Media Contact: DP&A, Inc. / David Perry (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Richmond Convention & Visitors Bureau Names Matthew Lewis as Executive Director

Bay Area Travel and Hospitality Professional Begins Duties February 1

  6 December 2016 — Richmond, CA: Matt Lewis, 49, has been named Executive Director of the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.visitrichmondca.com) The Director of Global Sales for San Francisco’s iconic Nikko Hotel for the past 11 years, Lewis will begin his new duties February 1. The well-respected and widely known Bay Area hospitality industry professional has previously held positions with San Francisco Travel, Kimpton Hotels and the San Mateo County Convention Bureau. Originally from Westerville, Ohio, Lewis is a graduate of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Richmond Convention Bureau.  Thank you to the Search Committee and Board Members for their support and confidence,” said Lewis, who has made his home in San Pablo since 2009. “One of my favorite quotes is by Emerson and it is ‘Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.’ I am looking forward to leading more people to experience the path of unique hospitality and beauty that is Richmond, literally at my back door.”
 
“Matthew is one of our own,” said Marsha Tomassi, outgoing Board President of the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau noting his East Bay home. “The combination of Matt’s deep experience with the hotel and travel industry and his knowledge of the area make him uniquely qualified to lead our tourism efforts.”

“The next few years will see Richmond more and more a travel destination for the Bay Area and beyond,” said incoming CVB Board President Rauly Butler of Mechanics Bank noting that the long-anticipated ferry service linking Richmond to San Francisco and the greater Bay Area is slated to begin in the next year. “Having Matt’s expertise and relationships onboard is a real boon.”

“Matt has a way of connecting with people that is a gift and is a true inspiration,” said Anna Marie Presutti, Vice President / General Manager of the Nikko Hotel. “His ability to bring people and businesses together for the greater good will prove to be a terrific benefit for the city of Richmond.”

The Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau (RCVB) is a 501 c-6 not-for-profit trade association formed in 2004. It is funded by a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) and is one of over 70 Marketing Tourism Business Improvement Districts throughout the State of California. The mission of the RCVB is to create awareness of areas of Richmond that offer visitor related opportunities including lodging, shopping, dining, attractions, museums, historic preservation, recreation, festivals, events and meetings. The RCVB is dedicated to collaborating with other organizations that offer opportunities for tourism and visitors. The RCVB relays a positive message while encouraging visitation, increasing hotel stays, as well as direct and indirect spending on hospitality-related services.

media contact: David Perry / (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com

San Francisco’s Cartoon Art Museum Honored as “Legacy Business”

www.cartoonart.org

Esteemed 32 Year Old Institution Receives Designation at November 28th Meeting

29 November 2016 – San Francisco, CA: What becomes a legend most? If you happen to be San Francisco’s Cartoon Art Museum (www.cartoonart.org), part of the answer is being recognized for your iconic nature as an official Legacy Business (http://sfosb.org/legacy-business) by the City’s Small Business Commission.

“The Business Legacy program has provided small businesses and organizations like ours the opportunity to endure the increasingly competitive commercial real estate climate, persevere and continue to flourish,” said Museum Executive Director Summerlea Kashar. “Funds from this program will be essential to a successful transition to our new location near Fisherman’s Wharf.”

The 30-year-old nonprofit institution — the first museum dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of cartoon art in all its forms in the western United States — just announced a 10-year lease in an historic building along the City’s tourist-rich northern waterfront. The site is currently in the midst of renovation and will reopen to the public in Spring 2017. This unique institution houses approximately 7,000 original pieces in its permanent collection and attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually.

Inspired by programs in cities such as Buenos Aires, Barcelona and London, the Legacy Business Program was instituted in 2015 by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and by San Francisco’s Small Business Commission. The designation denotes businesses and organizations that have made a significant impact on the history or culture of their neighborhood. Through the Legacy Business Historic Preservation Fund, Legacy Businesses on the registry may receive Business Assistance Grants while landlords who extend the leases of such businesses for at least 10 years may receive Rent Stabilization Grants.

The Cartoon Art Museum’s new location is at 781 Beach Street (just one block from Aquatic Park, the Maritime Museum, Ghirardelli Square, and the Hyde Street cable car turnaround). Housed in an historic 1912 brick building, it features a classic façade, prominent street presence, convenient parking, and easy access to and from public transportation. It offers highly visible public access to the museum’s nearly 8,000 square feet of space featuring galleries, screening area, workshop, classroom, bookstore, library and collections facility.

The Benton family, owners of the historic structure, are equally excited about the museum’s new home. A family representative noted, “We’re thrilled to have the Cartoon Art Museum as one of our new tenants. As owners in San Francisco for more than 50 years, it is great to be working with a non-profit that offers unique programming and exhibitions, as well as community outreach. We’re proud to be a part of keeping artistic culture alive in San Francisco.”

The Cartoon Art Museum has begun making improvements to the location, and plans to reopen to the public in the spring of 2017. During the transition, the museum will continue to host offsite events and work with partner organizations throughout the Bay Area.

Founded in 1984, the Cartoon Art Museum has something for everyone—from comic strips, superheroes and anime to political cartoons, graphic novels and underground comix. People of all ages can view original cartoon art at exhibitions and screenings, produce their own comics and animation at classes and workshops, research deeply into our collection and library, and mix and mingle with professional and aspiring cartoonists. The Museum’s mission is to ignite imaginations and foster the next generation of visual storytellers by celebrating the history of cartoon art, its role in society, and its universal appeal. The Museum’s vision is to be the premier destination to experience cartoon art in all its many forms from around the world, and a leader in providing insight into the process of creating it.

During the Museum’s past three decades, nearly 200 exhibitions have featured hundreds of artists from almost every continent and artistic style, including Mary Blair, Dan Clowes, Robert Crumb, Will Eisner, Phil Frank, Edward Gorey, Hayao Miyazaki, Spain Rodriguez, Charles Schulz, Ronald Searle, Dr. Seuss, Art Spiegelman, Garry Trudeau, Morrie Turner, Bill Watterson and many more.

The Museum’s unique permanent collection houses 7,000 pieces, including original Disney animation art from the collection of Mike Glad; historic comic strip art from Charles Schulz (Peanuts), Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes), Bil Keane (Family Circus), Walt Kelly (Pogo), George Herriman (Krazy Kat) and Winsor McCay; political cartoons from Bill Mauldin and Lou Grant; comic book art from Bob Kane, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, and many others.

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc., (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com

Ten Percent. TV Listing. December 2016

TV Listing
Ten Percent — LGBT-TV for Northern California
Wednesdays, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursdays – Tuesday, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturdays & Sundays at 10:30pm
On Comcast Hometown Network Channel 104 in Northern California and in High Def on Channel 819

Episode # 332
Wednesday, November 30, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursday — Tuesday December 1 – 6, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, December 3-4, 10:30pm
David Perry speaks with Shannon Weber, director of HIVE. Perry also chats with legal expert Paul Henderson about the significance of the Presidential election.

Episode # 333
Wednesday, December 7, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursday – Tuesday, December 8-13, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, December 10-11, 10:30pm
David Perry interviews Andy Abrahams Wilson, President of Open Eye Pictures. Perry also speaks with Kristine Poggioli and Carolyn Eidson, wife-and-wife co-authors of the book San Francisco’s 49 Mile Scenic Drive.

Episode # 334
Wednesday, December 14, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursday – Tuesday, December 15-20, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, December 17-18 10:30pm
David Perry welcomes the Reverend Annie Steinberg-Behrman, Provisional Pastor at Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco. Perry also interviews Chris Behan, a travel blogger from the United Kingdom, who just completed an around-the-US tour by car….shipped over from England!

Episode # 335
Wednesday, December 21, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursday – Tuesday, December 22-27, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, December 24-25, 10:30pm
David Perry speaks with Michael Costa about his work combating ageism. Perry also interviews Anna Damiani, longtime community leader and politico. Perry also speaks with artist David Maxwell about his genderless bathroom signs and other work.

Episode # 336
Wednesday, December 28, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursday – Tuesday, December 29-January 3, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, January 7-8, 10:30pm
David Perry chats with Christopher De Lorenzo, Facilitator of the Laguna Writers Workshops. Perry also speaks with Rob Petipas, radio DJ and Rodger Jensen, manager and event coordinator at Guerneville’s R3 Hotel, about the rebirth of the Gay Russian River.

Ten Percent is also available 24/7 through the “On Demand” Feature through your Comcast Cable Network. Choose “Get Local” and “Comcast Hometown” to access Ten Percent. Past shows may also be viewed online at www.comcasthometown.com.

Become a fan on Facebook: 10 Percent on Facebook

About Ten Percent:

Comcast Hometown Network (CHN), Comcast’s regional cable network covering Northern and Central California, continues its commitment to quality original programming with Ten Percent, a weekly interview series that focuses on lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender (LGBT) issues. The half-hour show, created and hosted by long-time San Francisco media professional David Perry, airs on Channel 104 and is available to all Comcast digital cable customers throughout Northern and Central California. Each episode will then be available online at www.comcasthometown.com as well as on Comcast’s popular ON DEMAND platform, which is free to Comcast digital customers.  To view Ten Percent ON DEMAND, Comcast Digital Cable customers can tune to Channel 1 on their Digital Cable lineup or press the ON DEMAND button on their remote control, then click on the “Get Local” section, then click on “Comcast Hometown.”

“I jokingly call the show ‘Charlie Rose for the LGBT world,” said David Perry, Producer/Host of Ten Percent. “We may be only ten percent of the general population, in round numbers, but our issues are one hundred percent front-and-center in today’s world. Whether it’s the fight for marriage equality or debates about gay clergy or the right to serve openly in uniform, our issues are reflective of the world at large.”

“David has a well-known and unique voice that bridges many communities,” said Jason Holmes, Executive Producer at Comcast Hometown Network. “David’s talents and the launch of Ten Percent further enhance Comcast’s commitment to our communities and Comcast Hometown Network’s compelling, community-based regional programming,”

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc. / David Perry (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com

Come to Richmond For Bay Area Holiday Arts, Crafts & Cheer

21 November 2016 – Richmond, CA: “Richmond is proud to host some of the Bay Area’s annual holiday highlights, including the 46th annual KPFA Winter Crafts Fair and the 54th Annual Richmond Art Center Holiday Arts Festival” said Marsha Tomassi, Board President of the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Creative holiday shopping, art and entertainment bring the holidays alive in Richmond this December.”

Check out unique lodging options on visitrichmondca.com and come enjoy a holiday festive weekend along the historic Richmond waterfront. Fun activities in Richmond this December include:

• Through December 29, “BrewHaHa” Arts of Point Richmond Members Show. Kaleidoscope Café, 109 Park Place, Point Richmond.

• Thursday December 1, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Winter Holiday Cards Decorating. Richmond Public Library, Whittlesey Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. For information: (510) 620-6561/richmondlibrary.org.

• Thursday December 1, 5:30 PM: Film Screening of “North Richmond: Past, Present and Future” by award-winning filmmaker Doug Harris. Tickets are $7 for members/$10 for non-members. For information or to purchase tickets contact (510) 235-7387/melinda@richmondmuseum.org. Richmond Museum of History, 400 Nevin Avenue, Richmond.

• Friday December 2 – Friday December 30, M-F 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM/Sat 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Souls & Scenarios, Organized by Gina Bord/Holiday Lounge Five/ Self-Portrait As A Beast’s Assymetry: Michael Olivo at NIAD Art Center 551 23rd Street, Richmond. For information: (510) 620-0290.

• Saturday December 3 and Saturday December 17, 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM: Bay Trail Plant Restoration. Join Tom and Jane Kelly for their native plant restoration project along the Bay Trail between Point Isabel Regional Shoreline and Marina Bay.  Where: Point Isabel next to the dog park. Contact info: Tom or Jane Kelly (510) 704-8628 (w) or (510) 684-6484 or kyotousa@sbcglobal.net.  

• Saturday December 3, 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM: Arts of Point Richmond Holiday Arts, Books & Crafts Fair at the Pt. Richmond Community Center. 139 Washington Ave., Pt. Richmond. For information: (510) 237-6470.

• Saturday December 3, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Holiday Open House at the Riggers Loft Wine Company. Get into the holiday spirit with all the Riggers Loft wineries and cidery. Over 35 wines and ciders to taste, food prepared by Street Eats, live music from the Michael Adachi Trio. Tickets $45/$40 wine club members at HolidayWhining.eventbrite.com/510.234-8477. 1325 Canal Blvd, Richmond.

• Sunday December 3, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Local Author Margaret C. Murray discusses her new novel, Spiral and her writing process. Richmond Public Library, Whittlesey Room. 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. For information: (510) 620 – 6561/www.richmondlibrary.org.

• Sunday December 4, 11:00 AM: Marina Bay Trail Walk. Join Berkeley Path Wanderers for a 2.5-mile walk exploring Marina Bay sections of Bay Trail hosting the Rosie the Riveter/WW II Home Front National Historical Park. Start: Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center. 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. For information: (510) 849-4664 ext. 1373.

• Sunday December 4, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Richmond Art Center 54th Annual Holiday Arts Festival. Over 50 notable Bay Area artists and artisan collectives are represented at Richmond Art Center’s largest community event of the year offering the opportunity to appreciate, own and gift handmade art. The festival includes gourmet food trucks, a silent auction and non-profit partners. Richmond Arts Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond. For information: (510) 620-6772/richmondartcenter.org.

• Saturday December 10, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM: 19th Annual Senior Winter Ball. Join us for an evening of dining and live entertainment by Top Shelf Review. Richmond Memorial Auditorium and Convention Center. For tickets: (510) 620-6793.

• Saturday December 10, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Book Release introducing The 2017 Richmond Anthology of Poetry with readings by the published poets. FREE. This first of its kind anthology bringing together the work of 62 poets who live in Richmond or have ties with the City, debuts this holiday season. Kaleidoscope Coffee, 109 Park Place, Point Richmond. For information: Daniel Ari, richmondpoetry@sonic.net

• Saturday December 10, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM: Saffron Strand Winter Gala & Silent Auction. Enjoy art, silent auction, wine, refreshments and live music by the New Oak Pilgrim and Dan Damon & Friends. $20 advance tickets or at door. All proceeds go to support Saffron Strands all-volunteer programming to support the homeless. Bridge Art Space, 23 Maine Avenue, Richmond. For information and tickets: (510) 275-9597/saffronstand.org/gala.

• Wednesday December 14, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Downtown Holiday Festival, FREE. Hosted by Richmond Main Street Initiative and East Bay Center for the Performing Arts, featuring Santa visits, holiday treats and giveaways, A Richmond Nutcracker 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm and holiday street lighting and caroling. East Bay Center for the Arts, 339 11th Street, Richmond. For information: (510) 236-4049/richmondmainstreet.org.

• Thursday December 15, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: The 2017 Richmond Anthology of Poetry book release and readings. FREE. The debut of this first of its kind anthology of 62 Richmond based-poets, continues this holiday season at the Richmond Progressive Alliance. 2540 Macdonald Avenue, Richmond. For information: Daniel Ari, richmondpoetry@sonic.net.

• Thursday December 15, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Home Front Film Festival 2016: Miracle of the White Stallions (1963) aboard the SS Red Oak Victory. FREE admission with a suggestion donation of $10 to help preserve and maintain the ship. 1337 Canal Boulevard, Richmond. For information: richmondmuseum.org

• Saturday December 17, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM: First United Methodist Church of Pt. Richmond Annual Bake & Crafts Sale. Pt. Richmond Community Center. 139 Washington Avenue, Pt. Richmond.

• Saturday December 17, 9:00 AM – Sunday December 18, 6:00 PM: 2016 Candy Cane Classic Basketball Tournament. The Candy Cane Classic Basketball Tournament provides exciting recreation and competitive tournament play for bay area youth. Open for boys, girls and co-ed teams of 10U, 12U, and 14U divisions. For information on how to register your teams, please contact the Community Services Registration Office at (510) 620-6793.

• Saturday December 17 – Sunday December 18, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: 46th Annual KPFA Winter Crafts Fair. Creative Holiday Gifts at the premier Bay Area craft fair benefitting KPFA 94.1 FM Public Radio – a juried selection of affordable art, crafts and gifts created and presented by over 200 exhibitors. ON SITE FREE PARKING. Free shuttle to and from Richmond BART station. Admission is $12 (age 18-64) $8 Senior & Disabled, youth free. 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. For information: fairinfo@kpfa.org.

• Saturday December 31, 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Formally Informal New Year’s Eve Party. Celebrate New Year’s Eve with intermittent music, sing-alongs, champagne toasts and a great view of the San Francisco fireworks. No tickets or reservations required. Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd., Richmond. For information: riggersloftwine.com.

Saturday December 31, 7:00 PM: SoOAKLANDPROM: Love Jones. Located at Craneway Conference Center. Craneway Conference Center, 1414 South Harbor Drive. For information: http://www.sooakland.com/sooakland-prom-2016.html.

Saturday December 31, 9:00 PM: NYE 2017 Black & White Extravaganza. Mixx Entertainment Studios presents it’s first annual New Year’s Eve Black & White Extravaganza starring Baby Bash & the Jabbawockeez and featuring DJ Eterman and Mix Master Miguel. The party will feature a night of non-stop live entertainment hosted by Hoodrat Miguel from the Q102 Take Over Show. Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. For information and tickets: www.mixxent.com.

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VISIT US AT: www.visitrichmondca.com

Golden Gate Global Celebrates 5 Years of EB-5 Achievement

18 November 2016 — SAN FRANCISCO: Golden Gate Global (www.3gfund.com), a top EB-5 immigrant investment regional center, celebrated the fifth year of its founding with an anniversary celebration that gathered over 150 clients, staff, and partners to commemorate the milestone year.

“It is extremely gratifying to see how far we’ve come since 2011,” said Golden Gate Global CEO Ginny Fang. “We are proud to have invested over 400 million dollars into prime development projects here in California while creating tens of thousands of American jobs for our local communities. We thank our many partners and look forward to even greater success in the years to come.”

Golden Gate Global has helped finance notable projects such as Lennar Corporation’s San Francisco Shipyard and Candlestick developments, the Sacramento Kings’ Golden 1 Center and Downtown Commons, and Signature Development Group’s Brooklyn Basin redevelopment on the Oakland waterfront.

“The impressive track record of this company over the last five years is a testament to the quality of its staff and the quality of its project partners,” said Golden Gate Global principal, former San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. “The San Francisco Bay Area and State of California are ideal opportunities for international investment and economic development. Golden Gate Global is a leader in promoting these beneficial public private partnerships.”

With staff in San Francisco and Beijing, Golden Gate Global has worked with investors from over 20 different countries. More than 800 families have realized their immigration and investment dreams through their efforts.

“When we were choosing an EB-5 Regional Center partner, we sought a firm committed to the highest of quality, integrity, and financial success,” said Lennar International President Chris Marlin. “Through many years of successful EB-5 partnership for the San Francisco Shipyard and Candlestick communities, Golden Gate Global has demonstrated steadfast commitment to these standards time and time again.”

About Golden Gate Global:
Golden Gate Global is a leading EB-5 Immigrant Investment Regional Center based in San Francisco, and is licensed by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to help facilitate EB-5 immigrant investment into high-economic-impact projects in multiple regions in the United States. The company is founded upon its distinguished executive leadership, successful project partners with demonstrated records, and noteworthy projects with exceptional economic opportunity and return.

For media inquiries, please contact:

David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com