flywheel text

Program for Friday February 27, 2004

Rosie The Riveter

Judy Hart, Executive director of the Rosie the Riveter Park in Richmond will speak to us today.

Door Duty: Henry Covell and Loren Straughn

* * * * * * * * *

Program for Friday March 5, 2004

TBA

Door Duty: George Egan and

* * * * * * * * *
Program of February 13, 2004

Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia

Director Mark Howe introduced guest speaker CCC Supervisor John Gioia. John started his remarks with the lament that the State of California is becoming increasingly ungovernable. There are many factors involved, and just as many good studies and commission recommendations on how to correct California's structural problems - but the solutions are sitting on a shelf collecting dust. John feels it is time to do something, and that there is a growing movement in this direction.

The plight of Doctor's Hospital is of great concern to John, as it should be to all of us. Though Richmond desperately needs an emergency care facility at that location, the decision about where health care will be provided is in the hands of four private health organizations, not the community. One-half of the County budget is for public health. And 90% of the County budget comes from local property taxes. Tenet was able to make a profit for several years after it took over Doctor's Hospital, but has been losing recently. Profitability was lost due to two factors: Kaiser Richmond opened its doors, taking Tenet patients; and Tenet was caught overcharging nationwide, including in CCC - when that was corrected, local revenues went down. The County Supervisors are looking at a handful of solutions, all of which will result in a reduction in service. John was hinting that another parcel tax may be the best solution to correct the structural loss problems at Doctors to keep at least the emergency room open.

John is a strong supporter of Measure J, the parcel tax to raise $7 ½ million for the WCCC School District. John commented that nothing improves a community and property values more than a good school system, and in this era, schools must be supported with local financing to succeed. Measure J monies would be directed at what goes on in the school - teacher pay, reduce class size, improve teacher resources. And it expires in 5 years. A homeowner with a 2000 sq ft house would be charged $136/year under Measure J. (Unfortunately, neither the School District nor the Assessors Office have defined how the measure would impact Richmond industry taxes, which as muted support from that sector).

John also discussed the Richmond Landfill/Transfer Station, and Measure L known as the Big Box Store measure. He supports using the landfill location for the Transfer Station, and provided a good explanation of the financial concerns any local government must have when Wal-Mart comes, or attempts to come, to town.   Supervisor Gioia speaks directly about the issues and continues to be a leader on the Board of Supervisors. It was a pleasure to have him with us.

Important Dates
03/03/04 Board Mtg: 12 Noon - 125 Park Pl. Pt Richmond
03/05/04 Read Across America at Peres 1:30pm - 2:40pm
03/11/04 Environmental Detectives at LHS 5:00 - 7;00 pm
04/13/04 Board Mtg: 12 Noon - 125 Park Pl. Pt Richmond
05/05/04 Board Mtg: 12 Noon - 125 Park Pl. Pt Richmond
06/04/04 D-Day meeting on The Red Oak Victory
06/09/04 Board Mtg: 12 Noon - 125 Park Pl. Pt Richmond

Upcoming Speakers

Door Duty Reminder
03/12/04 Daniel Ercolini and Ted Smith
03/19/04 Charles Fender and Diana Becton Smith
03/26/04 Michael Fenley and Hans Shaper
03/28/03 Barry Gordon and Daniel Sanders
04/02/04 Elof Granberg and Werner Schwarz

Where to Make Up
San Rafael   Monday       12:15 Seafood Peddler
Albany        Tuesday       12:30 Mira Vista G&CC
El Sobrante Tuesday       12:15 Joe's of El Sobrante
Berkeley     Wednesday   12:15 His Lordships
Hercules     Wednesday    7:15 am Hercules Senior Center
San Pablo   Wednesday 12:15 San Pablo Casino
El Cerrito    Thursday       12:15 Mira Vista G&CC
Pinole         Thursday      12:30 Outback Steak House
Vallejo        Thursday      12:15 World Holiday Inn

`
Last Week
Prez Stoney, now entering the home stretch of his presidential tour of duty, opened the meeting with a silent prayer for freedom and peace on earth. Visiting Past President Joe Bagley led the Pledge. The Prez gave the Thought for the Day from the dictionary: God grants liberty only to those who have it, and are always ready to defend it - Daniel Webster 1782-1852.

Visiting Rotarians

Rotarians With Guests
Don Hardison's guest was his partner for the last 6 decades, Betty Hardison.

Sunshine Report
David K was very happy to report absolutely nothing in his Sunshine Report.

Recognitions

Announcements
Paul Hodgen needs for volunteers for several Peres Events:
1. Read Across America / Dr Suess's Bday
Friday, March 5th (1:30 - 2:40 PM) - we will have to sneak out of our Rotary meeting a little early. Don't pass up the chance to see one of our own as "the Cat in the Hat
2. Lawrence Hall Of Science
Environmental Detectives Festival
* Thursday March 11th (5:00 to 7:00 PM)

See Doreen Covell for tickets to Pinole Rotary's fund raising event for their Centennial Project, Bocce Ball Courts. Bada Bing! will be a night of Cioppino, live music and dancing on February 26 at the Pinole Senior Center.

Happy/Sad$$$
Prez Stoney went to his wallet to welcome Joe Bagley to the meeting. Josh Genser is the proud new owner of a building in town, even if he is partners with the Prez - Jon Lawlis welcomed them aboard with the comment "Hey Suckers!". Dave Brown put green in the box because in one week he will be drinking Erle Brown's booze in Puerto Vallarta. George Egan had to take a break from tax time to visit George W. at Daytona. Jim Young reports his   father-in-law was delighted to learn how much his pictures raised at the Holiday Auction, and contributed another $250 to Polio Plus. Judy Morgan is happy to have 400 guests signed up for the Chamber of Commerce Crab Feed. Joe Bagley is back in high form now that his daughter is living in Hermosa Beach and is actually employed. Charlie Fender is always in a good mood after Stanford beats USC, especially when Vice President Herb is in the room.

Who Am I.
The Prez coaxed Bob Dabney into giving his Who Am I. Bob grew up and graduated from college in Ohio, where they also made the mistake of graduating our Prez. Bob attended Central State University, later taught at Temple, and then left academia for a government job. Working for the Air Force, Bob lived in Ankara, Turkey for 3 ½ years, followed by tours in Germany and France. Returning to academia, he was an Associate Dean at Laney College in Oakland, and later a Dean in the Contra Costa College District. Bob is now both retired and a consultant, and continues to travel "as long as he can continue to keep his wife working". Thanks for the humorous presentation Bob, and welcome to Richmond Rotary.

Raffle
You can't make-up things like this - Herb's better half won the ticket draw last week. This week Herb sells the tickets, gets our guest of honor to pull HIS ticket, and wins the coveted ORANGE BALL.   Congratulations Herb!

Semper Paratus