Holiday Spirit in the Shores Calendar of RSCA Events

December is full of fun events and celebrations as winter begins
and we wrap up the year. RSCA WelComeS SAntA to the
ShoReS on Saturday, December 7th (2-4pm) and invites
neighbors to socialize and capture the magical moment when
little ones visit Santa with their wish list. is year, our event will
be held at Sandpiper with special access for RSCA members.
RSCA invites ALL residents
RSCA Welcomes Santa to Redwood Shores
Saturday, December 7th at 2 to 4pm at the
Sandpiper Community Center. Visit with Shores
neighbors and capture the magical moment of
your child on Santa’s lap sharing their wishes.
Don’t be late! The line to see Santa can be long...
(RSCA members will have special access.)

Light Up The Shores Contest

and businesses to become
members by paying an annual
membership donation of $45 Show us your decorations and win a prize!
(to support RSCA’s 50 years of Email photos to <LIGHTS@rsca.org>
service to Redwood Shores!)
by 8pm on Saturday, December 14th.
(See details on the left side of this page.)
e RSCA membership form
is on page 15, and at rsca.org.
RSCA also encourages residents to participate in our annual
light Up the ShoReS ConteSt! Dress up your home and

2020 RSCA Annual Meeting

yard with lights, snowmen, reindeer and ornaments and win
prizes! To submit your holiday decorations for consideration
and publication in e pilot, simply take a photo of your
home, apartment, condominium or townhouse, and send it to
us for our “judging” process. (Please note that prizes will only
be awarded to those who are RSCA members in 2019 or 2020.)
Tuesday, February 11th at 7 to 9pm at the
Redwood Shores Library (399 Marine Parkway)
Join us to talk to city, county and local officials
about current subjects relevant to the Shores.

You can always find more information about these

e best time of day for these photos is about 15 minutes

and other community events on our web site at

after sundown while there is still a little light in the sky.
We want to see your house and surroundings as well as your
lighting and decorations. Please send us only the very best
two or three of your pictures and be sure to include your RSCA.org
name, and street address (including unit/apartment number
if applicable). Email to <LIGHTS@rsca.org>. Photos must
be submitted no later than 8pm on Saturday, December 14th
for our elves to select our favorites!
As the year end approaches, RSCA continues planning and
following up on important issues for the Shores. If you are
interested in helping our community in 2020, please JOIN US
to help keep Redwood Shores a GREAT place to live and work!
All residents are encouraged to be involved in our community
through volunteer positions and annual membership
contributions. e RSCA membership form is on page 15.
anks for your support. We wish you a happy holiday season!
Page 2 December 2019 e PILOT
REDWOOD SHORES HISTORY
In 1959, the City of Redwood City annexed the lands known
as the Redwood Peninsula and Bair Island. e land owner,
Leslie Properties, Inc., had a development plan that would
construct single and multi-family residences and commercial
centers on the Redwood Peninsula and started reclamation and
development in this area.
In 1964, the Redwood City Council approved the formation of
General Improvement District 1-64 and general obligation
bonds of about $176 million were authorized. ese bonds
would finance land reclamation and public improvements such
as streets, water and sewage facilities, parks, and other projects
associated with public use. e bonds would be issued (sold) as
projects were approved. An additional tax for both reclamation
and facility bond service would be levied on completed dwellings.
ese District taxes would be collected by the county tax collector
at the same time and on the same tax bill as other taxes.
As a new neighborhood and being somewhat isolated, the
residents organized and incorporated the Redwood Shores
Homeowners’ Association in 1970. (e organization’s name
was later changed to Redwood Shores Community Association).
Some of the organization’s objectives were to represent the
residents at City Council meetings and to conducted and/or
sponsor social and entertainment events for children and adults.
Also, the first edition of the Redwood Shores pilot was
produced in 1970. is edition included an article about how
the District tax is calculated and a list of winners of the last
sailing race. Yes, sailing in Redwood Shores! A number of
residents had boats and boaters from other communities came
to the Shores to participate in the races.
We will include more about the history of Redwood Shores in
future issues of the pilot.
In 2020, the Redwood Shores Community Association (RSCA)
will celebrate 50 years of support to the Shores residents through
the interaction with Redwood City leaders and City Departments
on issues that may impact us, conducting community events, and
the distribution of our monthly newsletter (the pilot).
Page 4 December 2019 e PILOT
City Stalls on Community Request for
Traffic Safety Improvements
After several months, the City of Redwood City has taken no
action to help us solve a dangerous situation in Redwood Shores.
Drivers use the Holly exit from 101 and immediately cut across
3 lanes of traffic on Redwood Shores Parkway, to turn left on
Shoreway or Twin Dolphin Drive. Sometimes it’s large
commercial trucks, and sometimes it’s impatient drivers trying
to bypass 101 traffic congestion. Frequently, cars end up
blocking oncoming traffic on our Parkways because the road is
not clear enough to allow for this type of traffic flow or style of
driving. Drivers using these roads as raceways puts our residents,
and everyone working in Redwood Shores, at risk.
In July, the Redwood Shores Community Association (RSCA)
and several community members asked Redwood City officials
to institute a pilot program, similar to the Foster City plan on
Hillsdale, to disallow turning left on Shoreway and Twin
Dolphin Drive during heavy commute times of the day
(primarly 4- 7pm). is action would not affect Shores residents
as they enter the Shores to come home because those drivers are
headed straight along the Parkways. is action would stop the
unsafe actions of drivers trying to bypass highway congestion.
After multiple delays in surveying the area, and doing nothing
about our request, city staff members most recently reported
that they are using a new program using cell phone data about
traffic in this area. is attempt is known to be possibly
inaccurate, and regarded as a possible invasion of privacy, and
in no way captures the problematic activity we already know is
happening numerous times of day.
Again, RSCA asks more Redwood Shores residents to help us
advocate for our safety. Please contact the City Council at
<council@redwoodcity.org> asking them to stop waiting for a
catastrophe and take action now by installing no leFt tURn
signage on the Holly off ramp and at these key intersections in
our neighborhoods (Twin Dolphin and Shoreway).
ank you in advance for your help support in trying to
accomplish this safety measure for our residents and businesses.
 REDWOOD SHORES
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
274 Redwood Shores Pkwy, PMB #603
Redwood Shores, CA 94065 - 1173
www.RSCA.org | info@rsca.org

Board of Directors

Nina Boire Connie Munevar

Kevin Brehmer Sue Nix
Jim Cvengros Ben Ploshay
Carol Ford Steven Tsujisaka
Shannon Guzzetta Bob Slusser
Don Long John Zolck
(Email us if you would like to become a board member.)

RSCA’s Board of Directors meet on the 2nd ursday of

each month, except December. Our next Board Meeting
will be at the Redwood Shores Library at 7:00pm on:
January 9th, 2020
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN BOARD (non-HOA areas):
For CC&R copies & information, email <ADB@rsca.org>
DEADLINES for e PILOT
e deadline for space reservation is usually the end of the first
week of each month for the following month’s issue.
Please email <ThePILOT@rsca.org> for a precise schedule.
PUBLISHER: Redwood Shores Community Association
e PILOT is the official monthly publication of
the Redwood Shores Community Association.
CIRCULATION: 6,000 Shores Households & Businesses
Opinions published in e pilot are solely those of the
authors and not the expressions of RSCA unless so officially
and expressly designated.
https://www.facebook.com/RSCAorg/
• Holiday Spirit in the Shores.......................................Page 1
• RSCA Events Calendar..............................................Page 1
• Redwood Shores History ...........................................Page 4
• City Stalls on Traffic Safety Improvements.................Page 4
• Review of Shores Events ............................................Page 6
• From the Mayor: Re-organization..............................Page 6
• It’s Elementary School Update ..................................Page 8
• Carlmont High School Performances ........................Page 8
• La Vita Saporita: Feast of the Seven Fishes...............Page 10
• Holiday Events in Redwood City ............................Page 12
• Review of Shores Safety ...........................................Page 14
• RSCA Membership Form........................................Page 15
• Rotary Lobster Fest: February 1, 2020.....................Page 15
• Ah, the Holiday Season ...........................................Page 16
• Redwood Shores Tennis Club ..................................Page 16
• SVCW RESCU Update...........................................Page 18
• CalTrans Project Information ..................................Page 19
• St. Mark’s Corner: War on Christmas ......................Page 20
• Simplify Gift Giving................................................Page 20
• Shores Business Classified Ads .................................Page 21
• Reading Partners Seeks Volunteers...........................Page 22
• Library Events for December ...................................Page 22
e PILOT December 2019 Page 5
REVIEW OF SHORES EVENTS FROM THE MAYOR
Have you noticed the recently i An B Ain , C itY oF R eDWooD C itY
revealed artwork on the book
drop box at the Shores Library?
e winning design, titled On December 9th, the City Council will conduct its re-organization
“Book Drops, Imagination Rises” meeting, wherein the new Mayor and Vice Mayor will be installed,
was created by Kevin, a 10-year and I will rotate back into the role of Council member for my final
old Shores resident. Go check year in office. is reorganization will be the only order of business
out the impressive details! on that agenda that night, and I hope you will join us at City Hall
as we celebrate this transition.
e job of the Mayor is largely ceremonial, representing the
Council at events, giving speeches, cutting ribbons and presenting
awards. However, the Mayor also runs the Council meetings, helps
set the agendas, provides guidance to staff on Council direction,
and perhaps most importantly, helps set the tone for civil dialogue
in our community. at is not entirely up to the Mayor of course,
but the Mayor plays a big role in that. I am very thankful to have
had this honor.
ere has been no shortage of challenges these last two years, but
I am proud of the work we have done on behalf of residents.
We’ve responded to community concerns, and most importantly,
It was great to see so many I think we have made progress to ensure that residents feel heard.
Redwood Shores neighbors at Residents’ voices are critically important, and this is the level of
RSCA’S AnnUAl hAlloWeen government where you can really make a difference. For our
pARADe in October. Favorite part, we have aimed to raise the bar on responsiveness and
costumes this year included communication, and tried to model how local government can
the icecream vendors, this and should work.
trapped little mouse, and the I want to thank my colleagues on the Council for supporting me
mother of dragons! and working with each other respectfully as part of a team. We
didn’t always agree, but when we didn’t, it was always respectful.
It was even better when we could reach compromises that everyone
could live with. I particularly want to thank Vice Mayor Howard
for her support, and I look forward to supporting her as the next
Mayor. I wish her well, and know that she and our incoming Vice
Mayor will work hard to be an effective leadership team.
I want to thank our full time professional staff, including our City
Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, our department heads, and
everyone who keeps the day-to-day business going. Many people
don’t realize that serving on City Council is a part time job, and
balancing that with a full-time career can sometimes be challenging.
at is why it is critical to have a top-notch staff, which we do.
Lastly, I want to thank my family, particularly my wife Robbie. She
RSCA also coordinated an “ARe YoU ReADY ” disaster has advised me, supported me, and attended countless events with
preparedness presentation and annual “ShoW YoUR CARDS” me, even when there were things she would rather be doing. I look
safety exercise. For details on these activities, please see page 14. forward to spending a few more evenings and weekends doing what
We encourage all residents to plan ahead to be prepared with she wants to do.
adequate supplies and responses, in case of an emergency. It has been an incredible honor to serve as Mayor of this wonderful
If you enjoy events such as these, please make sure to make your community, and I am forever grateful to have had this opportunity.
annual membership payment to RSCA. (See form on page 15.) ank you.

Page 6 December 2019 e PILOT

e PILOT December 2019 Page 7
IT’S ELEMENTARY Carlmont high School Choir
miChAel milliken, ph.D.
BRSSD SUpeRintenDent presents
Hello Redwood Shores, Words & music
Our schools will be out of session for the last part of December.
A concert of music featuring songs with lyrics from great works of poetry.
The last day of school is December 18th, and the first day back
And holiday favorites.
is January 7th. This long break aligns with the Sequoia High
School District’s calendar, and it allows our families an peRFoRmAnCe timeS
opportunity to visit extended family that may live out of state Friday, December 13th at 7pm
or out of the country. Saturday, December 14th at 5pm
WinteR ConCeRtS tiCket inFoRmAtion
Ralston Middle School will be having their winter concerts on https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?theatre=chs
December 11th and December 12th at 6:30-8:30pm. No tickets
are required, and we invite you to come enjoy these performances.
You will be impressed! mAth tUtoRS & SUppoRt FoR StRUggling ReADeRS
ViSitAtion SeSSionS AnD enRollment FoR kinDeRgARten BRSSD test scores show consistent improvement, and our area
If you have a child that is turning five years of age this year has local math tutors available (see page 21), a parent group for
(birthdays from September 2, 2014 to December 2, 2015), we supporting dyslexic students (see page 21), and an organization
invite you to come visit our Transitional Kindergarten and seeking volunteers to read to elementary students to help them
Kindergarten classes and learn about our programs! Visitation improve their skills (see page 22).
sessions begin the week of January 13, and specifics are posted on
the BRSSD website. (See brssd.org, under the Enrollment tab.)
Enrollment begins February 5, 2020, for the 2020-21 school year,
and we encourage families to enroll their child during the month
of February to ensure a school assignment closest to their home.
SUpeRintenDent SeARCh
is school year will be my seventh, and last, as superintendent
for BRSSD. I am taking a year off from work next year to travel
and take advantage of our youngest child heading off to college.
e Board of Trustees has hired the executive search firm
Leadership Associates and is in the process of conducting a
superintendent search to hire the District’s next superintendent.
In February, the District will conduct candidate screening and
interviews, and in late March or early April, the Board expects
to announce the selection of the superintendent.
poSitiVe tRenD in BRSSD teSt SCoReS
As mentioned last month, our students are performing at high
levels. On the right side of this page are graphic representations
of our progress over time on the state tests in English and Math
compared to the county average. Data can be found online by
searching for “CAASPP test results.”
As always, thank you for your support of our schools.

Michael Milliken
mmilliken@brssd.org

Page 8 December 2019 e PILOT

e PILOT December 2019 Page 9
e Feast of the Seven Fishes
One of my all-time favorite holiday traditions is our Christmas Eve
dinner, the Feast of the Seven Fishes. is celebration is typical for
Italian-Americans (in Southern Italy where my family is from it is
known simply as “La Vigilia”—e Vigil) and although it has roots
in the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on the
eve of a feast, it has widespread appeal to seafood lovers of all faiths.
I’ve prepared holiday tables with seating for 5 to 50+, so no matter
how intimate or expansive your guest list, there are menu options pAStAS AnD mAin CoURSeS
for gatherings of all sizes. ere are no rules—other than the
• Linguine Vongole (linguine
obvious fish-centric theme—so it’s an easy tradition to customize.
with clams) or Frutti di
For smaller gatherings I tend towards heavy appetizers to start
Mare
followed by a sit-down dinner featuring some kind of seafood
salad or soup and a lighter main course. For large groups of family • Lobster Ravioli
and friends I love to make it an interactive experience, inviting • Seafood Bake with Roasted
everyone to make a dish so we can enjoy an abundant buffet of Potatoes
various types of fish in a wide array of preparations. • Whole Roasted Branzino or
If the idea of a multi-course meal isn’t your cup of tea, there are Pan Grilled Salmon Steaks
many delicious options for individual recipes that feature multiple • Crab Legs or Broiled
types of fish in a single dish such as a seafood risotto, cioppino, or Lobster Tails
pasta ai frutti di mare. You can even pull this off last minute with
store-bought dips, spreads, and other prepared foods that are easy pAlAte CleAnSeRS
to take from fridge to plate. • Blood Orange Granita or
In the end, it’s not the number Limoncello Sorbet
of dishes or types of fish that
your serve - for us it’s simply itAliAn DeSSeRtS
an excuse to celebrate our love • Pavlova Tri Colori
of family, friends and food. • Christmas Cannoli
ese are some typical dishes • Italian Rainbow Cookies
on rotation at Casa Casella:
SmAll BiteS For these recipes and more, along with wine pairing
• Shrimp Cocktail or recommendations, visit me at laVitaSaporita.com.
Cracked Lobster Claws
• Smoked Salmon or Pickled Herring Crostini Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones!
• Crab and Artichoke Dip
• Fried Calamari, Anchovies or Smelts
• Baccala or Salmon Spread Guyanne Lufrano is a marketing
and management consultant at
• Blini with Caviar and Creme Fraiche
Keating Consulting Group and
SoUpS AnD SAlADS Founder of the Clean Beauty
• Crab or Lobster Bisque Project. She’s a Redwood Shores
• Cioppino resident, proud Sandpiper mom,
• Cesar Salad with Anchovies Wine Society Director for the
Boisset Collection, and lifestyle
• Mixed green salad with Seared Scallops or Marinated Octopus
blogger at LaVitaSaporita.com.
• Marinated Octopus Salad with Onions and Olives
Page 10 December 2019 e PILOT
 We work with the highest integrity and strive for
great relationships.
As Bay Area natives and a homeowner in Redwood Shores for 24 yrs, we have the
knowledge and the network to help ensure the best value, and the smoothest
experience for our clients.

BEFORE

AFTER THINKING OF SELLING?

Let Compass Concierge front the costs to prepare your home for the market.
Julie Alsaegh Improvements like painting, ooring, landscaping, deep cleaning, staging and more are
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Lynn Carteris Veri ed Top SRES (Senior IAREP (International association

DRE 01751044 | 415.269.2575 | lynn.carteris@compass.com Agent Network real estate specialist) of real estate professionals)

Compass is the brand name used for services provided by one or more of the Compass group of subsidiary companies. Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California
and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01079009. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed
relia le t as not een veri ed anges in price, condition, sale or it dra al ma e made it o t notice o statement is made as to acc rac o an description ll meas rements
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Amiciʼs East Coast Pizzeria 654-3333 New Life Acupuncture Clinic 549-5278 ReMax Star Real Estate 802-5800
Bagel Street Cafe 593-0103 Nob Hill Foods 654-2106 Select Physical Therapy 591-9581
Bank of America 631-5476 Orange Theory 562-6577 Starbucks Coffee 654-4037
Falafel Tazah 622-9983 Otuko Sushi 264-8418 The Grill House 264-8017
GNC 654-2782 Postal Annex 622-9094 Togoʼs Eatery 654-7760
Jamba Juice 802-2900 Provident Credit Union 591-7845 Una Mas Restaurant 654-4690
Palo Alto Medical Foundation 691-6407 Redwood Shores Dental Care 654-6545 Vision One Optometry 716-4981

Go to our website www.marketplaceredwoodshores.com for valuable coupons.

Follow us on facebook for pop up specials from your favorite merchants.
e PILOT December 2019 Page 11
Make Your Days Merry and Bright with Holiday Giving and Celebration
We’ve been making a list and checking it twice.
ese December activities make the holidays nice!
AnnUAl holiDAY toY AnD Book DRiVe
Redwood City Departments are teaming up with public safety
agencies in San Mateo County to bring smiles and holiday spirit to
children in need through the annual Holiday Toy and Book Drive.
is year, the Redwood City Fire Department, Police Department,
and Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department, are hometoWn holiDAYS
joining the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, the San Carlos Fire
Get in the holiday spirit and join the festivities, rain or shine, as
Department, the Woodside Fire Department, and the CARON
Redwood City’s Downtown Business Group presents Hometown
Project to bring the Christmas Toy and Book Drive to many
Holidays, a party to celebrate the holiday season. Bring the family
families in need.
and experience the holiday parade, entertainment, carnival, snow,
Businesses can support this effort by placing donation barrels at Santa Claus photos, and more. is free family friendly event takes
their sites. Individuals can help by donating new, unwrapped place December 7th starting at 10am in front of the Fox eatre.
toys and books. Volunteers are needed at “wrapping parties”
tRee lighting
where everyone takes part in preparing the gifts for the kids.
e fun continues after Hometown
Last year, local businesses filled donation barrels with more than Holidays on December 7th, with a
12,000 toys and books, which were distributed to approximately tree lighting at the corner of
500 families. Santa personally delivers gifts to the home of each Hamilton and Broadway, across
recipient, arriving in a police car or a fire engine. It’s an experience from Courthouse Square. Two
the kids will long remember. redwood trees will be lit in
Donations of new toys and celebration of the holidays.
books can be made at
holiDAY tRAin
collection barrels located at
is free event brings together
Fire Station 20 in Redwood
thousands of community members
Shores or any RWC Fire
in the spirit of joy and giving.
Station, the RWC Police
Decorated with 60,000 glittering
Department, at City Hall, or
lights, the dazzling show-train will
the Downtown Library.
visit the Redwood City Caltrain
For more information, contact Redwood City Police Officer station on December 7th at 6:10pm,
Chris Rasmussen at (650) 780-7104. providing holiday entertainment
FooD FoR FineS and collecting donations of toys for
Now through December 31, the Redwood City Public Library children who otherwise may not
is participating in the Food for Fines community food drive receive gifts during the holidays.
program. is program allows visitors to bring non-perishable 10th AnnUAl ChAnUkAh FeStiVAl
food items into any Redwood City Library branch. In exchange, Join Chabad Mid Pen for the 10th
their fines/fees will be waived. e food donation will only cover annual Chanukah Festival in
library fines, not fines for lost or damaged items. All food Courthouse Square on December
collected will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank. 22nd from 4 to 5:30pm. Enjoy a
giant glowing menorah lighting, Chanukah latkes and donuts,
DeCemBeR moVie night At SAnDpipeR
entertainment, music, and more.
Attention parents! Need to finish up on that holiday shopping?
Don’t worry about a babysitter. Drop your kids off for a night of holiDAY CloSUReS
fun at the Sandpiper Community Center on Friday, December 6th City Hall will be closed November 28-29 and from December 23rd
from 6 – 9 p.m. ey’ll enjoy holiday arts and crafts, relays, games, to January 1st. City Hall will reopen at 8am on January 2nd, 2020.
and a big screen movie showing. To make movie night complete, StAY ConneCteD on FACeBook, tWitteR AnD inStAgRAm
we’ll provide pizza and drinks. Don’t forget their pillows and Interested in more holiday fun? Go to redwoodcity.org.calendar
sleeping bags to keep them comfy during the movie. Appropriate for a full list of events. Tag RWC in your photos to share how you
for kids ages 5-11. are celebrating the holidays! #RWCholidays
Page 12 December
August 2018
2019 e
e PILOT
PILOT
 AnnaOw The Ow Team
PENINSULA SPECIALIST
TOP 100, SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM MY FAMILY TO YOURS!

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to prepare your home for sale.
REVIEW OF SHORES SAFETY
Redwood Shores Community Association (RSCA) is committed
to safety and disaster planning, and periodically hosts events such
as the fire department’s “ARe YoU ReADY” presentation held in
November, and partners with local preparedness team members
for the annual “ShoW YoUR CARDS” exercise.
mAnY ShoReS ReSiDentS AttenDeD the “ARe YoU ReADY”
DiSASteR pReSentAtion in noVemBeR. One piece of information
provided by the fire department during the session illustrates just
how vulnerable we are in a disaster situation was the overview of
on duty firefighters and available equipment. is factor is
important to consider because it reiterates that each person will
need to be able to take care of him or her self, their family, and
potentially their neighbors, in a large-scale disaster, because there
are not enough firefighters (or police) to cover our area following
a large scale disaster. is is especially true for Redwood Shores as
we are situated on “our own little island” and our local firefighters
may be called to another location in an disaster response scenario.
911 What’s Your emergency?
• 52 Engines and 8 Trucks
• Approximately 180 firefighters on each day
• Combined resident population is approximately 763,000
— equals 1 firefighter per 4,000+ residents
• Daytime population is approximately 1,4000,000
— equals 1 firefighter per 7,700 people
In addition to fire department services and home safety tips, the
“Are You Ready” presentation aimed to help residents plan ahead
to be prepared with adequate supplies and responses, in case of
an emergency. An important aspect of this is how to store WAteR.
e WateRuse Association recently launched a campaign urging
all Americans to “Imagine a Day Without Water” to emphasize the
important value clean and safe water has in our daily lives. We
ask you to “Imagine a Day Without Water”, and plan accordingly.
All homeS ShoUlD hAVe enoUgh WAteR StoReD to SUStAin
3 DAYS FolloWing A DiSASteR.
YoUR FAmilY FoR At leASt
Page 14 December 2019 e PILOT
Every resident should be prepared to shelter in place for at least
3 days, by storing at least 2 gallons of water per person per day,
in addition to having enough food to last at least 3 days, and any
medications or health supplies needed. (Note: this means, that if
you or a family member requires a machine for any health reasons,
then an energy source needs to be on hand, in case of an emergency.)
pRepARe to SUStAin YoURSelF FoR At leASt 3 DAYS!
As a followup to the “Are You Ready” presentation, RSCA asked
residents to display their GREEN/OK disaster signal card on
Sunday, November 17th. Unfortunately, the number of homes that
participated in the “ShoW YoUR CARDS” exercise was much lower
than previous years. We hope resident were out and about having
a great weekend, and that communication and participation
improves in the future. Please keep these disaster signal cards
handy so you can best help emergency responders get help to those
who need it. If you have questions about this exercise or emergency
preparedness in the Shores, please contact <eRprep@rsca.org>.
RSCA will continue to offer information about safety and
preparedness, including CERT training sessions, and lists of
supplies that every home should have on hand in case of an
emergency. In the meantime, please visit ready.gov for helpful
checklists and planning assistance.
Additionally, RSCA and the Redwood City Police Department
have the following tipS FoR A SAFe WinteR SeASon:
• See Something Suspicious? SAY Something!
Call 911 for emergencies, or call the non-emergency phone
line 650-369-3333 to report suspicious activities that you
notice in our neighborhoods. Trust your instincts.
• lock Up! Make sure to lock your vehicles and remove all
valuables to discourage theives looking for an easy mark.
• Be Bright! Wear reflective clothing or gear when walking,
running, or biking along our roadways. Use extra caution
at intersections to make sure cars see you and STOP safely.
• put Down Your phone! Texting while driving is illegal and
dangerous. Be safe and look out for the safety of others.
If you’re interested in a board position or volunteer opportunities, please contact president@rsca.org.
Please send this completed form and your $45 check to pay annual RSCA membership dues.

get your tickets at www.brsrotary.org

e PILOT December 2019 Page 15

Ah... The Holiday Season
by Harvey Radin
As Santa and all the Elves are closely monitoring productivity
metrics at North Pole HQ, gearing up for the Holiday Season,
there’s lots of gearing up going on around here, too.
ere’s Christmas tree assessment, for example. Checking out
trees. Picturing how one tree or another might look at home.
Will that tree fit through the door? Is the ceiling high enough?
Will we be able to strap it on top of the car?
Strategic planning comes in handy around the Holidays. What’s
the best time to get on 101 or El Camino to reach our
destination? Traffic patterns get more confusing. When will
everyone be on the road heading to stores or on their way to visit
family and friends? Should we take shortcuts, maybe take
Industrial or Old County Road part of the way?
Okay, early start today! Gotta beat the crowds and find parking.
But wait a second, remember those parking spaces hidden
around the side of the store? If we can snag one of those spots,
can we get going a little later?
But then again, maybe earlier is better. It gets pretty crowded.
At those big box stores, you’ve got to do the shopping cart ballet.
at’s what I call it. You have to zig-zag those giant carts up and
down the aisles. Who left their cart sitting right in the middle
of Aisle 35? What a bottleneck! Someone declare a Sig Alert!
ere’s all that suspense, with retail industry analysts and
economists pondering how the Holiday shopping season will
shape up. Will brick and mortar stores sell enough merchandise?
Online shopping...how will that go this year? What about
returned items? You’ve got Black Friday, or several Black Fridays,
for that matter. ey seem to go on and on. And then you’ve
got the several weeks before, the actual week before, and then
the day before Christmas. Will all those shopping days be robust
enough to keep the economy going?
It all gets confusing. But then again, there’s lots of joy, beautiful
decor, colorful and bright lights, and smiles. Lots of smiles. Lots
of excitement. Lots of laughter. Happy Holidays, everyone!
(After a career in corporate communication, Harvey
Radin wrote books and articles about public opinion
and PR. His articles have been published in
Business Insider, American Banker, Talking Biz
News and the Pagosa Daily Post. You can reach out
to him by email at <hoastrategic@gmail.com>.)
Page 16 December 2019 e PILOT
by Monique Seibel
October Tournament
It was the perfect October day—perfect for tennis, that is, with
pleasant cool temperatures, no sun and no wind. Because women
outnumbered men by 15 to 4, we ended up playing three sets of
men’s/women’s doubles and two mixed. Each person’s score was
tallied according to total games won during the course of five 8-
game sets, and scores turned out to be quite close.
Karen Brodersen organized the tournament, with Nicola Tidwell
and Kathy Miles (president and VP respectively) doing courtside
refreshments, shopping for prizes, etc. Bob Brodersen did an
excellent job with the draw because everyone came away happy.
Lan Duncan and Lindsey Kiser
did photography. And Annette
Vernon and Paul Reinhardt
hosted a great social that evening.
Among the women, first prize
went to Jan Porter and second
prize to Kathi Williams (photo).
Men’s first prize went to Mike
Venturino, but since there were
only four men, another first prize
was awarded to Karen Brodersen.
All of the winners received fall-
themed socks.
November Tournament
Sixteen people played in the November 2 team tennis
tournament, our last of the year. e theme was Grandma’s
Cookies, and the winners were Team Chocolate Chips, captained
by Erwin Seibel. Coming in second were the Oatmeal Cookies,
captained by Monique Seibel. anks go to Penny Chin and Bob
Evans for hosting the social that night, one of the best of the
year; to Barb Urrutia and Penny for courtside refreshments; to
Nicola Tidwell and Kathy Miles for doing the draw; to Nicola
for prizes and Ruth Waters for photography.
Winter Break
We now take our yearly hiatus from monthly tournaments
(though not from tennis). e next event will be Membership
Mania in March 2020.
For more information about the club, or to join, please visit
www.rstc.org. Let’s play tennis!
 Sanit Bordeianu
650.430.3500 mobile
Sanit@SanitBordeianu.com
SanitBordeianu.com
CalBRE# 01923423

Your Redwood Shores Neighbor, Resource & Realtor

Debbie Wilhelm Team - Ranked #2 Top Small Team in NorCal & #5 in North America

OLD OLD
S S
UST UST
J J

2520 Wexford Ave., South San Francisco 530 Guildford Ave., San Mateo
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 1,920 Sqft, 4,900 Sqft Lot 4 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,510 Sqft, 4,500 SqFt Lot
Listed at $1,198,000. Sold for $1,435,000 Listed at $1,385,000, Sold for $1,350,000
Buyer Representation Buyer Representation

CONTACT SANIT TODAY FOR YOUR HOME BUYING/SELLING NEEDS AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OFF MARKET OR UPCOMING PROPERTIES.
e PILOT December 2019 Page 17
 ReSCU program Update
We continue to make progress on the rehabilitation and replacement of SVCW's conveyance system. When complete, it
will ensure that SVCW can efficiently, reliably, and safely convey and treat wastewater from its four member agencies, Belmont,
San Carlos, Redwood City, and the West Bay Sanitary District, for many decades to come. Following is an update on the
Front of Plant Project (FoP) which includes a new wastewater receiving lift station, new headworks to remove rags and grit
before they reach the wastewater treatment plant, and an influent pipe to convey flow from the headworks to the plant.
SVCW and its design-build partner, Shea-Parsons Joint Venture (SPJV), are finalizing design elements for the FoP using
the Progressive Design Build project delivery method. is method integrates members of the design-build team with the
SVCW team starting at the earliest stages of project development and ensures strong collaboration on developing design
solutions and resolving construction challenges as the project moves forward.
In the field, excavation of the 90-foot deep Receiving Lift Station (RLS) shaft is complete. Next, SPJV will pour a thin
layer of concrete to create a working surface at the bottom of the shaft. is shaft is built to house the new lift pumps and
related support equipment. e new RLS will have capacity to pump at a maximum flow rate of 80 million gallons per day.
at's nearly 56,000 gallons per minute! It will be the delivery system for raw wastewater moving from the discharge end
of the new gravity pipeline up to the new SVCW headworks.
Concurrently, we began excavation of the Surge and Flow Splitter (SFS) shaft. We expect it to be completed by the end of
November. e SFS provides surge protection during high flows and dissipates the energy of the influent flow before it
reaches the RLS. Once the excavation of the SFS is complete, a temporary slab for Salus, the tunnel boring machine, will
be installed. Salus will bore through a special section in the wall panel of the SFS shaft.
We also started construction on the above-grade portions of the new headworks structure. is month, we’ll build the first-
level concrete walls, columns, and temporary framework structures for future storage rooms and working decks. We do
not plan on special hours for concrete deliveries for this work.
For more information, go to http://www.svcw.org/projects/Sitepages/ReSCUprogram.aspx.

Aerial view of the Receiving Lift Station (RLS) shaft and the Rebar set in wall panels ready for the next concrete pour
Surge and Flow Splitter (SFS) shaft

Page 18 December 2019 e PILOT


SAn mAteo 101 expReSS lAneS pRoJeCt
pRoJeCt inFoRmAtion
e San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Project is a multi-year, multi-
agency project initiated to reduce traffic congestion and encourage
carpooling and transit use on U.S. 101 in San Mateo County.
e project will create 22 miles of express lanes on U.S. Highway
101 from I-380 in San Bruno to the San Mateo County/Santa
Clara County border. e San Mateo 101 Express Lanes will
then seamlessly connect to the express lanes being constructed
in Santa Clara County.
SM 101 Express Lane Project How an Express Lane Operates.
What is an Express Lane? Buses and 3+ carpools drive for free.
Other drivers can choose to pay. Electronic toll collection.
dynamic tolls (congestion pricing) keep lane free flowing.
keY pRoJeCt BeneFitS
• Encourages carpooling and transit use
• Improves travel time and reliability for all express lane users
• Increases the total number of people moved on the road
• Uses technology to manage traffic flows
• Reduces congestion in the corridor
• Upgrades pavement and lane re-striping
ConStRUCtion UpDAteS
To receive construction updates, follow us on Twitter
@CaltransD4 or join our mailing list. To ask a question about
the project, join the mailing list, talk about construction, or
request a presentation for a group/organization, contact: Jeff Weiss
or Vince Jacala at <vince_jacala@dot.ca.gov> or 510-286-5206.
oCtoBeR/noVemBeR 2019
For the time period of late October/early November, construction
activities will continue along US 101 from the San Mateo
County/ Santa Clara County border to US 101/ Whipple Avenue
that will include work on the freeway shoulders and median,
freeway ramps, and on local city streets adjacent to the freeway.
Freeway Shoulders and median: Intermittent lane closures will
continue on northbound and southbound US 101 from 10 p.m.
to 5 a.m., excluding Friday and Saturday nights. During lane
closures, at least one lane will remain open at all times. Freeway
work on the shoulders and median this month include:
• installing median barrier aesthetic treatment
• installing drainage systems
• installing median barrier signs
• boring for new traffic monitoring equipment
is month, work on the freeway shoulders will occur in East
Palo Alto, Palo Alto, and Menlo Park. Work on the freeway
median will occur in Menlo Park and Redwood City.
Freeway Ramps: Work on the freeway ramps will continue
periodically for restriping and installing temporary traffic
monitoring equipment. is work may require temporary, nightly
ramp closures in Menlo Park and Redwood City. Ramp closures:
• will be displayed on changeable message signs
• will take place at night
• will last three to eight hours
• will reopen by 5 a.m. daily
• will have detour signs posted
City Streets: Electrical service work will continue to occur on
City Streets in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and
Redwood City. is work will include PG&E energizing utility
connection points on City Streets adjacent to the freeway. PG&E
will be conducting additional outreach in these areas.
Construction activities are subject to change.
For more information, please see: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-
me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-mateo-101-express-lane-project
e PILOT December 2019 Page 19
ST. MArk’S COrner WAnt people to hAVe A meRRY ChRiStmAS?
Don’t tell them, ShoW them!
A War on the War on Christmas Donate an hour of your time at a St. Vincent de Paul help center
and serve lunch to the disenfranchised or to Second Harvest and
by Richard Watkins
bag a Christmas dinner for the underprivileged. You want me to
When I was in fourth grade, our class put on a Christmas have a Merry Christmas? en I want you to take that $25 you
pageant. We sang ‘All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth’ were going to spend on a Target gift card for me as a secret Santa
and ‘Rocking Around the Christmas Tree’ and were quickly and instead go buy a bunch of toys from the dollar bin and take
dispatched back to our classrooms for cupcakes and Tang. them to Catholic Worker House and donate them in my name.
In seventh grade, our band class had a Holiday concert. We played Or go splurge on some $10 ear buds, gloves, scarfs, beanies,
the song Sleigh Ride and I remember specifically Mr. McKay watches, make-up kits, pens, notebooks or maybe even a new
telling the audience beforehand to “bear with them because this wallet or purse with a $10 bill in it and take them over to
was a high school level arrangement.” And it showed. We clunked Samaritan House or LifeMoves. I would much rather a teen who
and clanged our way through it and finished up with a nice, easy has run away from an abusive home or situation be given a little
rendition of Carol of the Bells. sign that someone cares for them than for me to buy $25 worth
of toilet paper or soap or Ruffles (let’s face it, it would be the chips.
By high school, we were having Winter recital come December.
You know it and I know it).
And since the concert band also doubled as the marching band,
we mostly performed songs from our half-time shows like Land i Don’t neeD to Be WiSheD A meRRY ChRiStmAS AnYmoRe.
of a ousand Dances. And while we would always learn one I know the elements that make up a Merry Christmas: that Jesus
new song, it wasn’t anything that was even remotely seasonally- was born (which is what we are celebrating at Christmas), that
themed like the Winter movement from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. he died (which is what Christmas means: Christ’s Mass or
Instead, we learned songs like eme from M*A*S*H. Christ’s Eucharist), that he rose from dead (coincidently, did you
know that St. Nicholas was known to have performed
Now, if you’ve been paying attention, you would have noticed we’ve
resurrections as well?), and that His love is redemptive (and isn’t
gone from a Christmas pageant to a Holiday concert to a Winter
that the greatest gift of all?).
recital in the span of five or six years. And the songs performed went
from containing the words Christmas, to being considered So, I implore you; don’t wish people a Merry Christmas. Instead,
“Christmas songs” to having nothing to do with the elements of ShoW them A meRRY ChRiStmAS. Make them a Merry
Christmas or the holidays or even winter for that matter. Christmas. Give them a Merry Christmas. And by doing so,
maybe you will have yourself a Merry Little Christmas too!
Some people say this is very essence of the War on Christmas - a
progressive undermining, censoring and stripping away from
society all things Christmas. From Christmas trees in public parks,
to department store stenciled window decorations to the very
argument of whether Santa Claus even exists. ese folks say there
is a conscious effort to remove the word Christmas from our
lexicon. But most of all, their main complaint of those who
perpetuate this War on Christmas theory is that they believe there
is an active movement in this country for people to no longer say
“Merry Christmas” so people don’t have to hear “Merry Christmas”
if they don’t want to.
Well, to all those Merry Christmas saying and wishing people
out there I say to them: “Save it bub. I don’t want to hear it”.
Now don’t get me wrong. I have not gone completely humbug.
If I were told “happy holidays”, there would be no malaise. A
“season’s greetings” will not get me seething. A “festive good-
tidings” would cause you no chiding. An “enjoy the yule-log” will
not get you flogged. A hearty “peace on earth; good will to men”
could be spoken to me without it being a sin. For all those
phrases, I say “yes…I am in.” But I no longer want to be wished If you have an item of interest, business or an organization affiliated
or told or bestowed upon a Merry Christmas. I will no longer with the Shores and would like to contribute an article to e PILOT
accept rote and unfelt expressions of obligations. Words are cheap. on a rotating basis, please contact <ePILOT@rsca.org>.
Page 20 December 2019 e PILOT
 CLASSIFIED ADS AnDeRlini & mCSWeeneY llp

Redwood Shores
ATTORNEYS AT LAW

Certified Public Accountant

p. teRRY AnDeRlini
Providing tax preparation and planning,
PARTNER

accounting and bookkeeping services

Call Kerman at 650-291-4219 66 BOVET ROAD, SUITE 285 650-212-0001

Silvia’s Housecleaning Service

SAN MATEO, CA 94402 Fax 650-212-0081
www.amlawoffice.com tanderlini@amlawoffice.com

License #22085 - Bonded and Insured

References available on request
Serving the Shores 25 years
High Quality Family Day Care
650-722-6556
private, flexible hours, any age, homemade meals,
organic/green products, excellent references
over 20 years experience in Redwood Shores
Call nina at 650-595-2862

FLORES HOUSE CLEANING SERVICE

Excellent service, good references.
REDWOOD SHORES, BELMONT, Call Ana or Edgar 650-924-0406
BURLINGAME & WOODSIDE YELLOW CAB
20% OFF for
REDWOOD SHORES RESIDENTS
(Van Available) Redwood Shores Resident Professional Travel Agent
650-921-2038 Over 35 years of Worldwide Expertise
Affiliated with Travel Advisors of Los Gatos

Redwood Shores Handyman

Call Linda at 650-591-9112 or 408-505-4506
linda.margolin@comcast.net
No job too small, can do almost anything. CST1002864-10
Redwood Shores Resident
Call Scott 650-464-3276
or email shenderson4@aol.com
math tutoring in Redwood Shores
elementary and middle School
• Need help to reinforce math fundamentals?
• School curriculum not challenging enough?
• Want tips & tricks to ace Top Math Competitions?
Woodsmyth Construction inspiringmathminds@gmail.com

Lic#789093
SUppoRt FoR FAmilieS With StRUggling ReADeRS
Bonded & Insured Join our next Decoding Dyslexia California North Peninsula
parent group on Monday 12/16 at 6-7:30pm in meeting room A
Bill 415-420-4853 & Ray 415-420-6850 at the Redwood Shores Library (399 Marine Parkway). RSVP to
woodsmythconstruction.com <ddcanorthpeninsula@gmail.com> so we can arrange seating.

e PILOT December 2019 Page 21

 gibson portfolio management, inc.
providing owners with comprehensive solutions
for their property management needs.

Rosemary gibson
owner / Broker
650.518.2382
www.gibsonportfoliomanagement.com

“Expanding Equitable Doors of Opportunity”

DRE #02071565

Reading Partners is an educational literacy

non-profit that provides one-on-one
tutoring to elementary school students,
ranging from kindergarten through fourth
grade, struggling with reading.
Our mission at Reading Partners is to
help children become lifelong readers by
empowering communities to provide
individualized instruction with measurable results. We believe
that reading is the foundation for all future learning whether that
be in science, math, or history. Reading Partners delivers a highly
effective and evidence-based program that has helped thousands
of children master the fundamental reading skills they need to
succeed in school and beyond.
As a volunteer tutor, you will work 1:1 with an elementary school
student who is reading 6 months to 2.5 years below grade level.
Sessions are held on school campuses during and after school hours.
We work with 15 Title I schools across the Silicon Valley. Our
school partners in Redwood City are Henry Ford and Selby Lane
Elementary. Our partner in Belmont is Nesbit Elementary. We are
also located in Mountain View, Sunnyvale, San Jose, and Milpitas.
Our website is www.readingpartners.org/locations/silicon-valley,
we can also be reached at (408) 945-5720, or be reached at
<volunteersv@readingpartners.org>.
Page 22 December 2019 e PILOT
 Stay in the Shores

When thinking of buying or selling your home, it’s important to work with an agent

who knows Redwood Shores. Blueprint Real Estate was founded by a Redwood

Shores real estate agent who lives in the Shores and loves this community.

If your agent can’t answer the questions below, it’s time to find an agent who knows

and understands your neighborhood.

• How are the elementary school placements done?

• Are there really any non-HOA neighborhoods in Redwood Shores?

• Who is given priority for enrollment at Sandpiper Middle School?

When buying or selling in Redwood Shores, stay local.

Call Blueprint Real Estate, designing your plan for real estate success.

jenny rowe
CIPS ®, PSA ®, ASP ®

founder | realtor ®

650.722.3502
jenny@blueprintcalifornia.com blueprintcalifornia.com
DRE# 01990690
 Joyful! Grateful for our community
and your continued support.

Compass is the brand name used for services provided by one or more of the Compass group of subsidiary companies. Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State
of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01866771. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is
compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to
accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.