KEEP UP WITH THE ISSUES AND LEADERS IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Thursday, January 8
This coming Thursday, the West County Forum’s guest speaker will be David Schoenthal who is the Senior Public and Government Affairs Advisor at the Phillips 66 Rodeo Renewable Energy Complex. Schoenthal will share information about this innovative complex, and what a real energy transition looks like.
DO YOU HAVE ANY FORUM SPEAKER/TOPIC IDEAS? IF SO, PLEASE SUBMIT THEM TO RUTHIE ABELSON OLIVAS (CONTACT INFO ABOVE).
Ruthie Abelson Olivas
West County Forum Secretary
On December 11th, Desiree Heveroh shared her unique experiences as Steward of Richmond’s History, Keeper of Richmond’s History, and as a Homegrown Rosie the Riveter. She shared how she has been helping people discover some of Richmond’s treasures and generally keeping Richmond’s history alive. Heveroh is an author who has a wealth of experience including the Inn Keeper of the East Brother Light High Station, Hotel Mac, and the SS Red Oak Victory Ship. In addition to this very vibrant guest speaker, the Forum members voted on Bylaw changes and their 2026 Board of Directors (see below).
Forum Officers
Cristina Perez-Abelson, President. Tiffany Harris, Vice President. Ruthie Abelson Olivas, Secretary. Joy Okpa, Co-Treasurer. Jim Cowen, Board Member. Anita Mermel, Board Member. Rolanda Wilson, Board Member.
Ruthie Abelson Olivas
West County Forum Secretary
Thursday, December 11
On December 11th, our guest speaker will be Desiree Heveroh. Heveroh is a dynamic speaker who will discuss her unique experiences as Steward of Richmond’s History. She is a Keeper of Richmond’s History and a Homegrown Rosie the Riveter. She will share how she has been helping people discover some of Richmond’s treasures and generally keeping Richmond’s history alive. Heveroh is an author who has a wealth of experience including the Inn Keeper of the East Brother Light High Station, Hotel Mac, and the SS Red Oak Victory Ship.
West County Forum paid 2025 members will also vote for the 2026 Board of Directors and proposed changes to the Bylaws.
Some History of Richmond California
Mark your calendars for some more exciting West County Forums coming up!
January 8 David Schoenthal – Phillips 66 Renewable Energy, Sr. Public and Government Affairs Advisor
DO YOU HAVE ANY FORUM SPEAKER/TOPIC IDEAS? IF SO, PLEASE SUBMIT THEM TO RUTHIE ABELSON OLIVAS (CONTACT INFO ABOVE).
Ruthie Abelson Olivas
West County Forum Secretary
The West County Forum was honored to have Betty Yee as our guest speaker on November 13th. Yee is the former California State Controller, and she is currently a candidate to be Governor of California. She shared her focus on seeing stricter accountability and having local leaders be Trust Builders for the public in times of divisiveness and distrust in government. Government streamlining, jobs for the future, AI literacy, and the return of redevelopment agencies are other priorities she discussed.
Ruthie Abelson Olivas
West County Forum Secretary