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
56 Years Ago in a Cambodian Coup
Just out of curiosity, I picked up and read “Escape From Phnom Penh: Americans in the Cambodian War.” It is historical fiction based on the last few months of the Lon Nol regime. Lon Nol led the military coup of 1970 against Prince Norodom...
City of Richmond Primary Election 2026
Election day is June 2, 2026. Vote by mail ballots went out yesterday. Because of Measure J of 2023, the Richmond City Charter was amended to require a primary election. If one of the candidates does not receive a majority of the vote in the primary, the top...
VISITORS WELCOME — Rotary – Next Meeting Friday, May 8, 2026 | GRID A
Next Club Meeting Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club (address below) on Friday, May 8, 12:30pm. GRID Alternatives Griselda Jimenez We are a non-profit organization that makes solar energy accessible to those who need it the...
Sign Up for East Brother May Wickie Day SUNDAY, MAY 17
Our next Wickie is SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026. Pickup at Point San Pablo Harbor, 1900 Stenmark Drive, will be approximately 10:30 AM (Tide Issues). Return will be 3:30 PM. Lunch will be provided. Please let me know if you can participate. Some of...
Richmond City Council and the Red Oak Victory
Other than four regional parks, the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park (rated #1) and the SS Red Oak Victory (rated #6) are, according to Tripadvisor, .Richmond’s top visitor attractions, The historic Red Oak Victory ship, is owned by the...
VISITORS WELCOME — Rotary – Next Meeting Friday, May 1, 2026 | Exempt
Next Club Meeting Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club (address below) on Friday, May 1, 12:30pm. County Assessor's office Vince Robb A run down of what the Assessor's office does and does not do. A review of the...