Friday, May 18, 2012
Eligible voters must register by May 21.
With the Presidential Primary Election three weeks away, eligible San Mateo County voters have until Monday to file a new or updated voter registration card to be allowed to vote in the June 5 election. “New to this year, the legislature is allowing individuals who obtain their American citizenship after May 21 the opportunity to register and vote up until the close of polls on June 5 in the Primary Election,” said San Mateo County’s Chief Elections Officer Mark Church. Church reminds voters that, “This countywide election includes federal, state and local offices as well as statewide propositions and local ballot measures. There are many issues on the ballot that will affect a voter’s quality of life, so it is important that eligible …
Celebration at Facebook's Menlo Park office kicks off first day of trading.
Big smiles adorned the faces of Facebook employees Friday morning, as the Menlo Park-based social networking giant began trades shares on the public market. In the hours after the market opened, Facebook shares erased nearly 18 percent of their early gains, Reuters reported. But Facebook, which was headquartered in neighboring Palo Alto for years, still raised nearly $18.4 billion in one of the biggest IPOs in history. At their new headquarters in Menlo Park, CEO Mark Zuckerberg rang the morning trading bell before hugging and high-fiving COO Sheryl Sandberg and other employees, according to Reuters. Locally, the impact of a whole generation of wealthy employees becoming overnight millionaires has led many to speculate about the impact …
The services will be held for Lee, who died May 7, at the San Mateo County Events Center.
The city of San Mateo has announced a memorial service will be held for former Mayor John Lee, who died on May 7 at the age of 81. Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to share in this celebration of his life, which will be held on June 3 from 3-5 p.m. at the San Mateo County Events Center, located at 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo. Mayor Brandt Grotte will lead a formal Memorial Service with a reception immediately following the service. Parking is available on site. The family has also requested that any donations in Mr. Lee’s honor be made to the John Lee Memorial Fund for enhancing the Joinville Dog Park. Donations may be collected at the memorial service or sent to: John Lee Memorial Fund San Mateo City Employees Federal Credit…
The Fair Political Practices Commission stated that Rosanne Foust was to recuse herself from all Saltworks discussion while in her official role as a councilmember.
The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) will investigate whether Councilwoman Rosanne Foust violated state law when she made public comments on April 9 regarding the controversial Cargill/DMB Saltworks project. Two Redwood City residents, Marsha Cohen and Marianna Raymond, filed the complaints. The letter from the Commission acknowledging the filing from Cohen is attached. “The facts are clear that she has continued to use her official position to influence a government decision while simultaneously holding a paid position,” Cohen wrote. Raymond added, ““I feel regretful that I would even need to do this because I have a high regard for our councilmembers and all they do for our city. But part of good citizenship is being involved …
The Jerry Hill for State Senate campaign is looking for a few good men. And women.
Attention Carlmont, Notre Dame and Serra students! Student internship opportunities are available now to work with the Jerry Hill for State Senate campaign. It's a chance to learn about state government and politics, and an excellent way to build your resume. You might even have some fun. The campaign seeks enthusiastic students for some unique internship opportunities. Hours are very flexible, and there are many different activities available, including volunteer recruitment, voter outreach, data entry, communications and social media messaging. If you or a student you know are interested, you can contact Joshua Barousse at (408) 829-4476, or e-mail him at joshbarousse@gmail.com. If you'd like to find out a little more about Jerry Hill…
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Residents are invited to a public hearing on June 26 to learn more about proposed rate adjustments.
The City of Belmont will hold a public hearing next month (a Proposition 218 notification*) to inform residential and business property owners and seek input about proposed sewer rate adjustments in fiscal years 2013 and 2014. The city is responsible for the operation, maintenance and improvements of its sewer collection system. The public hearing regarding the proposed sewer rate adjustments will be held Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 7:30 pm in the City Council Chambers. The proposed rate adjustments will be presented to the City Council for adoption at this meeting. If approved by the Belmont City Council, the new sewer rates will take effect 30 days after the public hearing; rates will appear on the next property tax bill. According to a …
The first-ever poll suggests the final votes among Asians could go either way.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Parents of students entering seventh grade must vaccinate their children to protect them against whooping cough as required by California law.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson this week is urging parents of students entering the seventh grade to vaccinate their children to protect them against whooping cough as required by California law. “I call on all parents to act as soon as possible and ensure their children receive this important vaccination,” Torlakson said in a statement. “Taking a few minutes now will help protect your child’s health, and help them get off to a smooth start in the next school year,” he said. According to Dr. Ron Chapman, Director of the California Department of Public Health, in 2010, 9,000 Californians were diagnosed with pertussis and 10 infants died from the disease. “Due to the collective statewide vaccination efforts this …
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Bill by State Sen. Joe Simitian would boost fines for using cell phones while driving.
The California State Senate Monday passed a bill authored by Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) that would increase the fines on motorists who talk or text while driving. The bill, SB 1310, passed on a 24-9 vote, and increases the fines for breaking the hands-free and no texting laws from $20 to $30 for a first-time offense, and from $50 to $60 for subsequent offenses. The extra money from the tougher law would be used to fund a distracted driving education program in the California Office of Traffic Safety, according to a statement released by Simitian’s press office Monday. The total cost of a first offense, including penalties, would rise to roughly $199, depending on the county. Second offenses would cost about $371. Also, a second …
The new middle school would serve approximately 240 students. Tuition at the school is $33,000 per year.
Crystal Springs Uplands School would like to build a new middle school on Davis Drive in Belmont. The Belmont Planning Commission will discuss the proposal at tonight's meeting. The proposal for Davis Drive calls for a middle school (grades 6-8) for up to 246 students. The campus would include three structures on approximately seven acres: a main academic center; a cafe; and a gymnasium. A turfed soccer field is also included in the first phase of the project. Future development on the site calls for a swimming pool. Tell us in today's poll what you think about Crystal Springs Uplands School coming to Belmont.
David Amann
10:24 pm on Friday, May 18, 2012
It looks to me that those who filed the complaint would have been okay with Councilmember Foust's comments if they were limited to 3 minutes and if they were spoken 8 feet away at the public comment forum. To feel the need to file a formal complaint over 6 minutes is overkill in my opinion. I think a better and more humane course of action would have been a letter to the City Attorney and to … more ›