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Welcome <br />Thank you Cindy Roth for hosting this 32nd State of the City. <br />Superbly organized, this event is a marker of the outstanding work of the Chambers of Commerce. <br />Renowned American newspaper editor, William Allen White, wrote about his home town, "Those who <br />have lived here put something besides homes and streets and material things. They put practical work <br />in politics, in religion, in education, in business, in the social organizations to make this a good <br />town..." And so it is in Riverside. <br />Three people stand as examples making this City a good place. First is Gary Rawlings, the son of a <br />Riverside Council member. A nationally successful painting contractor, Gary always committed the <br />best of his time, good will, and resources to Riverside. The memorial service at All Saints reminded <br />all of us that he gave in many and extraordinary ways. <br />The second is Jim Erickson, retired most recently as CEO/President of the Community Foundation. <br />Since coming to UCR in the mid 1980's as the Vice Chancellor for Advancement, Jim has raised more <br />money, advised more groups, and demonstrated more good will than anyone I know. Jim, we are all <br />appreciative and we are a much better community. <br />And third is John Gabbert, an extraordinary attorney, judge, and community leader. This year, in <br />2009, John will celebrate his 100th birthday. For a memorable history lesson on John and the City, see <br />a video which he narrated called Riverside, 1915 to 1925. John continues to lead, inspire, and instruct <br />us all. In recognition of John Gabbert's incomparable life, a 100 year celebration will be held in June <br />at the Courthouse. <br />Kudos to the social capital of the Pick Group, young professionals, over 200 strong, dedicated and <br />engaged in the life and times of Riverside. Likewise, kudos to the many non profits, who put in <br />practical work to make this community a better place; in particular, I would applaud the striking <br />accomplishments of Habitat for Humanity, the Humane Society, and Land Conservancy. The heavy <br />lifting of our service clubs, the City's signature social capital groups, should also be applauded! <br />To VCR's eighth Chancellor, Tim White, welcome and thank you for your commitment to the greater <br />Riverside community. Welcome also to the two new K-12 superintendents Rick Miller for RUSD <br />and Wendel Tucker for Alvord. Kudos Wendel for your many past civic ventures in Riverside. <br />And, a personal thank you to Marsha, my best friend, and Nutcracker partner. For 47 years, Marsha <br />has provided the social capital, and hope, for our life together. <br />