Tony Hawk: Rad Science exhibition premieres May 26 at the Lawrence Hall of Science

On Saturday, June 2 World-Class Skateboarders Display Gravity-Defying Stunts Showing Physics in Action

www.lawrencehallofscience.org

4 May 2012 – Berkeley, CA: If you shred it, they will come. That’s the theory – physics theory – behind the Tony Hawk: Rad Science Exhibit coming to UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science beginning May 26 which answers the question: How can a visit to a local skatepark demonstrate important physics principles? On Saturday, June 2, the world’s most famous skateboarder and exhibit namesake, Tony Hawk, brings the gravity defying answer to Berkeley in a free open-to-the public tag-team demonstration with Berkeley physics professor Joel Fajans.

“Tony Hawk is famous for skateboarding, and UC Berkeley is famous for science,” said Gretchen Walker, Associate Director of the Lawrence Hall of Science “This is a great match, like centripetal force to a kickflip.”

At the opening event on June 2nd, Hawk, along with other professional skateboarders, will perform an exciting demonstration on a specially designed vertical skate ramp set up just outside The Hall. There will be a DJ and a fun skate vibe, but rather than the usual sports commentary, professor Fajans will provide insights into how physics is being applied.

“Physics relates to everything that we do,” said Fajans. “This cool new exhibition shows how a visit to a local skatepark can demonstrate important physics principles.”

The Rad Science exhibition will allow visitors to put themselves into the role of skateboarders and scientists as they explore over 25 interactive experiences including:

Bodacious Board Balance

Ride stationary skateboards designed to test your balance in classic tricks like “grinding” and “manuals” on the safety of a padded surface.

Newton’s Pool – Go inside an empty swimming pool to experiment with the laws of motion and see how a pool’s unique characteristics created the origin of extreme skateboarding.

Skateboard Evolution – See skateboard designs from the first in 1962 through today and learn how physics has driven the evolution of decks, wheels, and axles.

Tony’s 900 Vert Theatre – Take a trip back in time to witness the first time Tony Hawk ever preformed the 900 (2.5 revolutions in mid air)

Wipeout Ambulance – See how inventions like helmets, kneepads, and wrist guards have helped dissipate the extreme forces of a wipeout.

Tony Hawk: Rad Science is created by Las Vegas based Exhibit IQ. The exhibition is designed to bring important science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) principles to life with an authentic skate culture design and hands-on activities that show science at work.

The exhibit runs at the Lawrence Hall of Science from May 26 through September 3, 2012, and is sponsored in part by Scholarshare. The Hall is open daily from 10 :00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and general admission is $6-12. Children under 3, members, and UC Berkeley students and staff receive complimentary admission.

The opening event is on June 2nd at 1:00 p.m. Tickets for the event include admission to the exhibition and are $20, kids under 3 are free. Tickets for members and UC Berkeley staff and students are $7.00. Event capacity and parking is limited and advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended.

Special opportunities for press photography and video will be available for the hour before and during the June 2nd demonstration and time will be allotted for Q&A with Tony Hawk, Joel Fajans, and leaders from the Lawrence Hall of Science and Exhibit IQ.

Visitors are encouraged to share in excitement of the event through social media using hash tag #radscience, and the Hall will be partnering with Veetle to share live footage of the event online and on monitors around the Hall and inside their auditorium.

For more information: www.lawrencehallofscience.org, www.facebook.com/lawrencehallofscience twitter@berkeleyscience / #radscience 510-642-5132.

Troy Campbell Named Executive Director of Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District

www.visitfishermanswharf.com

1 May 2012, San Francisco, CA: The Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District (www.visitfishermanswharf.com) announces the appointment of Troy Campbell as the organization’s new Executive Director. In that role, he will oversee the administration of the CBD and work collaboratively with the Board and members to meet the goals of the CBD.

“I am extremely honored that the Board of Directors has entrusted me to help them reach their goals, protect their interests and represent an area so important to the economy of San Francisco,” said Campbell, “Especially with the upcoming Golden Gate Bridge 75th commemorations, Fleet Week, the Port’s 150th anniversary and, of course, America’s Cup, more than ever Fisherman’s Wharf is at the very center of San Francisco’s business community.”

“Troy has been an invaluable part of the Fisherman’s Wharf family for several years,” said FWCBD Board president David Berbey of Cioppino’s Restaurant. “We are delighted to have watched him rise through the ranks and now take on a full leadership position.”

As manager of the Fisherman’s Wharf CBD for the last two years, Campbell helped run the organization, plan its marketing and public relations strategies, oversee community relations and established the CBD’s robust Internet and social media presence. Prior to his work with the CBD, Campbell worked in the tourism industry, with other non-profits, ran his own freelance company, worked as a Park Ranger for the National Park Service and has a background in law enforcement as well.

The Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District was founded in November of 2005 by neighborhood business and property owners. The district is funded through an annual assessment for 15 years from the property owners. In May 2006, the FWCBD received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS, which allows the organization to apply for federal, state and locally funded grants, as well as to seek sponsorships from companies with a philanthropic division.

The Fisherman’s Wharf CBD serves businesses and residents in an area that extends from Van Ness Ave. to the Embarcadero and from Bay Street to the Fisherman’s Wharf waterfront. In December of 2006 the Fisherman’s Wharf CBD formed the portside business-based Community Benefit District, which focuses on businesses and attractions along the waterfront, from the Hyde Street Pier to the Embarcadero and North Point Street. With the strength of both the land and portside CBD’s, the Wharf community develops marketing, security, urban planning, signage, and emergency preparedness programs for the district. The Community Benefit District has also served as a catalyst for unification of Fisherman’s Wharf constituents to support a positive change to their San Francisco neighborhood, one of the city’s top tourist attractions. As such, it works in close association with The Fisherman’s Wharf Merchants Association, an organization that for more than 60 years has represented members from businesses in the Wharf community.

The mission of the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District is to preserve and enhance its vast San Francisco waterfront landscape and multi-cultural heritage, while integrating modern efficiencies to enrich the experience of visitors from both near and far through: Market Research; Brand and Destination Marketing; Sidewalk Operations, Beautification and Order; Traffic and Urban Planning; and Emergency Preparedness.

For more information visit www.visitfishermanswharf.com

Fisherman’s Wharf Touts Eco Awareness for Earth Day

Highlights Include 4th Annual “Ghirardelli Goes Green”

Saturday, April 21: 1pm – 5pm

www.visitfishermanswharf.com

20 April 2012 – San Francisco, CA: A healthy environment is key to the lifeblood of Fisherman’s Wharf and the people who enjoy its many attractions. This year, the “G” in Ghirardelli Square goes Green for Earth Day at the 4th Annual Ghirardelli Goes Green on Saturday, April 21, 2012, from 1pm to 5pm at Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point Street, San Francisco. Ghirardelli Goes Green is a free, family-friendly event that offers tips for “greening” everyday home life through entertainment, food, and green-themed activities. This year’s annual event at Ghirardelli Square includes sustainable cooking classes, live music from local artists, and eye-opening presentations by local vendors sharing fun facts on how to live “green.” Kids can meet the event’s plastic bag-clad educational mascot, the “Bag Monster,” courtesy of Chico Bags. In celebration of Earth Day, the “G” in Ghirardelli Square’s famous sign will be lit green with LED lamps donated by Ford Light, Inc. For more information, visit www.GhirardelliSq.com or www.visitfishermanswharf.com

Kermit the Frog used to sing: “It’s not easy being green,” and Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District aims to prove him wrong, celebrating Earth Day all year long with sustainable practices and a Zero Waste Business Initiative, identifying ways to reduce energy consumption, increase recycling and organics collection, and minimize waste throughout the district.

“As the center of San Francisco’s historic fishing and crabbing fleet, we have always understood the importance of sustainable business practices,” says FWCBD interim executive director Troy Campbell. “In Fisherman’s Wharf, every day is Earth Day.”

Zero Waste is a materials management strategy that aims to eliminate waste through all stages of a product’s life — from extraction, production, and manufacturing through its sale, use, discard, and collection — with a focus on reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting. In accordance with San Francisco’s mandating Zero Waste resolution by 2020 and mandatory recycling and composting initiative, Fisherman’s Wharf CBD strives to make the area a zero waste zone by 2017. By organizing and unifying the residents, retailers, restaurants, landowners, tourist destinations, special events, and fishing industry, the FWCBD has reached out to over 60 businesses to disseminate information and training on zero waste practices, increase organics and recycling collection, and embrace green purchasing practices. For Earth Day, the FWCBD has launched an initiative for businesses to formally commit to the Zero Waste Business Principles that include: achieving zero waste diversion to landfill and incinerators; recovering the highest and best use of discarded products and packaging; assuming responsibility for post-consumer management of the District’s products and packaging; avoiding products and practices that are wasteful or toxic; using products that are reusable, recyclable or compostable; preventing pollution, and minimizing the use of natural resources. It is the goal to have all businesses adhere to the principles to help transform the area into a zero waste zone. In November of 2010, the FWCBD received a zero waste grant from SF Environment to help achieve these goals and is currently working with SF Environment, Recology, the Port of San Francisco, and local businesses to support the zero waste efforts.

For more information on these and other sustainable environmental initiatives at Fisherman’s Wharf, go to www.visitfishermanswharf.com

MEDIA ADVISORY: Request for onsite coverage – Thursday, April 12: 6pm-9pm

The Chinese Historical Society of America Museum opens its new exhibition

Thursday, April 12 – 6pm ‘til 9pm

www.chsa.org
WHAT:
Remnants: Artists Respond to the Chinese American Experience

This year, the Year of the Dragon 2012, the Chinese Historical Society of America revitalizes its museum with an infusion of art. CHSA has reached out to its artistic community to create works that interpret and respond to the themes presented in its history galleries. The first of these art installations, Remnants: Artists Respond to the Chinese American Experience, includes five artists whose works focus on personal narrative, memory and family – concepts that characterize Chinese America. The exhibition, on view April 12 through December 15, 2012, features works by Nancy Hom, Michael Jang, Lenora Lee, Cynthia Tom, and Flo Oy Wong. Remnants debuts with an opening reception on Thursday, April 12, 6pm to 9pm at the CHSA Museum, 965 Clay Street, San Francisco.

“The inauguration of the Remnants exhibition signals a new creative approach for our exhibition program,” says CHSA executive director Sue Lee. “We are always looking for ways to offer our visitors a deeper understanding of the Chinese American experience.”

The centerpiece of Remnants is a site-specific installation of the set from the performance “Passages” by Lenora Lee Dance. A powerful portrayal of the journey endured by Lee’s grandmother through Angel Island and into American life, “Passages” presents a memorable narrative through stunning visuals. Works by Nancy Hom, Cynthia Tom, and Flo Oy Wong further explore themes of family and remembrance using a range of artistic expression, bearing unique witness to Chinese American history.

On Saturday, April 14, at 1pm, the CHSA Second Saturday program provides a deeper look into the installation “Passages: For Lee Ping To” with a performance by Lenora Lee Dance, and discussion with artist Lenora Lee (Free with Museum admission.) An Artists’ Q&A panel expanding on themes in the exhibition will be scheduled in June (TBA).

Founded in 1963, CHSA is the oldest and largest organization in the country dedicated to the documentation, study, and presentation of Chinese American history. In 2011, CHSA celebrates the 10th anniversary of its opening at the landmark Julia Morgan-designed Chinatown YWCA building in 2001. Through exhibitions, publications, and educational, public programming, CHSA promotes the contributions and legacy of Chinese America. The Chinese Historical Society of America is located at 965 Clay Street, San Francisco, 94108. Museum hours are Tuesday-Friday 12-5pm, and Saturdays 11am to 4pm. (Closed Sunday, Monday, and Holidays.) Admission to the museum is $5 for adults, $3 for students/seniors, $2 for children 6-17. The museum is free the first Thursday of the month. Further information on these and other programs at CHSA is available by calling (415) 391-1188 x101, or at www.chsa.org