January

City of San Carlos Community Newsletter | Jan. - Mar. 2013
There’s Something The San Carlos Library is housed in a city-owned buildbut is operated by the County of San Mateo. Since
for Everyone at the ing,
its opening in 1999, the library has been well-patronized;
so that an entire first-floor refurbishment has
San Carlos Library sobeenmuchplanned
for late-Spring/Summer 2013.
Upcoming Events
Sock Hop
January 18, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Adult Community Center: $10
For Tickets: 802-4384
San Carlos Lions Club
Crab Feed: $38
January 26, 5:30 p.m.
Annual Fundraiser
Mahaney Hall
For Tickets: 597-1777
14th Annual “Week of the Family”
January 26 - February 2
Various family-oriented activities,
puppet show, hikes, storytime
www.sancarlosweekofthefamily.org
Blood Drive
February 10, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Youth Center
1001 Chestnut St.
Refreshments for donors
Mayor’s State of the City Address
February 21, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Hiller Aviation Museum: $10
For Tickets: 593-1068
www.sancarloschamber.org
Community Crab Feed
Friends of the Adult Community Center
February 24, 4:30 p.m.
Annual fundraiser: $40
Crab, Pasta and Meatballs
For Tickets: 802-4384
Youth Center Dance
March 15, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Tickets: $6 in advance
For Tickets: 802-4471
Good Living is the City’s
newsletter to keep San Carlans
informed and engaged.
Direct comments to:
Christine Boland,
Community Relations Director
c/o City Hall,
600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070;
telephone (650) 802-4219 or
email: [email protected].
At first glance, the library looks like a typical operation: lots of books, computers,
people working and reading, etc. Upon closer inspection however, one will find
many hard working “friends” volunteers sorting books on every level of the building. The Friends of the San Carlos Library, a non-profit organization, gather on a
daily basis sorting, boxing and delivering newly donated books up to the first floor
Friends’ shop, where the newer releases are shelved for sale well below the retail
rate, or to the second-floor, where books are categorized by subject and held for the
monthly book sale. Every third Sunday of the month from 1- 4 p.m., the public is
invited to shop the book sale. One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated
back to the library for a myriad of programs, supplemental materials and equipment
for children and adults. To become a “friend” visit www.scfol.org or call 591-0341.
For those who prefer their books in digital format, the San Mateo County Library
system has introduced a new digital platform for eBooks, thereby adding more than
1,500 titles to its collection. Axis360 offers interactive eBooks enhanced by color,
video and audio. Library users can access a growing collection of bestsellers, new
releases and classic titles as well as heavily illustrated eBooks including children’s
storybooks, cookbooks and craft books. Readers with a San Mateo County Library
card can take advantage of the new eBook service 24/7 when they visit the library’s
website from a computer or mobile device. The cloud-based delivery system greatly
simplifies the process of downloading what patrons want to read onto the devices
they prefer to use, including Apple, Android and Windows tablets and smart
phones. At the end of the lending period, titles will automatically expire and be
returned to the digital collection – with no late fees.
Manager’s
Corner
Jeff Maltbie, City Manager
Garbage and recycling services are one of those things that
many of us take for granted and don’t think about until the
quarterly bill comes.
In San Carlos, your garbage, compostables and recycling are
collected by Recology San Mateo County. From there, the materials
are brought to the Shoreway Environmental Center on Shoreway
Road in San Carlos for processing. The work at the Shoreway
Center is done by another company (South Bay Recycling) that
prepares the material and also transports it for disposal and
composting. After processing, the recyclables are baled for sale,
the compostables are trucked to Newby Island in Milpitas to be
converted into compost and the garbage is hauled to the Ox
Mountain Landfill near Half Moon Bay to be buried in the landfill.
When it comes to paying for all of these services, San Carlos
residents and businesses receive a quarterly bill from Recology.
Even though the bill is from Recology, it covers all of the services
described earlier (pickup, processing, recycling, composting
and landfill).
The Solid Waste rates are based on an estimate of the cost to
provide all of these services each year. For 2013, the rates in
San Carlos will go up by a total of 12% from the prior year’s
rates. This is due to increased operating costs at Recology and
Shoreway Center, Disposal & SBWMA as well as a drop in City
of San Carlos program management costs and franchise fees.
The 2013 rate changes vary for residential customers with cart
(trash can) services. The actual cost to provide these services
are $36.88 to $56.82 per month while the rates charged vary
from $20.97 to $93.45 per month. This tells you that some
customers are paying less than the actual cost of services while
others are paying more than the actual costs, in effect subsidizing
residents’ garbage and recycling services. To address this problem,
the City Council has adopted rates for 2013 that include a $1 to
$2 “surcharge” for customers with cart sizes that don’t cover the
actual cost of the services they receive. This change is designed to
bring the rates closer to actual costs over an 8 to 10 -year period.
We think this is a fair way to address the inequity in the current
rates, but do it in a gradual fashion.
The City Manager can be reached at 802-4228
or [email protected]
The City of San Carlos’ mission is to provide
high-quality services and facilities in a fiscally
sustainable, responsive and friendly manner
to foster a safe and healthy community.
As we welcome the new year, we look back
at the many positive changes that were
implemented and are taking shape in the community to ensure a focused and
results-driven city. Two-thousand and twelve was a positive and productive year
in the City of Good Living in the following areas:
Cost Savings and Efficiencies: The City of San Carlos
streamlined its processes to ensure residents are receiving
value for their tax dollars. It contracted with the County
of San Mateo Sheriff’s Office for police dispatch services,
and third-party vendor for plan check services,
purchased on-line permitting software, and
retrofitted all city buildings with energy
efficient lighting.
Police Department: The Police Bureau
supported all major community events during
the year, established “Neighborhood Watch”
programs, conducted bicycle and earthquake
safety courses, held a Citizens’ Police and Fire Academy
and provided extensive outreach to all elementary and
middle schools.
Fire Department:
The Fire Department
ppromoted public
eeducation and preventtion to residents and
bbusinesses, conducted
aannual fire safety
iinspections at schools,
businesses, care facilities and multi-family residences, provided
safety and training presentations and conducted disaster-response
Community Emergency Response Training classes.
Capital Projects: Public Works
striped and re-striped pavement, repaired
broken sidewalks in residential and
commercial areas, installed a new underground storm drain pipe at Laureola Park,
resurfaced streets and installed new sidewalk
ramps to improve pedestrian access.
Code Enforcement: The Community Development
Department received 52 calls for code enforcement;
40 of which have been resolved by year’s end.
Economic Development: The Council certified the final
environmental impact reports for Wheeler Plaza and started the
EIR for the SamTrans Transit Village project, designed better
connection for pedestrians and bicycle access, installed Cisco
“Parker” sensors downtown and continued investment in
outreach and marketing materials showcasing “The City of
Good Living”.
Neighborhood Improvements:
The Parks and Recreation Department
replaced trees at Burton Park with
neighborhood-friendly trees, added
trails and six bridges to Eaton and Big
Canyon open space parks, developed
an off-leash program for dog owners,
installed public art at Laurel Street Park
and designed Burton Park Phase II.
Communications: Issued five Good Living resident
newsletters, conducted a scientific resident survey on government
services, increased participation in SMC-Alert, streamlined
and reorganized the city’s website, increased social media
participation on Facebook and Twitter, increased the number
of project updates on eNotify email list serve, created awareness
of Nextdoor neighborhood (www.nextdoor.com) and posted
the City Council newsletter on line.
Green Programs/Climate Protection: Delivered updated
Greenhouse Gas Report and annual Green Programs report
to the City Council, installed LED street lights, retrofitted all
city-occupied buildings with energy efficient lighting, adopted
an ordinance banning the use of styrofoam food containers,
updated and enhanced the San Carlos Green Building Code.
Statewide Awards: Received the
2012 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence
from the League of California Cities
in the category of Internal Administration
for its innovative approach to balancing
the budget through shared and contract
services, and received the Excellence in
Financial Reporting from the California
State Municipal Finance Officers Association.
When Disaster
Preparedness:
Strikes !
Where will your family be when disaster strikes? How will you find
each other? How will you know if your children are safe? Disaster
can strike quickly and without warning and force evacuation of
your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you
do if basic services – water, gas, electricity, telephone, cable and
internet - were cut off? Local officials and relief workers will be on
the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.
Preparing your Home for a Big Shake
Earthquakes don’t typically provide a warning,
so take these precautions before an earthquake:
■
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Families can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and working
together as a team. By following these steps to create your family’s
disaster plan, you will be one step ahead:
■
Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for
disaster and the types of disasters that are most likely to happen.
Explain what to do in each case;
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Pick two places to meet: right outside of your home, by a tree
or street light and a second meeting place outside of your
neighborhood, at a friend’s home, for example. In case you can’t
return home, everyone must know the address and phone number;
■
■
Place a fire extinguisher near your kitchen and learn how to use it;
Check that all tall furniture (book shelves, china cabinets, etc.)
are anchored to the wall;
Use “earthquake picture Hooks” for all pictures/
wall hangings above beds;
Check that your water heater is strapped to the wall;
Install child locks on the doors of cabinets where
you store your best dishes;
Consider using museum glue under expensive
vases or other displayed items;
After an earthquake, your doors may be stuck. Buy an inexpensive
pry bar and store it in your house and use it to force open the door.
Helping Your Neighbors through CERT
■
Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “family contact.” After a
disaster, it’s often easier to call long distance. All family members
should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone
must know your contact’s phone number;
Over the last seven years, the City of San Carlos has developed
a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) group that has
been trained to help out residents in the event of a disaster, such as
a major earthquake, wildfires, floods, airplane crash, or terrorism.
■
Quiz your children every six months so they remember
what to do; hold emergency drills.
Approximately 500 San Carlos residents have been through
CERT training. However, in the event of a major disaster, those
500 individuals will be stretched thin to help everyone in town.
The City of San Carlos and the San Carlos Fire Department encourage
all residents to become a CERT member, ready to help out your
family and neighbors when disaster strikes.
Emergency Supply Kit
Keep enough supplies in your home to survive on your own, or shelter
in place, for at least three days. If possible, keep these materials in an
easily-accessible separate container or special cupboard. One possibility
is to store all the emergency supplies in large, black garbage bags in
a clean, rain proof garbage can stored outside in a secure location.
Check expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change
your clock during daylight-savings time. Be sure to add to it to meet
the special needs of your family. Below is a starter list for your kit:
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One gallon of drinking water per person per day
Non-perishable, ready-to-eat canned foods and a can opener
First aid kit
Blankets or sleeping bags
Flashlight with extra batteries
Battery operated AM/FM radio
Large trash bags
Whistle
Iodine tablets or one quart of unscented bleach
for disinfecting water
Personal hygiene items: soap, toilet paper,
toothbrush and toothpaste, etc.
Child care supplies or other special care items
CERT Classes begin
January 30, 2013
Schedule:
Wed., January 30; 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat., February 2; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sat., February 9; 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Age: 18+
Cost: Free
Location: Redwood City Fire Station #9,
755 Marshall Street, Redwood City
For more information or to register for any of the classes, please
contact Christy Adonis, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator,
at 780-5798 or [email protected]
“ II’m
’m
m also definitely more
prepared for a disaster
than before having
the CERT training. It’s
important to me as
a small business owner
to be prepared and
to be part of the
solution if called.”
Chris Strom, San Carlos resident
Stormy Weather is Upon Us
With the onset of the first serious storms, it’s a good time for residents to become
familiar with how drainage and runoff works on and around their property. Many of
New Volunteer Opportunities
The City recently welcomed Carrie Wright, its new
part-time Volunteer Program Coordinator for city
volunteer opportunities. Ms. Wright is currently
recruiting for volunteers in the following areas:
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the hillside homes have drainage channels and pipes behind the homes, which collect
water and debris during storms. Alternatively, homeowners with backyard creeks
should ensure that the creek is not blocked by debris. Taking some time to look
around the inlets and grates before and after a storm to be sure they are not plugged
may prevent flooding later. By working together, the City and its residents can be
Gardeners: New raised beds have been built at
the youth center and require planning, planting
and maintenance. The harvest will be used for
youth center snacks and contributions to the
Caring Cupboard at the Adult Community Center.
better prepared to handle winter weather. Sand, bags and shovels are available
Adult Community Center: On-going volunteers
are needed for the lunch program, in the
dining room and kitchen, in the ACC’s library,
and serving at the front desk (various shifts).
After hours, call police dispatch at 802-4321.
Resident Newsletter Contributors: Those gifted
in writing and editing are needed to submit
articles on various topics of interest in San Carlos.
at Highlands Park are in full swing. Dogs and their owners are enjoying social interac-
City Volunteer Commissions: Commission
openings occur throughout the year. The city’s
commissions include Planning Commission,
Economic Development, Youth Advisory,
Arts & Culture, Parks and Recreation,
and Transportation and Circulation. Commissioners
serve a maximum of two three-year terms.
For more information, see www.cityofsancarlos.org/
volunteer. Ms. Wright can be reached at 802-4218
or [email protected].
on a self-serve basis for residents and businesses at the City’s Corporation Yard,
at 1000 Bransten Road (between Industrial and Old County). Limit of 10 sand bags
per resident. To report flooding during business hours, call 802-4140 or 802-4204.
Dogs: Off-Leash?
The recently implemented Dog Park programs at Burton Park and Stadium Field
tion and off-leash pooch playtime with other fellow canine lovers! During December
and January, dogs are allowed off-leash (but must remain under owner control) at
both sites from 8 a.m. - noon and 5 p.m. until dark, Monday - Friday. Weekend times
are designated as 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., except when sporting events are in progress.
Dog owners are to abide by field closure warnings and are asked to refrain from any
activity on the turf when fields are closed due to inclement weather. The dog area
at Heather School (2700 Melendy) on the west side of the school, remains open for
exercising of dogs. On trails, dogs should always remain on-leash. For additional
program information and notice of field closures, dog owners may call the Recreation
office at 802-4421 or visit www.sancarlosdogs.com.
City of San Carlos
600 Elm Street, San Carlos, CA 94070
www.cityofsancarlos.org
(650) 802-4100
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City Council Mission Statement
The City of San Carlos provides high quality services and facilities in a fiscally sustainable,
responsive and friendly manner to foster a safe and healthy community.
City Council Elected Contacts
(650) Area Code
Mayor Matt Grocott
[email protected]
802-4163
Vice Mayor Bob Grassilli
[email protected]
802-4160
Councilmember Karen Clapper
[email protected]
802-4162
Councilmember Ron Collins
[email protected]
802-4161
Councilmember Mark Olbert
[email protected]
802-4165
City Hall Contacts
City Government Meetings
City Council
Parks & Recreation Commission
Meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month
at 7 p.m. at City Hall and is televised live on Comcast
Channel 27. The meeting is also streamed at
www.cityofsancarlos.org and replayed on Comcast
Channel 27 Thursday, Friday, Saturday and
Sunday at 7 p.m.
Meets the first Wednesday of every
even numbered month at 7 p.m., City Hall.
January 14 and 28
February 11 and 25
March 11 and 25
City Manager Jeff Maltbie
[email protected]
802-4228
Assistant City Manager Brian Moura
[email protected]
802-4210
Administrative Services Director
Rebecca Mendenhall
[email protected]
802-4128
Building Department
802-4261
City Attorney Greg Rubens
[email protected]
593-3117
City Treasurer Michael Galvin
[email protected]
483-3001
Community Relations Director/City Clerk
Christine Boland
[email protected]
802-4219
Community Development Director Al Savay
[email protected]
802-4263
So Long: Parks &
Recreation Director Retires
San Carlos Fire Chief Jim Skinner
[email protected]
802-4300
Parks & Recreation Director Doug Long
[email protected]
802-4421
Planning Department
802-4263
San Carlos Police Bureau
802-4277
Doug Long, Director of Parks and
Recreation will retire in February.
Doug has served the City for the
past four years overseeing its
recreation programs, parks, adult
and youth centers and building
maintenance. The City wishes Doug
the best of luck in his retirement.
Planning Commission
Captain Gregory Rothaus
[email protected]
Police Business/Non-Emergency line
802-4277
Public Works Director Jay Walter
[email protected]
802-4203
Public Works – General Line
802-4204
Emergency:
Dial 911
Meets the first and third Mondays* of the month at
7 p.m. at City Hall and is televised live on Comcast
Channel 27. The meeting is also streamed through
www.cityofsancarlos.org and replayed on Comcast
Channel 27 Thursday, Friday, Saturday and
Sunday at 2 p.m.
*Unless otherwise noted
January 7 and 22 (Tuesday)
February 4 and 19 (Tuesday)
March 4 and 18
Transportation and Circulation Commission
Meets the third Tuesday of the month,
7 p.m., City Hall.
Arts & Culture Commission
Meets quarterly on the fourth Tuesday of
February, May, August and November,
5:30 p.m., City Hall.
Economic Development Advisory Commission
Meets the fourth Tuesday of the month,
4 p.m., City Hall.
Residential Design Review Committee
Meets the first and third Monday
of the month, 5:30 p.m. City Hall.
City Hall Closures
City Hall will be closed on the following days:
January 21 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 18 – Presidents’ Day