Next Program: February 3, 2012

Peter Brand, Senior Project Manager at State Coastal Conservancy, will share with us the work and goals of the California Coastal Conservancy. The state agency uses entrepreneurial techniques to purchase, protect, restore, and enhance coastal resources, and to provide access to the shore. 

 

The Conservancy has initiated more than 1,800 projects along the California coastline and around San Francisco Bay. Through such projects, the Conservancy:

 

•protects and improves the quality of coastal wetlands, streams, watersheds, and near-shore ocean waters;

 

•helps people get to coast and bay shores by building trails and stairways and by acquiring land and easements. The Conservancy also assists in the creation of low-cost accommodations along the coast, including campgrounds and hostels;

 

•works with local communities to revitalize urban waterfronts;

 

•helps to solve complex land-use problems;

 

•purchases and holds environmentally valuable coastal and bay lands;

 

•protects agricultural lands and supports coastal agriculture;

 

•accepts donations and dedications of land and easements for public access, wildlife habitat, agriculture, and open space.

 

The Coastal Conservancy has a staff of about 75 and a current annual budget of $67 million. Since 1976, the Conservancy has put more than $1.5 billion to work for the coast and the people of California. The Conservancy has been funded primarily by state general obligation bonds approved by California voters.

 

State Coastal Convervancy Website

Rotary Club of El Cerrito Weekly Bulletin: The Wheel

Jan 26, 2012

Ed. Gary Buffon

President Marty welcomed everyone to the friendly El Cerrito Rotary Club and Allen led the flag salute and the thought for the day was provided by Linda.

Secretary John:   Had Kathleen introduce her guest Meegan. Marty had a guest Rotarian Victoria who is a member at the Santa Barbara Club. 

Happy Dollars:   Mark S is happy about the time he had to spend waiting for his wife to finish her doctor’s appt. He did absolutely nothing for a while and then rested afterward. He also reminded us of the EC Chamber open house tonight at their new offices.

Ilhami is happy that Sil brought him to Rotary today. Linda is happy she got a ride while her car gets its footwear (wheels) aligned. Kathleen is happys he has her tax numbers ready and that she has made it Rotary on a regular basis (so are we). Meegan is happy for being here with Kathleen. Nancy is happy because Meegan indicated she might return to be with us. 

Jack had a sad dollar to learn that Loraine Hamilton (wife of former DG and EC Rotary Pres) Ian Hamilton had passed away. Jack also emailed Leeza Barnes and she is doing well with her business and said that she will return someday. Lee is happy about the two Chinese exchange students staying at his house. They love basketball and Lee is taking them to a Warriors game. Charlie is happy his son has a job interview. 

Tracy is happy daughter Sarah begins her performances at the Berkeley Rep theater soon. Allen is happy he went the Richmond Rocket’s basketball game. This was Allen’s first basketball game as a spectator and enjoyed it. Rod is happy about the new webcam he has and the joy of communicating with people on-line and seeing them too.

Sgt at Arms Nancy:   Had the opportunity to quiz Rotarians about actors and actresses in honor of our guest speaker today. Nobuko, Alan, Paul, Jim Shepherd, Karen, Gary A and John were all recognized. No, the correct answer was not Sylvester Stallon to any of the questions.  

Announcements:

• Marty reminded us of the March 17^th St Patrick’s Day mixer at Hs Lordship for the BARSHEEP clubs.
  
  
• Tracy reminded us that our club will celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Feb 9^th meeting and there will be Champagne served to Rotarians who arrive between 12 and 12:15p. 
  
  
• March 9^th is the 2^nd annual BARSHEEP mixer at Playland Not at the Beach. 

Today’s Program:

Steve introduced Daren Carollo, managing director of the Contra Costa Civic Theater (CCCT) to give us an update on the new season for the theater. Daren has a very impressive resume of artistic directing in a number of theaters in Marin, Willows and Walnut Creek.  

Daren began by reminding us the CCCT history that began in 1960. Since that time it has become one of the best theaters in the Bay Area. In addition to the regular productions there are Kids Programs where the young people are exposed to the joys of acting. There are also classes for Musical Players which provides mentoring for aspiring young people from 5 to 19 years of age.  

We learned that the theater continues to grow with more season ticket holders and more single ticket sales. Donations and sponsors are also on the increase. Ticket sales account for only about 50% of expenses as the theater keeps ticket prices reasonable in order to attract people from all economic strata. 

Daren outlines the plays for 2012 and they sound terrific. Season started with the musical Chicago and Tracy said it was terrific. Steel Magnolias was the most recent play of the season and was a smash hit. It was their best selling production in 3 seasons.

Upcoming in Feb is Barefoot in the Park, a Neil Simon play that is a lot of fun. Then there is Rabbit Hole in April, West Side Story begins in July and the last production will be Sounds of the Season in December and this play is only open to subscribers.  

One of the questions answered by Daren was to describe the layout of the facility. This description along with the explanation of the many upgrades makes this a wonderful place to go to see a play. (I encourage everyone to plan to attend at least two or more plays per year. – Editor)

This was an excellent presentation about one of the great cultural resources in our area.

Genie Stone:  Our guest Speaker Daren Carollo had his ticket drawn and Jack bought the Genie Stone from him for $20.   

Today’s Lottery Winner:   

John had his ticket pulled and won the bottle of wine.  Ilhami had his ticket pulled and selected a cats eye marble.  Next week the pot will be $110.

Theater Ticket raffle:  Mark S had his ticket pulled and gave the tickets to Jim Shepherd who had expressed curiosity about CCCT.  Now he will be able to take his wife and go check it out. 

Thought for the Week:

The world does not owe you a living; it was here first so you have to work for what you get.
Mark Twain