The sun is shining, if only for a brief moment, as I am writing. It’s been a long, wet March and being a native Californian I am ill-equipped to deal with inclement weather that lasts more than a couple of days. So I am going to think positively about one of the last breaks in the rain.
Fortunately for PCRC, on the morning of our annual breakfast, February 28, the clouds parted and enabled about 250 guests to enjoy a dry arrival to the early morning event at the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos. Many thanks to Susan Manheimer, Chief of Police in San Mateo, for describing for attendees how our community building partnership involving the City, the Police Department and PCRC has reduced crime and enhanced neighborhood connections on one block of North Amphlett in San Mateo. Gratitude also goes to Tom Mohr, interim president of Canada College, who served as our master of ceremonies for the event. And, of course, thanks to our generous sponsors who enabled the financial success of the event.
The breakfast was the opening activity for PCRC as we celebrate our 20th year of service in San Mateo County. In 1986, two small community mediation programs, the Redwood City Neighborhood Boards, and the San Mateo Neighborhood Boards merged together to form a new nonprofit organization, the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center. Both grass roots groups were almost entirely volunteer-staffed and they shared the goal of offering mediation services, neighbors helping neighbors, to improve the local quality of life by resolving conflicts collaboratively. Over the years, PCRC has added to our original mediation programs and broadened our mission to what we now describe as community building work. Our staff of 15 works with over 200 skilled and dedicated volunteers to deliver services all over San Mateo County.
We are looking ahead with enthusiasm to the next twenty years of work and during the remainder of this year we will continue celebrating our anniversary. We are also beginning to plan a “gala” event for the fall. In the midst of this energy, I have made the decision that it is time for me to retire from the wonderful role of executive director and I have talked with the Board about a December departure. PCRC is a strong and vital organization and it will benefit from new ideas and skills as the next director takes office. In the months between now and December, the PCRC staff and our Board will be busy making sure that this positive transition proceeds smoothly, with minimal impact on the day to day work of PCRC. We will keep you informed as the year goes by and we will be counting on your continued support of our work. |
