From the former Ford Assembly Plant and Craneway Pavilion to the Rehabilitated Civic Center and the Richmond Plunge, preservation of Richmond’s historic resources has brought money by the tens of millions and fame beyond price to the City of Richmond.

On Monday, May 16, 2011, I accepted on behalf of the City of Richmond, the President’s Award from the California Preservation Foundation at its annual California Preservation Conference in Santa Monica. The award was not for a specific project but instead for Richmond’s almost astounding ascendance into the top tier of preservation communities within just the last decade with multiple ward winning projects and initiatives recognized on a national level. Not a great photo above, but you get the picture.

Richmond’s Heritage Homes Design Guidelines  was selected as the winner of the 2011 Best Practices Award of Merit from the Northern California APA. The award will be presented Friday, May 20, 2011, 6:30 to 9:30 PM, Where: Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, Jack London Square, 2 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607

On Monday, May 9, 2011, Richmond honored its own at the Richmond Historic Preservation Commission 2011 Awards Ceremony, covered by Richmond Confidential:

Richmond awards history preservation

Andrew and Kim Butt received an award for the rehabilitation of their historic house.
By: Kornelia Trytko | May 11, 2011
The Richmond Art Center, the Plunge and Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest active National Park Ranger, were among this year’s Historic Preservation Awards recipients.
The award ceremony, which took place on Monday in the City Council chambers, brought together more than hundred people who are concerned about Richmond’s historical heritage. “Richmond has a wonderful and rich history and we have to preserve it, but also educate people about it,” said Rosemary M. Corbin, chair of the Historic Preservation Commission.

The City Council Chambers were full of people for whom history is as important as the present.
The commission, which consists of nine people, awarded individuals, groups and organizations involved in historic preservation or promoting Richmond’s heritage.
One of the awards, for community building, engagement and story telling, went to Betty Reid Soskin, the oldest active National Park Ranger. “Miss Betty brings to life the previously untold story of the Home front life of women and people of color of Richmond,” said Robin Cawelti, a member of the Historic Preservation Commission. “Although she can bring the past to life, she is also very present in the here and now.”
Soskin said she felt happy and touched by receiving the award. “Richmond is such a young city. Having it become aware of its past is such a great thing,” she said.
Among other recipients were the Richmond Art Center for preserving the Roeder Folk Art Sculptures, Joe Fisher, for his book about children’s art and KCRT Channel 28 for saving Richmond’s history on film and video.

Patricia Pearson, the member of the Historic Preservation Commission presented the award to Joe Fisher, the author of the book “Children’s Art & Children’s Words: Richmond California 1943 – 1966.”
The Save the Plunge Trust and the City of Richmond were recognized for the restoration of the historic swimming pool and Andrew and Kim Butt received the award for the rehabilitation of their home on Scenic Avenue. “The Butt’s house was only the second family house we’ve given the award to,” said Corbin. “I’m hoping this awards will encourage people, when they are remodeling their homes, to restore their historic look.”
The special National Park Service Home Front Award went to the Richmond Chamber of Commerce for their many years of hosting the annual USO Dance and Home Front Festival by the Bay.
The recipients also received congratulations from Richmond’s mayor, Gayle McLauglin. In her short speech, she summed up the necessity of preserving history by quoting the traditional saying: “It is not good because it’s old, but it’s old because it’s good.”
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Chris Treadway: Richmond's historic efforts recognized

By Chris Treadway
Contra Costa Times
Posted: 05/04/2011 05:52:25 PM PDT

Richmond again has received recognition for efforts to preserve, restore and promote its past. The latest honor is the President's Award from the California Preservation Foundation.
The award, which will be presented at a foundation gathering May 16, acknowledges "special achievements by individuals or organizations in preserving California's rich and diverse historic resources."
May is National Preservation Month and that's when Richmond does its own award presentations to groups, organizations and individuals involved in conserving the city's heritage.
This year's Historic Preservation Awards ceremony will be at 5 p.m. Monday in the city council chamber, 440 Civic Center Plaza.
The free awards presentation will be followed by a reception nearby at the Richmond Art Center with food by the culinary arts program at Contra Costa College.
The 2011 recipients:
·  City cable channel KCRT-Channel 28 for preserving Richmond's history on film and video.
·  Joe Fischer for his book "Children's Art & Children's Words: Richmond, California 1943-1966."
·  The Richmond Art Center for its work preserving 20th century folk art sculptures by John Roeder.
·  The city of Richmond and the Save the Plunge Trust for the rehabilitation of the Richmond Municipal Natatorium.
·  Andrew and Kim Butt for their rehabilitation of the residence at 77 Scenic Ave.
·  Betty Reid Soskin for her work in community building, engagement and storytelling.
A separate Home Front Award from the National Park Service will go to the Richmond Chamber of Commerce for hosting the USO Dance and Home Front Festival by the Bay.
SWING, SWING, SWING: The USO dances noted above have proved so popular that a new series of similar-themed dances kick off Friday aboard the SS Red Oak Victory, 1337 Canal Blvd., Berth 6A in the Port of Richmond.
A full evening of dancing from 7 to 10 p.m. on a hardwood floor to the vocals of Debra Mugnani is $15 per person or $25 per couple and includes a beginning swing lesson. Organizers say 1940s attire is "admired, not required," and World War II veterans will be admitted free.
The USO Victory Dance series takes place each Friday this month and proceeds benefit the restoration of the Red Oak.
WEST COUNTY NOTES: Also coming up on the Red Oak Victory Ship is a Mother's Day pancake breakfast from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Take mom and the family to breakfast for $6 per person (free for children younger than 5).
Details on Red Oak events are online at www.ssredoakvictory.com.