NEXT MEETING: April 27, 2018
NOTE: This Friday we will meet at Café Soleil. Please arrive by 12.

NIAD - Nurturing Independence Through Artistic Development

Nurturing Independence through Artistic Development (NIAD Art Center) has been a fixture on 23rd Street since the early 1990s.  Founded by the visionary team of Florence Ludins-Katz and Dr. Elias Katz, this program supports artists who have disabilities.

In the large communal studio, artists make original art based on their passions, interests and desires, a process through which they proclaim “I Am” to a world that largely discounts them and ignores them.  Everyone has a story to tell, experiences to share, and art enables them to do so.  As they learn skills, they also learn to focus, envision and accept risk.  The art is then exhibited and sold so the artists earn commissions from their work.

All adults hope to be able to be productive and live a meaningful life doing work that they wish to do. At NIAD, artists are supported to make this a reality.

MEETING OF

Welcome

On a beautiful Friday in Richmond, Prez Connie called the meeting to order. Erle Brown led us in the Pledge and Herb Cole offer a silent prayer for peace, freedom and justice. Sid Chauvin offered “Women sometimes make fools of men, but most guys are the do-it-yourself type.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Josh Surowitz had as his guest Jason Mustard a fellow attorney.

Announcements

  • This Friday we will meet at Cafe Soleil, at 3550 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. Remember that we start at 12 noon.
  • Felix Hunziker announced volunteers are needed to help water the trees planted during the dry months. They have a water truck and need volunteers to do 4 hours shifts. Please sign up.
  • Alan Baer passed around a signup sheet for Walk-a-thon pledges to assist the Salvation Army with purchasing a van. Rotary logo will be on the van.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Oscar Garcia introduced our speaker Eddie J. Aubrey who is the manager of the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) for the City of Richmond Police, which was established in 2016. He is a civilian who reports to the Police Chief and oversees all complaints, mediations, and audits for the police department. Eddie has experience as a police officer, prosecutor, judge, community college instructor and civilian independent auditor for Fresno before coming to Richmond. Eddie’s main goal in his investigations is “in search of the truth.” Eddie provide 3 websites that you can go to for more information on the OPA: OpenData.ci.richmond.ca.us; RichmondOPA.com; and ci.Richmond.ca.us/82Police-Department


The Menehune, Rotating Editor

NEXT MEETING: April 20, 2018

A New Era in Police Oversight

The Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) was established in 2016 as an independent office within the Richmond Police Department (RPD) that is committed to ensuring that employees provide the best service, individually and collectively, to the public.  As part of the commitment to provide trusted, fair, and a neutral accountability system, a civilian Manager was hired to oversee all functions of OPA including police internal investigations. This model of oversight is rare in the U.S. because it places a civilian in the role to make independent and trusted findings to the Chief of Police as a result of internal investigations completed by police Sergeants.

Eddie J. Aubrey, Manager of the OPA, is a civilian hired in March 2016. He oversees the intake, classification, and investigation of complaints against Police department personnel or police services; certifies investigative findings; and makes recommendations on investigatory disposition to the Police Chief. The Manager ensures that professional Police Officers and other Police employees perform assigned duties in a sound and sustainable manner; maintain accountability for their actions and the actions of their peers; and are held accountable for any deficiencies in professional activities or adherence to their professional code of ethics, and City or departmental polices and rules.

MEETING OF April 13, 2018

Welcome

President Connie called the meeting to order and asked Don Lau to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Herb Cole asked for a moment of silence for peace, freedom and justice on Earth.

Sid Chauvin’s thought for the day: There are a number of mechanical devices that increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is the Mercedes-Benz 500 SL Roadster.

 

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Herb Cole introduced his guest Phil McAdams, who came specifically to ask Tom Butt to come speak at his Sons in Retirement Club.

Announcements

  • President Connie Tritt reminded members about upcoming events:
  • Albany Rotary is holding a Bayou Boogie Featuring New Orleans Blues, Zydeco, R&B,
    Mardi Gras & Swing music by I*KO YA YA on Saturday, 4/21, from 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm at the Albany YMCA.
  • The 10th Annual Rotary District 5160 Bocce Challenge will be held on Saturday May 19th in Martinez.
  • The Rotavision Bow-A-Thon Tournament is happening May 12th. Jon Lawlis noted that he, Darlene Quenville, Pam and Neville Guard would be representing Richmond Rotary in the tournament, and they need to collect pledges for the team. Each team is expected to raise at least $1000, and members can give cash donations or do pin pledges.

 

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Point Molate Update

Since the scheduled speakers, Kevin and Barbara Brown from R&B Cellars, were closing on selling their house and missed attending (we will reschedule them for the summer or fall), Mayor Tom Butt filled in as speaker and kicked it off with five happy dollars for the City of Richmond reaching agreement on the settlement for Point Molate. Tom provided excellent history on the background of Point Molate, starting with the 1995 closure as a fuel depot by the Navy and followed by the City of Richmond adopting a reuse agreement to meet the Navy’s requirements. In 1997 the turnover started, and the City had full title by 2003. Several City Council members pushed for the site becoming a “destination resort” with a casino, an offer of $50 million with other fees built in, while Chevron offered to buy the site from the City for $80 million. Upstream was contracted after a split vote, and it got political in 2007, with the City Council ultimately voting to turn down the contract in 2011. A 5-year lawsuit ensued, ending in the settlement just agreed upon. It was close to the 1997 reuse plan: 70% will be retained as open space (Bay Trail, shoreline park), with 30% allocated to development, plus the historic buildings will be preserved. The City has two years to update the general plan and zoning, and it will have a minimum of 670 residential dwelling units. The Mayor is happy since it seems like an economically viable plan.


Stacey Street, Rotating Editor

NEXT MEETING: April 13, 2018

Riggers Loft Wine Company: Being Part of the Fabric of the Community

Kevin and Barbara Brown, owners and winemakers of R&B Cellars, and owners of Riggers Loft Wine Company, tell their story of being in the wine business. In particular, they will discuss their latest chapter at Riggers Loft Wine Company, and what it means to them to be part of the vibrant Richmond community. Kevin and Barbara will also bring R&B Cellars wine for those in attendance to taste!

MEETING OF April 6, 2018

Welcome

Connie Tritt presided over the meeting. Erle Brown led us in the pledge of allegiance and Connie asked for a moment of silence for peace, freedom and justice on earth.

Sid Chauvin’s Pearl of Wisdom – People who enjoy meetings, should never be put in charge of anything.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Joining us today were Dr. Pate Thomson from Berkeley Rotary and Aaron Gobler from Albany Rotary.

Announcements

  • Pate Thomson, a Berkeley Rotarian with The Rotacare Foundation, and Aaron Gobler from Albany Rotary announced a fundraising Bowl-a-thon on Saturday, May 12 at the Albany Bowl from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. They are encouraging teams to form. Last year the Bowl-a-thon earned $7,500 for Rotacare. Each participating team of 4 is expected to raise $1000 or more. Jon Lawlis, Darlene Q, Pam and Neville will represent Richmond this year and you can help them do Richmond Rotary’s part by contributing either a flat-out donation or by pledging an amount per pin. Please contact Jon with your pledge.
  • Albany Rotary is holding a Bayou Boogie Featuring New Orleans Blues, Zydeco, R&B,
    Mardi Gras & Swing music by I*KO YA YA on Saturday, 4/21, from 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm at the Albany YMCA. Dance lesson 7:00 PM –  Music and Dancing 7:30 to 10:00 pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Bayou Boogie. All proceeds benefit Albany Rotary local and international projects.
  • Pam Jones announced the 10th Annual Rotary District 5160 Bocce Challenge in Martinez on Saturday 5/19/18 and is looking to form a team. Ric Ambrose, Pam Jones, and Connie, agreed to be on the team and they still need a fourth! Contact Pam if you are interested.
  • Josh Genser announced a fundraiser for the Jewish exhibit at the Richmond Museum on Saturday, 4/21, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm, at his home. His Mom, who’s 100, will share her experience of Jewish history in Richmond.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

WCCUSD College & Career Pathways

Terri Waller from WCCUSD College & Career Pathways was our speaker today She told us that this program is 15 years old and is funded through the State. It prepares West County high school students for college and careers. There are six different career pathways: law, engineering, health, media communications, information technology, and performing arts.

They are looking for paid internships for 45 students this summer for five weeks, four days a week. The program underwrites the internships. The students are typically juniors, who are ready to bring their talents and skills to our local businesses and organizations. The interns learn about being supervised, punctuality, and responsibility.

In addition to providing internships, Rotarians can also get involved as public speakers, and supporting Career Days,

https://wccusdpathways.org/


Darlene Drapkin, “Rotating Editor”

NEXT MEETING: April 6, 2018

WCCCUSD College & Career Pathways

The West Contra Costa Unified School District’s mission is to prepare students for college and future careers.  Through their College & Career Pathways, students participate in outstanding programs of study aligned to in-demand industry sectors. Many include early college credit, and all engage students in authentic projects and offer summer internships.  Partnerships with local businesses, industry leaders, and organizations are key to vibrant and relevant College & Career Pathways.  More information can be found at: https://wccusdpathways.org/

Summer internships are one way make the connections!  WCCUSD is excited to be kicking off its 2018 Summer Internship Program and there are some great young people who are ready to bring their talents and skills to our local businesses and organizations.  Would you consider hosting an intern this summer and help spread the word?  WCCUSD is looking for employers who are able to provide our career-minded students with a 6-week summer internship. Internships help students connect with local employers, while acquiring new skills, and contributing to our local economy.  Students gain transferable work skills and career exposure, and academic credit, while providing our employer community with their talents and skills.  The Summer Internship Program targets Career Pathway students completing their junior year who are interested in gaining work skills, while earning money and academic credit. Terri Waller, from WCCUSD College & Career Pathways, will provide an overview of these programs

MEETING OF March 30, 2018

Welcome

On a sunny Friday afternoon President Connie opened the meeting with a ring of the bell.

Jerry Feagley led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Connie asked for a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth

Sid’s Thought for the Day: “We are all born ignorant, but we have to work really hard to be stupid.”  Sid attributes this to Benjamin Franklin, but somehow I doubt they used the adverb “really” the way we do today.    Close enough, though.

Visiting Rotarians

Jim Brandt from the Alamo Club was our guest today.

Announcements

Ric reminded us all about PARTY RICHMOND, the Richmond Art Center awards ceremony and fund-raiser.  It will be on April 14 from 5:30 to 8:30 at the RAC.  There will be good food and fine wines and a live auction, and Ric was too modest to mention that one of his original pieces will be auctioned, but be sure not to bid on it so Elaina and I can buy it.

Oscar, on behalf of Felix, told us about a dry run of the tree-watering program (pun intended).  This week, using Oscar’s brother’s truck, we picked up the water buffalo (which is just a water tank on a trailer) from Overaa Construction, which is letting us use it, and took it to the City’s corporation yard where it was filled with water.  Everything worked great, so we’ll be doing this monthly starting in April to water all the street trees we’ve been planting.  If you’re interested in helping, there will be a sign-up circulated at future meetings or via email.

Darlene D announced community workshops about the future redevelopment of 23rd Street.  There will be one tomorrow, March 31 (almost certainly before this is even published), and another on May 26, both from 10:00 to 2:00 at Richmond High School.

Gonzalo announced that Cinco de Mayo will be on Sies de Mayo on 23rd Street.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

TYM - Today's Youth Matter

Our guest Jim Brandt introduced our speaker.  Jim didn’t get much of an introduction himself but he’s an investment adviser, mountain climber and member of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Community Foundation.  Jim introduced Billy Coleman, Executive Director of Today’s Youth Matter.

Billy was born of a teen mother, but he and his mother were enabled for better things by an older woman, a stranger (a “Fictive Relation”), who adopted them and helped Billy’s mother attend college.  Billy thought the youth in his neighborhood all needed a Fictive Relation, and TYM tries to fill a part of that need by providing programs for youth of all ages, from elementary school to young adulthood.  The programs include educational support, character building, and leadership development, all geared toward making kids resilient.

TYM has programs at RPAL in Richmond, and a summer camp in the Sonoma County Redwoods.

For more on TYM visit their website at http://www.tymkids.org/


Josh Genser, Rotating Scribe