La Honda All Volunteer Fire Brigade in San Mateo won state Sen. Jerry Hill’s seventh annual “Oughta Be a Law … or Not” contest, which led to Hill introducing Senate Bill 598 that would exempt California’s roughly 250 all-volunteer fire departments from sales tax on fundraising activities.
Hill honored the brigade, which beat out nearly 400 entrants competing this year, on Feb. 26 during an awards presentation held at a Half Moon Bay fire station.
About 25,000 volunteer firefighters serve California; however, unlike other nonprofits, their departments have to pay sales tax for fundraising activities such as pancake breakfasts, barbecues, and T-shirt sales. This results in critical dollars being drained that could be used for equipment and other expenses that enhance their primary mission to protect lives and property.
For example, currently the La Honda Fire Brigade in San Mateo County nets only $907.50 on a $1,000 fundraiser due to San Mateo County’s sales tax rate of 9.25 percent. If the Legislature approves SB 598 and the governor signs it into law, the brigade would receive the full $1,000, and this additional money could help La Honda’s department in their quest to replace its 26-year-old fire engine with a new one priced at $500,000.
All-volunteer fire departments rely primarily on membership drives and fundraising activities to support their operational budgets to purchase needed building improvements, life-saving apparatus, and fire engines. Passage of Hill’s bill would let these departments better use scarce resources by exempting them from sales tax on income that includes, although not limited to, hot prepared food sales and clothing sold at fundraisers.
“Under California law, not-for-profit organizations selling tangible personal property may qualify for an exemption for a specific activity if they operate in the public interest,” according to a news release. “There exemptions are justified based on the expectation that the forgone tax revenue will promote the public interest by allowing these organizations to sustain and develop their programs and public mission.
“Examples of exemptions include nonprofit veterans’ organizations selling American flags and any charitable organization selling bracelets to commemorate prisoners of war. Additionally, all organizations that sell food or personal property for programs to fund youth sports programs are exempt. Also, religious organizations selling prepared food are exempt from paying sales tax.”
Filoli presenting Botanical Art Exhibition through early June
Filoli is presenting its 17th annual Botanical Art Exhibition from Tuesday through June 6 at the 654-acre property that includes a 36,000 square feet residence and 16 acres of English Renaissance gardens featuring a lovely horticultural collection at 86 Canada Road in Woodside.
Botanical art, the scientific study of plants through art, was the only consistent guide to plant identification prior to photography. In recent years, interest in this art form is coming back and has created what many call “The Golden Age of Botanical Art.”
A leader in the renewal of this art form, which combines the observational skills of the scientist and the sensibility of the artist, Filoli will display the artworks selected this year in the Visitor and Education Center. Select pieces from Filoli’s three major Florilegia collections — Filoli, Banks, and Highgrove — will be exhibited in the historic House.
From 5 to 7 p.m. On Thursday, Filoli will host a Meet the Artists reception for the exhibition that will include a visit to the Gardens after hours. Artists will be in attendance to share their botanical art knowledge and experiences. A collection of prints, matted originals, and note cards will be available for purchase.
There is no admission charge for the reception; however, reservations are required by 4 p.m. Monday. For reservations, call from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at 650-364-8300, ext. 508, or go to www.filoli.org/art-exhibits.
Parking is free.
To learn about Filoli’s Botanical Art Certificate Program, events, classes, talks, guided nature hikes, orchard walks, school programs and volunteer opportunities, go to www.filoli.org/education.
Filoli is open from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sundays now through Oct. 25. The last admission for all days is 2:30 p.m. and Filoli is closed Mondays and in observance of all Federal holidays.
Admission fees are:
* Free for current Filoli members.
* $20 per adult for non-members.
* $17 for seniors 65 years and older.
* $10 for students ages 5 through 17 or with valid ID.
* No charge for children 4 years and younger.
Group rates are available for 12 or more adults by calling Visitor Services at 650-364-8300, ext. 509, or emailing: tours@filoli.org. Additional entry fees are in effect on special event days.
Gold Circle Concert tickets on sale for the San Mateo County Fair’s Summer Concert Series
A limited number of Gold Circle Concert tickets are now on sale for the San Mateo County Fair’s Summer Concert Series.
Each year, the lineup is legendary and this year is no exception as the following six big shows are scheduled:
* Jefferson Starship, June 6.
* Tony! Toni! Tone!, June 7.
* Tower of Power, two performances: June 9 and 10.
* The Charlie Daniels Band, June 11.
* Sheila E., June 13.
The $30 Gold Circle ticket guarantees a reserved seat in the front of the house, which results in no more waiting in the longer lines for unreserved, festival seating.
The Gold Circle seats also provides:
* Private entrance through the Expo Café.
* Early entry in the Hall; doors open at 6:15 p.m.
* Customized lanyard with Gold Circle credentials.
* Easy access to a full bar and food.
Season passes, which are good for entry to the fair every day it is held, start at $16. General gate admission begins at $4 and is good for any day of the fair. One-day carnival wristbands that are good for unlimited rides, all day and night, are $25.
The fair will run from June 6-14 with new activities, entertainment and concerts each day.
For tickets and more fair information, go to www.sanmateocountyfair.com.
Sofitel San Francisco Bay to celebrate National French Bread Day
Sofitel San Francisco Bay is inviting the community and guests to celebrate National French Bread Day from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Sofitel at 223 Twin Dolphin Drive in Redwood City.
The hotel’s chef Alejandro Abad will be giving demonstrations on how to create the iconic baguette. A decadent display of handmade breads, including Brioche loaves and rolls, sourdough batard, mini “fiselle” baguettes, traditional long baguettes, rustic olive bread, whole wheat rolls, large focaccia, assorted rolls, as well as gluten-free options will also be available to tantalize your taste buds.
As a bonus, Sofitel San Francisco Bay will award a special dinner for two at Bay 223, the hotel’s famed restaurant known for its lovely waterfront views and use of locally sourced ingredients, to whomever takes the best Instagram photo using the hashtag: #SofitelFrenchBread.
Visitors who do not have an Instagram account still have a chance to win a prize from the hotel: the first five couples, who book a reservation inside Bay 223 on March 21, will automatically receive a complimentary Easter Brunch certificate for two.
Admission is free, and parking is complimentary for all who purchase a beverage or entrée. In addition, hotel guests, who arrive between 7 to 9 a.m. and depart from 8 to 11 p.m. will receive a complimentary baguette loaf.
Healthy Homes Workshop planned in South San Francisco
The City of South San Francisco in collaboration with the San Mateo County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and Healthy Homes is inviting the public to a Healthy Homes Workshop from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Martin Elementary School, 35 School St., in South San Francisco.
This is a great opportunity to learn how to protect your children from potential hazards in your home. The tips you will learn about how to keep your home healthy will include:
* Lead hazards in paint, dust and soil
* Consumer products that have toxic amounts of lead
* Mold and mildew
* Allergies and pets
* Unwanted rodents
* Faulty appliances that release dangerous gases
* Toxic chemicals
* And much more.
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
For inquiries, call Gladys Fabiano-Sharp, County of San Mateo, at 650-573-3722 or Anita Palafox, City of South San Francisco, at 650-829-6665.
Burlingame Lions Club to sponsor spelling bee
The Burlingame Lions Club is hosting its seventh annual All Schools Spelling Bee competition from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Lions Hall, 990 Burlingame Ave., in Burlingame.
The top 21 spellers from the fourth- and fifth-grade classes of seven of Burlingame’s public and Catholic elementary schools — Franklin, Lincoln, McKinley, Our Lady of Angels, Roosevelt, St. Catherine, and Washington — will compete for the coveted Burlingame Lions Club Spelling Bee trophy.
“The Lions Spelling Bee is open to all of the elementary schools in Burlingame, and should be a great event,” said Erik Winkler, Burlingame Lions Club president, in a news release. “Come and see if you’re really smarter than a fourth or fifth grader.”
The event is the club’s community service program that is designed to support Burlingame’s local schools and provide a fun, competitive arena for exceptional students.
The trophy, a perpetual award, is placed in the winning school for the entire year. Each school that participates receives a $250 check, with the winning school earning $400.
The event is free and open to the public; however, early arrival is recommended, as seating is limited.
For more details, call Leonard Ma at 650-344-3112 or email leonardma2020@yahoo.com.
State Sen. Jerry Hill, Assemblyman Kevin Mullin to hold open house
State Sen. Jerry Hill and Assemblyman Kevin Mullin are inviting the public to their third annual Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at their district offices, 1528 S. El Camino Real, Suite 302 and 303, in San Mateo.
You are welcome to bring your ideas, questions and concerns about legislative issues affecting the community.
The offices are located between Bovet Road and Barneson Avenue. Street parking is available in front of the building on S. El Camino Real and behind the building on Jasmine Street.
To RSVP, either call Senator Hill’s District Office at 650-212-3313 or Assemblyman Mullin’s District Office at 650-349-2200 or RSVP online at http://senate.ca.gov/2958/OpenHouse2015.
Project Pride’s all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt to be held at San Bruno City Park
The City of San Bruno, San Bruno Lions Club, and Rotary Club of San Bruno are sponsoring Project Pride’s 36th annual, all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt on March 28 at San Bruno City Park, off Crystal Springs Road at Oak Avenue.
The tasty pancake breakfast will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. and includes sausage, juice, and coffee. The cost for adults is $5; over 65 years of age and under 12, $3; and 6 years and under, free with one paid adult.
The Project Pride Committee is also presenting some free children’s activities from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the annual Easter Egg Hunt for children, ages 1 to 8, at 11 a.m. — rain or shine.
Bring a camera for a picture of the Easter Bunny, who will greet the children. For questions, call 650-616-7180.
Health & Wellness Fair planned in Redwood City
The San Mateo Daily Journal, Health Plan of San Mateo, and the City of Redwood City are sponsoring a Health & Wellness Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 28 at the Red Morton Community Center, 1120 Roosevelt Ave., in Redwood City.
Free services will include: vendors to help with every level of your healthy lifestyle; blood pressure and cholesterol check; and Talk to the Pharmacists (San Mateo Pharmacists Association will provide medication consultation).
Door prizes and refreshments will also be provided, and goody bags will be given away while supplies last. Bring the family and enjoy a free magic show every half hour during the event.
Admission is free and open to all.
For more details, go to www.smdailyjournal.com/healthfair or call 650-344-5200.
Pacific Islander MANA Youth Conference — Speak Outside the Box to be held in San Mateo
Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center and the College of San Mateo are presenting the third annual Pacific Islander MANA Youth Conference — Speak Outside the Box — on April 18 at the College of Mateo Main Theater, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., in San Mateo.
MANA is a school program under the Empowering Youth Initiative that benefits Pacific Islander youth by providing support and opportunities for youth to gain skills around conflict resolution, community building, and leadership.
The youth conference is held to inspire Pacific Islander high school students to pursue a high school diploma and to aspire for higher education. The event also provides a day of unity and an ongoing awareness for the youths to use the “mana” within themselves to overcome adversity and exceed expectation.
Check-in time is 11 a.m. (preregistered youth only) and general admission is at noon. An adult chaperone must accompany walk-in groups at the time of check-in.
The cost is free for preregistered youth only who register by April 3 and $10 for general admission. Seating is limited. Only preregistered students will receive a free conference shirt and a free lunch voucher.
All proceeds from the event go to the end of the year scholarship, support graduating MANA students entering college, and benefit the MANA Program.
To preregister or for questions, email manaconference@pcrcweb.org.
The College of San Mateo, 180 Degrees Foundation, PCRC, and The What It Do.com are sponsors of the event.
Author C.W. Gortner to discuss novel at event in Daly City
Daly City Public Library Associates and Peninsula Del Rey are co-sponsoring Conversations With the Author, which will feature C.W. Gortner’s newest novel — “Mademoiselle Chanel” — from 2 to 4 p.m. April 4 at Peninsula Del Rey, 165 Pierce St., in Daly City.
International best-selling author Gortner will discuss his new novel that is full of drama, passion and beauty about iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel, the ambitious, gifted laundrywoman’s daughter who revolutionized fashion, built an international empire, and became one of the most influential and controversial figures of the 20th century.
To RSVP for the free event, either call 650-741-1564 or email SVP@PeninsulaDelRey.com.
Swords to Plowshares holding SHOUT! For Women Veterans art show
Swords to Plowshares is hosting the seventh annual SHOUT! For Women Veterans art show that will be held at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. The call for art is now open and the submission deadline is April 15.
Celebrating the women who served in the military, the event raises awareness about the issues facing women veterans and explores the connection between art, community, health and healing through photography, painting, mixed media, and the written word.
This year, the art show themed “Celebrating Women in Service, Honoring Their Sacrifice,” will feature multiple pieces by artists whose work gives voice to women veterans, women service members, families, friends and loved ones of women who served in the military.
The following will be considered:
* Paintings;
* Photographs;
* Sculptures;
* Multimedia art;
* Creative writing, including essays, poems and prose.
Eligibility and submission requirements are:
* Submission deadline is April 15 although early submission is encouraged since space is limited. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.
* Works of art must align with this year’s theme.
* An artist statement (200 words maximum) that expresses the nexus between your art and your military service or how a woman who served in the military impacted you must be included with the artwork.
* Attach a short biography (75 words maximum).
* Submit a photo of artwork (JPEG, PNG or PDF).
If selected, which will take place April 30, the submission guidelines are:
* Submit a high resolution (300 dpi minimum photo of yourself for the website, social media and the event program.
* Submit a photo of the women veteran during her time in the military for a photo slideshow (optional).
* Identify all artwork with the artist’s name, address, email and phone number clearly printed on a label attached to each piece.
* Works of art must be framed and ready to hand or display.
* Out-of-town artists and disable artists may be awarded assistance in transporting and displaying their art.
* Accommodations may be provided for oversized pieces of art as space permits, but not guaranteed.
For more details and for questions, email Star Lara, Swords to Plowshares woman veteran program manager, at womenvets@stp-sf.org or call 415-655-7252.
Luncheon to highlight Equal Pay for Equal Work for Women
North Peninsula Branch of American Association of University Women welcomes the public to an informative luncheon being held to highlight Equal Pay for Equal Work for Women from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 17 at the 16 Mile House, 448 Broadway, in Millbrae.
Congresswoman Jackie Speier, a member of the North Peninsula Branch of AAUW since 1980, and 93-year-old Fairfax resident Phyllis Gould, one of our nation’s original Rosie the Riveter welders during World War II, will be guest speakers regarding the topic.
Ticket cost is $25 per person. Reservations are required by April 1. Make check payable to aauw-np, and mail with menu choice: prime steak, chicken Marsala, or grilled salmon to Lada Denisova, 819 Banbury Lane, Millbrae, Calif., 94030.
Founded in 1881, AAUW is our country’s leading voice promoting equity and education for women and girls.
In 1956, the San Bruno Branch of AAUW was established with 32 members from North San Mateo County. Now known as the North Peninsula Branch and comprised of 90 to 100 members, the branch serves the following cities: Burlingame, Brisbane, Colma, Daly City, Millbrae, San Bruno, and South San Francisco.
All persons, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, sexual orientation, national origin or disability, who hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited college or university or a degree from an accredited community college are welcome to join.
For more information about AAUW and the North Peninsula Branch, go to www.aauw-np.org or email AAUW member Ami Seebode at aseebode@sbcglobal.net.
Mid-Peninsula Boys & Girls Club to hold golf tournament fundraiser
Registration starts at 9:30 a.m.; continental breakfast and auction at 10:30 a.m.; shotgun start at noon; a boxed lunch around 1 p.m., and raffle, silent auction, and awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m.
The club is offering several exciting sponsorship packages, with something to fit everyone’s budget. Individual player fee is $275 and a team of four costs $1,100.
For tickets, sponsorships, or to donate an auction item, call Mid-Pen BGC Executive Director Evan Jones at 650-347-9891, ext. 109, or email evanj@midpenbgc.org or call Development Director Stacey Stenzel at 650-347-9891, ext. 117, or email Staceys@midpenbgc.org.
All contributions will help the Mid-Peninsula Boys & Girls Club, a leading youth development agency serving youths between the ages of 6 and 18, to inspire and to enable them to become productive, responsible and caring citizens. For more details, go to www.midpenbgc.org.
Cancer therapy, treatment workshop to be held in Millbrae
JoyLife Club in partnership with Stanford Cancer Institute and Stanford Hospital & Clinics are hosting an educational workshop — Cancer Therapy With Emphasis on Individualized Treatment Strategy — being presented by Dr. M.W. Wu, Seton Medical Center radiation oncologist, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 28.
The event will take place at the Chetcuti Room, City of Millbrae, 450 Poplar Ave.(next to the Millbrae Public Library or right behind City Hall), in Millbrae. A light lunch will be provided.
Individualized Cancer Therapy, a new treatment method that tailors treatments to achieve the maximal benefits with minimal side effects for each individual patient, predicts which patients are more likely to respond to specific cancer therapies. Optimum individualized therapy options are selected based on personalized tumor molecular profiles, tumor genetic signatures, tumor disease site, and other patient characteristics including culture background.
The JoyLife Club, a Christian-based, nonprofit cancer support group, was founded by Christina Cheung, along with her husband, Stephen, in 2009 as a response to the lack of cancer care organizations tailored to Chinese-speaking patients in the Mid-Peninsula area.
Realizing that there is a sense of despair and fear towards cancer, the Cheungs felt that their organization’s mission would be to provide comfort, care and professional assistance to help patients and their families face cancer with an optimistic and positive attitude.
Staffed by volunteers, the JoyLife Club also offers free information, educational materials and fun events, such as healthy cooking and an organic farm visit to anyone affected by cancer. Grants and other donations fund the services and activities.
To enroll in the workshop, which is funded by Stanford Hospital & Clinics Program with collaboration from Stanford Cancer Institute, call either Stephen at 650-552-0055, Norman at 650-867-5222, and Yvonne at 415-218-0992.
To learn more about the JoyLife Club, go to www.joylifeclub.org or www.facebook.com/joylifeclub (for photos and videos), or email joylifeclub@gmail.com.
Alternative School of Knowledge Academy gets $7,000 grant
Daly City-based Alternative School of Knowledge Academy, known as ASK Academy, recently received a $7,000 grant from the Mills-Peninsula Health Services Community Grants Program to sustain and expand ASK Academy’s “Stop Bullying System” in the schools and surrounding communities in north San Mateo County.
The academy was started in 2004 by Daly City residents Shakeel Ali, educator, entrepreneur, and gun violence survivor, and Amro Radwan, technologist, social entrepreneur, and youth mentor, to focus on peace building, whether there is bullying occurring or not. Their goal is to decrease bullying in partner schools to promote a healthy and safe school environment and community.
Local data indicates disparate rates of bullying among populations of color, with African Americans experiencing the highest rate of bullying at 48.2 percent, followed by Pacific Islanders at 36.4 percent (kidsdate.org), according to a news release.
To learn more about ASK Academy, email askacademy.org@gmail.com or call 650-275-3213.
Lions and Leos from Lions Clubs International District 4-C4 enters float in Chinese New Year parade
Lions and Leos from Lions Clubs International District 4-C4, which serves San Francisco and San Mateo counties as well as the City of Palo Alto, entered their first Lions float in the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade & Community Street Fair held March 7-8 in San Francisco.
“We wanted to be part of this parade,” said District 4-C4 Governor Jack Van Etten, a Burlingame Lions Club member, in a news release. “This momentous event celebrates community, youth and service…mirroring the values of Lionism.”
It was an exciting moment when First Vice District 4-C4 Governor Macy Mak Chan, a member of Chinatown Lions Club, learned that her by-invitation-only application to participate in the parade on March 7 was accepted by the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
Chan noted that the original goal of the Chinese parade was to share the Chinese culture with the American people. The Lions did the same at the parade when they introduced their own culture and programs with the float, two Lions mascots, and Lions and Leos (Lions ages 12 to 30 years) carrying signs signifying the service programs that Lions serve worldwide. The Lions also promoted Lionism and membership at a Street Fair booth held both days.
The theme of the Lions float reflected the motto of LCI International President Joe Preston, a member of Bradshaw Mountain of Dewey-Humboldt Lions Club of Dewey, Arizona: “Where There’s a Need, There’s a Lion.” The “We Serve” logo with a sweeping arrow across the globe symbolized that Lions works are 24/7 around the world. Also, the centennial logo depicted the Lions Centennial Service Challenge of serving 100 million people in the areas of vision, youth, hunger and environment by June 2018.
“Our goal also was to let millions of people who might have watched the parade on the street, on TV, YouTube, Facebook Internet … know that Lions and Leos all over the world are doing their share “To Serve” those in need,” said Chan in an email statement, urging other to “Be a Lion” by contacting the group at joininglions@gmail.com.
First held in 1858, the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade & Community Street Fair is the oldest and largest event of its kind held outside China, and the largest Asian cultural event in North America.
Lions District 4-C4 is one of 15 districts in California and is comprised of 41 clubs and 1,250 members.
For more information about District 4-C4, go to www.district4c4.com or about Lions Clubs International, go to www.lionsclubs.org or www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_Clubs_International.
If you have any news tips about our county communities, call or fax Carolyn at 650-355-5533 or e-mail her at carolynlivengood@sanbrunocable.com.
