July 1st, 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Orinda, and the City has a long list of events and activities planned to commemorate the event throughout the year (see sidebar). The July 4th parade, which was established about the same time that the City incorporated, will be a focal point for the celebration. Mark Roberts, President of the Orinda Association, and event chairwoman Chris Laszcz-Davis, are busy recruiting volunteers for a fun-filled day of food and music in conjunction with the parade.
Orinda was an unincorprated thriving community for decades, but in the summer of 1985 the residents of the area moved to become a city to take control of health and safety issues. The citizens voted for incorporation to obtain better emergency service coverage and to gain greater control over the planning process, public works, and police services. Now in its 25th year as a city, people are ready to take part in the valued traditions like the parade along with a few special events to mark the occasion.
"Many people may not realize how much the City is involved with supporting community events like the July 4th parade festivities," states City Council Member Sue Severson. "The City covers things like insurance costs, provides police support, and other financial support," she adds, but with the decline in revenues the City was forced to eliminate its financial support of the events. Severson spearheaded an effort last spring to create fundraising events to support the Orinda Community Fund, which in turn supports community events, the Art in Public Places program, and Orinda Beautification programs, among other things. This effort kicked off with a Kids Triathlon at Miramonte High School last fall, which raised about $8,000. Severson is working on two fundraisers associated with Orinda's 25th anniversary. There will be a celebrity golf tournament held at the Orinda Country Club on July 26th.The theme of the outing is "Celebrate Everyday Heroes." Captain C.B. "Sully" Sullenberger, a Danville resident and the U.S. Airways pilot who made an amazing emergency landing in the Hudson River saving the lives of all 155 people onboard, will serve as honorary chair for the event. There are 120 spots available for the golf tournament, and a dinner dance will be held the evening prior. Along with the Community Fund proceeds will be donated to Boys and Girls Clubs of the Bay Area and the Contra Costa County and Alameda Food Banks. Severson's crew of volunteers has also planned the Silver Ball, an evening of food, wine, art, and music set for October 2nd, again at the Orinda Country Club. Juried artworks from Bay Area artists will be on display and up for auction. For more information about the silver Ball go to http://orindasilverball.com.
City Events for Orinda's 25th*
Time capsule sealing and burial
Birthday cake in the Community Park (7/29/10)
Council Proclamation (6/15/10)
Student writing contest (Spring 2010)
Ten Dance with a 1980's theme
Family movie night
Historical retrospective
Gallery of Council portraits
Anniversary give-aways
*City events are proposed; dates are to be confirmed. To get involved go to: http://www.orindaassociation.org/
Orinda was an unincorprated thriving community for decades, but in the summer of 1985 the residents of the area moved to become a city to take control of health and safety issues. The citizens voted for incorporation to obtain better emergency service coverage and to gain greater control over the planning process, public works, and police services. Now in its 25th year as a city, people are ready to take part in the valued traditions like the parade along with a few special events to mark the occasion.
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA