(Note: This day, March 12, would have been Al Zampa’s 98th birthday!
Prior to the meeting committee members assembled at the California Maritime Pier for pictures, and finished the meeting with a birthday cake, and a great discussion with Al’s cson Dick, who described his father, and the life of an Ironworker.  Thank you Dick!

Bart Ney then showed videos from KRON 4 and the CNN footage that will air shortly. He also showed footage from a CalTrans construction film.  Dick Zampa noted that of the 80 Ironworkers on the project, 10 were from Crockett.) The meeting was called to order by Chairman Gene Pedrotti at 6:00 pm in the Ward Room of the California Maritime Academy.   He asked for a volunteer to take the minutes of the April meeting; Patty Scott volunteered. The agenda was circulated and approved.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A copy of the West Contra Costa Times was distributed; it had a very nice article, including a front page, color shot of the new bridge.COMMITTEE REPORTS:

PYROTECHNICS - Although Gary was not here to give a report, Jack told us that they had met and are moving forward.  

PRODUCTS - Gene showed us the new shirts which are available in sizes Small – 2XL.  The results of the Products Survey taken at the February meeting were distributed.  Gene outlined the need to budget and fund the top 10 or 12 items, and estimates that we need about $100,000 for inventory.  He said he was working on approaching various local banks to join in the venture. There will probably be 2-6 sites with the full product line and then materials will also be sold at fairs, farmers markets and the like.

PUBLICITY - The committee has not met but work has been done on the power point presentations.  The first, for elementary schools, is ready and they are still developing the one for young adults and adults. Their next meeting is March 26th.  They will have a preliminary presentation ready for the next meeting. Several people are interested in becoming Speakers for the Speaker’s Bureau.  Although some have expressed concern about what aspect fundraising will play in the presentations.  Gene noted that the primary goal is to share information, and build excitement about opening day.

WEBSITE – Cory Sylvester said that the website www.alzbridge.com is evolving.  They will include information from Subcommittees when appropriate.  He gave credit to Diane Thomas for the article she prepared for Al Zampa for the site and Gene noted that Diane had done an outstanding job with a lot of research.  They are developing a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section.  Mark said he had pulled strings and gotten a link to our site on the Vallejo site.

EVENTS
The Events Chair was unable to attend so Gene reported for the Events Committee.  They will prepare a survey so that we can rank the proposed events and have the results at the May meeting.  We will determine a group of core events that the Committee will work on, and that there may be other events produced by local organizations or agencies that we may participate with.  

There are three areas of events:  Leading up, Day of, and Following.  Bart was asked if he knew when Opening Day might be. He thought a detemerination might be possible by June.  It was speculated that after November we probably can’t do fireworks because of weather conditions.  Steve Whipple, the CalTrans project manager, will meet with the Pyrotechnics Committee to help determine dates. At some point, we will have to commit to a date and hope for the best. In terms of the formal opening, Governor Davis’ schedule will be a critical component. However, it was discussed that Sunday was the best day in terms of traffic and availability of ferries and busses. Gene also mentioned that Chris Walker had advised him that the auditorium at the Maritime Academy may be available for events, some of which may include a lecture by Erik Lindbergh (at significant expense), the Vallejo Symphony, and a production of a play on Al Zampa’s life.

On an upcoming event, May 21st is the 76th anniversary of the 1927 bridge and we discussed the possibility of doing something since last year’s event was such a success from a publicity stand point, thanks in no small part to Bart’ efforts to arrange bridge tours for the press.  Some suggestions included a bridge tour for committee members possibility to include walking on the deck and a topping out ceremony. Gene has been in contact with a banner company to put up a flag or banner across the bridge.  However it was their experience that it would be shredded in 1-1/2 hours by the wind. Gene also mentioned that the Vallejo Ferry has enclosed the open desk on its ships, So there isn’t any room to have people watch the fireworks. Blue & Gold has open decks and it would cost $2000 to deadhead here, $6500 for an uncatered cruise and another $35-40 per head catered.  They can get 150/200 on the top deck.  It was mentioned that other possibilities might include Pacific Marine Yachts and Hornblower. Ben Johnson inquired will we be needing special permits.  Gene said that we would for the Fireworks.  At previous events Health and Public Safety agencies were involved.

FUNDING
As Gene mentioned, the next step is to approach a bank regarding a loan and/or sponsorship.  Goddie Goodeau inquired about how to proceed in getting businesses involved.  He has been approached by two national restaurant companies that are interested in tie in products or sponsorship.  Gene said to give anyone who was interested his number (510-787-3409  or [email protected])  Since the companies involved were restaurants, the Vallejo Artist Guild was asked and agreed to develop design for a place mat which might be used in conjunction with a national coloring contest. Ben observed that levels of sponsorship need to be set soon and that if there is going to be a program advertising space can be sold. Barbara Denton asked if we will be able to walk across the bridge.  She told of her memories  and her mother’s memories of being on the bridges on Opening Days and said she hopes we can do something to create memories for today’s kids.  One suggestion was to have Crockett and Vallejo children walk or ride bikes and meet in the middle which wouldn’t have be necessarily be on Opening Day.  Bart noted that access to the bridge for a walk or parade will be dictated by when CCMeyers finishes the ramps.      

NEXT MEETING is April 9, 2026 at 6:00pm at the California Maritime Academy.    Gene noted that anyone who wished to could eat in the cafeteria.  Contact him at [email protected] if you are interested.   We will vote on potential events and see a presentation of what the Publicity Committee has put together so far. Gene announced that Jack Bettencourt has graciously agreed to chair the committee in his absence (for upcoming back surgery).

After the meeting, we celebrated Al Zampa’s 98th birthday with cake and Dickie Zampa regaled us with stories of his father, who was quite a character.  He was nicknamed “The Ace”, a title of honor among Ironworkers and Dick got to work with his dad on the 1958 bridge.
 
Mary Wais