H. Abram Wilson

Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day

April 5, 2010 by H. Abram Wilson

Earth Day was designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. It was founded as an environmental teach-in in 1970 and is now celebrated in many countries.

Now forty years later, the world is at greater risk than ever. That is why I am proud of our staffs’ efforts to ensure that the City of San Ramon continues to implement sustainable policies and programs to promote reduced energy consumption, sustainable development, and recycling in our community.

Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to enhance environmental policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green jobs. Millions will make personal commitments to sustainability. Earth Day 2010 is an opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy.

Make a personal commitment to make change. Earth Day is a time for us to reflect on our way of life, our aspirations, and our humanity – an opportunity to improve our environment.

Join us on Saturday, April 17, from 9:00 am-12:00 pm as we take action to make our community and the world cleaner and more sustainable. Come out and help us celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day while helping to spruce up Forest Home Farms Historic Park for spring. There will be projects in the vegetable garden, the wildlife garden and other areas of the farm. Bring your gloves and garden tools. Refreshments will be provided. This is a free, volunteer event, perfect for scout groups and service clubs.

Help promote this awareness with your neighbors and friends. The City Council and staff will continue to implement programs to keep those who live, work and play in the wonderful City of San Ramon – clean & green.

Together we can – maintain our quality of life in San Ramon – together we will – as a community working together – make a difference, – make a better community, – make a better San Ramon, – and make a better world.

You may contact Mayor Wilson by email, at: hawilson@sanramon.ca.gov.

The San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club invites new & established residents to the many & varied activities offered each month. Info: Call Carolyn at 925-485-9803.

Homeowner/Homebuyer Book Club – A place to learn, share, and discuss, First Monday of the Month, 6:00 pm , 3223 Crow Canyon Rd. (@ Camino Ramon), Second Floor conference room, San Ramon. To RSVP: 925-397-2093.

Stay-at-Home MOMS Club – 1st Wednesday of every month. The MOMS Club of San Ramon, Danville, and Dublin are for stay-at-home moms in this area. A number of activity groups are included in the membership. Dues are only $28 a year. Info: Michelle Borrero at 925-639-9556 or minxy7399@yahoo.com.

San Ramon Performing Arts:
Info and tickets: 925-973.ARTS
03/24-25, 03/30 & 05/01 & 02: Active Arts Theater presents You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown
05/07: KC and the Sunshine Band
05/08: San Ramon Symphonic Band
05/14-16, 21-23: SRCT presents Boo for the Villain, Cheer for the Hero
04/17, Saturday, 9.00 am – 12 noon: Earth Day at Forest Home Farms. Info: 925-973-3284.
04/18, Sunday, 5.30pm – 8pm: Sisters in Service presents its 5th Annual Indian Dinner at Valley Christian Center, 7500 Inspiration Dr, Dublin, CA. Ministry partner Mano Vasanthraj, from India will be the special guest speaker. Plus enjoy great music, fellowship and food! Tickets: Adults – $10, Children 12 and under – $3. Info: Call Gloria Gregory at 925-998-3785. www.sistersinservice.org
04/20: Camp Central Parent Information Meeting at the San Ramon Community Center. Info: 925-973-2500
04/24, 10am – 4pm: Civil War Living History Day at the Forest Home Farms Historic Park. Info: 925-973-3284
05/01: Farmer’s Market Opening Day at Forest Home Farms.
Weekly celebration of local food, local farmers and local history! For market events, music schedule & a list of new vendors visit: www.sanramonfarmersmarket.org or call 925-973-3280.
05/02, Sunday, 11am – 3pm: Sheep Shearing Day at the Forest Home Farms Historic Park
05/15, Saturday 1pm – 4pm: David Glass House Grand Opening. Ribbon Cutting at 1.30pm. The Glass House is the City of San Ramon’s historic house museum depicting life in the San Ramon Valley in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Guests will have the opportunity to take a mini-tour of the house. There will be hands-on activities for the children including Victorian parlor games and crafts. To schedule a tour of the Glass House, please call (925) 973-3284.

The World Needs Play

March 4, 2010 by H. Abram Wilson

Recognizing that “play is a fundamental need,” San Ramon has always been in the forefront by placing parks next to schools. We know that play is essential for healthy development and that free, spontaneous play, the kind that occurs on playgrounds, is the most valuable.

San Ramon parks serve as a social and recreational focal point for our neighborhoods. Therefore, we are continually working on projects to improve safety and to enhance the appearance of our park sites that user groups and the public can enjoy.

One recent project is the Central Park Playground and Participatory Fountain Renovation. The installation of the new play equipment is nearing completion. The new equipment provides a tot lot for ages 2-5 connected by a bridge to an area suitable for ages 5-12. The play area will accommodate 240 children. Phase two of this project will include the installation of a new playing surface with the participatory fountain renovation to follow. Completion is expected by the end of April.

I take pride in knowing that the renovations at Central Park will prove to be another example of why San Ramon is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We have worked hard over the past quarter century to establish a wonderful community committed to our residents and a quality of life that is second to none.

Together we can – Together we will – Make a difference – Make a better community, and be proud that we’ve MADE a Better San Ramon.

You may contact Mayor Wilson by email at: hawilson@sanramon.ca.gov

San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club Hiking group meets every Friday at 8:30 am. Hikes are usually 2 hours and within 30 minutes of San Ramon. Info: Sharon, 925-735-8960.

Toastmasters Diablo View Chapter meets every Tuesday morning at 7:55 am San Ramon Community Center 2501 Alcosta Blvd. Info: Todd Westerlund, 925-242-0600.

Homeowner/Homebuyer Book Club: A place to learn, share, and discuss, First Monday of the Month, 6:00 pm , 3223 Crow Canyon Rd. (@ Camino Ramon), Second Floor conference room, San Ramon. To RSVP: 925-397-2093.

Stay-at-Home MOMS Club – 1st Wednesday of every month. The MOMS Club of San Ramon, Danville, and Dublin are for stay-at-home moms in this area. A number of activity groups are included in the membership. Dues are only $28 a year. Info: Michelle Borrero at 925-639-9556 or minxy7399@yahoo.com.

East Bay FIT is part of USA FIT, which prepares people of all fitness levels to RUN or WALK a marathon or half marathon using a proven 6-month training plan. Long group runs are done together on Saturday mornings, and weekday runs are left to individual members. For more information, please visit www.eastbayfit.net or call 1-866-333-9828.

San Ramon Performing Arts: Info and tickets: 925-973. ARTS
03/14: Forbidden Broadway
03/19: Cabaret
03/19 &03/20: Night at the Improv

03/15: Camp Central Parent Information Night at the San Ramon Community Center at Central Park

03/20, Saturday, 1-4pm: Teen Job Fair at the Senior & Community Center www.srteen.org

03/26, Friday, 6-9pm: Cioppino & Pasta Dinner at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center
03/27, Saturday, 8.30am -10.00am & 10.30am -12noon: Breakfast With The Bunny at the Community Center at Central Park. Info: www.SanRamonRecGuide.com, 925-973-3200
04/03, Saturday, 10am -12noon: Eggciting Eggstravaganza at the San Ramon Central Park. Pre-registration is required. Info: www.SanRamonRecGuide.com or call (925) 973-3200
04/17, Saturday, 9.00am -12 noon: Earth Day at Forest Home Farms. Info: 925-973-3284

Looking Ahead

February 1, 2010 by H. Abram Wilson

As I look back on 2009 I am reminded of Thomas Paine’s statement, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” Our national, state and counties’ ailing economies are suffering through the worst recession in decades. The deficit has tripled to a record $1.4 trillion and rising unemployment has risen to over ten percent. Americans have lost jobs, homes, and sometimes, even the ability to dream for a better future for themselves and their children.

California continues to have some of the highest business and income tax in the west, and we wonder why businesses and residents are leaving? The cost of medical care and benefits continue to increase. California continues to be a donor state to the federal government. We get back 78 cent on each dollar sent to Washington. New Mexico and Mississippi get back more than two dollars for every one they send.

Where are our representatives in Washington? If we increase the percentage of Federal return, we could help, if not fund, education and help lower taxes in California. Cities, residents, and businesses are tired of being the state’s private “ATM.”

San Ramon is preparing for the future. Trying to balance our budget, manage reserves, create jobs, ensure safety, attract and maintain a strong business community, and address health needs, is not easy. It becomes even more difficult if those around you compound the problem because they just keep kicking the can down the road. Well in California, the road has come to an end, and we are near the edge of a cliff. We must, if we want to save our state, county and city, hold elected officials accountable for their actions.

San Ramon’s vision and future planning efforts are built on four basic organizational philosophies. First, we demand and expect quality, and hold ourselves accountable for our community facilities and infrastructure. We use a pay-for-performance model to attract and keep quality employees. Second, we are proactive in our approach to planning and fiscal responsibility. We plan ahead. We save money for a rainy day. We actually match expenditures to our revenues. Third, we enter into partnerships in order to gain more value with our limited resources. Fourth, we have learned from the business community how to be successful. We are proud to be a low cost and business-friendly community. We know if our businesses are successful then our community is successful. “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” With these key organization principles we are also cognizant of the economy. We account for reduction in revenues by reducing expenditures.

I’d like to share a Danish proverb: “Life can be understood by looking backward, but it must be lived by looking forward.” The council, Staff and I will continue to be proactive rather than reactive. We understand that we work for those that live, work and play in the City of San Ramon to enhance their quality of life. We must never fear the future. We must change it! It is never safe to look into the future with fear.

Together we can – Together we will – Make a difference – Make a better community, and be proud that we’ve MADE a Better San Ramon. You may contact Mayor Wilson by email at: hawilson@sanramon.ca.gov

Business Book Club
Meets at 12:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month. San Ramon Chamber of Commerce 12667 Alcosta Blvd., Ste 160, Bishop Ranch 15. 925-242-0600.

San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club Hiking Group
Meets every Friday at 8:30 am. Hikes are usually 2 hours and within 30 minutes of San Ramon. Info: Sharon, 925-735-8960.

Toastmasters Diablo View Chapter
Meets every Tuesday morning at 7:55 am San Ramon Community Center 2501 Alcosta Blvd. Info: Todd Westerlund, 925-242-0600.

Homeowner/Homebuyer Book Club
A place to learn, share, and discuss, First Monday of the Month, 6:00 pm, 3223 Crow Canyon Rd. (@ Camino Ramon), Second Floor conference room, San Ramon. To RSVP: 925-397-2093.

Stay-at-Home MOMS Club
1st Wednesday of every month. The MOMS Club of San Ramon, Danville, and Dublin are for stay-at-home moms in this area. A number of activity groups are included in the membership. Dues are only $28 a year. Info: Michelle Borrero at 925-639-9556 or minxy7399@yahoo.com

East Bay FIT is part of USA FIT, which prepares people of all fitness levels to RUN or WALK a marathon or half marathon using a proven 6-month training plan. Long group runs are done
together on Saturday mornings, and weekday runs are left to individual members. For more information, please visit www.eastbayfit.net or call 1-866-333-9828.

San Ramon Performing Arts:
Info and tickets: 925-973-ARTS
02/12 – 02/14: Defending Caveman
02/27 – 02/28: Active Arts Theater presents: Ramona Quimby
03/05: San Ramon Symphonic Band
03/05 – 03/07: Active Arts Theater presents Ramona Quimby
03/06: St. Patrick’s Day Concert FREE at the Front Row Theater
03/13: Symphonic Band Concert
03/14: Forbidden Broadway
03/19: Cabaret
02/19, Thursday, 6pm – 7.30pm: Practical Advice for Family Caregivers presented by Donna Kackman, RN, Visiting Angels. The best way to get help is to plan before you need it. Call Senior Center: 925-973-3250
03/05, Friday, 6pm – 7.30pm: Maintain Your Brain & Maximize Your Memory presented by the Alzheimer’s Association. An overview of Alzheimer’s and related disorders, their diagnoses, and the steps families and caregivers need to prepare for the future. Call Senior Center: 925-973-3250

2010 – Welcoming Growth in Our Community

January 8, 2010 by H. Abram Wilson

Let us welcome in 2010 by celebrating positive growth and a flourishing future for our community. San Ramon Regional Medical Center recently broke ground for our new $10.7 million emergency department and laboratory expansion project.

San Ramon Regional Medical Center was originally developed in the mid-1980s and built-out over five years. The hospital opened in 1990. The medical center is a full-service acute care hospital. Inpatient services include medical, surgical, obstetrics, intensive care nursery, intensive care and coronary care facilities. In an effort to provide enhanced services and facilities to their patients, the Medical Center will expand the hospital by 6,400 sq. ft.

The new construction project represents the hospital’s commitment to respond to the needs of our growing community. The expansion will include:

8,900 square feet Emergency Department with improved patient flow

Expansion from 9 beds to 16 beds

Private patient rooms in ED

Negative-pressure isolation room

Enlarged patient waiting room

Dedicated X-ray machine

Increased efficiencies in the Clinical Laboratory for chemistry, hematology and the blood bank areas

The expansion project is well-designed and integrated with the existing medical campus. With this expansion San Ramon will be better prepared for community disasters, better equipped to respond to community emergency needs, and more responsive to physician and patients. The project is expected to be completed in 18 to 24 months.

I am proud of San Ramon Regional Medical Center for developing an extraordinary hospital that serves the San Ramon Valley community and our physicians with excellence.

The City staff, Council, and I will continue to support the positive growth of our existing businesses. We will seek to bring new businesses into our City and continue to support San Ramon’s business community. Together we can – Together we will – Make a difference – and make a better community this coming year. You may contact Mayor Wilson by email at: hawilson@sanramon.ca.gov

Business Book Club Meets at 12:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month. San Ramon Chamber of Commerce 12667 Alcosta Blvd., Ste 160, Bishop Ranch 15. 925-242-0600.

San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club Hiking group meets every Friday at 8:30 am. Hikes are usually 2 hours and within 30 minutes of San Ramon. Info: Sharon, 925-735-8960.

Toastmasters Diablo View Chapter Meets every Tuesday morning at 7:55 am San Ramon Community Center 2501 Alcosta Blvd. Info: Todd Westerlund, 925-242-0600.

Homeowner/Homebuyer Book Club A place to learn, share, and discuss, First Monday of the Month, 6:00 pm , 3223 Crow Canyon Rd. (@ Camino Ramon), Second Floor conference
room, San Ramon. To RSVP: 925-397-2093.

Stay-at-Home MOMS Club – 1st Wednesday of every month. The MOMS Club of San Ramon, Danville, and Dublin are for stay-at-home moms in this area. A number of activity groups are included in the membership. Dues are only $28 a year. Info: Michelle Borrero at 925-639-9556 or minxy7399@yahoo.com

East Bay FIT is part of USA FIT, which prepares people of all fitness levels to RUN or WALK a marathon or half marathon using a proven 6-month training plan. Long group runs are done
together on Saturday mornings, and weekday runs are left to individual members. For more information, please visit www.eastbayfit.net or call 1-866-333-9828.

San Ramon Performing Arts:
Info and tickets: 925-973. ARTS
01/15 – 01/16: Wizard of Oz presented by the Active Arts Theatre for Young Audiences 01/23, Saturday, 6:30pm: Dangerous Beauty. To benefit the nonprofit education fund of the San Ramon branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).
01/23: Cinderella Kids presented by the Active Arts Theatre for Young Audience
02/14: Defending the Caveman
01/30, Saturday, 6 – 9pm: San Ramon Historic Foundation
Crab Feed to raise funds to support the Foundation activities Dinner includes fresh cracked crab, pasta, salad, French bread, coffee and tea…all for a donation of $40 per person. A fun cake
auction will be conducted so that the perfect dessert can be had by your table. Tickets: 925-828-0586.

Heartfelt Holidays

December 10, 2009 by H. Abram Wilson

By Mayor H. Abram Wilson
We think, in this holy season, of those who are closest to our hearts, even though they may be far away in miles or have passed away. We pause to remember and give special thought to those who are going through difficult times, and of the bond that brings all people of good will together in a universal belief in faith and hope for a better tomorrow.

When we pause, we touch something basic and good in the human spirit. It is a special moment that makes this a time of giving and forgiving a time of good will.

As we give to one another in the spirit of Christmas, let us give of ourselves to all that we meet and greet, with respect, regardless of their religious belief. We are all one under God. Among God’s greatest gifts to mankind is the gift of giving. The more we give of ourselves, the more of ourselves we have to give.

As Americans, we are fortunate to be able, in our own special way, to celebrate the festive time of year, whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Ramadan, Kwanza or another belief. On behalf of San Ramon City staff, the City Council, my family and I wish all those who live, work, or visit San Ramon, a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a glorious Holiday Season.

A Christmas wish – “May you never forget what is worth remembering nor ever remember what is best forgotten.” (Irish traditional)

I am truly blessed to be the mayor of this wonderful City. Thank you!

Together we can—Together we will—Make a difference—Make a better community, and be proud that we’ve made a Better San Ramon.
You may contact Mayor Wilson by email at: hawilson@sanramon.ca.gov.

Business Book Club meets at 12:30 pm on the first Tuesday of every month. San Ramon Chamber of Commerce 12667 Alcosta Blvd., Ste 160, Bishop Ranch 15. 925-242-0600.

San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club Hiking Group meets every Friday at 8:30 am. Hikes are usually 2 hours and within 30 minutes of San Ramon. Info: Sharon, 925-735-8960.

Toastmasters Diablo View Chapter meets every Tuesday morning at 7:55 am San Ramon Community Center 2501 Alcosta Blvd. Info: Todd Westerlund, 925-242-0600.

Homeowner/Homebuyer Book Club: A place to learn, share, and discuss, First Monday of the Month, 6:00 pm , 3223 Crow Canyon Rd. (@ Camino Ramon), Second Floor conference room, San Ramon. To RSVP: 925-397-2093.

Stay-at-Home MOMS Club – 1st Wednesday of every month. The MOMS Club of San Ramon, Danville, and Dublin are for stay-at-home moms in this area. A number of activity groups are included in the membership. Dues are only $28 a year. Info: Michelle Borrero at 925-639-9556 or minxy7399@yahoo.com.

East Bay FIT is part of USA FIT, which prepares people of all fitness levels to RUN or WALK a marathon or half marathon using a proven 6-month training plan. Long group runs are done together on Saturday mornings, and weekday runs are left to individual members. For more information, please visit www.eastbayfit.net or call 1-866-333-9828

12/18, 7pm: Community Chorus Holiday Concert at the Community Center at Central Park. Bring the entire family to this delightful holiday concert featuring multi-cultural holiday music and dance. This charming program is certain to entertain one and all. The evening will culminate with a special visit from Santa Claus himself. FREE admission.

12/19 at 2pm & 4:30pm – 12/23 at 11am, 2pm & 4:30pm: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. This pratfall-filled comedy, which brings to life the popular book of the same name, will delight preschoolers, while parents chortle with recognition at the antics of the exuberant mouse. Holiday treat for the whole family. SanRamonPerformingArts.com.

12/20, December 20, 7pm: Messiah Sing A Long at the San Ramon Presbyterian Church (12943 Alcosta Blvd.). Four soloists will perform with an orchestra and you! The chorus is made up of those in the audience who wish to add their voices to the inspiring strains of George F. Handel’s Messiah. There will be free choral workshops on 11/16, 11/30, 12/5 & 12/14. www.sanramonarts.org.

Share Your Holiday Spirit by Volunteering

November 8, 2009 by H. Abram Wilson

This year has been a time of economic hardship for many families. Money gets even tighter during the holiday season as parents try to balance regular expenses and buy gifts for their children.

As the Holiday Season approaches, many of us will enjoy the special pleasure of “giving back.” Volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on your community by helping others and improving their well being. What better way is there to connect with your community? You can make a difference!

Volunteering is a great way to spend a day. It’s fun and it’s free. Your presence in community programs enhances the quality of life in San Ramon. A small contribution of your time can make a big difference.

Many organizations will be hosting food drives, toy drives and Adopt-A-Family programs. The Marines will be collecting Toys for Tots. The Rotary Club will sponsor their annual One Warm Coat drive. Consider volunteering as a Thanksgiving Food Drive Coordinator or at a local shelter.

San Ramon also offers several volunteer opportunities. City Lights Volunteer Program is designed to bring volunteers and City Staff together, in a partnership, to assure the success of our programs and services. Volunteer opportunities are available in the areas of: administrative support; special events; publicity; race volunteer; Senior Scholars; volunteer drivers; Senior Center garden; specialized recreation, coaching and more.

To register as a City Lights Volunteer or to receive job descriptions and a City Lights Newsletter, call the Volunteer Coordinator at (925) 973-3222. Information is also available for pick up at the San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. or by e-mail at bmertz@sanramon.ca.gov.

It is my hope that your volunteering endeavors will not be limited to the giving season of the holidays. While there are certainly many opportunities to volunteer at this time of year, please think about giving back to your community after the holidays and throughout the year.

Together we can—Together we will—Make a difference—Make a better community, and be proud that we’ve made a Better San Ramon.

You may contact Mayor Wilson by email, at: hawilson@sanramon.ca.gov.

11/26, 5:00 – 7:00pm: Community Family Thanksgiving at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center.
Pre-registration required by 11/20. Anyone wishing to volunteer or contribute to this event should be a City Lights Volunteer. Call Nick Vitalis at 973-3254.

December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) presented by San Ramon Community Theater at the Front Row Theater.
Tickets can be purchased at www.sanramonperformingarts.com.

12/05, 9:00 – 11:00am: Bah Humbug! 5K Run/Walk at Bishop Ranch #2. Start the Holiday Season off with a healthy fun run or walk through San Ramon. Info: (925) 973-2500

12/05, 8pm: A Day in His Life Starring Tim Piper as John Lennon & Featuring the band Working Class Hero. Spend an evening with Rock icon ‘John Lennon’ as portrayed by world-famous actor/musician Tim Piper. www.SanRamonPerformingArts.com.

12/02, 8:30am – 10:00am &10:30am – 12:00pm: Breakfast with Santa presented by San Ramon Arts Foundation. The San Ramon Community Theatre presents Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves with a variety of breakfast treats, a personal visit from Santa Claus and some special holiday entertainment. Info: (925) 389-7529.

12/12, Saturday, 10:30am: Children’s Home Society of California’s East Bay Council of Auxiliaries Present “STORYBOOK BRUNCH WITH SANTA”. A holiday event for children of all ages. Songs and Storytelling featuring Clayton Valley High School Drama Department, Jeanni the Magician, and a Special Visit for each child with Santa.
Tickets $15 Children 12 & under; $30.00 Regular Admission. San Ramon Marriott Hotel Tickets and Info: (510) 267-1860

12/18, 7pm: Community Chorus Holiday Concert at the Community Center at Central Park. Bring the entire family to this delightful holiday concert featuring multi-cultural holiday music and dance. This charming program is certain to entertain one and all. The evening will culminate with a special visit from Santa Claus himself. FREE admission.

12/19 at 2pm & 4:30pm – 12/23 at 11am, 2pm & 4:30pm: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. This pratfall-filled comedy, which brings to life the popular book of the same name, will delight preschoolers, while parents chortle with recognition at the antics of the exuberant mouse. Holiday treat for the whole family!! SanRamonPerformingArts.com.

12/20, December 20, 7pm: Messiah Sing-A-Long at the San Ramon Presbyterian Church (12943 Alcosta Blvd.). Four soloists will perform with an orchestra and you! The chorus is made up of those in the audience who wish to add their voices to the inspiring strains of George F. Handel’s Messiah. There will be free choral workshops on 11/16, 11/30, 12/5 & 12/14. www.sanramonarts.org.

ALIVE IN SAN RAMON
MAYOR H. ABRAM WILSON