Yearly Archives: 2018
NEXT MEETING: May 4, 2018Richmond's First MultiCultural Bookstore for Kids
Tamara Shiloh set out to change that. Stocked with books that reflect African American, Latino, Asian, Native American, and Middle Eastern cultures, she established the Multicultural Bookstore, which offers a welcome resource to the families of our area. The bookstore is located at 2325 Hilltop Mall (2nd floor between Zumiez and Macy’s). Tamarah will tell us about her experience in turning this great idea into a great place to bring kids. MEETING OF April 27, 2018WelcomePast President Josh Surowitz welcomed the group at Cafe Soleil. Oscar Garcia led the Pledge; Herb Cole led the invocation with a prayer for peace, freedom and justice on Earth. Sid Chauvin’s Thought for the Day…”My wife and I were happy for 20 years, then we met!” Josh Surowitz and Tom Butt both welcomed the Japanese Delegation from our Sister City, Shimada, Japan. Tadashi Manya, the Deputy Mayor of Shimada, had a few words to share with the Rotary Club. He views Richmond as his second hometown. It was back in 1961 when Richmond, CA and Shimada, Japan become Sister Cities, 57 years have passed since then. Over 500 Richmond Friends have experienced Japan’s culture and stayed with Japanese families or in hotels. There are five Richmond Friendship student guests coming to Japan in June. Shimada Rotarians are looking forward to meeting the new Richmond Friends. The delegation handed out a flyer for the Shimada Big Festival “Obi Festival”, which will be held on three days in October, 2019. Visiting Rotarians and GuestsA long list of visitors today! They fall into 2 categories. All were enthusiastically welcomed.
AnnouncementsSecond Annual RotaCare Bowl-A-Thon, will take place Saturday, May 12, 2018, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Albany Bowl. All proceeds will benefit RotaCare (Richmond). Jon and Darlene and Pam and Neville are planning to attend. We need Club Members to support our team with per-pin pledges and/or fixed-amount pledges. Please send your donation to Richmond Rotary with Bowl-A-Thon noted on the check to David Brown, Treasurer. RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAM
Jim Becker introduced Deb Dyer, the Executive Director of NIAD. NIAD used to be known as the National Institute for Artists with Disabilities but over 4 years ago changed the name to NIAD, Nurturing Independence through Artistic Development. It was founded in 1982 by Elias Katz and his wife, Florence Katz. Deb Dyer has been working with the organization for over 8-1/2 years and is amazed at the quality of the art produced by these wonderful artists. She thanked Richmond Rotary for all their support over the years. NIAD has been in its current location on 23rd Street for 30 years. It’s a place where people learn to make choices and grow. It has many art exhibitions and over 5,000 pieces currently on the web, ranging in price from $5 to $7,000. It currently works with 65 adults each week. The artists earn 50% commission on art sold. The artists are taken to museums, galleries, studios to see contemporary art and take this experience back to the center. The exhibitions change each month. There are 6 – 7 outside curators who choose what will be shown. Digital online viewing is done weekly with the outside curators. The artists are found through the Regional Center. Program fees and grants represent 60% of their budget. $300,000 of their budget needs to be raised from outside sources. $100,000 of art has been sold over the past 3 – 4 years. Richmond has an amazing connection to the art world within a two-block area. At NIAD, they have what’s being exhibited but also a record of what each artist has done before in their files. They currently have 6,000 pieces in the building, worth approximately $1.7 million. These artists learn so much through the process of making and creating art and are so very proud of their work! Deb loves seeing the smiles of pride! Rotating Scribe Darlene Quenville |
NEXT MEETING: April 27, 2018
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NEXT MEETING: April 20, 2018A 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, 2018WelcomePresident 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 GuestsHerb Cole introduced his guest Phil McAdams, who came specifically to ask Tom Butt to come speak at his Sons in Retirement Club. Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMPoint Molate UpdateSince 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, 2018Riggers 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, 2018WelcomeConnie 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 GuestsJoining us today were Dr. Pate Thomson from Berkeley Rotary and Aaron Gobler from Albany Rotary. Announcements
RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMWCCUSD 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, Darlene Drapkin, “Rotating Editor” | ||
NEXT MEETING: April 6, 2018WCCCUSD 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, 2018WelcomeOn 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 RotariansJim Brandt from the Alamo Club was our guest today. AnnouncementsRic 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. RecognitionsHappy and Sad DollarsNorm’s NonsensePROGRAMTYM - 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 |
It’s easy to find good books, right? Well, if you’re looking for children’s book, not right. Browsing isn’t exactly easy on Internet, and our local bookstores don’t necessarily stock books that reflect the diverse backgrounds of our community’s kids.
