NEXT MEETING: November 3, 2017

Visit Richmond CA

Matt Lewis, Executive Director of Visit Richmond CA (formerly Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau) is honored to present to the Richmond Rotary. Matt will discuss Visit Richmond CA’s efforts in celebrating the Richmond story. He will discuss the Bureau’s efforts in supporting local events and going outside of Richmond to encourage new opportunities. Matt is proud to represent Visit Richmond CA and loves the great spirit, effort and energy of the people of Richmond.

MEETING OF October 27, 2017

Welcome

President Connie Tritt presided over the meeting and welcomed everyone. Dan Tanita led the pledge, Herb Cole offered the invocation, and Syd had a memorable thought-for-the-day, which, unfortunately, was not recorded and, memorable or not, we forgot it.

Announcements

• David Brown read a thank you note from Santa Rosa Teachers Association, to which our chapter donated $2,600 after the wildfires. Some 40 teachers and their families lost homes in the fires, so they are very appreciative of Richmond Rotary donations.
• Richmond Rotarians attended 5 tree-planting events around the city. President Connie reported that planting trees is easier than you think.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Marketing and Branding the City of Richmond

Our own Rotarian, Richmond Mayor Tom Butt presented an update on a branding and marketing initiative begun in 2015. The $105,000 cost of the contract with North Star, the firm conducting it, has been covered entirely by private donations. No city funds were used. A small remainder, $3,000, is needed to cover the final bill on the study. Tom welcomes contributions.

The study was conducted because the current city logo, dating from 1977, is not highly regarded. Most people are unable to interpret what it means. Tom felt that a less ambiguous, more attractive graphic identity can attract new investment. A survey determined that residents held a number of well-known negatives—high crime, poor streets, blight, dysfunctional politics, schools. But perceptions of Richmond have been steadily improving over the last 8 years. And although it’s difficult to erase the negatives, Tom emphasized, we can build on the positives—and we have.

Tom reviewed the city’s highest-rated assets: its shoreline (32 miles long, more than all other East Bay cities), its affordability, the Rosie the Riveter WWII National Historical Park, and the Richmond Promise program. He noted that the city is regarded as a leader in social justice issues. Curiously, respondents in the survey scored Chevron both as a negative (pollution) and a positive (tax base).

Tom described the process of developing a new logo for the city (shown above). It was the product of an extensive process that included surveys of residents and outside stakeholders. He many variations that the branding and marketing committee screened. The group settled on a logo that emphasized the city’s waterfront location, environmental stewardship, and its history. Beneath the logo is a “strapline” that reflects this: Bay Front, Home Front, Out Front.

Will this become Richmond’s official logo? Tom doesn’t think a vote to adopt it can pass in city council as long as he his mayor. However the logo can be used unofficially for business communications and marketing. He encourages us to do exactly that.

NEXT MEETING: October 20, 2017

State of the City

Our own Rotarian, Richmond Mayor Tom Butt will present an update on the State of the City. He will provide highlights including key accomplishments, challenges and goals moving forward. He will discuss the City’s finances, staffing changes, real estate updates and environmental achievements.

MEETING OF October 20, 2017

Welcome

President Connie Tritt called the meeting to order. Stacey led us in the Pledge to the Flag. Herb invoked deeper thoughts and higher powers. Syd’s thought-for-the-day: “Even duct tape cannot fix stupid, but it can muffle the noise.”

Visiting Guest

For the last time, Darlene Quinville was welcomed as the guest of Jon Lawlis. See below.

Special Events

Connie inducted Darlene and into the Richmond Rotary so her guest status is officially over. Darlene is now one of us.

Connie also conferred Oscar Garcia with his blue badge. Yeah!

And thought she wasn’t prepared for it, Cecilia Orozco stepped up to Connie’s invitation to give her Who Am I? presentation.

Cecilia attended Richmond High School and UC Berkeley. She aspired to a law degree but for reasons of romance and opportunity she turned her sights to real estate, a field in which she now enjoys a successful career. Cynthia told us she gets a lot of satisfaction out of helping people—and since she has 3 small kids, she gets a lot of practice. Congratulations, Cecilia, on earning your blue badge.

Announcements

• David Brown announced that, thanks to the generosity of many of our members, he was able to send a check for $2,625 from Richmond Rotary to the Santa Rosa Teachers Relief Fund.
• Darlene Drapkin is asking for volunteers for Trick or Treat on 23rd Street, from 4 to 6PM on Tuesday, October 31st, between Barrett and McBryde. This fun, free family event for kids and parents promotes a positive image of 23rd Street—something that benefits all of us.
  We’d love Rotarians to volunteer as crossing guards or help out at the activities tables! Here’s the link to sign up. Download Trick or Treat flyer to post in your office or give to your neighbors.
• Don reminded everyone that our Holiday Auction is December 8^th and we all need to start thinking about what we’ll contribute that is fun and interesting, and people we’ll invite who are fun and wealthy. Nick will put up the Holiday Auction web page in the next week.
• Alan Blavins reminds us the Police Toy Drive also takes place on that day. You’ll be asked to bring a new unwrapped toy for a child in our community.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

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NEXT MEETING: October 20, 2017

Honey Bees: The Current State of Affairs

Acutely aware of the decline of bees, the world’s all-important pollinators, the Alameda County Beekeepers’ Association is helping support their population and purpose in today’s fragile world. Come learn about the current status of their health, as well as what can we, as citizens, can or cannot do to guarantee their survival.

MEETING OF October 13, 2017

Welcome

President Connie called the meeting to order.

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jan. Erle gave our invocation. Syd thinks: “I do not trip over things, I do random tests of gravity.”

We welcomed 3 visiting Rotaracters from UC Berkeley:Taylor Lee, District Governor; Kylee Nebust, District Lt. Governor; and Vani Topkar

Announcements

• Next week we’re back at the Richmond Country Club. Hurray!
• Our tree-Planting event will take place this Saturday, October 21st. (Overaa is building it!) It’s at Unity Park in Richmond, 16^th and Ohio.
• El Sobrante Rotary’s Oktoberfest is on October 21.
• Our tree planting project will get under way on October 21 at 8:00 a.m. at the now-under-construction (Overaa is building it!) Unity Park at 16^th and Ohio.
• Our Holiday auction is December 8.
• The following Friday, October 27, Mayor Tom will give us a State of the City report.
• San Ramon Rotary’s Scotch, Cigar and Wine event is on October 21, 6-10pm at their Country Club (whichever one that is).

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

A Double-header: Berkeley Rotoract and In Defense of Animals

At this meeting we had two presentations.

Berkeley Rotoract

• The Berkeley Rotaract Club has 150 members and is the largest service organization on campus.
• The Club has four committees, including local and international proejcts, but it went by too fast for me to pick up the other two.
• The Club sponsors an event to rauise money as part of its End Polio initiative: a 5K fun run, November 4 at 9:00 a.m., starting at the Campanile. $15 to register before October 21, $20 after.
• Last year they raised about $51,000.
• You can give to Rotary International and get credit for your Paul Harris and give credit to the Berkeley Rotaract Club if you tell RI that you’re doing that.

Defense of Animals: Fighting for Animals, People and Environment

Connie introduced our speaker, Fleur Dawes, of In Defense of Animals. IDA has a number of initiatives to help animals all over the world:

IDA operates three sanctuaries:

• For chimpanzees in Cameroon, who are victims of hunting for “bush meat”.
• In Mississippi, where the animal welfare laws are very week.
• In Mumbai, India, which takes care of 400 cats and dogs per month. This one also has a garden for blind dogs.
• IDA published a list of the 10 worst whale tanks.
• The organization also rescued 9 dogs from being butchered for meat in Korea.
• It also fought against sterilization of wild horses in Oregon

Wildfires raging to the north of us provided the opportunity for an on-the-spot demonstration of what Defense of Animals is ready to do. Ms Dawes told Jan Brown that her organization could provide a volunteer to feed or evacuate Jan’s brother’s cat, located in Calistoga. (As it turned out, a local fireman was able to rescue the cat so the service was not necessary. But In Defense of Animals has been providing this service for other residents in areas affected by the fires.)

For more information, visit idausa,org.You may also want to download a a short article about the organizations mission and campaigns.

NEXT MEETING: October 13, 2017
We are again meeting at Café Soleil on Friday.

In Defense of Animals: Fighting for Animals, People and Environment

In 1983, a local veterinarian uncovered horrific animal suffering in UC Berkeley’s animal laboratories. After winning the day for the University’s animals, he vowed to put an end to all animal cruelty. 30 years later, In Defense of Animals has grown into a formidable force that fights for animals, people and the environment around the world from its headquarters in Marin County. Its campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi help all animals, from dogs to wild horses, to chimpanzees. Come and learn from British-born Communications Director Fleur Dawes about the latest issues facing animals at home and further afield, and how we can make a difference.

MEETING OF

Welcome

The one, the only Pres Connie Tritt presided over the meeting, Stacey Street led the pledge, Herb Cole did the invocation for peace, justice and freedom on earth and Syd’s thought for the day was “There are no gains without pains,” which he borrowed from Benjamin Franklin.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Emon Usher, Deputy Fire Chief from the Richmond FD, was the guest of Pam Jones

Announcements

• Once again we’ll be meeting at Café Soleil this Friday. The address is 3550 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante.
• Shana Bagley-Howe announced that the Berkeley Rotary will be taking their trip to
  Mexico again this year and her and Mark will be going down. She said that it is a great trip and that other Richmond Rotarians should join them
• Shana also informed us that the board has decided to send the hurricane relief money raised to the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico where it will do the most good.
• Emon Usher, Deputy Fire Chief of the Richmond FD, spoke about the History of the Toy Drive held for the last 25 years and even though the Fire Fighter that ran it for 25 years has retired the torch will be picked up. The firefighters will be at the Club on our Auction Day December 8^th to pickup the gifts. He also mentioned the Bike end of the Toy drive that will be organized by our own Pam Jones this year and the importance of getting a bike for every one of the 1200 children. A bike and a helmet costs $49 and there will be a link to donate online
• October 31, 2017 Darlene Drapkin announced the 23^rd street Trick or Treat. Organizers are looking for volunteers and inviting families to come to the celebration.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Karen Buchanan was our speaker for today. She is a lifelong Richmond resident and is involved in many local organizations in the Richmond community. The Richmond Rotarians got a treat at today’s meeting with a chance to learn about the great city we live and work in. We also got prizes for answering trivia questions about the history of Richmond.

Karen told us how Richmond got it’s name (from Richmond, Virginia). The first mention of Richmond was Point Richmond on a map form the 1800’s, which was was originally was cut off by waterways. She also told us about the Rancho San Pablo, a 19,000 acre land grant to Francisco Castro that extended across Richmond, San Pablo and Kensington. The sprawling property was later distributed to the children of Francisco Castro.

Karen does a tour of Richmond and after hearing her talk I heartily recommend signing up and learning more about our wonderful city.

NEXT MEETING: October 6, 2017

The History of Richmond

Local Historian Karen Buchanan will present an entertaining slideshow on the early history of Richmond.

Ms. Buchanan is a Richmond resident and history hike leader. She is a very active volunteer in the Richmond Community, involved with many local organizations, including the Point Richmond History Association, the Women’s Westside Improvement Club, the Richmond Main Street Initiative, Visit Richmond CA, and Point Richmond Music. Ms. Buchanan is an autodidact with an insatiable curiosity and a lifelong love of history. She has had a long and varied career, including working as a United States Senate Page, a Stand-up Comedian, Legal Secretary and for the past 21 years, a public servant with the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District, currently managing workers’ compensation and liability claims for the District.

MEETING OF September 29, 2017

Welcome

Connie Tritt presided over the meetings at Café Soleil. Sid Chauvin in his usual sagacity, shared this sobering thought: “Alcohol doesn’t solve any problems, but then neither does milk.”

Rotarians with Guests

Jon Lawlis introduced Darlene Quenville,

Herb Cole presented his wife Norma

The “other” Darlene (Drapkin) introduced Leslie Lundin, from LBG Real Estate that bought the Hilltop Mall in July, 2017. Ms Lundin gave a quick report on plans for the mall. Sears, Walmart and Macy’s will remain in the improved, “Shops at Hilltop”. The complex will be an entertainment center, of sorts. LBG plans to add a movie theater. They will buy the presently dark JC Penny building. The coompany will bring in a grocery store, perhaps a spa, and two coffee shops, including Fast Track coffee. They’ll add popp-ups for the jolidays. Leslie invited Rotarians to refer any interested parties. They’ll visit the current layout to add future housing and optimize the existing 6,000 parking spaces.

Announcements

• We’re back at the Richmond Country Club this week.
• Our Holiday Auction is December 8th and the Holiday Party is December 15th.
• The El Cerrito Rotary will host a Wine And Artisan Cheese event on Sunday, October 1, at Berkeley Country Club (formerly the Mira Vista Country Club).
• The El Sobrante Rotary is holding its Oktoberfest on October 21 at 6 pm, at the Berkeley Yacht Club. The event raises funds for sustainable education.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Oakland’s Retail Renaissance: What’s the Scoop?

Keira Williams has been a retail analyst at the City of Oakland since 2001. Despite brick & mortar retail giving way to online shopping, restaurants and service businesses are gaining strength. “Experiential” shopping is popular. Locally owned businesses are growing the local economy. Small retail creates a sense of place. Keira advises working comprehensively to prepare neighborhoods to make them safer and more inviting. One litmus test of success: If woman feels safe moving about town, Oakland’s revitailization efforts are succeeding.

She offered several other observations: Retail doesn’t always need to occupy the bottom floor. Gentrification issue is overplayed since the improvements the bring are good for everyone. The current high lease prices are a bubble and are unlikely to persist into the future.