Tell a Friend Thursdays
October 22, 2015
You’ve got a Question, Redwood City has the Answer
Q: Where did Redwood City’s tagline or slogan “Climate Best by Government Test” come from?
A: In the 1920’s the Redwood City Chamber of Commerce and the Real Estate Board each sponsored contests to find a slogan to represent and publicize the city’s finest qualities, but it was the Real Estate Board which produced the winner. In 1925, the Board awarded Wilbur H. Doxsee a prize of $10 for his entry: “By Government Test, Our Climate is Best.” This was later shortened to read: “Climate Best By Government Test” and placed with pride on the city’s signs for all to see. (Note: $10 in 1925 was the equivalent of about $140 today!)
So who exactly performed this government test? Starting before World War I, the United States and German governments began conducting climate surveys and gathering meteorological data. Their findings revealed Redwood City to be the world’s three best climates. (The other two: The Canary Islands and the Barbary Coast.)
Years later, our residents continue to take pride in Redwood City’s climate and best weather in the Bay Area. Did you know Redwood City on average enjoys 255 sunny days a year?
For more Redwood City history, visit the Redwood City history room.
Q: We heard about the library expanding its Spanish language book collection at the Fair Oaks branch. What if we have books to donate?
A: Yes, the Fair Oaks branch of the Redwood City Public Library is preparing to add brand new Spanish language books to its collection. And we are asking the community to share what you want to read in Spanish. Novels? Non-fiction? Self-help books? How-to books? Give us suggestions and we’ll make sure they make it into the stacks!
Redwood City Public Library is happy to accept donated books and other Spanish materials (or English or other languages, for that matter!) Depending on what is donated, we might add them to the collection or ask the Friends of the Library to sell them as part of their fundraiser to support library collections and programs. The Friends of the Library has had tremendous success with fundraising efforts from the community donating books to benefit the library. We appreciate your support!
For more info on book donation, email friendsofrwclibrary@gmail.com.
Q: We attended the Harambee mud dance event last weekend. When will we get to see the art we helped to create?
A: This Sunday, October 25! The public is invited to three special unveilings in Redwood City parks of new functional art by emerging artist Michael Koliner. Thanks to everyone who came out to help make cob-adobe for the art pieces last weekend.
One of the pieces — at Mariner Park — is the first of several artworks that will be installed along the San Francisco Bay Trail. The installation of this artwork highlights a new partnership between the City of Redwood City, Fung Collaboratives, the Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation, and the Association of Bay Area Governments’ Bay Trail Project. Read more here.
All three events on Sunday will have refreshments, activities, a party, and guest speakers from Redwood City’s City Council and the County of San Mateo delivering dedications. Check out the schedule below and join us!
