free admission! 

In the four months the Redwood City Blues Jam has been at the Little Fox, it has 

attracted the likes of Kenny Neal, Jackie Payne, Steve Edmundson, Chris Cobb, 

Jan Fanucci, Kid Andersen, John Cat, Mike Philips and many more. Join Kenny 

“Blue” Ray, who hosts an evening of quality blues music from the area’s best musicians 

and invites audience blues musicians to jam on stage. The music is real, the 

mood collegial and the doors open to the community to enjoy this uniquely 

American music. The Jam meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each 

month from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Bring your friends! 

The Waybacks plus Marley’s Ghost 

Welcomed by Fiddling Cricket Concerts 


Possessed of dazzling instrumental chops and an absolute mastery of acoustic 

musical styles, the Waybacks are an eclectic acoustic quintet, steeped in a wide 

array of Americana idioms. From newgrass and western swing to jug band and 

gypsy jazz, from folk and fingerpicking to alt-country and improvisational excursions 

that defy categorization, Waybacks music is wild, energetic and unpredictable. 

Whether mesmerizing audiences at intimate venues or creating a sensation 

at major festivals, the band brings its onstage alchemy to enthusiastic fans far 

and wide. www.waybacks.com. 

Since forming 20 years ago, Marley’s Ghost has built a singular reputation among 

discerning roots-music lovers for its ultra-tight four-part harmonies, instrumental 

virtuosity and animated live performances. On “Spooked,” the band’s eighth 

album but its first to receive a full-fledged national release, Marley’s Ghost creates 

a musically sophisticated, thematically rich piece of work that serves as a belated 

coming-out party for a band that deserves to be more widely heard. www.marleysghost.com. 

NiteCry CD Release Concert plus Maxx Cabello Band 


NiteCry is back. After a five-year hiatus to pursue solo projects, this accomplished 

group of musicians and songwriters has reunited to produce one of the best albums 

of the year. This collection of original songs is a true epic, chronicling blues and 

soul music from classic ballads of despair to hard-driving numbers that will rip you 

out of your seat. NiteCry’s soulful lead vocals, smooth multipart harmonies, 

breathtaking solos and fiery stage show make them one of the most sought-after 

bands to come out of the South Bay. Blues fans rejoice — NiteCry is back in town! 

www.nitecry.com. 

22-year-old singer-songwriter Maxx Cabello Jr.’s music is heavily influenced by 

such greats as Jimi Hendrix and Santana with a little bit of the blues in the mix as 

well. Maxx was born to be an entertainer and is more than comfortable in a crowd, 

where he delights listeners with his unbelievably quick hands and incredible 

sound. www.maxxedoutmusic.com. 

Redwood City Blues Jam 

Wednesday, May 24, 7 p.m. Free admission! 

(See listing for May 10 above.) 

Led Zeppelin Live starring Heartbreaker plus TinMan 

Saturday, May 13, 8 p.m. $14 adv./$16 door 

Heartbreaker is a group of four extremely talented and seasoned musicians from 

the Bay Area. The group’s Led Zeppelin Live production has not only managed to 

perfect the sound of Led Zeppelin, but they have the image, look and stage persona 

to leave even the most die-hard Zeppelin fan awestruck. www.zeppelintribute.com. 

TinMan, formed in 2005, is a quintet from San Jose specializing in rock classics 

from yesterday and today. Flip sides are the focus of this anti-wedding band seeking 

to move the feet and stir the soul. The rhythm section provides a deep pocket 

for flights of fancy from keys, guitar, harmonica and vocals as TinMan mixes an 

improvisational spirit with a well-rounded repertoire to create a truly unique musical 

experience. If you are looking for a real rock ’n’ roll band, high on quality, high 

on energy and high on fun that will get your crowd rockin’ regardless of their ages, 

you can’t go wrong with TinMan. www.tinmanmusic.net. 

37

Name____________________________________________ 

Address_________________________________________Phone____________ 


A Minute With... 

James Fox 

Jim was born in Oakland and raised in Half Moon Bay after moving there when he 

was 18 months old. He currently lives in San Carlos. He and his wife of 37 years, 

Bonnie, have three children: Christine, 36; Tim, 34; and Brian, 29. He was first 

elected as San Mateo County's district attorney in 1982. He is up for re-election 

this November and will be running. 

What is the main goal of the district 

attorney’s office? 

To assure that those who violate state 

law are held accountable and to provide 

public safety. 

Would you consider San Mateo a 

safe community? 

Yes, very safe! 

If a child is victimized in Redwood 

City, how strongly does your office 

go after the offender? 

Just as strongly as we would in any 

other part of the county. 

Have you noticed crimes against 

children increasing or declining in 

the past year? 

My impression is that they are about 

the same. 

Favorite movie? 

I don’t really go to the movies, so I 

would have to say none. 

Song? 

I love country music and that song: 

“The bridge that washed out and I can’t 

swim and my baby’s on the other side.” 

Television show? 

“Questions for the Prime Minister.” 

What is your idea of perfect happiness? 

Good health, family and friends. 

Which living person do you most 

admire? 

Bob Horan. He is the commonwealth’s 

attorney in Fairfax, Virginia. 

Which living person do you most 

despise? 

I don’t despise anyone. 

Who are your heroes in real life? 

President Harry Truman. 

What is your treasured possession? 

Family. 

What talent would you most like to 

have? 

All the talents I lack. I would like to be 

able to play a musical instrument. 

Something no one knows about you? 

I love to cook. 

Five years from now, you will be? 

66 years old. 

If you were to die and come back as 

a person or thing, what do you think 

it would be? 

Who I am. I have a great life. 

What do you consider your greatest 

achievement? 

Marrying well. 

What or who is the love of your life? 

My wife, Bonnie. 

Nikko's Cafe 

MEXICAN GRILL 

Burrito & 

Lunch Specials 

starting at 

$3.95 

Try Nikko's World 

Famous Combos! 

408 El Camino Real 

(near Whipple Avenue, next to 7-Eleven) 

REDWOOD CITY, CA 94062 

650.599.9383 

Open 

Monday-Friday: 11 am - 9 pm 

Saturday: 11 am - 8 pm 

- Closed Sunday- 

Eat Here or Take it To Go! 

A 

Redwood City Police Activities League 

2nd Annual Motorcycle 

Poker Run 

Sunday, May 7th 2006 

Sponsored by Redwood General Tire, Small Job Specialties, Kohlweiss Auto, DJ Tile, John 

Plane Construction, Ferrari Electrical Contractors, Arlen Ness Custom Motorcycles, 

Loral Landscape, Redwood Mechanical, Towne Ford, Wells Fargo Bank 

Check-in & Coffee: 9 am 

PAL Community Center, 

3399 Bay Rd, RWC. 

10:30 am Start 

Finish, BBQ & Prizes: 2:30pm 

Redwood General Tire, 1630 Broadway 

“Give a PAL a Ride” 

Early Registration (prior to April 21st) 

$20 per motorcycle - $25 with rider (double) 

Registration after April 21/ Day of Ride 

$ 30 per motorcycle -$35 with rider (double) 

All riders receive a ride pin, t-shirt, raffle ticket, 

and BBQ lunch 

Proceeds support the PAL Programs 

2nd Rider Name______________________________________ 

Make all checks payable to the Redwood City Police Activities League 

Mail to Redwood City PAL Poker Run 

1301 Maple St, Redwood City, CA 94063 

For more info call Chris Rasmussen (650) 556-1650 

Or email crasmussen@redwoodcity.org 

A 

38

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