The Burlingame Voice

Our "Community Wish List" Councilmember

Online Community Wish List brings donors, charities together (By Kyveli Diener, San Mateo County Times) BY NOW, it is highly likely that every child in the county has sent a wish list to Santa or dropped hints to their parents about what they want for Christmas. For the hundreds of organizations helping the county's less fortunate, Burlingame City Councilwoman Terry Nagel has provided a way for them to communicate their needs through the Community Wish List for San Mateo County. The free online service allows nonprofits to submit the items they need donated to the site and have them posted under an appropriate category. County residents hoping to get rid of unneeded spare items ranging from night lights to cars can simply click on its category on the wish list to see which nonprofit is in Nagel said the wish list was born in 2004 because donations to local nonprofits were decreasing. "I think we are in a similar situation today where people may not be able to write as many checks as they have in the past to help local nonprofits, but surely everybody has something in their closet or their attic that they no longer use that nonprofits would find very valuable," Nagel said. The Community Wish List was introduced in 2004 as a printed booklet reflecting the needs of about 20 Burlingame organizations. Nagel said she received positive responses from the community and she decided to expand the scope of the list and put it on the Internet. Residents of the Hawaiian island of Oahu recently contacted Nagel to discuss creating a similar Web site for Hawaiian nonprofits. "There really are a wide variety of services available and these organizations are set up to help you not only access what the county has but to provide additional service," Nagel said of San Mateo County's nonprofits. "Making people aware of them is one of the goals of this project." More than 50 organizations have posted their needs for donated items on the wish list so far, including a plea from the Peninsula Humane Society for feather dusters that would provide comfort for rescued baby birds. Though the Web site does not list individual schools and churches, it does provide information about donating to affiliate groups and fundraising arms of educational and religious organizations. In the past, the wish list garnered the Burlingame Historical Society a $2,500 LCD projector, and Nagel herself donated a car to the Humane Society. She advises organizations that "the more specific you can be about how the item will be used, the more likely you are to get it." An example is when San Mateo City Councilwoman Jan Epstein read that an organization needed a digital camera to photograph the wounds of people they help, and Epstein donated the camera. Nagel said additional benefits stemming from the wish list include tax deductions for the donors, a reduction of waste going into landfills because items are being reused instead of thrown away, and a connection between residents and organizations that results in heightened awareness of local nonprofits and an increase in volunteering. Attracting volunteers has been one of the list's most appreciated achievements, said Mary Watt, the executive director of the Christian Action Life Line Primrose Center in Burlingame. She said the center posts its need for volunteers on various Web sites, including Craigslist, but the wish list brings in the most people. "I think the benefit of it is, because it is so focused, people who are looking to do something very specific and close to home are tying into the community feel of the wish list," Watt said. The C.A.L.L Primrose Center, as it is commonly known, is primarily a food pantry for disadvantaged county residents, but they also collect items like adult and children's books, which Watt said have also been flowing in due to the wish list. She calls the list a "tremendous blessing," and said if the center needed a fax machine or printer she would feel confident posting the need on the Web site. "The idea that we have perfectly good items being thrown away upsets me when there are so many people in need, and I think a lot of other people feel the same way," said Nagel, who describes her upbringing by Depression-era parents as thrifty. "If we can make these connections for people, we all benefit."

- Written by Fiona

Our New County Board of Supervisor

Supervisors appoint Groom (by Michelle Durand, Daily Journal) County supervisors appointed San Mateo Councilwoman Carole Groom to fill the vacant District 2 seat, despite strong calls for an election by more than two dozen groups, leaders and even one sitting member of the board. Groom's appointment by a 3-1 vote was met with a standing ovation from an audience filled with many of the 10 other applicants vying to replace Jerry Hill, the supervisor elected last month to the state Assembly. District 2 includes portions of San Mateo, Belmont and Foster City. The decision will be effective once Groom resigns her current position with the San Mateo City Council as she cannot hold two legislative offices simultaneously. Regardless, Groom wasted no time, attending a Board of Supervisors budget hearing later that afternoon. In a presentation Monday on her application, Groom promised town hall meetings throughout the county and said her experience including eight years on the City Council, time on the Planning Commission, involvement with the county's homelessness and housing endowment plans makes her able to hit the ground running from day one. I am ready to go to work and will work as hard as anyone can to fix these problems,? she said. Not needing a ramp-up period was one of the qualities cited often yesterday by the supervisors before they named Groom. Supervisor Rich Gordon strongly endorsed a special election over an appointment and voted the lone no. Groom's appointment was far from a surprise. Her name was floated as a strong contender even before the Nov. 4 election in which Hill was elected. Once Hill resigned, the Board of Supervisors called for appointment applications while keeping open the possibility of calling for a special election instead. An election would have cost up to $1.6 million and couldn't be held until March 3 at the earliest. Opponents balked at the price tag, arguing that an election is preferable in a perfect world but the current financial uncertainty makes the money better used for services and programs. Gordon, however, argued the cost potentially less if the election was grouped with state measures on a June ballot was relatively insignificant in comparison to the debate and dialogue competition would bring to the decision. I am absolutely convinced now is the time to clearly engage the citizens of this country in the discussion of the important challenges this county faces,? Gordon said. Gordon was involved in the last seriously contested supervisor race in 1997. Gordon suggested using $2 million received from the state for the last special election money he said nobody ever expected to see and which would free the county from tapping into its adopted budget. Supervisor Mark Church grappled with the choice before siding with supervisors Adrienne Tissier and Rose Jacobs Gibson in favor of an appointment. The trio agreed the economic climate and the prospect of six months without a fifth supervisor made it challenging to choose an election. In an ideal world it wouldn't even be a question,? said Jacobs Gibson, the last supervisor appointed to the board. The decision came after labor leaders spoke in favor of an appointment and Dave Pine, San Mateo Union High School Board trustee, submitted a list of 25 election proponents. Pine argued six of the 10 applicants were already elected officials and some had vigorously lobbied this body.? So why should only four people make the decision when there is so much competition?? Pine said. The other applicants were Linda Koelling, David Frydenlund, Marland Townsend, Karen Clancy, Richard Silver, David Bauer, Rod Hsaio, Maureen Freschet and Michael Stogner. Daniel Kaul of Belmont also applied but withdrew his name during public presentations Monday. Gordon initially made a motion to hold an election but it died for lack of a second. Jacobs Gibson then suggested Groom's appointment, saying she rose to the top? of the applicant pool. The choice was quickly seconded by Tissier who worked with Groom on the county's blue ribbon task force on health care and the SamTrans board. Groom, Church said, has the ability to get the job done.? Hill said he was happy with his former board's decision to appoint. Carole is an excellent choice. She is extremely qualified and clearly has the experience, background and ability to deal with the fiscal crisis on both the state and county level,? Hill said. (Plus there is an Opinion piece in the Daily Journal)

- Written by Fiona

Burlingame Trolley Program

Burlingame trolley service takes a hit (by Christine Morente, San Mateo County Times) BURLINGAME The festive red-and-green trolley that takes hotel patrons to Broadway and Burlingame avenues has hit a bump. The San Francisco Airport Marriott has pulled out of the program, sponsored by the city and several hotels, because of the economic downturn, according to City Councilman Jerry Deal. Pickup and drop-off at the hotel will end Dec. 31. Because the city has already factored in an 8 percent surcharge for fuel next year, the free service will continue to run at the Crowne Plaza, Embassy Suites, Doubletree, Hyatt Regency and Sheraton hotels. In January, the council is expected to look at potential service reductions of 5 percent to 10 percent in all departments because the city is faced with budget deficits for the next two years. Deal said that the trolley service, which has not been cost effective, will be re-evaluated in six months. The City Council could then decide to change the route, reduce the number of stops or eliminate the program, said Jane Gomery of the city's Public Works department. The program began 10 years ago as a way to connect hotels east of Highway 101 with the downtown area. It was originally called the Free-Bee shuttle, and it only ran midday on weekdays. Five years ago, the hotels requested that the city operate the trolley more hours and on weekends. Gomery said that's when the hotels joined in the partnership because the city could not afford to fully fund the service, which now costs about $220,000 a year, depending on the cost of gas. The trolley stops at Capuchino Avenue and Broadway; Burlingame and El Camino Real; and the Burlingame Avenue and Broadway Caltrain stations daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Peninsula Traffic Congestion Relief Alliance manages the trolley service. Deal said that ridership from the Marriott increased 15.6 percent in the past 12 months. However, the Marriott has less passengers than other hotels. From January to August, the Hyatt topped the list with 4,700 riders, while the Doubletree had 4,400 riders. The Marriott had 2,200, Deal said. "We think the trolley is a huge asset, and we'll do what we can to keep it going," Deal said. "Burlingame Avenue is a big destination for shopping, and it (the trolley) takes vehicles off the freeway."

- Written by Fiona

Property Negotiations for Safeway Project?

Interesting to see from the council agenda that there will be a closed session before next Monday's council meeting as follows:

Real Property Negotiations: City Parking Lots K and L; Safeway property, Primrose and Howard; Negotiator: Jim Nantell, pursuant to Government Code 54956.9

We look forward to hearing the outcome so our long awaited Safeway can be built!

- Written by Fiona

Monday Meeting to Meet 11 Applicants for SM County Board of Supervisor Position

Open San Mateo County supervisor seat draws 11 applicants Eleven vie for San Mateo board spot (By Shaun Bishop, Daily News) A crowded field of 11 people have applied to be appointed to a rare open seat on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. Those seeking the seat formerly held by Jerry Hill include four current elected officials, two former city councilmen and five other residents of District 2, which includes Belmont, San Mateo and Foster City. The applicants will get their chance on Monday to make 15-minute presentations to the remaining four supervisors at a special public meeting. The supervisors are to decide Tuesday whether to appoint one of them or call for a special election instead. Hill created the opening when he was elected to the state Assembly on Nov. 4 and resigned his supervisor seat Dec. 1. The board decided to launch an appointment process for the first time since 1999, when current Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson got the nod. At least two applicants are elected officials who had announced interest in the seat early: San Mateo City Councilwoman Carole Groom, who is considered the front-runner in some political circles, and county Board of Education member Rod Hsiao. The two other current elected officials in the mix are Linda Koelling, a Foster City City councilwoman, and Karen Clancy, vice president of the Belmont-Redwood Shores School Board. Two former officeholders are trying to return to politics. Marland Townsend, who served on the Foster City City Council from 1993 to 2005, and David Bauer, a Belmont councilman from 2001 to 2005, turned in applications on Thursday. "While I was in office, I just became totally enamored with the process and how it worked," said Bauer, 57. Other applicants include: San Mateo resident Richard Silver, former clerk of the Board of Supervisors San Mateo resident Maureen Freschet, executive director for community relations at Notre Dame de Namur University Belmont resident Daniel Kaul, a cabinet maker Belmont resident David Frydenlund, a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer Belmont resident Michael Stogner, a car salesman. Stogner raised eyebrows last year when he threatened to start a petition drive to recall Sheriff Greg Munks, who along with Undersheriff Carlos Bolanos was caught in a police raid on an illegal Las Vegas brothel. Neither was ever charged with a crime or investigated by county officials, and Stogner never followed through with the recall effort. Though Stogner acknowledges he has little chance of being appointed, he said he would call for an investigation of Munks if chosen. "The problem's not Munks and Bolanos. The problem is we don't have any supervisors doing their job," Stogner said. At a special meeting of the board Monday, the candidates will each have 15 minutes to present their case plus 10 minutes for testimony from supporters. "This is literally our 15 minutes of fame," Silver said. The appointment process itself, which the supervisors triggered Nov. 18, has generated some controversy as several political leaders have called for a special election instead. Others, including county labor groups, have said the county can't afford to pay for a special election, which would cost an estimated $1.6 million if nothing else is on the ballot. Whoever earns a spot on the board may hold the seat until term limits force him or her out. Hill's replacement will be up for re-election in 2010, but because supervisors are elected countywide instead of by district, critics say mounting a campaign to run against an incumbent is difficult. The appointee would be eligible to then serve three 4-year terms for a total of 14 years. Applicants for vacant Board of Supervisors seat Daniel Duane Kaul, Belmont David Dexter Frydenlund, Belmont Richard Louis Silver, San Mateo Linda A. Koelling, Foster City Michael Stogner, Belmont Carole Groom, San Mateo David Bauer, Belmont Rod Hsiao, Foster City Karen Leong Clancy, Belmont Marland Wesley Townsend, Foster City Maureen Freschet, San Mateo Source: San Mateo County Manager's office

- Written by Fiona

BHS Granted $3,646,339

Local high schools granted over $11 million in grants By Heather Murtagh (click here for full article in Daily Journal) More than $11 million in grant money is headed to the San Mateo Union High School District care of the state to further career and technical training opportunities in the classroom. On Wednesday, the state Department of Education announced millions in funding for numerous school districts throughout the state. Of the $201.5 million in grants and $10 million in state loans granted for 244 career technical education facilities, the San Mateo Union High School District was granted $11.093 million. This is another example of great teachers and administrators making magic,? said Superintendent David Miller who pointed to the work of those at the various schools for applying for the grant funds. Burlingame High School was awarded two grants totaling $3,646,339, followed by San Mateo High School which was given $3 million. Capuchino High School will receive $1,893,462. Aragon High School was also awarded two grants totaling $1,386,802. Hillsdale High School is slated to get $1,166,448. The money will be used to supplement projects started using funds from Measure M a $298 million bond measure voters approved in 2006, said Associate Superintendent of Instruction Matt Biggar. ... Burlingame High also has grants for two different projects. An $891,000 grant will allow the construction of a 3,912-square-foot building trades construction facility and will help purchase books, tools, cabinets and more. A $2.75 million grant will allow Burlingame to reconstruct facilities to create a new two-story building to house specialty classroom space designed for arts, media and entertainment courses. Even as the state is embroiled in a fiscal crisis, the people saw fit to help create more safe and modern school environments where their children can learn so they can compete in a more global, technologically challenging world after they graduate,? State Superintendent Jack O'Connell said in a press release. These funds will also play an integral role in stimulating our battered economy by providing construction jobs throughout the state.?

- Written by Fiona

Storm Drains Revisited

John Horgan's Column, San Mateo County Times, December 8, 2008: OWNERS of property in Burlingame are going to have their vocabularies expanded soon. A proposed increase in the town's property tax will see to that. The planned tax hike, proceeds from which would be used to pay for storm-drain renovations, would be unique in the town. For one thing, not every registered voter would be able to cast a ballot in the mail-only election on May 5. If the City Council goes forward with this exercise, as fully anticipated, each piece of property would get one vote. A simple majority would be needed for passage. If a parcel is owned by more than one person, it would still be allowed just that single vote. Renters would have no say whatsoever. Then there is the sensitive matter of precisely how much each chunk of taxable land would be assessed. All parcels are not created equal, not by a long shot. The city has undertaken a comprehensive review of every property within its borders. And a determination has been made as to the impact of each one on the storm-drain system. That's where key wording comes into play. So get out your friendly Webster's. Guiding the hamlet's analysis is the concept of "impervious square footage." That's square footage that won't allow water to be absorbed, such as concrete, plastic, metal or wood. A parcel would be taxed according to its amount of such square footage, which is increased by things such as driveways, patios, swimming pools, tennis courts and decks. So, big houses with lots of concrete or wooden amenities would be hit fairly hard, as would hotels and other businesses with large parking lots. Each unit in a condominium complex would receive an assessment based on its percentage of the setup's total impervious square footage. The city staff has estimated that a typical storm-drain tax in bureaucratic parlance, it's dubbed a "fee" in this overall scenario would run in the neighborhood of about $150. Why is Burlingame taking such a convoluted approach to securing an estimated $39 million for its proposed capital-improvement projects? In 2006, a traditional bond measure was attempted. It required a two-thirds vote for approval. It failed, but just barely. A vocal cadre of relatively new homeowners was deemed at least partially responsible for Measure H's defeat. They argued that they had paid top dollar for their manses and that the state's tax system forced them to bear way too much of the Measure H burden. Fearful of another knockout at the polls, the city's policymakers opted to concoct this latest alternative in the hope that it wouldn't be as offensive to those prior critics. In essence, the City Council has decided to bow to the wishes of the newcomers. Will it work? Let's put it this way: If a longtime Burlingame homeowner who bought his home before the implementation of Prop. 13 is paying a total property tax of $2,000 per year, that new $150 bill would represent a 7.5 percent increase, roughly twice what the Measure H bond formula would have imposed. Obviously, the council is counting on the goodwill of its well-established taxpayers in this matter, even during very tough economic times. It may be a gamble worth taking. Burlingame's infrastructure needs an upgrade. There isn't much debate about that. It's only the method of funding that remains a sticking point in some quarters. A special hearing on all of this will be held Jan. 20.

- Written by Joanne

Our Student U.S. Senate Delegate

Burlingame High student named U.S. Senate delegate (By Neil Gonzales, San Mateo County Times)

BURLINGAME Burlingame High School senior Adam Klein will meet the country's leaders and experience the nation's government at work as a delegate to the prestigious and highly competitive United States Senate Youth Program. Last week, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell called Adam, telling the teen that he is one of two California high school students chosen for the program. "I was over the moon with excitement," Adam, 17, said Wednesday. "Getting that call from Jack O'Connell was one of the most ridiculous, crazy experiences I've ever had." Adam will probably have more of that kind of reaction when he participates in a weeklong intensive study of the federal government in Washington, D.C., as a guest of the Senate in March. The program also includes hearing major policy addresses by senators and meeting with a U.S. Supreme Court justice. The program is an annual scholarship competition funded by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and endorsed by the Senate. The other California delegate is Amanda Swenson, a senior at San Ramon Valley High School. California's two representatives and two alternate delegates were selected from a pool of 121 applicants. After a rigorous review process, O'Connell chose the winners based on various factors, including high-academic achievement, knowledge of American government and community involvement. "Adam and Amanda are amazing young people whose activities demonstrate a maturity beyond their youth, and they possess a passion to help and inspire others," O'Connell said. "Their academic achievement and activities should serve as a model for other students to emulate."

*** The newspaper article left out that Adam is a wonderful hardworking volunteer for causes like Relay for Life, is a good actor (Lysander, etc) and is a very important example of the future of our country. Congratulations Adam!

- Written by Fiona

Christmas Shopping? - Shop Burlingame

The hometown advantage (Opinion, Daily Journal) When money is tight, it's easy to find yourself on the Internet trying to find the best deal for holiday gifts. When money is tight, a trip to the big box retail store may be more alluring with the promise of value. It is common knowledge that consumers do business where we get the best value for our time and money and local merchants can be seen as a luxury because they cannot compete with the bulk business of corporations. It is those very corporations that have the luxury of spending money on advertising to convince us they have the best value. Larger retailers have the money to buy advertising on television, on the radio and in larger print media to convince us they have better products and prices. We assume shopping at chain stores brings more value, but that just may be simply because we don't know what value local stores have. So why shop locally? Local businesses add to the character of our city. Who can think of San Mateo without Wisnom's? Redwood City without Bob's Courthouse Cafe? Burlingame without Malouf's? Half Moon Bay without Cunha's? San Bruno without Lullaby Lane? Our built terrain is constantly in flux, but some continuity not only adds comfort, it provides a sense of community. Local businesses hire local workers and have more propensity to carry locally-made products. Small manufacturers of local products often get their only chance to sell their goods through local businesses. Local businesses have a vested interest in the health of the community and owners and managers often serve on local boards and give to local charities. Corporations set aside money for the community-based charities but most nonprofits rely on local business owners for charitable donations. When was the last time you saw a Little League team sponsored by Wal-Mart? Local businesses are nearby and will save you money in gas. You may even be able to wak to them and explore your nearby neighborhoods. Shopping locally can save you money for shipping and you never have to worry about it arriving on time. But most importantly, local businesses keep your dollars in the community in which you live. When you shop locally, the dollars that might go to other states or countries, stay here. It is that money that pays for your police and fire service, fills your potholes and keeps your libraries open and your parks maintained. It is that money that keeps storefronts filled and creates a vibrant place for you to live. With consumer confidence at a 28-year low, the average shopper is not the only one suffering with fear. It is also the local merchants, who keep jobs in the community, pay for city services, offer opportunities for local manufacturers, donate time and money to local charities, maintain local character and also, just happen to be your neighbor. Now that's a hometown advantage.

- Written by Fiona

A Cozy Clique . . . or "Of The People"?

It's time for a supervisor election in this county By Dave Pine Opinion Piece in today's San Mateo Daily Journal If you're having a hard time remembering when the last seriously contested election for a seat on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors was held, it's not because your memory is failing you. The fact of the matter is that the last meaningful election occurred more than a decade ago when Supervisor Rich Gordon was elected to office in 1997. And over the last 20 years, only three of the 30 supervisor races on the ballot have been at all competitive. Without elections, San Mateo County voters are deprived of the opportunity to vet candidates and engage in a dialogue about important county issues that affect their lives. The supervisors are now considering how to fill a soon-to-be-vacant seat on the Board of Supervisors resulting from Jerry Hill's election to the state Assembly. The supervisors must choose between appointing a successor or holding a special election. With a number of serious candidates already expressing interest in the seat, this is the time to hold an election and use the democratic process to complete the important task of selecting a supervisor. The shortage of competitive supervisor elections in San Mateo County is an unfortunate by-product of San Mateo County's unique way of electing them. Only one other county in California shares San Mateo County's approach of selecting its supervisors in countywide elections rather than through separate district elections. That means a candidate has to appeal to approximately 380,000 voters as opposed to 76,000 to win one of the five seats on the Board of Supervisors. Most potential viable candidates are not prepared to take on such a daunting task, and they are even less inclined to do so if they have to face an incumbent. It is not uncommon for incumbents to be unopposed and they almost never face a true challenge. The last time an incumbent supervisor lost was almost 30 years ago when the well-known Jackie Speier was elected. Without any real possibility of an incumbent supervisor being voted out of office in San Mateo County, if the supervisors fill the current vacancy by appointment they will be essentially locking up the seat for 14 years: The two remaining years in Supervisor Hill's term plus three four-year terms following which the incumbent would need to step down due to term limits. Why should we forego this rare chance to have an election and deny voters the opportunity to decide for themselves who should represent them? Some contend that the cost of holding an election, which is estimated to be approximately $1.6 million, justifies filling the supervisor vacancy by appointment. This expense is not trivial during these difficult economic times, but it needs to be put into perspective. The cost of holding a supervisor election equates to approximately one tenth of 1 percent of the County's $1.6 billion budget or one tenth of each cent spent by the county. Given today's economy, all levels of government are forced to make hard choices and set budget priorities. Allowing this miniscule percentage of the budget to stand in the way of holding an election would equate to saying that it is impossible to cut or reallocate one-tenth of 1 percent of the county's current spending and that the value of holding an election ranks below every other item in the budget. Democracy and citizen involvement in our county deserve better. If the relatively modest price tag of holding a supervisor election presents an insurmountable barrier, another alternative would be to appoint a qualified person who would agree to serve only through the next regularly scheduled supervisor election in June 2010. At that time other races will be on the ballot and the county's election costs will be substantially less. There is ample precedent for this approach both locally and nationally. In 2005, a member of the County Board of Education passed away while in office and the vacancy was filled by an appointee who agreed to serve until an election for the position was held in November 2006. In Delaware, the same strategy has been adopted to fill the Senate seat that Joe Biden is leaving to become vice president. Holding an election to fill the vacant supervisor seat would encourage a rigorous and thoughtful debate on county issues, allow the voters to choose who will represent them, and energize our local democracy. To do otherwise would be a disservice to the citizens of San Mateo County. Dave Pine is a member of the San Mateo Union High School District Board of Trustees. The opinions expressed above are his own. He lives in Burlingame.

- Written by Joanne