Tom Butt
Architect, Recovered Politician, Historic Preservationist and Author
This web page started as a political campaign resource in the early 1990s. After 28 years on the Richmond City Council and eight years as elected mayor, I termed out in 2023, having served longer continuously than anyone in Richmond history. I have now reverted full-time to the architectural profession.
I started the blog TOM BUTT E-FORUM in 2000 to fill in the gaps and misinformation from traditional journalism. Although I have transitioned away from the predominantly community and political content , I have continued the E-FORUM, and the Archives are probably the best resource available for Richmond political history 2000 – 2023.
Latest E-FORUM Articles
From Email: Craneway and Pickleball
The latest from Darlene Vendegna yesterday: Dear Craneway Community., We wanted to reach out with yet another update on our ongoing situation. As we move forward with legal action to save our club, we will now be entering a formal litigation...
From Email: Cecilia King’s Extraordinary Senior Trip – June 2, 1941
Beginning on November 1, 2024, which is the date of my mother’s first letter from her Hawaii trip 84 years ago, I am serializing day by day, the book, Cecilia King’s Extraordinary Senior Trip, which you can obtain from Amazon in either Kindle or paperback....
From Email: Cecilia King’s Extraordinary Senior Trip – June 1 1941
Beginning on November 1, 2024, which is the date of my mother’s first letter from her Hawaii trip 84 years ago, I am serializing day by day, the book, Cecilia King’s Extraordinary Senior Trip, which you can obtain from Amazon in either Kindle or paperback....
From Email: Something is Rotten in Richmond
The latest saga of grift and corruption in the orbit of RPA-related nonprofits in Richmond is now unfolding, with Randy Joseph as the center of attention. For the last few years, Randy Joseph has played a prominent role in the RPA efforts to destroy Richmond,...
From Email: Rosie Rally Saturday, June 7
Want to receive TOM BUTT E-FORUM delivered to your email address? Click here to sign-up to receive the E-Forum. Tom Butt is the former mayor of Richmond, CA, having served over 27 years, eight years as mayor. Tom Butt is also the...
From Email: Latest on Craneway Closure
From Rachel Hong, May 27, 2025: Dear Craneway Community, We want to share an important update regarding the ongoing closure of the Craneway. As many of you are aware, we are currently engaged in a legal dispute with our landlord over serious...