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Chairperson Gene Pedrotti called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. He thanked those present for expressions of condolences on the death of his father, Larry Pedrotti.

Announcements

Bart Ney gave a Caltrans Update. Last of tub girders placed. Painting, welding, bolting, work on interchange and foot bridges, and additional finishing work continues. The bridge "looks finished." Expects asphalt to begin at the end of September, at which time a media event may take place.

Subcommittee Reports

Publicity
In the absence of Mark Mazzaferro, Gene announced the Sept. 13th Crockett Strait Swim Challenge at 11:52 a.m., during "slack tide." Youngest swimmer will be 8-years-old, and fastest swimmer should complete swim from Vallejo side to Bass Club in Crockett in 16-17 minutes. Talk of making this an annual event. Gene publicly thanked the Crockett Striped Bass Club for their co-operation and assistance.

Gene announced and thanked the Crockett Community Foundation for a $50,000 grant, thereby assuring a fireworks display.

Joe Silva of Toastmasters, and who is co-coordinating Speakers Bureau, reports fifteen to twenty-five presentations have been given and are well-received. No information on children's presentations available. Joe asked for volunteer for Wed., 9/17 in Oakland. Gretchen Grover volunteered. Gene to talk to Mark Mazzaferro regarding press release stating presentations available.

Tower Raffle should be publicized.

Gene showed the San Francisco Chronicle article highlighting the Zampa family, the bridge, and Crockett. He was told the story ran as far away as Santa Barbara.

Gene also reported that rights to a series of Al Zampa photos taken by photographer Elma Garcia were obtained with a $1000 grant from the Fund for Labor Culture and History. There are sixteen photos, taken on a 2 x 3 negative and will be used in press kits, etc.

Website
Cory Sylvester solicited bridge-related information from committees. Will include photos of Strait Swim, and will publicize events (i.e., Tower Raffle, 11/8 Oakland Symphony in Crockett which will highlight the bridge, Auction, etc.), and will show an overview of the area, to include parking. He will do follow-ups on events. Cory stated before Chronicle article, site averaged 30-40 hits/day and after, 400-500 hits/day. Additional visibility on sponsors suggested. Duane Colombo to e-mail Crockett Foundation logo to Gene. Gene suggested Cory join Logistics Committee to co-ordinate info. Logistics to contact Cory. Gene will give Mark Mazzaferro revised sponsor information for speaker's presentations. Suggested Auction link from website.

Events
Sian Yap reported Blue/Gold Dinner Dance Cruise set for Wed., Oct. 15. Tickets, $100. or 2/$175. Semi-formal fundraising affair includes hosted bar, ten different "heavy appetizer" stations (San Francisco caterer), swing band music and dancing, a small raffle and an auction. Boarding for cruise at 6:00; to depart Vallejo at 6:30 for 2 ½-3-hour cruise, with route to be determined. Expect half of ticket price to benefit Bridge Opening festivities. Plans call for 300 seated, 150 standing. Seating/standing, and reservation of tables created much discussion. Final decision will be left to Sian. Publicity to include press releases to newspapers and to all Chambers, website, etc.. All encouraged to announce cruise at meetings. Checks to be made payable to Crockett Chamber of Commerce, with a "cruise deposit" designation. Contact Sian to reserve table for eight. Distribution of tickets to be determined, but Dick Zampa suggested tickets be sent after money received.

Funding Committee
Gene reported donation request letters sent but proving to be a difficult sell. Chronicle article has helped. Gene will continue fundraising efforts.

"Tower Raffle A Go", thanks to members of the Carquinez Bridge Community Advisory Committee. Thanks also to Supervisor Uilkema. Members of the committee deserve special thanks for donating their personal tours, as this would not have otherwise been possible. Oversized, impressive $5.00 tickets may serve as collector's items. Second place prize will be a year of FasTrack. Information should be included in Speaker's Bureau,.

Gerald Singer reported plans for Auction at Vallejo Elks Club to be held October 24th are proceeding. Still needs major sponsor; hoping for motorcycle. Tickets $20., to include raffle, music, dance and appetizers. Auction to include five "Spanning the Straits" books, offered by Dick Zampa. Gene suggested books be autographed by author John Robinson, and stated book was very impressive. Gerald to write article for Elk's Bulletin, and suggested newspaper publicity.

Products
Raffle tickets and brochures will be available at Crockett Festival on the Strait, inside the Crockett Chamber booth. Hats and shirts will also be sold.

C&H Sugar to donate 2 ½ pallets of special logo sugar packets. Packets to be distributed to various businesses; important to go out before event. Determined they should be given away rather than sold, but that a donation could be asked. Bridge flyers should be distributed with packets. Gerald Singer to distribute in Vallejo.

Gene reported funding still unavailable for mementos. Gerald working on "self-supporting" coin, Caltrans working on souvenirs. Dick Zampa gave wire from bridge to someone who is working on some kind of souvenir, but time constraints and cutting difficulties proving complex. Steven Empson suggested tool named iron worker.

Ben Johnson stated additional people needed to help sell collectables in booth day of festival.

Logistics
Gene announced Caltrans has hired a professional coordinator, Rita Barella Productions, from San Francisco, who has already suggested interesting ideas. They should be of great help; they have been involved in such events as the Golden Gate Bridge Celebration and the Black & White Ball. MTC/BATA is funding the coordinator.

Bart Ney gave tentative schedule of events. North side..Stage will be on west side anchorage, 5,000-8,000 will fit. 11:00 shuttle bus service from Selby and Cortola Parkway. Program to include speakers, a parade with old cars (preferable 1927 & 1958 models), local high school marching bands and bridge builders. It was suggested the Sea, Boy and Girl Scouts be included. Steven Empson stated Iron Workers have accepted a challenge to construct a float for the parade, and that it is currently under construction, with plans to have it built on a 16' trailer. The planners hope to have the Zampa family torch the chain to open the bridge, as a connection to Al Zampa and the trades. Walking direction will be north to south only; bridge will be open for walking until about 5:30. Fireworks and bridge lighting to be about 6:00. Throughout the day, booths will be open at the Dead Fish area and along San Pablo Avenue. Some streets will be closed.

Opening date is still tentative, with November 8, 15 or 22 as possibilities. Much depends on governor's schedule!

Other Business
Richard Chabolla will see Mark Mazzaferro and will suggest he contact the Vallejo Times Herald requesting a free insert, stating that the paper will get advertisers. He also mentioned an article in the Elk's Bulletin that highlighted Bart Ney.

Gary Minor was not present to report on fireworks display, but it appears everything is on track. There is still a question regarding the legality of fireworks being shot off the bridge.

Bart Ney reported Caltrans almost has their book completed. This is more "generic" than John Robinson's book, which highlights the workers vs. the technical building of the bridge. Caltrans also has a video which may be available for the festival.

The Ace
Gene announced the play written about Al Zampa entitled "The Ace" (which means most revered, and was how Al Zampa was known), can possibly be presented. The author, Isabelle Maynard, is willing to work with a drama group. Suggested Solano Community College or Contra Costa Community College take on this project.
Gene stated that as opening date nears, additional people to help will be needed.

It was agreed that the Bridge Committee begin holding bi-monthly meetings.

Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 24, 6:00 p.m., CMA.

At Dick Zampa's suggestion, a moment of silence was held in memory of Gene's father, Lawrnece Pedrotti. Larry was a well-respected, long time businessman in Crockett who, like Gene, did much for the town.

Respectfully submitted,
Diane Bottini Thomas