What better way to start the new year than to donate blood — just one donation can help up to three patients -— maybe even save a life!
Blood Centers of the Pacific — this area’s nonprofit community blood organization that provides volunteer blood donations to more than 50 hospitals throughout Northern California — urgently needs type O-negative blood donors.
Pricing pressure from hospital systems has led to blood bank consolidation, staff reductions, and a significant change in the way blood banks collect blood, which has resulted in collecting a high demand blood type such as O-negative to become problematic for blood centers across the country.
Only 6 percent of the population has O-negative blood; however, at hospital trauma centers, a higher percentage of blood transfused is O-negative because it is the universal blood type.
“O-negative can be given to anyone in an extreme emergency situation when there is no time to cross-match the donor’s blood with the patient’s,” explained Kent Corley, public relations associate at Blood Centers of the Pacific, in an email. “When you do the math, our community needs people who are O-negative to give blood at least twice as often as everyone else. And we really need them now!” O-negative blood is also needed in the treatment of babies because neonatal care facilities require fresh units of O-negative blood each day to treat their tiny patients.
In addition to the need for O-negative, platelets are in high demand as they are often used for treating cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and in many other critical procedures.
And, of course, all types of whole blood donations are always needed.
For your convenience, whole, double red cell, platelet, plasma, and hereditary hemochromatosis blood donations may be made at the Blood Centers of the Pacific Peninsula Center located at 111 Rollins Road in Millbrae.
To make an appointment to donate, and learn the hours at various other blood center locations from the base of Silicon Valley to the Oregon border, call 888-393-4483 or go to www.bloodcenters.org (online appointments are easy to make).
Whole blood donors may also check the website for blood drives that are held in the Peninsula, San Francisco, South Bay, East Bay, North Bay, and in the Shasta/Redding area.
Ed Barberini to be take over as San Bruno Chief of Police Monday
Ed Barberini is assuming the position of San Bruno Chief of Police on Monday.
Selected after an extensive recruitment process that included a thorough interview and assessment process with community members, police chiefs, and city staff, Barberini will replace Police Chief Neil Telford who retired Dec. 26.
Barberini, 44, began his career in the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office in 1994 where he was promoted from the rank of deputy sheriff to lieutenant during his more than 20 years of experience in policing. While employed by the county, he held several special assignments including Millbrae chief of police, Office of Emergency Services director, and administrative commander.
Barberini has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from San Francisco State University; a Master of Arts degree in public administration from California State University, East Bay; and a Master of Arts degree in homeland security studies from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. The recipient of many Peace Officer Standards and Training certificates, he is also a graduate of POST Command College in San Diego.
“I’m very excited to have been chosen to lead the men and women of the City of San Bruno Police Department,” said Barberini in an email statement. “I am eager to continue the great work Chief Telford as achieved in the department.”
When San Bruno City Manager Connie Jackson announced Barberini’s appointment, she highlighted his varied and depth of experience including his cooperative style to lead the San Bruno Police Department.
“Chief Barberini’s accomplishments with the Sheriff’s Office and his successful efforts collaborate with other San Mateo County police departments demonstrate a skill set that will benefit the San Bruno community,” stated Jackson in an email. “Chief Telford has set a high bar for the community safety and service, and I know that Barberini will be able to continue that legacy.”
Attorneys Bankers CPAs fundraiser mixer planned at Hiller Aviation Museum
California Society of Certified Public Accountants, Peninsula Silicon Valley Chapter, is holding its annual Attorneys Bankers CPAs Fundraiser Mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, in San Carlos.
The event, which raises funds for chapter scholarships that are presented to students pursuing a career in the CPA profession, will feature an open bar, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and an opportunity to do some fun networking talking to old friends and prospective new clients.
Since 2005, CalCPA has awarded more than $96,000 in scholarships to students attending Canada College, Redwood City; College of San Mateo, San Mateo; Menlo College, Atherton; Notre Dame de Namur University, Belmont; and Skyline College, San Bruno.
Early bird ticket prices before Jan. 8 is $50 for members and nonmembers, and $35 for a student, candidate, and YEP (Young & Emerging Professionals) members. After Jan. 8, the cost is $60 for members and nonmembers.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available that reach thousands of CalCPA members.
Burr Pilger Mayer Inc., Eckley Lombardi LLP, McGladrey LLP, Seiler LLP, and Wells Fargo are gold sponsors, and Community Bank of the Bay is a silver sponsor.
For tickets or sponsorships, either email Wendy Mai at wendy.mai@calcpa.org, call 415-254-2323, or go to www.calcpa.org/PSV.
If you are unable to attend the fundraiser, a direct donation may be made to the chapter scholarship fund at www.calcpa.org/PSV.
Community Day of Action set to increase awareness about human trafficking
A Community Day of Action to increase awareness about Human Trafficking in our community and to assemble teams of people to distribute posters with victim resource information to mandated businesses and organizations throughout the county will be held by San Mateo County from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 10 in Redwood City.
A modern form of slavery, human trafficking involves controlling a person through force fraud, or coercion to exploit the victim for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or both.
“California is one of the nation’s top four destination states for trafficked persons, and the Bay Area is a particular national hot spot for human trafficking,” Honora Miller, director, Commission on the Status of Women of San Mateo County, wrote in an email. “Not only is human trafficking modern-day slavery, it is also a multi-billion dollar global epidemic. Victims come from all backgrounds and different ages and they are trafficked in all industries.” Often, victims do not know where to get help and community members may not know where to report suspicious situations.
“State Senate Bill 1193 and Civil Code Section 52.6 — Posting of Public Notices Regarding Slavery and Human Trafficking — passed in 2012,” Miller wrote. “This law requires certain businesses and other establishments to post the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline number on their storefronts for the public and victims to seek help or report suspicious activity. Studies have shown that in other states where similar posting requirements have been enacted, there was an increase in the number of reported trafficking situations and rescues of victims.”
The event will include an introduction about human trafficking, what the public can do, and a brief training and orientation. Participants will be assigned to a team of two or more volunteers and given a list of mandated businesses to visit to distribute the SB1193 posters.
To attend and learn more about the event, register at www.brownpapertickets.com/eent/1060302.
After registering, you will receive an email informing you of the next steps. For questions, email Rose Mukhar, SB 1193 volunteer coordinator, at rmukhar@smcgov.org or call 650-363-4184.
For more information about SB1193, and to download and print the San Mateo County poster for your records, go to www.heat-watch.org/bahc2freedom.
Mission Hospice & Home Care to honor the Rev. Walter E. Johnson, Master of Divinity
Mission Hospice & Home Care will honor the Rev. Walter E. Johnson, Master of Divinity, at its 36th Anniversary Celebration being held from 4 to 7 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club, 701 Madera Drive, in San Mateo.
Johnson will be presented the 10th annual Lotus Award that is given to individuals who had provided a significant contribution to the nonprofit.
A Presbyterian minister, Johnson served as a chaplain for Mills/Peninsula Hospital from 1965 until his retirement in 1995. He then became a chaplain for Mission Hospice until he retired again in 2004. Both Johnson and his wife, Esther, are longtime Mission Hospice supporters, even today. She was an active Mission Hospice Auxiliary member for many years and is now a “sustaining” member, and he still continues to fill in as a chaplain when needed. A pilot, Johnson also performs airborne burials at sea.
The Sovereign Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, St. Joseph Commandery, a fraternal and ecumenical Christian Association whose members believe in the need to support local charities and to provide material and spiritual needs for the sick and the poor, will be the recipient of this year’s Special Recognition Award.
The reception for the anniversary celebration and award presentation will feature a hosted bar and a variety of hors d’oeuvres.
The ticket cost is $50 per person. For reservations by Jan. 16, call 650-554-1000. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Grammy-winning Pacific Mambo Orchestra to play at Fox Theater
Redwood City Education Foundation, which advances and enriches educational opportunities for all students in the Redwood City School District, is presenting the Grammy-winning Pacific Mambo Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Fox Theater, 2215 Broadway St., in Redwood City.
Pacific Mambo Orchestra is the winner of the 2014 Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Album and San Francisco “Best of the Bay. The orchestra infuses the classic Latin Big Band sounds with sizzling arrangements and high-energy original compositions by co-founders Steffen Kehn and former Redwood City resident Christian Tumalan.
All proceeds from this one night performance only will benefit more than 5,000 elementary students in the “Music for Learning” program sponsored by RCEF.
“The people of Redwood City were a great support to me,” said Tumalan in an email statement. “This is PMO’s chance to give back to the community and there’s no better way for musicians to do that than support a music program for kids.”
Ticket prices range from $25 to $75 for all ages and include dance floor access. Rows A to E, seats 12 to 23, include a VIP reception. No refunds or exchanges.
For tickets, go to www.foxrwc.com and select your own seats or call 650-FOX-7770 (650-369-7770).
‘In Plain Sight: Stories of Hope and Freedom’ to be screened in San Mateo
The sex-trafficking documentary, “In Plain Sight: Stories of Hope and Freedom,” will be screened from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 11 — National Human Trafficking Awareness Day — at the Congregational Church of San Mateo, 225 Tilton Ave., in San Mateo.
The Hon. Elizabeth Lee, a judge of the Superior Court of San Mateo County since 2005, will be the guest speaker. During her tenure on the court, she served as a judge for the East Palo Alto Youth Court from 2010 to 2011.
Before her appointment to the Superior Court by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lee served as an assistant U.S. attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California from 1991 to 2005 and as deputy chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force from 1998 to 2005.
The Anti-Trafficking Faith Leader Coalition of San Mateo County, which has been meeting for two years to find an answer to the plight of commercially and sexually exploited people, many of whom are children, is sponsoring the event.
“In Plain Sight,” produced and narrated by Natalie Grant, features six modern-day abolitionists as they battle sex trafficking across our nation. Traveling to six U.S. cities, the documentary opens the viewer’s eyes to what happening down the street “in plain sight.” Congresswoman Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, is honorary chairwoman of the event.
The faith communities represented in the coalition include Church of the Epiphany, San Carlos; Church of the Highlands, San Bruno; College Heights United Church of Christ, Peninsula Temple Beth El, Congregational Church UCC, Peninsula Metropolitan Church, and Transfiguration Episcopal Church, San Mateo; Congregational Church UCC, Belmont; First Congregational Church UCC, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and Unitarian Universalist Church, Palo Alto; Peninsula Sinai Congregation, Foster City; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Burlingame; and Second Baptist Church, Redwood City.
The leaders in the coalition plan to raise the issue in their worship services the weekend of Jan. 11.
Other organizations participating include the San Mateo County Commission on the Status of Women, Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, which helped fund this event.
Child care will be available, and a reception will follow.
For more details, email the Rev. Penny Nixon, Ph.D., at pnixon@ccsm-ucc.org or call 650-343-3694.
San Bruno Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic to celebrate 10th anniversary
San Bruno Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic is preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary by inviting all veterans to attend the Veterans Advisory Council meeting at 12:15 p.m. Jan. 13 at the clinic, 1001 Sneath Lane (Veterans Way), in San Bruno, to help plan a party.
The Advisory Council also encourages veterans to help the clinic make its services better. Topics at past meetings have included discussions on how clinic services might be expanded; feedback on how the clinic is run day-to-day; what alternative treatments veterans would prefer; and what services should continue in their current format.
This year, veterans will be encouraged to provide input for the upcoming anniversary party to be held in November and for the planned expansion of space at the San Bruno VA Outpatient Clinic. Previous topics will also continue to be explored as well as future projects and collaborations.
Many of the clinic’s veterans were involved in advocating for a clinic in San Bruno years ago, and partnered with the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other organizations to make it a reality. Therefore, it is only fitting that they help the clinic celebrate its 10th anniversary and plan for the future.
A complimentary snack will be available. For more Advisory Council and meeting information, call either Robert Litwin at 650-615-6034 or Dan Evenhouse at 650-615-6019.
The San Bruno Community Services Department to host 11th Polar Bear Plunge
The San Bruno Community Services Department invites everyone, ages 5 and older, to dig out your swimsuits Jan. 24 and test your fortitude in the 11th Polar Bear Plunge.
By popular demand, the chilling challenge will be held promptly at 8:30 a.m. in the unheated pool at San Bruno Park, off Crystal Springs Road and Oak Avenue.
Each participant will receive a long sleeve T-shirt (if registered by Jan. 15) and snacks after taking the plunge.
Costumes are optional; however, no contest this year.
The cost is $20 per person. Proceeds and any monetary donations offset costs and benefit the Youth Enhancement Scholarship Fund, which is designed for youth, ages 17 and under, who are San Bruno residents seeking financial assistance for recreational programs and activities.
To register, either make check payable and mail to San Bruno Community Services Department, attn: Brian Noce, interim recreation services supervisor, 567 El Camino Real, San Bruno, Calif., 94066; bring to the Veterans Memorial Recreation Center, 251 City Park Way; or go online at www.sanbruno.ca.gov. Indicate the code no. 5561.101 and the size T-shirt you prefer when you register.
For donations or questions, call Brian Noce at 650-616-7184.
South San Francisco Cultural Arts Commission invites entries for General Art & Sculpture Show
South San Francisco Cultural Arts Commission is inviting entries for its juried General Art & Sculpture Show being held Feb. 6-7 at the Municipal Services Building, 33 Arroyo Drive, in South San Francisco.
Entry delivery and deadline is from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 4 for two-dimensional art only, and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5 for sculpture only.
For complete entry requirements and application, visit the Cultural Arts page at www.ssf.net or send a self-addressed envelope to: South San Francisco Cultural Arts Commission Art Show, P.O. Box 711, South San Francisco, Calif., 94083-0711. A non-refundable $5 fee per work of art must be submitted with the application form.
Entry applications may also be obtained at the South San Francisco Department of Parks & Recreation office at 33 Arroyo Drive during business hours.
Questions? Call 650-829-3800.
The pubic and exhibitors are invited to the art gallery opening and reception that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 6. The gallery will also be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 7. Admission is free.
Entries must not be removed from the gallery prior to the release time: from 4:10 to 6 p.m. Feb. 7. Both the delivery and pickup location at the Municipal Services Building is at the Betty Weber and Marie Peterson exhibit rooms.
Photographer Norton Pearl donates collection of photographic images to San Mateo County History Museum
Renowned photographer Norton Pearl has donated the largest collection of photographic images that has ever been donated to the San Mateo County History Museum.
The collection is comprised of some 250,000 negatives — created over a span of about 60 years — that show the changes and growth in San Mateo County.
This dynamic time, late 1940s through the 2000s, in our county is depicted in the photos of new industries and businesses, expanding residential areas, famous personalities visiting the Peninsula, community events, disasters, and the life style of the people.
“The Pearl gift will multiply the Museum’s photographic holdings many times, and its concentration on Peninsula people, events and places of the mid-20th century will fill gaps in our overall inventory in one swoop,” explained Mitch Postel, museum president, in an email.
The Burlingame Historical Society was the first to receive word of Pearl’s wish to donate his collection. Because the scope and size of the collection were greater than the historical society’s mission and space, its representatives contacted the San Mateo County History Museum about being the primary recipient and location for its safekeeping. This arrangement offers an opportunity for the Burlingame Historical Society to be an active partner in organizing the collection to make it available to the public.
Pearl will also be volunteering to assist the museum’s staff in organizing the negatives so that the museum personnel can use them for publications and exhibits, which will also make the collection available for the public’s enjoyment and use.
A San Francisco native, Pearl grew up in Burlingame and has been a successful photographer since the late 1940s. He started his career by taking pictures of his classmates at McKinley School in Burlingame and developing them in a dark room in his family’s garage. When attending Burlingame High School, Pearl became a photographer for the school’s newspaper and yearbook. At the same time, he volunteered his time to the Burlingame Fire Department, and soon his photos of local news events were appearing in the county’s newspapers.
While attending San Jose State University, Pearl accepted freelance assignments with San Francisco newspapers, and also worked for United Press for three years until a San Mateo commercial photography studio hired him. Two years later in 1958, he bought the studio, and then in 1963 he moved Norton Pearl Photography to expanded space on Cowan Road in Burlingame.
Over the years, many major corporations of the Bay Area and beyond became his clients, which led to Pearl and his staff taking assignments around the world. Eventually Norton Pearl Photography grew into being the largest commercial studio in San Mateo County.
San Mateo residents since 1955, Pearl, now 81 years old, and his wife, Lila, are the parents of a son, Michael, who lives in Santa Clara and is a chemistry teacher at a high school in San Jose.
Current archives at the museum house include some 35,000 photographs that are largely of late 19th and early 20th century San Mateo County. More recent photos received from the old San Mateo County Times and Bay Meadows have about doubled this collection.
The Norton Pearl collection will be eventually made available to everyone in the museum’s archives and reading room, which is open from 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays at 2200 Broadway in Redwood City. Admission is free.
To learn when the collection will be ready for viewing, go to www.historysmc.org or call 650-299-0104.
Dark Horse Media Biz owners selected to expand California Dressage Society’s sponsorship development
Nan Meek, of Montara, and Patti Schofler, of Petaluma, owners of Dark Horse Media Biz, have been chosen by the California Dressage Society to expand the society’s sponsorship development that will provide members with greater services and exceptional events.
The two women, drawing on their extensive corporate backgrounds and lifelong equestrian experience, created Dark Horse Media Biz in 2009 to provide marketing, public relations and communications for equestrian businesses, organizations, and athletes.
They develop successful projects for their clients, who have included entertainment productions Cavalia and War Horse, equestrian athletes from Young Riders to Olympians, and sport horse breeders, trainers, and equestrian facilities.
Working closely with society board members, show and activity managers, and members, Meek and Schofler will develop sponsor relationships that provide a valuable return for support of CDS programs and activities.
“We are proud to represent the California Dressage Society,” said Schofler in an email statement. “CDS is a leader among regional dressage organizations, with an active membership and a dedicated board that is planning ahead for the benefit of future generations of dressage riders.”
Founded in 1967, the California Dressage Society, a nonprofit organization devoted to furthering interest in dressage, has more than 4,300 individual members in its 36 chapters and an impressive history of equestrian sport on the West Coast.
“CDS is rich in programs and activities that reach every segment of its membership, from grassroots beginner to Olympic stars,” explained Meek in an email. “We look forward to connecting individuals, corporations, and businesses of all sizes with CDS sponsorship opportunities.” Premium shows and activities include: CDS Annual Meeting and Lilo Fore/Judy Harvey Symposium; CDS Regional Adult Amateur Competitions; Linda O’Carroll Memorial Adult Amateur Clinics; CDS Junior/Young Rider Championships; and the CDS Championship Show that includes the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Region 7 Championships, the Great American Insurance Group/USDF Breeders Championships West Coast Series Final, the California Dressage Society Young Horse Futurity and the California-Bred Futurity.
To learn more about Dark Horse Media Biz and the California Dressage Society, call Meek at 650-823-1671 or email nanmeek@sbcglobal.net or call Patti Schofler at 707-763-1065 or email patti.schofler@gmail.com.
South San Francisco completes new after-school pilot program to focus on digital literacy, math skills and computer science
Aiming to improve digital literacy for the city’s youth, South San Francisco has completed a new after-school pilot program that focused on improving digital literacy, math skills and computer science knowledge among South San Francisco students before graduation to middle school.
A partnership between the City of South San Francisco, South San Francisco Unified School District, San Mateo County, and the San Mateo County Office of Education, the program augments the use of laptops in homework, enrichment, and recreational studies for 84 fourth- and fifth-grade students from Spruce, Los Cerritos and Martin elementary schools. Both the South San Francisco Parks and Recreation and Library departments administered all three after-school homework programs, which were part of the After School Education and Safety program through the California Department of Education.
“The goal is to reduce the gap among children, many of whom do not have access to technology resources,” said Library Program Manager Judith Klikun, who oversees the digital literacy program for Spruce students at the Library Department’s Community Learning Center, in an email statement. “Our digital program integrates the use of laptops and computer technology into the homework program, equipping out students with the appropriate skills, knowledge and resources to self-educate using the Internet for years to come.”
A Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics grant from the San Mateo County Office of Education funds the program. Camara Education Inc. (www.Camara.org) provided 93 refurbished laptops for student and instructors, and both Camara.org and The Miller Institute for Learning with Technology (www.Learningtech.org) developed the curriculum that integrates education resources and learning apps into regular academic activities.
The Parks and Recreation Department’s after-school programs for Los Cerritos and Martin students also featured a Coding for Kids component presented by Learningtech.com.
Although the seven-week digital literacy pilot program ended on Dec. 18, the digital literacy learning will continue as an integral part of the after-school program.
For more details, call Judy Klikun at 650-829-3870 or email klikun@plsinfo.org.
Thank you for holiday lights, decorations
Thank you to all the people who generously donated their effort, time and money to display holiday decorations and lights on their property for the enjoyment of others.
If you have news tips about our county communities, call or fax Carolyn Livengood at 650-355-5533 or e-mail her at carolynlivengood@sanbrunocable.com.
