Category archive

Featured - page 114

Year-long project launches to improve Butano Creek

in Community/Featured/Headline/Infrastructure by
Year-long project launches to improve Butano Creek

Nature will be getting a helping hand in Butano Creek.

The San Mateo Resource Conservation District is beginning a year-long project to clear sediment from the creek and improve water quality.

“Lower Butano Creek, where it runs through the marsh, has completely filled in with sediment.  This blocks threatened steelhead trout and endangered coho salmon from the entire Butano watershed for spawning…[and] a sediment-filled channel exacerbates flooding and road closures,” according to the District’s announcement of the project.

This work is intended to allow steelhead and coho salmon to swim freely upstream again.  The project will improve the water quality in the creek and in Pescadero Marsh – for the benefit of the fish, and other wildlife in the marsh.  And for the human population in the area, the work is also expected to reduce the impact of flooding (though not prevent it) at Pescadero Creek Road.

It all starts in September, with removal of some trees and brush along the creek, downstream from the Pescadero Creek Road Bridge.  The District does not anticipate any effect on traffic (unless you’re stopping to take pictures), but you might see some of the tree removal work as you drive by.

Work is scheduled to finish up in October 2019 – and in the meantime, if you’d like to know more about what’s being done, you’ll find an abundance of information here.

Photo Credit: Outdoor Project

Opponents of bikini coffee shop plan launch Change.org petition, schedule march

in Business/Community/Featured/Headline by
Opponents of bikini coffee shop plan launch Change.org petition

Opponents of a proposal to open a bikini coffee shop in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood have launched a Change.org petition that garnered nearly 500 signatures in three days.

Also, an opposition march has been planned for Friday, Sept. 14, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Siena Youth Center in Redwood City.

As we’ve reported, Pink Pantherz Espresso, a small coffee shop chain where baristas wear bikinis and some menu items have sexually suggestive names, has expressed interest in opening a new location at 2797 El Camino Real, the space formerly occupied by Caffino. Pink Pantherz also has locations in Fremont, Modesto, and Fresno.

Community members opposing the proposal, including Sister Heltsley of St. Francis Center, say kids pass that location twice daily on their way to Selby Lane, the local public school. Their petition urges the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to prevent what opponents called a “trashy business” from moving in and promises future marches and letter writing campaigns.

“The new owner proposes to employ very scantly dressed young women in the drive thru who will serve coffee drinks with suggestive names such as Bootycall, Birthday Sex, and Panty Dropper,” the petition states, adding the “Pink Pantherz objectifies and reinforces inappropriate stereotypes of women.”

News of the petition led to a lengthy dialogue on social media, including on the issue of feminism. Those opposing the petition said opponents of the bikini coffee shop are being prude.

“As long as it’s kept safe, inclusive and non discriminatory for the women applying/working there, it shouldn’t be a problem to let the business have a fair chance.,” said one commenter on the Facebook group, “Redwood City Residents Say: What?”

Another stated, “Throw a pool out front and no one will complain.”

As stated in our most recent report, the county was reviewing the business owner’s application, which includes looking into whether employee attire at Pink Pantherz’ proposed location should be deemed adult entertainment, which is not zoned for that location.

“Planning Director Steve Monowitz has informed the owner that to comply with zoning code, employee dress must completely cover their bottoms from a point below the buttocks and their entire breasts from a point immediately above the areola. If and when the business does open, the County will work closely with the owner to ensure compliance. Failure to do so will be a code violation.”

The site at 2797 El Camino Real appears to be owned by members of the Hiller family, best known for their display of aircraft and helicopters at the Hiller Aviation Museum. The family has not returned calls for comment.

Electronic Arts CEO: ‘shock and grief’ after Florida mass shooting

in Education/Featured/Headline by
Electronic Arts CEO: 'shock and grief' after Jacksonville mass shooting

The chief executive of Redwood City-based Electronic Arts expressed “shock and grief” after a gunman killed two players and wounded 11 at a Madden Classic gaming event in Jacksonville, Fla. on Sunday.

In a statement posted on EA’s website, CEO Andrew Wilson said the company, which publishes the Madden NFL football games, has canceled the remaining qualifier tournaments for the gaming competition while it conducts a comprehensive review of safety protocols for players and fans.

“First and foremost, it is an unthinkable tragedy that Taylor Robertson and Elijah Clayton, two of our top Madden competitors, lost their lives in this way,” Wilson’s statement said. “They were respected, positive and skilled competitors, the epitome of the players and personalities at the heart of our community. Their love of competition was evident through their participation in our events over the past few years.”

The shooting suspect, David Katz, 24, of Baltimore, was identified as a competitor in the tournament who allegedly became upset about losing the game, according to authorities.

Sunday’s competition was the first of four qualifying events for the Madden Classic finals scheduled for Oct. 11-13 in Las Vegas.

“While these qualifying events are operated independently by partners, we work with them to ensure competitive integrity and to gather feedback from players,” Wilson said, adding later, “We will work with our partners and our internal teams to establish a consistent level of security at all of our competitive gaming events.”

Wilson says it’s the first time EA has had to confront an issue like this, “and I believe the first time our gaming community has dealt with a tragedy of this nature.”

“Please take time to support each other through this challenging time,” he said.

Redwood City teen killed in crash while en route to school

in Community/Featured/Headline by
CHP: Driver found asleep at wheel of Tesla going 70 mph on 101

A Redwood City teenager was pronounced dead Monday after his car veered off of the road in the 15000 block of Skyline Boulevard in unincorporated San Mateo County, went down an embankment and struck a tree, authorities said today.

At about 12:50 p.m. Monday, a San Mateo County sheriff’s deputy spotted the Toyota Tacoma driven by Blake Bottarini, which wasn’t visible from the road, and reported it to the California Highway Patrol. Bottarini, 17, was pronounced dead at the scene, CHP said. Officers said drugs and alcohol do not appear to have been factors in the crash.

Bottarini, a senior at Serra High, had reportedly crashed hours earlier while he was on his way to school.

Officials at Serra High are mourning the passing of Bottarini, who they described as a “kind and caring young man.” In a letter to the school community signed by Principal Barry Thornton and President Lars Lund, officials asked the Serra High community to pray for the Bottarini family, which includes his mother, father and twin brother.

“His family, friends and Serra classmates were very important to him, and he was a very important person in their lives,” the letter said.

County warns public about fire training drills at Half Moon Bay Airport

in Community/Featured/Headline/Infrastructure by

If you’re driving past Half Moon Bay Airport this week and see fires shooting from a plane, don’t panic — all is safe.

In fact, the fiery scene at 9850 Cabrillo Highway will occur in order to promote safety.

From Wednesday through Friday, the Half Moon Bay Airport will be the setting of a series of live and simulated fire training drills for its staff and that of the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Fire Department, according to San Mateo County officials. The live fire drills are required every year by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Staff at county airports also attend training to enhance safety at local airports.

“The Industrial Emergency Council (IES) will use its self-contained mobile simulated aircraft fire trainer (photo attached) to provide a realistic experience,” the county said in a statement. “During this period, airport users and local residents can expect to see SFO fire trucks, flames and smoke.”

Parking restrictions approved for Friendly Acres neighborhood

in Community/Featured/Headline/Infrastructure by
Parking restrictions proposed for Friendly Acres neighborhood

Parking restrictions are coming to several streets in Redwood City’s Friendly Acres neighborhood — in part to reduce longterm parking by employees from nearby commercial areas.

At the Redwood City council meeting Tuesday, the council approved establishing a new Residential Permit Parking Area in the city, called Area B.

This will prohibit vehicles without a permit from parking for longer than two hours — weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. — on these streets:

  • Second Avenue, Bay Road to Rolison Road
  • Third Avenue, Bay Road to Page Street
  • Fourth Avenue, Bay Road to Page Street
  • Fifth Avenue, Bay Road to Rolison Road
  • Bay Road, Second Avenue to Fifth Avenue
  • Page Street, Second Avenue to Fifth Avenue
  • Broadway, Second Avenue to Fifth Avenue

The new residential parking permit (RPP) area is Redwood City’s fourth since the program began in 1985 with the aim of cracking down on longterm parking. The city currently has three RPP areas: Area S surrounding Sequoia High School; Area C surrounding Sequoia Hospital, and Area A in the Stambaugh-Heller neighborhood southeast of downtown.

Late last year, the city received a petition from Avenue Two Apartments and the adjacent properties on Second Avenue calling for parking restrictions. A second petition submitted to the city in January 2018 came from residents within the area generally bordered by Second Avenue, Fifth Avenue, Broadway and Bay Road.

Implementation of new parking signs and the issuance of permits to neighborhood residents wil take about three to six months.

Police will issue warning citations to first- time violators who park longer than two hours without displaying a valid residential parking permit. Repeat violators will receive a citation.

Domestic violence call in downtown Redwood City leads to arrest of alleged pimp

in Crime/Featured/Headline by
Domestic violence incident in downtown Redwood City leads to arrest of pimp

An investigation into a domestic violence incident in downtown Redwood City on Aug. 18 led to the arrest of a pimp in Merced this past Friday.

On Aug. 18, Merced police stopped 28-year-od Devone Richardson in their city after receiving a hit on their Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) that he was wanted in connection with an investigation in Redwood City.

The investigation stemmed from a domestic violence call on Aug. 18 in downtown Redwood City, where the suspect fled the scene prior to officers arriving. The victim, a 26-year-old woman, initially denied what happened, and officers sensed her uneasiness and offered her temporary shelter at the First Chance facility, which she accepted, police said. That night, the victim told First Chance staff she’d been forced into prostitution and beaten by Richardson.

Redwood City Police Department Street Crime Suppression Team Detectives took over the investigation, along with a patrol sergeant and victim advocate who are experts in the human trafficking field.

The victim told investigators she had been working as a prostitute for Richardson for about a month, during which time he kept all of her money, cellphone, purse with her identification and denied her food and made her sleep in his car, police said.

“According to details provided in the interview, the victim indicated Richardson had a wide outreach of clients and made her work as a prostitute in different cities throughout the Bay Area,” police said. “He threatened to send nude pictures to the victim’s parents if she did not continue working for him. On the night she was contacted in Redwood City, Richardson beat her and stole all of her personal belongings.”

A warrant was issued with a bail amount of $500,000 for Richardson’s arrest, and he was discovered by Merced police Friday.

“Street Crime Suppression Team Detectives responded to Merced and took custody of Richardson and transported him to Redwood City,” police said.

He was booked into San Mateo County Jail for human trafficking, pimping, pandering, robbery, domestic violence, extortion and assault.

Meanwhile, Redwood City officers and detectives collaborated with San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program Coordinator John Vanek and Human Trafficking Advocate Pam Estes to get the victim further assistance for long term housing, as well as funding for food and incidentals.

“The collaborative efforts of different units within the Redwood City Police Department, First Chance and Palm Avenue facilities, the San Mateo County Human Trafficking Initiative and the Merced Police Department resulted in a successful resolution to this case,” police said.

Anyone with additional information or evidence regarding this particular case, please contact Det. Sergeant Nick Perna at NPerna@redwoodcity.org.

Persons with information about this case or any other case who wish to remain anonymous may leave messages at 1-800-222-TIPS, or send the information online at www.BayareaCrimestoppers.org.

$3M state grant to boost student outcomes at Cañada College, College of San Mateo

in Community/Education/Featured/Headline by
Dozens of employers to attend Cañada College internship fair

Three million dollars.  That’s what county community colleges have been awarded by the California Community Colleges Board of Governors grant to implement a program aiming to accelerate student completion of associate degrees, particularly for students with the fewest resources.

The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) says the $3 million grant will be used to “integrate the District’s Promise Scholars Program with the implementation of Guided Pathways, and will include expanded partnerships with local high school districts, a Promise Scholarship for free college, and a professional development infrastructure that supports a culture committed to equity and innovation,” according to the district.

These goals will be met using the City University of New York (CUNY) Accelerate Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) model, the district added.

“…this grant…will be a game-changer for so many of our students,’ said Ron Galatolo, Chancellor, San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD).  ‘Creating clearly defined pathways from college entry to completion, and providing comprehensive advising…and support services for students will allow them to be successful inside and outside the classroom’.”

Skyline will serve as the lead in putting the money to work at district colleges.

“We are optimistic about how this program – once implemented districtwide – will help close the opportunity gap and enhance the educational attainment rate of our students,” explained Chancellor Galatolo.

Only 11 of 65 districts across the state received any award; and SMCCCD received the largest single grant.

You can learn more here.

Political Climate with Mark Simon: Redwood City facing legal pressure to move to district elections

in Featured/Headline/PoliticalClimate by
Redwood City Council approves salary increases for city manager, city attorney

Add Redwood City to the growing list of jurisdictions on the Peninsula and throughout California that are being urged to move to district elections under threat of legal action.

The City Council has received a letter asserting that its system of at-large elections systematically discriminates against minority voters and severely constrains the ability of minorities to win a seat on the council. These discriminatory actions are in violation of the California Voting Rights Act of 2001, according to the letter.

The letter, from Malibu attorney Kevin Shenkman, notes that Latinos are 39 percent of the city’s population and yet the city has only one Latina councilmember, Alicia Aguirre, who was first appointed to the council in 2003, “underscoring the inability of Latinos to elect in the first place a candidate of their choice. … The virtual absence of Latinos to run for or be elected to the city’s council (is) outwardly disturbing, it is also fundamentally hostile toward Latino participation.”

Seven other local jurisdictions have adopted district elections, or are preparing to do so: Half Moon Bay, Menlo Park, South San Francisco, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, the San Mateo County Community College District, Sequoia Union High School District and the Redwood City Elementary School District.

In the city of Santa Clara, a court recently ordered the city to go to district elections despite a June ballot measure in which voters rejected such a proposal.

Most of them undertook the shift from at-large elections under threat of a lawsuit from Shenkman, who has forced several California cities to make similar transitions.

The letter states that the city’s at-large system “dilutes the ability of Latinos to elect candidates of their choice or otherwise influence the outcome of the city’s council elections.

As if in confirmation of Shenkman’s contentions, the current race for three seats on the Redwood City Council has attracted seven candidates and only one, Ernie Schmidt, is a Latino.

City spokeswoman Meghan Horrigan said “staff is evaluating next steps.”

But if the response of other cities is any indication, Redwood City will soon begin the process of conducting public input on how best to divide the city into City Council districts, followed by the adoption of the new districts, quite likely in time for the 2020 election.

As has been the case in other instances, this can cause some problems for incumbents who may live in the same district and face the prospect of running against one another or moving into a new district.

In Menlo Park, where district elections are underway this year, it is clear the prospect of running in a smaller district has drawn challenges to incumbents that might not have occurred in a citywide race.

Incumbent Kirsten Keith is being challenged by Drew Combs, who almost won a citywide election in the last election. Incumbent Peter Ohtaki has two challengers, Ronald W. Shepherd and Betsy Nash and an open seat has drawn three candidates, Cecilia T. Taylor, Mike Dunn and George Yang. It’s worth noting in this context that of the eight candidates running, four are minorities – Combs, Taylor, Ohtaki and Yang.

The adoption of district elections is no guarantee that minority representatives will be elected. Since the Board of Supervisors adopted district elections in 2014 and the five board members are unmistakably white. The first race for a seat without an incumbent occurred in 2016 and of the four candidates, only one, Mike Guingona, was a minority – a Filipino in a district that is more than 50 percent Asian. The seat was won by David Canepa.

Shenkman’s hint of a lawsuit is hardly an empty threat – his firm successfully sued the city of Palmdale on the same set of issues and won after an eight-day trial.

Contact Mark Simon at mark.simon24@yahoo.com.

*The opinions expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Climate Online.

New ferry service prompts call for safety guidelines

in Community/Featured/Headline by

At 168 years old, Redwood City’s port is rather spry for its age. The recent economic boom on the Peninsula has moved a record amount of cargo across the port’s docks. Meanwhile, the region’s growth has sharply increased demand for recreational waterfront uses such as rowboats, sailboats, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

More recently, private ferry service was added to the mix – a development that has further unsettled waters, drawing safety concerns from recreational boaters over their speed and wake.

The Port’s brand new executive director, Kristine Zortman, has already begun to wade into the matter. On Tuesday, the port held its first community input meeting of an outreach campaign aiming to establish new protocols and guidelines in managing the various waterfront uses. The well-attended meeting invited waterfront users and the general public to the Sequoia Yacht Club to offer input on the issue.

Zortman called the meeting “very productive.”

“We will be looking into establishing protocol/guidelines for all users of the waterfront and improving communication with everyone that recreates and uses the Port waterfront,” she told Climate Online.

Further community feedback is anticipated as the process to establish guidelines continues, Zortman added.

The Prop SF ferry service is in the midst of a pilot program transporting a private employer’s workers to Bay Area cities including San Francisco, with multiple dockings per weekday. The port is testing out the private service as it considers adding publicly run ferries in the future. Currently there is no speed limit at the waterfront, and setting one would have to be approved by City Council.

An official with Prop SF has not yet returned a request for comment about Tuesday’s meeting.

Such challenges facing the Redwood City waterfront are not unexpected given the region’s significant economic growth.

“I think the biggest benefit of having a community asset like the Port of Redwood City and its attached waterways also leads to its biggest challenge,” said Jon Carlson, president of Bair Island Aquatic Center, a nonprofit rowing and paddling club formed in 1999. “A large mix of different types of users come together and have to find ways to be compatible with each other.”

Communication is important, says Carlson, adding that Tuesday’s public meeting was “a good step in improving communications among harbor users.” Carlson recommends that the Port create a single point of contact to report safety-related incidents, establish data collection on safety-related incidents, and implement systems allowing various waterfront users to communicate with one another on harbor-related operational matters.

“The Port, Prop SF, and other interested harbor user groups should come together and agree on some basic operational understandings of what is expected behavior on and around our specific waterway and with this specific ferry operator, then write them down so they can be publicized,” Carlson said.

He added, “People take many paths to get on the water, and the Port will find itself needing to take an increasing role in communicating with them. BIAC aims to play “a constructive role in that process,” Carlson said.

Photo of Tuesday’s meeting at Sequoia Yacht Club courtesy of the Port of Redwood City.

1 … 112 113 114 115 116 … 146
Go to Top