Things to Know: Relay For Life San Bruno

THINGS TO KNOW –  

Friday, March 29, DEADLINE for applications to be accepted for the 2013-14 Civil Grand Jury.  The Honorable Lisa A Novak of the San Mateo County Superior Court announced that applications for service on the 2013-2014 Grand Jury will be accepted for consideration until March 29, 2013.  Judge Novak made the announcement as the appointed Grand Jury Advisor for the next grand jury term, which commences July 1, 2013 and ends June 30, 2014.  Any resident of San Mateo County for more than one year who is a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or older, of ordinary intelligence, sound judgment and good character, with sufficient knowledge of the English language is eligible for selection by Judge Novak.  Elected public officials are not eligible.  The Court encourages all interested individuals to apply. The Court strives to obtain a cross section of the county population. After the completion of an interview process by Judge Novak, jurors will be selected through a random draw.  Application forms can be obtained by writing Grand Jury Clerk, Court Executive Office, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 or telephoning (650) 599-1210.  This columnist served for a year and it is a rewarding opportunity.

Saturday, March 30,  Health & Wellness Fair, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. College of San Mateo, College Center, 1700 West Hillsdale Blvd. San Mateo.  Health screening for all ages.  Info:  http://www.smdailyjournal.com/healthfair/ 

Monday-Friday, April 1-5, - 2013 San Bruno Lifeguard Training Classes. Students must be 15 years of age by the last day of the class and pass a swim pre-test (swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for two minutes, retrieve a 10 pound brick from 10 feet and return it to designated spot). Attendance at every class is required.  You can register online at http://www.sanbruno.ca.gov/parks_main.asp or come to the main office (251 City Park Way) and pay in person. For more information contact Jennie at (650) 616-7184.

Wednesday, April 3 – eBook Open House – 6:15 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. San Bruno Library Community Room (downstairs) – FREE.   Learn how to download FREE OverDrive eBooks to your computer, eBook reader, iPhone, or iPad at our hands-on drop-in clinic!  You will learn the basics of checking out an OverDrive eBook and transferring it to your device. No reservations necessary for this free workshop, just drop by and staff will be on hand to help.  A list of all OverDrive compatible devices is available at: http://overdrive.com/resources/drc  Entrance to downstairs Community Room is on Angus Ave West.

Friday, April 5 – 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Java With Jerry – Never Too Latte, 486 San Mateo Avenue, San Bruno.  State Senator Jerry Hill will be providing the coffee (not at taxpayer’s expenses) and will be open to your questions, complaints, and or suggestions for legislative action in Sacramento.  No appointment needed  – No RSVP – Questions:  District Office 650-212-3313

Saturday, April 6 – San Bruno Chamber of Commerce’s 7th Annual Showcase of Businesses EXPO – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at “The Shops at Tanforan” – 1150 El Camino Real.  Exhibit fees: $250.00 for San Bruno Chamber of Commerce Members or $300.00 for Non-Members.  Call the Chamber office at 650 – 588 – 0180 or GOTO www.sanbrunochamber.com for more information and the necessary form and to register and pay online.

Tuesday, April 9 - SAVE THE DATE - Deborah Owdom - Project Director - RSVP of San Mateo & Northern Santa Clara Counties reports as follows: In a letter sent by RSVP to every Mayor in San Mateo & Northern Santa Clara County: 

“Everyday, in cities across America , national service programs are tackling tough problems and strengthening communities.  Tuesday, April 9th is the first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service.  In San Mateo County, Mills-Peninsula Health Services is the sponsor of all three Senior Corps programs that are part of the Corporation for National & Community Service:  RSVP, Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) and Senior Companion Program (SCP).  RSVP is celebrating its 39th anniversary this year and has been sponsored by Mills-Peninsula Health Services – Senior Focus for 19 years.  FGP and SCP are celebrating 14 years of service in San Mateo County .

We invite you to participate in this first-ever Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service by creating a proclamation in honor of this day.

We would be delighted to give a presentation to the City Council about the Senior Corps Programs of the Corporation for National & Community Service.  In addition, we would also be happy to attend a Council meeting to accept the Proclamation from your city proclaiming April 9th as Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service.” 

I am pleased to let you know that I just received a call from the Mayor’s Office in San Bruno and I will be attending the City Council Meeting on April 9th (at 7:00 p.m. at 1555 Crystal Springs Road) to give a brief presentation about RSVP and to accept a Proclamation from the San Bruno City Council.  It is exciting to see that the Mayor and Members of the Council have responded to our request to help acknowledge the service that volunteers are providing in their communities.

You are encouraged to attend and be acknowledged during my presentation and if you are civically engaged, please thank the members of the San Bruno City Council for this Proclamation and recognition.

Deborah Owdom Project Director RSVP of San Mateo & Northern Santa Clara Counties 1720 El Camino Real, Suite 10 Burlingame, CA 94010 (650) 696-7661 FAX (650) 696-3633

Monday thru Wednesday April 15 - 18 - SAVE THE DATES - Pasta Pomodero will be making a donation for your food purchase, if you present the attached flier, to the American Cancer Society - Relay For Life San Bruno.  Remember to thank the restaurant for their support.

Wednesday, April 17 – SAVE THE DATE – San Bruno Chamber of Commerce will be holding their first “Lunch & Learn” event.  “Healthcare reform and how it will affect your small business”.  11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Fireman’s Hall, 618 San Mateo Avenue, San Bruno,  Questions & to RSVP:  office@sanbrunochamber.com or 650-588-0180

 Wednesday, April 17 - SAVE THE DATE - Jennifer Vargas reports: Lorry Greenberg will be receiving the 2013 San Bruno Community Recognition award for her dedication and contributions to the community on Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00 pm at the San Bruno Senior Center. The award ceremony will take place right at 7 pm and should be over by 7:30.  Without Lorry's countless hours of dedication, the Junior Giants program in San Bruno would not be as successful and make such a difference in the lives of so many youth.

Please come show your support and help her celebrate receiving this well deserved award.

Jennifer Vargas

Friday, April 19 - ENTENDED DEADLINE Grand Jury Applications Accepted Until April 19.  The Honorable Lisa A. Novak of the San Mateo County Superior Court has announced that the application period for service on the 2013-2014 Grand Jury has been extended to April 19, 2013.  Judge Novak made the announcement as the appointed Grand Jury Advisor for the next grand jury term, which commences July 1, 2013 and ends June 30, 2014.  Any resident of San Mateo County for more than one year who is a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age or older, of ordinary intelligence, sound judgment and good character, with sufficient knowledge of the English language is eligible for selection by Judge Novak.  Elected public officials are not eligible.  The Court encourages all interested individuals to apply. The Court strives to obtain a cross section of the county population. After the completion of an interview process by Judge Novak, jurors will be selected through a random draw.  Application forms can be obtained by writing Grand Jury Clerk, Court Executive Office, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 or telephoning (650) 599-1210 or on-line.

Saturday, April 20 – SAVE THE DATE – Prudential California Realty FREE 7th Annual Shredding Party – back parking lot of 180 El Camino Real – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Shred to protect your identity, protect your privacy, & to protect information you consider to be extremely confidential. Shred truck will be accepting documents for shredding from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Info: 589-1000

Sunday, April 22 - Earth Day -  The San Bruno ban on single use plastic bags takes effect today.  The ordinance that is being adopted by most cities — which is based on one that was passed by the county and enacted in unincorporated areas last year — will require grocery stores to use paper bags made of at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled materials. Stores must charge at least 10 cents per paper bag.

Saturday, April 27 – SAVE THE DATE -  San Bruno Bike & Pedestrian committee will be holding a workshop from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at 850 Cherry Avenue Conference Room C, San Bruno.  RSVP appreciated. Call 650-588-8170 or E=Mail Karen@commute.org  What to Expect:  Workshop conducted by a certified bicycle instructor from the League of American Bicyclists; interactive bicycle safety presentation; information on traffic laws for bicyclists and drivers; tips on riding in traffic safely; bicycle maintenance information; workshop is recommended for ages 16 and up; drawing for prizes up to a $40 gift certificates to a local bike shop.

Saturday, May 4 - SAVE THE DATE -  Operation Clean Sweep in San Bruno.

Saturday & Sunday May 4th & 5th – SAVE THE DATES – Streets Alive! Parks Alive!  More info and questions: http://www.streetsalivesmc.org

Tuesday, August 6 – SAVE THE DATE – National Night Out

CONTINUING EVENT NEEDING YOUR SUPPORT: Relay For Life San Bruno - Councilman Ken Ibarra kenibarra@yahoo.com and American Cancer Society’s Julie Pierce Julie.Pierce@cancer.org are building the Relay For Life of San Bruno event for Saturday April 27th & Sunday April 28th 2013 to be held at the Capuchino High School in San Bruno.  Form YOUR own Team. Be a part of a committee. Volunteer for the event. GO TO www.relayforlife.org/sanbrunoca and there you can sign up to form your own team or join an existing team or just make a donation to an individual team member or to a team. Your friends and relatives from all over the WORLD can go to the San Bruno Relay For Life team web page www.relayforlife.org/sanbrunoca and at least make a small donation.  Join and FIGHT FOR THE CURE! If you cannot start a team or do not know of a team to join, “Crusaders For A Cure” welcomes you to join their team.  Luminaria Order Form can be obtained at www.RelayForLife.org.org/sanbrunoca

CONTINUING EVENT NEEDING YOUR SUPPORT: The City of San Bruno is seeking volunteers: The City has numerous commissions and committees that through volunteers provide a vital service to the City. Currently there are two (2) openings on the Citizens Crime Prevention Committee and one (1) opening on the Bicycle & Pedestrain Committee , additional vacancies on other committees and committees MAY be open.  To obtain the necessary volunteer interest form for ALL City committees and commissions email City Clerk Carol Bonner at cbonner@sanbruno.ca.gov.

In Case You Missed This: Karin Cunningham reported as follows:  Allen School has an awesome bunch of student stars, teachers, staff, and parent volunteers but there is one in particular who is shining the brightest right now, her name is Ashraya Kumar.

At ten years old and in 5th grade, Ashraya was selected out of 40 students her age from all over the United States to become a People to People Student Ambassador to explore North America and study the Canadian cultures. The 12 day educational program will take her and 40 other students through Toronto, Ottowa, Quebec, and Montreal this summer.

The Allen School PTA is excited and honored to support Ashraya. She is a great example of ambition and enthusiasm which is prevalent as she does her own door to door fundraising, public speaking, and reaching out!

Together, the Allen School PTA and Ashraya's family are hosting a Movie Night this Friday in the school cafeteria. All funds will go towards her trip! 

Allen School and Ashrayas's friends and family are very proud of her and support her and all of her efforts!

In Case You Missed This:  Saturday March 23 from 9:00 a.m. until after 11:00 a.m. the San Bruno Lions (with a lot of additional help) served up pancakes, sausage, juice, etc. prior to the Easter Egg Hunts.  Numerous City officials, council members, along with the Easter Bunny helped make the day’s event another success.  Many children arrived in their Easter finest.

In case You Missed This:  State Senator Jerry Hill introduced a bill to close tax loophole that allows California firms to reap millions in credits by relocating to state enterprise zones.  Firms Collect $700 Million In Subsidies Annually Even If They Don’t Create New Jobs.   

WHAT:  State Senator Jerry Hill held a news conference in Brisbane outside the former home of VWR International to announce he is introducing legislation to close a corporate tax loophole that allowed the laboratory and medical supply company to claim a $37,000 tax credit for each of the 150 local workers it displaced when it moved last year to an enterprise zone in the San Joaquin Valley city of Visalia.  Joining Hill, D San Mateo, to voice support for Senate Bill 434 were former VWR employees, labor leaders including Art Pulaski, secretary-treasurer of the California Labor Federation, and representatives of Brisbane, which lost 50 percent of its sales tax revenue when VWR relocated to Visalia, where it hired replacement workers at lower wages.

There are 40 enterprise zones in California in which companies receive a myriad of tax breaks – even when they don’t create new jobs. The largest is a hiring credit – like the one VWR received – that costs California $700 million a year, and the costs are growing by more than 30 percent annually.

Blue Linx, a major building products wholesaler located in Newark, recently relocated to an enterprise zone in Stockton where it will be eligible for a hiring tax credit even if it doesn’t create any jobs.

Further Info: Aurelio Rojas 916-747-3199 cell - Leslie Guevarra 415-298-3404 cell

BACKGROUND:  California’s enterprise zone program was established in 1984 to create jobs in disadvantaged communities. But over the years tax consultants for big companies have exploited loopholes in the law to claim tax credits without adding to the state’s workforce.

An overwhelming 61 percent of enterprise zone tax credits were claimed by corporations with more than $1 billion in assets. San Francisco and Los Angeles account for 30 percent of all EZ credits, while areas with much higher unemployment claim far fewer credits.

The move by VWR, owned by private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners, cost Brisbane roughly $2.1 million a year in tax revenue while saving the company more than $1.5 million annually through the enterprise zone program.

The program has no sunset date, no reviews and no requirement for public data that discloses details about the corporations claiming credits and whether jobs are being created.

Hill’s legislation, which would require a two-thirds vote of the Legislature, would enact several reforms in the EZ program:

1.     Require job creation: Employers must create net new jobs in the state to claim the hiring credit.

2.     Transparency: Create a public database of companies that get EZ tax breaks and how many jobs they created.

3.     Cap, Sunset and Review: Cap the cost of the program, set a sunset date and require legislative review.

4.     Eliminate Retroactive vouchers—Credits can only be claimed within a year of hire instead of the current four-year allowance. 

5.     Quality Job Standards: Employers must pay at least $16 an hour and meet retention standards to claim credits.  Temporary agencies would be prohibited from credits.

6.     Regulate tax consultants: Prohibit contingency fee arrangements with tax consultants that drive up the cost of the program with excessive claims.

“Taxpayer dollars should not be used to reward companies for firing people in one city and hiring new employees elsewhere,” Hill said.  “We should be focusing on true job creation, not job transferring.  My legislation will stop these intra-state tax breaks and save the state millions of dollars every year.”