THE LAMORINDAN September 10, 2010

Thought for the Day

Jim Brencic had several of these today, but the editorially condensed capper was by definition a shaggy dog story and went something like this: "If you are a whole litany of things that would qualify a mere mortal for sainthood, e.g. always cheerful, eager to please, unselfish, family loyalty above all else, and a host of other admirable qualities that would qualify a mere mortal for sainthood, then you must be...wait for it...the family dog!"

Guests

Kyle Vinther, compatriot of Gillett Johnson
Rene' Laine, autowizard and spouse of Krysten
Katie Rose Ware
Beth Lee -- today's speaker

Birthdays/ & Anniversaries

David Waal, as surrogate for spouse Laura, cracked open his wallet in commemoration of her 50th birthday. He said it was her 50^th, but we're pretending we didn't hear that. She is no older than Jack Benny ever was, or claimed he was. She was reunited with Tammy Fillinger from across the pond for the occasion, so David ponied up the Peeks-decreed "recognition" of $20.

Steve Ware was apprehended for a "two-fer." His daughter (and beloved LMSR "little sister") Becky has begun her studies at the California Maritime Academy, where she will flourish as the daughter of a daughter of a sailor. Doubling Steve's charitable contribution (Ernie Furtado's fiduciary eyes are averted, we promise!) was the fact that he and Laurie celebrated their 20th anniversary in fine fashion, transporting her across the Bay Bridge! Rumor is he sprung for dinner in San Francisco. What a guy!

Events & Announcements:

Although he forgot the website URL (we'll excuse it as a senior moment), the message was clear: Bob Heinen is stirring up help for the quite worthy Project Homeless Connect, and they need Rotary volunteers. (Our award-winning newsletter staff has since tracked it down -- : http://www.projecthomelessconnect.com).

A million here, a million there. Fun, food, and cars! Indeed, autos galore - more than- a purported $100 million worth at the Concours d'Elegance in Danville on September 19. According to Dave Watson, proceeds support Parkinson's research through the Michael J Fox Institute. In a rare public statement, Mr. Watson dryly quipped, "You don't want to miss it."

Thanks to Gillett Johnson, we were treated to attractive labels to be affixed to more dictionaries. This time, the books are earmarked for foreign lands and supported with our individual $7 donations. If you haven't done so already, get those over to Gillett and help keep LMSR in the foreword (er, forefront) of the Dictionary 4 Life project!

Addressing the entire club, Dave Waal revealed that a few signup slots remain for volunteering at the Art & Wine Festival, Sept. 17-20, in downtown Lafayette. When asked to comment about what we're really committing to, Mr. Waal simply replied, "there'll be an e-mail coming out this week." The intrigue mounts.

Arianne Anez, our bright and gleeful exchange student from Bolivia, took a moment to share with us the good portions of her days with Mike and Kathy Edwards in San Francisco, and her journey to the Peoples Republic of Berkeley. She is auditioning for a part in "The Crucible," which is a play ... and not to be confused with "The Cubicle," known for offering its own dramatic moments to interchangeable parts known as American white-collar workers.

The Rev. Ray Welles tried his best to be kind and give away two premium parking passes to the evening's Oakland Athletics game, but apparently all Rotarians either were riding BART, hitchhiking or not planning on going, as there were no takers.We are confident the good Reverend will keep us on his list of potential beneficiaries.

Program

Because Beth Lee has the important, complex and demanding job of overseeing the planning, property and economic development of Buchanan Field and Byron Airport, the aviation community is all ears whenever she speaks. As a career community developer, she was able to put it all into perspective for those who don't personally slip surly bonds.

Although Byron is Buchanan's "little brother," it possesses strategic value as a long-term alternative. With 1,307 acres and $21.5 million invested to date, its future is bright, in part because it is home to sports skydiving and aero sports maintenance businesses. As a designated habitat management area, 814 acres are devoted to preserving endangered and special status species of wildlife.

Beth's discourse on Buchanan's history gave us a broad perspective. Four-hundred acres purchased in 1942 and used by the Army for WWII left us with a great setting. Peak operations were in 1977 with an astounding 102,504 takeoffs and landings, not far behind many larger airports. Scheduled airline service linked Concord to LA between 1986 and1992.

Today, 38 businesses operate at the airport, and upward of 500 aircraft are based there. Buchanan serves as an integral component of our economic community. A voluntary noise abatement program, keenly adhered to by talented pilots, keeps most of the local residents happy, or so we hear (in hushed tones). Our neighborhood is served by two emergency-response helicopters, Sheriff's helicopters, and training for both the fire department and training for high-speed state sheriff cruisers.

Beth encourages airport tours for schools and other groups. Curious youngsters love the Rescue and Fire equipment, as well as aircraft and helicopters. A perennial favorite is the annual Santa Skydive, which, contrary to popular belief among children (and even some adults), does not deposit Santa in chimneys.

Surprise

BUCHANAN HELPS FUND OUR SCHOOLS! Our county airports takes nary a farthing from the taxpayer general fund. Au contraire, it actually bolsters county coffers when you consider the large amount of property taxes collected annually. All operations are self-sustaining, and some 35 acres remain for additional enterprises. Most of the revenues are generated on-site and are non-aviation in nature - namely, leases and licenses.

The future

Buchanan is classified as a "reliever" for the three major area airports, all of which soon will be saturated with traffic. Short-term growth will likely come from private planes and business jets, but Buchanan could again be a sensible choice for commercial traffic. Although the airport has maintained "commercial status" since PSA departed for keeps in 1992, recent mandates by the current Administration may make that cost-prohibitive. Rather than simply agreeing to modify facilities prior to the return of actual commercial traffic, they are requiring that modifications be made in order to preserve this status. This could be a setback to any dreams you have of conveniently driving up to an exquisite little terminal in Concord and taking off for wherever.

A provocative Q & A session followed, featuring trenchant responses to dubious questions. Security concerns created a lively discussion of explosives and light aircraft.

Regarding the future of passenger flights, Ms. Lee emphasized that the three major airports hereabouts will become saturated once the economy returns from the dead, and it behooves us all to be prepared.

Visions of a return of commercial traffic to our area lingered as Prez Peeks took to the airwaves and adjourned the meeting.

CALENDAR

9/17: Andrew Smith, Ambassadorial Scholar from the U.K.
9/18: Home Team in the a.m.
9/18-19:   Art & Wine Festival
9/24:   Expose Yourself, whoever you are

10/2:   Ken Kosich, TGITLFOTM, Sonoma, Saturday afternoon!!
10/12:   Board meeting, 7:00 a.m.
10/15:   Josh Cooley, Pixar
10/22:   District Governor

11/4-11/7:   District Conference, Old Town Sacramento