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.

NEXT MEETING: September 29, 2017
Note: Once again we meet at Café Soleil this Friday. Directions below.

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

Keira Williams, Retail Specialist with the City of Oakland since 2001, works to grow retail businesses and shopping places by matching retailers, developers and sites. Keira markets the city as a retail location, promoting the city as a retail business-friendly environment, and supports Oakland’s commercial districts and shopping centers.

Keira will share what she has learned about building trust and coalitions, being strategic with limited resources, and changing perceptions about Oakland. Prior to joining the City of Oakland, Keira marketed new business and development opportunities at the Bay Area’s 12 closing military bases (including Point Molate). She holds an MBA from the University of Hawai’i and a BA from the University of Washington.

MEETING OF September 22, 2017

Welcome

The meeting was called to order by President Connie. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Nick. Herb gave our invocation. Syd offered a profound thought by Hemmingway: “Never pass up an opportunity to kiss a pretty woman or an open bottle of whisky.” Did I get that right? What’s a heterosexual woman to do?

Announcements

• Richmond Rotary meets at Café Soleil next week. Directions.
• Richmond Rotary has raised $2,000 for hurricane relief. We hope to give the money to local Rotary Clubs. Shana will research to find out how.
• El Sobrante Rotary is having a fundraiser, Oktoberfest, on October 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the Berkeley Yacht Club. Tickets available at http://elsobranterotary5160.net/1190-2.
• The Richmond Rotary Auction is December 8.
• The Richmond Rotary Holiday Party is December 15 at the Richmond Art Center.
• Pam announced that San Ramon Rotary donated $1,000 to our bike drive, to be matched by our club. Our goal is to raise $60,000.
• Josh 2.0 announced that the Barcelona Rotary Club would like to partner with us on a project. (Pss… these notes were recorded by Josh 1.0. Can you tell?)

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Stacey introduced our speaker, Richard Mitchell, Director of Building and Planning for the City of Richmond. Mr. Mitchell is a Richmond native, a graduate of Kennedy High School, Harvard and USC, and a long-time Planning Commissioner for the City of Hercules.

Mr. Mitchell described Richmond’s new General Plan as part of the re-urbanization of Richmond. That is, the suburbanization of America that followed WWII has been reversing itself, with cities becoming more attractive places to live, so smaller cities like Richmond are reversing development policies that once favored low-density, automobile oriented suburban development.

This means planning for more density, especially in heavily travelled corridors, such as San Pablo Avenue, Cutting Blvd., Macdonald Avenue, Barrett Avenue and 23^rd Street. It also has implications for ares of Richmond with development potential, such as the South Shoreline, in which is located the University of California’s Bay Campus. Under the General Plan, there is potential in Richmond for development of 5.6 million square fete of industrial and commercial space, 720,000 square feet of retail, 4,070 residential units, 13,000 jobs and 145 acres of open space.

Numerous projects are currently in the works including:

• Terminal 1, near Knox-Miller Park, 316 residential units
• Nevin Homes, 289 affordable rental units.
• Hilltop Apartments, 180 units
• Central Avenue, on the old Dolan’s Lumber Yard, 155 affordable units, although the developer is considering changing the project to assisted living.
• Garrity Way Apartments, 98 units
• 12^th Street & Macdonald, unspecified number of units.
• Hilltop Mall, itself, just sold and yet to be planned.
• Making Waves Academy, a charter school, building more of its campus where the West County Times building stood.
• Shea Homes building 60 more units near Seacliff.
• The Point, 27 townhomes behind Mechanics Bank in Point Richmond.
• Bay Walk, 193 live-work units where the old International Parts Distribution Center stood.
• Phase 3 of Anchorage at Marina Bay, 88 townhomes.
• Phase 2 of Artisan Cove, 27 live-work units.
• Starbucks Coffee at Marina Bay
• The old Bottoms quarry on Canal Blvd., unspecified number of residential units.
• Lifelong Medical Facility at Harbor and Bissel.
• A new industrial building at 912 Harbor Way South.
• A huge distribution center where the big blue steel building stood off of Atlas Road.
• The modernization of the Chevron refinery.
• 80 units of affordable senior housing at Miraflores.
• Phase 3 of the Point Pinole Business Park

Facilitating all of this are transportation improvements, including the Moody underpass to Marina Bay and the new ferry terminal. You can download and view Mr. Mitchell’s presentation here.

NEXT MEETING: September 22, 2017

A Planning Update from City of Richmond

City of Richmond Director of Planning and Building, Richard Mitchell will provide an update on key projects and trends in the City of Richmond, as well as a snapshot of how things will be in the future such as:
• Terminal One
• Ferry to San Francisco
• New West Communities (Quarry Project)
• And many others!

MEETING OF September 15, 2017

Welcome

President Connie called the meeting to order and asked Don Lau to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Herb Cole led a silent prayer for peace, freedom and justice on earth. The Club missed hearing from “thoughtful” Sid Chauvin who was out.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

• Carol Robinson and Sonia Rivas were both visiting from San Pablo Rotary Club.
• Jon Lawlis introduced his sweetie Darlene Quenville. President Connie noted that Darlene wouldn’t be a guest for much longer – she has submitted an application for membership in Richmond Rotary!

Announcements

• President Connie Tritt thanked Past President Josh Surowitz in his absence for organizing the book drive and labeling project to help kids in Richmond Schools. It was fun and productive at last week’s meeting!
• President Connie announced that Rotary District 5160 is having a Fall Training Seminar on Saturday, September 23^rd in Martinez. She referred everyone to agendas on the tables.
• Visiting San Pablo Rotarian Carol Robinson encouraged everyone to attend the “Night in Tuscany” fundraiser on Friday, September 29^th at the Galileo Club in Richmond. Visit SanPabloRotary.org/NIT for more information.
• President Connie passed around a sign-up sheet for a Rotary Tree Planting Event on Saturday, October 21st. Felix Hunziker would likely have more information.
• Connie noted that golf tournament season is not yet over, and the Club would be meeting one last time for a while at Café Soleil, on September 29th. Next week the Club will meet at Richmond Country Club to hear Richard Mitchell, City of Richmond’s Director of Planning.
• David Brown said he is happy to take donations toward the Club’s upcoming bike giveaway.
• Connie introduced Mayra Padilla, Director of the Metas Program and Dean of Institutional Effectiveness and Equity for Contra Costa College. Mayra was a speaker at the Club last year. Metas, a free program for families, prepares preschool through 12th-grade students in the communities surrounding Contra Costa College to meet the demands of higher education. This includes increasing proficiency in reading, writing and math, and increasing self-confidence and self-perception. Through the support of Metas, 100% of its 12th grade students graduate high school and enroll in college. Mayra announced that METAS would be celebrating its 30^th Anniversary, and invited everyone to attend and support its Gala on November 17^th at the Mira Vista Country Club. Visit http://cccmetas.com/gala for more information.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Keeping Kids Safe

Your Scribe introduced the speaker for the day, Carol Shenon, Child Safety Program Manager for the Contra Costa Child Abuse Prevention Council. Carol has over 15 years experience working on children’s health and advocacy issues, including time at the American Lung Association.

The Child Abuse Prevention Council promotes safety for children and prevents abuse. Key programs include the community education program, child safety program, parent education, a new parents kit, the “Surviving Parenthood” guide that lists every resource in the county for parents and children, a special needs fund, and a support group for parents who have lost their children.

Carol first shared startling statistics about child abuse, and next focused on the Speak Up Be Safe Program, a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate program for 1^st through 6^th Graders, currently featured in some Richmond elementary schools. The program educates and empowers students, teachers and caregivers about abuse, bullying, cyberbullying and sexual harassment, and encourages honest communication when abuse or harassment is encountered. The program includes two safety lessons in each classroom, not large assemblies. Follow-up activities are administered by teachers to reinforce the lessons’ content. Take-home educational materials are distributed among students to share with parents and caregivers and to encourage discussion on these important topics. Response from teachers and students has been extremely positive since the program began in 2013. Visit https://www.capc-coco.org/ for more information.

NEXT MEETING: September 15, 2017
Note: We meet at Café Soleil this Friday. Directions below.

Helping Children Stay Safe

Young children can confront a wide range of dangers: neglect, abuse, bullying, sexual harassment, and now, cyberbullying.

Responding to these threats, the Child Abuse Prevention Council of Contra Costa County (CAPC) has provided lessons to nearly 19,000 Richmond students in 1^st to 6^th grade during the last school year.

Carol Shenon, Child Safety Program Manager, will tell us about the work of CAPC. Their programs help children respond to unsafe behavior and build networks of trustworthy peers and adults.

MEETING OF September 8, 2017

Welcome

President Connie Tritt called the meeting to order. Herb Cole offered an invocation, calling our attention to the ten of thousands of people suffering from the storms and hurricane in Texas and Florida. Sid followed up with an appropriate thought for the day: “The world is full of takers and givers. The takers may eat better but the givers sleep better.”

Visiting Rotarians and Guests

Darlene Quenville was the always welcome “guest” of Jon Lawlis.

Announcements

• On Friday the club will meet at Cafe Soleil, 3550 San Pablo Dam Rd, El Sobrante. Directions.
• San Pablo Rotary members will help seniors with basic home maintenance work on their homes, on September 30. If you know to pound a nail and wield a paint brush, this could be a fun and satisfying way of spending a Saturday.
• The El Cerrito Rotary hosts it annual Sip and Savor Event, Sunday, October 1^st, 2:30-5:00PM. Enjoy Wine, brews, and spirits at the Berkeley Country Club, formerly Mira Vista Country Club. You can get your tickets on-line any El Cerrito Rotarian can make sure you get a ticket.  Visit the El Cerrito Rotary website for tickets, $50 each.
• The San Pablo Rotary Club invites you to join them in honoring former police chief for the City of San Pablo and fellow Rotarian, Walt Schuld. There will be a silent and a live auction, and dancing. All proceeds will go to the San Pablo Public Library. For tickets and more information, visit the event page.
• David Brown announced that thanks to the generosity of our members, our club had not only met but exceeded the goal for its $100 donation to each Peres School classroom. Great news. And thank you, David, you for leading this perennial fundraising goal.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

Rotary's Contribution to Richmond School Libraries

During his presidency, Josh Surowitz used his discretionary funds to donate hundreds of books and electronic learning software to elementary schools in Richmond. Today our members applied attractive labels (designed and produced by Alan Blavins) to the inside covers of some 400 books: “Donated by the Richmond Rotary” The work was easy and fun. It provided the opportunity to practice the technique of removing the protective backing from sticky labels. You never now when that skill will come in handy.

NEXT MEETING: September 8, 2017
Note: no meeting on Friday, September 1

Book Labeling Project

We’ll all pitch in on a hands-on project during our regular meeting time. We will attach Rotary stickers inside each of the 200+ books that were purchased for Richmond schools during President Josh’s term. There will be no speaker for this meeting.

MEETING OF August 25, 2017

Welcome

Past Pres Alan Baer filled in for Pres Connie. Felix Hunzinker lead the pledge, and Herb Cole made the invocation. Sid Chauvin’s thought for the day was “A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always rely on the support of Paul.”

Announcements

• Jerry Feagley announced that The Sip and Savor event a the Mira Vista Country Club It is sponsored by the El Cerrito Rotary Club and will be held on October 1^st, 2:30 – 5:30pm.
• Oscar Garcia announced that The Iron Triangle Residents Association will hold their Annual Community Picnic and Health Fair from on September 23, 10am-3pm. Live music from Andre Thierry and Zydeco Magic from 11am-1pm.
• David Brown said that the funding for Peres School teachers was nearly complete and before he finished talking several Rotarians stepped up and all teachers were funded. Phyllis Brown, God Rest her soul, left 10,000 in her trust to give a 1,000 a year to Peres School only after Richmond Rotary funds the teachers Project. The first 1,000 will now be on its way.

Recognitions

Happy and Sad Dollars

Norm’s Nonsense

PROGRAM

The speaker today is Meg Heinicke. Meg works with NamasteDirect an organization that provides MicroLending for women in Guatemala. Two people working here in the US, and a team of people work in Guatemala.

Women are vetted before they receive grants. The women who qualify must take a 9-month cycle of classes after they receive the $300 loan. Most people making it through 2 or 3 cycles, but those who make it through the fourth cycle usually have a strong business established.

One woman who completed the four cycles has a thriving store and hair salon, which earns about $3,000 a month. In comparison the minimum wage in Guatemala is about $1.10 an hour or about $968 a month. See www.namastedirect.org for more information.