It's already mid-September. And these are the local news from September 10-17 that you need to know to stay up to date.
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San Carlos Mayor Sara McDowell joined City Hall on Friday, Sept. 9, to express her “deepest condolences” to the two young children of a 27-year-old woman who was killed Thursday by her ex-boyfriend.
The City of San Carlos and the Community Foundation have partnered to accept and hold donations in trust for the future benefit of the victim's children. 100 percent of all donations will go to the victims' children.
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The Redwood City Library Foundation Board has decided to do something special for Banned Books Week this year: on Wednesday, September 22, from 5 to 8 p.m., there will be a downtown Redwood City bar crawl where each establishment will feature a banned book and offer special drink discounts.
The tour will begin at the Redwood City Library and continue to the following establishments: Alhambra, Angelicas, Blacksmith, City Pub, CRU, Gourmet Haus Staudt, Little Green, LV Mar, Quinto Sol, The BottleShop, The Hub, and The Sandwich Spot.
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After the Redwood City Council unanimously appointed Elmer Martínez Saballos to serve on the District 4 Council until December 2024 on August 20, the new member was sworn in during the council meeting on Monday, September 12.
Councilman Martinez took the oath of office at the City Council dais, where he swore to protect and uphold the U.S. Constitution and the laws of Redwood City.
After hugs and celebration from his now colleagues, Councilman Martinez took a few minutes to thank them for the task, for which he said he was "ready for the challenge."
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From September 15 to October 15, the United States is recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration that Redwood City is joining in with a proclamation, which was received by the general director and founder of the Casa Círculo Cultural organization, Verónica Escámez Martínez, accompanied by Wendy Segovia, coordinator of the extended education program of said organization, which was worthy of the proclamation thanks to her contribution and support to the community.
Redwood City Mayor Giselle Hale highlighted that Casa Círculo Cultural is a local multidisciplinary arts nonprofit that has dedicated itself to cultural programming that reflects the experiences of Latino communities in the area, and is notably focused on preserving them through family.
He also noted that the Hispanic and Latino community represents approximately 39 percent of Redwood City's population, making it the second-largest demographic group in the city.
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On Monday evening, September 12, the Redwood City Council proclaimed September as National Suicide Prevention Month, a recognition that was given to StarVista, the operator of the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center in San Mateo County, which is served by the 988 number.
StarVista, said Redwood City Mayor Giselle Hale, is a local nonprofit that helps residents and families navigate life's challenges through counseling, case management, skills development and crisis containment, as well as prevention and programs.
In light of this, she stressed that if someone at any time needs to use or has a friend who needs help due to a crisis or suicidal thoughts, they can use the 988 service.
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Public service is the thread that binds George Smith’s life’s work together: U.S. Marine, firefighter and volunteer. And in recognition of his dedication, the San Mateo County Veterans Commission has announced that he will be the 2022 Veteran of the Year.
The award, given each year, goes to a local veteran who goes “above and beyond” to serve the community.
Smith will be honored at a luncheon on November 10, 2022 alongside others dedicated to helping veterans or organizations that promote veterans’ causes: Wendy Weller and Andrew Trapani, selected as Patriots of the Year; and Veterans Surf Alliance, the Business of the Year.
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On September 12, the Redwood City Council approved the Action, Create and Engage (ACE) program for youth ages 12-24, a community-based pilot initiative that aims to foster positive relationships between local leaders, law enforcement, and youth in the Bike Life movement in Redwood City and North Fair Oaks.
Developed in collaboration with Redwood City Together and the Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL), the ACE program was created in response to community concerns about disruptive youth behavior in the downtown area.
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Censorship is on the rise in 2022. Libraries and school districts across the country are facing challenges and bans at an unprecedented rate, and during Banned Books Week, September 18-24, San Mateo County libraries are standing together against the movement, serving a broad and diverse community.
The American Library Association (ALA) recorded 729 book challenges last year, double the total for 2020 and the highest number recorded since the organization began tracking such statistics.
ALA reported that books are frequently banned for Black or LGBTQIA+ content.
In response, San Mateo County libraries have made it clear that their job is to offer a wide variety of options and give community members the freedom to choose what to read or not to read.
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In the mid-morning of September 8, 2022, Karina Castro, a mother of two young girls, was brutally murdered in a domestic violence incident. San Mateo County authorities have expressed their condolences and concern for such acts and their increase.
In San Mateo County, there were two domestic violence homicides in 2022 and five in 2021. However, the San Mateo County Domestic Violence Council believes one is too many.
Officials reminded that if you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence, there is help and you can visit the website: https://www.smcgov.org/dvc/resources.
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You may be interested in: Weekly schedule of events in the Bay Area for September 17 and 18
