Local briefs

Larry Shoup, running for secretary of state, is a native of Los Angeles. He graduated from California State University at Los Angeles with a bachelor's degree in history and an master's degree in social sciences. During his college years he was a part of the civil rights and anti-war movements.

Shoup favors electoral reform, instant runoff voting and proportional representation.

Candidate for state treasurer Jeanne Rosenmeier is a self-employed CPA. She received a master's degree from the University of Chicago and a B.A. from Pomona College.

As state treasurer, she said she will work for electoral reform, tax reform and a balanced state budget. Rosenmeier also advocates including environmental costs in corporate costs.

Laura Wells, candidate for state controller, has 17 years experience in financial systems and eight years in nonprofit fundraising and administration. She holds a bachelor's degree from Wayne State University and a masters of education from Antioch University. As state controller, she said she will review how the state's money is allocated and invested and work for fair pay for women.

David Sheidlower, a native of New York City, is running for insurance commissioner. Sheidlower leads the California Green Party's workgroup responsible for the economics plank of the party's platform.

The meeting will be held at 300 Santa Inez St. in San Mateo. The public is invited to attend.

Two added to Belmont police force

Kenneth Stenquist and Michael Thompson joined the ranks of the Belmont Police force last week after completing their police academy training.

Stenquist, a native of Northern California, worked previously as a police specialist with the Belmont Police Department. He also served two deployments overseas with the U.S. Marine Infantry.

Thompson was raised in Millbrae and attended Mills High School. He received his bachelors degree from Sacramento State University.

Community garage sale scheduled in Redwood City

Residents of the Palm Park and Roosevelt neighborhoods of Redwood City are invited to hold their own garage sales as part of a community garage sale event scheduled for July 27, 2002.

Lists and maps of participating garage sales will be distributed in order to publicize the event. Residents interested in participating should contact Yvette Gilardi at 369-0138 or ygilardi@msn.com to obtain a registration form.

Redwood City library bookstore adds hours

The Friends of the Redwood City Public Library have added evening hours to the library bookstore.

The bookstore, located at the main library, is run by about 30 volunteers, and hosts the well-attended semi-annual book sale event.

The new hours are from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Mondays, and from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Speier issues Kaitlyn's Law warning

Kaitlyn's Law, enacted Jan. 1 by state Sen. Jackie Speier, D-San Mateo, aims at reducing deaths and injuries sustained by children left unattended in vehicles. The recent warning is inspired by the July heat in California, which poses a great risk to children left unattended in cars.

Kaitlyn's Law authorizes a $100 fine when a person responsible for a child six years or younger leaves that child unattended in a vehicle if the child is placed at a significant safety risk, when the vehicle's engine is left running or when the vehicle's keys are left in the ignition.

Kaitlyn's Law was named after Kaitlyn Russell, the six-month old daughter of Tammy Russell of Riverside County, who died in August 2000 after being left alone for at least two hours in a vehicle by a baby-sitter.<