Al Zampa

Souvenirs

Calendar of Events

Bridge Committee

Bridge Construction

Photo Gallery

Sponsors

Links

Home

Chairperson Gene Pedrotti called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm.

Bart Ney, Public Affairs Manager for Caltrans, reported on the progress of the bridge construction. He introduced the Steven Whipple, Project Manager, who stated that while some aspects of the projects were ahead of schedule, other were on schedule, and that work on the deck was busy. A date of completion was still not possible to state, but he said late October was, and still is a possibility. July may bring a specific date, he said. Bart also introduced Neil Looker, Caltrans videographer, who was shooting for a Caltrans documentary on the project.

Publicity Committee
Mark Mazzaferro, Publicity Chairperson, reported that the adult speaker’s presentations was almost done, and that the Crockett Lions would host the first “live” presentation. He also stated that there were new links for the Zampa website in the websites of Sacramento County, Solano County, and the Cities of Dixon and Rio Vista.

He concluded saying that the Contra Costa County Toastmasters expressed interest in joining the Speaker’s Bureau, and giving the powerpoint presentations throughout the Area.

Gail Allison reported that her class at Franklin Middle School in Vallejo, continued with its website project, http://www.franklinnewbridge.org/index.html, and that they were making a short documentary. In addition, she said that she had coached some older students, and that they had given the Bridge presentation to over 800 students!!!

Ben Johnson reported that he had attended the Cultural Fair at Hercules, and had met a representative of WESTCAT. He said that it was possible to post signs in the WESTCAT buses. Also, he suggested that a Bridge Committee representative attend their next meeting, on July 9th, to brief them on our progress and solicit their help, important if we would need transportation during the Opening Day festivities & fireworks.

Burke Beardsley, of the Blue& Gold Fleet, discussed his company’s interest in cooperating with the project. He said that vessels would be available, at a fairly discounted rate, both for tours in advance of opening, and for opening day. He suggested a dinner/cruise as a fundraiser. Some vessels hold up to 700 passengers, and that 500 can fit for a special cruise. Others proposed a dinner/cruise/auction. Jack Bettencourt said that he would present to the Vallejo Chamber and Benicia Chamber for their interest. Joanne Epperson said she would bring the matter to the Crockett Chamber. He concluded that the fall tourist season winds down in October, and that up to 20 vessels may be available on Fireworks Day. Gene asked that the Bridge Committee be used as the gatekeeper for any Blue & Gold activities during the show, and suggested that each Chamber be offered vessel(s) for their use in inviting members, and that the cruise proceeds be used as a Committee fundraiser.

Goodie Goodeau reported that he had contacted Denny’s restaurant, and that they might be interested in participating/sponsoring the Celebration with restaurant activities. Gene agreed to meet with a corporate executive, who was flying in town, on Monday, suggesting that they dine at the Dead Fish or Nantucket, in full view of the Bridge(s).

Dick Zampa, son of Alfred Zampa, reported that the Ironworker’s Apprentice had erected the town banners in Crockett, which prominently feature the bridge logo. He passed a copy of the July issue of Ironworker magazine, which had a cover story on the Zampa Bridge; the distribution is 130,000, he said.
Gene reported that a popular local television channel had expressed interest in producing a one-hour news segment on the Bridge, to air live before the fireworks show. While this network has temporarily shelved the idea, it was possible to pursue it. They would need two months to prepare, he stated. Gene asked that Mark, Bart and Diane Thomas work together to prepare a “pitch” sheet, a proposal to send to national news networks like CBS 60 Minutes, Primetime Live, ABC 20/20, etc. This project is so

Pyrotechnics Committee
Gary Miner reported on the Pyrotechnic Committee, that members had attended the KFOG Kaboom show, produced by Pyro Spectacular. Gerald singer reported that he had attended the set-up at an A’s game, and that they had visited a site at Mare Island for the docking of fireworks barges. He also said that the Vallejo Fire Dept would require a permit, as they have jurisdiction in the bay; Mark Mazzaferro said he would work to get any fee waived. Gerald circulated a fireworks estimate for a firework show with a budget of $75,000 (one barge, full), $100,000 (2 barges, full) and $250,000 (3 barges, full).

Products Committee
Gene reported on the Products Committee, that the third production of shirts had just been delivered. He acknowledged that Ben Johnson was organizing any special events selling in Contra Costa, but that help was still needed for Solano County, particularly the Farmers Markets in Vallejo and Benicia. Jack Bettencourt said that since he would be making the Speaker’s Bureau presentation to the Vallejo and Benicia groups, he would solicit their help. Gene emphasized that while we didn’t have funding yet for all products, it was important to establish our presence at these events, not just to sell product, but to share the news and build awareness. It is important to build the brand of the bridge, he said.
John Robinson reported on his work in producing a photo book on the Bridge construction and history. A black and white photo essay, he said it was almost fully funded, and would be available at the Festival on the Strait in October.

Website Committee
Cory Sylvester welcomed any news & commentary, to be posted on the website and said that new material was important to attract return visitors. He said that he had also secured the additional web address of alsbridge.com, in case web surfers did not type the alzbridge.com correctly. He also asked if we could link to the Caltrans website, and Bart replied that he would look into it.

Events Committee
Sian Yap distributed copies of the Events survey, ranked by popularity. Jack Bettencourt offered to propose a dinner/cruise/auction on the Blue & Gold fleet to the Vallejo and Benicia Chambers. Sian said she would look into information on auctions, Gary Miner offered to help.

4th of July Float
Gene reported that great progress had been made on the Float suggestion. He introduced the Float Chairperson, Pat Hunt, and stated that the Vallejo Artists Guild had prepared a design, that Big 4 Hertz Rentals in Benicia had donated use of a truck, that Ace Hardware would supply materials. He also stated that art students from Vallejo High and Jesse Bethel High could assist. Gail Allison offered to approach some of her students. The Float would be entered in Benicia’s evening parade on July 3rd, and in the 4th of July parade in Vallejo, and saved for the Opening Day parade of the Zampa Bridge.

Funding
Gene reported that funding was critical, and that he was working on sending out letters. Large corporate sponsors would be solicited, as well as donations in smaller amounts from small businesses and organizations. Funds were needed for two areas: fireworks ($250,000) and for the production of souvenirs and products. Letters would have to go out soon, he acknowledged.

Burke Beardsley discussed the possibility of selling shirts at the Ferry Terminal in Vallejo. When asked if we could do the Speaker’s Powerepoint presentation for commuters, he replied that he would look into it, that it was an intriguing idea. He did suggest that this be for evening commutes and that in the one-hour commute, it would be possible to present one or two times. Neil Looker, Caltrans videographer, offered an updated Caltrans dvd on the project, which was narrated and had music.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 pm
Respectfully submitted, on behalf of Sect’y Patty Scott,
Gene Pedrotti