On June 2, 2015, SOM Structural and Seismic Engineering Partner Mark Sarkisian will receive the 2015 H.J. Brunnier Lifetime Achievement Award from the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California (SEAONC). 

The honor recognizes Sarkisian's outstanding achievement in structural engineering over 33 years. His career has focused on innovative structural engineering solutions, highlights of which include eight U.S. patents for high-performance seismic structural mechanisms, as well as the design of more than 100 recognized buildings such as the U.S. Embassy complex in Beijing, Chicago's NBC Tower, Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California, Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai, and the Al Hamra Tower in Kuwait City.

Sarkisian will be bestowed these honors at SEAONC's annual business meeting, which will be held at The City Club in San Francisco. Organization fellows and members will be in attendance.  

Are You a SPARK PLUG or a PISTON?

A spark plug is exciting to me because it ignites exertion and is the first activity that causes an engine to engage and roar. I was thinking some people are like "spark plugs." They give the first spark of life to a project. They are self starters, have a great attitude, and their presence motivates others. Their drive and enthusiasm lifts us, they are action oriented, and their presence causes us to roll up our sleeves and jump aboard.

Mechanically, a piston discharges the energy of that initial spark and spreads it functionally throughout the engine. It initiates many other vital tasks. I so respect people who are "pistons" in our lives. They are steady, hard working, and diligent. They execute and manage so many meaningful details.

Both human "spark plugs" and human "pistons" are needed in the life of a Church as it grows, evolves and advances. I am a spark plug and realize how important personalized pistons are to making things work and move forward.

I am committed to growing spiritually and recommend each of us focus on this individually, because as we individually grow in the Lord, we are better able to recognize the talents and importance of each other. A friend of mine has said, "Some people make it happen; some people watch it happen; and some people don't even know its happening."

Together, we must commit ourselves to being a part of the first group, those who MAKE IT HAPPEN and be believers who "walk worthy of the calling for which we have been called, with all humility and gentleness (Eph 4:1,2)  counting others more significant than ourselves (Phil 2:3), and above all clothing ourselves with love which unifies us together in perfect harmony (Col 3:14)."

The days ahead are going to be exciting with all of the Church activities and opportunities before us. And this newsletter is full of specific opportunities we can each consider. So let's choose several that interest us and join together as spark plugs and pistons to move this divine engine at Sleepy Hollow forward.

Your friend "Sparky" ... aka Paul

Session met on the second Wednesday of the month for its regularly scheduled meeting.

Thanks to Fred for a great job for our annual Cinco do Mayo work day.  Good attendance and a lot of jobs completed. Thanks to the Deacons for a great lunch. 

Other events and projects that the Church is involved in:  REST completed for the winter season but the trial run of the summer session will open.  The Jr. High students participated in a fun game night - thanks Dennis.  They also attended the recycling center and hopefully will help us sort out where things should go.  On a sad note, the Jr. High students will miss Charles Wei who will be leaving this month.  The garden has been planted and is growing well.  Mexico Mission has launched.  Plans are in process for a new front door.  The session will invite the Little Mountain Preschool Board to our June session meeting to discuss space sharing issues. Worship services are well attended and we look forward to our service at Samuel P. Taylor Park in June. Bev, Sharon and Lora attended the Presbytery meeting in Tiburon.  

Your Clerk of Session,

Sharon Adams

Friday May 29

5:30pm

4th Street San Rafael Plaza 

1014 Court Street (next to Arizmendi Bakery)

San Rafael

FREE
 

Together we can end generational incarceration. Come out on May 29th to show your support for the Children of Incarcerated Parents Bill of Rights.The Bill of Rights has been used around the country to educate the public and inspire thoughtful discussion about the needs of children of prisoners. San Francisco and Alameda Board of Supervisors have passed resolutions encouraging communities to use the Rights to guide criminal justice policy and practice. 

Youth leaders will share their stories to raise awareness about the need for a Children of Incarcerated Parents Bill of Rights in Marin.
 

Let us know if you'll be joining in: info@projectavary.org

Project Avary's mission is to promote brighter futures for children with a parent in prison or jail. For more info about Project Avary and the Bill of Rights go to: www.projectavary.org
  

"Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice; who makes his neighbors work for nothing, and does not give them their wages ..." (Jer. 22:13)

While the value of the minimum wage in 1968 is equivalent to $10.79 in 2015 dollars[1], the current federal minimum wage remains at $7.25, last increased by Congress in 2007 with the final increase taking effect in 2009. Contrary to popular rhetoric that this wage primarily impacts teenagers, eighty-eight percent of minimum-wage workers are over twenty years old; fifty-six percent of them are women.[2]

Two weeks ago, Senator Patty Murray (WA) and Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA) introduced the Raise the Wage Act (S.1150/H.R. 2150) to address this issue.

This legislation, if enacted, would

* Raise the federal minimum wage to $12 by 2020, starting with an increase to $8.00 an hour in 2016

* Gradually eliminate the tipped-industry loophole, which has allowed employers of tipped workers to pay a subminimum wage of only $2.13 per hour to tipped staff since 1991; and

* Index the minimum wage to median income, so as to maintain its value to low-wage workers and provide stability and predictability for employers.

Why the Minimum Wage is Important

One of the most notable parts of this legislation is its elimination of the tipped wage, which has created a sub-class of minimum wage workers. Tipped workers are more than two times as likely as other workers to experience poverty.[3] In no other industry are wages determined by customer satisfaction or mood.[4] Furthermore, there is no enforcement mechanism to ensure employers close the gap for employees whose tips do not reach the $7.25/hour threshold (the Fair Labor Standards Act requires employers to make up the difference between their workers' after-tip income and $7.25 per hour).[5] Seven states have already leveled the playing field for tipped workers. [6]

This Raise the Wage Act would impact 38 million workers, particularly benefiting women and people of color who disproportionately live in poverty. Thirty-two percent of women in the workforce would see their paychecks increase; thirty-seven percent of African American workers and forty percent of Hispanic workers would see a rise in their paychecks.Twenty-four percent of all U.S. children (18.7 million) have a parent who would get a raise.[7]

Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia have already raised their minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage, recognizing the inadequacy of the federal minimum wage.Moreover, twenty cities have also risen to the challenge to raise the wage.[8]

The time is now. Call on your Congressional members to act to  #RaisetheWage.

Higher Minimum wage is Key to Ending Poverty

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) supports social safety net programs and tax credits that help to lift people out of poverty, but it has spoken out about the necessity of a living wage as a foundation for a healthy economy and society.

The 183rd General Assembly (1977) "....Reaffirm[ed] the actions of previous General Assemblies supporting the right of every employable person to a job, decent and safe working conditions, and a salary adequate to meet at least his or her basic needs."

In 2006, the 217th General Assembly called for an increase in the federal minimum wage, saying that our society should have the "the goal of a wage level sufficient to lift full-time workers out of poverty." [9]

Even though $12 per hour is not a living wage for many workers, this legislation is a step in the right direction. Congress will no longer have to act to raise the wage. Instead, the minimum wage will increase yearly according to the "annual percentage increase in the median hourly wage of all employees as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics." [10]

Supporting Striking Federal Contract Workers

Currently, federal contract workers in Washington, D.C., earn the federal minimum wage, despite the city's recent wage increase to $10 per hour, rising to $11.50 per hour in 2016.[11] The Office of Public Witness Director J. Herbert Nelson, has joined with local workers to call on the federal government to set an example for businesses in its respect for workers' rights and a fair day's wage for a fair day's work.

In recent years, Nelson has participated in several strikes with federal contract workers who have been organizing for a living wage of $15 an hour, protections against wage theft, reliable work schedules, and the protection of collective bargaining. President Obama has responded with Executive orders raising the wage on new contracts to $10.10 per hour and protecting workers against wage theft. The President still has the opportunity to issue executive orders giving contract preferences to employers to create good jobs and collectively bargain with their workforce.

Nelson spoke at a 'Good Jobs Nation' event on April 22, declaring, "But now I say - I want my tax dollars to create good jobs - with livable wages, benefits, paid sick days, safe workplaces, reliable schedules, and the right to bargain collectively for the good of the whole."

Read his full remarks here 

Let your Senators and Representatives know you support raising the wage today.