Two back-to-back events this week celebrate the process of converting El Camino Real to a “Grand Boulevard,” and planning for urban shopping in suburbia.
Architect and retail planning expert Seth Harry will talk about “Leaving the Mall Behind: Creating Robust Urban Shopping Districts in a Suburban World” at a Redwood City Forum, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 6 to 7:45 p.m. in the Little Fox Theatre at 2209 Broadway.
Mr. Harry will discuss specific issues related to how markets work at a regional level, and suggest ways to move toward urban models in a suburban setting.
The event is $10 at the door.
The following night and across the street, the county business organization SAMCEDA will host a presentation of six Grand Boulevard Awards. The event is set for Thursday, Nov. 8, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at the History Museum, 2200 Broadway.
The awards recognize efforts to transform El Camino Real, from Daly City to San Jose, into a vibrant, safe and welcoming place to live, work and play.
Redwood City is being honored for its Downtown Precise Plan, and its Villa Montgomery housing project on El Camino. Two other Grand Boulevard Awards are going to Daly City, and one each to Sunnyvale and Colma.
People interested in attending the free event should contact Alane Gilbrech by e-mail, alane@samcar.org, or by phone, 696-8200.
Event promotes greening the county
People interested in helping San Mateo County become more green and sustainable are invited to an interactive morning dealing with climate change, energy efficiency, and green technology, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Green Building Exchange, 305 Main St. in Redwood City.
Sponsored by PG&E, Sustainable San Mateo County, and the Green Building Exchange, the event will feature a program and speakers, breakout sessions, a green resource fair, and sustainable snacks.
In addition, PG&E and Sustainable San Mateo County will announce a new program about developing a sustainable, green guide to San Mateo County.
For information or to sign up, contact Tyler Hammer at 638-2323, or tyler@sustainablesanmateo.org.
Restoring habitat at Bair Island
Volunteers are needed to help restore Middle Bair Island on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Participants will canoe to the island complex in the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and pull up non-native plants to help restore the land to a more natural state. The event is sponsored by Save the Bay.
The fee is $25 for members, and $35 for non-members. To sign up, call 510-452-9261; or go to savesfbay.org/bayevents.
‘Oughta Be A Law’ entries sought
Here’s an opportunity for anyone who in exasperation says, “There oughta be a law,” to submit an idea for new state laws to state Sen. Joe Simitian.
“Some of the best ideas I hear for new legislation come directly from folks in the community, said Sen. Simitian. “Now is your chance to be heard.”
To enter the contest, submit ideas by the Nov. 9 deadline on the senator’s Web site — www.senatorsimitian.com — or request an entry form by phoning his district offices at 688-6384.
Winners will have their bill ideas introduced as legislation, and have the opportunity to testify at a hearing on their bill in the state Capitol. They also will have lunch with the senator, and receive a California State flag that has flown over the Capitol.
“But most importantly,” said Sen. Simitian, “winners stand a good chance of seeing their ideas become law.”
Since its inception six years ago, the contest has spawned an eclectic mix of proposals, and 10 of those ideas have become law.
