Stash's Palaver

NOW HEAR THIS! If all goes to plan you can witness a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter land on the fantail of the USS Iowa (BB-61) in Richmond on March 17th at 11 a.m. As you likely know, the famous battleship is at the Port of Richmond undergoing refurbishment through April after which she will be towed to San Pedro for permanent display. Until leaving the Bay Area, the Iowa is open to visitors on weekends at the port located on Harbor Way South.

The historic aircraft is owned by EMU, Inc., based in Hayward. They have a Web site at HueyVets.com. Sponsorships to help pay for the cost of this special event are solicited. It could be a great way to publicize your business and it is not all that expensive. Contact Wayne Terry at (415) 378-6414 for info. Learn more about the USS Iowa at PacificBattleship.com on the Internet.

THE UNTIMELY DEATH of ECPD canine officer King on February 10th was very sad news. Condolences go to King’s partner, officer Joshua Del Prado, and the entire department. El Cerrito’s first police dog, King worked for only 14 months before an internal problem took his life. Responding to my query, Chief Moir reports that officer Del Prado will remain the department’s canine handler and the search is on for a new police dog. RIP King.

LIKE FAMILY. The accompanying photo shows Kevin Berndt and his third grade teacher, Theresa Parella, at the Chamber’s open house in January. There’s an interesting back story here. Kevin attended third grade at Fairmont School 50 years ago. Ms. Parella is now 95 and while not teaching, still volunteers her time at the school. The Parellas own the building housing the new Chamber office.

THE GLENN Custom Framing & Gallery of Art is inviting one and all to visit their new location at 7002 Stockton Avenue, just across the street from the old store. Owner Kathleen Glenn says an open house will be held on Sunday, March 18th, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

OUR “AVENUE OF THE GIANTS.” Camp Herms is the location of the largest redwood grove in El Cerrito with over 70 trees. Access off of Villa Nueva. Thanks to the Historical Society for this tidbit.

AT PET FOOD EXPRESS the other day I looked toward the ceiling and noticed a nice artistic piece depicting our city (see photo).

This column appears in the March 2012 issue of the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce newsletter, Byline.