Tattoo Removal Program

Helping Change Futures

The Tattoo Removal Program Has Been in Existence for 16 Years Serving Thousands of Participants and is in desperate need of a new laser machine. The mission of the program is to provide tattoo removal to people who have proven they are transitioning out of the gang life style

The program is also helping the domestic violence victims with healing from the abuse suffered as many perpertrators force their victims to tattoo their names on them to mark the victim as property.

Participants that are trying to change their lives find that the tattoos are stigma that follows them through life.  Tattoo removal is an important part of breaking your identity from the gang life style and creating a person, free of marks or symbols, that stand in the way of establishing employment and building relationships.  This is the final step in rehabilitation.

This much needed program serves San Mateo County residents.  many are on probation, parole, or in treatment.

Besides providing innumerable new-found freedoms, the Tattoo Removal Program was also designed to give each former gang member the opportunity to give back to society.  Each participant completes community service hours to participate in the program and to date they have performed thousands of hours of public work for the community.

Requirements to be eligible for participating in the program include being at least 10 years old, attending school and/or work, performing 20-plus hours of community service, being willing to meet regularly with a program sponsor and commitment to live a gang-free lifestyle.

The program has assisted hundreds of individuals in removing regrettable tattoos that they either acquired as a youth, in prison, or after succumbing to the gang lifestyle.

Who is Involved?

This program is a collaboration between the Redwood City Police Department, San Mateo County Probation Department, San Mateo County Shreiff's Office S.A.L. and the Redwood City P.A.L.

Since the inception of the program;

• 2200 participants with over 44,000 tratments.
• Doctors and nurses have volunteered over 2,000 hours.
• Clients have provided over 20,000 community service hours.
• Clients have participated in hundreds of community outreach programs
• Clients range from 10 years old to 50 years old.

How Can You Help?

We are looking to raise $125,000 to continue this life changing program. 

The current laser machine which wa donated to the program is no longer operational, so the need for a new laser machine is urgent.  The proposed new laser is a Cynosure ConBio C6 with an extended warranty.  This unit has three Q-switched wavelengths that make it possible to treat all types of tattoo colors.

Direct gifts of cash to the Tattoo removal Program are fully tax deductable.

Pledges to the Tattoo Removal Program may be made over a period of three years. A signed pledge card or letter of intent is required.  Tax deductions are earned only on amounts paid on the pledge in the year the payment was made.

Marketable or closely held securities may be given to the Tattoo Removal Program.  As a direct gift, it is always to the donor's advantage to make a gift of appreciated securities in avoidance of capital gains tax. 

For more information on the Program or to make a donation please call;

Manuel Velarde 650-780-7195
John Domeniconi 650-363-4232
Carrie Cross 650-877-7028

Your contribution is fully tax deductable, Tax ID#94-3229506

How To Beef Up Home Security And Stop Garage Door Hacking

If you have an older garage door opener or remote that does not employ the newer rolling code technology, you could be putting the safety of your home and family at risk.

Today more than ever, hackers have expanded their focus to many other electrical devices besides the computer. Hackers have found that older style handheld remote garage door transmitters can be bypassed with a little bit of electrical wiring finesse. Hackers can easily modify a standard door opener to accept a USB port, and software is readily available on the web to modify how it operates.

This deceptive action communicates with your garage door opener and allows hackers to gain entrance to your garage. Homeowners might be surprised that this task is possible and can be an alarming and somewhat unsettling prospect.

Professional Hackers have even gone so far as to demonstrate their prowess by spotlighting their “how to” videos on YouTube and other video sites.

As a homeowner, you can stop this from happening to you by properly protecting your garage door with rolling code technology. Rolling code technology is used in keyless entry systems, garage door openers for example, to prevent someone from stealing the code you use to open your garage door. Rolling code, also called Intellicode or CodeDodger, replaces the old technology of setting dip switches on the garage door opener operator.

"Dip switches were used back in the 1950′s through about the early 1970′s. This technology sent out a single code to open or close the garage. As garage door openers became more common, codes were often duplicated, as a set of dip switches can only have a maximum of 256 possible combinations. This caused quite a problem. Imagine driving down the street and being able to click your remote control and open your neighbors garage! What a security nightmare! Not only were there not enough variation of codes for the dip switches to handle, it was very easy for someone in the know to capture the signal, and use it at a later time to get into your home." This capability means that they can never be repeated or bypassed; thereby making stolen codes useless to pesky burglars looking to rob you blind.

Staying connected and plugged in to new security features for your home is critical these days. The wonderful World Wide Web can provide a wealth of information on how you can upgrade your old garage door remote and opener. Using a rolling code transmitter can make home security systems even more secure and purchasing an updated opener is your first defense against intruders from entering your home.

"What if I don't Have Rolling Code Technology?"

Here are some safety tips if you do not have Rolling Code technology;

•While on vacation or away from home for extended periods of time, unplug the garage door opener unit or use a vacation lock on the wall console switch, which is an optional accessory on some garage door openers.

• Wireless keypads, which activate the garage door opener with a personal identification number (PIN), are available on most garage door systems. This allows family members to open the door without the use of a key or remote. Never disclose the PIN or leave it written down.

• Never leave the remote control in the car or with a parking attendant. It should be treated like a house key.

•Always lock the door from the garage to the inside of your home for greater safety and security.

•Check to make sure your garage door is closed when you lock your entry doors at night.

excerpts from agaragedooropener.com

Back to School Safety Tips

Here are some simple reminders for drivers


Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones

Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs
Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully

Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours

Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving

Reminder for your kids:

They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks

Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars

Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them

4th of July Safety Tips

The Redwood City Police Department wants your holiday to be safe as well as fun. We would like to provide the following safety information while you plan your holiday celebration.



Fireworks are the cause of thousands of fires and injuries throughout the United States on the 4th of July, as well as during the days before and after this holiday. These fires and injuries are preventable, when people comply with local laws prohibiting the use of fireworks. The International Fire Code adopted by the City of Redwood City prohibits any type of fireworks, including the so-called “safe and sane” variety. The only permitted use of fireworks is for professional fireworks shows.

Celebrating the 4th of July by shooting a gun into the air is not only illegal; it can hurt or kill people. The Redwood City Police Department uses a "Shot Spotter" gunshot locater system, which determines the location of any firearm discharged in the city. The reckless discharge of a firearm is a felony under section 246.3 of the Penal Code and carries up to a three-year prison sentence. A gunshot telephone hotline is available at (650) 780-7639, which the public is urged to call in the event gunfire is heard, particularly during the 4th of July holiday.

Redwood City Police and Fire staff will be making an extraordinary effort this year to be on the lookout for fireworks and gunshots throughout the 4th of July holiday period. Any person caught in possession of fireworks will have them confiscated and will be subject to a citation. Fireworks obtained in other jurisdictions may not be brought into or used within Redwood City. The Police Department will investigate and track down any individuals shooting guns into the air. Arrests will be made when possible and violators will be booked at San Mateo County Jail.

In California possession of illegal fireworks is considered a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1000 or by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year. If you are found to be in possession of a sufficient amount of illegal fireworks, you may be guilty of a felony and punished by a fine up to $5000 and/or imprisonment in a state prison or county jail. Parents may be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by their childrens use of illegal fireworks.

Fireworks are illegal in most parts of San Mateo County, and other jurisdictions share Redwood City’s desire to maintain a safe 4th of July holiday. To fully inform the community of Redwood City’s prohibition on fireworks, all main roadway entrances into the City will be posted with a sign saying “No Fireworks in Redwood City.” The signs feature bright red letters on a white background to make them very visible to passing motorists. The City’s goal in this effort is for the community to have a safe, fun 4th of July holiday, and to prevent fire or injury incidents related to fireworks.

For the most accurate parking, festival, and firework information delivered directly to your cell phone text the keyword: RCJULY4 to 888777 and you will be automatically added to the Redwood City 4th of July information group through Nixle.com.

The Redwood City 4th of July Information group was created to provide specific, festival-related information to our residents, businesses and visitors. you can sign up for all alerts via text or e-mail by signing up at Nixle.com

The Redwood City Police Department wishes you a safe 4th of July!

Oakland Police, In Remembrance

Today marks one of the most tragic days in the history of the Oakland Police Department — indeed, in the history of law enforcement.

Three years ago today, four Officers from the Oakland Police Department were murdered by a paroled felon and rape suspect.

Today we remember Sergeant Mark Dunakin, Sergeant Daniel Sakai, Sergeant Ervin Romans, and Officer John Hege.

Today, the Oakland Police Officers Association will unveil a new memorial sign to be placed along the 580 Interstate on the Keller Avenue overpass. Today, a special ceremony will be held at OPD Headquarters for the families and friends of the fallen four.

Today, we remember these men who made the ultimate sacrifice— in their memory.

St. Patrick's Day Safety Tips

Let’s be honest—most people look forward to St. Patrick’s Day for the drinking. Pinching people for not wearing green is fun, but the event’s spirit rests at the bottom of a good bottle of whiskey and a few pints of Guinness. And Irish stereotypes aside, that’s as it should be. After all, the levity and good natured exuberance of St. Paddy’s help make it such a popular and care free celebration.

However, the greater levels alcohol consumption also make it a day to be responsible. Check out these five St. Patrick’s Day Safety tips to help you successfully navigate the hoopla and festivities on March 17th.

Safety Tips

Predetermine a safe way to get home for you and your friends. Whether you’re watching a parade or going to or hosting a party, ensure everyone in your group has a safe means of returning home if you plan to drink. Select a designated driver, arrange for a cab, plot a bus route, or figure out a nearby place you can crash for the night. It’s a good idea to keep route maps of local public transportation, as well as the numbers for taxi companies handy during the day.

Eat. Drinking on an empty stomach is a good way to end your St. Paddy’s day a lot earlier than planned. Make sure to get some nutrients in you to help absorb that alcohol.

Stay hydrated. Getting enough water will decrease the likelihood you’ll have a March 18th hangover.

If you feel impaired, don’t get behind the wheel. In the eyes of the law, impaired driving is drunk driving, and even if you feel fine, a breathalyzer might not concur. With all the checkpoints on the roads, it’s best to play it extra safe. If you have even the least bit of doubt, don’t drive.

Be extra cautious on the roads. Just because you’re a safe and sober driver doesn’t mean other people are. A disproportionate of traffic accidents on St. Patrick’s Day are caused by people driving under the influence. Whether you’re driving or just crossing the street on foot, keep your awareness levels high.

St. Patrick’s day calls for drinks with friends, a heap of green, and a healthy dose of responsibility. With that formula and the above tips, you can make March 17 a greater and safer night out for you and your loved ones.

Redwood City Police Chief Gamez presentation to City Council, February 6, 2012