Author: andres@davidperry.com

Tech and sustainability leaders convene in Richmond, CA

WHEN:
October 20-22, 2015

WHERE:
The Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbor Way South, Richmond, CA 94804

WHAT:
Meeting of the Minds is an annual, global leadership summit focused on the intersection of urban sustainability and connected technology. The conference is vital to accelerating the emergence of smart and sustainable cities around the globe.

Meeting of the Minds brings together select leaders from the world’s most innovative organizations to explore strategic investments, smart policies and breakthrough technological innovations – all designed to enable cities and regions to better respond to increasingly complex urban planning, design, technology and development challenges.

More info: CityMinded.org/events/motm2015

On-Site Announcements and Demos:

– The new Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle will be on display and available for Ride & Drives for the first time during its official launch week.

– Richmond’s first ever Hackathon: Hear from the top three Meeting of the Minds 2015 Civic and Industrial Hackathon teams and be there when the winners are announced; $5,000 cash prize for the top Civic team provided by Qualcomm; $5,000 grant provided by AT&T to a local Richmond non-profit to be announced on stage

– Be the first to see real-time monitoring and management of solar photovoltaic generation using Itron’s newest application for the ITRON RIVA(™) platform — the Itron Solar Gate prototype – at DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Labs’ FLEXLAB.

More than 400 global innovators, including government officials, corporate executives, and foundation/NGO leaders from 25 countries will gather in Richmond to discuss and launch new initiatives, while exploring answers to the following questions.

– What technology innovations are making ‘smart cities’ a reality?

– What can the Global North learn from the success of BRT in the Global South?

– What is the future of the autonomous vehicle?

– What policies are city leaders adopting to make their communities more equitable and inclusive?

– How do cities prepare for severe weather, climate change, and sea level rise?

– What new financing models exist?

– How do we prepare the next urban workforce?

– How are urban systems being reinvented by young start-ups?

– What cross-sector bridges are being built to accelerate the move toward sustainable, connected and just cities?

A sampling of sessions include:

– Local Answers for Under-Resourced Cities – The Future of Partnerships, Pro Bono and Service-Based Innovation

– Sharing the Road: BRT & Global South Urban Mobility

– Are We There Yet? Getting Farther Down the Road to the Smart City

– The Water and Drought Crisis: Learning from Abroad

– Crowdsourcing and Crowdfunding 2.0: Reinventing Urban Systems

The full Meeting schedule is outlined at: CityMinded.org/agenda

Who:

The following is a sample of the 75 global leaders who will present a “rethinking” of the economic, social and technological developments that are shaping our urban future:

– Rosalind Grymes, Deputy Director, NASA Ames Partnerships Directorate

– Rip Rapson, President, The Kresge Foundation

– Letícia Osorio, Human Rights Programme Officer, The Ford Foundation (Brazil)

– Juan Carlos Muñoz, Director of the Department of Transport Engineering and Logistics, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (Santiago)

– Rosetta Carrington Lue, Chief Customer Service Officer, City of Philadelphia

Confirmed speakers are listed at: CityMinded.org/speakers

Additional Background: The program’s organizer is Urban Age Institute, a 501c(3) non-profit based in San Francisco. Urban Age Institute partners with renowned, high-impact non-profit institutions to develop the program.

Sponsors include: Presenting sponsor is Toyota, Cisco, the Barr Foundation, RBC Capital Markets, the Barr Foundation, the Kresge Foundation, Itron, Wells Fargo, Black & Veatch, Microsoft, Blossman Gas, Volvo Research and Educational Foundation, Qualcomm, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, CBRE Group, Inc., Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Oracle Primavera, AT&T, Zipcar, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, the Downtown Berkeley Association, the City of Berkeley Office of Economic Development, Marin Clean Energy, Lyft, Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, Noll & Tam Architects, Cubic Transportation Systems, and Deloitte.

Contact:
Jessie Feller Hahn
Executive Director
Meeting of the Minds
Office/Cell: 415-233-1008
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Cancer Warrior Suzanne Agasi Takes on 007

Be Bond! Casino Night & Charity Auction Saturday,
November 7th, 7pm at San Jose’s GlassHouse
100% of proceeds go to the new nonprofit: Registry for a Cause

Media Contact: David Perry
415.693.0583
news@davidperry.com

16 October 2015 – San Francisco, CA: Ursula Andrews and Jill St. John have nothing on Suzanne Agasi. The 44 year old Bay Area native joins a long and sultry list of 007 legends as the latest “Bond Girl”….with a twist. Less than six months after discovering her own breast cancer and undergoing a radical double mastectomy, Agasi is turning her diagnosis into charity with the Be Bond! Casino Night & Charity Auction at San Jose’s spy-chic GlassHouse (2 S. Market Street) on Saturday, November 7: 7pm ’til midnight. 100% of proceeds from the event go to the nonprofit Registry for a Cause (RegistryForACause.org). The event is co-sponsored by Chrysalis Connections. Registration is $100 per person and can be purchased online at: BeBond/eventbrite.com

“When I was diagnosed with aggressive Stage III breast cancer on June 1st, I shared the news with close friends and family, and received an overwhelming amount of offers to help,” says Agasi who is currently undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy between now and the holidays, plus other aggressive treatments following removal of both breasts. In 2016, six weeks of radiation on her lymph nodes and reconstructive surgery will follow. “My very personal journey gave me the idea for Registry for a Cause.org”

Set up similarly to an online wedding registry, RegistryForACause.org will allow those in need to specify what they want or wish to receive: flowers, acupuncture, vitamins, maid service, dog walking, homemade chicken soup, whatever friends or loved ones opt to select. Additionally, the site contains a calendar and photo sharing application that integrates with Facebook and other online contact lists.

“I was overwhelmed when I got my diagnosis,” recalls Agasi. “I did not know at that moment what I needed, and needs change daily depending on one’s prognosis. However, one quickly realizes all the ways that those who love you can help, and it’s not always financial. Some have time. Some have money. But they can’t read minds. I learned that dealing with crisis, illness, and recovery is something very personal; so everyone’s situation and needs are unique to them. Registry for a Cause takes the guesswork out of helping a loved one in need.

Turning work into good actions is not new to Agasi, a well-known presence and fashion maven advocate throughout California having hosted nearly 300 Clothing Swap parties and various other charitable events to benefit breast cancer awareness, abused women’s shelters such as La Casa de las Madres, San Francisco Firefighter Toy Program, St. Luke’s Hospital Women’s Cardiovasular Unit. Suzanne tirelessly trained and fundraised as a cyclist in four consecutive AIDS LifeCycles, hosting Fashion Show Galas for the cause. Over the last 20 years, she has personally raised more than $100,000 for local charities.

“I’m going to fight cancer with a smile, and this new nonprofit will help others get through challenging times dealing with crisis as well,” she says in her usually upbeat way. “October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I had volunteered at the Catwalk for a Cure event for Sutter Santa Rosa for several years, prior to my cancer diagnosis. This year, Sukie Gill, their event planner, invited me to be a model in this year’s Catwalk Fashion Show. This was where I ‘came out’ and decided to share my story to help others. I hope to be on the ‘Survivor Stage’ at next year’s 14th Annual Catwalk for a Cure. ”

The Be Bond Casino Night & Charity Auction takes place from 7pm ’til Midnight on Saturday, November 7 at San Jose’s GlassHouse event venue at 2 S. Market Street. The$100 per person registration includes:

$100 in gaming chips (use your winnings to bid on auction items)
Welcome glass of Bubbly
Open Bar: 7pm – 9pm
Gourmet hors d’oeuvres
Silent & Live Auction featuring Wine, Art, Lodging, Travel, Date with Bond Girl or Bond Guy
Dancing ’til late

Recent media coverage of Suzanne’s story:
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/specialsections/4560846181/catwalkforacurekicks

About Registry for a Cause:

RegistryForACause.org is creating a detailed website wherein those in need (crisis such as cancer, injury, wounded warriors, etc) as well as happy events (adoption, pregnancy, etc ) can specify specific ways in which loved ones can assist. From simple requests such as walking their dog and cleaning their home, to transportation and needed items. How many times have we said to someone “How can I help?” On the other end of that, is someone we love, that is overwhelmed and in need, but often too stoic or too proud to truly let you know. This site guides them and lets them truly communicate their needs to family, friend and loved ones while also providing a calendar and updates to their situation. Sponsorship inquiries or to donate an auction item or package, can be sent to: registryforacause@gmail.com [widgetkit id=26]

You are invited…

WHO:
The Richmond Convention & Visotors Bureau

WHAT:
Hosts a Media Reception to launch its
“Richmond: Poised for the Present” Campaign

WHERE:
Assemble Restaurant at Craneway Pavilion
1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA

WHEN:
Tuesday, October 20: 4pm – 6pm *
* FREE shuttle service to-and-from Richmond BART;
also free onsite parking

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

www.visitrichmondca.com

Richmond is poised for the present. With a strong local labor force, more public access to San Francisco Bay than any city in the area, a warm temperate climate a burgeoning business and cultural sector, Richmond is poised for the present. Selected as the host city for this year’s prestigious Meeting of the Minds national conference, Richmond has much to offer. Whether the quaint small-town charm of Point Richmond with its charming Hotel Mac, the spectacular hiking and biking of the Richmond waterfront, the vibrant nightlife and cuisine of Richmond Mainstreet or the historic Rosie the Riveter National Park Museum and the WWII vintage Red Oak Victory museum ship, Richmond is a city with a powerful potential — in 2017 linked to the rest of the Bay by direct ferry service from the historic Craneway Pavilion. Free parking is available and also to the Meeting of the Minds opening event.

Established as a 501c-6 tourism business improvement district established in 2004, the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau is the destination marketing organization for the City of Richmond, California.

Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau Falls Into Culture

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

www.visitrichmondca.com

1 October 2015 — Richmond, CA: The end of baseball, the beginning of football and Halloween are all the trademarks of October, plus a lot of outdoor and entertainment experiences highlighted this month by the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.visitrichmondca.com).

“Fall is the perfect time to visit Richmond for family fun, ” said Beth Javens, Executive Director at Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau. “As any local knows, October is ‘our summer’ and the perfect time – and weather – to experience what Richmond has to offer.”

More city-wide autumn events in Richmond: In addition to the every-day activities along Richmond’s trails and waterfront, there are several special events taking place throughout the city this month:

Saturday, October 3, 11am – 5pm: 12th Annual Shoreline Festival at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park. www.northrichmondshoreline.org

Friday, October 9, 7:30pm: Point Richmond Acoustic Kicks off season with Reid Jamieson and Carolyn Mill. www.pointaccoustic.org

Saturday, October 10, 11am – 5pm : Celebrate National Chess Day with a Community Chess Tournament at Hilltop Mall beginning at 1pm Pre-registratio is encouraged and chess sets are provided. For more information email: thewestcoastchessalliance@gmail.com

Saturday, October 10, 8:30am – 3pm. Boat to Brooks Island from 8:30am-with East Bay Regional Parks. reservations required. www.ebparks.org

Saturday, October 10, 9:30am – 1:30pm. Miller Knox Shoreline Kayaking with East Bay Regional Parks. Registration required. www.ebparks.org

Saturday, October 10. 9th Annual Homefront Festival by the Bay October 10th at Marina Bay Park and additional sites around town. www.homefrontfestival.wordpress.com

Sunday. October 11, 2pm – 5pm: Bike To Assemble Restaurant! group bike-a-thon: sponsored by East Bay Regional Park District, www.assemblerestaurant.com

Saturday, October 17, 11am – 5pm. 6th Annual Picnic in the Point in Historic Point Richmond sponsored by Point Richmond Business Association. For info call (510) 710-4621

Saturday, October 24, 1pm – 3pm: The Richmond Art Center, the East Bay’s premier venue for culture and arts education hosts Skeletonfest whereby the whole family is invited to make sugar skulls, screen print a T-shirt or flag (bring your own clothing or fabric), enjoy the Dia de Muertos decor and snacks throughout the Art Center. Make pom-pom skulls and eyeballs with artist, Dawn Gonzalez. www.assemblerestaurant.com

Sunday, October 25, 5:30pm: Point Richmond Jazz featuring Carlos Reyes. www.prjazz.org

Established as a 501c-6 tourism business improvement district established in 2004, the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau is the destination marketing organization for the City of Richmond, California.

Historic Victor Arnautoff Mural Re-Discovered Richmond Museum of History

Lost Artwork by WPA Artist and Diego Rivera Protégé Found in Basement of Richmond Post Office after 40 Years in Storage

Nathan Zakheim, Son of Artist Bernard Zakheim Who Escaped Nazis, Tucked Away Artwork in 1976

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

www.visitrichmondca.com

29 September 2015 — Richmond, CA: Call it Indiana Jones meets the WPA. This week, an historic piece of Richmond’s cultural heritage by noted artist Victor Arnautoff, a protégé of Diego Rivera, thought lost to the ages, will be carefully unrolled at the Richmond Museum of History (www.richmondmuseum.org). Rediscovered earlier this month, the mural portraying pre-WWII Richmond, will undergo several months of delicate restoration following almost 40 years under wraps. For decades prominently displayed in the main branch of the Richmond Post Office, the mural was packed away and forgotten in 1976 by Nathan Zakheim, son of artist Bernard Zakheim, a friend and colleague of both Arnautoff and Rivera.

“This is a proud moment for Richmond, ” said Beth Javens, Executive Director of the Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau who has been working behind the scenes to secure the mural’s restoration and re-exhibition. “This is exactly the sort of project we were designed to support, highlight and celebrate. Our hats are off to the Richmond Museum and everyone involved in this effort. ”

The latest chapter in the mural’s history began In October 2014 when Richmond Museum of History Director Melinda McCrary was chatting with the Fran Cappelletti, volunteer librarian for the Ross Historical Society. Cappelletti, originally from Richmond and a self-described “huge WPA era art enthusiast”, told McCrary about a mural, supposedly by “a famous artist” and now lost, that used to grace the walls of the Richmond Post Office.

“The conversation piqued my interest,” recalls McCrary. “I just had a feeling that we were onto something big. ”

After making inquires with her board president, John Ziesenhenne, she was put in touch with the former Richmond postmaster, Al Martinez, who in turn put her in touch with a janitor, Earic Bohanon, who worked at the post office.

“Earic went poking around the basement and found a huge crate in a room with no lights,” says McCrary. “The crate was clearly marked as the mural packed by Nathan Zakheim in October 1976. ”

“The United States Postal Services is extremely proud to be able to make this piece of history available to the people of Richmond, ” said Augustine ‘Gus’ Ruiz from the USPS. After its restoration, the mural will be on long term loan to the Richmond Museum of History.

Arnautoff, who was faculty at Stanford and worked under Diego Rivera, was also a primary artist on San Francisco’s Coit Tower, internationally famed for its priceless WPA era murals. Arnautoff was commissioned to paint five post office murals throughout the United States. Besides the recently rediscovered Richmond: The Industrial City mural, Arnautoff’s sister murals from the commission can still be seen in South San Francisco at the George Washington High School, at the Pacific Grove Post Office and at the Linden, Texas Post Office. The location of the fifth mural, originally in the Linden, Texas Post Office, is unknown.

An interesting and moving side-note to this story was the friendship between Arnautoff and his fellow artist, Bernard Zakheim. In the 1920s, Zakheim escaped anti-Jewish discrimination in Poland and immigrated to San Francisco where he eventually found work, along with Arnautoff and Rivera, on the Coit Tower project.

“Zakheim begged his family to join him, ” says McCrary. “However, they refused. All of them were killed during the Holocaust. To find out that Zakehim’s son, Nathan, was the person who helped save this piece of history was incredibly moving. ”

The Richmond Museum of History is a 501c3 nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of Richmond and the surrounding era. Housed in the landmark architectural jewel of the 1910-built Carnegie Library, the Richmond Museum of History is one of the oldest organizations dedicated to preserving local history in west county.

“My motto for the museum is a ‘Proud Past and Proud Present for a Proud Future’,” said McCrary. “This mural is yet another example of our mission because it shows that extraordinary things can be accomplished by ordinary people right here where we live.”

Restoration of the mural is expected to take several months with McCrary hoping to display the artwork by year’s end.