El Cerrito Historical Society Meeting Summary
Sunday, April 19, 2009

The President reported that our Treasurer Ruth Kibby is still recovering from pneumonia and that Secretary Lucille Irish had taken a fall but is okay aside from a few cuts and bruises. Jeff Rubin, the President of the Pinole Historical Society was present and spoke for a minute. The Pinole Society's Images of America book will be released in a couple of months and he asked that anyone with ideas for joint efforts or events please contact him.

Director at Large David Weinstein invited people to sign up to work on a committee or project; in particular he asked if anyone would like to work on oral histories. David said that he plans to work on a driving tour of historic places in town.

The President reported that the furniture is almost all installed in the Dorothy and Sundar Shadi history room at City Hall. He noted that one of the things that would go in the room was a book of history and biographies of Contra Costa County that had been donated by Richard Pryde. The President noted that he and Tom Panas would be meeting shortly with the person who wants to redevelop the former Rodini property on Elm Street . The President also commented that the Historic Resources Survey is still planned by the City but nothing seems to be happening. The President asked Helmi Waits to give a report for the Creeks committee. She noted that the committee is getting maps reproduced for its table at Earth Day.

David Weinstein then introduced Gene Metz, an architect and the President of the John Marsh Historic Trust. Mr. Metz spoke about the John Marsh property, illustrating his talk with several pictures and maps. Mr. Metz spoke about the history of the Marsh adobe and stone manor house, and then went on to describe their current condition. The Trust is continuing to work with the State and to solicit donations to reach its preservation goals.

In other items, George Fosselius announced that the Boy Scouts are redoing the interior of the lodge at Camp Herms . He also noted that Paul Grunland has finished his map of the paths in Berkeley and is now working on one for El Cerrito . Christine Roed announced that the dedication of the new Blue Star Memorial Marker at Arlington Park would take place on May 28 from 10 AM to noon. Everyone is invited.