NEXT MEETING: June 6, 2014

Building Health Equity into Public Policy

There is a growing awareness across America that good health goes well beyond the doctor’s office. Today’s presenters, Shasa Curl, Administrative Chief, and Gabino Arredondo, Health & Wellness Coordinator, with the City of Richmond, will discuss how that awareness shapes policy in our communities. The city’s leadership in working towards health equity is exemplified by the recent adoption of a Health in All Polices (HiAP) Strategy and Ordinance by the Richmond City Council.

The HiAP strategy sets a framework of collaboration within city departments as well as with community based organizations and other government agencies to address community health, equity and sustainability in Richmond. Through this lens, Health in All Policies is both a practice and destination. Health in All Policies or “healthy public policy” is based on the idea that health starts with where people live, work, learn, and play and that individual and community health is influenced by more than just individual choices.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• Late-Breaking News. In an email on June 2, Bonnie Foley communicated the following: “I am sad to tell you that Norm passed away early this morning. He had been in the hospital for about a month with liver and pancreas problems, and then got pneumonia. He was able to make the decision not to continue further treatment. He was comfortable and without pain. Will advise details on a memorial gathering later, which is difficult with our family spread out from coast to coast. Memorial contributions to Loaves & Fishes, P.O.Box 13495, Sacramento Ca 95813, or to your favorite charity providing food to families. Norm was proud of Richmond Rotary and all his fine friends.”
• Alan Baer reported that the new Rotary International president is challenging us all to invite our family members, co-workers, and neighbors to join Rotary.
• David Brown said that Rotary International dues are now due by July 1^st, no exceptions, so he asked that all members get their Club dues in so he can pay the international dues on time.
• The last-Friday-of-the-month BARSHEEP mixer was held in the late afternoon on May 30 at La Revoluccion. Plan ahead for next month.
• Mark Howe announced that there is a community garden clean up at 1^st and Nevin on June 14^th starting at 9:00 A.M. Starting at 3:00, Stoney will be doing his barbeque dinner for those who bid at the holiday auction. Anyone else who wants to come is welcome – payment will be taken at the door.
• Alan Blavins asked for volunteers for the fishing derby held on Saturday, May 31, at the San Pablo reservoir. (Update: It was a beautiful day at the reservoir. Kids had a great time even though only three fish were caught. Lots of Rotarians were on hand to assist and tell (wholesome) fish stories to anyone who would listen. And check this out. The May 30 program speaker put this story with some pictures into The Richmond Standard online newspaper.)

MEETING OF May 30, 2014

Welcome

Alan Baer welcomed everyone to the meeting. Tyler Hester led the pledge of allegiance and Stoney Stonework led us in a moment of silence for freedom, peace, and justice on earth.

Recognitions and Happy and Sad Dollars

• Joe “Swampy” Bagley announced that Ralph Hill turned 91 years young last Sunday. Happy Birthday, Ralph!
• Pam Jones’ club anniversary was May 18^th. She has been with the club for 19 years.
• Doris Mitchell also celebrated her 3-year club anniversary on May 27^th.
• David Brown had happy dollars because he is confident we will have enough to pay the international dues on time.
• Stacey Street had happy dollars because her daughter turned ten over the weekend, and because she survived the overnight birthday party with ten little girls.
• Josh Genser had happy dollars because his dog is recovering after having been bitten by a rattlesnake.
• Jim Young had happy dollars as he encouraged everyone to come hear the St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble. Fliers were on all the tables.
• Joe had sad dollars as he remembered Norm Foley, who, on Friday, was still in a coma. (See Late Breaking News in Announcements above.)
• David also noted that over the years he had looked to Norm Foley as an example of the responsible, upstanding member of the community we should all aspire to be.

PROGRAM

RichmondStandard.com: Community-Driven News

Alan Baer introduced today’s speaker, Mike Aldax, editor of the online newspaper, The Richmond Standard. Mike has 13 years of experience in journalism at various papers including the San Francisco Examiner, the Bay City News, the Napa Valley Register, and others. He is the first editor of The Richmond Standard.

Mike said The Richmond Standard was started because Chevron has been contributing to a number of programs throughout the community and wanted more media coverage for its efforts. He also noted that there are other entities in the community that would like access to media outlets for their activities. As a result, Chevron’s intention is to have The Richmond Standard be a vehicle for news not covered elsewhere. Chevron supports the endeavor financially, but The Standard serves as an outlet for news and information for the whole community, not just Chevron. Again, the purpose is to report news, events, and activities that don’t get coverage in the mainstream media. The website for The Richmond Standard is richmondstandard.com. Anyone can send newsworthy information to this e-mail address, newstips@richmondstandard.com.

In answer to questions, Mike noted that he is not constrained in terms of reporting on news that’s not being currently carried in the Contra Costa Times, etc., but was open in stating that he wouldn’t be posting reports scrutinizing Chevron or endorsing slates of candidates. The Standard is also not dependent on advertising dollars so he is not constrained in that way. The Standard will be staying out of politics and simply trying to cover news not covered elsewhere. In answer to the question, “Will this go away once Chevron gets their construction permit?”, Mike answered that he’s been told if it’s a success, it will continue indefinitely.

Lynn Martin, Roving Rotary Reporter