The Highlands Community Association Newsletter

HRD MeetingTuesday, April 9, 7 p.m.Multipurpose Room

lowdown DeadlineFriday, March 30, 2012

HCA MeetingTuesday, March 27, 7:30 p.m.

Multipurpose Room

The Highlands

www.highlandscommunity.orgVolume 58, Number 3

March 2012

Planning for the 4th of July celebration isin full swing. A leadership team has formed,headed by 4th of July Chair Randy Griggiand Liesje Nicolas (with able assistance from4th of July Chairmen Emeriti Rick Priola andGene McKenna). Committee chairs includeBruce and Diana Heiman (July 3rd

Fireworks), Dianne Weitzel (Parade),Gordon Strause (Food Booth), and StacyClark (Midway Games).

“Back to the Future” will be this year’stheme, so start planning your floats and cos-tumes! And please take a moment as well to

Sewer Projects and Costs are in Our Futureby James Goodman, Co-Chair, HCA Public Utilities Committee

��Sewer Projects: to page 7

After meeting with the San Mateo Public WorksDepartment on January 23, there is important news toreport. Our sewer district, the Crystal Springs CountySewer District, or CSCSD, has aging sewer lines, manyof which are over 50 years old. For our district, the1999 Master Plan Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs)include approximately 10,650 feet of sewer pipereplacement by 2013 at a cost of $2.3 million and ismandated by the state. Another nine projects totalingabout 17,000 feet of sewer pipe at a cost of approxi-mately $3 million were identified by closed circuit TVinspections in 2011. These repairs are scheduled tobegin next year and should be completed by 2022.These inspections have also revealed 42 urgent pointrepairs that need to be done by 2013 at a cost of about$130,000.

The county is applying for a 20-year loan of upto $2.4 million at 2.5% to help pay for some of theseimprovements. Our current sewer fees of $1,200 perhousehold should cover these projects (including servic-

ing the loan), with the major exception of the CrystalSprings/El Cerrito Relief line projects.

The Town of Hillsborough and the City of SanMateo recently informed the Department of PublicWorks (DPW) that the costs for the Crystal SpringsTrunk Line and the El Cerrito Relief Line are $11 mil-lion (up from $8.5 million) and $19 million (up from$15 million), respectively.

Our district’s share of these costs will run into themillions of dollars. The DPW is asking the Town andCity for data on the new cost estimates and justificationsfor the increases. The impact on our future sewer serv-ice fees is still undetermined, but increases to the cur-rent rate are very likely if our district is to cover thesecosts. Options for dealing with these additional costsinclude another loan, making rates partially based onhousehold water usage (as is done in many other com-munities), and merging our district with bigger sewerdistrict(s) to help spread costs.

Because our rates are determined by a four-party

4th of July Planning is Off and Running--It’s Time to Volunteer!by Gordon Strause

��4th of July: to page 6

22 March 2012

HCA Board Officers for 2012

President: Rick Priola 574-8313Co-First VPs: Beverley Madden 574-1593

Liesje Nicolas 773-7805Co-Second VPs: Randy Griggi 222-9785

Gordon Strause 863-4570Treasurer: David Krakower 415-398-1100Secretary: Denise Haas 372-0373lowdown Editor: Dorothy Greene 341-1752

HCA Committee Chairs for 2012

Land: Sam Naifeh 572-8787Public Utilities Co-Chairs: James Goodman 372-0986

Wil Pinney 345-2546Emergency Services: Pam Merkadeau 280-9046Membership Co-Chairs: Trelly Krakower 578-1328

Kim Nations 415-505-3866

The Highlands

F ROM THE H I GHLAND S COMMUN I T Y A S SOC I AT ION

By the time you read this, we willhave turned our clocks ahead, andwinter will be about over, at leastaccording to the calendar. But it’sbeen a winter and rainy season with alot of warm days and very little rain.Maybe spring will be unusual too andbring some rain. Our gardens could certainly use that.

HCA meeting: At our February HCA meeting wehad an interesting presentation by Nicole Ziman of theSan Francisco Public Utility Commission updating uson nearby projects to upgrade the delivery of waterfrom the Hetch Hetchy system. The work on the damhas been completed, and San Mateo County will berebuilding the road over the dam that has been closedfor more than a year. It should be completed in late2013, and we will again be able to drive on SkylineBlvd. to the Sawyer Camp Trail. At this month’s meet-ing on March 27, we will have a presentation aboutsolar panels on our homes. It also should be veryinteresting.

4th of July: Planning for the 3rd and 4th of Julyhas begun, led by Randy Griggi, and things are ingood shape. As always, volunteers for all the activitiesof the celebration are very important. Whether it’s forthe fireworks or the food booth, the midway, theparade, cleanup, etc. on the 3rd and 4th, communityparticipation is the key to the success of our event.There’s a Jooners page to sign up to volunteer on theHCA website, www.highlandscommunity.org, andthere’s also an email address address, Highlands4th@gmail.com, which you can use to offer your help.Look for more information about plans for the 4th onpages 1 and 6 of this lowdown.

Also, this year we’re going back to our old custom ofusing cars in the parade, so if you have a convertiblethat you’re willing to have in the parade, please callme or email me at hcapres@gmail.com.

Egg Hunt: Highlands kids always look forwardto the Rec Center’s annual Eggstravaganza andUnderwater Easter Egg Hunts. This year they willtake place on Saturday, April 7. Check out the infor-mation on page 4 of the lowdown about these events.You can call the Rec at 341-4251 with any questions.

As always, I look forward to meeting you and see-ing you at the HCA meetings. If you have questionsor concerns, please feel free to contact me athcapres@gmail.com.

HCA Meeting March 27 2012, 7:30 p.m.Agenda

I. Call to OrderII. Review and Approval of the MinutesIII. Sheriff’s Dept/CHP/CDR Cal FireIV. ReportsA. First Vice PresidentB. Second Vice PresidentC. TreasurerD. MembershipE. lowdownF. Public Utilities CommitteeG. Emergency Services CommitteeH. Land CommitteeV. Old Business

VI. New Business/AnnouncementsVII. Adjournment

Rick PriolaHCA President

33March 2012The Highlands

Free Estimates * Free pick-up & delivery * Free rental car

Two generations of Highlanders providing their neighbors withpersonal service and top quality auto body repair.

CALL THOM AT 341-1100.2107 Palm Avenue, San Mateo

by Dorothy Greene for Denise Haas

HCA M INUTE S

HCA Meeting February 28, 2012

I. Call to Order – The meetingwas called to order by PresidentRick Priola at 7:40 p.m.II. Review and Approval of the

Minutes – A motion to approve theminutes of January 24, 2012, wasmoved by Aleth Reilley, secondedby Liesje Nicolas, and carried unan-imously.III. Sheriff’s Department/California Highway Patrol/CDF

Deputy Keith O’Dell reportedthat there had been a residentialburglary in the Highlands inFebruary and encouraged residentsto call 911 if they see suspiciousindividuals or cars in the neighbor-hood.

Neighbors are encouraged tosign up for the county’s EmergencyAlert system, SMC Alert, to receiveinformation about possible emer-gencies or road closures, etc.

CalFire officer reported that theHighlands has 130 CERT-trainedvolunteers. IV. Reports A. First Vice President – Liesje

Nicolas reported on the HRD boardmeeting. No replacement has yetbeen selected to fill the generalmanager’s position. Jeff Schwartzcontinues as the acting manager. B. Second Vice President –

Randy Griggi reported that prepara-tion has begun for the 2012 celebra-

tion. He emphasized the need forvolunteers. There will be a websitefor volunteers to sign up for varioustasks. C. Treasurer – David Krakower

reported that our finances are doingwell.D. Membership – Kim Nations

met with the Area Reps before theHCA meeting to brainstorm the2012 membership campaign which

kicks off this month. Checks arealready coming in in the envelopesincluded in the February lowdown. E. lowdown – Dorothy Greene

announced that the March deadlineis March 2, 2012.F. Public Utilities Committee –

There will be an update of oursewer issues in the next lowdown..G. Emergency Services

Committee – No report H. Land Committee – No report V. Old Business – None VI. New Business/Announcements – Nicole Ziman,San Francisco Public UnitliesCommission Peninsula Region PublicOutreach representative, gave us aninteresting thorough update on theprojects to upgrade elements of theHetch Hetchy water storage anddistribution center projects near theHighlands. VII. Adjournment – The meetingwas adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

44 March 2012

H IGHLAND S R E C REAT ION C ENTER NEW S

The Highlands

GOOD SCHOOLS CREATE GOOD NEIGHBORHOODS.

SUPPORT THE HIGHLANDS SCHOOL WALK-A-JOGBY DONATING AND VOLUNTEERING TO HELP.

SYLVIA MERKADEAUPreview Property Specialist

Bus 650.558.6840Res 650.573.9108

merkadeau1@aol.comwww.sylviamerkadeau.com

��Rec Programs: to page 10

Register NOW for our half-daypreschool program. The Toucan classis located in the Social Room and isfor potty-trained children ages 2.5-5-years. Classes are held Tuesday,Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:15a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The Toucan classcloses for winter, spring, and summerbreaks. Call now to register forSeptember! A non-refundable fee of$105 reserves your space. Questions?Email Rebecca Hitchcock, EarlyEducation Director, at:rebeccah@highlandsrec.ca.gov

Thank You!We would like to thank all the

families who have kindly donated toour Early Education Center andProgram. We greatly appreciate yourthoughtfulness and generosity.Thanks go to the following families:Cogswell, Dal Porto, Errington,Flynn, Higgins, Hitchcock, Jarrett,Lowe, Margolin, Michaels-Russell,Nagle, Nations-Palmer, Peel,Persson, Schroeter, Teys, Tobin,and Weitzel.

If we’ve neglected to includeyour name, we apologize for theoversight. Please let Rebecca knowso that we can correct our recordsand thank you properly.

Eggstravaganza and Underwater Egg HuntSaturday, April 7

Our annual Eggstravaganzabegins at 9:30 a.m. and includes apancake breakfast, egg hunt, andjump houses. The entrance fee is $5per person. The Underwater EggHunt begins at 11:30 a.m. There’s a$6 per person entrance fee. Call 341-4251 for more information.

Kids Nite OutFri. 4/13/12 6-10 p.m.$25/child with $5 sibling discount

Take advantage of an eveningout while your kids have a fun-fillednight at the Rec. Pizza dinner and moviewill be provided.Spring Camp 2012 (April 2-9)K-8th Grades, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Daily fee: $60/65Field Trip Day Rate: $70/75Weekly Rate: $255/260

Have you enrolled your childrenin Spring Camp yet? Send them tothe Rec.for a week of WOW! OurSpring Camp will be filled withengaging activities and a memorablefield trip to keep your child enter-tained all week long.

Weekly themes include ArtfulAntics, Treasure Hunters,Imaginarium, Adventureland, andHawaiian Luau. Our field trip willbe to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalkon April 5.Summer Fun Zone Registration

Weekly fee: $255/260 (Weeks 1, 2, 4 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10)

Week 3 fee: $210/215Drop In: $65/70(M, T, W, F only)

Registration for summer campbegan March 5. It's only 10 weeks,so act fast, because spaces are filling!

Highlands CERT Updatesfacebook.com/highlandscertTwitter.com/highlandscert

Check out Highlands CERT(Community Emergency ResponseTraining) on Facebook and Twitterfor live updates, news, and upcom-ing class times, including continuingeducation opportunities.Pre-Engineering with LEGOsTues. 4/17-6/5 4-5:30 p.m.

$200/205 GymHave your child become a Play-

Well Engineer! Students will buildcities, bridges, and motorizedcars/planes and explore the manycreative possibilities of engineeringwith the LEGO® system.With accessto over 100,000 pieces of LEGO,your children will have the opportu-nity to build what they have onlydreamed of with the support of anexperienced Play-Well Engineeringinstructor to guide them.

Beginning Tap & BalletW 3/28-6/1 1:30-2:15 p.m. $75/80

GymThis class is for your young

dancer with little or no dance experi-

Highlands EarlyEducation Program

55March 2012The Highlands

COMMUN I T Y NEW S

Highlands BookClubby Jo Nassutti

We meet on the firstTuesday of the monthat 10:15 a.m. Our newlocation is in Multi-

purpose Room B in the new childcare center, south of the main RecCenter building. Visitors are alwayswelcome.

Our book for April 3 is TheImmortal Life of Henrietta Lacksby Rebecca Skloot. The New YorkTimes said, “Skloot narrates the sci-ence lucidly, tracks the racial poli-tics of medicine thoughtfully, andtells the Lacks family’s oftenpainful history with grace… . Mademy hair stand on end.” Henrietta’sblood cells, taken without herknowledge in 1951, became animportant tool for medicine.

On May 1 we will discuss TheArt of Racing in the Rain byGarth Stain. The narrator of thisstory is the family dog named Enzowho is near the end of his life. Hetells of the trials and tribulations ofhis family with patience and sym-pathy.

Questions, call Jo Nassutti at 650-345-8915. Curious, come byand observe.

Senior Network Newsby Barbra Cohn

The year rollson, and it is timefor a spring potluck.This time we willbe using the new

multipurpose room at the RecreationCenter. That way we don’t have topray for nice weather (especiallyconsidering our need for rain), andthere is plenty of room for all. Asusual, bring what you want, knowingthat somehow there always seems tobe plenty for all. The date isThursday, April 19, at noon. Do planto come. It’s a ball!

Now that the Senior Net has beenin operation for a few years, it seemstime to start formalizing it, and so wehave proposed to the Rec Board thatwe might join forces so that we canprovide better services for more peo-ple. Of course all this takes time, soeveryone can provide input about justwhat those services (aside fromsocial) should be. Ideas anyone? Weare forming a committee to researchwhat might be useful. If you’d like tobe included, now is the time to callCliff at 349-5290.

Join the HCA with PayPalDid you know that you can pay your $30 HCA dues by going

to our website, http://highlandscommunity.org/ and clicking onONLINE PAYMENTS? It’s quick and easy!

The Highlands66

#1 Highlands Agent

Glenn SennettColdwell Banker

Cell: (650)208-7355

Let a Proven ProfessionalManage Your

Largest Investment!

JUST LISTED

March 2012

COMMUNITY NEWS

JUST SOLD

1564 Forge Rd-4 BD 2 Remodeled BA.Retractable Roof over Atrium. Family rm,

Remodeled Kitchen, Hardwood FloorsSold for $940,000

Senior cit-izens areoften the tar-gets of finan-cial scamcrimes andfraud. Among

the reasons: Some older people havebuilt substantial assets (includingtheir own home and large savingsaccounts); they're easy to find athome, and they can be swayed byfears of losing their financial inde-pendence. Over the past few years,San Mateo County has experiencedan increase in financial scams. Themost common scams that have vic-timized some San Mateo County res-idents include:

• “You’re a SweepstakesWinner!” Scam - Victim gets a callor letter saying they have just won abig “prize” but must first sendmoney for “taxes” before getting

Scams That Target The ElderlyBy Alma Zamora, Lieutenant

their prize. Victim receives a tele-phone call requesting verification ofeither credit card number or socialsecurity number. This information isthen used for fraudulent purposes.

• “You hit my car in the park-ing lot!” Scam – Crooks smear vic-tim’s parked car with tar while vic-tim is shopping. When victim returnsand drives off, crooks follow, andacuse victim of Hit & Run, pointingto the tar as evidence of “damage.”Crooks demand cash to keep fromcalling the police.

• Magazine Solicitors Scam:“Magazine Solicitors” come to vic-tim’s home. One asks to use the rest-room while the other solicitor dis-tracts the victim and burglarizes thehome.

Please be aware of these scamsand remember to call the Sheriffat 650-363 -4911 to report a crimeor any suspicious activity.

Gorgeous 2 story Eichler with panoramicviews! 5BD/3BA + family room.

3,100+ sq. ft. Backs to open spacePriced @ $1,350,000

240 Mainsail Ct., Foster City (Eichler) –4BD/2 BA, atrium floor plan.

Sold for $870,000

visit the 4th of July page on theHCA site (http://www.highland-scommunity.org) to sign up to vol-unteer. About 200 people are need-ed to make the 4th of July cele-bration a success, which means weneed volunteers from many, manyHighlands households. We particu-larly encourage new Highlands res-idents to get involved. Becomingpart of the 4th of July team is oneof the fastest ways to truly becomea part of the Highlands community.

Want to join the leadershipteam--they’re looking for co-chairsfor each of the main jobs--or justask them a question? Email highlands4th@gmail.com to con-tact them.

��4th of July: from page 1

The Highlands77March 2012

Judy’s Homes for the Elderly, Inc.Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (Lic#415600586)

We provide personalized care of the highest quality• 5 locations in San Mateo• Private rooms with half baths• Assistance with daily needs for all levels of care, including Hospice

Call Judy at (650) 346-9410 for a tour or more information.

COMMUNITY NEWS

by Valerie Anderson, President’s Office CoordinatorCSM’S Summer Schedule Is Now

AvailableCSM is offering a full range of

courses this summer, including six-seven- and eight-week sessions.Youcan view the summer 2012 Scheduleof Classes online at collegeofsanma-teo.edu/schedule/. As a resident ofSan Mateo, you will also be receiv-ing a copy of the schedule deliveredto your mailbox in mid-March.

To begin the process, go to col-legeofsanmateo.edu/admissions tosubmit your application. Once youare admitted, you will be given adate for registration. General regis-tration begins on April 30; summerclasses begin on June 18.

Free Presentation of Art & Science

On Friday April 20, at 7:30 p.m,CSM Professor Mohsen Janatpourwill present a free lecture and artexhibition, “Do we need art?” inCSM’s Theatre. Professor Janatpourwill explore the question, “Is thecore of art a historical accident or apre-historical necessity?” A recep-tion will follow the presentation.

Telescopes will be set up in thecourtyard for viewing the night sky,weather permitting. Visitors maypark in Beethoven Parking Lot 2,closest to the event. For more infor-mation visit mohsensart.com Thisevent is sponsored by the AssociatedStudents of CSM and theMath/Science Division of CSM; it isopen to the public.

Study Abroad Destination forFall 2012: Barcelona, Spain

In fall 2012, CSM’s StudyAbroad program will offer theSemester in Barcelona, which willrun from September 8 throughDecember 7. The priority registra-tion date is April 13. For more infor-

mation, go tocollegeofsanmateo.edu/studyabroad/barcelona2012.asp.

Bulldog Baseball Is UnderwayCSM’s baseball season is in full-

swing, and the bulldogs are off to astrong start! Spend an afternoonwatching bulldog baseball in CSM’snewly renovated baseball facility.The games are open to the public.For the schedule of home games, see collegeofsanmateo.edu/base-ball/schedule/

What’s New at College of San Mateo? agreement with the City of SanMateo, the Town of Hillsborough,San Mateo County, and the CSCSD,none of these options are quick oreasy to implement, but discussionsare underway. By way of compari-son with other unincorporated areas,the Fair Oaks District (which ismuch larger than ours) pays$470/year, while Burlingame Hills(about one-third our size) is paying$1,500/year. Most of the other unin-corporated residential districts paybetween $800-$1,100/year.

There is yet another loomingissue that the Highlands will needto address over time--our sewer lat-erals (the sewer lines from ourhouses to the sewer mains). Theseare not included in the projects dis-cussed above. Their repair, from thehome to the sewer main, is theresponsibility of the homeowner.Many of them are old and in disre-pair, and can allow rainwater intothe sewer system. Also, roof down-spouts should never be connected tosewer pipes. This can cause wetweather sewage overflows and runthe risk of incurring heavy fines.Our district may be at risk untilthese inflows into the system arereduced by replacement of many ofthese leaky laterals. However, thescheduled urgent point repairs,along with the other projects,should help reduce the chances ofwet weather sewage overflows.

��Sewer Projects: from page 1

More than 250 people have nowjoined the Highlands new Nextdoorwebsite to connect with their neigh-bors. Activity has included recom-mendations of local services (every-thing from painters to dentists tobaby sitters to window repairmen),give-away offers (strollers, iPhones,clothes, and more), plans to organ-ize the burying of local electriclines, tales of life in the Highlandsin the 50s and 60s, and discussionsof potential neighborhood crimethreats from molotov cocktails torogue door-to-door salad salesmen(no joke!).

To join the conversation, contactme, (gordonst@yahoo.com) to askfor an invitation or go tohttp://thehighlands.nextdoor.com.

Nextdoor Newsby Gordon Strause

March 201288

UN I T ED METHOD I S T CHURCH NEW S

The Highlands

Highlands lowdownEditor and Business Manager

Dorothy Greene phone: 650-341-1752

email: lowdowneditor@gmail.commailing address:1879 LexingtonAve., San Mateo, CA 94402

The lowdown is publishedmonthly except August andDecember by the HighlandsCommunity Association (HCA),1851 Lexington Ave, San Mateo,CA 94402. Entire contents copy-right 2010 by The HighlandsCommunity Association, exceptwhere noted. All rights reserved.

Opinions expressed are thoseof the contributors. Acceptance ofadvertising does not constituteendorsement of any products bythe HCA. Editor reserves the rightto accept or reject and/or edit anymaterial submitted for publication.

Articles, Letters, and Photosmust include your name, addressand phone number. Any materialaccepted may be edited to fitspace or lowdown standards.Items may be submitted throughany of the following means, inorder of preference: email low-downeditor@gmail.com, or typeddouble spaced, or legibly hand-written. Photos can be color orblack/white and can be deliveredto the email or postal address.Mail or drop off contributions tolowdown, 1879 Lexington Ave.,SM 94402.

Ads should be submitted inelectronic format, preferablyMicrosoft Word or Quark. Displayad rates are $12.50 per columninch. Ask about inserts. Classifiedads must be paid for in advance.Cost: $3 up to 15 words, $1 foreach additional five words.Classified ads are free for anyonegiving away or swapping Eichlerfixtures or providing repair tips.

Neither the lowdown northe HCA is responsible for theaccuracy of any information inthe display or want ads.Readers are encouraged tocheck that licenses are currentand to get references.

Subscriptions for non-resi-dents of the Highlands are $25per year.

Services offered include training reinforcement, exercise, and overnight care for

your loving critters.

CRYSTAL SPRINGS UMC ACTIVITIESby Steve SchlichterLenten ScheduleMarch 25 at 10 a.m. “Bring a

Friend Sunday.” The sermon will begiven through drama. There’ll begood music.April 1 at 10 a.m. - Palm

Sunday - Traditional service assistedby the kids.April 5 at 6:30 p.m. - Maundy

Thursday Seder dinnerApril 6 - Good Friday -

Sanctuary open for reflection Noon-9 p.m.April 8 at 10 a.m. - The Easter

Story celebrated in music, drama,puppets and sermon.Vacation Bible School: Our VBS

will be held this summer from June18- 22, from 6 to 8 p.m.,.at thechurch. Dinner will be served andkids of all ages are invited. Therewill be singing, games, and otheractivities for the kids. All are wel-come. Call 650-345-2381 for moreinformation.Caretaker Support Group: If you

are currently caring for an aging par-ent, spouse or anyone, or have in thepast, this is a good group to help youcope with the stresses involved.Highlander Dianne Weitzel wasinstrumental in starting this group. Itmeets from 5 to 7 p.m.on the thirdMonday of every month. in ourFireside Room.

Crystal Springs Players: TheCrystal Springs Players have come toa crossroads. We have had anincreasingly hard time trying to puttogether the actors and backstageworkers to put on a major play.Unfortunately, we’ve had attrition inour ranks from people moving, hav-ing families, deaths, and just plaingetting old, and we’ve been unable tofind a cast for what was to be ourspring production of The Best Man.We have reluctantly canceled theshow, and future shows are in doubt.We will now concentrate on ChancelDramas for our services until weascertain what our future will be.Highlands Rec Courses: Check

the newest edition of the HighlandsRec summer course catalog for twooffered by the church. Our Pastor,Hee-Soon Kwon, will be offering acourse on meditation probably inJune and August.

The Crystal Springs Players willoffer two courses on drama for kidswho have completed 1st- 5th grades.Each course lasts for four weeks.The first starts in late June and thethe second in late July. Each courseculminates with the presentation ofa short play for the public. Other Activities: OngoingMeditation Sessions - EveryMonday night in the Sanctuary at7-8 p.m.

March 2012 99

H IGHLAND S S CHOOL NEW S

The Highlands

Highlands School Newsby Mary Tsao

: A Message from HighlandsSchool Principal Majka.

On Saturday February 25, 2012,more than 150 educators, parents,teachers, and community membersgathered in the Abbott MiddleSchool gymnasium to discuss ourwishes for the students of the SanMateo-Foster City School District,as a kick-off for our upcoming dis-trict Strategic Plan. We were greet-ed by the Borel Middle School JazzBand, which set an "upbeat tone"for the day. The gym was decoratedwith paper cut outs of students, onefrom each school, and each princi-pal shared their wish/vision for theirstudents.

The Highlands' staff and sitecouncil all provided input. Our "stu-dent" taken from a lacrosse playerdrawn by Matthew Phua wasdonned with the words, "We envi-sion Highlands students being wellrounded individuals academically,socially, and emotionally. Each stu-

dent is a flower with layers ofpetals making him/her complex,unique and ready to blossom. Wewant students to live out loud andbe running the school by 5th grade."Academically, students will: ● Be problem solvers and criti-

cal thinkers - Think outside the box!

● Be challenged● Be engaged and involved● Be curious ● Work on projects● Have "being there" experi-

ences● Obtain skills that will give

them choices and opportu-nities in life to follow their hearts

● Reach academic successSocially, students will:● Work in groups ● Create a safe and caring envi-

ronment for each other and themselves

● Give back to the community ● Treat each other with respect

and friendshipEmotionally, students will: ● Be confident● Be inspired ● Build independence

● Be creative ● Live the LIFESKILLS for

themselves ● Be happy, smiling, laughing,

and joyful ● Want to be at school ● Live their dreams!"

We spent the morning discussingwhat we feel the future will hold forour children.We reflected on inspira-tional quotes; discussed aspects ofTony Wagner's book, The GlobalAchievement Gap, and watched aninteresting video, Ken Robinson:Changing Education Paradigms.The morning ended with each par-ticipant writing a letter to a futurestudent and our wishes for him/her.Highlands was well represented.Thank you to Jeff Gilbert, MurrahMcCoy, and Janet Koe for attending.

.March 30 Minimum DayApril 2 - 9 Spring Break

(School resumes Tuesday, April 10.)

Upcoming Highlands SchoolCalendar Dates

March 20121100The Highlands

COMMUNITY NEWS��Rec Programs: from page 4 ence. We will work on basic tapskills and ballet technique all whilehaving fun. Please have yourdancers wear clothes they can dancein.Tap shoes are required, while bal-let shoes are highly recommended.We will be working on a dance thatwe will perform at the end of thesession. If your child would like tobe part of the performance, pleasebring $35 to cover the cost of thecostume to the first class. (Checksshould be made payable to AmyFloro.) Date/Time/ Location of per-formance TBD. Friends and familyare always welcome to watch. Ages4-7. No Class: 4/4.

FUNdamental HoopsSat. 4/14-6/9 9:15 a.m.-1:10 p.m.

Highlands Rec GymAges Times Price4 9:15-9:40 a.m. $75/80 5 & 6 9:45-10:10 a.m. $75/80 7 & 8 10:15-11:10 a.m. $105/110 9 & 10 11:15 a.m.-12:10 p.m. $105/11011 & 12 12:15-1:10 p.m. $105/110

FUNdamental HOOPS is aninstructional basketball class forboys and girls. It emphasizes properbasketball technique through FUNdrills and games to establish goodbasketball-playing habits.Your chil-dren will learn the FUNdamentals ofbasketball in a supportive, relaxedenvironment and work on shooting,dribbling, and footwork basics withCoach Tony Ciardella and CoachMike Ciardella.

We group the children by age andgender to best serve their develop-mental needs. Coach Tony andCoach Mike have more than 40years of coaching experiencebetween them and want to sharetheir love of the game with yourchildren. All participants will receivea t-shirt and a basketball.

No Class: 4/28, 5/26

On Sunday, May6, HighlandsElementary Schoolwill host Walk A Jog2012, along with acompanion 5K road

race. Under the theme "Kids keep ourschool running!,"students will walk and jog on the

school grounds to raise funds for theschool and the Highlands PTA. WalkA Jog is a fabulous community eventthat's open to one and all. Whether ornot you have kids in HighlandsElementary, join us to cheer on ourkids, grab a bite to eat, or play somefun and exciting games.

Schedule of Activities9 a.m. 5K Warm-up for adults,

middle, and high schoolstudents.

9:30 a.m. 5K Race begins.10 a.m. Walk A Jog festival opens. 11 a.m-Noon Walk A Jog for

grades K through 2.1- 2 p.m. Walk A Jog for grades 3

through 5.3 p.m. Event ends.

If you're interested in running the5K or volunteering to help with theevent, please contact Jewel Drexler(jdrexler@hornblower.com) orChristine Tam (ctamsm@gmail.com).We hope to see you on May 6th .

Join Us for Highlands Walk A Jog 2012by Dennis Shiao

Marcus Charles License # 848133 PO Box 561 El Granada, CA 94018 Phone: 650.274.6228

1111

C LA S S I F I ED ADVERT I S I NG

IMPROVE YOUR GRADES NOW!All subjects for students in grades K to8. Math groups a specialty. Lessonsbased on student's skill level and learn-ing style. Credentials: SpecialEducation and Professional, ClearMultisubject. Call Cindy at 533-8913or e-mail cindystutorial@yahoo.com

MASSAGE THERAPY - here in yourneighborhood. Certified and 10 yearsexperience. Only $55/hr. $25 extra atyour house. Call Marisa at 483-7395.

MAYRA'S HOUSE AND WINDOWCLEANING - Reliable, dependable,many Highlands references. Call299-8985 for free consultation.

ROBERT’S HANDYMAN SERVICERemodeling, bathrooms, fences, stucco,small jobs. Highlands references avail-able. Call 650-771-6952.

ODD JOBS+CHORES+TRANSPORT-ATION - All types of services. Materialdisposal. Transportation services avail-able. All types of Handyman work,Senior Discount. Highlands Resident 20years. 650-345-7490.

COMPUTER GURU FOR HIRE Needhelp setting up a MAC or PC? Want togo wireless in your Eichler or learn howto use that new iPod? Technical handy-man ranging from computers to homeaudio/video – no job too small. Local ITprofessional. Call Uy at 773-6356.

LOCAL HIGHLANDS HONEY New,from our site on the slopes – “BunkerHill Blend.” Other local flavors avail-able. Raw, no chemicals or medica-tions. odfrank@earthlink.net, 650-345-2008.

The Highlands

HDTV WALL INSTALLATIONS -Wall fish cable, phone & CAT5/6 homenetwork. Audio/Visual specialist. E-mailjoel@comcast.net or phone 650-759-6511.

LOCAL DEBRIS BOX SERVICEGood for construction, household, oryard cleanups. Competitive ratesOliver Frank/LANDSCAPIA. 650-345-4546

MAUI- TWO BEDROOM BEACH condo. Call 341-1963.

DID YOU LOSE A SCARF NEARTHE REC? Call 341-1752.

Allstate Insurance: Bob O'Loughlin 286-2140& Mike Munday 286-2141

Alterations to Go 341-6360The Bar Method (Yoga, Pilates, Ballet ) 573-3330California Cancer Care 341-9131Crystal Springs Chiropractic, Dr. Jordan Savara 574-1456Crystal Cleaning Center 342-6978Crystal Springs Fish & Poultry 212-7921Crystal Springs Pet Hospital 341-3438Citibank (West) FSB 525-9028CVS Pharmacy (572-2514, Drive Up) 572-2438

Design Jewelry 345-7870Dianda’s Italian Pastry 570-6260Esposto's Deli (Catering) 525-1970Japanese Kitchen Wakuriya 286-0410

Stephen R. John, D.D.S., Periodontics 571-1900Lily’s Créperie 312-1579Little Hunan Restaurant (Home Delivery) 571-1575Merry Maids 572-8200 Neal's Coffee Shop (Coming Soon) 692-4281Rainbow Pizza (Home Delivery) 571-1848Realty World, Martinelli Properties 578-1300Renew Laser Clinic, Dr. Adele Makow, 341-3600

Laser Skin CareLes Amis Salon et Spa 570-5750Safeway 341-4039Shoe Repair 349-4209Starbucks Coffee 345-0483U.S. Postal Services 570-5562Wireless Link-Verizon 357-9000

Hwy 280 or 101 to Hwy 92 • De Anza Blvd., Polhemus Road • San Mateo, CA

The Feeling of a Country Village San Mateo's Own Quality Shopping Village

March 2012

EMERGENCYNUMBERS

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PRSRT STDU.S. Postage Paid

San Mateo CAPermit #189

Sheriff:Fire: Medical:

From Cell Phone: 363-4911PGE 800 743-5000Cal Water 343-1808Fire Prevention: 573-3846Sheriff’s Office: 363-4763

911

Printed on recycled paper

Bend, Oregon, where ourdaughter and family have lived forover 25 years, is often named thebest place in the U.S. to live. Wevisited them there last week andagree that it is very attractive.However, for us Bend is the bestplace to visit and the Highlands isthe best place to live. The biggestplus for Bend is that we can bewith our daughter, son-in-law, andtwo granddaughters there. But thegranddaughters are grown up andrarely in Bend. The Cascades,wonderful mountains to look atand enjoy both summer and winterare not nicer than the Sierras, butthey are a lot closer. The sky isblue and the air is crisp in Bend,but the roads are often icy in win-ter and the air can be smoky inforest fire season. The growingseason for flowers and vegetablesis from June 15 to September 15.

What would we miss if wemoved to Bend? First of all ourunique neighborhood, with itsdiversity and cohesiveness. When

we visit friends or relatives inother parts of the country, they areamazed at the support network wehave here. We’d miss the RecCenter, especially the pool, withinwalking distance from our house.We’d miss the Senior Network andthe new Nextdoor Highlands on-line communication, and our JulyFourth celebration!

The Bay and the ocean areextremely important to us. It’s only20 minutes to the beach, where Ican stroll on the sand and watchthe waves. For me that’s a spiritualexperience. Buying a fresh crabright off the boat from the fisher-man is a special treat. Or in tenminutes I can walk along the Bay,entertained by shore birds.Stanford, where both Rolf and Igraduated, beckons with lecturesand campus tours. Life without theSan Francisco Symphony wouldbe dreary. That’s enough aboutthat!

Different topic: In an effort toclean out unused objects around

the house, we sorted through ourcollection of vinyl records. We’vebeen on the CD/DVD track for along time and only use audio tapesin the car. When we bought a BoseCD player, we eliminated our bro-ken turntable and the whole soundsystem that was wired throughoutthe house and even outdoors. Lastmonth we took most of the recordsto the Vinyl Solution Records storeon 25th Avenue in San Mateo.

Some they will try to sell, oth-ers give to the library to sell, andsome must be recycled because noone wants them (sob!). We kept allour records of the original casts ofBroadway shows, but realized wehave no record player. Neighbor tothe rescue – Ted McDonald said hehad an old one from college daysstored up over his atrium. So nowwe can play our 50 year-old-records on a machine of the samevintage. The sound is just fine.What fun!

by Florence Beier

A V I EW F ROM THE H IGHLAND S

Choosing Where to Live, Plus Saving Vinyl Records