Social Journal

Foster City resident Barney Oakes was honored as "Volunteer of the Year” by Breathe California at its annual banquet Jan. 31 at McCormick & Kuleto’s in San Francisco.

Oakes, who has family and friends who suffer from Lung Disease, began volunteering for Breathe California in 2005 and has helped with all its fundraising events, including the Bike for Breath Ride and the Breath of Life Walk. Applied BioSystems of Foster City was honored as a corporate benefactor for its continuing support of Breathe California programs. In attendance were longtime San Mateo County Breathe California volunteers John Ramirez, Frank DeBiaso, Carlo Simonetti, June Simonetti, CC Manning and Jim Lombard.

Breathe California, the Bay Area’s oldest voluntary health organization, was founded on June 25, 1908, when a group of concerned citizens met in San Francisco to discuss the most serious health issue of that time, tuberculosis. The group was then known as the San Francisco Association for the Study and Prevention of Tuberculosis. Over the years, the agency, while changing its name, has continued to fight for healthy lungs and now addresses issues like tobacco use, secondhand smoke asthma and air pollution.

"A century ago, our founders exhibited a true philanthropic spirit when they stood up and declared that TB would not take another generation of San Franciscans,” said Linda Civitello-Joy, President and CEO of Breathe California — Golden Gate Public Health Partnership. "We are proud to share the same passion and commitment to fighting lung disease as the trailblazers who built the foundation of our local public health system.”

Building official receives top honor

Redwood City Building Official John LaTorra was named "Building Official of The Year for 2007” at the International Code Council Chapter meeting on Feb. 6.

The International Code Council, a membership association dedicated to building safety and fire prevention, develops the codes used to construct residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. LaTorra was recognized for his work in standardizing building code amendments and permit functions so that there is consistency in all the cities and jurisdictions on The Peninsula. LaTorra is also a leader in building code development and is nationally recognized as a leading authority on construction.

"The things John has done save contractors time and effort every day,” said Peninsula Builders Exchange Director Tom McGinley. "We tend to focus on the big things a building official does which saves lives and protects people, but we also need to remember the more mundane stuff like paperwork and consistent laws from city to city that make our construction industry more efficient. Every day life is made easier hundreds of times all over The Peninsula because of John’s efforts and concern.”

Sweetheart Dance a ‘smashing’ success

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Department’s inaugural "Father Daughter Sweetheart Dance” Feb. 8 was a sold-out event proclaimed a smashing success by all those in attendance.

The evening’s festivities at the Twin Pines Community Center included dancing, corsages, father-daughter photos, desserts and snacks, flowing punch and a variety of games. A ballroom full of animated fathers jumped to the call of doing the "chicken dance” and their youthful daughters eagerly removed their shoes and joined their dads on the dance floor. When the music slowed down, daughters stood on fathers’ feet and gracefully moved about the room.

"Though the event only lasted two hours, the wonderful memories of the evening will last a lifetime,” said Erica Spacher, Youth and Teen Specialist.

Belmont Parks and Recreation Department now focuses on its plans for a "Mother Son Bowling” event the week prior to Mother’s Day.

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